Tuesday Volume 502 15 December 2009 No. 16

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 15 December 2009

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2009 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] 781 15 DECEMBER 2009 782 House of Commons Mr. Speaker: Order. We need to speed up. Dr. Tony Wright (Cannock Chase) (Lab): May I ask Tuesday 15 December 2009 my hon. Friend about speculative share trading in Cadbury? The City Minister, Lord Myners, said recently that he thought that it had become far too easy for British The House met at half-past Two o’clock companies to be taken over. Does my hon. Friend agree, and if so, what can be done in Cadbury’s case? PRAYERS Ian Pearson: I do not think that it would be appropriate to comment on individual cases. The UK has a long- [MR.SPEAKER in the Chair] established regime of open markets and a stock market, and all publicly listed companies are for sale; that is the nature of listing. I am confident that Cadbury is a well-run company. It is putting up a strong defence, and Oral Answers to Questions it will be up to shareholders to decide how they want to vote and support it. Budget 2009 TREASURY 2. Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): What recent The Chancellor of the Exchequer was asked— assessment he has made of the effect on the economy of the fiscal measures to help businesses he announced High Frequency Share Trading in Budget 2009. [306841] 6. Gordon Banks (Ochil and South Perthshire) (Lab): 1. Susan Kramer (Richmond Park) (LD): If he will What recent assessment he has made of the effect on make an assessment of the merits of regulating the the economy of the fiscal measures to help businesses practice of high frequency share trading; and if he will he announced in Budget 2009. [306847] make a statement. [306840] The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Alistair Darling): The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Ian Pearson): A substantial amount of targeted support has been High frequency trading practices and the firms that use provided by the Government to help businesses through them are subject to existing regulation, which includes the recession. provisions covering behaviour and market conduct. The Financial Services Authority will take action if those Derek Twigg: How would a flat tax, as advocated by provisions are breached, and it continues to assess the some Opposition Members, help the recovery? risks from changing market practices, in consultation with other securities regulators. Mr. Darling: I have never seen the attraction of a flat tax at the best of times. It would mean that people at the Susan Kramer: The Minister will be well aware that top end of the income scale would pay rather less than nanosecond ownership of shares fundamentally changes those at the bottom, and at this time, of all times, there the relationship between the shareholder and the board ought to be fairness. Of course, I do not think that a flat of directors, and therefore corporate governance. However, tax would help businesses at all. The targeted measures small firms that are, in a sense, not suitable for high that we are putting in place, such as giving businesses frequency share trading will find it more difficult to time to pay their tax, allowing them to carry back their raise equity capital, and such trading is related to a lot losses and the reduction in VAT, are helping—and will of activity that takes place off the exchanges in so-called help—business. dark pools. Does he not think that this at least deserves some detailed scrutiny and review before we walk into Gordon Banks: Will my right hon. Friend tell the another disaster involving instruments that we do not House the estimated sum that will be retained by small understand? businesses in the UK as a result of freezing the level of small companies’ corporation tax? Ian Pearson: I agree with the hon. Lady that this needs detailed scrutiny and review. She might be aware Mr. Darling: I think that I said in my statement on of the paper that the Treasury issued on Friday entitled the pre-Budget report that about 850,000 firms had “Risk, reward and responsibility: the financial sector benefited from that measure. It is important that we do and society”, which discusses a number of these issues. I everything we can to help small businesses, because am not sure that I agree with her point about liquidity after all, they employ a great number of people and will, and small companies, because there is evidence that hopefully, grow into larger businesses. high frequency trading is an important way of ensuring that there is additional liquidity. She will be aware, Mr. Michael Fallon (Sevenoaks) (Con): Is not the however, that the Committee of European Securities reality that businesses in our constituencies still cannot Regulators will be giving advice to the Commission access the credit that they need, and that all this newly next year on the review of the markets in financial printed money is being siphoned off into purchasing instruments directive, which will certainly include the gilts to finance the extra borrowing that is a direct result issue of high frequency trading and the nature of the of the Chancellor’s failure to come up with a proper changing equity market. fiscal plan to reduce the deficit? 783 Oral Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Oral Answers 784

Mr. Darling: No. I believe that the quantitative easing Mr. George Osborne (Tatton) (Con): Businesses need measures taken by the Monetary Policy Committee of a credible plan from the Government to deal with the the Bank of England are helping the process of recovery. fiscal deficit. The universal reaction last week from The hon. Gentleman has a point, however, about every single business organisation was that that plan bank lending. As I have said before, the stock of lending does not exist. One important step that the Chancellor is broadly similar to what it was before the crisis. In could take today is to be honest about the real-terms cut addition, the banks in which we have major shareholdings in departmental spending that the figures that he announced —RBS and Lloyds—have lent an additional £50 billion. last week imply. Will he confirm what Treasury officials At the same time, however, there has been a repayment told the Treasury Committee this morning and give us, of lending by other businesses, which is why the net in the Chamber now, the projections for departmental figure looks so low. As I said last week, it is necessary spending that he refused to give last week? that the deficit be reduced, and we will halve it over a four-year period once recovery has been established—but Mr. Darling: First, we have set out a plan to cut it is important to ensure that we get that recovery borrowing by half over a four-year period. I understand established. the hon. Gentleman’s view, which is shared by some others as well, that we could go further and faster. Stewart Hosie (Dundee, East) (SNP): This recession However, I believe that attempting to do what we are is longer and deeper than either of the recessions of the doing in a period one year shorter than that would 1980s and 1990s. Unemployment and youth unemployment result in taking £26 billion more out of our economy. are higher than they were in 1997, so the decision to add That would be damaging to our economy and very an additional national insurance burden for employers damaging to our future prospects, which is why I do not seems to make no sense, as it will weaken businesses’ think that his policy on this matter is right. ability to create jobs. Does the Chancellor not agree Secondly, in relation to departmental spending, I said with the chamber of commerce in his home town of in the pre-Budget report last week that I wanted to ensure Edinburgh that that makes no sense, and that he should that we could protect front-line services in the NHS and have been incentivising job creation, not penalising it? in schools, and make sure that we had sufficient police on the beat. I made that clear, but I also made it clear Mr. Darling: We have introduced a number of measures that I was not going to fix individual departmental to help people get into work, and there are 2.5 million expenditure limits for each Department at this stage, more people in work now than there were in 1997. Also, because there is still a lot of uncertainty around. We already unemployment would have been much higher if we had have spending for the next year; that remains my position. followed the course of action taken in the 1990s and the 1980s. The measures that we are taking are working, Mr. Osborne: I do not think that the Chancellor can and they are making sure that we are getting people be aware of the universal reaction to his PBR statement back into work much more quickly than was the case in last week. The international markets believe that there the past. Most people find work within six months, and is “no coherent plan” in the UK, that our sovereign many get back into work in a much shorter period. We credit rating is “vulnerable” and that interest rates are will continue to do whatever is necessary to maintain going to be forced higher, leading to the UK losing its jobs. That is important in every part of the country, “top-notch status” for the first time ever. Every single including Scotland. business organisation slammed the report as being no plan for recovery, and the Chancellor completely betrayed Dr. Phyllis Starkey (Milton Keynes, South-West) (Lab): the high responsibility of his office, which would have May I report back to the Chancellor the information been to stand up to a Prime Minister who is pursuing a that I was given yesterday by the Volkswagen training policy of scorched earth and political dividing lines. centre in my constituency about the car scrappage scheme? I ask the Chancellor a very specific question: will he I was told that it had been hugely successful in boosting publish the departmental spending projections? I am jobs, particularly in the motor retail sector. The centre’s talking not about the projections for individual departments, evidence showed that it had been taken up by people but about the overall departmental expenditure limits who would not have bought cars otherwise, and especially that we had to leak after the PBR. His Treasury officials by large numbers of elderly motorists and women. They told the Treasury Committee this morning that they valued the simplicity of the scrappage scheme and would, so will he publish that information this afternoon? found it very useful. Mr. Darling: I said to the hon. Gentleman that we Mr. Darling: I met one such customer in Manchester had not fixed the spending for individual Departments, last summer—[HON.MEMBERS: “That’s two, then!”] On and until that time it would not be right to speculate on the basis of those two anecdotal pieces of evidence, I what each Department might or might not get, because am sure that we must be on the right track. Rather more there is so much uncertainty. In relation to the general importantly, however, since the Budget last year there point that he makes, I believe that what we have done is have been 290,000 orders for new vehicles. We have the right thing for the economy. We are supporting the made a further £100 million available, and the scheme is economy. To start taking money out of the economy an example of how a comparatively small amount of now, as he proposes, would damage our prospects for money has helped the confidence in the motor industry, the future. It is important at the same time to set out a which is a major employer in our country. In addition, clear path for reducing the amount of borrowing, and I Honda has announced that it is switching some production have done that as well. We are one of the first countries from Japan to this country, and Nissan too has reported to do that. That is a sensible way of proceeding, it is the an increase in production. This is an example of a right thing to do to support our economy, and it is the policy making a difference to a very important part of right thing to do to support jobs, which Labour Members, our country’s industry. at least, regard as being of paramount importance. 785 Oral Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Oral Answers 786

Financial Services (Regulation) family, could he tell the House what kind of disaster it would take to persuade him that that structure was not the right one? 3. Mr. Henry Bellingham (North-West Norfolk) (Con): When he next expects to meet representatives of the Mr. Darling: The hon. Gentleman is working on the Bank of England to discuss regulation of the financial basis that it was the regulatory structure that caused services sector. [306844] those problems. Equally, I might ask him how he thinks reversing the FSA into the Bank of England, with the The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Alistair Darling): same people doing the same job, would automatically I have regular meetings with the Governor to discuss a have meant that the problem would not have arisen. I wide range of issues. have explained to the House on many occasions what the problem was. Principally, it was a failure in relation Mr. Bellingham: Does the Chancellor agree that his to those responsible for running the banks—a failure to Government’s decision to remove from the Bank of understand the risks to which they had become exposed. England its banking oversight and regulatory function Yes, there were mistakes in the regulatory system and was incredibly misguided and short-sighted? Does he the supervisory system in every major developed country also agree that that is one of the main reasons why the in the world. There is no doubt about that, but I banking and financial crisis in Britain is worse than in honestly do not think that putting the FSA into the practically any other country—apart, perhaps, from Bank of England would have prevented the problem Iceland? from arising in the first place. I remind the Conservative party that just a few weeks before the crisis, the one Mr. Darling: No, I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman. policy that it had come up with was a policy that it was That had nothing to do with the origins of the crisis in not necessary to regulate mortgages, because the risk the banking sector. The start of the problem was that lay with the institutions not with the individuals. Look too many banks, particularly in the United States in the where that policy would have ended up. sub-prime market, took on risk that they did not understand. If the hon. Gentleman was right in his Remuneration Levels analysis, there would not have been a banking crisis in any other country. The fact is that every developed 4. Mr. Ken Purchase (Wolverhampton, North-East) country has experienced this—and as the hon. Gentleman (Lab/Co-op): If he will commission comparative knows, they all have different models in relation to research into levels of remuneration in (a) the banking regulation and supervision. The primary responsibility sector and (b) the public sector; and if he will make a for any organisation must rest with the board of directors statement. [306845] of that organisation, and in too many cases they were found wanting. I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Liam Byrne): I think that his analysis of what happened is wrong. I am happy to look at the case for this research. We understand the pain both of the banking sector and of Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock) (Lab): In his discussions the public sector quite well, and we are introducing with the Bank of England about regulation, has the reform to both. Chancellor discussed, or will he discuss, the involvement of Lloyds TSB in the practice of “stripping”—laundering Mr. Purchase: But does the Minister understand the money from Iran via London into the United States—which anger that is reflected in the response of public sector has caused it to be fined more than $300 million as a workers to the pre-Budget report, when they see the preliminary fine, which ordinary people in the UK are incomes being given, granted to or thrown at the banking having to pay as a consequence of their ownership of sector? Does he not understand that he must take Lloyds TSB? further measures in order to redress the balance? When the economy returns to good health, will he make public sector pay a priority for the Government? Mr. Darling: No, but I know that my hon. Friend has raised the matter before. I will write to him about it. I Mr. Byrne: Fixing the very poor level of public sector had better do that, for the sake of completeness, and I pay that we inherited was of course a priority for us, will arrange for a copy of the letter to be placed in the and that is why over the past 10 or 11 years the pay of Library. teachers has gone up by 52 per cent., that of police officers by 57 per cent. and that of nurses by 65 per Mr. Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge) cent. I think that, by and large, we have fixed the (Con): The Chancellor said as recently as 30 November: investment gap that we inherited from the Conservatives, “The structure”— but as we move into the years ahead we have to prioritise halving the deficit over four years. That is why we are that is, the regulatory structure— asking for pay restraint in the public sector, starting “that we have with the Bank and the FSA is the right one.”—[Official with public service leaders, whom we are asking to take Report, 30 November 2009; Vol. 501, c. 876.] a pay freeze next year. Given that we have seen loan-to-value ratios of 125 per cent. and rampant self-certification in domestic mortgage Dr. Vincent Cable (Twickenham) (LD): On the lending going unchecked, warnings about the asset Government’s proposal to tax banks’ bonus remuneration, price bubble going unheeded, a banking system that are the Government yet in a position to say which of the came within hours of collapse, and total taxpayer exposure 192 regulated banks it will apply to; what the main to that banking system now equivalent to about £40,000 per exempted categories are, be they shares or contractual 787 Oral Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Oral Answers 788 agreements; and, as it will take a long time to suss out Sarah McCarthy-Fry: The Office of Fair Trading the difficult avoidance possibilities, whether they have is still considering that judgment in detail, and on ruled out the possibility of extending the policy into the 22 December it intends to make an announcement next financial year? about what further action will be taken. Our position is very clear: we want to see a fairer and more transparent Mr. Byrne: I understand that the draft guidance has system of charges, and we are working very closely with been published. The proposals that we have introduced the OFT to achieve that. are designed to bite on banking groups, but we remain open to the possibility of extending the legislation and Mr. Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): I welcome the tax if the avoidance measures that some have talked the Government’s decision to stop unrequested credit about are put into practice. card cheques being sent to consumers, but I urge the Minister also to consider unrequested credit card limits. Dr. Cable: But does the Minister not agree that one of That is of great concern to consumer organisations and the important pieces of unfinished business is the largely very detrimental to the most vulnerable consumers. taxpayer-owned £1.5 billion bonus pool in RBS? As the board of directors publicly defied the Government over Sarah McCarthy-Fry: I thank my hon. Friend for his that matter, do the Government propose to take any question. He has a long record of standing up for the further action, either by replacing those directors or by consumer in such matters. We were very pleased to be giving them fresh instructions about how to deal with able to introduce measures to stop the practice of that bonus pool? unrequested credit card cheques, and we continually keep under review how we can best protect our most Mr. Byrne: RBS is a bank in which we exercise a vulnerable people. certain degree of influence over remuneration policies—but Financial Services (Regulation) the hon. Gentleman will be pleased to hear that its management have not yet made proposals for a bonus 7. Christopher Fraser (South-West Norfolk) (Con): pool. What recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on EU regulation of financial services. [306849] Kelvin Hopkins (Luton, North) (Lab): If my right hon. Friend undertakes the research that my hon. Friend the The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Sarah Member for Wolverhampton, North-East (Mr. Purchase) McCarthy-Fry): The Chancellor of the Exchequer has suggested, will he look back to 1979 and see how pay regular discussions with European Finance Ministers levels have changed since then? Will he look in particular on EU regulation of financial services, most recently at at how the take-home incomes of the richest have been the ECOFIN meeting on 2 December. affected by the massive tax cuts for the rich that the Tories introduced at the time? Christopher Fraser: Government complacency has seen the role of Commissioner for Internal Market and Mr. Byrne: Of course. Services go to France, and France and Germany have outmanoeuvred the Government on the alternative Banks (Penalty Charges) investment fund managers directive. Have the Government learned a lesson and put in place a new procedure to 5. Mr. Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) ensure early engagement over the proposals for regulation (LD): If he will take steps to limit the levels of penalty of the financial services industry? charges imposed by banks on their customers; and if he will make a statement. [306846] Sarah McCarthy-Fry: I disagree. It is not the case that we have not been engaged early in all the processes. The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Sarah The Chancellor and our other Ministers have actively McCarthy-Fry): The Government announced in the and successfully engaged in the EU agenda, both directly pre-Budget report on 9 December that they would work in the EU and within the G20, and I can assure the hon. with consumer groups, the Office of Fair Trading and Gentleman that that will continue. With the allies that the banks to agree a new framework that will make we have in the EU and the European Parliament, we bank charges fairer, simpler and more transparent. The can do that; I am afraid I cannot say the same for the Government will take action to deliver change if a official Opposition party. voluntary approach does not result in a fair outcome for consumers. David Taylor (North-West Leicestershire) (Lab/Co-op): Earlier this year, the Chancellor was thinking aloud Mr. Carmichael: I thank the Minister for that very about the potential of an independent macro-prudential helpful reply. She was given a fairly broad hint by the early warning system linking the Bank of England to judgment of Lord Walker in the case of Abbey National European central banks, and a single micro-prudential and others, when he said that his decision was rule-making body. Can the Minister say what the state “not the end of the matter,” of play is in terms of those developments? and that Sarah McCarthy-Fry: Our position is very clear: we “Ministers and Parliament may wish to consider the matter do think that we need an EU-wide system to protect further.” financial stability. We are also very clear that that What can she do to review the operation of section 140 EU-wide system should not have any impact on our of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, which requires fairness fiscal responsibilities. As a result of the discussions at in the contractual relationship between banks and the ECOFIN meeting, we have now secured the fiscal customers? safeguard that we were seeking. 789 Oral Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Oral Answers 790

Mr. Mark Hoban (Fareham) (Con): In June the clear that even if the Treasury Ministers recognise the Chancellor said that he was determined to block the scale of the fiscal crisis, they are too weak to do anything moves to force the UK taxpayer to foot the bill for about it? decisions made by the new European supervisory authorities. However, is not the reality that the Chancellor Mr. Byrne: I am sure there must have been a question lost that battle in December’s ECOFIN meeting? None lurking in there somewhere. I advise the hon. Gentleman of the safeguards that he or the Exchequer Secretary not to believe everything he reads in the newspapers. talked about amount to a veto to protect national What the Chancellor did last week was set out a clear sovereignty and national taxpayers. plan for how we can halve the deficit over four years. It is pretty much the fastest consolidation plan in the G7, Sarah McCarthy-Fry: I absolutely disagree. In the and it is also the clearest. We stand by the judgment that negotiations, we secured the fiscal safeguard that our four years is the right period over which to halve the Chancellor went out there for, and which I brought to deficit. Of course there are people who have advised us the House when we had the debate the day before. to take a different direction and halve the deficit over three years, which would involve some pretty difficult Comprehensive Spending Review judgments. That is the policy advocated by the Opposition, but they have not yet said whether they would put up 8. Justine Greening (Putney) (Con): When he expects VAT by 5p or halve the education budget. Is that to announce arrangements for the next comprehensive because they do not know, or because they will not say? spending review. [306850] UK Budget Deficit The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Liam Byrne): Departmental budgets are set until April 2011. As the 9. Andrew Selous (South-West Bedfordshire) (Con): Chancellor made clear in his statement, now would not What recent assessment he has made of the relative be the time for a spending review, given the uncertainties effect of the UK budget deficit on the economy in that remain in the world economy. comparison with other G20 economies. [306851] Justine Greening: But as the Minister will recognise, The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Stephen last week the Chancellor predicted the economic growth Timms): In common with that of other G20 countries, for next year, so will he pledge to publish the comprehensive UK fiscal policy will continue to support businesses spending review results before next year’s general election? and families until the recovery is secure. Mr. Byrne: I think that the Chancellor’s judgment on that will depend entirely on the uncertainty that we see Andrew Selous: Does not the fact that Britain’s deficit at the time in the international economy. is larger than that of Greece, which has had its credit rating downgraded, mean that we urgently need to get Mr. Gregory Campbell (East Londonderry) (DUP): our finances in order and keep interest rates low so that Does the Minister not agree that there is a need right we can get Britain growing again? across the United Kingdom for certainty as we look forward into 2010 and beyond, not just for the next Mr. Timms: We have seen an unprecedented global 12 months but for a period comparable to that covered downturn, and the debt is going up in all the G7 by a CSR? countries as well as other countries. Of course UK debt was low at the beginning, giving us extra fiscal space, as Mr. Byrne: If the Chancellor had set out a spending the International Monetary Fund has pointed out. The review earlier this year, for example, it would have been additional support that we have provided has meant pretty likely that those figures and settlements would fewer jobs lost, fewer business failures, fewer homes have had to be revised, as unemployment turned out to repossessed and less damage to the economy. As my be far lower than we initially expected. Indeed, today right hon. Friend the Chancellor has explained, we will the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions is setting now halve the deficit over the next four years and so out the argument for the kind of savings that could be secure the public finances. achieved on the welfare bill if, as we hope, unemployment is much lower than it might have been over the next few Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent, North) (Lab): Is not years. Until that certainty is acquired, it would be the most important thing the fact that we have a deficit wrong to set out to the last pound and the last penny reduction plan, so that we can keep money in the what each individual Department should get. We are economy, get through the recession and keep up front-line very clear that halving the deficit over four years is in spending, particularly on health services? In Stoke-on-Trent the right time frame. Halving it any faster—over three we need the Haywood hospital and we need our schools, years, for example—would involve taking £26 billion and we do not need the deficit. out of public spending. That would mean, for example, putting about 5p on VAT, or halving the education Mr. Timms: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is budget. vital that we have a plan—as we do—and that we can show how we will continue to live within our means Mr. David Gauke (South-West Hertfordshire) (Con): while also providing the investment that her constituency Since last week’s pre-Budget report we have learned that and the public services need. We must also continue to the Treasury itself does not believe that the Government’s support the economy, given the uncertainty that is still spending plans provide a credible route to restoring our around. The Opposition made the wrong call on the public finances, and that the Schools Secretary was still banking crisis and the wrong call on the recession, and wringing concessions out of the Treasury after the now they are making the wrong call on the recovery as Chancellor went to bed on Tuesday night. Is it not now well. 791 Oral Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Oral Answers 792

UK Credit Rating Ian Pearson: I am certainly aware of the NAO’s report—a couple of questions on the Order Paper cover 10. Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury and Atcham) the same matter. As the hon. Lady will be aware, the (Con): What recent discussions he has had with credit situation is that RBS and Lloyds banking group have ratings agencies in respect of the UK’s AAA rating. made significant strides in improving lending to SMEs. [306852] However, a lot of small and big businesses have been paying down debt during this recession, which is why The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Stephen the net lending figures do not look so promising. The Timms): We follow the assessments of the credit rating banks have signed lending commitments, which are agencies closely. Moody’s restated last week that the binding, and we expect them to keep to them. We UK is a resilient triple A sovereign. Standard and continue to monitor the issue very closely. Poor’s reaffirmed the UK’s triple A rating in May, and Fitch did so in July. Banks (Government Support)

Daniel Kawczynski: The Minister must recognise what 13. Mr. David Amess (Southend, West) (Con): What terrible financial damage, and loss of prestige to our response his Department plans to make to the National country, would result if our rating were lowered. How Audit Office report on the Government’s support for confident is he that our triple A rating will not be banks; and if he will make a statement. [306855] lowered over the next six months? The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Ian Pearson): Mr. Timms: It is important that all three major The Government welcome the National Audit Office’s agencies assign us a triple A rating. As I said, Moody’s recent report, and particularly its conclusion that the reaffirmed its rating just last week. It clearly helps that support that we have provided to the banks was justified. we went—[Interruption.] We will consider the report and respond in the normal way. Mr. Speaker: Order. I apologise for interrupting the Minister, but there are a lot of private conversations Mr. Amess: I am sure that that response will make taking place in the Chamber, and it is very unfair both very interesting reading, but perhaps the Minister will to the Member—[Interruption.] Order. Mr. Fabricant, explain why the Treasury gave a clean bill of health to you know a lot better than that. I know where to look, the Royal Bank of Scotland just weeks before the and I do not require your help. Private conversation is bail-out. very unfair on the Member asking the question and on the Minister answering it, and I think it would probably Ian Pearson: It is my understanding that the Treasury be regarded by members of the public as rather rude. did no such thing. We will obviously respond to the report in detail in due course, but I should like to quote Mr. Timms: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It does help paragraph 19 to the hon. Gentleman: that we went into the recession with low debt, as was “If the support measures had not been put in place, the scale of underlined in the Moody’s note of 26 October. It is also the economic and social costs if one or more major UK banks important that we have the plan that we have set out for had collapsed is difficult to envision. The support provided to the halving the deficit over the next four years. That is the banks was therefore” responsible approach. clearly “justified”. Bank Recapitalisation Economic Growth

11. Ann Winterton (Congleton) (Con): What his most 15. Mr. Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con): What recent assessment is of the effectiveness of his estimate he has made of the current and future level of programme of bank recapitalisation; and if he will growth in the UK economy compared to other G20 make a statement. [306853] countries; and if he will make a statement. [306857]

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Ian Pearson): The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Stephen Since the events of last October, the Government have Timms): The pre-Budget report forecast that UK gross acted decisively and comprehensively to support the domestic product will have fallen by 4.75 per cent. in stabilisation of the banking system and protect depositors. 2009 and will recover to 1 to 1.5 per cent. growth The recent entry of the Royal Bank of Scotland into the in 2010. The report did not forecast what will happen in asset protection scheme on terms that improve incentives other G20 economies, but world GDP is expected to and deliver better risk sharing with the private sector, as contract by 1 per cent. this year, then to grow by well as Lloyds Banking Group’s private capital raising, 3.25 per cent. in 2010. means that banks are better capitalised and better positioned today to support the economy in its recovery. Mr. Harper: I am grateful to the Minister for those numbers. Given that we are the only G20 country still in Ann Winterton: Is the Minister aware of the National recession, he will have to forgive us for not taking his Audit Office report that says that neither Lloyds nor the forecast for granted. However, given that over the next Royal Bank of Scotland are meeting targets for lending couple of years, between pre-crash and post-crash levels, to business? Bearing in mind that small and medium-sized the level of debt in this country will have doubled—in enterprises in particular need the oxygen of available fact, the rise in the debt will be third only to Iceland and credit, what action is he taking to ensure that those two Ireland—is the Minister not concerned that our growth banks meet one of the objectives of re-capitalisation levels will be much lower as a result? That will be a following the huge input of taxpayers’ money? dangerous situation for everyone who lives in this country. 793 Oral Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Oral Answers 794

Mr. Timms: Let me first of all reassure the hon. the last pound and penny how much each individual Gentleman about our forecast. We said at the time of Department should have. Last week, my right hon. the Budget that we forecast 1 to 1.5 per cent. growth in Friend the Chancellor set out one of the clearest deficit 2010. At that time, most people, including the Opposition, reduction plans in the G7. We set out our priorities for said that that was much too optimistic. Today, however, the year to come, including some £15 billion of cuts and the consensus has caught up with the forecast that we efficiencies in lower priority programmes. What we have set out. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will be reassured yet to see is any plan of sufficient clarity from the by that vindication of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor’s Opposition. forecast. Right across the world, countries are borrowing more, Youth Unemployment which is the right thing to do. The stimulus that we provided has reduced uncertainty and helped to prevent 17. Mr. William Bain (Glasgow, North-East) (Lab): a spiral of falling confidence and demand. That is why What recent representations he has received on the the impact of this unprecedented global shock has been effect on the economy of the level of youth so much less in the UK than many expected. If we had unemployment. [306859] taken the advice of the Conservatives and let the recession take its toll, the damage and the long-term cost to the economy would have been far greater. The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Ian Pearson): Treasury Ministers and officials receive representations from a wide range of organisations, including on the Mr. Andy Reed (Loughborough) (Lab/Co-op): I am issue raised by my hon. Friend. We are taking action to sure my right hon. Friend is aware that in certain ensure that young people are supported through this sectors, there is potential for growth, and those are the recession. As he will be aware, this includes a guaranteed ones that the Government need to invest in. I am job, work experience or training for those young people thinking particularly of so-called green jobs. Intelligent who remain unemployed for more than six months. Energy in my constituency is growing as a consequence That will ensure that we avoid the long-term detachment of not only Government investment but investment of young people from the labour market that was such a from the private sector. That will deliver on jobs, but feature of previous recessions. also from an environmental point of view in, for example, hydrogen fuel cells. Will he ensure that all Government aid is targeted at those future job growth areas, where Mr. Bain: I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Has we will make a significant impact on UK plc? he taken note of the recent International Monetary Fund “World Economic Outlook” report, which makes Mr. Timms: My hon. Friend is right, and I very much it clear that the fiscal stimulus should be continued next enjoyed my visit to Intelligent Energy as his guest a few year until recovery is on a firmer footing? What assessment years ago. Our “New industry, new jobs” strategy is would he make of the effects on youth unemployment if targeting those parts of the economy with the biggest deficit reduction replaced going for economic growth as growth potential—for example, green jobs and the digital the main aim of economic policy, as some in this House sector—and ensuring that we have the wherewithal to would prefer? do well in the future in those sectors. Ian Pearson: My hon. Friend is right. The judgment Comprehensive Spending Review that the Chancellor made at the time of the pre-Budget report was that we needed to take action to secure 16. Michael Fabricant (Lichfield) (Con): When he sustainable public finances, but we needed to do so in a expects to announce arrangements for the next way that did not jeopardise the recovery. That is why we comprehensive spending review; and if he will make a are planning to halve the deficit over four years. That statement. [306858] action, as opposed to the more precipitate action that the Opposition prefer, will give us the best chance of The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Liam Byrne): ensuring that we have a sustainable economic recovery I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave a few and can address youth unemployment. moments ago. Mr. Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): If the Michael Fabricant: Yes, but does he not think that the Government’s policies are working so well, why is answer he gave to my hon. Friend the Member for unemployment in Wellingborough more than double Putney (Justine Greening) bears all the credibility of what it was in 1997? that of the Prime Minister when, two years ago, he said that his decision not to hold a general election had Ian Pearson: As the hon. Gentleman well knows, we nothing to do with the fact that the polls were so bad? have been going through a recession in the UK, just like most countries around the world. That has obviously Mr. Byrne: Even the hon. Gentleman would admit had an effect on unemployment, and that is very regrettable. that there remains a degree of uncertainty in the However, the active labour market policies that this international economy. We need only look at events in Government have introduced have been highly successful Dubai and the Gulf to see the kind of instability that in getting people back to work. Youth unemployment persists. Indeed, we are only halfway through the measures continues to be a problem, but more than half of people agreed at the G20 in London, so we are by no means leave jobseeker’s allowance within three months, and out of the woods yet. Recovery is not guaranteed, and three quarters do so within six months. That is as a we cannot know how much we should allocate for result of the programme of policies that we have put in welfare benefits. Therefore, it is difficult to pin down to place. 795 Oral Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Oral Answers 796

Public Services Mr. Darling: It is very important that we do everything possible to get a return of private sector investment in the economy. The public sector has been supporting the 18. Charlotte Atkins (Staffordshire, Moorlands) (Lab): economy, particularly through public expenditure, over What recent assessment he has made of the likely effect the past year or so. We can continue that until recovery on the economy of maintaining present levels of is established, but part of getting recovery established Exchequer spending on public services. [306860] and achieving growth in the future must be to get private investment going again. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Liam Byrne): The combined action of the Bank of England and the T4. [306869] Mr. Stephen Crabb (Preseli Pembrokeshire) Government is supporting up to half a million jobs at (Con): Does the Minister accept that a decision to press the moment. The Government believe that, as there are ahead with changes to the furnished holiday let rules still risks to the economy, it would be risky to consolidate will introduce a distortion into the domestic tourism too quickly. industry, with self-catering accommodation now placed at a competitive disadvantage to bed-and-breakfast Charlotte Atkins: The Government have done a lot to accommodation and hotels, and that it will hit try to help young people during the recession, particularly rural communities such as mine in Pembrokeshire with the guarantee of a job or training after six months particularly hard? of unemployment. Does the Chief Secretary agree that The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Stephen any attempt to reduce spending immediately would Timms): No, I do not, although I am aware of the scupper the chances of economic recovery and impact concern on this issue. We are putting furnished holiday in particular on young people coming into the jobs lettings and bed-and-breakfast accommodation on a market? level playing field. However, a query has been raised, for perfectly understandable reasons, about the legality in Mr. Byrne: There are those who believe that we ought European law of providing help to furnished holiday to be cutting public spending faster, even now, before letting accommodation purely in the UK and not elsewhere recovery has been locked in. We think that that would in Europe. It is very important that we comply with be a risk and that the price would be paid in higher international law. unemployment and more repossessions. That is why last week the Chancellor set out further measures to help to T2. [306867] Mr. David Chaytor (Bury, North) (Lab): combat youth unemployment and why we think that the In my constituency, more job vacancies are being right approach is to say to our young people that if they advertised, and many of those who lost their jobs have been out of work for six months they will be earlier in the year are now returning to work. However, offered a job, a place in training or, of course, community as growth returns, what more can the Government do service. to ensure that returning to work always pays more than staying on benefits? Mr. John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): What does the Minister think of the work by the International Mr. Darling: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is Monetary Fund showing conclusively that the higher important that we encourage people back into work, the proportion of public spending in an economy, the and as part of that, we must ensure that if people do go slower the growth rate? back into work, they can see the benefit of it. As the House will know, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions will make a statement Mr. Byrne: If the right hon. Gentleman looks at shortly, and I hope that she will have something further other economies in the OECD or the G7, he will see to say about that. However, my hon. Friend is right to that the levels of debt forecast among them are pretty emphasise that job vacancies are being advertised everyday. much in line with our own. This recession has hit us all. It is our job to ensure that we get people to fill those However, we are probably the country that has set out vacancies as quickly as possible. the clearest plan to halve that deficit over the next four years. T6. [306871] Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): Will the Chancellor explain how it is fair that after the Topical Questions national insurance rise, people on low incomes will be paying 32 per cent. tax on their income, while he is T1. John Robertson (Glasgow, North-West) (Lab): If letting bankers off the hook with a tax that will be easy he will make a statement on his departmental to avoid, is full of holes and will raise just 10 per cent. of the £5 billion expected to be paid in bank bonuses responsibilities. [306866] this year?

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Alistair Darling): Mr. Darling: In relation to the bank payroll tax, we The Treasury’s responsibilities remain as I have set out are trying to change the behaviour of some banks that on previous occasions. still want to pay out very large sums in bonuses when we believe that the money would be better applied to John Robertson: My right hon. Friend will be aware building up their capital position. Of course, from next of the present difficulties in investment levels in key April, people earning more than £150,000 a year—that driving areas. How does he intend to co-operate with will include many recipients of these bonuses—will pay the CBI and the TUC to try to maintain the recent tax at the top rate of 50p. In addition, the hon. Lady excellent progress? asked about national insurance. I made the position 797 Oral Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Oral Answers 798 clear last week. In particular, I made the point that T7. [306872] Willie Rennie (Dunfermline and West people earning less than £20,000 would not be paying Fife) (LD): I understand that the total cost for the more as a result of the measures that I introduced. administrators, lawyers and consultants to clear up after the Government break-up of the Dunfermline T3. [306868] Mr. Jim Cunningham (Coventry, South) building society is approaching £26 million. Who was (Lab): Can my right hon. Friend assure me that the representing the taxpayer’s interests when such outrageous level of investment in high-speed rail through the west fees were agreed for such a small building society? midlands will be maintained? Mr. Darling: I am not sure that I recognise those Mr. Darling: We have invested a considerable amount figures, although I will certainly write to the hon. Gentleman of money in the railway system in the west midlands. as soon as we have the final figures. However, there is a The upgrading of the west coast main line cost between broader point to be made in relation to Dunfermline £7 billion and £8 billion, and has meant more services building society. It would have been nice if we had not and, above all, more reliable services than in the past. been put in that position in the first place, but unfortunately That is an example of what happens when public investment that building society got itself into difficulties and they is run down, because that line last had serious investment had to be resolved. That is precisely what we did. Both in the 1970s. We have put that right and we will continue the hon. Gentleman and I would have liked the Dunfermline to do what is necessary to ensure that the railways work. to continue as an independent building society. That Mr. George Osborne (Tatton) (Con): Has the Chancellor was not possible, but the reason was that it got itself seen the helpful comments of the right hon. Member into difficulties and we had to sort the problems out. for Norwich, South (Mr. Clarke), whom he used to sit in the Cabinet with, who said yesterday: Mr. Jim Devine (Livingston) (Lab): Can we follow “the reason why this Pre-Budget Report has been so disappointing the lead of other European countries and introduce a is that the Prime Minister used his constitutional authority as cap on interest rates for the likes of store cards? People First Lord of the Treasury to ensure that no full account of our will be using store cards over the next few weeks in the economic predicament was provided, no systematic reform of run-up to Christmas. If someone spends £1,000, it will banking was promoted and no clear account of Labour’s approach take them 15 years to clear that if they simply pay the to closing the fiscal deficit was made”? minimum. That is totally unacceptable. The truth is that the Prime Minister and the Schools Secretary overruled the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Sarah Sofa government is alive and well, in the form of a McCarthy-Fry): I entirely agree with my hon. Friend Chancellor who bears the impression of the last person that there is a problem with the high rates of interest who sat on him. Will he take this opportunity to charged by some lenders, particularly to vulnerable demonstrate his independence and publish the overall people. I am aware that some other EU countries have departmental spending limit—not for the individual introduced interest rate caps. However, the evidence Departments; the overall number, which was leaked by from those countries is that introducing a cap has not us after the Budget and which he now has an opportunity resolved the problem, as the institutions have got round to publish—after this pre-Budget report? Just answer it by introducing other charges. However, we are still that question, third time of asking. reviewing the position with the Office of Fair Trading.

Mr. Darling: I did see the article by my right hon. Adam Price (Carmarthen, East and Dinefwr) (PC): Friend. It is fair to say that he has had his disagreements Given the recent announcement by the Secretary of with the Prime Minister over some considerable time; State for Wales of a floor for devolved spending in there does not seem to be anything new there. In relation Wales relative to England, are the Government to the departmental expenditure limits, I made the guaranteeing, at least as far as Wales is concerned, that position clear earlier, and I have nothing further to add they are banishing the Barnett squeeze? to that.

T5. [306870] Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) Mr. Darling: The position in relation to the Barnett (Lab): The Chancellor was correct when he said that formula is that it continues to be the Government’s private businesses had a key role to play in Britain’s policy, and it is the basis on which allocations will be recovery. Has the Treasury made any comparisons on made to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Over the relative impact of the current recession, compared the past 10 or 12 years, Wales has benefited from the with that of the 1990s, on business insolvencies? increase in public expenditure right across the piece.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Ian Pearson): Gordon Banks (Ochil and South Perthshire) (Lab): Yes, indeed we have. If we had repeated the experience This is a difficult time of year for many small and of the 1990s recession, we would have expected something medium-sized businesses in the UK, with holiday in the region of two and a half times as many businesses closedowns, holiday pay, and so on. What more can the becoming insolvent as have actually done so. The action Government do to improve the payment methods used that we have taken—through the business payment by UK companies to encourage them to pay their support service, the time-to-pay initiative, the enterprise suppliers more quickly? finance guarantee and other measures that we have taken—has had a genuine impact. There is a distinction Mr. Darling: We have introduced a number of measures to be made between a Government who have provided that will help businesses. One of the most effective has real help now to businesses through this recession and a been the time-to-pay regulations, which mean that businesses Government who, during the 1990s, did nothing and can stagger their payments of tax. That has eased their just let companies go to the wall. cash flow. It has also meant that 95 per cent. of the 799 Oral Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Oral Answers 800 undertakings have been met, which benefits the Revenue The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Liam Byrne): as well. In addition, we have provided guarantees for Over the past few years, we have moved something like loans, which have benefited firms in Scotland, and tax 24,000 jobs out of London and the south-east. Just credits have meant that many people’s income has been before the pre-Budget report, we said that we would supplemented by as much as £37 a week as a result of seek to move another 13,000 out over the next few what we have been able to do. years. I would be very happy to sit down with my hon. Friend and other colleagues from Stoke-on-Trent to T8. [306873] Mr. David Evennett (Bexleyheath and talk about how we can maximise Stoke-on-Trent’s chances Crayford) (Con): Is the Chancellor of the Exchequer of getting a big share of those new jobs. confident that the banks that have benefited from direct taxpayer support are not exploiting that advantage to T9. [306874] Mr. Henry Bellingham (North-West Norfolk) the detriment of the building societies? (Con): Can the Chancellor tell the House how much his Government will be paying in interest on our national Mr. Darling: This is something that we keep under debt in the current financial year, and what his estimate close review. I am well aware that we need to ensure that is of the interest that will be paid in the next financial the larger banks—particularly the two in which we have year? substantial shareholdings—do not behave in a way that is detrimental to the smaller building societies. This is Mr. Darling: It is understandable that the hon. Gentleman something that we, along with the Financial Services is concerned about debt, and I can tell him that the debt Authority and the Office of Fair Trading, will continue would have been very much higher had we not taken the to keep a close eye on. action that we did to support our economy and to ensure that we got through the recession. Otherwise, the Dr. Tony Wright (Cannock Chase) (Lab): This is a amount of borrowing and debt would have been far difficult time for savers, and they are not being helped greater. by the practice of banks that market savings accounts with a bonus attached to them without telling the savers David Taylor (North-West Leicestershire) (Lab/Co-op): when the bonus is going to fall away. Could we not Despite the cheaper pound and rising house prices, require banks to provide that information? stalled industrial output is still holding the economy back. Will the Chancellor tell the House what progress has been made on his plan to diversify the economy Mr. Darling: I am very much in favour of making away from the financial services sector? more information available to savers—and, indeed, to borrowers—so that they can understand exactly what Mr. Darling: In the pre-Budget report last week, I set the terms and conditions are. I agree with my hon. out a number of measures to encourage low-carbon Friend that, at times, those terms and conditions are industries and to encourage business generally. It is not as clear as they should be. We want more people to important that we have a diverse economy. The research save, and the best way to achieve that is to be very clear and development tax credits and the reduced rate of and up front about what the saver will get and when corporation tax for firms that patent discoveries in this they will get it. country and then develop them here are part of a range of measures all designed to make sure that we have a Justine Greening (Putney) (Con): Can the Chancellor more diverse economy in the future. In the 1980s, rather confirm that the Treasury completely ignored warnings too many firms went under and rather too many sectors from the Department for Communities and Local were badly damaged: we cannot afford to repeat that Government last autumn about the impact of the rise in mistake. business rates on the economy? Peter Luff (Mid-Worcestershire) (Con): At some stage Mr. Darling: I only heard part of what the hon. Lady in the relatively near future, the Chancellor will receive said, but what I can say—which will probably not a welcome windfall from the auction of the spectrum satisfy her—is that we announced measures earlier this release by the digital dividend process, so will he honour year to allow companies to spread the rates increase the pledge given to users of radio microphones in the over three years, to ease the burden on them. “Digital Britain” White Paper and earmark at least a small proportion of those significant revenues fully to Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent, North) (Lab): In the compensate those users for their unwelcome eviction aftermath of the pre-Budget report, and given the from the spectrum? importance that Members of Parliament in Stoke-on-Trent attach to the relocation of jobs from the south-east, Mr. Timms: The Government are in discussion, as I what advice can my right hon. Friend give to people in think the hon. Gentleman knows, with those who represent Stoke-on-Trent on how to ensure that we can get such that particular interest. We recognise the importance of jobs relocated there? it and we are looking to see what we can do to help. 801 15 DECEMBER 2009 Future Defence Programme 802

Future Defence Programme contributed over £14 billion to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, including some £5.2 billion on urgent operational requirements. 3.30 pm My decision to fund these enhancements from the The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Bob Ainsworth): core defence programme reflects our determination to I am announcing today changes to the defence programme, ensure that the Ministry of Defence is supporting the which will enhance the support to our personnel on current campaign, and our belief that we expect such operations in Afghanistan, worth £900 million over the capabilities to feature in a range of future conflicts that next three years, and reductions elsewhere to make our forces may face. The enhancements total £900 million these enhancements affordable and to match our over three years. They include an improved dismounted expenditure against available resources. In doing so, I close combat equipment package, making equipment have made every effort to ensure that we balance the such as state-of-the-art body armour and night vision priority of supporting our forces in Afghanistan with goggles available to 50 per cent. more troops so they can our commitment to maintaining the capabilities necessary train with it not only before deploying to Afghanistan for the future, and that we do not take decisions on but before they embark on pre-deployment training; major changes that should properly be made in next more Bowman tactical radios and patrol satellite systems to year’s defence review. improve communications between troops and commanders; As I have said repeatedly to the House, support for an additional £80 million for communications facilities our operations in Afghanistan is our main effort. I saw for special forces; increased funding for our intelligence, for myself last week the contribution being made by our surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance forces across Afghanistan—taking on the Taliban and capabilities; and a doubling of Reaper capability. beginning to train and partner with the Afghan national As the Prime Minister announced yesterday, there army. I pay tribute to their bravery, their professionalism will be further improvements in our counter-IED and their dedication. capabilities, particularly intelligence and analytical capability The defence budget has had the longest period of to target the networks that are doing so much damage sustained real growth since the 1980s: it is now to our troops and to Afghan civilians. There will be an £35.4 billion—over 10 per cent. more in real terms than additional C-17 aircraft to strengthen the air bridge, in 1997. As the Chancellor confirmed at the pre-Budget and improvements to defensive aids suites and support report last week, not a single penny is being cut from arrangements for the Hercules C130J fleet so that we the defence budget in 2010-11, but despite this significant can maximise their deployability and use. There will be investment, acute cost pressures remain. There are a 22 new Chinook helicopters, with the first 10 arriving number of reasons for this, including rising fuel and during 2012-13, as set out in the future rotary wing utility costs, increases in pay and pensions and, above strategy which I also announced today. all, cost growth in the equipment programme. A number In addition to that package, the Treasury has signed of major projects, while providing superb military capability, off the latest funding from the reserve—over have cost more than twice their initial estimate in real £280 million—to support a range of additional equipment terms. for Afghanistan. It will include more new vehicles—for All of this presents us with a significant challenge instance, there will be a 31 per cent. increase in the both in this financial year and as we look forward. The number of Husky tactical support vehicles and a 40 per National Audit Office’s “Ministry of Defence: Major cent. increase in the number of Jackal fire support Projects Report 2009”, published today, describes the vehicles for deployment in Afghanistan—and additional result of these pressures. Going forward, I am determined equipment to combat the threat of improvised explosive that we take action to deal with these pressures and devices, including over 400 hand-held mine detectors, to address the challenges head on. That is why we robots, and other items of kit. That one-off package is commissioned the hard-hitting Bernard Gray report, in addition to the resources already allocated for urgent why we are taking steps now to implement his report operational requirements for the current financial year, and why we are reforming defence acquisition better to and in addition to the protected mobility package that match our priorities to our spending. Getting this right has already been announced. is critical; tough choices are required. We will be publishing The pressure on the public finances means that we in the new year the strategy that will provide a planning need to prioritise carefully within our resources. We and management framework to produce an affordable need to make reductions in lower priority areas to fund equipment plan. these enhancements, and to better match the defence I am determined to ensure that those who put themselves programme to available resources. That has meant stopping in harm’s way on our behalf remain properly supported or slowing spending in other areas, and pushing down and resourced. Our priorities in Afghanistan are to hard on headquarters costs and overheads. Inevitably provide the best levels of personal equipment and protection these measures will have an impact on some capabilities, to meet the fast-changing threat and to increase investment but we judge that it will be manageable. in key capabilities, including helicopter capability and We will continue to reduce the number of civilians our strategic air bridge. working in the Ministry of Defence. We recognise the I am therefore pleased to announce a number of importance of the civilian work force and the critical capability enhancements to support the mission in outputs that they deliver. That is why in the pre-Budget Afghanistan. They are in addition to the operational report we announced an independent study of the shape costs paid for from the reserve, which continues to and size of the civilian work force, including the distribution increase year on year and has risen from £738 million in of tasks between civilian and military personnel. This 2006-07, when we deployed to Helmand, to over £3.7 billion study will be undertaken by Gerry Grimstone and will this year. By the end of 2009-10, the reserve will have inform the defence review. Without prejudicing its outcome, 803 Future Defence Programme15 DECEMBER 2009 Future Defence Programme 804

[Mr. Bob Ainsworth] investment in new capabilities with enduring military benefit. This is a difficult balance to strike, but I am we would expect to be able to continue reducing the confident that we have got that balance right, and that overall size of the civilian work force, above the 45,000 that will be demonstrated where it matters most: on the reduction already made since 1997. This is not just front line, where our brave servicemen and women, about doing more with less; we will need to make some supported by MOD civilians, are fighting for the future hard decisions about what we can stop doing altogether, of Afghanistan and the security of our own country. and about how we can bear down on other costs. The other key adjustments we are making to the Dr. Liam Fox (Woodspring) (Con): I am grateful to current programme are as follows. In line with our the Secretary of State for his statement and for prior current aspirations to reduce to two fast jet types—the sight of it, although we read much of it this morning in Typhoon and joint strike fighter—we will pursue without the media. It is hard not to feel some sympathy for the delay the Typhoon future capability programme phase 2. Secretary of State, who I know to be personally very This is fundamental to the development of its multi-role committed to our armed forces. However, despite the capability and integration with the latest weapons. We sweeteners, making cuts to our wider defence capability will reduce now the size of our Harrier fast jet force by when we are fighting a war in Afghanistan only strengthens one squadron, close RAF Cottesmore and consolidate the perception that we have a Government who do not the Harrier force at RAF Wittering. This will maintain give a high priority to the armed forces. our joint carrier-based combat air capability. We plan The Government who were willing to waste £12.4 billion to reduce our Tornado and Harrier force by a further on a pointless VAT cut when they had to salvage their one or two squadrons; decisions on the make-up of our own reputation do not seem to have the same resolve future force will be taken in the defence review. when it comes to the country’s national security. The We intend to withdraw the Nimrod MR2 force 12 Ministry of Defence’s internal instructions were clear: months early and slow the introduction of the MRA4. allow for standing military tasks and do not prejudge This will have an impact on our use of RAF Kinloss, the strategic defence review; and there is to be no but there is no change to our assumptions on the future capability removal but some shaving off. In other words, basing of the MRA4 at this stage. The decision to this is about numbers not fleets. withdraw the MR2 has been taken for financial reasons What will be the effect of the pre-Budget report on and is unconnected to the report by Mr. Haddon-Cave the MOD’s core budget, given that the Institute for on the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of the Fiscal Studies says that non-protected Departments in Nimrod XV230 in Afghanistan. Mr. Haddon-Cave was the settlement will have to bear cuts of 16 per cent. over very clear in his report that the aircraft remains safe to three years? By how much does it increase the £6 billion fly. I will make a further statement on Mr. Haddon-Cave’s black hole highlighted in the Gray report? Is it true that report in the House tomorrow. the new Chinook aircraft will be funded from the We intend temporarily to reduce some aspects of cancellation of the future medium helicopter capability Army training that are not required for current operations. programme, not from savings arising from cuts in the We will also take one survey ship and one minehunter out RAF’s Tornado and Harrier fleets? If so, where has the of service early, and cancel the current competition for £1 billion of savings from those cuts gone? What impact unprotected utility vehicles and defer the programme for will the reduction in Tornado and Harrier squadrons two years. We will bring forward the planned reduction in have on the RAF force elements readiness strategy? some of the older maritime Lynx and Merlin Mk 1 aircraft What does the Secretary of State mean when he says prior to the transition to the more capable Wildcat and that decisions on the make-up of our future forces will Merlin Mk 2. We will spend less next year than previously be taken later? Does the Treasury intend further cuts? planned on the wider defence estate but will continue to Although more Chinooks will be welcome, we have to prioritise investment in both service family accommodation accept that we will not get them until 2013—12 years and single living accommodation. after we went to Afghanistan. Does that not indicate The measures I have set out will also have implications the sheer stupidity of the Government’s decision to cut for service personnel numbers. The details have not yet the helicopter budget by £1.4 billion in 2004? When we been finalised, but the emphasis will be on prioritising get the new Chinooks, will they have a standard US our manpower for operations in Afghanistan. Changes army fit or will they incorporate the Thales Julius will be targeted so as to avoid affecting personnel involved cockpit upgrade being applied to current RAF aircraft? in current operations. Reductions in service personnel How will our submarines be protected following the numbers will mainly be managed by slowing recruitment withdrawal of the Nimrod MR2 next spring? How will and releasing some personnel, in accordance with their the requirement for long-range rescue and maritime contracts. I appreciate that these changes will be difficult reconnaissance be provided once the Nimrods are gone? for many service and civilian personnel, their families What aspects of Army training does the Secretary of and the communities in which they are based. I am fully State intend to reduce? Will he be specific about that? aware of the consequences, and we will support those What implications does his statement have for the defence affected. training review and RAF St. Athan? Why are we cutting In making these choices, I have had to consider that minehunter capacity when tension in the Gulf is rising? the Government and the Opposition parties are committed The Secretary of State is well aware that our minehunter to carrying out a defence review after the next election. capability is one of the capabilities most valued by our A Green Paper explaining the Government’s vision of US army allies. We need to ensure that we maintain that what that review should encompass will be published capacity at a time when there are rising fears and early in the new year. The measures reflect our stated tensions about what Iran intends to do. There is a real priority of support for the Afghan campaign, and continued possibility of the Gulf being mined, so will he think 805 Future Defence Programme15 DECEMBER 2009 Future Defence Programme 806 again about removing a minehunter at an extremely theatre in Afghanistan, but we will use Chinook elsewhere. sensitive time? In particular, will he consider the impact Chinook is a considerable uplift in our helicopter capability that that will have on the confidence of our allies? not only for Afghanistan but for elsewhere, too. There are many questions to be answered. The Secretary The hon. Gentleman has nothing to complain about. of State says nothing about the current carrier status He offers no additional money for defence and he really and the possible downgrading of our facilities in Cyprus— should stop pretending that he does. again, that has been widely trailed in the media. The important thing for the House to consider is why cuts Nick Harvey (North Devon) (LD): I thank the Defence are being made to our defences at all. This is not about Secretary for his statement and for advance sight of it. reprioritising spending for Afghanistan. He told us on Nobody will argue against the new equipment that will television at the weekend that the Treasury reserve is go to our front-line troops in Afghanistan and the paying, mostly, for the extra costs in Afghanistan. The additional capability that it will give them, but one must Government say that they have maintained defence inevitably ask some questions about the details. The spending at about 2.5 per cent. of gross domestic product most eye-catching is the order for 22 new Chinook during their time in office, but that is only if spending in helicopters, of which the first will arrive in 2012-13. But Iraq and Afghanistan is included. In other words, by how many will really arrive in 2013, when will the others their own definition, they are trying to fight wars on a get there and how does that fit in with President Obama’s peacetime budget. Our defences are being cut not as a timeline of beginning the withdrawal from July 2011? response to a diminished threat—if anything, the threat Would it not have helped if this decision had been taken is going up out there—or to a reassessment of our a good deal earlier? Does this not prove the folly of the strategic needs, or in order to reshape our armed forces. 2004 cuts in the helicopter budget? A Government who have had four Defence Secretaries We will all feel sorry for the Secretary of State because in four years, one of whom was part-time, and no the Treasury has made him come here today, raiding defence review for 11 years are now cutting the capability core defence budgets to pay for these additional orders. because of their own catastrophic economic management. What sense does it make for these decisions to be taken Overspent and over-borrowed, in a worse economic outwith the strategic context of the strategic defence mess than most of our competitors, last out of recession review, which everybody is signed up to after the election? and with a shrinking wealth creation sector, the Prime What will be the additional cost to the long-term defence Minister in his bunker is still living out the fantasy of budgets, and what will be the diminution of our core what a great Chancellor he was, while all the time his capability? Secretaries of State are having to make real cuts to their In 2001, we entered Afghanistan, and in 2003 we departmental budgets. This is the end—the final pathetic entered Iraq. The fact of the matter is that the fighting chapter in the new Labour project. After 12 wasted has been done on the cheap ever since. It is true that the years, in debt up to our eyeballs, barely able to finance Treasury has supplied UORs, but the fact of the matter the Government’s borrowing and worried about our is that the core defence budget has been creaking under credit status, we are now having our national security the strain of these engagements ever since they began. cut as a consequence. Who is paying for the Government’s The Secretary of State and the Ministry have tried to incompetence? Our brave armed forces, at least until we put off painful decisions until after the general election, get a general election, when the real culprits will pay. but today harsh reality has caught up with them. Mr. Ainsworth: I did explain to the hon. Gentleman—he Mr. Ainsworth: As I said in my statement, 10 of the knows the true facts—that no cuts in our budget are 22 Chinooks will become available in the financial year proposed this year. None whatsoever. We have enjoyed 2012-13. It is all right for Opposition Members to talk a steady rise in the defence budget that has made it about it being too late, but they know that we have 10 per cent. higher in real terms. He says repeatedly—I doubled the helicopter hours available to our troops in have heard it before—that we are fighting wars on a Afghanistan and that there are 79 per cent. more helicopters. peacetime budget, but the Opposition supported our We have just put the Merlin into theatre, and the new operations in Iraq and in Afghanistan and do not offer Chinook capability not only will be greatly welcomed, a single penny more for defence. He can go round all he but will come on top of all the enhancements that we likes trying to undo the public statements of the shadow have managed to achieve in the current fleet. Chancellor by ringing up members of the defence industry The hon. Gentleman talks about us cutting core and saying, “It won’t really apply,” but the Opposition capability, but how is providing twice as much Reaper have to tell one story in public and the same story in capability in theatre, as we have at present, and providing private. The hon. Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox) additional Chinooks cutting core capability? Yes, these does not offer a single penny more for defence, despite decisions are being taken ahead of a strategic defence his allegations. review, but can he tell me what sensible person believes that ISTAR, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopter lift in On the withdrawal of Nimrod, I do not take these theatre and the kind of strategic airlift capability provided decisions without consulting the Chief of the Air Staff by C-17 are not what will be needed in the future? I do and the First Sea Lord. Other platforms are capable of not believe that any of these decisions are cutting across providing the maritime patrol responsibilities. They have decisions that will quite properly be made as part of a done so before—they are Merlin and Hercules, and we strategic defence review. can meet our obligations with those other platforms. We will continue to support the cost of current operations Several hon. Members rose— through the reserve, but it is quite ridiculous for the hon. Gentleman to suggest that the only thing that Mr. Speaker: Order. Thirty-two hon. and right hon. ought to pay for anything that is usable in current Members are seeking to catch my eye. As the House operations is the reserve. Of course we need Chinook in knows, there is another statement to follow. I should 807 Future Defence Programme15 DECEMBER 2009 Future Defence Programme 808

[Mr. Speaker] Treasury—and they will come—that Afghan expenditure should be at the expense of the core defence budget like, as usual, to accommodate as many Members as itself? possible but, to do so, short questions and—I gently say to the Secretary of State—short answers will be required. Mr. Ainsworth: It is right and proper—and the principle remains in place—that the additional costs of our operations Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Devonport) (Lab): I listened in Afghanistan will be paid for out of the reserve and to my right hon. Friend’s statement with interest, and I not the core budget. Everything, from the bullets and require reassurance on two quick points. First, will he bombs that are used through to the additional allowances reassure me that the cut to the minesweeper and survey paid to our troops, comes from that source, and will vessel will not impact on Plymouth and the work carried continue to do so. Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman out there? Secondly, when looking at the defence estate, seriously suggesting that we should not be interested in will he, as I assume that he will, do everything he can to using the core defence budget on major upgrades, such speed up the sale of significant parcels of land that have as a whole new fleet of helicopters? Is he saying that we been hanging around for some time and need to be should not buy anything that is relevant to our current moved on? operations out of that budget, but that we should Mr. Ainsworth: The detail of my proposals has to be expect the Treasury to buy anything and everything that worked through, but I will talk to my hon. Friend and is usable in theatre in Afghanistan? That really is any other constituency Member about the consequences unsustainable, and I think that he knows it. of the withdrawal of the minesweeper and the survey vessel. Of course, if there are opportunities to release Linda Gilroy (Plymouth, Sutton) (Lab/Co-op): This capital receipts by disposing of land that is not required, time last year, my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, we will try to do that as quickly as possible. I know that Devonport (Alison Seabeck) and I had just returned the city of Plymouth wants us to do that so that from Afghanistan. My right hon. Friend’s announcement reshaping can happen and people can get on with their today of enhanced capabilities for our troops in Afghanistan development plans for the city. includes many of the things that they were asking for, but I want to ask particularly about close combat. Is he Mr. James Arbuthnot (North-East Hampshire) (Con): listening to what the front-line troops are saying about Several of the announcements will be very welcome—not how we need to evolve our close-combat gear to give least the wonderful announcement on Chinook, which them additional agility and to improve their effectiveness? will fly into and out of the equally wonderful RAF Odiham, which is in my constituency—but others will Mr. Ainsworth: Absolutely. I have had, as my hon. be less so. Precisely what aspects of Army training will Friend will have had, repeated requests from troops. We be reduced, and by how much? know that there have been considerable improvements Mr. Ainsworth: We will prioritise the training that is in personal kit and equipment for our operations in-theatre, required for current operations. As the right hon. Gentleman but we want to train as we will be expected to fight. We knows, there has been a big shift towards using facilities have enough close-combat equipment to provide for in Kenya, which are very suitable for current operations. our troops in-theatre, and overwhelmingly for their However, we must consider other aspects of Army pre-deployment training before they go into theatre, but training, for example regarding Challenger 2 tanks. We this package will allow people to get the kit and equipment will not require the Challenger in Afghanistan because that they will be using in pre-deployment training and it is not suitable for that theatre. There are therefore in-theatre before they begin their pre-deployment training. reductions that we can make so that we can focus and They will therefore be able to train with it for longer, improve our concentration on, and support for, current and thus be more familiar with it and more capable as a operations. result.

Mr. Ian Davidson (Glasgow, South-West) (Lab/Co-op): Mr. David Lidington (Aylesbury) (Con): Will the Secretary Will the Secretary of State confirm that the Government of State confirm that the number of RAF recruits going intend to continue building two aircraft carriers? through basic training at Halton is due to fall next year, Furthermore, will he confirm that it is in fact only the compared with this? Does that imply that the Government Government who are committed to building carriers expect the RAF to become smaller in size over the next at all? few years? Mr. Ainsworth: We are committed to the carriers. Nothing that I have said today affects the carrier programme Mr. Ainsworth: Our recruitment to all our armed in any way. I am sorry to tell my hon. Friend, however, forces has been very effective in the last couple of years, that that does not mean that we can provide the three or to the point that the Army is now fully manned. The four carriers that he has on occasion asked for. detail of the impact on personnel is yet to be worked out, but I do not envisage the kind of effects that the Sir Malcolm Rifkind (Kensington and Chelsea) (Con): hon. Gentleman talks about. Does the Secretary of State begin to understand the very dangerous precedent that he has created by giving Mr. Eric Joyce (Falkirk) (Lab): I welcome the measures in to the Treasury demand that Afghan expenditure announced by my right hon. Friend, but does he not should be funded from the core defence budget and not think that it is time to reflect on whether we can avoid a from the contingency fund? Does he not understand reduction in non-operational training, for example, by that there is hardly an example in living memory of that determining whether we will get good value for money being done? How will he resist future demands from the from the replacement of Trident? 809 Future Defence Programme15 DECEMBER 2009 Future Defence Programme 810

Mr. Ainsworth: The Government’s position on the Mr. Ainsworth: The Chinook is far, far from a vulnerable nuclear deterrent is clear. We consulted widely on the aircraft. Those two will be replaced, and the replacements White Paper that we published in 2006, and our view for the two that were damaged in theatre will be paid for has not changed. I do not think that any sensible person by the reserve in line with the principles that underpin would say that we should not prioritise the kind of what should be paid for by the Treasury reserve and training needed for the current operations at the expense what should come from the core defence budget. of lower priorities at this time. We have 9,500 people Robert Key (Salisbury) (Con): What plans does the in-theatre and, as we have sadly found out, it is a very Secretary of State have to explain to the British people dangerous theatre of operation. That has to be our and to his colleagues in Government the direct relationship main priority and our main effort. between the excellence of Her Majesty’s forces, which Mr. Douglas Hogg (Sleaford and North Hykeham) comes at a price, the security of this nation in terms of (Con): Does the right hon. Gentleman understand that, energy, food, water, all the goods that they buy to fill while the deployment of the 22 Chinooks in Afghanistan their kitchens and their fridges, their cars and their is much to be welcomed, many of us believe that they computers, and the ability of Her Majesty’s forces to should have been ordered many months ago? Does he have global reach to protect this country, all of which understand that that omission was culpable and negligent, comes at a price worth paying? and that men have died needlessly as a consequence? Mr. Ainsworth: The principal vehicle for doing that is Mr. Ainsworth: As I have said to the right hon. and the Green Paper that we will publish in the new year, learned Gentleman, he stands as a member of a party which will raise all those questions, and I hope inform that supported our operations, yet does not offer and the debate about the future of defence. We have co-operation has not offered a single penny more for defence. He has from all the parties that are part of the defence advisory to square that with the kind of comments that he has board that is looking at the Green Paper and should just made. provide a good intellectual underpinning for the strategic defence review that will be necessary and come after the Mr. David Crausby (Bolton, North-East) (Lab): Can general election. my right hon. Friend be absolutely confident that there will be no capability gap between our existing aircraft Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): carriers and the deployment of our new carriers as a The whole country will agree that my right hon. Friend result of any slippage in the carrier programme? has taken the right decision in focusing entirely on the important activity in Afghanistan. He referred to a Mr. Ainsworth: I know why my hon. Friend asks that survey vessel. Will he ensure that in working through question. A statement was made in his Committee this the details of the withdrawal of that vessel, there is morning. That was an erroneous statement. There is close integration and discussion with the broader scientific not a problem of a gap. There is an issue of training community to make sure that the valuable work that that we need to look at and of which we are fully aware. that vessel has done is not lost? We are examining it and mitigating it. There is no gap in the programme between the existing carriers and the Mr. Ainsworth: We have to try to maintain oceanic future carriers. survey capability to the maximum degree that we can, but we have to prioritise our current operation, so the Sir Menzies Campbell (North-East Fife) (LD): Does answer to my hon. Friend is yes—of course we will try the Secretary of State understand that many of us to look at the detail and make sure that we still have the believe that he is a victim of the serious misjudgment of necessary minimum capability. the military action against Iraq, compounded by the parsimony of the Treasury? What are the foreign policy Mr. David Laws (Yeovil) (LD): The Secretary of State and military implications of such a substantial reduction will be aware that the chief of defence materials told the in the offensive capability of the Royal Air Force in Defence Committee this morning that he is willing to advance of a defence review? consider building the Chinooks through AgustaWestland under the existing licensing agreement with Boeing. Mr. Ainsworth: There is some £3.5 billion from the Will the Secretary of State assure me that he will Treasury reserve this year—the figure has gone up from instruct his officials actively to explore that option, if it £700-odd million in 2006—so if that is what the right can be done on time and on budget? hon. and learned Gentleman calls parsimony, they are pretty big figures and they have covered the additional Mr. Ainsworth: I would not turn my back on that costs of our operations in Afghanistan. When he talks option in principle, but, on the costs and the time frame, about the effects on the RAF, to some extent the future I do not believe that we will be able to get the Chinook of the RAF lies with unmanned aerial vehicles, and capability via that route. If somebody were able to there is a proposal for a very substantial increase in convince me otherwise, that would be absolutely fine. I unmanned aerial vehicles in the package that I am can say, though, that in our remodelled helicopter fleet, announcing today. AgustaWestland will have a very important role. It will Paul Flynn (Newport, West) (Lab): In August two still provide two of the four helicopter platforms that lightly damaged Chinooks—one of them damaged by we plan to continue into the future—the Merlin and the small arms fire—were destroyed by our own forces Lynx Wildcat. because the security situation is so dire that we could Jeremy Corbyn (Islington, North) (Lab): Will the not guard them for the 36 hours that it would have Secretary of State explain why the statement did not taken to lift them to a place of safety. Because of the include anything about Britain’s nuclear weapons? Would deteriorating security situation, is it sensible to order it not have been a good opportunity to announce the more Chinooks that are vulnerable to small arms fire cancellation of the Trident replacement programme, and to surface-to-air missiles? thus saving a great deal of money? 811 Future Defence Programme15 DECEMBER 2009 Future Defence Programme 812

Mr. Ainsworth: The answer to that is: I do not believe Mr. Gordon Prentice (Pendle) (Lab): My friend said a that it would be a good idea to make such an few moments ago that Government policy on Trident announcement, because I do not agree with my hon. had not changed since 2006, but that is incorrect; the Friend. Prime Minister has floated the possibility of going down from four boats to three boats. If that were to Mr. Keith Simpson (Mid-Norfolk) (Con): Most of the happen, how much would be saved? capabilities that the Secretary of State has today announced will be sent to Afghanistan have been flagged up over Mr. Ainsworth: My hon. Friend needs to look at the the past year by the military in Afghanistan, as many White Paper, because the possibility of going down hon. Members have said. Why has it taken so long for from four boats to three boats was floated at the time. I those capabilities actually to come into play? Is it because have to say to him that that would not save money in the Treasury and the Prime Minister delayed them? any near year because, as I am sure that he will appreciate, all the costs of the fourth boat come pretty late in the Mr. Ainsworth: It has not taken so long, and the programme. hon. Gentleman knows that we have made repeated announcements of capability uplifts in all kinds of Christopher Fraser (South-West Norfolk) (Con): Given areas. I heard some so-called expert on the television that the Tornado force is being reduced, RAF Marham today say, “Why are we only getting IED capability now in my constituency will be affected. The Secretary of when we have been in Afghanistan for eight years?” State will appreciate that it is an extremely busy base Well, we have not been in Helmand for eight years, and that could not function without its dedicated local staff. the threat changed. If we care to remember, a couple of What impact assessment have the Government undertaken years ago the big problem was head-on assaults, small to assess the effect that the cuts will have on local arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. unemployment and unemployment as a whole? Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire, North) (Lab): Mr. Ainsworth: We will obviously have to look at There is an overwhelmingly responsibility on any British that. The operation at Marham is particularly impressive—I Government to protect and support British manufacturing have been there myself—and we do not want to do and British jobs. Following the question from the hon. anything to undermine the good work that is being Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws), could I, as joint chair of done there. However, we have to prioritise the kinds of the Unite parliamentary group, ask what discussions kit and equipment that are needed for our current my right hon. Friend has had with AgustaWestland, as operations, and that will lead to a reduction in the part of its strategic defence agreement with the MOD, number of fast jets that we have. The decision on the to build the Chinook helicopter under the existing breakdown between Harrier and Tornado will have to licence agreement? Will he consider—even at this late be taken as part of a strategic defence review. Considerations stage—a British bid and meet Unite representatives so of the kind that the hon. Gentleman is talking about that they can put forward their case? will of course be part of that evaluation. Mr. Ainsworth: I have said that I would not rule out in principle such an option, but in the circumstances in David Taylor (North-West Leicestershire) (Lab/Co-op): which we find ourselves, where budgets are tight and we The counties of Rutland and Leicestershire will be need to have that capability as quickly as possible, I am alarmed at the proposed closure of RAF Cottesmore, not prepared to enter into an arrangement that delays which is, inter alia, a significant contributor to the local and increases the cost of those aircraft. I want those economy. Will the Secretary of State, as a well-regarded Chinooks; I want them as quickly as I can get them; and trade unionist in a former life, indicate to the House I want them at an affordable price. I do not think that what plans he has to consult the local work force and, we are breaking our long-term relationship with indeed, the wider local community about the impact of AgustaWestland, which will continue to be a major this suggested closure? supplier of helicopter capability to us. Mr. Ainsworth: We will be consulting them through Mr. Gary Streeter (South-West Devon) (Con): The the chain of command, and helping them in any and Secretary of State mentioned the cost growth in equipment every way that we can. All I would say to my hon. programmes, and we understand from this morning’s Friend is that if we are to pay for the kind of enhancements report that the Government delay in pursuing the carrier that we need, and that are and should be our priority, contracts has caused an uplift in the price of more than there has to be something on the other side of the £600 million and had knock-on effects on the work balance. We will try to help the people affected. forces of Rosyth and Devonport. How is that value for money? Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP): I thank the Secretary of State for the advance copy of his statement. He will Mr. Ainsworth: Look, difficult decisions have to be know that Government statistics show that, since 1997, taken in order to prioritise the equipment programme. I 9,500 defence jobs have been lost in Scotland, bases heard a Conservative spokesman today describe how have closed, regiments have been amalgamated, and in things might be different, but the Conservatives would recent years £4.3 billion less has been spent on defence have ordered the carrier, would not they? They would in Scotland than has been contributed by taxpayers in also surely—or would they?—have prioritised the things Scotland—and today the cuts have continued. RAF that we have prioritised, so if they are going to make the Kinloss and RAF Lossiemouth in my constituency will allegation that we did something wrong, they have to be be significantly affected. The MOD must have worked prepared to spell out what they would have done differently, out the manning and spending implications of today’s and they have singularly failed to do that. announcement. Will the Secretary of State confirm the 813 Future Defence Programme15 DECEMBER 2009 Future Defence Programme 814 staffing implications of the announcement for RAF Mr. Ainsworth: First, carriers are a very important Kinloss and RAF Lossiemouth? What are the projected capability that we remain committed to. With regard to cost savings at both bases? Taking into account the the ongoing welfare needs of our armed forces, the changes in the statement, how many service personnel Under-Secretary of State for Defence, my hon. Friend and civilian MOD staff will be based in Scotland? How the Member for North Durham (Mr. Jones), is looking much will the defence underspend in Scotland grow by? seriously at how we can enhance the situation and protect people. We take the matter very seriously. Mr. Ainsworth: All I would say to the hon. Gentleman is that if the policies of his party were pursued, short of Hugh Robertson (Faversham and Mid-Kent) (Con): his policy of independence, there would be massive It is a central tenet of military life that time spent in reductions in MOD-related jobs in Scotland. If he then training saves lives on operations, even if that training is got his own way on independence, one can only imagine of a more generalised nature, as the Secretary of State the calamity in terms of the defence footprint north of said in reply to my right hon. Friend the Member for the border. We are not going to close Kinloss, but North-East Hampshire (Mr. Arbuthnot). What precise obviously Nimrod MR2 activity there will cease, and cut in the training budget is he looking for? that will have a significant impact on the levels of activity out of the base. Mr. Ainsworth: I am looking to maintain all the training necessary, if at all possible. That includes both Mr. David Hamilton (Midlothian) (Lab): A few moments pre-deployment training for Afghanistan and the kind ago, my right hon. Friend said to my hon. Friend the of training that we undertake in perfectly relevant theatres Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire, North (Jim Sheridan) such as Kenya. There has been an emphasis on Kenya, that if the Chinooks came in on time and at the right and therefore we have done less training elsewhere in price, he would not turn his back on British workers. recent years. We have to give priority to the kind of Will he agree to meet my hon. Friend, with Unite training that is necessary for our current operations, colleagues, to talk about that issue? and that is what we will do. Mr. Mike Hancock (Portsmouth, South) (LD): When Mr. Ainsworth: I am prepared to talk to my hon. will the Secretary of State be in a position to make a Friends and other hon. Members at any time, and I had statement to the House about the future of HMS some discussions with the Unite trade union yesterday Endurance? Is he aware of the debilitating effect that evening. Within the parameters of what I have said, of the continuous drift of the carrier programme is having course I will talk to my hon. Friend and others. on the work force in Portsmouth dockyard? They were led to believe that dates for the carrier build would be Mr. Bernard Jenkin (North Essex) (Con): The Secretary given this year, but they are now going further and of State deserves respect for taking some very tough further away and jobs are at risk. Is he certain that there decisions that his predecessors should perhaps have will be no further drift in the carrier programme as far taken many years ago. Nevertheless, he said in his as the Government are concerned? statement that from the £900 million to be raided from the core budget, he is funding body armour, night Mr. Ainsworth: I do not know about “continuous” vision goggles, Bowman tactical radios and counter-IED delays to the carrier programme. As the hon. Gentleman capabilities. By no stretch of the imagination is that knows and as we have acknowledged, we delayed the justified, because he is raiding future defence capability programme, but there is not a continuous delay, and to fund current operations, which the Treasury should there will be no further delay as a result of my statement be paying for directly. today. We are cutting steel now for the carriers, so work is progressing. We are still assessing the situation with Mr. Ainsworth: The close combat support package regard to HMS Endurance. needed for our operations in Afghanistan is already in place and being provided, and we have additional capability Mr. Hugo Swire (East Devon) (Con): As recently as for pre-deployment training. What the Army would 28 October, the Secretary of State came to the House ideally like is that suite of capability right throughout under considerable pressure and claimed that he had the Army, and this change takes us a step towards that attracted some additional ring-fenced money from the so that it has equipment such as night vision goggles Treasury for Territorial Army training. Since then, we before pre-deployment training. We cannot reasonably have heard of cuts and a lack of finance getting through ask the reserve to fund that and to re-equip the Army to the Army Cadet Force, the officer training corps at completely. universities and the TA itself. Will he look into that and confirm that there will be no cuts to the reserves’ John Robertson (Glasgow, North-West) (Lab): On training, as he articulated as recently as October? behalf of the 2,000-plus workers at the Scotstoun yard in my constituency, may I thank my right hon. Friend Mr. Ainsworth: There are no cuts to the TA in the for his announcement about the carriers? Can he allay package announced today. some of my concerns about servicemen and women who come back from Afghanistan or any other theatre, Sir Patrick Cormack (South Staffordshire) (Con): and those who retire? I am concerned that they may not Will the Secretary of State think again about withdrawing receive the help, financial support and training that the minehunter from the Gulf? Does he remember the they sometimes need when getting back into civilian signals that were sent out and what happened when the life. Will he assure me that the cuts will not affect those survey ship Endurance was removed from the south people? Atlantic? 815 Future Defence Programme15 DECEMBER 2009 Future Defence Programme 816

Mr. Ainsworth: Of course, I will bear in mind the Mr. James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): My points made by the hon. Gentleman and the hon. constituents at RAF Lyneham will no doubt welcome Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox). However, the hon. the extra defensive aids suites for their C-130Js, and Member for South Staffordshire (Sir Patrick Cormack) indeed the extra C-17, but it is very hard to imagine should not exaggerate the situation. We have minehunters how, when they are fully stretched, as they are at the active in the Gulf area, as we have had for a considerable moment, they can possibly get any more out of the very time. They are very valuable assets that a lot of nations limited C-130J fleet. Is it not time that the Secretary of appreciate. State cancelled the A400M and the ridiculous closure of RAF Lyneham? Mr. Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con): The need for this statement and the shambles around the TA statement in Mr. Ainsworth: I am told that we can get more out of October are signs that the management of defence is in them. Of course, if we have a greater proportion of the most desperate straits. The price of that is being them fully fitted with defensive aids capability, they will paid by service personnel as well as by the equipment be more deployable. I think we can get more use and and training budget. Will the Secretary of State give more deployability out of the Hercules fleet. more details about the reductions in service personnel numbers? The statement says that that will involve Mr. Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Given the “releasing some personnel”, but how many is “some”? Secretary of State’s answer to an earlier question, how exactly are the Merlin and Hercules going to cover the Mr. Ainsworth: The details are still being worked on, gap caused by the withdrawal of Nimrod, given the but I find it hard to square the hon. Gentleman’s pressure on resources? allegation with an announcement that pushes another £900 million in the direction of our forces deployed in Mr. Ainsworth: The sea rescue capability can be provided, Afghanistan. How on earth can he square what he says as it has been in the past, by platforms other than the with that? Nimrod. I am told that that can happen and that we can meet all our obligations through the use of other platforms. Mr. Gregory Campbell (East Londonderry) (DUP): I Ann Winterton (Congleton) (Con): Will the new vehicles thank the Secretary of State for an advance copy of his being deployed to Afghanistan include tracked versions statement. He describes helicopters and the strategic air of the Mastiff family of vehicles to provide greater bridge as key capabilities. Can he outline what beneficial flexibility and manoeuvrability, not least because the difference there will be to troops on the ground within Mastiff has saved the lives of hundreds of British the next two to three years before the first Chinook service personnel? arrives? Mr. Ainsworth: We have no plans for a tracked version Mr. Ainsworth: We continue to deploy the Merlin of Mastiff. The hon. Lady will know that we have fleet and I believe that there are now five or six Merlin in almost doubled the number of Mastiffs available to theatre. They have given us a considerable uplift— commanders in Afghanistan since August of this year. we have more than doubled helicopter hours. We will continue to try to be as efficient, and to get as many of Mr. Richard Benyon (Newbury) (Con): Will the Secretary our existing helicopters into theatre and as much use of State now answer the question put by my hon. from them as we can. Of course, the Chinook will Friend the Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox) and the provide yet more in-theatre lift, which will be very hon. Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey) about valuable. As I have said, we will get 10 of them in the how hollow this announcement sounds in relation to financial year 2012-13. The additional C-17—the seventh— the announcement in 2004 about a £1.4 billion cut to will be a real boon to the strategic airlift, which is so our helicopter fleet? important to getting troops and supplies in and out of theatre. Mr. Ainsworth: The situation in 2004 was very different from the situation today. If the hon. Gentleman recalls, Mr. Andrew Robathan (Blaby) (Con): Nobody is fooled. our operations in Iraq had only just begun and we were This announcement is about very serious and possibly not even present in southern Afghanistan—[Interruption.] savage cuts in our overall defence capabilities, and indeed We were not even present in southern Afghanistan. The downgrading our armed forces. That is a direct result of decision today will be very welcome as an appropriate the antipathy towards defence funding and the appalling shift of priorities in favour of current operations. economic stewardship of the Prime Minister when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer. When the Secretary Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): MOD civilian staff of State read the National Audit Office report today give loyal and long service, which is not always very well that talks about a possible defence deficit of £36 billion paid, in places such as the Defence Storage and Distribution in this decade, who did he blame? Agency in Bicester in my patch. Will the Secretary of State give an undertaking to the House that those Mr. Ainsworth: There has been a 10 per cent. real-terms employees will be properly briefed by the line of command increase in the core defence budget since 1997 supplemented about what will happen to them, and about who will be by £14 billion for our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan retained in core functions and who might be at risk of from the Treasury reserve. Not a single penny has been being privatised? There is a lot of uncertainty around, cut in the defence budget this year, but we are dealing and the very least that is owed to them is that the with the pressures that exist and redirecting money MOD—as a good employer—should tell them what is towards current operations. happening. 817 Future Defence Programme 15 DECEMBER 2009 818

Mr. Ainsworth: We will seek to do that, and that is in Benefit Reform marked contrast to some of the comments made by the hon. Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox) about massive 4.33 pm cuts in civilian headcount in the MOD which could, if not properly structured, lead to uniformed staff doing The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Yvette civilian jobs at increased cost, not at a saving. We will Cooper): With permission, I shall make a statement on look at this, plan properly and consult our staff. the Employment White Paper and the consultation document on housing benefit that we are publishing Mr. Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): The Secretary today. of State’s announcement of 22 additional Chinooks Families across Britain have been affected by the will be very welcome, and it gives this House an opportunity worst global recession in living memory. We made clear to praise the professionalism and skill of the Chinook last year our commitment to help people through the pilots and their aircrews, who risk their lives day in and recession—through wider support for the economy, but day out in Afghanistan. Is the Secretary of State planning through strong active labour market policies too. We set to increase the number of pilots and aircrews who fly out £5 billion additional investment this year and next Chinooks, or will he ask the existing pool to fly more to help people back to work. We expanded the help in often and make more visits to Afghanistan? Jobcentre Plus, and set out funding for 300,000 youth job and training places and more apprenticeships. We Mr. Ainsworth: When we commit ourselves to providing also pressed on with welfare reforms to avoid the big increased helicopter lift, we are not committing ourselves increases in inactivity that we saw in past recessions. just to buying the frames. A lot of work needs to be The claimant count for November stands at 1.64 million, done in terms of logistics supply, training and the and we expect it to rise further in the new year. provision of crews for that fleet. The International Labour Organisation’s measure of unemployment stands at 2.46 million. However, the Mr. Speaker: I thank all right hon. and hon. Members action that we have taken has made a difference. It has and congratulate them on their co-operation, because kept unemployment lower than people expected, and 38 Back Benchers were able to question the Secretary of lower than in previous recessions too. The claimant State, which is a very good record. count is about 400,000 lower than predicted at the time of the Budget. Employment has not fallen as far as in previous downturns, despite the fact that the overall shock to the economy from the global recession has been greater, and the claimant count currently stands at about 5 per cent., compared with peaks of about 10 per cent. in the 1980s and 1990s. We need to do more, however. Previous recessions left deep scars, as those hit by long-term unemployment found it hard to get work even once the economy started growing again. In the 1990s, youth unemployment in particular kept rising for more than a year after the recession finished, and in the 1980s it rose for more than four years after the recession ended. At times, 350,000 young people were on the dole for more than a year. To prevent the recession from leaving permanent scars that could damage young people for many years, we believe that more, not less, help is needed as we move into recovery. We are setting out extra help for young people who have been most heavily affected by the recession. We already provide extra support for young people from day one of their claim, but we will now deliver a youth guarantee of work or training for every young person who has been on the dole for six months. To deliver that support, we will fund an extra 100,000 youth job and training opportunities, on top of the 300,000 extra youth opportunities we are already funding this year and next. Young people will be required to take up the help on offer as a condition of receiving benefit. That help will include expanding the future jobs fund, which is already supporting thousands of people in jobs that are good for them and their communities— sports coaches, housing officers and jobs in child care and energy efficiency. More jobs are planned, including hundreds of new jobs working with the police in the Met, jobs in the NHS, and jobs developing the national cycle network across the country. For 16 to 17-year-olds, we are making available further funding to subsidise 5,000 additional apprenticeship places, so that more young people can get invaluable 819 Benefit Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 Benefit Reform 820

[Yvette Cooper] work, but we believe that it is right that work should be properly rewarded, so it is now time to introduce a work experience under their belt. We expect youth guarantee that people are better off in work. In the unemployment to keep increasing in the new year, but longer term, we believe that that could be done through our aim is to work with employers across the country further significant benefit reform, such as a single working who also need to do their bit to get the youth claimant age benefit, but in the meantime we will introduce a new count falling. We aim to get it falling in the second half better off in work credit, which will guarantee that of next year. everyone who moves into work after being on benefit Older workers also need extra help, so we are announcing for six months or more will be at least £40 a week better today plans to provide tailored support for the over-50s, off. We are also increasing the help for carers and including help to tackle age discrimination. We will also parents who can work only for fewer than 16 hours provide more help for those experiencing repeated short because of their family responsibilities. spells of unemployment and expand help from private The housing benefit consultation also includes proposals sector recruitment agencies for professional workers. to let people keep their full housing benefit payments We also know that lots of people want to start their own for three months after moving into work and for setting business, so we will provide more help and advice to do fixed awards for up to six months to remove some of the so from day one of becoming unemployed, with a uncertainty that comes with going back to work. We are self-employment credit available from three months of also consulting on removing some of the highest rents unemployment. that are distorting the system in a way that is unfair. Ninety per cent. of those on jobseeker’s allowance Lower than expected unemployment is already saving still leave it within 12 months, but for those who become around £10 billion over the next five years on benefit long-term unemployed we are rolling out the innovative spending alone, compared with Budget plans. It has flexible new deal through which specialist providers also saved money within the £5 billion budget for helping deliver personal help, paid by their results. We will trial people back to work, as fewer people than expected new ways to incentivise providers to help the hardest to have reached six or 12 months’ unemployment where reach, to ensure that contracts can be delivered in a way the more intensive help is on offer. Those savings now that is good value for the taxpayer as well. We are also allow us to spend £400 million over the next 18 months— determined to keep up the pace on welfare reform to £300 million of it on the young unemployed—to support pursue our long-term goal of full employment. today’s announcements. That investment is helping families This recession has not seen the big increase in inactivity across Britain at a difficult time. It is also supporting that we saw in the ’80s and ’90s, when the number of young people at the very start of their working lives, people on long-term sickness benefits trebled. Today, keeping up welfare reform at a time when it is more the number of people on inactive benefits is about important than ever, and helping the public finances. 375,000 lower than in 1997. Many people still need help This Government believe that we need to help people at with skills, finding child care or getting health support a tough time. We will not turn our backs on people who to ensure that they can work. Programmes such as the lose their jobs. We will keep supporting them, not just in new deal for lone parents and pathways are already the recession, but in the recovery. providing wide-ranging help to get people back to work. The White Paper and the housing benefit consultation However, we want to go further, not just to help people set out a comprehensive package to help people back to into jobs but to support them into sustainable employment work and ensure that they are better off in work. It sets where they can progress up the skills ladder and balance out the next stage of benefit and welfare reform in work and family life. pursuit of our goal to get 1 million more people in We will do more to fund travel and child care costs employment over the next five years. I commend this for jobseekers in part-time training and through jobcentres statement to the House. and outreach workers in schools to promote flexible and part-time opportunities for parents and carers. We Mrs. Theresa May (Maidenhead) (Con): I thank the are reforming and extending the work choice and access Secretary of State for an advance copy of her statement. to work schemes, and introducing mental health At a time when nearly 2.5 million people are unemployed, co-ordinators to help thousands of people with mental and when we have record youth unemployment and a health conditions back into employment. record level of economic inactivity, it is right that every We are also setting out further measures to improve effort should be made to provide help and support to skills opportunities, including skills accounts and a get people back into work or trained and ready for work single joint budget, to help the unemployed between when the recovery comes. But today’s flagship White my Department and the Department for Business, Paper from Labour, coming as it does nearly two years Innovation and Skills. With greater support come greater after unemployment started rising, is little more than a responsibilities, so from next year we are extending the restatement of previous policies. new work capability assessment for those currently on Of course, some of those policies are very familiar to incapacity benefit. We are also extending jobseeking us, because they are our policies. More help for young requirements to lone parents with children aged over people after six months; flexible employment programmes seven, but we want to go further, so we will also bring that give people support based on their needs, not forward requirements for partners of benefit claimants what benefit they are on; reform of pathways to work— to seek employment. all are Conservative policies. Others, of course, are We are bringing forward a comprehensive package to reannouncements of Government policies. A review of help people back to work, but we also need to ensure housing benefit was first announced in the Budget in that people are better off in work. The introduction of 2008 and was due for publication in the first half of the national minimum wage and tax credits means that 2009. Perhaps the Secretary of State needed time to most people see significant gains from moving into consider the U-turn that she has now performed on the 821 Benefit Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 Benefit Reform 822 removal of the £15 payment for people who found out that young people need more help sooner to get into lower than average rents. We welcome that move, but work. We called on her just last week to offer more help does the right hon. Lady agree that, far from setting out for young people after six months, but she refused to do far-reaching reform of housing benefit, many of the so; the extra help would come after 10 months. Now, measures in the consultation simply serve to reverse the however, she has announced that the youth guarantee mistakes made by the Government’s first attempt at will be delivered after six months’ unemployment, and reform with the local housing allowance? that young people will be required to take up the help Speaking of the local housing allowance, the impact on offer as a condition of receiving benefit. of the Government’s decision to pay the money directly However, in describing the new young person’s guarantee, to the tenant has been families with increased rent the White Paper states that if someone is still unemployed arrears and landlords pulling out of the whole system. after six months, they will be offered a job, training or Indeed, the British Property Federation has said today internship, and will be required to take it up that an alarming 55.5 per cent. of landlords who responded “before they complete ten months on JSA.” to a survey that it conducted stated that So, for some young people, the extra help will still only “they now refuse to take on LHA tenants due to fears of rent come after 10 months. Which is correct: the Secretary of arrears.” State’s statement or the White Paper? Or is this just Why will the Government not adopt our policy of another piece of spin designed to gain a headline? For a letting tenants choose whether the allowance is paid to Government who promised “real help now”, it is not them or directly to the landlord? good enough that their flagship policy on youth Other policies reannounced today include tougher unemployment will kick in almost two years after the measures to require the partners of benefit claimants to recession began and unemployment first began to rise. look for work. That was first announced in a Green Perhaps they were so slow to respond because the Prime Paper in the summer of 2008, then in a White Paper this Minister still believes that he has abolished youth time last year. It has now been announced yet again in unemployment. this White Paper. A national roll-out of the better off in We have heard some good ideas today—many of work credit was announced in the pre-Budget report, them our own—but yet again when we look at the detail but it was first promised in 2008, and it was due to be we see that they are not big bold plans for reform; they introduced in 2009. Now we see from the White Paper are yet more consultations, pilots and pathfinders. As that the credit is to be introduced in one region from ever with this Labour Government, we have to judge October 2010, and that it is expected to be available them on what they do, not on what they say. Youth nationally from 2011. Will the Secretary of State confirm unemployment is at a record high. One in five young that that represents a delay of two years for the introduction people cannot find a job. Eight million people are of the better off in work credit? economically inactive—another record high. More children The need for that credit is an admission of failure for are growing up in workless households here than anywhere the Government, who have been insisting for the past else in Europe. Now, in the dying days of this Government, 12 years that people are already better off in work. Will they are rushing out a series of policy announcements the Secretary of State finally admit that, under Labour, aimed at grabbing votes as the election looms. people can still be better off on benefits? Will she The Labour Government have had 12 years in which confirm that the in-work credit will last for six months to introduce radical welfare reform. They have failed. and that, after that, those who have received it will once Why should anyone believe that they will do as they say, again be worse off in work? Will she also confirm that when they have done nothing to deal with these problems the increased payment to lone parents in work will be for so long? The people paying the price are the millions only a trial, and that it will not be available nationally? who have been trapped in benefit dependency for years. Far from improving work incentives, the Prime Minister Their children are growing up in poverty. Their health is has made them worse during the recession. Will the suffering. Their self esteem has fallen away. That is the Secretary of State confirm that figures hidden in the greatest moral failure of this Labour Government, and pre-Budget report reveal that the number of low-income we will never let them forget it. families facing marginal tax rates of over 90 per cent. will have more than doubled during the recession? Yvette Cooper: The kind response to that would be to I welcome today’s focus on youth unemployment, but suggest that the right hon. Lady does not understand does the right hon. Lady agree that the Government are her own policies—and certainly does not understand acting on this too late, when nearly 1 million young ours. Let me deal in turn with the points that she raised. people are already unemployed? We have pledged to The right hon. Lady talked about the level of youth create 400,000 more apprenticeships, training places unemployment. The youth claimant count for Great and work pairings over two years for young people who Britain in October was 462,000. In October 1992, in the are out of work, so I welcome the fact that the Government last recession, it was 784,000. In October 1985, it was have adopted our approach, and that there is a focus on 980,000—more than twice as many young people on the training and apprenticeships in the White Paper. However, dole as there are today. She says that we should judge the Government have been downgrading apprenticeships her not on what she says, but on what she does, and we to a level 2 qualification. Will the Secretary of State tell would certainly judge the Conservative party on what it us how many of the new places being created will be did over 18 years in government. apprenticeships at level 3? The right hon. Lady said that we are introducing In October, we pledged to give all young people real Conservative policies on youth unemployment. Until support after six months unemployment, so I welcome September, she did not have any policies on youth the fact that the Secretary of State has finally worked unemployment. It was only when her noble Friend 823 Benefit Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 Benefit Reform 824

[Yvette Cooper] the Chancellor announced this week for free school meals, which helps in particular families who are concerned Lord Freud came up with a few that she had any about in-work costs. policies at all. Even at that point, what was her policy I have set out today measures that expand support for for young people who have been unemployed for more young people and older people who are unemployed. than six months? It was not a guarantee of jobs or They are designed to help tackle the unemployment training—not at all. All she was offering was a bit of problems that we face, but also to bring unemployment private sector help for young people. We are offering down further and faster than in previous recessions. We guaranteed jobs or training or work, but she would not believe that active Governments should take such action fund that. She would not support our £5 billion additional rather than adopting the approach of the Conservatives, investment. who want to roll back big government, leave people to The right hon. Lady’s policy is to oppose and abolish sink or swim and abandon people to their fate, just as the future jobs fund, which is delivering more than they did in the 1980s and 1990s. We will not allow that 120,000 job opportunities for young people right across to happen again. the country. The Conservative party wants to say to those 120,000 young people, “That’s it; your job’s gone.” Hazel Blears (Salford) (Lab): My right hon. Friend’s This Government are increasing the support we give to statement will be warmly welcomed in Salford, where young people, not just from day one but throughout a we are only too well aware of the real effects of Tory young person’s experience of unemployment or inactivity. party policies. In the early 1990s, a whole generation We believe that they should have more support; we was consigned to the scrapheap as a result of those believe that they should have more help; and we are policies. prepared to put more investment into it. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the measures We are prepared to put more investment into offering she has announced will ensure continued support for young people education and training places—for example, companies such as B4Box in Salford, which is led by an through the September guarantee, which is again something inspirational woman entrepreneur, and which is providing that the Conservative party opposes. The Conservatives construction skills and real jobs for a range of young oppose the extra investment in education and training people who would never normally have those chances? places; they oppose the job opportunities; they want to It is that enterprise and innovation that these measures turn their backs once again on young people right will support. across the country because they simply do not care enough to be prepared to invest—money that is a saving Yvette Cooper: My right hon. Friend is right. She has for the future. talked to me, and also to my right hon. Friend the The right hon. Lady also talked about the housing Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform, about benefit measures. I did not hear her welcome proposals the company in her constituency which is doing such to include run-ons, for example, for people on housing great work to support young people and give them benefit who are moving into work. I had hoped that she opportunities. Providing that start in life and that step would support those proposals. We have said that there on the career ladder involves providing training as well should be greater choice for tenants, so that their money as work experience. I know that my right hon. Friend may be paid to landlords, but we want to consult on the Minister will be happy to visit my right hon. Friend’s whether there should be additional requirements, for constituency. example, on landlords to improve the condition of their properties as part of that. For the vast majority of Steve Webb (Northavon) (LD): I am grateful to the tenants it is a good thing to have their money paid to Secretary of State for providing me with a copy of her them directly, as it increases their independence, but we statement. It is a bit of a shopping list, but there are want to look at how we can improve the private rented some good things on that shopping list. I am pleased sector as well. that lone parents may be able to keep more of the wages Let me respond to the points raised about whether that they are paid for small part-time jobs. We need to people are better off in work. The right hon. Lady will end the dichotomy between work and non-work: there have seen—I hope—from the information that we have are now far more grey areas, and the encouragement put out today that we have already given people big that the statement provides is welcome. increases in additional support. For a family with one I welcome the small increase in the carer’s earnings child and one earner in full-time work, the weekly allowance. It is probably not enough, but it is a step in minimum income guaranteed as a result of Government the right direction. I also welcome the exploration of support and the minimum wage has gone up from fixed housing benefit awards, which must be worth £182 a week to £309 a week—a 28 per cent. increase. considering, and the U-turn on local housing allowance, For a couple with no children over 25 in full-time work, an issue that I raised last week during Question Time. It the amount has gone up from £117 to £234 —a 50 per is good that the Government have thought again. cent. real-terms increase. In relation to in-work benefits, the right hon. Member That is a substantial increase in support for people for Maidenhead (Mrs. May) raised the significant issue moving into work, through things such as the minimum of what would happen after the six-month period. I wage, which the Conservative party opposed; through accept that there will be transitional costs and the early tax credits, which the Conservative party opposed; and costs of a new job, but I worry about what will happen through additional support for people. We think it right after six months to someone whose mortgage or rent to ensure that there is a guarantee—a nice, clear, simple payments simply cannot be afforded on a modest wage. way of supporting people so that everyone is £40 a week Will the Secretary of State tell us what she envisages? I better off. That is on top of the additional support that understand that there have been pilots. What happened 825 Benefit Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 Benefit Reform 826 after six months to the people who could not then concerned about housing benefit or the interaction afford their mortgage payments, and do we need a more between different benefits, which can be difficult to sustained way of helping people? understand. This credit gives people the simple message The White Paper proposes that lone parents who are that they will be £40 a week better off, and it allows training can receive income support in the summer, but them to get back into work so that they can build their the Welfare Reform Act 2009 provided for the abolition confidence and understand that, in the future, they will of income support. I am a little hazy about how the two still be better off in work than unemployed. fit together. The hon. Gentleman’s point about mortgages is The Government are extending the work capability important. Some people will find themselves with assessment to incapacity benefit recipients. In my view, unsustainable mortgages, perhaps taken out before the it is currently having a very damaging effect on people credit crunch began. For those people, we want to receiving employment and support allowance, many of ensure that there is long-term help, if possible to get whom are being shunted on to jobseeker’s allowance them back into a job that pays them enough to maintain when they are not fit for work. The rate at which people their mortgage payments, but if not, to provide support are being transferred is much higher than was projected. to them via some of the mortgage rescue schemes or via What appraisal have the Government carried out of the housing associations and other bodies, so that we ensure current effect of the assessment, before applying it to a that they have sustainable long-term housing finance as whole new group? I think that the issue will be filling all well. That matter obviously raises a wider range of our postbags in the coming months and years if we do issues to consider. not get it right. Under the Welfare Reform Bill it is possible to remove As for the issue of high housing benefit for people in income support, but that is not our intention at this high-rent areas, I can see that this makes a bad newspaper time, because we need it for precisely the reasons the headline, but if—especially in London—people in high-rent hon. Gentleman mentioned. We think there is a case for areas are shunted into low-rent areas, is there not a risk providing a single working age benefit and for undertaking that family networks that can provide child care will be much wider benefit reform in the future, but such broken up, that children will be moved from their reform must be undertaken in stages, which is why we existing schools, and that ghettoes will be created when are making individual changes through measures such everyone in temporary accommodation ends up in bits as the reform of housing benefit. of London where the rents are cheap? Is that really a The hon. Gentleman raised concerns about the work good by-product of policy? capability assessment. We are reviewing it and we have Are we doing enough at the outset for the high-risk been working on that with expert stakeholders and youth unemployed? Is it not the case that on day one medical professionals. We are also closely monitoring of a claim it is possible to identify the high-risk groups, those the appeals process. We believe that some sensible changes with no qualifications and those in high-unemployment and modifications can be made to the work capability areas? In such cases, could we not intervene more assessment, and discussions on this issue are ongoing. intensively on day one? In the White Paper, we refer to the additional assistance The White Paper talks of doing more to match that we want to provide to those people on jobseeker’s people with family-friendly jobs in jobcentres. Many allowance who may be able to work but who may also people say to me “When I went to the jobcentre I have health conditions and therefore need some additional expected the staff to help me to find a job, but all that support in that context even though they are able to they said was ‘There’s the internet’.” Is there not a gap take up employment and work as well. We will want to between the rhetoric and the reality? It would be great consider that possibility as part of a review of the to think that Jobcentre Plus will match people carefully pathways programme. with jobs and family-friendly employers, but is it not the The hon. Gentleman asked about the high sums of case that they are having enough trouble just keeping up housing benefit and about high rents in some areas. We with the paperwork? Is there the necessary resource for think it is right to look at the possibility of excluding us to do the good things that the Secretary of State the highest proportion of rents from the calculations. wants to do? The rent officers used to do that under the old local reference rent scheme: they used to exclude some of Yvette Cooper: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his both the highest and the lowest rents when working out comments, and I shall try to respond to each of his their calculations. There is a second issue to consider: questions. I am grateful for his points on the carer’s because of the wide areas within which the local housing allowance and the support provided for people working allowance applies, the average in an area can be raised for small numbers of hours. As we know, a lot of people by the presence of some very high cost and expensive cannot work for more than 16 hours, particularly those properties in certain neighbourhoods, and that ends up in families with caring responsibilities, and it is better having an impact on nearby neighbourhoods. We think for them to be able to work than not to be working, it is possible to exclude some of the highest rents that even if they can only work a small number of hours. are distorting the system and leading to unfairness In terms of what happens after six months in respect without jeopardising the existence of mixed communities, of the back-to-work credit, the evidence suggests that because it is right that we continue to support decent people do not drop out of work after the credit finishes—in housing in mixed communities across London and many any case, the vast majority of people are significantly of our areas. better off in work. The addition of the credit not only The hon. Gentleman asked about what more we can guarantees that they will be £40 a week better off, but it do from the very first day of unemployment. Jobcentre gives them the clear and simple message that they will Plus trials will be starting in his area and several others be better off by that amount when they might be to give jobcentre advisers precisely the flexibility he was 827 Benefit Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 Benefit Reform 828

[Yvette Cooper] help people into work, but on the wider work to support the economy. It has been estimated that the measures talking about, so that they are able to consider people that we have taken to support the economy, for example, very much as individuals in respect of what help they the wider fiscal stimulus, and the support provided need and whether they should be fast-tracked to particular through the Bank of England and quantitative easing, forms of support or additional help. Those trials will have helped to prevent the loss of up to 500,000 jobs as consider how we can enable jobcentres to work more a result of the recession. We need to keep supporting flexibly. Jobcentres have done a fantastic job in the the economy, rather than to cut back on support for the difficult period of the last 12 months by not only economy and for jobs, as his party is proposing right responding to the very big increase in the number of now, in the middle of the recession. people coming through their doors but by helping people and getting people back into work, and by paying Miss Anne Begg (Aberdeen, South) (Lab): I, too, benefits on time. We should pay tribute to the immense welcome the three month run-on for housing benefit, amount of hard work done by many of the people in because it is important in letting people settle down into our jobcentres, and we want to give them more support jobs before there is any threat of their having their so that they can do a better and more flexible job in benefit taken from them. Did not my right hon. Friend future as well. say something in the White Paper about discussion as to whether housing benefit can be paid directly to landlords? Mr. Terry Rooney (Bradford, North) (Lab): When my I have been in correspondence with one of her colleagues right hon. Friend is judging people by what they do and about a local citizens advice bureau and the eviction of not what they say, will she recall what happened to some of its clients because they have got chaotic lifestyles. apprenticeships in the 1980s, who abolished the old They are drug addicts and they have been pleading for wages councils and who pursued poverty pay? May I their housing benefit to be paid straight to their landlord. particularly welcome the announcements that she has made I would welcome such an approach. today on housing benefit run-on and the carer’s allowance, both of which have been strong recommendations of Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend makes an important the Select Committee on Work and Pensions in the past point, and I know that she and others on the Select and, thus, are even more relevant and important? I Committee have been examining this issue. Clearly it welcome her announcement on the extension to the ought to be possible already for those with the most youth guarantee, but can she tell the House how many chaotic lifestyles to have their housing benefit paid jobs have so far been filled through local employment directly to their landlord. We will be issuing new guidance partnerships? very shortly to make that clearer for local authorities, Yvette Cooper: I believe that the local employment although they should be doing more of this already. As partnerships are filling more than 30,000 jobs a month. part of the document, we are also consulting on giving I cannot recall, off the top of my head, the cumulative tenants a wider choice to be able to have their rent paid figure for the LEPs, but they have certainly helped far directly to their landlords if they so choose. It is important more people into work than we expected them to do, that the choice should lie with the tenant, not simply which is why we have provided them with some additional with the landlord because that has been an important support and funding so that they can expand their way of empowering tenants and giving them more work. They are working closely with employers, and choice, as opposed to simply paying the money directly providing people with additional targeted training has to landlords. The other thing on which we want to been very successful. My hon. Friend is also right to say consult as part of this proposal is whether there should that apprenticeships had been pretty much killed off be any conditions on the landlord where rents are paid before 1997, since when there has been a big increase in directly to them. Such conditions could relate, for example, their number, with more than 230,000 people starting to the quality or the energy efficiency of the property, apprenticeships in the past year. Apprenticeships are a and we would like to seek people’s views on whether good opportunity for young people to receive training that is the right thing to do. as well as work experience. Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): One of the aspects of Mr. John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): As someone this recession is that employers have learned to retain who welcomes anything that can tackle the big problem older, skilled workers so that they are still in work when of unemployment, may I ask the Secretary of State to there is an upturn in the market. Concomitant to that give me her estimate of how many additional unsubsidised has been the fact that they have not been so willing sustainable jobs there will be in 18 months’ time if the and/or able to take on new, younger staff—school leavers Government spend this £400 million? and others. Will the Secretary of State explain what the future job fund offers to employers in the private sector? Yvette Cooper: The right hon. Gentleman is asking How can they access the fund to enable them to employ for the number of unsubsidised jobs there will be, and younger people so that its application does not simply one of the things that we are doing through the future lead to a further burgeoning of the public sector? I am jobs fund is to subsidise employment for young people, sure that the Secretary of State will understand that because we think that that is the right thing to do. So of many local authorities up and down the country are that £400 million, £300 million is helping not only to going through the difficult task of having to consider expand things such as the future jobs fund—that deals their staff levels against the current economic background, with the subsidised jobs—but to deliver additional targeted and it is very difficult for them to explain to their staff training to get young people back into work. The overall that they are simultaneously taking on people through level of employment in the economy and the number of the future jobs fund while trying to slim down the jobs that exist will depend not simply on our work to existing labour force in local government. 829 Benefit Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 Benefit Reform 830

Yvette Cooper: The hon. Gentleman makes an important there are complex interactions between different benefits. point about the impact on young people. He asked how That is also one reason why we think that the long-term private sector employers can benefit, and they can do so approach will include measures such as simplifying in a series of ways because it is not just about the housing benefit and considering how to apply it better support provided through the future jobs fund, but the in future, for example through a housing tax credit or additional support that is available for apprenticeships, different approaches to a single working age benefit. A via Train to Gain, recruitment subsidies and internships, further impact of that is ensuring not only that people if employers can offer them. For a lot of private sector are better off, but that they get continued support. If all employers, this is the opportunity to take on the talent support was immediately withdrawn once people moved of the future—to get talented people and to train them into work, although they would be able to work more up. That is good for business as well as good for those hours and see their income increase with every hour young people. that they worked, they might lose the substantial additional We are also asking all employers, through the backing support that we think it is right to give to people on low young Britain campaign, to see what they can do. Some incomes. Such people, especially those with families, might work with other partners through the future jobs should have additional support, and there should also fund, but others might simply offer a graduate internship be extra support for their children. for six months, for example. We can provide additional The issue is important, but we have done a lot to support and help when internships can be offered. reduce the number of people facing the highest marginal Employers could even simply act as mentors to young deduction rates. The long-term approach to the issue people, and could perhaps give them just a couple of should be through such measures as major benefit and weeks of work experience, too. The backing young tax reform. Britain website provides a range of ways in which employers can also get more information and support Malcolm Wicks (Croydon, North) (Lab): Given that through Jobcentre Plus and other agencies to help them we reformed housing benefit for private tenants with to help young people. the introduction of housing allowances to enable those tenants to make the kind of housing choices that the Mr. Ronnie Campbell (Blyth Valley) (Lab): I agree rest of us take for granted, although we should recognise that tenants should have the choice on housing benefit, that there will always be a small minority who do not but what worries me is the young people who leave pay their rent on time and therefore have a facility to school very early—the under-achievers—and drift into deal with that, can we be careful that we do not re-reform drugs, alcoholism and crime. They are left for perhaps housing benefit purely in the landlord’s interest, as the six months to wander the streets. They worry me—I see right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs. May) requests, them in my constituency, as all other Members will in and that we use housing allowance as a way out of theirs—because they are the ones who get into trouble benefit dependency and towards greater freedom and and end up in a hostel and sometimes in prison. What empowerment? can we do for them? Yvette Cooper: My right hon. Friend is exactly right. Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend is right that it is that The issue is extremely important, which is why we are small minority of people who can be most vulnerable consulting on how we should proceed. There are some and who also need the greatest support. It is often vital cases in which it would be easier for tenants to have that agencies and organisations work together to help their rent paid directly to their landlords, but equally, in them, otherwise they slip through the net. Today, we are the vast majority of cases, we think that it is much publishing a revised strategy to help young people, better for rent to be paid to tenants so that they have the particularly 16, 17 and 18-year-olds, in exactly those financial power to take decisions themselves. It is important circumstances. I draw my hon. Friend’s attention to that decisions and reforms are taken forward in the that. We are also keen for jobcentres to work more interests of tenants, rather than simply as a response to closely with other agencies that provide both family things for which landlords have asked. Tenants are at support and support for those young people, so that the the centre of these reforms. jobcentre does not simply start to work when somebody reaches 18; jobcentres can do their bit to help provide Mr. Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): The overall employment support or skills advice, where appropriate, level of unemployment has not risen as much as the for 16-year-olds. Government expected, which is a good thing, but the level of youth unemployment has risen by more than John Mason (Glasgow, East) (SNP): The £40 in-work they expected, which is a bad thing. The Secretary of guarantee sounds very positive, but does that not still State confirmed today that she anticipates that that rate leave an issue with the marginal tax rate being about will carry on rising beyond the date of the general 85 per cent. when they move beyond the £40? Should we election. What led the Government to underestimate be considering the minimum wage as part of the answer? the recession’s impact on young people? Yvette Cooper: As the hon. Gentleman will know, the Yvette Cooper: I do not think that that is accurate. minimum wage is established by the Low Pay Commission, The Budget forecasts earlier this year reflected independent which considers every year how the national minimum forecasts at the time, and the average of those independent wage can be increased. The national minimum wage has forecasts suggested that the overall rate of unemployment been an important part of ensuring that people are would be about 400,000 higher than it is today. As a better off in work. As a result of the changes to things result, and to anticipate that, we ensured that there was such as the tax credits, we have, over the past 10 to additional funding in place to help as many people as 12 years, reduced the number of people facing the very possible back to work. We said from the very beginning, highest marginal deduction rates, which occurs when however, that additional help needed to be provided for 831 Benefit Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 Benefit Reform 832

[Yvette Cooper] unemployed, and a self-employment credit of £50 a week will be available for them once they reach three young people, especially. Historically, young people have months of unemployment. In that way, people who always been those who are more affected by recessions, have ideas, initiative and an understanding of what they especially because they are the people who are trying to want to do will get the support that they need to get find a new job at a time when employers have cut back started. That will be good for them and their businesses, on recruitment. That was why we introduced the future and for the economy as well. jobs fund, and we talked about £1 billion of additional support for young people at the time of the Budget Mrs. Anne McGuire (Stirling) (Lab): When my right exactly because we wanted to ensure that extra help hon. Friend is reflecting on actions, I trust that she will would be available for them. remember the massive increase in child poverty and the The figures, including the Independent Labour tripling in the number of people on incapacity benefit Organisation measure, show that about 12 per cent. of that were the hallmarks of the last time that the the youth population who were not full-time students Conservatives had the opportunity to put their words were unemployed in the 1990s, while the figure was into action. I welcome her contract for young people, 13 per cent. in the 1980s. The current proportion of the but does it extend to Scotland? If so, has she or any of youth population who are unemployed and not in full-time her colleagues had prior discussions with the Scottish education is 9 per cent. I think that the expansion of Government and other devolved agencies? They will be higher education and places for 16 to 17-year-olds has crucial in the delivery of the contract for young people been important but, of course, the hon. Gentleman is in Scotland. right that there is much more that we need to do. Yvette Cooper: My right hon. Friend makes an important Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): point, and she is right too about the number of lone My right hon. Friend will know that Lord McKenzie of parents, for example, who have got back into work. Luton came to my constituency to look at the fantastic Levels of employment in that group have increased over partnership work going on between the retail sector, the the last year, despite the recession, and that is helping further education sector and her Department that has children right across the country to get out of poverty. helped keep down the pressures on youth unemployment. She also asked about Scotland, and I can tell her that May I ask her to tweak things just a little more by the single skills budget is for England. However, the making her Department a little more customer focused? vast majority of the proposals that we have set out An example of the present lack of flexibility is that today apply in Scotland as well, and the Scotland Office people required to undertake their six-month interview is taking forward discussions on skills with the Scottish are asked to go, not to their nearest jobcentre, but to Executive, where there are relevant issues with which one structured for the convenience of the jobcentre. they need to be involved. Tiny changes like that would make a massive difference Mr. Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): to customers. The future jobs fund has already delivered 144 jobs in Yvette Cooper: I am happy to look into the points my area, so I thank my right hon. Friend for her that my hon. Friend makes about having that flexibility announcement today of additional support for 16 and for the customer, and he is also right to point to the 17-year-olds. The current economic climate demands partnerships between Jobcentre Plus and other agencies that we support that vulnerable group of citizens, but and employers. Major employers have got involved, does she agree that the Opposition’s attempts to rewrite especially in the retail, leisure and other sectors, and history simply add nothing to this important debate, as they are working to provide pre-employment training we have seen in the recent past with other elements of that the jobcentre will fund. That helps people secure a welfare reform? first interview who might not get the chance otherwise, and it also helps them to get the training that gets them Yvette Cooper: My hon. Friend is right. This is not into work. That partnership work is making a difference, just about rewriting history, as we well remember what and helping a lot of people avoid the kind of long-term happened with youth unemployment in particular during unemployment that they might have experienced in the 1980s and 1990s. The problems did not arise only previous recessions. during the recession, as they were also evident during the recovery, when youth unemployment soared. However, Mr. Gregory Campbell (East Londonderry) (DUP): the future is more important now, and he mentioned Tens of thousands of people have been made redundant 144 job opportunities that the future jobs fund has in the past three years, many of them having been delivered in his area. That is 144 people who would have employed by large multinationals. Will the training their job taken away if the Conservatives were elected to opportunities outlined by the right hon. Lady today government. target getting self-employed people into the small and medium-sized enterprise sector? If so, young people Mrs. Joan Humble (Blackpool, North and Fleetwood) might at least have a greater opportunity to get sustainable (Lab): I very much welcome the announcement today employment than has been the case in the past. of additional support for young people, carers and parents. My right hon. Friend will be aware that the Yvette Cooper: The hon. Gentleman is right that we lack of affordable child care is a real obstacle to many need to support job growth, for which SMEs may be parents entering work. Will she therefore tell me a little crucial over the next four or five years. We are also more about her proposal to fund travel and child care setting out proposals today to make it easier for people costs for jobseekers in part-time training? It will be who want to start their own businesses. They will be important not only for them, but for ensuring that there able to get additional advice and support on starting up is ongoing child care so that, when they get jobs, those a business from the very first day that they become jobs are sustainable. 833 Benefit Reform 15 DECEMBER 2009 834

Yvette Cooper: I agree about the importance of child Point of Order care. We have already done a lot to increase the free child care that is available for three and four-year-olds 5.26 pm as part of nursery education, and to develop the child care tax credit and other child care support. As part of Mr. Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): On a point the White Paper, we are looking to provide additional of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Under Standing Order child care, travel costs and help for jobseekers in part-time No. 14, the Government are required to name 13 days training. Otherwise, they will end up missing out on the on which private Members’ business has precedence chance to train, simply because they cannot get the over Government business. Tomorrow the private Members’ child care that works for them. We are looking at Bills will be presented, but hon. Members still have no whether we should develop child care loans for people idea on what dates their Second Readings will be. I when they start employment and, for example, have to understand that there is no precedent for that, so could pay a month’s child care costs up front. We are looking you give some advice to hon. Members about how to at whether we can give additional support in those get out of that seeming chaos? circumstances. We are also working with the Department for Children, Schools and Families on issues like that, Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Michael Lord): I say to the as part of its families Green Paper. hon. Gentleman that tomorrow is, indeed, the day for the presentation of the balloted private Members’ Bills for this Session. The House has not yet ordered the Fridays when such Bills will be debated; a motion is on the Order Paper setting out certain Fridays. It is up to those in charge of Bills to decide when to set them down for Second Reading, taking into account the various possibilities that appear on the Order Paper. I cannot pretend that that is a satisfactory situation for Back Benchers, but I hope that it will be resolved soon after the recess.

BILL PRESENTED

VIDEO RECORDINGS BILL Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Mr. Siôn Simon, supported by the Prime Minister, Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Secretary Ben Bradshaw, Mr. Pat McFadden and Mr. Stephen Timms, presented a Bill to repeal and revive provisions of the Video Recordings Act 1984. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time tomorrow, and to be printed (Bill 14) with explanatory notes (Bill 14-EN). 835 15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 836

Flood and Water Management Bill building on the flood plain—a highly relevant matter. Will he consider whether that very simple but very [Relevant Documents: The Sixth Report of the Environment, necessary measure could be added to this Bill? Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Session 2008-09, on the Draft Flood and Water Management Bill, HC 555-I, and the Government response, Cm 7741.] Hilary Benn: If the hon. Gentleman will bear with me, I will come to that precise point in a little while. He Second Reading raises an important issue about the way in which we take decisions about planning applications. 5.27 pm The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Paddy Tipping (Sherwood) (Lab): The right hon. Rural Affairs (Hilary Benn): I beg to move, That the Bill Member for East Yorkshire (Mr. Knight) referred to the be now read a Second time. fire and rescue service. Will the Secretary of State put The Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food on record his thanks for the work that it did in the and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for summer of 2007 and, more particularly, the outstanding Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies) sends his apologies to work that it has done in recent weeks in Cumbria, the House, because he is at the Agriculture and Fisheries backed by a very influential local Member of Parliament? Council in Brussels, where important fisheries negotiations are taking place today. We all wish him well. May I also Hilary Benn: With the greatest of pleasure. I know draw the House’s attention to the publication today of that I speak for all Members in the House in saying that the latest progress report on the implementation of we are full of admiration and respect for the outstanding Sir Michael Pitt’s recommendations? work of the fire and rescue service, but also, to be I thank the right hon. Member for Fylde (Mr. Jack) honest, that of everybody who helps out in times of and the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee need and emergency. A lot of people owe a great deal to for their pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Bill that we their skill and determination. published in April. The Bill that is now before us has Since the summer of 2007, we have completed 106 flood benefited from their thorough and close examination, defence schemes protecting more than 63,800 additional as well as from more than 650 responses to the public homes in England, we have invested £60 million to consultation. It is shorter than the original Bill, for help to tackle surface water flooding, and some 140,000 reasons that the House will understand, but we remain more people have signed up to receive flood warnings in committed to taking the other measures forward when England and Wales. In addition, we have set up the time allows. new flood forecasting centre—one of Sir Michael’s As all too many Members in the Chamber will be recommendations—which provides a single forecast, aware, the origins of the Bill lie in the devastating floods including an extreme rainfall alert. During the floods in of 2007. It is never possible to attribute one particular Cumbria, it played an important role in giving emergency event to our changing climate, but what happened then responders early warning of heavy rainfall as well as was a stark reminder of our vulnerability to the force of expert advice on the risk of flooding. Thirty-six hours nature. Important parts of the Bill owe a great deal to before the flooding occurred, the flood forecasting centre Sir Michael Pitt’s “lessons learned” report. I am sure indicated a high risk of significant property flooding that the whole House would wish once again to express and a danger to life in Cumbria. That shows the benefit its thanks to Sir Michael for the work that he has done. of this change. We have responded to many of his recommendations. What we saw in Cumbria reminds us of the devastating effect that flooding has on homes, on businesses, on Mr. Greg Knight (East Yorkshire) (Con): I have read communities and, above all, on people’s lives. Our the Bill once—I hope that that is sufficient—I cannot sympathies go out to all those affected, as do our see any provision to give the fire and rescue service a thanks to all those who responded with such selflessness statutory duty to deal with flooding, which was one of and determination. Equally impressive has been the the Pitt review’s recommendations. What do the tremendous resolve of the communities affected to get Government intend to do about that, and when? back on their feet. Hilary Benn: The Government’s view is that it is not The 2007 floods affected great swathes of the country, necessary for such a duty to be put in legislation because as many hon. Members here today know only too the fire and rescue service already provides a very good well—from Sheffield, Doncaster and Hull to many service in rescuing people. It has built up capacity. As communities in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, the the House will be aware, we have provided funding and Thames valley and elsewhere. Thirteen lives were lost, other support to enable it to undertake those duties 55,000 homes and businesses were affected, and £3 billion- even better in future. It was not the view of the worth of damage was done. For individuals, businesses Government’s then adviser, Ken Knight, that such a and home owners, recovery is not quick. We know from change was necessary. previous flooding that getting back on one’s feet can take many long, hard months. Bob Spink (Castle Point) (Ind): The Secretary of The rainfall in Cumbria was truly exceptional, and in State knows that I support the Bill, and I thank him for 2007 very unusual, but this may not be the case in introducing it. He will have heard the Deputy Speaker future, as climate change will make what are currently talking about the presentation of private Members’ extreme events more frequent. Sea levels are also expected Bills tomorrow, and may have seen on today’s Order to rise. According to the most recent projections by the Paper that I will present a Bill to require local councils UK climate impacts programme, that rise could be to take account of Environment Agency objections to 36 cm in London before the end of the century. 837 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 838

Lembit Öpik (Montgomeryshire) (LD): The Secretary Front gardens tend by definition to drain off into roads. of State will know that the source of the River Severn is That is a very simple change that we have already put in in my constituency. He mentioned the floods of 2007, place at no cost, and it shows that although the solution many of which were directly related to that river. Does is about investment, it is also about how we approach he agree that if the Bill is to be effective, we will have to the problem. Nobody took responsibility in the past, find ways to mitigate the speed at which water enters the and if we put the Bill on the statute book we will ensure watercourse and comes down the river? To achieve that, that somebody has responsibility in future. we have to find upstream and uphill solutions to increase the absorbency of the mountains. Simply building higher Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): Does the Secretary walls will not be the solution. of State believe that local authorities have the resources to enforce that step adequately? Hilary Benn: I agree with the hon. Gentleman, and one important purpose of the Bill is flood risk management. Hilary Benn: From the assessment that we have made, Of course defences are important, which is why we have to which I shall turn in a moment, we are certainly been investing more money in building them, but we confident that the transfer of responsibility for private also need to think about other ways to handle the flow sewers to the water companies, which we intend to put of water. in place, will free up resources. I will be perfectly frank and say that we need to have a discussion with local Christopher Fraser (South-West Norfolk) (Con): Further authorities about funding in the medium to long term, to the point that the hon. Member for Montgomeryshire and I undertake that we will do that to ensure that the (Lembit Öpik) made, flood alleviation programmes work costs are fully funded. well upstream in places such as Milton Keynes and Bedford, but create major problems in constituencies Two weeks ago we awarded £11 million to 15 local such as mine. In effect, a different value is placed on the authorities for pathfinder schemes to help them deal life of people who live in my constituency from that of with coastal change. They are in the best position to people who live upstream. Does the Secretary of State understand what is needed, and the projects will support accept that the Bill must ensure that the whole length of a range of activities from the creation of new sand the river system is taken into full account, so that dunes and the building of boardwalks to buy-to-let everybody has an equal chance of alleviating the flood schemes for properties at risk and land purchase for problems that we suffer from? rebuilding.

Hilary Benn: I agree with the hon. Gentleman, and Mr. Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con): The we have catchment flood management plans for precisely Secretary of State is right that what happens in one area that reason. He makes the point that what we do in one can affect another, but under the Bill there will be place can have a beneficial or negative consequence separate flood management strategies for England and somewhere else. That is why we have to consider where Wales. Clause 8(3) states: the water comes from, how it moves and where it ends “The Welsh Ministers must consult the Secretary of State” up, so that we can take the right decisions. Choices have on such strategies to be made, as I think the House recognises. “so far as the strategy may affect…England.” Mr. David Drew (Stroud) (Lab/Co-op): When we are Will the Secretary of State say more about how he talking about choices, we have to talk about funds as would adjudicate what is right or wrong? Tewkesbury is well. Understandably, the majority of funding is directed very much affected by what happens in Wales. towards dealing with river and coastal flooding, yet many of our constituents face problems of ground and Hilary Benn: I recognise the hon. Gentleman’s point. surface water flooding. How can we get the balance The holder of my office will have responsibility for right so that we put in place not only the plans but the trying to weigh up proposals. In the end, what we are funding to make a difference to people’s lives? seeking to do with this legislation—one of the other purposes of these changes—is to get all parties that Hilary Benn: I agree with my hon. Friend. Particularly have an interest in and responsibilities for such things, in Sheffield and Hull but also in many other places, including duties placed upon them by the Bill, to work surface water flooding was the problem. That is why together. As we have already heard in interventions one of the purposes of the Bill is to make it absolutely from Members on both sides of the Chamber, what one clear for the first time who has lead responsibility for body does has an impact elsewhere and what happens in taking account of the matter, which will be unitary or one place has an impact elsewhere. The Bill is constructed upper-tier authorities. They will bring together all the to ensure that people come together and work people responsible for the different drainage systems, co-operatively. private culverts and highways and byways that take water away. Christopher Fraser: The Environment Agency has We must ensure that we do not add to the problem. I justified its position on where it puts flood alleviation shall turn presently to sustainable urban drainage, and schemes in economic terms, confirming that it is complying we have made a practical change to planning permission with the Treasury’s Green Book. It states: that does not cost any money. Previously, someone “Current Government policy for investment in flood defences could pave tarmac and concrete over their front garden favours densely populated areas over rural and agricultural areas without needing to ask anybody. Now they have to and at the moment it does not take account of, for example, apply for planning permission if they use non-permeable future food security”. paving, but not if they put in place permeable paving. Is that fair? 839 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 840

Hilary Benn: It is certainly true that a formula is used One of the principal purposes of the Bill is to ensure to make a judgment about where the priorities are. That that organisations know what bit of flood risk they are is a combination of where people live and the economic responsible for managing and that local people know impact. The House and the nation could have a different that, too. So, part 1 of the Bill will enable a wider range set of priorities, but even with the additional investment of approaches to flood and coastal erosion risk management that we are putting in, choices have to be made on where and clarify responsibilities for all sources of flooding. we are going to spend money. As we know, in the east of The Environment Agency will take a strategic role, the country, coastal erosion is a natural process that has including developing a national strategy for flood and been going on for thousands of years. coastal erosion risk in England, and a similar role in Wales will be taken by Welsh Ministers. County and Lembit Öpik: On that point, does the Secretary of unitary authorities will take the lead in ensuring the State nevertheless agree that it would not be a sensible management of local flood risk and developing plans to strategy explicitly to aim to flood large swathes of, for deal with it. Resilience and other approaches that minimise instance, Montgomeryshire, to protect downstream the impact of flooding and coastal erosion will be an towns—in other words, to cause problems upstream important part of the plan, and the Bill makes it clear that are just as expensive and damaging as those that all authorities can use these as well as, of course, downstream? If he can assure me that the Government providing flood defences and flood warnings. will not embark on such an insane strategy, I promise not to interrupt him again. Mark Simmonds (Boston and Skegness) (Con): Can the Secretary of State confirm that his Department will Hilary Benn: That is a very generous offer. The cover all the additional costs that will be incurred as a hon. Gentleman illustrates the point that the House result of the additional responsibilities that many acknowledges, namely, that there are choices. I have county councils will take on? seen for myself a really good washland scheme protecting Lincoln. When there are high levels of rainfall, the Hilary Benn: As I have already indicated, I will say water is diverted into a farmer’s fields, with his agreement, something in a moment on that very point. I know that and it comes out two, three or four days later. It works it is a source of concern that local authorities have well. When I asked the farmer, he told me that the type raised. of crops he grows can cope. It all depends on the The lead local authorities will also take on responsibility circumstances, but there is not always an easy answer to for surface water flooding, which is a responsibility such choices. assigned for the first time in law—for sound reasons that I am sure the House will accept. That is really Mark Simmonds (Boston and Skegness) (Con) rose— important, as the Environment Agency estimates that in 2007 two thirds of the 55,000 properties affected were Hilary Benn: I am going to make a little bit of damaged as a result of surface water run-off overloading progress. the drainage system, as opposed to rivers overflowing. It is precisely because one in six homes in England is The Bill will encourage all local authorities, the already at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, or Environment Agency, water companies, internal drainage indeed surface water, that we cannot move every community boards and others to work together in tackling flood away from flood risk. That is why we set out a rigorous risk. Part 1 will introduce duties on those bodies to test in planning policy statement 25. The expert advice co-operate and share information and will provide for of the Environment Agency on flood risk and new improved accountability through local authority scrutiny buildings is now followed in 98 per cent. of cases, committees. according to the latest figures that I have. I think that shows that altering the guidance and requiring the Susan Kramer (Richmond Park) (LD): Will the Bill, agency to be consulted has had an impact. in its somewhat reduced form, still enable water companies We can also do more to make individual properties to take the lead on enforcement against illegal connections? resilient and resistant if the water gets in. A recent Problems in my area are often caused by an illegal example of that was when homes and businesses in connection of clean water to the foul water sewerage Appleby got through the flooding because of the system, or vice versa. Government grant funding that enabled 46 of them to buy and fit protection equipment. We expect to see Hilary Benn: No, it will not, because we have had to more work of that type in future. The Bill defines risk, shorten the Bill so that we can get the most important sensibly, as the combination of likelihood and consequence. things through. The Bill will therefore encourage both resistance and Part 1 of the Bill also recognises the important role of resilience as ways of managing the consequences of district councils and internal drainage boards. They will flooding. That is important, because where properties retain their works powers in relation to ordinary are at risk we can also work with the insurance industry watercourses. Part 1 will also place duties on the flood so that insurance cover remains widely available. Our risk management authorities to contribute to sustainable agreement on a statement of principles with the Association development when managing flood and coastal erosion of British Insurers is intended to do this. The ABI risk, and regional flood defence committees will have wants to see our record investment in flood defence— their remit extended to coastal erosion. Schedule 1 to £2.15 billion in the current three-year period—and it the Bill will give new powers to local authorities, the also expects the Bill to help to overhaul how we better Environment Agency and internal drainage boards in manage the rising risk from flooding. It has urged all of England and Wales to protect physical features that us to work together to ensure that the Bill becomes an they do not own, but which can play an important role Act as quickly as possible. in flood protection or in avoiding coastal erosion. 841 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 842

Mr. Drew: On the issue of internal drainage boards, I life—that must be the overriding consideration—regardless welcome the increased flexibility that the Bill will introduce. of the use to which the reservoir is put. In many cases, Those boards are advantageous because of their localness however, we expect to reduce the regulatory burden. and their knowledge. If there is any way at all in which Part 2 of the Bill will give powers to the Environment we can boost their influence and their ability to deliver, Agency, local authorities and internal drainage boards this is the right time to do it. Will my right hon. Friend to undertake environmental works related to flood risk take that on board? that are in the best interests of nature conservation, the preservation of cultural heritage or people’s enjoyment Hilary Benn: I acknowledge my hon. Friend’s comments of the environment. about the work of the internal drainage boards. Over the summer, we consulted on other changes, as he will A more variable climate has implications not just for be aware, but they are not in the Bill, for the reason that flooding. Members will recall the very recent years of I gave earlier. drought in the south-east. It is important that we consider Schedule 3 to the Bill will help to manage the risk of how we can manage a shortage of water as well as too surface water flooding by encouraging the construction much of it. The remainder of part 2 therefore deals with of sustainable drainage systems—or SUDS, as they are the most important and urgent matters relating to water known—for new developments and redevelopments. management. It will enable the Government to review County and unitary authority approval will be required and update water companies’ powers to prohibit or for the drainage proposed for any new development, restrict certain non-essential domestic uses of water in and the approving body will then be responsible for times of drought. It will also provide for new regulated maintaining the SUDS on new developments serving entities to finance and deliver the very large, or unusual, more than one property. water infrastructure projects that we might need in the future to address the challenges of climate change and All net new burdens on local authorities will be fully population growth. That will ensure that water customers funded. As I indicated a moment ago, on funding are protected from new risks associated with the delivery SUDS maintenance in the long term, we will publish a of such projects. clear way forward that takes account of the circumstances faced by local authorities and developers, and that will Schedule 5 will amend the special administration happen in time for the implementation of this Bill. The regime for the water industry to align it with the general aim is to reassure local authorities that they can implement insolvency regime applicable to other companies. The SUDS in the knowledge that there will be no gap in Bill will also fulfil the Government’s commitment to funding. legislate to protect community and religious groups and sports clubs from unaffordable rises in their water John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): My bills because of unreasonable surface water charges. It right hon. Friend is being generous; I apologise for will allow water companies to introduce concessionary interrupting his flow. Recommendation 39 in the Pitt schemes. review stated: “The Government should urgently put in place a fully funded Mr. Brian H. Donohoe (Central Ayrshire) (Lab): My national capability for flood rescue, with Fire and Rescue Authorities right hon. Friend will know of my interest in horticultural playing a leading role, underpinned as necessary by a statutory businesses, as secretary of the gardening and horticulture duty.” all-party group, and I declare an interest accordingly. Why has that statutory duty not been included in the On draught and the problems associated with the last Bill? one, would it not be sensible to introduce a code of conduct to protect the industry and gardeners from Hilary Benn: I explained earlier to another hon. what was seen last time as a blanket ban? It could, and Member why that was the case: we do not think it should, have been a phased ban. necessary simply because, first, fire and rescue services already provide that function—we saw that during the Hilary Benn: I appreciate my hon. Friend’s point, and 2007 and 2009 floods—secondly, because the Government’s I know of his close interest in the horticultural industry. then adviser, Ken Knight, did not think it necessary, The purpose of this part of the Bill is to give us clearer and thirdly, because we have given additional support, powers to do the right thing in the right circumstances. finance and training assistance to the fire and rescue However, I can give him an undertaking that we will service so that it can continue doing the very good job wish to consult those affected, as necessary, according that it does, which is to help people when they are in to the circumstances. difficulty. Local authorities will need to build their skills to Sir Gerald Kaufman (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab): I carry out these new roles, so we are working closely with thank my right hon. Friend for his Department’s excellent local government, professional bodies and training work in dealing with usurious charges of water companies providers, investing more than £1 million to support against community groups and for the help he has given that effort. to churches and scout groups in my constituency. Will The House will recall the awful moment, during the he give me an assurance that he will not hesitate to use 2007 flooding, when there were fears that the Ulley his powers, under clause 42(5), with regard to water reservoir might fail. Schedule 4 will introduce a risk-based companies that level usurious charges against groups approach to reservoir safety to improve the way we such as the Birch community group in my constituency? handle such matters. I am conscious of the concerns That would enable such groups to benefit from the that reservoir owners and users have expressed, but the excellent work done by him and the Under-Secretary of aim is to provide proportionate regulation that reflects State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my the danger that reservoir failure might pose to human hon. Friend the Member for Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies). 843 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 844

Hilary Benn: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend 5.59 pm for his kind words, which I echo, about the DEFRA civil servants, and I, too, pay tribute to my hon. Friend Nick Herbert (Arundel and South Downs) (Con): the Under-Secretary, who has worked very hard on this The whole House has seen on the television images of matter. Given the united view in the House and country, flooded landscapes, but as many hon. Members and I find it hard to imagine that water companies will not the Secretary of State know, it is perhaps only when we do as desired. It is not a problem in some cases because see for ourselves the devastating effect of flooding on there are some sensible schemes in place, but where people’s homes and businesses that we truly understand there have been problems, the Bill will make it clear that its impact. Man takes charge of so much nowadays there is a solution. that it is sobering to see the awesome force of nature that flooding represents. Part 2 of the Bill will abolish the Fisheries Committee Nature’s power was evident most recently with the in Scotland, ending the duplication of functions and flooding in Cumbria. Although it was inspiring to see removing an unnecessary burden on business. the emergency services working so effectively, local communities coming together and people helping each Mr. Michael Jack (Fylde) (Con): Will the Secretary other, that flooding was a timely reminder that it remains of State give way? the primary duty of the state to ensure the security of the public whenever it can. That will increasingly mean Hilary Benn: Given that it is the right hon. Gentleman, ensuring our environmental security, which is ultimately I shall give way. what the Copenhagen summit is all about. Although we must try our best to secure a deal to mitigate greenhouse emissions, our climate is already changing. The adaptation Mr. Jack: I am most grateful. Before the Secretary of agenda is just as important, as I said in my response to State moves on to the Scottish Fisheries Committee, the Gracious Speech. may I take him back to the previous point? The affordability The Bill is about enhancing our environmental security issue in respect of certain social activities within our and adapting to climate change through better flood constituencies has been fixed, but the Bill still lacks a risk management. Ultimately, it is about protecting response to Anna Walker’s report. One issue that continues people and their homes. We must never forget the to trouble people in the field of water is affordability. human consequences when we fail in that duty. One Will the Secretary of State tell me what steps his Department victim of the 2007 floods said: will take—if necessary, outwith the Bill—together with Ofwat to continue to pursue issues connected with “It was horrendous when the flood arrived. Nobody knew water affordability, particularly in relation to the further what to do…There was sewage running through the house which caused an awful smell…there was water everywhere, so we had to development of social tariffs? wade through the street to find somewhere above water.” That experience has been repeated in Cumbria, as hon. Hilary Benn: The right hon. Gentleman raises an Members are only too aware. extremely important point. As he will know, we have only just had the final report of Anna Walker’s review. Nor must we forget the duty that we owe to help There is a great deal for us all to think about, including communities to recover from flooding when it occurs. the Government, and we shall respond in due course. I The national media may move on, but communities am acutely conscious of the issue that he raises and the such as those in Cockermouth, Keswick, Workington impact that it has on many people, and I shall be happy and Kendal have only just begun to rebuild their lives to talk to him further about how we might pursue the and move back into homes and businesses. We must matter, once we have formed a view on what to do. ensure that political attention does not desert them in the months ahead. That is why I will be visiting the Part 3 will provide for existing legislation to be amended, affected areas again later this week to meet displaced by way of secondary legislation, to simplify procedures families who will be out of their homes for Christmas, and standardise provisions within different statutes. and I know that the Secretary of State has done the That is to pave the way for consolidation and for the same thing recently. single unifying Act for floods legislation that was explicitly I am sure that hon. Members in all parts of the recommended by Sir Michael Pitt and the Environment, House will want to continue to express their concern for Food and Rural Affairs Committee. the area, and that we will want to pay tribute to the ongoing As Members will be aware, owing to the shortness of clean-up and recovery efforts of local authorities and this parliamentary Session, it has been necessary to voluntary organisations, which are working hard to prioritise. However, when taken with the regulations make Christmas bearable for the flood victims. There implementing the EU floods directive, the Bill will was unprecedented rainfall in Cumbria, but it is important implement the most important provisions on flooding, to recognise the good work of the authorities, especially including the recommendations of Sir Michael Pitt’s the Environment Agency, which were better prepared report that require legislation. because they had learned the lessons of the Carlisle I am grateful for the broad support expressed for the floods in 2005. principles in the Bill, and it will no doubt be carefully scrutinised in Committee. However, the most important Mr. Jamie Reed (Copeland) (Lab): The hon. Gentleman thing we can do is to ensure that it proceeds as quickly is making some good points, and he is of course welcome as possible, so that the House and society can show that in Cumbria. However, does he believe, as I and my we are doing all we can to help to prevent flooding. Cumbrian colleagues do, that one of the most fundamental That is why the Bill matters, and I commend it to the answers to the problem is more public money and not House. less? 845 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 846

Nick Herbert: As the Secretary of State said, difficult “institutional confusion” that beleaguered the recovery choices will no doubt have to be made, but I have said effort then. The Pitt review called for people and that I believe it to be the first duty of the Government organisations to be held to account and for simple to ensure the security of the people, and that means structures and clear outcomes. We must have clearly ensuring their environmental security as well. There will defined responsibilities. We therefore welcome the provisions be an ongoing need for investment in flood defences at a in the Bill to give the Environment Agency strategic time when public spending choices will be difficult, and oversight and to spell out in law that, in most cases, the I think that the whole House recognises that. lead local flood authority with clear responsibility for We are at increased risk of flooding. Already one in flood defence will be a unitary authority or county six homes is at risk, and with climate change this risk council. In fact, that is something that the Government will increase. Events such as that seen in Cumbria will first advocated nearly five years ago, in their “Making become more frequent, as will floods on a larger scale. space for water” document. The most devastating floods were those of summer We also welcome the measures to improve urban 2007, which constituted the largest peacetime emergency drainage and create requirements for new developments since the second world war. As the Secretary of State to incorporate sustainable solutions. For too long there reminded us, 13 people died and more than 55,000 have been barriers to establishing such systems, which, homes and businesses were flooded, at a cost of more as the Conservative party’s quality of life review highlighted, than £3 billion. Despite the outstanding response to the have the potential to reduce flood risk from surface Cumbria floods, we need an improved national response water. By requiring new development to focus on permeable to protect families and their homes from flooding, and paving, ponds and soakaways, we can help to respond to better manage floods when they occur. to the pressures of climate change, which will lead to more spells of prolonged rainfall. Mr. Laurence Robertson: My hon. Friend is right to say that the operation in 2007 was the largest in peacetime, We also welcome the emphasis on information sharing, but will he speculate on how much worse the situation so that local flood authorities can better co-ordinate would have been if the flooding had gone that little bit their responses. We will want to ensure greater transparency further and the entire county of Gloucestershire had on flood information, so that local households and lost its electricity, which it almost did? That is a measure businesses get the information that they deserve. We of how serious the situation was. also support the provisions in the Bill on reservoir safety, although we must ensure that they are framed in Nick Herbert: I take my hon. Friend’s point. The a way that does not impose unnecessary burdens on Secretary of State alluded to the potentially catastrophic owners of small reservoirs, many of which pose no risk effects if a reservoir had been affected, and the same to people at all as they are sited on agricultural land. could be said of the impact on critical infrastructure, That is an issue that we will need to attend to in including the electricity system. Many of us will remember Committee. the images of the emergency services desperately trying to protect the sub-station. That is a lesson for us all, and We broadly support the provisions on infrastructure I want to come to the issue of critical infrastructure in a in part 2 of the Bill that require large projects to be moment. open to competition, which has the potential to help reduce costs to water customers. We are particularly The Bill takes forward recommendations from the glad to see clause 42, which deals with the problems of review into the 2007 floods by Sir Michael Pitt. It is now charging for surface water drainage—the so-called rain more than a year since the Pitt review reported, with a tax—that have caused so much difficulty for scouts, comprehensive set of more than 90 recommendations. guides, places of worship and other community groups, The Conservative party supported those recommendations which were faced with unacceptably high bills. The and we are glad that we have the opportunity to consider oversight role of the regulator still needs to be looked legislation to implement many of them. I have consistently at, but overall the proposal is welcome. Back in July, we urged the Government to introduce legislation, so we called on the Government to give companies the discretion welcome the Flood and Water Management Bill. that they needed to protect such groups and ensure that All Members will be aware that the Select Committee new charges were properly monitored by Ofwat. It took on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs suggested that Ministers a long time to act, but I am glad to have the Government should wait until the opportunity arose encouraged them, because they got there in the end and to have a comprehensive flood and water Bill. However, I congratulate them on that. my view—and, I think, that of most hon. Members—is that we should not delay implementing essential measures, There are, however, some aspects of the Bill on which and the Government were right to bring the Bill forward. we seek clarity from the Government. Some legitimate The recent floods in Cumbria sealed that view. We will concerns have been raised by third parties about whether therefore work constructively with the Government to the Bill, in seeking better to co-ordinate the response to ensure that the Bill is strengthened and reaches the flood risk, is too centralising. The National Farmers statute book as quickly as possible. Union, for instance, has argued that the Environment There are some key measures in the Bill that Agency’s role is “power heavy” but “duty light”. The Conservatives have called for and that we will seek to Environment Agency gains a strategic oversight role for ensure are sufficiently clear and robust. First, the confusing flood risk management, which is certainly right in principle, and overlapping roles of central Government, agencies, but in practice we must ensure that it is framed so as not local authorities and the emergency services, which to sideline local concerns. As the Environment, Food were evident in the 2007 floods, must be brought to an and Rural Affairs Committee argued, a national strategy end. The Chief Fire Officers Association described the is important, but it must not come at the expense of 847 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 848

[Nick Herbert] local authorities will need reassurance that additional duties can be afforded without increasing the burden on local knowledge, not least because flooding is, in essence, council tax payers. local. The Committee warned against over-centralising Similarly, we have questions on how the additional measures, stating: cost of maintaining sustainable urban drainage systems “We are concerned that the draft Bill establishes a rigid vertical will be met. Ministers have said: structure, which potentially precludes pragmatic cross-boundary “We recognise that longer term funding must be in place from area-based approaches that accommodate local people’s views around 2018, and are considering a number of options to address and knowledge.” the funding of SUDS maintenance in the long term.” Flooding is a national concern, but it always impacts They have also said: locally. That is why, for instance, local drainage boards “The Department will ensure that any increased costs to local are so important in harnessing local expertise and concern. authorities are fully funded to avoid upward pressure on council It is therefore vital that we get clarity on how the tax.” national strategy will be drawn up and on how it will be Despite assurances that medium-term costs will be covered approved. The Bill requires the Environment Agency to by plans to transfer private sewers to water companies, consult widely when drawing up the strategy, and requires it is by no means clear that that is the case. The Local the strategy to be laid before Parliament. Democratic Government Association has said that these assumptions oversight of the process will be crucial to public confidence, are based on seven-year-old data from only 12 per cent. however, and ensuring accountability for such an important of local authorities, and so are hardly reliable. The framework will be vital. We would therefore like Ministers provisions might also lead to water companies being hit to explain more about how they envisage the process of twice: once for the cost of the sewer transfer and again approval working. Will the EFRA Committee be able for the long-term costs of maintaining sustainable urban to scrutinise the strategy before it is agreed, for example? drainage systems. These are sensible proposals to help to manage the risk of flooding posed by surface water With regard to how the national strategy is applied, drainage, but in the current economic climate, the the Government need to be clearer about how it will fit Government need to give more detail on how they will in with local strategies devised by lead flood authorities. be funded, rather than simply relying on historic and The Bill puts a responsibility on local authorities to incomplete data, and on potential solutions that might develop their own local flood strategies, but it also emerge in the future. requires those strategies to be consistent with the national strategy. In that case, how much discretion will local We welcome this legislation, but, in some respects, it authorities have to diverge from the national strategy does not go far enough. It will fall to a future Government set by the Environment Agency? to bring forward further legislation to cover those aspects that have not made it into this Bill. It was clear from the We also want further clarification on the measures in draft Bill, when it was published in April, that Ministers clause 38, which give the Environment Agency the originally intended to legislate for elements of the Cave responsibility to weigh up the competing interests of and Walker reviews into competition and affordability. conservation and people’s enjoyment of the environment, The consultation paper said: and the potentially harmful consequences of increased “The UK Government and Welsh Assembly Government will flooding or coastal erosion. That is a difficult balance each assess” to strike, but we must ensure that local people are the recommendations of the reviews. It went on: involved throughout the decision-making process and “Where they believe it necessary to legislate to implement any that the process is fully accountable. changes as a result of these reviews they each intend to do so as We are also keen to consider in more detail schedule 1, part of this Bill.” which relates to the designation of features that could But that has not been possible, not least because the have a significant effect on flood management. The Bill Government started the reviews too late, and have enables the Environment Agency, a lead local flood therefore left themselves with no time. authority, a district council or an internal drainage Many of Professor Cave’s recommendations on board to designate a structure if they believe that its abstraction trading, competition and legal separation existence or location affects a flood or coastal erosion will require legislation. Over a year after his interim risk. Following such a designation, the owner of the report, which made a number of recommendations— feature may not change it without the consent of the accepted in full by Ministers—it is disappointing that responsible authority. It is right that assets that could this rare opportunity to legislate for them is being have a serious impact on flooding should be properly missed. The recently published Walker report contains accounted for and managed responsibly, but we need to a number of recommendations that link directly with look closely at the implications of the Bill’s drafting. the aims of this Bill, particularly the elements relating Network Rail, for example, has raised concerns about to efficiency, which could help to change the way people the designation of its assets, and we will be keen to think about their water use and help to reduce the risk ensure that proportionality is maintained so that this of the severe shortages that would require the temporary process does not become complex or costly, and that an bans legislated for in the Bill. Referring to the consultation appeals procedure is in place. on the draft Bill, DEFRA implied that greater efficiency Beyond concerns over where the Bill might prove too measures, including duties on companies, could be centralising, we also seek clarity on the costs arising forthcoming in the Bill, but it will fall to future legislation from certain provisions. We will seek more details from to introduce them. the Government of the costs that will fall on local The water industry is desperate for measures to tackle the authorities in taking on their new responsibilities, because rising problem of water debt, which the whole House that is worrying them. With council finances stretched, should be concerned about. The problem disproportionately 849 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 850 impacts on those low-income families who pay their Nick Herbert: I agree with my hon. Friend’s concern. bills and subsidise non-payers by £12 a year. Simple As food security becomes more important to us, we measures in the Walker report to provide for a named must remember that allowing the degradation of important bill payer could have been introduced in this Bill, and coastal flood defences will have an impact on coastal would not have unduly slowed its progress or jeopardised communities and result in the loss of highly productive the vital flooding measures. farmland. That is a huge issue to the National Farmers Such confusion firmly underlines the need for a new, Union and the Country Land and Business Association joined-up approach to the water industry, which is why and a matter of concern to local communities. We will we are committed to introducing a White Paper to bring want to probe that issue further as the legislation develops. together the Cave and Walker proposals and take the We must protect valuable farmland and continue to opportunity of the current break in the regulatory cycle find innovative ways of managing coastal erosion. to make sensible changes to the way in which water Consistent with our belief in devolving power, more companies are regulated, and put customers at the heart autonomy should be given to allow coastal communities of the industry. to defend against the sea when they can. I recently saw We need to do more between floods, rather than just the work at Bawdsey in Suffolk, where landowners reacting to them when they happen. Reviewing our donated farmland to a specially formed trust, which in natural water flows and cycles, and slowing water down, turn sold the land for housing, raising £2.2 million to will help to reduce flood risk. We therefore support calls fund the strategically important new sea defence. Thanks made by many non-governmental organisations, including to Suffolk Coastal district council, which was supportive, WWF, for an approach to flood management that places the project was successfully completed earlier this year a much greater focus on the use of natural processes. at relatively low cost, defending a headland that in turn That can have great benefits, as it can increase the protects many hundreds of acres of farmland. That is a storage capacity of the land and act to slow water good example of a local scheme in action, and we will down, both of which are important in militating against need to see more of them. flooding. As I have said, despite the impressive response in Cumbria, this legislation is essential. Paddy Tipping: Is that not why the Bill is called the Mr. Mark Todd (South Derbyshire) (Lab): I want to Flood and Water Management Bill, rather than the interrupt the hon. Gentleman’s Canute-like stance on flood defence Bill? Have the Government not already this issue and ask him to set limits to this extraordinary learned such lessons? attempt to defy the natural processes. We will have to surrender land to the sea on the east coast—there is no Nick Herbert: I support the Government’s measures alternative strategy in some cases—and we really must in this respect, but I shall come in a moment to some of be more honest with some of our citizens who may our caveats. think otherwise for perfectly understandable personal In my constituency, the Pulborough brooks serve as a reasons. natural flood defence. The River Arun’s flood defences failed earlier this month, but because the brooks have Nick Herbert: I suggest that the hon. Gentleman talk been preserved as a nature reserve managed by the to the communities concerned and put that point of Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the water has view to them. Their belief is that not enough is being been allowed to dissipate, keeping it away from residential done to protect communities, their houses or farmland areas, roads and infrastructure. Systems such as those, and that more could be done at relatively low cost if reliant on environmental measures, have the added benefit communities were empowered to take such decisions of improving our ecosystems and providing new habitat themselves. I believe that we should take those decisions for wildlife. seriously. Above all, people feel that they are not properly consulted on decisions taken about the maintenance of Given the connection between natural flood defence, coastal flood defences and they want to be involved in river management and wildlife, I appreciate the concerns those decisions and empowered to protect themselves if of bodies such as WWF and the RSPB when they argue possible. for a greater emphasis on the water framework directive in the Bill. The wildlife trusts have estimated that a Christopher Fraser: Does my hon. Friend agree that greater use of natural systems, alongside hard defences there are exceptions for constituencies such as mine, and appropriate development, could save £30 billion by which suffer from coastal erosion, and for parts of the 2080. However, using natural systems to help to alleviate fens, which are below sea level and suffer from flood flood risk cannot be code for abandoning coastline alleviation programmes upstream? Does he accept that communities or for casually allowing productive farmland constituencies such as mine do not yet want to be rotten to be sacrificed, especially without proper consultation. boroughs? We must protect valuable farmland. Nick Herbert: I am sure that my hon. Friend would Mark Simmonds: My hon. Friend is making a not wish to represent a rotten borough. It is true that fundamental point. In my constituency in Lincolnshire, decisions taken about whether to defend one bit of a significant percentage of the agricultural land is either coastline or to let the defences go have an impact not grade 1 or grade 2, yet some of it might be left to go just on the communities affected but further downstream back to the sea. That would have a detrimental impact or down the coastline. That shows the importance of on productivity yields, and on the levels of food that adopting an integrated approach, but I am arguing that can be produced in this country for consumption in this we need to be more respectful of local communities in country. taking such decisions. 851 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 852

[Nick Herbert] concerted attempt to get them back into their homes as soon as possible, which is a matter not for legislation In making communities more resilient to flooding, but for effective action. we cannot rely solely on legislation. Indeed, the majority The need for legislation reveals something of a paradox. of the Pitt recommendations do not require legislation. Climate change is affecting our weather patterns and we Some, such as the proposal for a strategic, long-term can expect a future where our winters will be wetter, approach to investment in flood risk management, need with increased river flows and higher sea levels. That political will. As the Pitt review said: will lead to more extreme weather and more flood “Change will only happen with strong and more effective events. At the same time, we will see more water shortages leadership across the board.” as demand on this precious resource grows. Not only is On the issue of critical infrastructure, which my hon. it essential to ensure our communities are more resilient Friend the Member for Tewkesbury (Mr. Robertson) to flooding so that we can cope better when we have too raised with me, the Government have been too slow in much water, but we must all start to conserve and value taking forward Pitt’s recommendations to protect such water more so that we can adapt to the reality of having infrastructure from future flooding, so as to ensure that less of it. That calls for better management of water at essential utilities are not at risk during times of floods every level. as they were in 2007. Despite being one of Pitt’s urgent As we look to improve the Bill in the weeks ahead, we interim recommendations, a national emergency framework must ensure that we are making it easier for people to produced to provide information for all tiers of government manage water. Frequently, that will mean allowing local is not now due until summer next year. The natural communities to use their local knowledge and expertise hazards team was established only in May this year. to minimise flood risk. By its nature, water is difficult to Today’s progress report on Pitt, which the Secretary of manage and defending against flooding can be expensive. State has just published, lists 171 at-risk sites, but With huge pressure on resources in the years ahead, perhaps he will tell us when he winds up when he difficult decisions will need to be taken. Sometimes it expects the full audit of critical infrastructure to be will mean ensuring that adequate hard defences are in completed. place to provide security for the long term. Many of us also have concerns about ongoing At the invitation of the Environment Agency, I recently construction in areas at risk of flooding. It simply visited the Thames barrier to see the excellent work that cannot make sense that one in 10 new homes are being goes on in protecting this capital from flooding. When built within areas of “high flood risk”. We need some the designers originally agreed the project in the 1960s, foresight by planners and sense from developers, and we future rising river levels were anticipated, so it was must be certain that sufficient flood prevention and deliberately over-engineered. As river levels have risen, flood mitigation measures are in place if any development barrier closures have increased through the decades. is to take place in flood risk areas. None of that requires The barrier was closed four times in the 1980s and legislation, but it does require sustained attention and 75 times in the current decade. That is a testament to focus from government at all levels. The sobering fact is British engineering skill and planning foresight, and on that a year after the 2007 floods, almost 5,000 households latest estimates the barrier should keep London safe were still in temporary accommodation, living in caravans until at least 2070. or on the top floor of their homes. The barrier is also a symbol, however, of the growing The work of the National Flood Forum in helping threat from flooding and of defence and the foresight communities and raising awareness has been invaluable, we need to help protect our communities. We have a and its recent work highlighting the problems of victims duty to ensure this country’s environmental security of floods or those in at-risk areas in obtaining insurance and this Bill is a sensible step in that direction. helped to draw attention to that other significant problem. We must ensure that, when the spotlight turns off an Several hon. Members rose— area affected by flooding, the work continues. Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst): Order. I Mr. Drew: Does the hon. Gentleman understand the remind hon. Members that the 15-minute limit on Back- dilemma when a community is waiting for a strategic Bench speeches applies from now. plan to be put in place and measures to be introduced, as there is not much of an incentive for them to build in 6.28 pm their own resilience? The dilemma is that sometimes the cost-benefit analysis may not bear out all the physical Mr. Elliot Morley (Scunthorpe) (Lab): I would like work, so all we end up doing is putting people at greater to add my welcome to this Bill, which is an important risk in the future without that built-in resilience. Is that measure that follows on from a series of reports not a message that we should all put forward? published after severe flood events going right back to the late ’90s. I remember being involved in the 2000 Nick Herbert: The hon. Gentleman is talking a great floods and in the Carlisle floods, where my hon. Friend deal of sense. I was simply making the point that, if at the Member for Carlisle (Mr. Martlew) played a all possible, we need to get people back into their homes distinguished role, as did my hon. Friend the Member quickly and not lose focus on those issues. After all the for Workington (Tony Cunningham) during the recent attention given to the floods of 2007 and to the Cumbria floods in his area. floods, I fear that there is a risk that, as the House While it is certainly true that one extreme does not moves on, we forget that hundreds—and in the case of prove a climate change, what we have seen is an increase Cumbria, thousands—of people are still unable to live in the number of extreme events in this country and an in their homes. I am simply arguing that we need a increase in periods of severe rainfall. It is certainly the 853 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 854 case that the percentage of properties flooded by surface Lincolnshire council enabled it to increase the number water run-off seems to have increased. In that context, I of drains, to replace inadequate drains, and to install a think that the Select Committee’s report, along with the proper outlet in the surface water drains at the bottom Pitt report and the Bill, makes very sensible proposals. of the hill, where the town is. That could not have been In general, floods have been dealt with very efficiently. done without those extra funds from the Government. That is not to say that there is no room for improvement, There are people on North Lincolnshire council with and it is not to say that there has not been some experience of flood management, but there are not confusion, particularly over who is responsible for non-main many of them, and they are nearing retirement age. I water courses and for surface flooding. I know that the agree with the suggestion by the Local Government Select Committee has considered that issue before, and Association that if local authorities are to play a more it is addressed in the Bill. There has been a much more proactive role in flood management and flood planning— enlightened move towards a range of options in regard which I strongly support—there will have to be some to flood and water defence. support for skills, so that there are people to deal with We have already discussed “soft defence”. I am not surveys, flood risk assessments and engineering advice. sure whether the hon. Member for Arundel and South My council had to bring in consultants to handle some Downs (Nick Herbert) was saying that a future Conservative of the technical problems, and it would be much better Government might divert money from people’s homes if that could be done in-house. and properties to defend farmland. There will of course be choices to be made about the allocation of budgets, I do not have a strong opinion on two-tier councils. but that does not mean that farmland cannot be used to My local authority is unitary and therefore has responsibility defend people. for these matters, and I think that that works very well. However, where there are two-tier councils I believe that My constituency contains Alkborough Flats, Europe’s district councils need to be involved as much as possible, largest managed retreat. The land was bought by the not least because they are the planning authorities and Environment Agency, but it is still farmed by the local planning cannot be divorced from flood management. farmer and his work force. It is designed to flood once That will require some thought. in 20 years in the event of a surge down the Humber, the Trent and the Ouse. The crops would be lost in that I am pleased to note the commitment given to sustainable particular year, but in the meantime it can operate urban drainage, of which I have always been a great productively. In the Ancholme valley in my constituency, supporter. I have seen one or two schemes around the where there is a serious flooding problem, the Environment country, and I think that they work very well. I believe Agency proposes that farmers should unite. It is possible that it is possible to gain environmental enhancements that their crops will be flooded every few years, but they from SUDS. They can make an area look nice: green could receive compensation in those years. Various space can be used, soak-away areas can serve as paths formulas could enable them not only to continue to or cycleways, there can be ponds, and there can be all operate commercially, but to play their own role in sorts of different designs. There is, however, the issue of flood defence. who pays for the maintenance, and it is one of the issues that have blocked the development of SUDS. Mark Simmonds: The right hon. Gentleman is right It was a great step forward to create a committee to to emphasise the importance of appropriate managed approve and supervise SUDS, but I am still not clear retreats—there is one at Freiston Shore in my constituency, about who will pay for their upkeep. There are various which he has visited—but is he aware that many farmers options, but the issue will need to be clarified in Committee. do not think there is enough emphasis on the importance One suggestion is that those with SUDS will not have to of protecting grade 1 and grade 2 agricultural land for pay drainage charges to the water companies, but someone our food production? will have to pay for the upkeep in one way or another, whether it is the water companies—which have the Mr. Morley: I have heard all the arguments. Farmers advantage of maintenance skills—local authorities or in my constituency make similar points. It is a question developers. of balance, is it not? It must be said, in all fairness, that there have been changes in farming practice over the Along with others, I warmly welcome the clause that decades. In some instances, there has been a move away deals with the question of lower drainage charges for from sustainable traditional farming, particularly in community groups, which has been raised by many wash lands and water meadows where there used to be Members and in the All-Party Parliamentary Group on summer grazing, towards extensive drainage pumping Water, of which my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, and a shift to monoculture. All that, incidentally, has Sutton (Linda Gilroy) and I are both members. I am taken place at public expense: all those pumps and glad that the Government have responded and are drains were financed by the taxpayer. But a balance dealing with the problem. The Scunthorpe bridge club, must be struck between sustainable agriculture—the which has tremendous support from the community—it importance of food production—and sustainable flood is an ideal community group—recently moved into a management, and I believe that the Bill paves the way former factory with a large car-parking area, and received for that. There are issues that it needs to address further, a very large bill for drainage. Community groups are but it is a welcome step forward. not really in a position to deal with bills like that. Surface water was a major problem in my constituency There are many omissions from the Bill, but I understand in 2007, when there was extensive flooding in the town the reasons for that. I am glad that it has been presented, of Kirton in Lindsey. Let me record my appreciation for and that it is being given its Second Reading now so the funds that the Government provided for recovery that it can be included in the business programme. I following those floods. The additional funds for North know how difficult it is to secure slots in the programme, 855 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 856

[Mr. Morley] climate change that are already locked into the system. Scientific evidence to the Intergovernmental Panel on and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has Climate Change is clear. It says: done very well to ensure that it has reached this stage so “Basic theory, climate model simulations and empirical evidence early. all confirm that warmer climates, owing to increased water vapour, I know that it is impossible to produce a comprehensive lead to more intense precipitation events even when the total Bill dealing with a number of controversial issues in a annual precipitation is reduced slightly, and with prospects for even stronger events when the overall precipitation amounts short period, but there is one issue that I hope my right increase. The warmer climate therefore increases risks of both hon. Friend will consider: the issue of water bill arrears. drought—where it is not raining—and floods—where it is”. It would be possible to introduce fairly simple changes With the world struggling to limit rises in global to give water companies the right to know where people temperature to 2°, it is clear why our Environment had moved to so that they could pursue arrears. The Agency has concluded that flood events currently expected hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs said that once every 100 years could be happening once every the Conservatives would support such a move, so it is three years by the end of this century. Let us imagine clearly not controversial. I do not think it right for the the events at Cockermouth, Tewkesbury, Hull, or even arrears of people who can pay, but will not pay, to be Cheltenham with its 600 flooded properties, repeated in added to the bills of the majority of water customers. town after town, year after year, and the strain that that A simple measure allowing water companies to track will put on residents, the emergency services, local authorities down customers who could pay but have not done so and those responsible for critical infrastructure, as well would be very welcome. as on insurance companies, water companies and the Overall, I congratulate my right hon. Friend on the Government’s flood alleviation programme, and therefore Bill. I also welcome the report of the Select Committee, on the bills, premiums and taxes we will all have to pay. which went into the issues in great detail. I believe that The 2007 floods alone cost the United Kingdom £3 billion; these measures will help flood and coastal management. the cost to the economy of much more frequent flooding Although it is impossible ever to stop floods, it is would be unimaginably high. It is absolutely critical, certainly possible to minimise the risk. therefore, that in the time we have available now, before It is also impossible ever to stop coastal erosion, and, the situation reaches that level of perpetual crisis, we as my hon. Friend the Member for South Derbyshire sort out all the problems that have been highlighted by (Mr. Todd) observed, people should not be misled by the extreme flooding events of recent years—and not suggestions that it is possible to defend the whole of our just flooding, of course but droughts, water shortages coastline. Not only, in some cases, is it not cost-effective—we and coastal erosion from tides and storm surges. should not duck that issue—but in some cases there is In tackling all these issues, it is essential that we work no technical solution, and we must recognise that. Instead, with nature, not against it, and I have to say that I share we should be working with coastal local authorities and other hon. Members’ concerns that the Conservative communities and looking at how we can minimise the approach set out by the hon. Member for Arundel and impact on them. Sadly, however, that does not necessarily South Downs (Nick Herbert) sounded rather Canute-like mean there is a solution for every part of our coastline; in its defiance of natural forces. we should be honest about that. I greatly welcome the Bill, and I hope that it receives Nick Herbert: For the benefit of the hon. Gentleman support from both sides of the House and enjoys a and other Members who have commented on my remarks, speedy passage through its Committee stage. let me explain that I said that there was an opportunity for locally conceived schemes at lower cost that could 6.40 pm defend coastal communities, and I gave the example of one in Suffolk. Does the hon. Gentleman think that Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): My test of the that community, which took action that would otherwise Flood and Water Management Bill is whether it will not have been taken, behaved in a Canute-like manner? help Warden Hill. It is important and right to sympathise If it had not taken that action, the result would have with people in Cumbria, to remember the loss of life been loss of farmland and other such consequences, and to celebrate the extraordinary response of the emergency services, volunteers, friends and neighbours Martin Horwood: I obviously welcome local action to to both the recent floods and previous ones. We all defend communities against flooding, but that was not share those sentiments. However, the real test for this the tenor of the hon. Gentleman’s overall comments. Bill is whether all the strategic overviews and lead He was clearly suggesting that trying to work with responsibilities—the national risk management strategies nature and not against it was the wrong approach. That and flood risk management functions—will actually was my impression, and, I think, the impression of deliver for people in Gloucestershire, Cumbria, Yorkshire other Members. and all the other parts of the country that have now experienced severe flooding not only from river flooding Mr. Jack: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? but from surface and ground water flooding, or that now face increased flood risk. Martin Horwood: Not on that point, I am afraid. We must make no mistake about this: the risk will The natural environment can be our ally, and our increase. The Secretary of State has been in Copenhagen, tutor, in providing more space for water, better flood pressing, I hope, for a tough deal to tackle global risk management, more intelligent planning, more cost- climate change. We should all thank him and other effective strategies and more secure supplies, and in the delegates from all over the world, and wish them well in process we should take the opportunity to enhance and their efforts and hope that they succeed, but tough deal defend native species and landscapes and biodiversity, or not, we have to face up to the reality of the effects of and serve a wider environmental agenda. 857 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 858

The residents of Warden Hill do not just want less recently claimed that water bills in many areas would be water flooding into their streets and houses and more going down by a few pounds per household, yet the flood defences—although I should thank Cheltenham Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs borough council for the funding it has managed to impact assessment on sewer transfer predicted a cost to obtain for those that are currently planned. Residents water companies for that transfer ranging from £4 to want affordable water and insurance bills, a pleasant £12 per household, and this is not included in the price and sustainable natural environment around them, and review 2009 figures. This will more than offset the decrease future development that does not make their problems in water bills that was claimed. So which is the truth? worse and necessitate even more expensive flood defences Are water bills going up and not down, or are the in future, diverting increasingly precious taxpayers’ money Government planning to dodge this crucial issue? from other services. Ideally, they also want a bit more The Bill talks a lot about risk management, but the warning next time. definitions appear quite limited on first reading. There How much does this Bill contribute to all these is, for instance, no explicit reference to risks associated objectives? We might think that after two and a half with critical infrastructure. This was a particular issue years of multiple reviews and consultations, extensive in Gloucestershire, where the loss of the Mythe water pre-legislative scrutiny and expert advice, we would treatment works to the floods meant the loss of fresh have a truly outstanding and comprehensive piece of water to thousands of people for up to two weeks, and legislation—a veritable torrent of good ideas. Sadly, where the absolutely catastrophic loss of electricity however, what we have in this water Bill is more of a supply—not just, as my constituency neighbour, the trickle than a torrent. It is flowing in the right direction, hon. Member for Tewkesbury (Mr. Robertson) pointed but there is not much of a current. It is not big enough out, to Gloucestershire, but to more than 500,000 people, or strong enough to tackle many of the problems and as far away as Wales—was only narrowly averted highlighted by the events of the last few years. It is by the quick, co-ordinated action of gold command, better than nothing after such a long wait, but it is still a Gloucestershire constabulary and the Army and other disappointment. emergency services. I must declare a personal interest Let us not be churlish, however. The Bill does helpfully here, as my wife was a member of gold command. define a flood as an event in which A key Pitt recommendation was that we address this “land not normally covered by water becomes covered by water.” issue of critical infrastructure and, with some prescience, Well, phew, at least we have covered that one. As many it referred not only to power and fresh water but to hon. Members have mentioned, clause 42 rightly addresses transport infrastructure. I am sure that the people of the issue of the rain tax and community groups such as Cumbria, who have lost road and other communications, scout groups. The hon. Member for Arundel and South would agree with that. Pitt’s recommendation 53 stated: Downs claimed that as a Conservative win, but I have to “A specific duty should be placed on economic regulators to say that I do not remember him spotting this any more build resilience in the critical infrastructure.” than the rest of us did when area-based charging was The Secretary of State has issued guidance on this issue first introduced. This loophole was, in effect, highlighted to the regulators and yet more consultation is promised, as a result of a very bad bit of implementation by one but guidance and consultation have been issued before—as water company. Members on both sides of the House long ago as 2004—and we were still terribly exposed in supported this revision, and the clause is most welcome. 2007 and again in 2009. Work is being done to address The Bill takes forward some ideas from the Pitt the specific risks in Gloucestershire, and that is very review. We have a national oversight—a “buck stops much appreciated—such work may well be done in here” responsibility—for the Environment Agency. We Cumbria too—but we need to consider whether or not have a local lead responsibility for local authorities. the legal duty that Pitt recommended is necessary to Both of these measures are welcome, but although I protect the rest of the country and whether or not the noted the Secretary of State’s brave claim that all new Government are, once again, using consultation as a net burdens on local authorities would be fully funded, substitute for action. back in the real world it is far from clear how exactly We must also consider the personal cost. I am talking these provisions are to be resourced, and whether the not only about the trauma and disruption of having Bill will truly sort out the bewildering tangle of flood water destroy and pollute one’s home or business, responsibilities that surfaced in the floods. These are and the human impact of homelessness and lost possessions; issues that the Bill Committee must explore in a lot after the flood water has gone and the property has more detail. been replaced or repaired, the insurance will need renewing. The issue of the maintenance of watercourses, drains One of my constituents found that not only had his and sewers has been raised time and again by local insurance premiums skyrocketed but the excess for flood residents in many Members’ constituencies, and certainly damage had risen from £50 to £5,000. I have heard in mine. In particular, we should explore whether the figures as high as £20,000 cited by others and in some linked issue of unadopted sewers is being adequately cases flooding has been excluded as a risk altogether. addressed. Cheltenham resident Bridget Sansom e-mailed That is not really insurance in the sense of a collective me saying that scheme to pool risk and protect all of us from extreme “during the summer of 2007 floods, there was a backflow of events. What added insult to injury in my constituent’s sewage via the washing machine into the kitchen. This is the result case was that since the floods the Environment Agency of unadopted sewerage and still has not been solved two years on.” had spent thousands erecting a flood wall to the rear of She asked for my “comments, support and help.” Let his property, protecting him and his neighbours from a me start by asking about the Government’s current plan repeat of the event that flooded their houses in 2007. for the water companies to adopt private sewers. Has The insurance issues were resolved in that case, but it that been properly accounted for? The Government raises a number of questions. 859 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 860

[Martin Horwood] Friend seems to have secured social justice for his constituents, with the support now of the Government First, should insurance take account of work, either and of the Environment Agency, but what about other at household or local level, that has reduced the risk of people’s constituents who are facing unexpected long-term flooding? Secondly, should insurance companies be allowed risk and who are not on the coast? On that issue, as on to claim that they are insuring almost everyone and the others I have mentioned relating to insurance and then impose such punitive premiums, excess charges or household risk, the Bill is silent. exclusions that they render someone’s policy virtually Another way in which individual risk could be reduced useless? It makes good business sense to sell well-targeted and the insurance bill minimised is through a better, insurance to those at almost no risk and very little faster and much more specific system of flood alerts. insurance to those at any risk, but that has a high social The Government have instituted the new flood forecasting cost. In a previous decade, some insurance companies centre, which is an impressive office in Clerkenwell, used to exclude people who had taken an HIV test. As bringing together expert skills from the Environment happened then, do we not now need a collective solution Agency and the Met Office. That is a very impressive that takes account of a social need? Do we not, thus, start, but the Met Office’s modelling and tracking of need a solution that excludes from insurance only those rainfall is advancing in leaps and bounds and can now at a genuinely very high risk of repeated flooding where predict very heavy rainfall on a very localised basis, no steps have been taken to defend them or their down to a resolution of just 1 km. The current flood property, and that supports the good principle of shared alert system is based on much broader, generalised risk for everyone else? flood alerts, delivered—as I remember from 2007—for Mr. Laurence Robertson: Does the hon. Gentleman days in advance. They are obviously a good thing, but a also agree that insurance companies should not be much more specific and targeted warning, even a few increasing the premium to the extent that they are doing hours or less before a localised high rainfall event, and increasing the excess? As he rightly points out, if would give people vital minutes in which to save their the excess is as much as £10,000 or £15,000, people are, personal possessions. I would like to hear the Secretary in effect, not insured. They are going to pay for the of State’s views on flood alerts and on whether or not damage in any case, so why does the premium have to the Bill should include a mandate for a much more go up too? ambitious scheme that could save individual property and save us collectively millions of pounds. Martin Horwood: The hon. Gentleman makes an excellent point. These companies are getting a double May I also ask whether other Government policies benefit, especially if flood defences have, in the meantime, are not actually making the situation worse? Let us reduced any risk of the flood being repeated. return to my Warden Hill test. I have in my possession a flood catchment study map that clearly shows the Mr. Drew: I complete a triumvirate of Gloucestershire contribution that nearby green fields in Leckhampton MPs. One of the other problems here is the myth that make to the retention of water in the landscape. Expensive somebody can shop around elsewhere for insurance flood defences are being built in Warden Hill, but how cover. We all know of examples where people have been crazy would it be to build on those green fields and flooded and although their existing insurance company create an even greater flood risk all over again? Yet after has stayed with them—of course, putting the premium a local visit lasting only a few minutes, Government up as it does so—no other insurance company would inspectors included precisely that area in the Communities ever touch them. Such people are entirely reliant on that Secretary’s proposed changes to the draft south-west remaining insurance company, which can be deleterious regional spatial strategy and earmarked it for thousands to their position. of houses. My neighbour, the hon. Member for Tewkesbury, will know that in Tewkesbury, which is not far away Martin Horwood: The hon. Gentleman is entirely from the area I am discussing, a whole new housing right, and the situation he describes reinforces the need estate at Wheatpieces has already been given the green for some kind of intervention in the market. All these light in a very high flood risk area. steps make business sense for individual insurance companies—in a sense, they are only doing what businesses In a parliamentary answer to my hon. Friend the do naturally—but we clearly need to find a better Member for Westmorland and Lonsdale (Tim Farron), collective solution. the Under-Secretary of State for Communities and The last question that all this raises is what is the Local Government, the hon. Member for Dudley, North long-term plan for those who really cannot be defended (Mr. Austin) confirmed that 135,000 dwellings have against flood, coastal erosion or natural hazard. In been built in flood risk areas in the past 10 years. fairness, I could not possibly suggest that the insurance According to the Campaign to Protect Rural England, industry and its other customers continue to pick up the across the country 27,000 hectares of green belt land is tab for properties that we now realise are not going to at risk of development. By definition, such land is right be viable in the long term, but are their occupants next to urban areas, and years ago the Foresight study simply to be left uninsured with a property of collapsing rightly identified creeping urbanisation as a key factor value? My hon. Friend the Member for North Norfolk in increasing flood risk. In one of his less robust moments, (Norman Lamb) has been a tireless champion of the Sir Michael Pitt suggested that the current planning rights of people placed unexpectedly in this kind of guidance, planning policy statement 25, should be situation from faster than expected coastal erosion in maintained but kept under review. his constituency. As the Secretary of State has mentioned, We need to go much further than that, because PPS25 an innovative approach to householders at long-term is hopelessly site-specific. The Environment Agency is risk will now be tried there and elsewhere in which often placated by a balancing pond here or there, and householders sell and lease back their homes. My hon. even when it does maintain opposition to a development, 861 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 862 its advice is often ignored or overturned. We need to likely to have a propensity to flood, it makes sense to introduce planning policies that are created by local design buildings that are resilient. Sometimes, only a authorities working together, with the involvement of minimal change is needed—a few extra feet added to local people, including farmers—not by regional quangos. the base structure, for instance, can make an enormous We need policies that address water issues on a landscape difference to the resilience of a building. For heaven’s scale and with real force in planning law. The sustainable sake, they knew that in prehistoric times. The lake drainage provisions in the Bill are welcome, but they are village in Meare in Somerset records knowledge of how wholly inadequate to deal with the scale of problem we to build on wetland and not have a flooded house. Why face. As the Select Committee on Environment, Food have we forgotten? and Rural Affairs pointed out, the piecemeal approach Martin Horwood: I knew that my hon. Friend had in the Bill is simply not ambitious enough and the long experience of such matters, but I did not realise connected issue of spatial planning must be addressed. that it went back quite that far. He is absolutely right to Mr. Todd: The hon. Gentleman is touching on a identify this issue. We know from long-held experience subject that I have addressed in the past: whether or not that we should build sensibly, and we seem to have the Environment Agency should, in effect, be given the abandoned that needlessly. The Association of British powers that the Highways Agency has in relation to Insurers predicts that, unless Government policy changes, planning applications that have a bearing on a highway a third of the 3 million new homes that the government for which it is responsible. Where it objects, the application wants to see by 2010 will be built on flood plains and: may not be determined; it cannot simply be placed “Hundreds of thousands of homes could be uninsurable and before the local authority for a decision. Would a similar uninhabitable”. power, admittedly one backed up by a rather more The toxic combination of inaction on planning and robust Environment Agency—I have concerns about inaction on insurance could create a lethal cocktail. The the firmness with which inappropriate developments Government’s hope that somehow voluntary agreements are resisted in my own area—not be a helpful addition and the goodwill of the insurance industry are adequate to the armoury? to deal with this threat is just not good enough. More is also left out of the Bill. It is a water management Martin Horwood: The hon. Gentleman raises a very Bill as well as a flood Bill, but with spectacularly interesting point. The interlocking responsibilities and unjoined-up timing, it seems to have missed the opportunity the right of appeal against decisions by national authorities to address the issues of either the Cave or Walker such as the Environment Agency and the Highways reviews, and it is too late to influence the water pricing Agency are important. There is an important emphasis, regime or water companies’ plans now being put in however, to be placed on local decision making and place until 2015. It contains no reform of Ofwat’s remit, local formulation of these policies, too, and that is what which is badly needed. I am trying to express. To be fair to Ofwat, it did not write its remit. It is a Landscape-scale planning policies developed at a local scary leftover from the high water mark of Thatcherism, level could include targets for the protection and restoration when the only sustainability that counted was commercial of water channels, rivers and wetlands. They could help and the interests of the consumer were regarded as to defend prime agricultural land for local food production, purely economic. Issues such as the environment or which has been mentioned several times already, for social cohesion were simply not part of the equation. biodiversity and for landscape features such as moorlands Other regulators, such as Ofgem, have already allowed—or and ancient forests. They could make a really important been allowed to allow—sensible measures such as social contribution to upstream management of water in the tariffs to help the least well-off customers. It is high landscape, working with nature, as my hon. Friend the time that Ofwat was told to do likewise. Member for Montgomeryshire (Lembit Öpik), who is Anna Walker’s review rightly pointed out that water no longer in his place, rightly pointed out in an earlier poverty was already becoming an issue and that it intervention. Such a radical change to planning law would become more of an issue if water bills had to rise, would obviously require more thought and, yes, more if metering became widespread and if the costs of consultation, so it would be challenging to incorporate environmental measures such as leakage control and it into this rather limited little Bill. sewage transfer were greater than expected. Walker says At the very least, the Bill could give local authorities that we need clear powers, robust enough to be defended at planning “A package of help…closely targeted on customers with low appeals, to stop new developments in flood risk areas incomes” that they believe would contribute to flood risk. If they and asks the UK and Welsh Governments to consider choose to give the go-ahead to buildings in flood risk updating the guidance to Ofwat. That cannot come areas, they need the power to impose planning conditions soon enough. We do not have to design the whole social to increase resilience. We have a code for sustainable tariff system for this Bill, but I hope that it is not too homes, but why is it still possible to build houses on late to, at the very least, change Ofwat’s remit to stop it flood plains with power sockets in the skirting boards? preventing water companies from introducing social That is just one small example of how we have failed to tariffs as it does at present. The Secretary of State is make even quite simple, limited changes that are necessary. looking sceptical, but he should ask the management of Incidentally, amendments to that code to enforce water Dwr Cymru about their experience of Ofwat in this efficiency and rainwater use are also long overdue. respect. Mr. David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD): I am Mr. Jack: Given the hon. Gentleman’s interest in glad that my hon. Friend is mentioning this point. Not amending Ofwat’s remit, will he be publishing on behalf only should we not build in places that will increase of his party its contribution to the review of the remit flood risk but, if we are going to build in an area that is that Ofwat is carrying out? 863 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 864

Martin Horwood: I have put on the record many Water is a significant feature of my constituency, and times my views and those of my party on Ofwat’s remit. the old historic town of Northwich has a long history of We have published party policy, which I shall happily flooding. In November 2000, we had floods in the town send to the right hon. Gentleman. centre where the River Dane and the River Weaver Ofwat also needs to be told that the environment can come together. The measures in the Bill will make it no longer be considered a subsidiary responsibility of more unlikely that we will be visited by floods in the its economic duties. The economy exists within the future. I therefore welcome the provisions in the Bill to environment, not the other way round. We have to learn strengthen flood defences. to live within environmental constraints and an obvious It is right that the Government have addressed the first step would be to break the link between resource proposals brought forward by Sir Michael Pitt following use and company profit. It would not be rocket science his review of the 2007 floods. Of significant interest is to design an environmentally-friendly tariff whereby the fact that the Environment Agency is to be given increased water use compared to historic household responsibility for developing a national flood and coastal levels earned the household a higher bill, but the increased erosion risk management strategy. Dovetailing with that, revenue went not into the water company’s coffers but quite rightly, will be the Bill’s requirement that unitary straight into water efficiency or environmentally friendly and county councils should take the lead in managing water management measures. the risk of all locally caused floods, and again I welcome All in all, the Bill is a bit of a drip when we needed a that requirement. good shower. It does take welcome steps in allocating In my constituency, that means that Cheshire West clearer responsibilities and addressing issues of sustainable and Chester unitary council and Halton borough council drainage and flood risk management, but it leaves will perform that important task. That is a step in the untouched major issues of insurance, planning and right direction, and I am confident that Halton borough environmental issues that need to be addressed. The council will play a full role in developing plans to emergency services, the Army, the NHS, volunteers, manage risk for all locally caused floods. I have a word friends and neighbours have all played their parts brilliantly, of caution for hon. Members, however, about the new and I join the Secretary of State and others in thanking Cheshire West and Chester unitary authority. Sadly, them all. However, the time has finally come for us to that council has all too quickly developed a reputation do our part, too. The residents of Warden hill and of for not doing much and not listening to what local the rest of Cheltenham, as well as the residents of people want. Its inaction over the redevelopment of Gloucestershire, Cumbria, Yorkshire and the rest of the Northwich town centre following the completion of the country deserve nothing less. £35 million Government-funded town stabilisation project is a case in point. I hope, therefore, that the Bill will include measures to enable the Environment Agency 7.7 pm and DEFRA to scrutinise the council’s progress on its important role of managing floods. Mr. Mike Hall (Weaver Vale) (Lab): I welcome the I shall now turn to what has become known as the Flood and Water Management Bill. I am pleased that it rain tax aspect of the Bill. I was glad that the hon. will receive a Second Reading this evening and I hope it Member for Arundel and South Downs said in July that is not long before it is on the statute book. the Conservative party was calling for action on the At this moment in time, the eyes of the world are issue, although I am sure that that was not a result of rightly focused on Copenhagen and the world climate the ten-minute Bill that I introduced on 12 May. That change summit. I hope that we can decide on substantial Bill would have dealt with the problem by exempting and sustainable reductions on carbon emissions this places of worship, non-profit-making sports clubs and weekend. I know that my right hon. Friend the Prime scout and guide groups from surface water and highway Minister and his excellent ministerial team will do all in drainage charges, although I should apologise for an their power to get the right deal at Copenhagen. error in my drafting because community and village I am aware that some Members of this House and halls clearly should have been included in the Bill’s others outside deny climate change and that others are scope as they, too, need to be exempt from the charges. sceptical about the science. I am not one of them. I The introduction by United Utilities of surface area accept that climate change is taking place. Instead of and highway drainage charges signalled a large increase having the four seasons of winter, spring, summer and in the water bills faced by scout and guide groups, autumn, it seems to me that we are moving towards two places of worship, sports clubs, village halls and the prolonged seasons: spring and autumn. That assessment like. The changes were introduced following the review is, I accept, much too general, but we do face climate by Ofwat of how water companies should charge for change. surface water drainage. It concluded that the fairest I agree with the hon. Member for Arundel and South approach was to charge non-household customers based Downs (Nick Herbert) that we might not be able to on the size of the site that they occupied, and that blame climate change for the floods that took place in charge is called site area charging. 2007 and for the floods that took place in 2009 in Astonishingly, Ofwat did not examine the impact of Cumbria. However, unless we address climate change, it the change on voluntary community groups, although it is likely that flooding will become a major problem in warned water companies that surface area charging the future. That is important to me because the most might have a negative impact on sensitive properties defining geographical features of my Weaver Vale such as schools, hospitals and places of worship. In constituency are the River Mersey, the River Weaver general, it warned that water companies would need to and the River Dane, the Bridgewater canal and the take account of the scale and speed of any changes to Weaver navigation canal. determine whether they were reasonable and acceptable 865 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 866 to customers. United Utilities took Ofwat’s advice by the implementation date for surface area charging was bringing in surface area charging, but it did not take not the solution that those organisations were looking any account of the scale and speed of the changes in for. They wanted a scheme that would put them back in charging, and whether they would be reasonable and their position prior to the change. acceptable to customers. To complicate things—and to make matters worse— Following reports in the media of the impact of the Ofwat made it clear to water companies that it would changes, it was not long before I was visited by community not approve any tariffs for surface area charging that groups such as churches, sports clubs and scout groups. involved cross-subsidies, that were based on rateable They had also received representations from their parent values or that involved exemptions. It also instructed all organisations warning that the way in which United water companies that their tariffs for surface area charging Utilities had approached the situation would mean that would have to be approved by November 2009. Conversely, would be faced with seriously high drainage charges. it did not say what types of charges, other than surface Before the charges were introduced, such organisations area charging, would be acceptable. had been granted significant discounts on their water Throughout the whole exercise, the Government kept bills because of their charitable status. Their bills had a close eye on proceedings. I pay particular tribute to been based on the rateable value of the properties that the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food they occupied, which were either zero-rated or heavily and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for discounted. Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies), who has dealt with the I have previously given the House two examples of problem fantastically. I was also delighted when my what has happened, the first of which was that the 1st right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced in Halton scout group in my constituency saw its water bill his party conference speech in late September that he increase by 424 per cent. A church organisation has also would bring forward measures to address the problem. I had a problem. St. Marks church and Bethesda church, therefore welcome the Government’s decision to bring which are part of the Hallwood ecumenical parish in forward the Bill, which will give water companies the Runcorn, are jointly billed for water. In 2007-08, they power to introduce concessionary schemes for surface did not pay any water rates at all, but in 2008-09 they area drainage charges for amateur sports clubs, scout received a charge of £181.76. That charge was set to rise groups, places of worship and other community groups. to approximately £2,000 in 2010-11. The Hallwood ecumenical parish could not afford such a massive Mr. Jamie Reed: Will my hon. Friend join me—and, I increase, so I am pleased that there has been some am sure, others in the Chamber—in sending a message movement in how the matter will be dealt with. Every to the water companies that if they do not take advantage pound that such organisations spend on surface water of the discretion now, they will risk not only driving drainage is one pound less for them to spend on the such organisations into the ground but reducing their services they provide for their parishioners and members, customer base? and the communities they serve. Hon. Members representing all parties have rightly criticised these charges Mr. Hall: I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s intervention. on the Floor of the House. Even Ofwat has joined in the I am about to address his point about the water companies’ criticism—surprisingly, because it was the author of the introduction of the concessionary scheme. change itself. I hope that confirmation will be put on record during In early 2009, Ofwat announce that United Utilities the wind-ups that the Government envisage that the had agreed to a one-year moratorium during which community groups covered by the Bill will include surface area charges would be frozen at 2008-09 levels guide associations and village halls, because it is important for faith buildings, community sports clubs, scout groups that they are included in its provisions. and guide associations. At face value, that measure was The Bill could end the unfair rain tax, but it will do so greatly to be welcomed, but I was concerned at the time only if it contains a mandatory requirement for the that a one-year moratorium would only delay the water companies to provide concessionary schemes for implementation of surface area charging and would not surface area water charges for community groups. I result in a change to the charging policy that would be understand that the powers on concessionary charging both acceptable and fair to these organisations that are permissive, not mandatory. I will be looking to the serve their communities well. Government to bring forward measures, either by amending I was concerned that Ofwat made it clear to United the Bill in Committee or through the guidance that will Utilities that it should use the one-year moratorium to be issued with it, to make it compulsory for water work with customers, to communicate the need for the companies to introduce concessionary tariffs for community new charges, and to offer advice on how customers groups if they want site area charging for surface and could implement environmental improvements that will highway drainage. help them to reduce their costs significantly. It also said Having established the principle of concessionary that United Utilities would use the moratorium to charging for surface water, I believe that the Bill will create a new time frame for the implementation of need to go further if it is to achieve its declared aim of surface area charging by spreading the remaining charge getting rid of the rain tax. The Government need to over a longer period to give customers time to put in define, either in the Bill or in guidance, what constitutes place measures to offset future costs and benefit the a fair and affordable charge for drainage so that the environment. concessionary charges will be fair and affordable. The On that basis, at the beginning of 2010-11, places of Bill will not achieve its aim of scrapping the rain tax if worship, community sports clubs, scout groups, Guide water companies are permitted to levy unreasonable associations and village halls would have been faced charges on community groups for surface water drainage. with substantially larger bills for drainage. Simply altering To lock the concessionary scheme into place and ensure 867 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 868

[Mr. Mike Hall] For example, we must take account of Anna Walker’s review of how water should be paid for, and how we can the compliance of the water companies in getting rid of optimise its use and minimise its waste. We must also the rain tax, I believe that Ofwat should be given heed the other work that has been done on competition statutory powers to oversee the implementation of the in the water industry, and the question of who is responsible concessionary charging scheme. That would make Ofwat for what in any aspect of the management of water. part of the solution, and stop it being part of the That inevitably means that this is a big and complex problem. matter—as witnessed by the fact that the original Bill I want the Government to go one step further. Under had 269 clauses. In contrast, the Bill before us today has the scheme that meant that water bills were calculated been reduced to 49 clauses and four annexes. That is a on rateable values, scouts and other groups benefited by remarkable piece of editorial activity, and I congratulate receiving considerable discounts. I would like the water the drafters on their achievement. companies to be given the power once again to offer scouts, guides, places of worship, amateur sports clubs, David Taylor (North-West Leicestershire) (Lab/Co-op) village halls and other community groups discounts on rose— their surface water drainage bills, over and above any concessionary tariffs that is charged. Mr. Jack: I will give way to my hon. Friend in just a moment. The other reason for the Committee’s approach This flexibility, which is being called for by the scouting was to put down a marker that made it clear that organisations and others, would ensure that the rain tax whoever forms the next Government will have to undertake would really become a thing of the past. Scouts, guides, to return to this matter early in the new Parliament. By places of worship, amateur sports clubs, village halls that time, the new Government will have had a chance and other community groups would then be able to get to digest Anna Walker’s findings in particular. They will on with their primary function of providing top-quality also have had a chance to address the question of services for their members and the communities that affordability, and to learn from debates like this about they serve. some of the many issues that have not been touched on. Finally, I want to pay tribute to Stella Creasy of the I give way to my hon. Friend the Member for North-West Scouts Association for the excellent work that she and Leicestershire (David Taylor), who is an honourable her organisation have done on the important issue of member of my Committee. putting an end to the inequitable rain tax. I commend the measures to the House. David Taylor: I thank my right hon. Friend, as I shall call him, for giving way. He has been an excellent Chair 7.21 pm of the EFRA Committee. Like him, I am standing down at the election and the last few years on his Mr. Michael Jack (Fylde) (Con): This may well be the Committee have been very rewarding indeed. Does he last speech that I make on a piece of environmental recall the visit that the Committee paid to Lyons to look legislation before I retire at the next election. I have the at the integrated approach taken there to flood prevention honour of chairing the Environment, Food and Rural and management? Is he concerned that one possible Affairs Committee, and we have done a number of flaw in this welcome Bill is that the local authorities that reports on flooding and the implementation of the Pitt will take on a great deal of the local responsibility for review. We have also been involved in the pre-legislative these matters will have inadequate resources, skills or scrutiny of this Bill, so I felt it only right to make a final knowledge to be able to do so effectively? and modest contribution to this debate. I am grateful for the kind words from the Secretary of Mr. Jack: My hon. Friend brings me on to two points State acknowledging the work that the Committee has that I wanted to touch on. The first is that I think that done, and I should like to begin by putting on record all of us must be honest with ourselves and with the my appreciation of the work done by the Committee’s public about what can be afforded, and what cannot. staff. The Clerks, the inquiry managers and our special The Secretary of State will no doubt remind the House advisers are the unsung heroes of parliamentary scrutiny when he winds up that the Government have increased work. They do not get the headlines or the opportunity spending on flood-prevention measures. I think that the to speak in debates like this, but pre-legislative scrutiny total will be £1 billion by 2011, but the Association of of the quality that we have been able to achieve would British Insurers has suggested that expenditure should not take place without their efforts. be as high has £1.5 billion. When the implementation of the Pitt proposals was costed, Pitt himself indicated Perhaps controversially in the light of observations that there was an inadequacy of funding. made in the debate so far, our report recommended a delay in introducing this legislation. That was not because We must be realistic. Under the current circumstances, we did not want the Environment Agency and others to we cannot, for example, protect everything by means of take on an important co-ordinating role in developing a hard-engineering solutions. One of the outcomes of the flood-risk strategy, especially given the failure of the work to be done on risk assessment and the development surface water arrangements that was exposed in 2007. of a strategy should be to fulfil the objective set out in We want that strategy to come into force, but our report clause 3, where it speaks of was a way of putting down a marker. As so many “preparing, gathering and disseminating maps, plans, surveys and contributions have already suggested, the issue of water other information” cannot easily be disaggregated into a lot of little bits for communities. Communities must be informed about and pieces. As the Secretary of State’s own policy the risks they face. More importantly, they must be document, “Making Space for Water”, acknowledges, informed about what risks can be dealt with—and, all the functions have to be integrated. more importantly still, what risks cannot be dealt with. 869 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 870

The subject of resilience has already made an appearance implementing the European directive remains outside in this debate, and quite rightly so. I do not think that the integrating function of the Bill. I seek reassurance we spend enough time on that. One of the most impressive from the Secretary of State in his winding-up speech groups of witnesses to come before the Committee that the gluing together of the parts will take place. came from the National Floods Forum. The forum One of the things missing from the Bill is the requirement operates something like a British standard that delineates for the Environment Agency to prepare river maps what equipment works and what does not, but it also showing who is responsible for what. That seems to me has a great deal of experience in giving people in to be part of the requirements of the EU floods directive. communities guidance on how to make things resilient. We can immediately see the complexity and the problem The tragedies of Cumbria and Boscastle have made of integrating all the parts so that the strategy developed me wonder whether people in those communities were by the Environment Agency will work in reality. I hope aware that there were risks that could not be engineered the Secretary of State will address the issue in his away. If they were so aware, could they, with adequate winding-up speech or when the Bill goes into Committee. notice and advice, have prepared themselves better to We have talked a great deal this evening about SUDS. protect their existing properties? Our Committee looked, for example, at highway drainage. All that is notwithstanding the observations that have When the 2007 events occurred, our highways became been made about building new properties above flood-risk the drainage channels to rivers in such a way that the areas. I very much agree with the observations that many rivers could not accommodate the water running off so hon. Members have made already about planning and quickly. “Slow water” is a phrase that has been used in building in flood plain areas. We need to be much harder the debate this evening. Anything that slows things with ourselves and work to stop increasing flood risk. down is a good idea. The integration of sustainable My hon. Friend the hon. Member for North-West urban drainage solutions for highways is jolly good but, Leicestershire made a very good point about our trip to as the Government said: Lyons. The city lies at the confluence of two of France’s “We recognise that there is currently no incentive for highway major rivers, and it is very interesting to see how the authorities to install sustainable drainage systems because the authorities there have integrated their flood defences cost of highway drainage is met by water customers.” both regionally and locally. They have built massive That is the kind of risk factor which, if it is teased out at sustainable urban drainage schemes, and the integration the planning stage of the development of the risk of those SUDS with the protection of the built environment strategy, we might be able to mitigate, but it requires a is very impressive. It provides some very important burden shift in terms of funding. We see the same lessons for how we might do the same here. questions recurring about resources and who has the However, when we look at how the Bill is drafted, money to deal with these complicated issues. In Committee there is a subtlety about clause 3 and the way that it some of the real- world challenges posed by flooding integrates with clause 7. We as legislators must read the should be tested out. definition of “risk” with care, and I hope that the In the Bill, the implications of climate change are a Committee that succeeds the one that I chair will examine feature to be examined in the context of the development carefully how all those tasked with developing the new of the strategy. One of the things that increasingly strategies deal with that definition. We must make rigorously worries me, and which the sad events in Cumbria certain that “risk” incorporates all the things that have underscore, is that a one in 1,000-year event can occur. I been mentioned in the debate so far, and that a response was asked about this in the context of our existing flood to those risk elements is part of the Environment Agency’s defence systems. In a city such as London, the highway strategy.If we do that then, with the right degree of scrutiny drainage system is scoped to deal with a one in 30-year and pressure from parliamentarians, we can use the event. What would happen in London if a one in subtlety of the drafting to ensure that we can at least 1,000-year event occurred? We would have catastrophic have the right shopping list, so to speak, of the things flooding, but can we afford to scope up our drainage that must be responded to. Thereafter, we can examine system by a factor of 30 to cope with that? The answer critically way whether we have the resources and the is probably no. That is why we must be honest when we wherewithal to deal with any problems that might arise. look at what we can and cannot do, and prepare accordingly. One thing that worries me is whether we have, in sum The Bill is silent on the critical infrastructure but—coming total, the right degree of expertise, especially with regard back to the question of risks and picking up the point to engineers skilled in the management of water. The made by the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Martin Environment Agency has taken steps to address that Horwood)—that can be incorporated in the risks and issue, but it strikes me that those particular talents will therefore encompassed by the strategy of the Environment be in very great demand, especially among the local Agency. If the Bill deals with the risks of reservoirs, the authorities at county level that will be in charge of question of the integrity of bridges needs to be re-examined. implementing some of these strategic matters. Cumbria taught us a rude and painful lesson. Structures Water does not recognise political boundaries. I hope which we thought were impervious to the effects of the Committee will examine carefully whether, in developing flooding certainly were not. A new dimension of community strategies on political boundaries, we have the mechanisms disruption occurred which none of the previous flooding for catchment areas to knit things together. One of the events in this country had illustrated. Although the Bill problems arising from the truncated Bill is that the is silent on that, the powers and the responsibilities, flood risk management plans that are part of the EU particularly of county highway authorities, should be floods directive implementation process are dealt with re-examined to make sure that there is a duty upon by statutory instrument outwith the scope of the Bill. I them to re-examine bridge structures regularly to determine understand why, for legislative reasons, the Government whether they are capable of withstanding the type of are doing that, but the danger is that the legislation event that occurred in Cumbria. 871 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 872

[Mr. Jack] least well off constituents? That would be a simple measure which I am sure we could manage in the One of the aspects that we should reflect on, which months ahead. emerged from the evidence that we received, is that in the areas that we represent, all of us have a much more Paddy Tipping: That would not be a simple amendment, articulate constituency of members of the public who and social tariffs are not an easy issue. Those of us who are now infinitely better informed about every aspect of will be involved in the Energy Bill know how difficult it flooding. They know about water courses, they have is. Such issues will be dealt with not in Committee, but local knowledge, and they are vociferous in arguing by secondary legislation. The EU flood regulation measure their corner. They are a very important part of the is before the House by way of a statutory instrument. It process that the Bill deals with. If we as politicians includes maps and assessments of flood risk, and it is do not recognise the human dimension—the public disappointing that it looks as though the House will not dimension—all our discussions about flooding, water have the opportunity to discuss those matters. charging and so on will be the poorer. We must acknowledge The essential point of today’s debate has been about the role of the informed member of the public and the 2007 floods. They focused our attention not on river make certain that they are properly involved in the flooding, which had been the discussion in the past, but consultation processes for which the Bill provides as on surface water flooding. Right hon. and hon. Members part of the strategy that the Environment Agency is to who have spoken have made it very clear that there are introduce. no easy solutions to the problem, but in the course of I conclude by saying that I, too, am delighted that the my work either in Nottinghamshire or on the Environment, Bill deals with the surface area water charging regime. Food and Rural Affairs Committee people have said to However, I have one concern. The Bill rightly identifies me, “Oh, it’s simple: you just keep the drains clear.” one group of people who can benefit from positive Given the volume of intense rain, however, drains will discrimination. I support that, but on the issue of the not be able to cope in the future. We are living in a affordability of water, individual citizens may look slightly different world and in a different environment, and that jealously at that part of the Bill and say, “What about is why the points that the right hon. Member for Fylde us?” In supporting the intent of the Bill, I hope that made—about being clear with people, working with whoever forms the next Government will return to the them and giving them an understanding of the risk—are question early in the next Parliament and complete the so important. task that the Bill begins. It is also important to introduce a set of responsibilities, and the Bill defines them. I am a great supporter of the Several hon. Members rose— Environment Agency, and I believe that it has the flexibility not to act in a centralising way, because Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. Before I call the hon. people in their areas know the problems. If they are Member for Sherwood (Paddy Tipping), I should give allowed to work together, they can find the solutions, notice that after his speech, the limit will be reduced to too, so the notion of lead authorities is important. In 10 minutes in an effort to ensure that those who have my local authority of Nottinghamshire, the county been waiting will get a chance to contribute. council, as the agency with responsibility for highways, will take the lead, and I know that it will work closely 7.37 pm with the district councils. In some areas, local authorities Paddy Tipping (Sherwood) (Lab): It is a pleasure to are able to propose solutions, but it is important that follow the right hon. Member for Fylde (Mr. Jack), the they have the resources to do so. I am not as confident Chairman of the Select Committee. In view of your as some of my Front-Bench colleagues that the measures strictures, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I shall be relatively in the Bill—the savings that will be made from the brief. adoption of private sewers—will be sufficient to enable The Government have been criticised tonight, first local authorities to make major progress. Nor am I for not acting quickly enough on the Pitt recommendations, confident that local authorities have the skills, because and secondly for not having a broad enough Bill. I think many councils lost those skills at the time of water the Government have brought forward a Bill that is well privatisation, so there is a big training responsibility focused and important. Above all, it can be passed that needs to be taken forward. within the next 12 parliamentary weeks; it is important It is important also to mention the two types of to do the business. bodies that have been an unsung presence in today’s Those who have spoken about the Cave and Walker discussion. They are the regional flood and coastal reports should reflect on the fact that affordability and committees and the internal drainage boards. The best competition are difficult issues. Those who have been internal drainage boards are really very good, but the involved with abstraction licences for many years, such pattern throughout the country is patchy. The strength as my right hon. Friend the Member for Scunthorpe of internal drainage boards, however, is that their members (Mr. Morley), know how difficult they are and how know the solutions, and if they are prepared to engage difficult it is to get a response from the National Farmers and work with other parties, they will make progress. Union allowing them to go forward. I am pleased that regional flood and coastal committees are going to continue. There had been some discussion Martin Horwood: I accept what the hon. Gentleman about their future, but their levy power is important, says. Such issues would be difficult to tackle in total because it provides the committee with a sum of money during the passage of the Bill, but would he not accept a that belongs to itself, enabling the introduction of innovative simple amendment of Ofwat’s remit to allow water solutions and steps that the Environment Agency would companies to produce social tariffs to help some of our not be able to take. In the Trent valley in Nottinghamshire, 873 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 874 for example, funds from the regional levy have enabled Paddy Tipping: My hon. Friend has heard it all the introduction of adaptation measures, which would before. never have been on the Environment Agency’s list of I do not want rhetoric; I want reality. I want action priorities. on the issue, and the Secretary of State promised action. Another important issue, which has been characterised We need it, because all over the country, including in my in today’s debate, is the notion of working with the constituency in Nottinghamshire, householders are affected environment. We must continue to move away from the by private sewers. When their houses and gardens are belief that concrete is the solution to everything. Farming flooded by foul sewers, it is a dreadful experience. practices can make a real difference, and we need to We need to ensure that those sewers are adopted. The work in upland areas to ensure that peat bogs are not Secretary of State says that he will do so, and he will, denuded but are the sponge—the moss—that soaks up but he needs to get on with it. We were promised not water. The notion of working with the environment only a consultation on private sewers, but their adoption really is important. by 2011. However, I say to my right hon. Friend, at However, it is also important that we recognise the whom I am pointing to reinforce my statement, that power of the environment—the power of the sea. I was that consultation has yet to appear, and we were promised slightly concerned by the comments of the hon. Member its appearance by Christmas. I want private sewers to be for Arundel and South Downs (Nick Herbert), who adopted by 2011, but unless the Secretary of State and seemed to imply that one could always protect the his officials put their foot down, that deadline will coast. That is quite manifestly wrong. The notion of retreat into the distance. managed retreat will have to be discussed openly and This debate might be my final chance to discuss rationally with local people, who clearly have major environmental issues in the House, as it might be for the concerns. It is no good saying to them that there will be right hon. Member for Fylde. I have campaigned for environmental and conservation benefits from such an more than 20 years to have private sewers adopted, and approach. There will be, but we will have to talk to my right hon. Friend the Member for Scunthorpe has people very openly about the cost and the fact that helped me. I therefore say to the Secretary of State: things are going to change. It is no good promising that make my day, make the promise, publish the consultation all farmland can be protected. It helps nobody at all, tomorrow and ensure that private sewers are adopted and if that is the Opposition’s policy they need to reflect by 2011. on it. I have long been an advocate of sustainable urban 7.49 pm drainage systems. They can make a big impression on and difference to the landscape, but we need to remember Mr. Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con): It is an that SUDS are very different: there are high-technology honour to follow the hon. Member for Sherwood (Paddy solutions and softer, grassland solutions. We need to be Tipping). aware of the connection between SUDS and the existing I should like to start by thanking the Secretary of drainage system, too. There is not an either/or choice, State—I suppose belatedly, although I am sure that I because the two interrelate. We must have further discussions said the same thing at the time—for all the help he gave with people such as the Home Builders Federation to and interest he took in Tewkesbury at the time of the about that relationship, and we need to be absolutely floods. He was extremely helpful. He readily came over clear that SUDS will continue to cost money in the to visit and was always available on the phone. That future. We need to make it clear also that local authorities help was much appreciated by my constituents, and should be responsible for SUDS, because they have the again I thank him for it. planning powers and they are good at looking after I am not taking it personally that I am the first recreational areas and open spaces. None the less, there speaker on the Conservative Benches to have his time is an argument for involving water companies, but they curtailed; I think that it is probably because I spoke in are conspicuously absent from that aspect of the Bill. the Queen’s Speech debate on this issue. However, I I promised to keep my remarks brief, but I shall say a make no apology for returning to it today because it is few words about sewers, which have not been discussed so very important. today. Clause 41 makes it clear that new developments I want to run through a few aspects that are lacking will have to involve the adoption and maintenance of from the Bill or that I would like strengthened. Of sewers of a sufficient standard. Members with a long course, as has been said from the Front Bench, Conservative memory of the issue will remember that we had a Members support the Bill. We welcome its early voluntary arrangement, but that simply has not worked, introduction after the Queen’s Speech in the hope that so the statutory powers in the Bill are quite important. we can get it through before Parliament is dissolved for We must ensure that there are no problems in the future, a general election. However, if we are to take advantage and the clause includes a new code of practice, but it of its introduction, there are changes that should be needs to be discussed with others. It is not an easy issue; made; I am sure that those decisions will be made in it is a technological issue. There is a view among builders Committee. and developers that it has not been sufficiently discussed, and, as we are talking about introducing the measure We have heard a little about house building. I entirely next year, in 2010, such discussions need to take place. agree with the hon. Member for Somerton and Frome My final point is about the adoption of private (Mr. Heath), who said that we should not build houses sewers, an issue that is conspicuously absent from the in the wrong places. He also mentioned the way in Bill. I have been campaigning for almost 20 years for which houses are built. The famous and iconic picture the adoption of private sewers. of Tewkesbury abbey surrounded by water was seen everywhere; people remember it in countries that I have Mr. Drew: We know! been to all over the world. It is important to point out 875 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 876

[Mr. Laurence Robertson] cleared and maintained. We must also ensure—this was not happening before the flooding—that riparian owners that although the abbey was surrounded by water, it did of certain waterways carry out their maintenance. As not flood. The Normans started to build the abbey at far as I can see, local authorities have not been doing the end of the 11th century. People knew where to build that. and how to build in those days; it seems that we have As I said, we lost the water supply and almost lost the forgotten about those skills. We must try to build houses electricity supply; some people lost electricity for a that are not only flood resistant but do not displace while. We need to provide alternative sources of utilities. water and cause problems for other houses. I am not People in my constituency and, I am sure, in other sure whether it is entirely possible to do that, although I constituencies, had an extremely difficult time in going know that new drainage systems are being discussed; without water for so long. The heroic efforts of the sumps have been mentioned tonight. We must also start armed forces, the emergency services and ordinary to build houses to take account of the power that they volunteers, including children, to get water supplies to will require in the light of climate change. I know that houses warmed the heart; nevertheless, we do not want that is a different subject, but we have talked a lot about to have to go through that again. I hope that alternative it, so it is relevant. supplies of water and electricity can be set up; at least, Above all, we have to ask ourselves why my Tewkesbury we should ensure that places such as Mythe waterworks constituency suffered so badly. The regional spatial and Walham electricity substation are properly protected. strategy proposes to build 14,500 extra houses in what is There are many other issues that I could raise, but clearly a flood risk area. Those figures are based on alas I am running out of time and cannot do so in any what the south-west regional assembly is suggesting and great detail. On insurance, of course, as I said in an on the Government’s projection that we need 3 million earlier intervention, we must appreciate that insurance more houses by 2026, but there is no scientific basis for companies are businesses that must make profits; we making those estimates. When this Government came require them to exist, so they have to be financially to power, they said, correctly, that they were going to solvent. However, in some cases they have been unduly end the “predict and provide” approach to housing, but harsh on many of their customers by increasing excesses they have not only reinforced that approach but regionalised to as much as £10,000 or £15,000—even £20,000 in a it, thereby taking the decisions away from local people. case that I have heard of—at the same time as increasing That is much to be regretted. The hon. Member for premiums. If somebody has an excess of £10,000 or Cheltenham (Martin Horwood), who kindly mentioned £15,000 for water damage, they are effectively not insured several places in my constituency, including Warden against that, so why do they have to pay an increased Hill, Leckhampton and Wheatpieces, was absolutely premium? That is most unfair. Although it is welcome right to suggest that those new build figures should be that flood defences are undertaken in so many places— revisited. I believe that they should be scrapped and we several schemes have been completed in my own area—that should think again about where we are going to build can sometimes make things worse as regards getting houses. In that respect, I am not satisfied with the Bill insurance. One or two companies may say, “Oh, that is because I do not think it will stop the building of a flood risk area. Those people are in danger—we won’t houses on flood risk areas. insure them or we’re going to put the excesses up.” That Another important issue became evident during the is very unfair. I know that the Government have expressed fight to save the area—I do not think that it is too concern about that practice, and I hope that they will dramatic to describe it as such given that some people carry on talking to insurance companies about it. lost up to three weeks’ water supply, we almost lost the county’s entire electricity supply and, tragically, we lost 7.59 pm three lives. It became obvious to me that it was extremely Mr. Ian McCartney (Makerfield) (Lab): I first put on difficult to pinpoint which organisation was responsible record my thanks to my right hon. Friend the Secretary for maintaining a waterway or water feature, whether it of State and his Department for working closely with be a culvert, a stream, a brook, or whatever we want to me over the past few years on flood solutions in my call it. As a result, there was a delay in clearing or constituency. Like many MPs who represent former repairing that waterway, which created great difficulty. mining communities, since the closure of our collieries One of the reasons why people did not want to accept and the underground watercourse base, I have seen responsibility for a given waterway was that they would increased flooding in small mining communities year then have the responsibility for fixing it, which costs in, year out. By 2002, that culminated in flooding in my money. I am glad that several hon. Members have made constituency not once every 70 years but once, twice or that point. When we set out to give responsibility to three times a year, affecting the same communities, different organisations, as we should, we must ensure families and small businesses. Some 90 per cent. of that we identify who is responsible for which waterway small businesses affected by sewer water flooding never and that they are sufficiently funded to carry out the reopen their doors, and they are totally lost to the work that we require them to do. I am not sure that the family and the community. Increasingly, communities Bill goes far enough to satisfy me in that respect. had come to feel besieged by their inability to get As has been noted, it is not enough to act only in investment projects that could provide solutions to the emergencies. Welcome as that aid is at the time, it is too problems that they faced. They consequently found it late by then. We need to ensure that all the waterways increasingly difficult to get support for the insurance are maintained throughout the year. As I said in the and reinsurance of their properties. Queen’s Speech debate, if we drive cars, we should, if we In 2004, the situation got to a point at which a radical are sensible, have them serviced regularly and not let solution had to be found. United Utilities, the local them break down before we do anything with them. It is council and the Environment Agency, with the support the same with waterways: we must ensure that they are of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural 877 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 878

Affairs, came up with a co-ordinated plan to reorganise code of practice and all that goes with it. Welcome and re-engineer the way they worked—the establishment though that is, I have constituents who are still being of a local community flood forum, elected by and on refused access to insurance products. We still do not behalf of the community and funded and resourced by have a system of shared risk in place in Britain. There is United Utilities. That body was important in developing shared capital risk, for instance through my constituents an investment plan to deal with all the flooding problems. supporting people in Carlisle and Cumbria, and quite Investment needs were identified for engineering solutions rightly so, but there is no shared insurance risk. The or, where those were not possible, for mitigation solutions. greater the risk of properties flooding, the more individuals The forum engaged with and involved the community and communities are left bereft of proper coverage. at every stage. In 1982, as a young local councillor, I helped persuade This year we have not had a major flood in the my council and the insurance industry to introduce a community, because of the multi-million pound investment tenants and leaseholders insurance scheme. It was the that has taken place with the engagement and involvement first in the country, and now hundreds of schemes on of the community, United Utilities, the local authority that model are operating effectively and providing insurance and the Environment Agency. Next February the next cover for every tenant who wants it, paid through their phase will take place, following further consultation rent in an affordable and accessible way. As the years go with the community flood forum. There will be a further by, we have to find a way of having an affordable and range of investments to improve even further the potential accessible insurance system paid through people’s water of engineering and mitigation solutions in communities rates, so that we can share the risk. The ability to pay where flooding is likely in the next few years. That next must be paramount, and people must have insurance phase is preventive. cover in all circumstances so that we share the risk and All that was achieved with the help of my right hon. the cost of investment. Unless we have such a system in Friend the Member for Scunthorpe (Mr. Morley). When place, hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens will he was a Minister, he and I persuaded Ofwat in 2005 to be unable to be insured in the decades to come, through change its arrangements and take sewer water flooding no fault of their own. We need such a radical solution. in communities more seriously. Frankly, however, Ofwat I have made a written submission about that scheme has not had its eye on the ball in the past decade. On to the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food every occasion, it has underestimated the number of and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for houses that can be affected by surface and sewer water Wansdyke (Dan Norris), and his officials are coming to flooding. It has not taken seriously enough the capacity my constituency soon to meet tenants and the local of the insurance industry to turn a blind eye to the authority to discuss how it operates. If we can operate it continuing problem on many occasions. effectively now for housing insurance costs, without The Bill is important in ensuring that we implement undermining the marketplace, why can we not do it in much of Sir Michael Pitt’s inquiry. I gave him written relation to the flooding problem? What problem do and verbal evidence about the experiences of our ABI members have with doing that now? The problem community in Wigan. In 2005, as a Minister, I wrote a will not go away, and it will be exacerbated in the years report on how we should better co-ordinate investment to come. in Carlisle following the flooding, to ensure that there Everybody should have the right to affordable and was a structure to deal with flooding from the River accessible insurance, and the risk should be shared. If Eden and to bring together all the investment strategies the Bill cannot ensure that, we should be looking to find of Cumbria county council, the city of Carlisle, the other means of ensuring that it happens. Without it, the regional development agency and the Government. That cost to the public Exchequer of uninsured properties all needed to be put together in a co-ordinated way, with and families will be not millions but billions in the years the involvement of the community and under the leadership to come. We need to sit down with the insurance industry, of the city council, not only so that there were preventive be tougher and come up with a workable set of proposals. measures for the future but so that from the carnage Although Sir Michael Pitt decided in the end against that took place in Carlisle in January 2005, there would the introduction of such a scheme, the evidence is there come restructuring, reinvestment and reinvigoration in in his report that it can and will work. We must ensure the city. that we introduce it. If my hon. Friend cannot give us a It is important that the lessons are learned from all decision about it this evening, I hope that we can return such events, including those in 2007 and this year. The to the matter at some stage during the Bill’s passage and Bill must ensure that each and every community has the put pressure on the ABI. What has happened so far is ability to ensure that it has all the agencies working welcome, but it is not radical enough and does not go together effectively. We must consider the potential far enough. It will no go far enough until every community of using the model of community engagement and has affordable, accessible insurance so that if it is flooded, involvement that we have created in Wigan, and seeing the consequence is not a total loss of business or family whether it can be effectively replicated in other areas to income and a disaster that takes years and years to ensure that communities have ownership and control in recover from. all circumstances. They must have a way of engaging with the utilities, local authorities and the Environment 8.8 pm Agency to handle these matters. Mrs. Maria Miller (Basingstoke) (Con): I welcome There is much to be said, and I reserve the right to the opportunity to contribute to the debate. The Bill return to many points on Report, but I know that other will be very helpful if the Government listen to the colleagues wish to contribute, so I shall finish with comments and thoughts in hon. Members’ contributions insurance. I know that the Government came to an and take them forward for further consideration in agreement with the Association of British Insurers on a Committee. 879 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 880

[Mrs. Maria Miller] primarily dictated by his right hon. and hon. Friends in Whitehall—I am talking about decisions on the number I wish to focus my comments on flood risk and water of houses that are going to be built and where they will management in the planning process. It is absolutely be built. I have experience of that in my constituency. right that they have a prominent place in it, and the Bill Obviously, if house building is dictated centrally, it is gives us the opportunity to develop it further. Many of difficult for local authorities to avoid building on greenfield our constituents assume that the availability of water sites, which results in the flooding problems that other and the ability to dispose of waste water are part of the hon. Members have talked about. Indeed, building on process, and that the importance of not building on flood zones is very much against the will and wishes of flood plains is integral to the process when it is decided local councillors and local residents, including in the to build new houses or commercial developments. It is east of Basingstoke in my constituency. There is also right that the Bill looks at how we can put the emphasis very little that local authorities can do about building on the prevention rather than the cure for such problems, on brownfield sites, which can be the cause of so many although that does not take away from the comments problems, including surface water run-off. Those problems that have been made tonight on the losses suffered by read across to other areas of Government policy, and families and communities who have experienced the they need some firm consideration before the Bill passes dreadful nature of flooding, particularly in recent months. through the House. The Bill provides an opportunity to make water and As the Secretary of State said, the Bill has to be in a flood management integral to the planning process. slimmed-down form so that it can progress speedily, but Clause 9 provides the opportunity for lead local authorities we should not let it be a missed opportunity on insurance— in England to develop, maintain and monitor a strategy other right hon. and hon. Members have mentioned for local flood risk management in their areas, which that. There needs to be a better alignment between includes insurance companies’ perception of flood risk and the “surface runoff…groundwater, and…ordinary water courses” actual flood risk. Perhaps the experience of my constituents and to put in place an assessment of local flood risk living near Petty’s brook in Chineham, a ward in my management—clause 10 does the same for Wales. However, constituency, is not atypical—other hon. Members will a number of questions have been asked about that have had the same problem. Insurance companies perceive enhanced role for local authorities, particularly on the that there is a greatly enhanced risk of flooding, even apparent rigidity within the Bill concerning the boundary though people in that area have had quite rigorous areas within which local authorities can operate their reassurance from local authorities and the Environment new ability to look at water and flood risk management. Agency.Will the Minister consider whether local authorities Additionally, the Select Committee said that the way in could have a role in monitoring that and in pressing which the Bill was currently drafted potentially precluded insurance companies to ensure that they are correctly a more pragmatic, cross-boundary approach to planning assessing risks and not inflating them in a way that is when it comes to water and flood issues. not in the best interests of our constituents? Clause 27 deals with the incredibly important issue of In my own constituency in north Hampshire, sustainable development. The Government could provide infrastructure management is not bound by borough or some important clarity on this matter. The clause requires district boundaries or hemmed in by county boundaries. lead local authorities to take account of the natural We regularly look at how we can plan our infrastructure environment when ensuring that development is sustainable. management across not only one county boundary but There is an opportunity in the clause for the Minister to two. As my right hon. Friend the Member for Fylde issue guidance on how local authorities might interpret (Mr. Jack), the Chairman of the Committee, said in his that and clarify what they mean. Some clarity could be contribution today, water knows not political boundaries. found in the consultation, which mentions the opportunity Will the Minister say how we can ensure that the better to link planning and water quality management important provision in the Bill to help local authorities under the water framework directive. There is an to have a more active role is not curtailed or hemmed opportunity for a more integrated approach to water in? There is probably a need to think further about how management, which the right hon. Member for Makerfield the Bill can be more flexible to reflect existing local (Mr. McCartney) touched on. We cannot think about operations. one aspect of water without thinking about the others—we The importance of local knowledge is another matter cannot look at supply without looking at disposal—yet that hon. Members have spoken about in the debate. the Bill does not explicitly deal with that. I am sure that The encouragement of borough and county councils to the guidance provides an opportunity to do so. be involved in flood risk planning will give councillors The reason why the Bill is particularly important in and their local residents the ability to ensure that proposed my constituency is that we have just undertaken a water plans include local knowledge, including a community’s cycle report at the request of the south-east regional experience of floods over many generations. authority. The level of house building in my constituency Does the Minister feel that, within the devolution of was called into question because of the inability of the responsibility for flood and water management to local River Lodden to deal with the considerable levels of level—borough or county—there is a lack of read-across pollution within it. Unfortunately, the report shows us between the Bill and the policies of some of his colleagues that the level of house building will do nothing to in other Departments? I am thinking particularly of his reduce pollution in the river. Such things need to be colleagues who set house building targets in the Department taken into consideration far more in future house building for Communities and Local Government. It is good targets. The Bill gives an opportunity to make it clear that the Bill devolves the management of such important that local authorities have an obligation in their new issues to a very local level, yet house building, which is role as managers of implementation. That would add to one of the things that flooding most impacts, is still the impact of the Bill in our communities. 881 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 882

I should have liked to comment on a great many collectively there is provision for very unlikely large-scale incidents. other measures in the Bill, not least the privatisation of This could, over time, reduce national resilience to such disruptive sewers and the implications of that for local authorities, incidents”. which is important, and the aspects that relate to local Many, particularly in the FBU, would concur with the community organisations, but I shall draw my comments Government’s view at the time, especially in a financial to a close there. climate of budgetary pressures on fire and rescue authorities to focus on local needs rather than the strategic investment 8.18 pm needed to confront major incidents. John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): I It is also interesting that in 2007 the Secretary of wish to return to the statutory duty for flood rescue, State proposed a statutory duty for flooding as a core which I raised when I intervened on the Secretary of duty in section 9 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act State. I apologise if he addressed it—I was hanging on 2004, but it was not eventually included in the order his every eloquent word, but I may have nodded off or when it was published in March. The response of the been distracted. Secretary of State today suggested that the Government have failed to include it in this Bill for three reasons. It is important when we frame legislation such as this First, there are existing powers on which the Government Bill that we take into account the views of those who can rely to place a duty on fire and rescue authorities. will be at the front line of implementing it. I am one of There is a slight difference between awarding a power the founding members of the Fire Brigades Union and placing a duty on an authority, but from the point parliamentary group. I have therefore tried to consult of view of the practitioners—the front-line workers and the FBU on its concerns about the legislation. It is fire fighters who were called out time and again in 2007 important to take on board its views following the 2007 and again this year—the existing powers are not satisfactory floods. The FBU met those of its members who had been and do not place an adequate duty on fire and rescue on the front line dealing with the floods and undertook authorities. As a result, they worry that once attention a detailed consultation on their experiences on the ground. is turned away from the issue of flooding, local pressures The report that the FBU published as a result said: will prevent the long-term consistent investment required “The health, safety and welfare of fire crews were put at risk by fire and rescue authorities. during the floods through insufficient planning, equipment and training. Firefighters should not have had to wade through Mr. McCartney: Allied to that is a secondary issue, contaminated water wearing unsuitable protective equipment and exposing themselves to health hazards.” which affects both the FBU and such fire and rescue authorities as Greater Manchester that are ringed by Another aspect that came up in the discussions with fire reservoirs, and that is the lack of transparency and crews was confirmation that they engagement with them over reservoir safety regimes. “have not been trained consistently to the standards necessary to They are not sure that this Bill will make them technical deal with the range of water-related incidents they have to tackle.” partners in ensuring reservoir safety, instead of some After the consultation the FBU undertook with its sort of grace and favour arrangement. members on the 2007 floods, it concluded that the Government should introduce a statutory duty on fire John McDonnell: That is another argument for statutory and rescue authorities to respond to significant water-related clarity, with statutory duties placed on authorities on events such as flooding, and make the necessary resources flood rescue in particular, but in other areas as well, so available to meet these obligations. That was confirmed that we know who has responsibility for what and who by the Pitt review which made the recommendation that has the duty to provide. Budgetary pressures at a local I quoted earlier—that there should be a statutory duty level, especially in this financial climate, will be critical. placed on fire and rescue authorities for flood rescue in We have had talk of the Thames barrier and the GLC’s particular. Pitt went on to reject non-statutory alternatives. role in completing it. I was the chair of finance and It said: deputy leader on the GLC when that happened. It was a “The Review strongly believes that a statutory duty is the best cross-party project, but we had to beg the Government means to achieve these outcomes.” for funding consistently. In a different financial climate, It said that other non-statutory, voluntary approaches it would have been difficult to achieve a consistency of “do not provide the certainty the public expect and the Review investment that would have enabled us to complete that believes is needed.” project. Eighteen months after the completion of the Interestingly enough, the Government seemed to concur Thames barrier, Mrs. Thatcher abolished the GLC, but with those views, and have done so for some time. In the that is another story. regulatory impact assessment in 2007, the Government The second argument against the inclusion of a statutory backed a statutory duty. The RIA stated that duty was that Sir Ken Knight, the national adviser on “relying on FRAs’ discretionary powers, even where they receive such issues, was not convinced of the need for it. Much central funding, means that they could still decline to use the as I respect Sir Ken Knight, I do not confer on him specialist resources to aid other authorities”— papal powers of infallibility. Many other experts on fire in major incidents— and rescue authorities do support a statutory duty, “or in future decide to stop maintaining the capabilities provided especially those who experienced flooding in 2007 and by Government.” 2009. So the Government were concerned at that time that The final argument was that at least the legislation without a statutory duty they could not rely on the fire will introduce national standards that will be monitored and rescue authorities to respond effectively or to maintain by the Government. I welcome that. In fact, since 2003, the capability of that response. The RIA also said that the FBU has discussed with the Government their “authorities have an incentive due to immediate local pressures to concerns about the retreat of fire and rescue services make provision for likely local needs, rather than ensuring that from national standards. So this is a welcome approach, 883 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 884

[John McDonnell] and in other cases, it holds it up and produces some of the problems, as was the case in the villages around but the national standards in the Bill will be best Wincanton and Anchor Hill at Holton. monitored if there is a duty on the fire and rescue Bridges have the same capacity issues, and we have authority with regard to flood rescue. In that way, talked already about the vulnerability of bridges. That everyone would be clear about the role that they have to should not come as a surprise. I remember that, when I play and the nature of the required investment to ensure was a lad, the bridge at Pensford, which is probably in that the authorities fulfilled their duties. the Minister’s constituency, washed away. It was a major I urge the Government to reflect on the views put issue at the time. Bridges are a vulnerability; but often forward by the FBU and I would welcome further they are pinch-points for water too, because the arches ministerial meetings with the FBU parliamentary group under them do not provide sufficient capacity. We need during the passage of the Bill to discuss potential therefore to look at the management of water flow and amendments on Report to introduce the Pitt bridge capacity. I would also like a much greater emphasis recommendation of a statutory duty for flood rescue to placed on the whole river catchment area approach, be placed on fire and rescue authorities. which we started experimenting with on the River Parret, in Somerset, way back in the early 1990s when I was a county councillor. That is the only way of managing 8.27 pm water flow effectively through a whole river catchment Mr. David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD): I area. come from, and represent, a very wet place. Flooding is Planning in connection with mitigation and resilience something that we in the levels of Somerset have to deal has been mentioned already. I made the point that we with regularly, and certainly on an annual basis. Indeed, do not plan properly, but I was not just talking about many of the village names in the area—Isle Abbots, Isle building houses in the wrong places. We have a wonderful Brewers and Muchelney, which means “big island”—reflect supermarket on the flood plain in Frome that was put the history of the place and the fact that those were there by a Government inspector against the advice of island communities surrounded by wetland. We know local people and authorities. It has impervious surfaces, what flooding is about. I am increasingly worried about of course, and a flood alleviation scheme attached to it. the fact that these one-in-25-years, one-in-50-years and We hope that it will be successful, but nevertheless it is a one-in-100-years events are now happening regularly. risk. That leads me to suppose that the assessments based on historical data need to be revisited. I simply do not understand, however, why we do not build houses more resilient to flooding. It does not take I welcome the Bill not least because, as the right hon. a genius to realise that if the garage or wet rooms, such Member for Fylde (Mr. Jack) said, the definition of as the utility room or kitchen, are put downstairs and flood risk—and therefore that which informs strategy—will, rooms that might be damaged by water are put upstairs, I hope, allow us to provide a comprehensive response to the house will be more resilient to flooding. Foundations, flooding difficulties. I suggest that those difficulties fall too could be lifted by just 2 or 3 feet. I know of a house into three principal areas—prevention, mitigation and in Queen Camel that is subjected to regular flooding, resilience, and response—and I want to deal rapidly but which does not flood, despite the fact that the with all three. neighbouring houses do, because its foundations are Many people will consider prevention to be a matter 3 feet higher than those of the surrounding houses. It is of flood defences, which can go so far but are not the a very simple recipe. answer to all our flooding problems, whether in terms We need to consider community defences more and of engineering or costs. They might play a part in the to encourage communities to take their own action response in some areas, but we cannot approach the where they can. The community of Stoney Stratton, in problem simply by building higher and higher walls and my constituency, knows what the problem is, where the bigger and bigger flood defences. water flow is and how to deal with it; what it does not The maintenance of ditches—or rhynes, as we call have is the advice to help it to do it and the necessary them in Somerset—to allow service water to flow away resources which, as a community, it is prepared to and to increase the capacity of watercourses is also provide via the parish council. I hope that we can important, but again those who consider the maintenance encourage more local activity of that kind to provide of waterways and drainage to be the answer are deluding that resilience. themselves. The requirement goes far beyond the capacity We also need much more local and voluntary effort, even if the maintenance is perfect, which it certainly is which will require advice and co-ordination. There are not. I have my criticisms of highways authorities not some wonderful initiatives in my constituency—for instance, paying attention to, for instance, road drains and the in West Camel, which is regularly flooded, but where effect of constant service dressing, which often reduces people are now fitting water gates at the doors of their ditch and drainage system capacity, but nevertheless I properties. They are fitting pumps that are responsive to think we need to look at the matter anew. flooding and provide that initial help at the point at We certainly need to consider the control of flow. We which goods are salvageable. They are also using waterproof desperately need the co-ordination of agencies such as paint for surfaces up to the flood level in houses. That is the Environment Agency and local authorities, but we the sort of initiative that ought to be taken in flood- also need to incorporate the highways authorities, developers vulnerable areas. There is good practice out there and and the Highways Agency, which is responsible for good advice at the household and community levels. major trunk roads, such as the A303, which is a major When people take such measures, that ought to be flood concern in my constituency. In some places, its reflected in the insurance premium, as my hon. Friend construction allows too much water to pass underneath, the Member for Cheltenham (Martin Horwood) said. 885 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 886

I want to deal now with the response. The emergency As a west Cumbrian Member of Parliament, I cannot services must have the training to enable them to cope say for certain that any Bill or Act could have prevented as best they can. We should remember that in rural the recent flooding in west Cumbria. It is almost impossible areas it is often retained fire officers we are expecting to for any Act of Parliament to cater for a one-in-1,000-year do such work. Warnings are important. More localised event. Let us bear in mind that Parliament is not yet forecasting would be extremely helpful, as would having 1,000-years-old. However, living in and among the areas audible warning systems, not just the phone line, which affected by the floods, I would say that my guess from has been successful and which I welcome. For a flood the ground is that the Bill could have helped. event in the middle of the night, it would be great if We are all settled, I hope, on the principles of the people knew that there would be a siren or even that a Stern report. It will take hundreds of millions of pounds police car or a fire engine driving through the village to put right the damage in west Cumbria. However, the with its siren going meant that they had to be on cost of the cure, not to mention the economic consequences the alert for difficulties. Local readiness, encouraging of the flood damage and the effect upon people’s lives volunteering, identifying vulnerable people in a parish and communities, will surely dwarf the cost of prevention. council area and developing cascade systems are also important, as is developing community resources, even In the four and a half years that I have been in this if that just means having a single dinghy available, so place, I have routinely worked alongside communities in that people know where it is, who has to be collected my constituency that have suffered from flooding. If the and what the response has to be. Those are all things Bill had been enacted sooner, it would certainly have that need to be encouraged in the strategies. made a huge difference to those more ordinary events in places such as Parton, Beckermet, Braystones, Egremont, Lastly, I want to deal with those resources that one Holmrook, Cleator or Keswick. The organisational and might term community resources, including local authority accountability changes envisaged in the Bill would have buildings such as schools. I have already mentioned the made a difference—in some circumstances, a life-changing Countess Gytha school in Queen Camel, which has difference—to the lives of the people in those communities. repeatedly flooded and which I visited again yesterday As I have said recently in this House, I have seen the morning. We need to have a new school. The school effects of flooding on those communities for myself. must be re-sited. We have the site; what we do not have in the local authority is the cash to make that As the people of Parton taught me four years ago, it happen. If we are taking flooding seriously, local authorities takes only a little water to cause a flood and so make a must have the resources to take sensible actions and huge impact upon the life of a family. A foot of water find better sites for key buildings such as schools, can ruin a home, and everything in it. Floods take away hospitals and elderly people’s homes, rather than simply so much that can never be replaced. This issue is one of continually decanting children out and refurbishing the most difficult to face us as a nation. Flooding is buildings. likely to happen more, not less, and we need to be able to meet the challenges that it poses in practical and However, that needs co-ordination between the Secretary policy terms. Improvements to the present system can of State’s Department and other Departments, so that be effected through legislation, but, inescapably, increased those resources are made available. I will be seeking a public spending on flood defences and water management meeting with the Minister for Schools and Learners in will have to be at the heart of our effort. This might not the near future about that school, but I wish I knew that be a universally popular clarion call right now—although I had the support of DEFRA in saying that this issue— it is in some quarters, at least—but it is a fact that must ensuring that community facilities that are regularly at be faced up to. risk of flooding will be supported by the Government’s I hope to be able to serve on the Bill Committee that funding mechanisms to be moved to more appropriate will scrutinise this legislation following today’s Second places—is an urgent matter. Reading. In the hope of being able to serve on that The Bill is a start in the right direction. I can see it has Committee, I will be asking as many flood action groups enormous potential in developing the strategies, but as possible in the affected areas to help me to undertake there is a huge array of issues that it needs to encompass some pre-Committee scrutiny of the Bill, with a view to if it is to do so successfully. making their detailed views known. One of the strengths of the Bill is that it places valuable information germane 8.38 pm to flooding and coastal erosion in the public domain, thereby massively increasing accountability and, therefore, Mr. Jamie Reed (Copeland) (Lab): Before I begin, let action. The bitter experience of many of my constituents me thank the Secretary of State for all the work that he is that there is all too often no accountability with has done in Cumbria over recent weeks. It really has regard to flooding issues. There is consequently no been appreciated. We welcome the solidarity that he has ownership, no action and no improvement. I cannot shown, the efforts that he has undertaken on our behalf stress strongly enough the anger and disenchantment and the decisive action that he has demonstrated from that this causes. day one. It is absolutely right to bring the Bill forward In one local village, which can act as a microcosm for now. It could not have waited any longer, and in that the many communities—particularly semi-rural coastal regard its length is self-explanatory. communities—facing flooding throughout Cumbria and May I also associate myself with many of the comments the rest of the country, there are long-standing flooding made by my hon. Friend the Member for Hayes and problems caused by a variety of factors. The first is Harlington (John McDonnell)? Anecdotally at least, geography. The village in question is by the sea at the the experience of the Fire Brigades Union in Cumbria bottom of a large steep hill in the western Lake district, right now certainly echoes the comments that he made and the hill contains natural watercourses, streams and about fire and rescue efforts in previous disasters. culverts. The second is infrastructure. The village is a 887 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 888

[Mr. Jamie Reed] works to different ends in different ways. However, since privatisation, our water drainage and management networks little over a mile from a water treatment plant which appear to have sharply deteriorated. Do we know what discharges into the sea. In addition, it is an historic the situation is? Is there any benchmark against which mining village surrounded by deep mineworkings. It to measure this? Can the Secretary of State tell us in the also contains some railway bridges. House today, or in Committee or on Third Reading The third factor is development. Fine period Georgian precisely what the situation is? housing sits alongside traditional terraced housing and It may well be that significant revenue could be raised some modern housing. Sometimes, the enforcement of here to help with this problem. If—and it is a big planning decisions is incredibly difficult due to the if—there has been a proven and demonstrable decline in problems in determining the ownership of land, culverts, the network since privatisation, a windfall tax, ring-fenced drains and waterways, and there is a profound lack of for flood prevention measures, may well be called for. accountability. The village is served by three tiers of Will the Secretary of State explain precisely and in more local government, which presents its own unique difficulties. detail what this Bill will mean for water companies in Furthermore, rainfall is increasing and the sea levels are the country? rising. As I went around the flooded areas in the wake of the That village could be one of many throughout Cumbria, recent floods in west Cumbria, there was real concern the north or Scotland, but its problems are there now about the role of water companies, their infrastructure and they are very real. As the county that contains the investments and the nature of their accountability. I Lake district and is next to the Irish sea, Cumbria hope that we can hear some answers from the Secretary requires unique help. I was speaking to one of the of State, so that my constituents and I will know village residents on Friday night, and she told me that whether it is right to push for fundamental change with she and her husband take it in turns to keep watch regard to the responsibilities of water companies. In the whenever it rains through the night, such is their fear of same way, will the Government give further detail not flooding. simply on the Bill’s ability to legislate to improve our I remind all hon. Members that flooding is not ability to cope with the risk of flooding, but also on the uncommon in this country, and that we are living in the heightened risks of other dangers caused by flooding? world’s fourth largest economy at the start of the I shall now bring my remarks to a close because 21st century. Speed is of the essence. Those people are other Members want to speak. In short, prevention is incensed by the lack of accountability, but they are not better than cure, and we need to act exceptionally beaten by it. The village now has its own flood defence quickly. plan. If necessary, they will alert each other at 3, 4 or 5 o’clock in the morning, and strategically place their 8.46 pm sandbags, create their own waterways and fit their own flood defences to protect their property and their village. Mark Simmonds (Boston and Skegness) (Con): It is a It is a remarkable village, with great people, and I pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Copeland commend their civic-mindedness, which is genuinely (Mr. Reed), who is absolutely right to highlight the inspirational. But I want the Bill to change their lives importance of accountability, the dislocation that exists quickly and for the better. Can the Secretary of State between accountability and responsibility, and the assure me that this will be the case? frustration that many people feel that there are insufficient As I mentioned, that community is a microcosm of structures that cover those particular issues. I contribute the whole of Cumbria. We in the west of the county live tonight because my constituency lies entirely on a flood by the sea and are surrounded by the fells. My constituency plain, the vast majority of which is below sea level. is home to England’s deepest lake and tallest mountain. Most of it has been reclaimed from the sea over the I would also suggest that it is the most beautiful in the years, primarily by the Dutch, but it began as long ago country, and I urge hon. Members to visit it. But in a as Roman times. county such as ours—with a population of fewer than I think the Government were absolutely correct to 500,000—how can local authority revenues ever support respond to the 2007 floods, to instigate the Pitt report the infrastructure developments and improvements that and initially to accept all its findings, but I am sure that need to be made? Even if set at punitive levels, the tax the Government would accept that the Bill is not as take would never be sufficient to undertake the necessary comprehensive as was originally envisaged. Whoever works. It is therefore clear that, in areas such as Cumbria, form the next Government after the next general election—I organisations such as Cumbria county council and obviously hope that it will be the Conservatives—will Copeland borough council need to be the recipients of have to return to this issue to develop and build on dedicated additional public money, over and above some of the themes missing from the Bill. what we can raise ourselves, particularly if they are Maps were provided by the Environment Agency to designated as a lead local flood authority, as envisaged all Members of Parliament. Mine shows that if the in the Bill. Can the Secretary of State provide some flood defences failed, my whole constituency would be indication of the Government’s thinking on that? under water as a result of the combination of failing On the subject of accountability, many people, myself coastal flood defences and those dealing with precipitation included, are inclined to believe that the flooding problems and fluvial flooding. There have been problems in east we face, which are compounded by environmental change Lincolnshire, most notably back in 1953, when significant and increasing rainfall, have been exacerbated since the floods along the whole of the eastern English coast privatisation of the water boards in this country. I make took place. Homes and businesses were destroyed, people no ideological point at all, as there are benefits to both lost their lives and significant tracts of agricultural land private and public ownership models and each one were salinated. 889 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 890

The fact that there has not been a serious flood in food miles, ensures food security and reduces carbon Lincolnshire since 1953 is, I think, a reflection of the emissions. The loss of such land would have extremely investment that has gone into coastal defences and the detrimental consequences. excellent workings of the internal drainage boards in In the limited time available to me, I want to highlight the county. Clearly, with climate change, the risk of the issues that I think should be examined in more flooding will be exacerbated, so we need to ensure that detail in Committee. There clearly needs to be a review we are ready for any particular climate change that may of any plans that are established, but the dates involved impact not just in Lincolnshire but elsewhere in the must be very specific, as must the synchronisation of country. national and local revisions, in order to remove any It is important to give the House a feel for the scale of uncertainty. The review of the shoreline management the drainage schemes in Lincolnshire. There are 11 internal plans and the coastal strategy is causing enormous drainage boards, which manage water levels over 1.3 million problems in relation to economic diversification and square miles, and 171 operating pumping stations, job creation in Lincolnshire. maintaining 3,450 miles of managed drainage channels I hope that the Secretary of State will tell us how the protecting more than 500,000 properties. Although I do proposals in the Bill relate to European Union directives, not criticise hon. Members for their earlier comments particularly the water framework directive, and what is about the necessity to be wary of development and meant by local plans being consistent with national building in flood plains, if a complete area is a flood plans. I hope that that does not mean an imposition plain, a much more sophisticated approach than a from the centre that conflicts with local desires and blanket ban is required. In my part of Lincolnshire, we priorities. cannot just allow economic and residential development As other Members have said, internal drainage boards to atrophy, as there would be no job creation and no fulfil an integral and focused role in providing drainage wealth creation over the next 20 or 30 years. That said, to protect not just agricultural land but people and we must ensure that the detail is worked through thoroughly property. I was delighted to note that the Government and properly in respect of the Environment Agency and had listened to, and acted on, the suggestions in the the new structures put in place by the Bill. For example, pre-scrutiny report from the Environment, Food and there are 26,000 caravans between Mablethorpe and Rural Affairs Committee, and had withdrawn their Skegness. proposals for the redefinition of responsibilities, governance Moreover, different types of coastline and the different and funding arrangements for the boards. However, types of flooding that may affect them give rise to there is continuing concern about any future plans to different needs. My constituency contains open coast move to proportional membership. Relating membership that stretches from Gibraltar Point up to the Humber. to funding streams would give much more power to the That area is very different from the area of the Wash, county council and other local authorities and less to which surrounds the coastal area of Lincolnshire but those who farm and produce the food. Local farmers also that of Norfolk. The Environment Agency is doing and their representatives must continue to play a key very good work, particularly on offshore dredging, role. beach nourishment and dune maintenance. Its funding The drainage levy also needs to be examined. It used levels need to be maintained to ensure that that work to be reimbursed 100 per cent. by central Government, continues. but that is no longer the case. There is concern about, in I agree with everything that was said by my right hon. particular, the possibility that boards will not be able to Friend the Member for Fylde (Mr. Jack) in his excellent manage and maintain their assets and their plans for speech. However, I feel that we should take a more capital programmes, especially when it comes to replacing nuanced view of the information provided by the Environment or upgrading vital pumping stations. If there is insufficient Agency. It is important for the agency not to frighten funding or—I do not think that this will happen in people, especially when—in my view—insufficient research Lincolnshire, but it may happen elsewhere—local authorities has been undertaken and disproportionate weight has find ways of moving funds back to other central funding been given to the likelihood of flooding. I have seen mechanisms, particularly given the present macro-economic maps produced by the agency according to which the climate and the fiscal deficit, we could experience severely whole of my constituency and everyone in it would be detrimental effects such as reduced spending on drainage, flooded in certain circumstances. I sincerely hope that reduced maintenance of waterways, little effort to keep that will not happen, but the current level of uncertainty local rates down, and a loss of local knowledge, expertise cannot continue in Lincolnshire. and input. That is not to say that we should not consider—as I must inform the Secretary of State that he did was suggested by the right hon. Member for Scunthorpe not respond adequately to my intervention on the (Mr. Morley)—a range of options, including managed reimbursement of local authority funding. He did make retreats. However, we should not simply accept that all the point that the cost of sustainable drainage systems agricultural land will be flooded in preference to other will be reimbursed by central Government, but he did risk management options. The protection of people and not go further than that, so perhaps in his winding-up property and of valuable and productive agricultural speech he will put on record whether the costs of all the land is essential. I should point out that 89 per cent. of additional responsibilities being put on local authorities farmland in the fens is grade 1 or grade 2. It provides will be met by the Department for Environment, Food 37 per cent. of vegetable production, 25 per cent. of and Rural Affairs, or whether local authorities will have potato production, and 17 per cent. of sugar beet to meet the costs themselves or reduce services elsewhere. production, and employs 27,000 people. It is not waste As highlighted by the Conservative party spokesman, land. It is not land that the country can do without. It my hon. Friend the Member for Arundel and South also saves billions of pounds of imports and incalculable Downs (Nick Herbert), there is real concern about 891 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 892

[Mark Simmonds] in future years to deal with the need for the sort of consolidating legislation that others have advocated. clauses 38 and 39 and the apparent ability of the That is not an excuse for failing to introduce this Environment Agency to override local concerns and measure. It is narrower in scope, but it is significant, compulsorily to purchase land that may be valuable particularly at this point in the legislative cycle. If this agricultural land without there being any appeal mechanism Bill had not been introduced, my Front-Bench colleagues in place. I very much hope that this will be looked at in would have been harangued by people from all parts of Committee. the House for not doing so, especially in the context of It is essential that the Government take into account events in Cumbria. It is good that we are getting on with Members’ concerns, ensure that proposals are fully these measures. funded so that there is no additional burden on the I would like the Bill to cover one issue arising from council tax payer, and insist that local solutions form an the Walker report. Hon. Members who know well the integral part of all flood-risk management strategies. campaign of 20 years’ length that I and other Members have fought would probably expect me at this point to 8.56 pm mention the south-west’s unique affordability charges. I shall mention those in passing, although the Secretary Linda Gilroy (Plymouth, Sutton) (Lab/Co-op): I welcome of State will be pleased to hear that that is not the issue the Bill as a constituency MP, for reasons that I shall that I expect to see in the Bill. I simply acknowledge touch on later. However, I am also chair of the all-party that Walker stated: group on water, and we have produced our own report—it “Having looked at the particular economic, social and geographical came out slightly before “Future Water”. Other Members circumstances of the South West Water area, the review team have referred to Pitt, Cave, the price review 2009 and the concluded that: Walker report. I am pleased that this Bill has been Current high bills in the South West Water area relate to the brought forward before the Christmas recess, as that poor state of the sewerage assets at privatisation”. gives it a strong chance of reaching the statute book, This is to the tune of £650 million. The report continued: and it must do so. “Dealing with the historic issues would address the root cause This Second Reading debate is taking place in a week of the issue directly and could be addressed through a specific in which there are important discussions about the one-off adjustment or through annual transfers funded by government change in our climate, which we see, and different and or, with a different set of fairness challenges, other water customers” volatile patterns in water management, flooding and across the country. These are big issues that someone drought. That the Bill is to be given a Second Reading needs to examine. Anna Walker rightly said: now is also a just tribute to the recent events in Cumbria. “Ofwat would be best placed to consider the options for The Bill covers flood issues, and other Members have implementing a one-off or other adjustment, and advising ministers referred to the fact that it will enable the Environment accordingly”. Agency to create national flood and coastal erosion risk I am grateful to the Under-Secretary of State for management strategies. Under clause 9, lead local flood Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend authorities will be able to create flood risk management the Member for Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies) for strategies. For reasons to which I referred in the Queen’s having referred this speedily to the regulator, so that it Speech debate, that will be very welcome in my constituency, can get on with examining the matter. as it will be in all the other constituencies already However, the issue that I wish to discuss in the mentioned in the debate. The Bill gives the EA and local minutes available to me has been raised by a number of authorities powers to carry out flood risk management other Members—I am talking about water debt. Unpaid works more easily. water bills last year resulted in water debt of more than In respect of drought, the Bill will enable water £1.25 billion, which was an increase of more than 13 per companies to control non-essential usage of water more cent. on the previous year. About 44 per cent. of household easily. In particular, it contains provisions on the use of water debt is held by customers in rented accommodation hosepipes for activities such as washing cars and gardening, and a high proportion is a result of what the industry which are particularly relevant in the summer months terms as “leavers”—people who have gone. There is no when water is scarce. requirement on tenants or landlords to provide information The Bill also tackles surface drainage issues. My right on the user of the water—the person responsible for the hon. Friend the Member for Scunthorpe (Mr. Morley) water charges. waxed lyrical about that, as other Members have done The final report of the Walker review recommends: on other water matters. The Bill will enable water companies “As a priority, the Water Industry Act 1991 should be amended to offer relief to community groups on surface water to provide for a named customer and clarify who is responsible drainage charges, which has been much campaigned for. for paying the water bill; the ‘liable person’ should be the property I welcome that for my constituency, as much as other owner unless they discharge their liability to the water company Members have done for theirs. by providing tenancy information correctly and in a timely manner”. My hon. Friend the Member for Sherwood (Paddy That recommendation could help to deal with the significant Tipping) waxed lyrical about private sewers and problem of debt from household customers, which costs sewerage—if one can wax lyrical about that topic. The the rest of us, including many low-income customers in mandatory build standards outlined in the Bill are greatly my constituency and across the United Kingdom, £12 on to be welcomed, but I heard what my hon. Friend said, every bill. and I hope that Ministers will have heard his pleas. Debt in the energy sector is about one fifth of that in Other Members have mentioned a variety of other the water sector, despite the considerably higher bills. In topics, and future contributors will no doubt mention comparison, the levels of debt in the electricity and gas still more. No doubt, a further Bill will be forthcoming sectors have remained broadly static, according to Ofgem. 893 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 894

The number of energy customers repaying a debt at the Natural England seemed distant from the whole process, end of 2008 was 1.3 million in respect of electricity and but as we got it into joint meetings and meetings with 0.8 million in respect of gas. In the water sector, more local communities, it began to realise the importance of than 5 million customers are in debt, which suggests listening to local people, who could often tell its that as well as there being some people who struggle to representatives a great deal that they did not know pay those bills, particularly in my water area, many about the sites of special scientific interest and flood simply will not pay. phenomena in the area. There is something that can be done about it: we can The local authority, Northumberland county council, give better powers to the companies to follow up those has a key role both as the highways authority and debts. A key problem is knowing who to bill, especially through its flood responsibilities. So do the national with short-term private rental properties. Landlords park authority and local people. It is only when we get could be required to provide information on their tenants all those people together, as we have done in village and I hope that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of halls and school halls in places such as Ingram and State will listen to the number of views that have been Rothbury, that we can make some progress. People start expressed on both sides of the House. The Government to have confidence in each other and in the contribution as well as water users who are paying for this debt could that they can make. benefit from the measure, simply because there will have It is important that there should be an appeal mechanism to be an interim review to take account of the expected against some of the very controversial decisions that investment of taking on private sewers—I see that my will have to be taken on flood alleviation measures. If a hon. Friend the Member for Sherwood has returned to farmer could lose large areas of land, for example, when his seat. The cost will be considerable and has not been floods take place—because of deliberate flooding of an factored into PR09, and there is therefore a win-win agricultural area—there has to be some appeal mechanism situation for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to ensure that that is a sensible decision and that the if he ensures that by the time we get around to such an terms offered to the farmer are reasonable. interim review, the matter of debt is on its way to being Generally speaking, it is important that we have a resolved by what should be a fairly straightforward strong lead body that is prepared to take action, because amendment to the Bill. we need large-scale flood alleviation schemes, as are planned for the River Wansbeck, although they are not 9.6 pm yet approved for funding. We will also need such schemes Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): I am on the River Coquet, if Rothbury is to be protected. sorry that I missed the first two speeches of the debate, Alongside those bigger schemes, however, we will need including that of the Secretary of State, but I was in the many small, practical, local measures in places such as Chair of the Select Committee on Justice. I want to Rothbury, the Ingram valley and the Glendale area that make a few brief comments arising out of the catastrophic will significantly reduce the flood risk faced by particular floods in many parts of my constituency in 2008. Of groups of houses. Those small measures require much course, we had a rather worrying reminder of them in more modest financing than the major flood alleviation 2009, which was fortunately not so bad. schemes and the big defence works, which can be funded The catastrophe was worst in Rothbury. Most people in only a limited number of places where a significant were aware of the situation in Morpeth, of course, amount of property is affected. It is crucial that because it featured so much on the national television, organisations work together to bring forward such schemes, but in Rothbury large numbers of people were out of and there are genuine signs that all the key authorities their homes for many months as a result of the floods. Other in Northumberland are showing that willingness. There communities, such as Powburn, Warkworth, Kirknewton is still momentum behind the efforts to recover from the and Felton, were affected. Many farms and farm businesses last round of flooding and to prevent a similar impact were flooded, with nearly 1,000 animal carcases requiring in the future, and I am determined that that momentum removal. Many roads were blocked and communities in and co-operation should be maintained. the Ingram valley were virtually cut off. 9.10 pm I want to emphasise the significance of the key element of the Bill, which I see as the role of the Environment Mr. John Grogan (Selby) (Lab): It is a pleasure to Agency in taking the lead in dealing with the management follow the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed of floods and with the flood threat. At times, that (Sir Alan Beith), who made a measured and passionate would not have been easy to say, because the Environment contribution that was based on the experiences of his Agency has not always been popular in my constituency, constituency. particularly when people have seen it as the body that It is a pleasure, as secretary of the all-party group on stopped them doing the simple practical things that flood prevention, to make a modest contribution to the they felt would reduce the flood risk to their properties, debate. We might have heard the last words on this such as moving gravel banks or putting in barriers. subject from my right hon. Friend the Member for However, as a consequence of what happened in the Makerfield (Mr. McCartney) and my hon. Friend the floods in our region, the agency has changed its approach Member for Sherwood (Paddy Tipping)—the same applies in a helpful way and has combined its efforts with those to the right hon. Member for Fylde (Mr. Jack)—but of other agencies to move things forward. each speech was certainly a tour de force that contributed Nothing is achieved in this area unless a wide range to our proceedings. of bodies work together. Natural England is crucial, In my 13 years in Parliament, my name has, to my because the body that was refusing consent for practical knowledge, been mentioned only once in Cabinet. My works was often not really the Environment Agency; it sources tell me that a slide presentation was made to the was relaying the views of Natural England. Initially, Cabinet earlier this year on flood defences and the work 895 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 896

[Mr. John Grogan] taxes, as my hon. Friend the Member for Copeland (Mr. Reed) proposed. That must be a first for him, but I of the Environment Agency.Perhaps minds were beginning shall be measured in my remarks. to wander by slide 27, but then they reached the final My hon. Friend the Member for Sherwood suggested slide, and who should appear—modesty does not forbid that water companies, however they are regulated or me from saying—but the hon. Member for Selby, sitting owned in the future, could have a greater role to play on top of the flood defences in Selby on the occasion of with regard to SUDS. I think that he is on to something their opening. Those flood defences are worth £18 million there, because the water companies’ greater role in and protect 3,000 people. I am told by my informant terms of private sewers and so on means that they have that one or two members of the Cabinet made comments the engineering experience needed for SUDS. It would on that last slide; I do not know what they said, but take many local authorities a long time to build up that perhaps it was how well deserved the money was, given expertise, so there is a logic in the suggestion that water my constant record of support for Ministers over the companies and water authorities should have a greater past decade. say about SUDS. A strong case can be made for that. In return for such confidence from Ministers, I put on record that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of My third and final point has to do with the basic State and his predecessors have ensured that there has thrust of the Bill. Those of us who have been affected been a continual increase in flood expenditure over the by flooding know what it is like. There are 88 settlements years, which has not always been easy. While I take on in Selby, and well over half of them have been flooded board all the criticisms that have been made about at some time during my years as the local MP. I am sure the current insurance arrangements, some European that all of us representing areas that flood have seen countries do not have any insurance arrangements at people suffering terribly when their houses get flooded. all, so the maintenance of our arrangements represents We will have looked at all the various agencies—the an achievement, although I wish that the insurance Environment Agency, the local authorities, the drainage industry was much better at enforcing the terms of the boards and the water authorities—and wondered which codes. It was also crucial that the Bill came before the of them was in charge. House before Christmas so that it could make progress, I play a small and modest part in the co-ordinating and Ministers are to be commended on those three issues. role in my area. Every six months, I chair a meeting at I want to make three points about the Bill, all of which representatives from the villages affected by flooding which have been referred to, although perhaps not in have half an hour to talk about the problem as they see detail. My hon. Friend the Member for Sherwood talked it. We sit there all day and between us we try and about the regional flood defence committees. It is important co-ordinate action and so on. that those committees continue, so I am a little alarmed It is quite a tough job, and I shall give the House one by clauses 22 to 26, which deal with such committees. example, involving the village of Saxton in the heart of The functions of the committees will be changed and Yorkshire. A few years ago, the village was repeatedly they will become more advisory and less executive. flooded by surface water flooding. The people there Ministers will also take greater powers to appoint the made good use of the discretionary funding from the committees’ members. At the moment, about half the regional flood defence committee and they put together, membership of a committee is made up of local authority from various sources, a pot of money amounting to members chosen by individual local authorities. If we nearly £100,000. However, they then discovered that are to give local authorities much more responsibility improving the drainage in the village meant that they for local management and co-ordination, the least that had first to get round the pipes and other equipment we can do is maintain their influence. blocking the drains that had been put in place by the There is no evidence to suggest that that influence has various local utilities. been malign at a regional level. One marvellous phrase We are now making an appeal to the various utilities in the Government response to the Environment, Food to remove their services by the time that England play and Rural Affairs Committee is: their first game in the World cup against the United “the Department wishes to strengthen these committees by ensuring States on 12 June next year. All but one have agreed to their members are of the right calibre and standing and able to do that, so, if the funding bodies keep the funding in provide effective local input.” place, we will be able to put the scheme in place. We are I read that as meaning that the man from Whitehall also appealing to the National Grid Company, which knows best who should represent local authorities on has not yet fulfilled a deal that it made with a local the regional flood defences committees. Alternatively, farmer to fix the drainage in one of his fields. That perhaps it is a way of ensuring that the local authorities shows that an awful lot of co-ordination is involved just are unable to have a good block vote. for one village. For that reason, the task that local My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State came up authorities are to take on, and the expertise that they to Yorkshire some years ago, and since then he has will need, should not be underestimated. become an honorary Yorkshireman and a champion of I compare the task facing local authorities with the local democracy. When he looks at this matter, I am one that faced them when, in the early days of this sure that he will realise that it will be much better if Government, the co-ordination of crime prevention Yorkshire’s regional flood defence committee makes the became a local authority function for the first time. final sign-off on flood defence schemes and so on, and Local authorities had to do lots of things that they had not some anonymous bureaucrat in Whitehall. not done before, and they also had to talk to lots of My second point is again inspired by my hon. Friend people whom they had never talked to before. That is the Member for Sherwood. I may go a little further than the scale of the challenge that we are facing with this he did, although I am not about to suggest any windfall Bill. 897 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 898

The all-party flood prevention group was formed I shall expand on three points that have been mentioned. after the experience of the floods of 2000. I was a First, I spend my life trying to persuade people that, far relatively new MP at the time, and I will never forget from being a problem, internal drainage boards are a watching hundreds of troops pass sandbags along a line valuable addition to the way in which we organise one Saturday night in a desperate attempt to keep things at a local level. I think I understand what the Selby’s flood defences from failing. That brought it Government want us to do through the legislation—to home to me how big an issue this is for many communities, widen the IDBs realm of activity and to deepen their and I am very pleased that the Bill is before the House ability to co-ordinate their activities so that an IDB tonight. May it have a fair wind in the new year. does not need to be too locally based. We miss a trick if we do not recognise the value of those people on the 9.19 pm IDBs, given the way in which they can apply their skills, Mr. David Drew (Stroud) (Lab/Co-op): I am delighted knowledge and, certainly, local understanding to any to make a short contribution, following my hon. Friend flooding situation. I do not mind levying the cost at all. the Member for Selby (Mr. Grogan). The Bill is important. I will go to any of my parish councils and tell them that As a member of the Select Committee, I could make an we should levy a charge so that those IDBs can function, argument for delay so that we got the totality of the because the preparatory and preventive work that they Bill, but it is important that we prioritise the flooding are so able to carry out is very important. aspects of the earlier Floods and Water Bill and deal We have ducked riparian ownership, because it is an with some aspects of water management. immense issue. We have not mentioned it, because, I approach the Bill from three standpoints. First, the despite including it in the draft Bill, we cavilled even Select Committee’s pre-legislative scrutiny was a detailed there at the possible repercussions of taking away exercise. I have tried to read the papers. We have done responsibility from owners. We cannot duck the issue our homework and carried out our scrutiny role properly. completely, however, and I shall concentrate on one Secondly, as my two constituency neighbours explained simple aspect that has caused me enormous problems— in graphic detail, Gloucestershire will be renowned for when the riparian owner has not only failed to do the the 2007 floods. All of us who were involved in those work, but has been obstructive and unhelpful, and dreadful days will always remember what that meant for other people have been flooded as a result. The riparian some people and their representatives. As we know, owner may have barricaded their land, built it up so some of the problems continue. I was dealing with that other people subsequently flood or, in one case of floods only a few weeks ago. Thankfully, they were not which I know, just refused to operate the sluice gates. major but they were still significant. The problem is not When one sees a neighbour being flooded after they ever-present, but it has not gone away. have desperately tried to get on to somebody else’s As a result, my third point of influence is through the property, which has barbed wire around it and barred work of the people who formed action groups. I shall gates, that is the most depressing thing. I therefore want mention four, although there are more in my the Bill to make it clear that we can prosecute such constituency—the Painswick Stream group, the Slad people and use enforcement, so that they at least get the Brook group, the Bridgend group in Stonehouse, where message that that is not good neighbourliness. They I live, and the Shorn Brook group in Hardwicke. Each should be held responsible for either their inactivity or of those groups has lobbied me and kept me directly in their improper actions. touch will all developments. I have learned that the We have also skated over the issue of critical problem is ongoing. More than anything, we must be infrastructure. People have mentioned the railways, and honest with people. I shall say more about that shortly. they are crucial to the issue, because they are a huge To me, there are four aspects that we should try to conduit for water. If we do not include the railway bring together. There are issues of leadership, particularly system and Network Rail, in particular, alongside the leadership from the centre, but also at a local level, water boards, the Environment Agency and all the funding, responsibility and deliverability. The two Pitt other public bodies, we will fail to realise how important reports did an immense service by highlighting a series they are. It has not always been easy to get such bodies of recommendations. Pleasingly, the Government are to take responsibility. The situation has improved in my turning the clock forward and bringing into statute the area, but some households flooded when the railway very things that Michael Pitt asked us to do, although organisations failed to take responsibility for their cuttings, most of the recommendations did not require legislation. so I shall look very carefully at how we can co-ordinate activities and make the strategies more coherent. At the centre of these efforts we have the double-headed hydra—the Environment Agency and the lead local I shall leave my right hon. Friend the Secretary of authority.The decision-making mechanism can be criticised State to puzzle over my final point. It is about our for its vertical structure, but as other hon. Members raising expectations by putting in place a strategic plan, have said, unless there is clarity, there will always be which in this case is the local service water management confusion about who does what. plan. I am very pleased that the Government have I welcome the way in which the Government have set encouraged the 70-odd areas that are working through about trying to deal with the charging of voluntary and the issue to come up with such plans, but once they are community groups. Some of us felt that that campaign in place it behoves us to find the money to deal with any might not be successful, but the Government have listened. subsequent problems. Although, as my hon. Friend the Member for Weaver There is a need for honesty. If we are to put in place a Vale (Mr. Hall) said, we must make the campaign plan and the money to fund the action, we should tell stronger, I am proud that I can go back to my Stroud people. But, if that is not going to happen for any groups and say that we have listened and we will do the reason, we must, as I said in an intervention earlier, tell right thing. people and households that they will have to look at 899 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 900

[Mr. David Drew] I think that everyone welcomes the strategic overview and role that the Environment Agency will be given, but their own resilience and take their own measures because it is very prescriptive. The fact that there is no appeals we cannot guarantee that, in every eventuality, they will mechanism in relation to some of its prescriptive roles be safe from flooding. and powers is worthy of exploration in Committee. We That may be a sour note on which to end my must also consider how the draft strategy that the contribution, but the worst thing of all was when we agency is to publish will link in with other elements. My met people who thought they had been promised protection, hon. Friend the Member for Basingstoke (Mrs. Miller) and it was not possible to deliver that. We need complete talked about the need for a more integrated approach honesty in how we go about these matters. between the county and unitary authorities, and said that the district councils must not be excluded because 9.29 pm they were the planning authorities. I am a particular fan Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York) (Con): I congratulate of the internal drainage boards. I must declare that I am all hon. Members who have contributed to the debate. a vice-president of the Association of Drainage Authorities, It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Stroud an appointment of which I am particularly proud. (Mr. Drew). I congratulate the Secretary of State on his Those boards have the necessary local expertise and staying power. The one missing element in the debate skills, and, recently, the funds. We need to explore ways was the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, in which the internal drainage boards, the Environment Food and Rural Affairs, the hon. Member for Ogmore Agency and the water companies can work more closely (Huw Irranca-Davies); we wish him very well in his together. negotiations on fisheries. I look forward to working The Secretary of State may think that I am playing with him constructively in the forthcoming Committee devil’s advocate here, but while my hon. Friend the proceedings. I echo the warm reception that the Bill has shadow Secretary of State set out clearly our role and received across the House, although all those who that of local communities, I believe that there are certain contributed took a cautious approach, and I think that matters on which the water companies have a further there is room for improvement. role to play. One is sustainable urban drainage systems, The Secretary of State set the tone by relaying the and I hope that the Secretary of State is minded to events of the summer 2007 floods. I echo his tributes, agree to our proposal to adopt the Scottish law definition and those of all hon. Members, to the emergency services— of SUDS. I do not see any reason for having one the police, fire and ambulance services, as well as the definition north of the border and another south of the Environment Agency, local authorities and the armed border, given that it is comprehensive. It is important forces, and in Cumbria, most recently, the mountain that we identify where SUDS are, who currently owns and fell rescue service. In the visits that I have made, I them and who maintains them. That has not yet been have been struck by the importance of the visibility of achieved in the Bill, and we need an audit. From a those who walk the streets, particularly those from the cursory first reading of the Bill, I believe that the water Environment Agency; they wear a uniform with a badge. companies have a prominent role to play in taking the It is also important that we recognise the resilience lead responsibility for SUDS once we have established of local communities, most recently in Workington, those facts. They have the skills and resources to do that Cockermouth and Keswick in Cumbria, as well as parts in a way that local authorities may not. of the Copeland constituency. I entirely endorse what the hon. Member for Sherwood The Vale of York is distinctive in that it is about (Paddy Tipping) said about sewers, which we cannot 65 per cent. flood plain; sadly, we are all too experienced talk about often enough. I pay tribute to the right hon. with serious flooding. I should like to declare an interest Member for Scunthorpe (Mr. Morley) for his work on in that I hope that the Secretary of State will soon allow sewers when he was a Minister. We need a definite plan our modest little scheme for Thirsk to go ahead through and proposal for the adoption of private drains and the Environment Agency. I would like to hold him to sewers, and again, we need an audit so that we know account for a comment that he made about the additional where they are and who owns them. It comes as a bolt funds that were given in 2007 and, most recently, for the from the blue when householders find out that their Cumbrian floods. Following the summer 2007 floods, drains are private. They often find out only because our exercise proved that £50 million in out-of-pocket their drains are flooded. We need a deadline for that, expenses was incurred by local authorities. I have questioned and I hope that the Secretary of State will oblige. the Secretary of State and his hon. Friends about that. I hope that Cumbria and other communities that may well It is right that the water companies should adopt suffer in future will not be left with such high expenses. private drains and sewers and be made responsible for I should like to draw together some of the strands of them, but regrettably the Secretary of State and the the debate. My right hon. Friend the Member for Fylde Department are completely wrong in their sums. I do (Mr. Jack), who spoke very eloquently, referred to the not believe that the savings that they have estimated are definition of risk and the continuing role of adaptation. accurate or that local authorities are currently paying I would like to add to the list that he and others gave. out anything like the sums that they believe. We need to We need a review not only of bridges and other critical be grown-up and revisit that, and water companies need infrastructure, which I understand has not yet been to be prepared and know exactly what they are in for. completed, but of all main roads and trunk roads. The Pitt was extremely clear about the ending of the M1 came very close to closing as a result of the summer automatic right to connect. The regulations under planning 2007 floods. In a visit to the constituency of the hon. policy statement 25, which a number of hon. Members Member for Workington (Tony Cunningham), I was have mentioned, cover building on flood plains. I believe shocked to see the damage to one small road in that water companies should have the badge of statutory Cockermouth, before a full audit was done. consultees, but also that their advice, like that of the 901 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 902

Environment Agency, should be acted upon. There are returning to properties that still have electrical sockets should be some comeback when a planning authority at ground level. When a property is prone to future proceeds to ignore that advice, if water companies are floods, that simply stores up more problems. adopted as statutory consultees under the Bill. The Government need to be much clearer what priorities To recap, I believe that water companies have a key there are between the arbitrary house building policy of role to play in sustainable urban drainage systems, one Department and DEFRA’s guidance not to build in planning changes to end the automatic right to connect inappropriate places. The Secretary of State needs to be and the adoption of private drains and sewers. I welcome much clearer on the relationship between the Environment the opening up of the tendering process to bodies other Agency’s strategic overview and the regional spatial than water companies in clause 36, but I do not understand plans—my hon. Friend the Member for Tewkesbury the logic of excluding water companies. I hope that the (Mr. Robertson) and others showed what future flooding Secretary of State will review that. problems there could be in their constituencies. There have been a number of contributions about On insurance, my hon. Friend the Member for Arundel sustainable development, natural alleviation schemes of and South Downs (Nick Herbert) said in setting out the water retention and working with nature. I pay tribute Conservative position at the beginning of the debate to the pilot scheme that has been authorised in Pickering. that there was a discrepancy between the £1 billion that I have aspirations to represent Pickering in a future the Government would be paying next year and the Parliament, so it is particularly close to my heart. Other £1.5 billion for which the insurance industry is still pilots have also been rolled out, including by the right calling. The Government need to address that, the need hon. Member for Scunthorpe in his previous ministerial for accessible insurance for all, which the right hon. capacity. If the Pickering scheme is deemed to work, Member for Makerfield (Mr. McCartney) and others with mini-dams along the railway line, trees upstream addressed, and the fact that premiums and excesses are and bottlenecks removed downstream, it will be a great going up. In my constituency, excesses are well in excess way forward and other parts of the country will benefit. of £10,000. They need to be affordable; otherwise, the I have great sympathy with those who have said that taxpayer is left with the cost of picking up uninsurable river catchment area management needs to be examined losses. I should like the Secretary of State to go further more closely, and there is work that we can do on that. and to write a duty into the Bill—we have prepared a As regards the crucial role of the fire and rescue service little amendment to help him in this regard—for the and statutory responsibility, which the hon. Member Environment Agency to come forward with an annual for Hayes and Harlington (John McDonnell) and others programme for maintenance, which will be reported to mentioned, Pitt recommendation 39 was very clear that both Houses and debated, to ensure that it is at all times the Government should urgently put in place a fully maintaining and dredging the main water courses, so funded national capability for flood rescue, with fire that as long as internal drainage boards are doing their and rescue authorities playing a leading role, underpinned bit, the water does not back up. as necessary by a statutory duty. We are not quite there I should like to take credit for one measure. My hon. yet, and I hope that the Secretary of State sets out Friend the Member for Arundel and South Downs exactly where we are when he responds. threatened to amend the so-called rain tax, but the Government have done so in clause 42. That was included The Bill’s provisions for information sharing should only after the official Opposition persisted in saying be more specific. There should be much more access to that we would act if the Government failed to do the various mappings. I understand that the Secretary so—[Interruption.] I am delighted that the House of State is prepared to open Ordnance Survey mappings, supports us. but what about those of the Met Office, the insurance industry, district councils and water companies? However, We still need a full audit of critical infrastructure. I there should be a provision setting out confidentiality deplore the fact that the flood risk regulations have criteria—the confidentiality of anything that is commercially gone through without proper scrutiny and, I understand, sensitive should be respected. without proper consultation. With the reservation that several issues that have been raised by hon. Members on Resource, funding and skills are causing great alarm— both sides of the House this evening are worthy of witness the contributions made this evening. We need to further debate in Committee, we wish the Bill a fair look again at what the balance between local government, wind and we hope that it will be even better than it is local authorities, the Environment Agency and water now once it leaves Committee. companies should be. The Secretary of State is aware that I do not believe that either the Environment Agency or the local authorities can find the necessary resources 9.45 pm from their existing funds. That matter is causing great Hilary Benn: With the leave of the House, I wish to concern, and I hope that he addresses it this evening. respond to the debate. It has been an extremely good On resilience and the British Standards Institution’s one, because without exception hon. Members have spoken issuing of the kitemark, if a product is proved to be fit with local knowledge, insight and a clarity of commitment for purpose, will a householder or business property to using this legislation to deal with the problems of owner be able to sue the BSI or the product maker when flooding and enable society to cope with it better. a product allows water in? What comeback is there and I am grateful to the hon. Member for Arundel and how can we ensure that home owners and property South Downs (Nick Herbert) for his support for the owners in general have the confidence to increase their Bill. I was slightly puzzled by his reference to the resilience? What happens if a product is demonstrated emergency response in 2007 because having visited a lot to be unfit for purpose? A great consensus is building of places and talked to a lot of people, I have to say that on amending building regulations to increase resilience it does not reflect my view or, in fairness, what Sir Michael to future floods. It is not acceptable that home owners Pitt had to say. On the balance between the national 903 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 904

[Hilary Benn] I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Weaver Vale (Mr. Hall), who has played a significant and the local, about which the hon. Gentleman and role in highlighting the unfairness of surface water several others spoke, I hope that on reflection they will charges and gave some striking examples from his area agree that the Bill does provide the necessary flexibility concerning United Utilities. As for who will be covered, to allow the right arrangements to be put in place. The he will have seen clause 42(4)(c), and of course guidance hon. Gentleman asked about Cave, and—as I am sure will be issued as well. he is aware—we are consulting on those recommendations. I thought that the example he gave of a local community I hope that today was not the last time that the right protecting itself was a really good one, and shows hon. Member for Fylde (Mr. Jack) talks on such matters, clearly that it can be done without the need for additional because he has chaired the Select Committee with legislation. distinction, enormous insight and great courtesy. I echo his thanks to the staff of his Committee. I thought that On national infrastructure, I can inform the hon. he spoke particularly eloquently about the need to be Gentleman and other hon. Members who raised this straight with each other. That has been a theme in this issue, that the Cabinet Office has now screened nearly debate, and I agree with it. On the floods directive, I can 1,000 critical national infrastructure sites and identified assure him that we will, when necessary, stitch the bits 171 across nine sectors that are in areas that could be together so that if changes are made to the Bill, they can flooded by rivers or the sea. The lead Departments in be reflected in the regulations. Bridges should certainly all cases are preparing sector resilience plans, which will be regularly inspected. He also talked about informing be produced by the end of this year. If time allowed, I members of the public. One of the striking things about could give several specific examples of steps that have this matter—this came across in Sir Michael Pitt’s report—is been taken, but I shall refer to just one. The National that we all have a personal responsibility. When a flood Grid has invested more than £1 million in flood defence warning is issued, it means something and we have to capability, including buying 1.2 km of flood defence pay attention. barriers, which it can take to places that are under threat. My hon. Friend the Member for Sherwood reminded On the scrutiny of the national strategy, it would be us that the internal drainage boards are good in some for the Select Committee to decide what it wished to do. places, but not so good in others. Regional flood defence I always welcome its interest and attention. On the committees have an important role to play, and I agree water framework directive, a statutory instrument with him completely. I liked his phrase about the establishing a power for the Environment Agency to environment acting as a sponge. He, too, said in respect improve the physical characteristics of water bodies was of coastal erosion that we have to be honest with each laid on 1 December, to come into force on 22 December other, and that includes everybody involved taking this year. responsibility for the problem, because we cannot get My right hon. Friend the Member for Scunthorpe into a situation where people start to say, “Well, the EA (Mr. Morley) spoke with great authority because of his is the harbinger of doom and bringer of bad news.” experience, and he made a powerful point about the This is everyone’s problem, and we all have to pitch in need to strike a balance, including when it comes to and do something about it. agricultural land. Those who argue that greater protection The hon. Member for Tewkesbury (Mr. Robertson) should be given—and I understand the arguments that was kind in his expressions of appreciation. When it are made—must be equally honest about where the comes to building on floodplains, the responsibility is resources, which will always amount to a certain sum, clear: it rests with the local planning authority. The will be found to achieve that. question is whether we can guard against flood risk. The hon. Member for Cheltenham (Martin Horwood) Indeed, we meet and debate here on a floodplain that is said that he did not want to be churlish just as I was protected by the Thames barrier. On alternative supplies, about to intervene and say that I thought he was being a he will be aware that the Mythe defences have now been tad churlish in some of his comments. On private sewers— reinforced and that Walham has a flood defence. However, which my hon. Friend the Member for Sherwood (Paddy there is an alternative water supply, as we saw with the Tipping) also mentioned—we already have the powers distribution of bottled water, which worked well. There to make the change, and the House should not worry were problems with the bowsers, but those were eventually about that. Yes, there will be a small cost, but the sorted out. argument for it is that this is in effect a national insurance scheme to protect householders who have no idea that I know from the terrific constituency work done by they would have to bear the cost— my right hon. Friend the Member for Makerfield (Mr. McCartney) that when he speaks about the importance Martin Horwood: Will the Secretary of State give of community consultation and involvement, he means way? it and lives it. I have seen that for myself through the great work done in his constituency dealing with Hilary Benn: If the hon. Gentleman will forgive me, I contaminated land. The most striking thing about that was generous in giving way to him earlier, and I want to was getting people involved. That is another aspect of try to respond to as many points as possible. sharing responsibility. If we say, “Hey, we’ve got a Insurance is a problem, and we have to have an problem. What are we going to do about it?”, people answer to it. On more precise flood warnings, we do not tend to respond, as he knows well. My hon. Friend the need legislation to do that. Indeed, as the capacity of Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) made exactly the same the flood forecasting centre at the Met Office improves point. On insurance, we need ideas and to think about and gives better and more accurate flood warnings, the it, and my right hon. Friend made a powerful point House may rest assured that those will be issued. about affordability. 905 Flood and Water Management Bill15 DECEMBER 2009 Flood and Water Management Bill 906

The hon. Member for Basingstoke (Mrs. Miller) was My hon. Friend the Member for Stroud talked about right to talk about prevention. I say to her what I said to riparian owners. Assets will be registered under clause the Opposition spokesman. The Bill has the flexibility 21, which will enable the lead local flood authority to to enable local authorities to work together in a way identify the cause of a problem and speed its resolution, that will suit them. In the end, it is up to the local should it arise. On the choices that have to be made, authorities to enter into the spirit of that flexible provision they will be a combination of collective defence, where in the Bill and to make it happen. possible, and greater resistance and resilience, but also My hon. Friend the Member for Hayes and Harlington individuals thinking about how they can protect the (John McDonnell) asked about training for fire service properties in which they live. staff. We have offered assistance with physical material I pay tribute to the careful interest that the hon. by ensuring that the right training is in place. He is right Member for Vale of York (Miss McIntosh) takes in to say that those who are putting their lives at risk these matters and the expertise with which she contributed should have the right equipment and knowledge to from the Dispatch Box this evening. On the expenses undertake their important work. faced by local authorities, as she will be aware, there is The hon. Member for Somerton and Frome (Mr. Heath) support under the Bellwin arrangements, which we have talked about the need for a better understanding of again extended to 100 per cent. cover above the threshold, risks and local warnings. Better technology will allow as we did in 2007. There is also other support available, that. He is also right to say that we will have to think through various different schemes. On the role of the about bridge design, especially in the light of experiences Environment Agency, I would simply say to her that—how in Cumbria. The right hon. Member for Fylde made shall I put it?—when it comes to responsibility, one this point as well, and the natural hazards team is person’s prescription is another person’s clarity. The Bill looking at that very question. is right to make it clear where the EA has responsibilities. The SUDS definition is the same north and south of I pay tribute to the role that my hon. Friend the the border, and existing SUDS are likely to be designated Member for Copeland (Mr. Reed) has played in the under clause 30 and schedule 1. current difficult circumstances, as well as that of my hon. Finally, I want to come back to the opening remarks Friend the Member for Workington (Tony Cunningham), of the hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs, who really has been at the sharp end and has been quite who speaks for the Opposition. This is a week in which magnificent. My hon. Friend the Member for Copeland the world’s leaders have been gathering in Copenhagen made a powerful case for accountability. Let me assure to try to bring home an agreement, which is essential if him that the water companies will be under a duty to act we are to deal with the consequences of a changing consistently with the national flood strategy. They will climate, one of which—flooding—we have been talking be required to co-operate with flood risk authorities, about this evening. This is a world in which we will have and the Secretary of State will be able to direct water to live within our means. That includes nature’s ability companies or other authorities to carry out flood risk to accommodate human beings—our settlement and management functions if they fail to do so themselves. our activity—and we will have to do that with due The hon. Member for Boston and Skegness (Mark respect for nature’s power. What we are doing this Simmonds) has more reason that just about anybody in evening represents a really important step towards helping the Chamber to be concerned about coastal erosion and the people who have been so badly affected by flooding rising sea levels. It is not a question of the EA trying to in recent times. I commend the Bill to the House. frighten anybody; there is a problem and we have to Question put and agreed to. share it. The important point is the spirit in which that is entered into. Bill accordingly read a Second time. My hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Sutton (Linda Gilroy) talked about the Walker review. She is a FLOOD AND WATER MANAGEMENT BILL powerful advocate for her constituents in the south-west (PROGRAMME) and chairs the all-party group on water with great Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing energy. She raised the question of arrears, as did my Order No. 83A(7)), right hon. Friend the Member for Scunthorpe, and if she is on the Committee, I suspect that it will be That the following provisions shall apply to the Flood and returned to. Water Management Bill: Committal I was glad to hear what the right hon. Member for 1. The Bill shall be committed to a Public Bill Committee. Berwick-upon-Tweed (Sir Alan Beith) said about the change that had taken place, because that was where a Proceedings in Public Bill Committee different approach had been adopted. We will make 2. Proceedings in the Public Bill Committee shall (so far as not provisions for appeals, through the relevant provisions previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on Thursday 21 in clauses 38 and 39, based on existing provisions in the January 2010. Water Resources Act 1991. 3. The Public Bill Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the first day on which it meets. My hon. Friend the Member for Selby (Mr. Grogan) Consideration and Third Reading chairs the all-party group on flood prevention, also 4. Proceedings on consideration shall (so far as not previously with distinction. I agree with him about regional flood concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour before the defence committees. As for water companies and sustainable moment of interruption on the day on which those proceedings drainage systems, the body giving the approval should are commenced. also have the responsibility to maintain, because that 5. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously will make it think about the decision. However, water concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption companies will also be statutory consultees. on that day. 907 15 DECEMBER 2009 908

6. Standing Order No. 83B (Programming committees) shall Constitutional Law not apply to proceedings on consideration and Third Reading. Other proceedings 10 pm 7. Any other proceedings on the Bill (including any proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments or on any further messages The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Peter Hain): I from the Lords) may be programmed. —(Kerry McCarthy.) beg to move, Question agreed to. That the draft National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Welsh Language) Order 2009, which was laid before this House on 10 November, in the previous Session of FLOOD AND WATER MANAGEMENT BILL Parliament, be approved. (MONEY) This legislative competence order has already been Queen’s recommendation signified. approved by the National Assembly, and I would like to put on record at the outset this Government’s strong Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing commitment to the Welsh language. I hope that my Order No. 52(1)(a)), personal support for its future development speaks for That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Flood and itself. Parts of my constituency are strongly Welsh speaking, Water Management Bill, it is expedient to authorise— and when Neath hosted the National Eisteddfod in (1) any expenditure incurred under or by virtue of the Act by 1994, I gave a welcoming address speaking in Welsh—after the Secretary of State, and considerable coaching, as my Welsh is limited. I wanted (2) any increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable to do that to make a statement of support, and I was under any other Act out of money so provided.—(Kerry McCarthy.) grateful for the way in which it was received. When I Question agreed to. was Welsh Education Minister in 1998, I extended Welsh as a compulsory subject—[Interruption.] DEFERRED DIVISIONS Mr. Speaker: Order. I am sorry to interrupt the Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Secretary of State. I would be grateful if Members who Order No. 41A), are leaving the Chamber would do so quickly and That, at this day’s sitting, Standing Order No. 41A (Deferred quietly. I know that those who are remaining will not divisions) shall not apply to the motion in the name of Secretary want to converse privately, but to attend to the business John Denham relating to Rating and Valuation, the motion in the of the House. name of Mr Secretary Hain relating to Constitutional Law and the motion in the name of Ms Harriet Harman relating to the Mr. Hain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Electoral Commission. —( Kerry McCarthy.) When I was Welsh Education Minister in 1998, I Question agreed to. extended Welsh as a compulsory subject to the GCSE-age cohort, in the face of hostile criticism in some quarters. Business without Debate Hon. Members will know that draft legislative competence orders—LCOs—are not normally debated DELEGATED LEGISLATION on the Floor of the House, but I was determined that that should happen in this instance. The Welsh language Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing plays a central, fundamental role in Welsh society, and Order No. 118(6)), in the day-to-day lives of many people in Wales. I believe that the unique importance of this LCO merits RATION AND VALUATION all Members of this House having the opportunity to That the draft Non-Domestic Rating (Chargeable Amounts) debate it. (England) Regulations 2009, which were laid before this House on 25 November, be approved.—( Kerry McCarthy.) Our debate here this evening follows on from the approval of this LCO last week in the House of Lords, Question agreed to. from the Welsh Grand Committee debate on the proposals on 14 October and from the scrutiny undertaken by the Welsh Affairs Committee, the Lords Constitution Committee and a Committee of the National Assembly. I would like to commend the Welsh Affairs Committee in particular for its first-rate scrutiny of this LCO, and for its role in building the broad consensus that now exists around it. I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Aberavon (Dr. Francis) for his meticulous leadership of the Committee. I have been heartened by that consensus: a broad church of interest groups, together with those whom the LCO might affect, now supports it in principle. This provides a solid foundation on which the Assembly Government can build in developing proposals for an Assembly Measure to take forward the language. Lembit Öpik (Montgomeryshire) (LD): Does the Secretary of State agree that the process that he has adopted on this occasion ought to set a precedent for Governments of all colours, in the sense that, once a matter that is clearly in the domain of the Assembly—in 909 Constitutional Law15 DECEMBER 2009 Constitutional Law 910 spirit and also, to some extent, in words—has been Members will know the Welsh language engages; it decided by the Assembly, it would not be in order for us builds a broad consensus on how to proceed and it to overturn it? Does he therefore acknowledge that we works in the best interests of everyone in Wales. are putting a marker in the sand for how these important The draft LCO would enable the National Assembly decisions might be made in the future, and how they to legislate to promote or facilitate the use of the Welsh should be respected when they come from Cardiff? language and the treatment of the Welsh and English languages on a basis of equality. This is based on the Mr. Hain: In this case, we have seen how detailed wording from the Welsh Language Act 1993. It does not scrutiny—undertaken primarily by this Parliament, either extend to the use of Welsh in the courts; nor would it in this House or through the Welsh Affairs Committee—has allow the National Assembly to impose duties in relation improved a draft piece of legislation that would not to the Welsh language on any body other than those otherwise have been in such good shape. That is the way falling within the 10 categories listed in the order. These I would respond to the hon. Gentleman’s question. categories include public authorities; bodies established for specified purposes by royal charter; bodies receiving The Government’s approach to this LCO has been public money amounting to £400,000 or more in a informed by four principles. The first is that it is logical financial year; and organisations providing key public and appropriate for the National Assembly for Wales to services, including electricity, gas, water, post, telecoms, be able to legislate on the Welsh language. The nation’s bus and rail services. legislature is surely the natural home for making laws in relation to the language. The LCO includes a crucial safeguard enabling bodies in these categories to challenge the imposition of Welsh The second principle is that the order builds on the language duties on grounds of reasonableness and firm foundations of the Welsh Language Act 1993. proportionality. This is a robust safeguard against any That landmark legislation ensured that organisations inappropriate imposition of such duties. It ensures that providing services of a public nature implement schemes the reasonableness of duties will be a key consideration for carrying out some or all of their business in Welsh. in developing Assembly measures, and provides an These requirements now need updating better to fit new important reassurance against disproportionate obligations times, but the 1993 Act provides a sound basis for the being imposed on any body, and especially smaller focus of the LCO on key public services provided by organisations, whether they be charities or companies public authorities or private companies. in business sectors such as mobile telephony or energy. Thirdly, it is crucially important that as we move I believe this LCO puts in place a framework for the forward, we strike the right balance between the interests devolution of powers over the Welsh language to the of those who use Welsh as their mother tongue and who Assembly, which is robust and provides for a strong and wish to conduct their day-to-day business in the language healthy future for the language by building on the and the large majority of people in Wales—some 80 per achievements since 1993 in a common-sense, evolutionary cent.—who do not speak Welsh. way to make the language a source of pride for everyone The final principle is that any duty should be applied in Wales, whether or not they speak Welsh. I commend in a reasonable and proportionate way. This is the key it to the House. point made by the Welsh Affairs Committee and it has 10.9 pm my full support. This is particularly important in the Mrs. Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) context of ensuring that business and enterprise in (Con): May I begin by offering my condolences and, I Wales support these proposals. No one would want to believe, those of the whole House to the new First see the private sector discouraged from investing in Minister on the untimely death of his mother, of which Wales because of burdensome Welsh language duties we heard earlier today? I am sure that everyone would being inappropriately imposed on business. What is wish me to pass our condolences to him. right in respect of a large public authority need not necessarily be right for a smaller private sector company. I thank the Secretary of State for giving us the What is right in Meirionnydd may not be right for opportunity to debate the legislative competence order Monmouthshire. on the Floor of the House. It has undergone considerable amendment since it was first proposed by the Welsh There has been a great deal of consultation on these Assembly and referred to the Select Committee on proposals. My right hon. Friend the Member for Torfaen Welsh Affairs and the Welsh Grand Committee, and the (Mr. Murphy) sought the views of interested parties on opportunity for us to scrutinise its closing stages on the the proposed order earlier this year, and I am grateful to Floor of the House is very welcome. I do not intend to him as he paved the way for the consensus that has now speak for long, because I know that many other Members been built. The Under-Secretary of State for Wales, my wish to speak. hon. Friend the Member for Caerphilly (Mr. David) I am aware that accusations have been made in certain and I have held discussions with a large number of quarters. It has been claimed that the LCO has been organisations—and their representative bodies—that may delayed in the House, and that the Select Committee’s be affected by subsequent Assembly measures. This recommendations—most of which have now been engagement has been vital in helping to frame the draft adopted—were superfluous. Indeed, that criticism has LCO before us this evening. dogged the LCO process from the beginning. Those This LCO, then, is built on firm and clear principles. critics have argued what we are considering is a permissive It is grounded in a common- sense approach to developing power, not a Measure, and that it is not for Parliament the language and, in drafting it, we have responded to to second-guess what may or may not be done with an the very real concerns of some about its scope while at LCO once it has been passed by the Assembly. Our the same time meeting the pressures for change. I believe duty, they say, is only to scrutinise whether it is appropriate it gets right the intricate balance of interests that hon. for the power to be passed down. 911 Constitutional Law15 DECEMBER 2009 Constitutional Law 912

[Mrs. Cheryl Gillan] The first issue is the future of the Welsh Language Board. It has been doing a first-class job in promoting It has been argued that LCOs should not be scrutinised the language under Meri Huws, yet no one seems to as if they were fully fledged Measures, but it is clear that have raised what will happen to it and to the jobs to pass down a power that had not been scrutinised by involved, and I know that it was not consulted in an the House of Commons would defeat the object of the appropriate fashion before the LCO was promulgated existence of this place, and its role and function in our by the coalition Assembly Government. I hope that the legislative process. I think that the Secretary of State Minister will be able to shine some light on its future. and I have similar views in that regard. The order applies to a number of bodies outside the public sector and thus outside the scope of the Welsh David T.C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): Is it not worrying Language Act 1993, including gas, electricity, water and that if it were not for the House of Commons with all telecoms providers. I appreciate that the intention is to its Members, and the Members of another place, there allow the people in Wales to live their lives in the would be very little scrutiny from the 60 Members who language of their choice, and I, too, support that aim, currently inhabit the Welsh Assembly? yet many of these companies already have some form of language scheme. The comment I have heard most often from such companies is that take-up is severely limited. Mrs. Gillan: I have to say that on this occasion I agree For example, Wales & West Utilities Ltd identified that with the Secretary of State. I think it important for over the three years of operation between 2006 and LCOs to be properly scrutinised in this place. As the 2009, in 600,000 calls to its hotline only four requests Order Paper makes clear, this is a constitutional matter, were made to converse in Welsh. Also, of 152,000 pieces and it is right for it to be debated on the Floor of the of correspondence generated annually, only two requests House. for Welsh correspondence have been received. Surely I think it important to give some thought to what it the energies of government would be better used in means to say that the passing down of a power is encouraging private companies to adopt Welsh language “appropriate”. Of course, nothing seems more immediately schemes voluntarily than in legislating further. appropriate than passing power over the Welsh language to the Welsh Assembly. The Assembly is certainly capable Hywel Williams (Caernarfon) (PC): Will the hon. of exercising that power, and it is an elected body, just Lady give way? as the House of Commons is. I would argue, however, that what we mean by “appropriate” in this case is not Mrs. Gillan: I would like to make a little more progress whether the Assembly can do the job, but whether it first. makes more sense to legislate on this matter at a Welsh As the Federation of Small Businesses has said, level in the Assembly or at a national level in Parliament. businesses will respond to customers more than to As the right hon. Member for Torfaen (Mr. Murphy) legislation, and continuing to promote the language is once observed, and as I believe has been observed by surely the best route to take. If a significant customer the Secretary of State himself, it would be inappropriate base wanted to operate in the Welsh language, companies to rubber-stamp the passing down of power to legislate would have every reason to do so. on matters which, without proper scrutiny, could have unintended consequences. I have always believed that, Hywel Williams: The hon. Lady is intent on promoting and it has been the case with this LCO. As my grandmother a voluntary approach, while pointing out that that used to say, two heads are better than one. I think that approach has not succeeded. The company’s figures this extra scrutiny is welcome, and that it has improved that she mentioned show that the Welsh language is the LCO greatly. It is entirely proper that, when deciding seldom used under the voluntary approach. Can she whether it is appropriate to pass down powers, we explain that apparent contradiction? should pay careful attention to the scope of LCOs and their possible implications for the people of Wales and Mrs. Gillan: I am just raising some queries which I the rest of the United Kingdom. hope the Minister will address. I think the voluntary I disagree with the hon. Member for Montgomeryshire approach has worked rather well in Wales. I have just (Lembit Öpik), who appears to have left the Chamber given an example of one of the submissions to the immediately after his intervention, and also with Lord Secretary of State, and I am asking the Minister whether Elis-Thomas, who said that legislative proposals for the he thinks we should continue to promote such schemes, Assembly should be passed automatically. I do not rather than take the legislative route that will be available believe that that is the right thing to do. under the LCO. Let me turn to the detail of the order. It has certainly Imposing a stringent language scheme on bodies, been greatly improved since its first draft. I pay tribute regardless of whether they already have some form of to the work of the Select Committee and its Chairman, language scheme, would clearly result in additional the hon. Member for Aberavon (Dr. Francis). It is clear cost. The consequences are clear: either the cost will be that the system places a considerable burden on the passed on to the consumer in the form of higher bills, or Committee, and it is testimony to the dedication of all companies may choose not to operate in Wales at all. As its members in all parties that they managed to do such a result, Welsh consumers may be deprived of choice a good job despite their immense work load. However, and competition. there are still a number of issues that I want to raise. I The Mobile Broadband Group has expressed the hope that the Secretary of State, or the Minister, can concern that resources are limited in the current economic provide clarification or reassurance both for myself and climate, and said that priority should be given to extending for those who have raised matters with me. coverage across Wales of a service that is consistently in 913 Constitutional Law15 DECEMBER 2009 Constitutional Law 914 demand by Welsh consumers. BT has called for action Secondly, it is unclear for how long a duty would be to encourage uptake of existing services, rather than imposed on these organisations. I hope that the Minister have new legislation that could be planned by the Assembly will be able to clarify whether the organisations are Government. It does not want to supply Welsh language merely covered in the years in which they receive the services by law and compulsion, but is happy to continue requisite amount of public money or in perpetuity. to do so voluntarily. I hope that the Minister will Could he also clarify why it was felt necessary to include address that in his winding-up speech. the Bank of England in the order? To date, I have seen Companies supplying liquid propane to rural areas, no justification for its having been explicitly included. such as Calor Gas Ltd, have also raised the objection This legislative competence order, in its final form, has that their main competitors—suppliers of oil and coal—are certainly addressed some of the concerns raised by both exempt from the order. Any additional costs put on Labour and Conservative Members about the original companies such as Calor would have to be absorbed draft. Certain questions remain, however, and I hope into the cost of the liquefied petroleum gas they supply, that he will address them in his closing remarks. forcing up prices, which would hit Welsh families, especially On the face of it, it appears appropriate for the in rural areas, at a time when the fuel poverty rate in Assembly to gain competence over the Welsh language. Wales stands at 340,000 households. Furthermore, the My concern is that the approach that seems to have order applies not only to multinationals but to some been taken could have wider repercussions. In the course small companies, and as the Secretary of State has said, of this debate over the past few months, nobody has it must be ensured that the extra cost does not risk produced any substantial evidence or proof that the crippling otherwise successful and growing organisations. existing arrangements were not working or were For that reason, I welcome the test of reasonableness unsatisfactory, or that there was any dissatisfaction and proportionality that has been inserted in the order with them. Indeed, I am not aware that there was any in its final form. significant demand for legislation in this area at all. The order specifies that before a duty can be imposed However, the business grant that was previously given on any organisation, there must be a clear right to to help businesses to implement Welsh language schemes appeal. I agree with that sentiment, but there are has quietly and quickly been phased out. Instead of implications to the proposal. First, it sounds as though supporting businesses with the costs of bilingual materials a significant bureaucracy will be necessary not only to and signage, it seems that the Plaid Cymru-Labour enforce Welsh language legislation, but to deal with any coalition has decided to resort to compulsion, at the appeals. I wonder where the finance is coming from to risk, perhaps, of forfeiting the good will that the language fund the appeals process, because I believe the order enjoys. Conservative Members are great supporters of attracts no accompanying extra funding—perhaps the the Welsh language, and it is undeniable that major Minister could confirm that. Secondly, small organisations progress on the language has come under Conservative might feel that the process of appeal is simply too Governments. However, the decision to go down the arduous to consider even operating in Wales. I am not route of new legislation in the current economic climate aware of any impact assessment having been carried carries risks of raising costs and fuel bills, and of out, so could the Minister reassure me that such an deterring certain businesses from operating in Wales— impact assessment will be carried out, as this issue has unless, of course, the Minister can answer the questions been raised by more than one company? that I have rightly raised on behalf of the people who The Welsh Language Act has consistently encouraged have contacted us. Not only would that be extremely participation in Welsh language schemes on a voluntary damaging economically, but it would risk doing harm basis, and over the years much good will has been to the language itself—nobody in this place wants that. engendered towards the language. I pay tribute to Lord I want to see the language protected and nurtured, Wyn Roberts, because he really is the champion of the not resented or turned into a non-tariff barrier to Welsh language; I am proud to say that it is a Conservative business or to consumer choice. If this order goes who has protected, promoted and advanced the language through, measures will flow from it, and I hope that with such sensitivity and wisdom. There are many people none of my fears are realised. At least I know that we in Wales who are not Welsh speaking but who, nevertheless, have tried to identify those issues that may cause problems feel an affinity with the language, and it will be a sad and to ask the questions that have been raised with us. day if that sentiment and good will is damaged by We will be watching progress on this matter closely to higher bills or a reduction in choice and fewer services, ensure that, particularly in these difficult economic and by a resentment that could come from compulsion times, nothing is done to disadvantage Welsh businesses, I should also mention, once again, the £400,000 Welsh consumers, Welsh families and, most importantly, threshold on public money received in consecutive years. the language itself. I do so, first, because the figure seems to be merely the original arbitrary figure, just doubled. Will the Minister 10.24 pm confirm what consultation took place over where to set Mark Williams (Ceredigion) (LD): It is a genuine the threshold, either in the original order or in the pleasure to take part in this debate tonight, albeit that it version before us, and where the figure has come from? is late in the day. However, I think that it is right to say Has it been plucked out of the air? that in many quarters there will be a palpable sigh of Adam Price (Carmarthen, East and Dinefwr) (PC): relief that the order in its final form is now before us. Will the hon. Lady give way? Some outside this place have condemned the presence of this business on the Order Paper today and in Mrs. Gillan: I will not give way, because so many particular the last session of the Welsh Grand Committee people wish to speak; I just want to finish making my as deliberate attempts at delay and prevarication. I do points. not believe that that is the case. I believe that what the 915 Constitutional Law15 DECEMBER 2009 Constitutional Law 916

[Mark Williams] whether there should be an arbitrary threshold, and whether it was the right way forward. This figure is Secretary of State said was true—he has just about certainly an improvement on that of £200,000. I welcome succeeded, judging by the turn-out this evening—and also the disapplication of those in receipt of one-off that there was a conscious effort to ensure that there payments. That, too, made great sense. was the widest possible consultation on a matter that Now in particular, at the end of the process and could be emotive and sensitive and that is very important. despite what we heard earlier, I want to welcome the I hope that there will be approval by the end of the response from the business community. I remember a debate, too, although I hesitate to say that after the last very difficult meeting of the Federation of Small Businesses speech. in my constituency, where I tried to justify the original Tonight’s debate is not about the merits of the LCO order to a very sceptical audience, concerned at the process. It is about transferring powers to our Assembly, perceived added costs during the recession. It was heartening at its request, and using the LCO process to achieve it. I that in the evidence that people from the FSB gave to can think of no other area of policy where there is such our Committee, they said that they felt reassured by the a strong moral case. I am proud to be a member of the assurances given to them by the Minister for Heritage in Select Committee on Welsh Affairs, and our Chairman, the Assembly, and it was especially heartening to see the the hon. Member for Aberavon (Dr. Francis), is always response of the CBI. Its initial evidence to us showed at great pains when we scrutinise all LCOs to ensure that it was sceptical and concerned about the implications that we do not stray into the realms of Measures that but, at the end of the process, it has said publicly that the Assembly might introduce. The irony in this process “it is significant that this…proportionality and reasonableness” was that some of the most strident supporters of the element order were telling us on the one hand to keep our noses “has now been written on to the face of the bill.” out, as we should, and to respect the integrity of the It is happy with the legislation and wants it to proceed, Assembly to introduce what Measures it wants, but on and I think that many of us wish to proceed on a the other to include certain facets in the order. Under positive note. the chairmanship of the hon. Gentleman, we resisted. All parties—most parties; I should qualify that—have Welsh is the first language of more than half the worked well to arrive at where we are now. The Chairman population in Ceredigion and its use is heard across of our Select Committee ensured that we reached consensus. Wales, as we will no doubt hear later on, including in There was consensus in the Welsh Grand Committee, the more anglicised parts. Linguistic Welsh language and I hope that there will be consensus tonight. Liberal education policy based on choice is working, and it is Democrats are confident that the order will give the working well. More than 40 per cent. of three to 15-year- Assembly the tools that it needs to develop the next olds have an understanding and practical use of the stage of Welsh language provision, and I am happy to language in our schools, compared with about 20 per offer the order my party’s support, although I still look cent. of the over-45s. It is a success story that is moving forward to the day when the Assembly exercises even forward. That growth among the young is, I believe, the greater autonomy, unfettered by this place. greatest motivation for the order to proceed and for Measures to follow, so that the growing number of 10.30 pm Welsh speakers can access services in the language of their choice. That principle is as valid for the children Dr. Hywel Francis (Aberavon) (Lab): I add my who I used to teach in my primary school a few miles condolences on behalf of the Welsh Affairs Committee from the English border as it is for my children, who are to Mr. Carwyn Jones following his bereavement today. learning and speaking Welsh in a category A school in I am pleased to speak in support of the order, which Y Fro Gymraeg in our village in Ceredigion. It transcends is important for the people of Wales. I speak from the the whole country. perspective of being Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, The jigsaw needs to fit together and the Assembly which produced a unanimous cross-party report supporting rightly wishes to acquire the capacity to fill the holes the principles underpinning the order. The Welsh Affairs left by the passage of time since the Welsh Language Committee has an important role in carrying out pre- Act 1993 and to advance the cause of true bilingualism. legislative scrutiny of proposed LCOs and ensuring that Like the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham the final versions are fit for purpose. Both my Committee (Mrs. Gillan), I commend the work of Lord Roberts of and the Assembly’s scrutiny committee recommended Conwy in 1993 and praise the constructive way that the changes to the original proposed order to establish Assembly Minister has approached the order as well as reasonable, proportionate and cost-effective language the work of one of his predecessors—one of my party legislation. I am pleased that our key recommendations colleagues, Mrs. Jenny Randerson—who did much to have been reflected in the draft order presented by the initiate and promote Iaith Pawb under her watch. Secretary of State for approval today. I thank him for his kind words of support for the work of the Welsh We have the system that we have, and of course some Affairs Committee, with which, of course, I agree. of us would welcome an even broader transfer of powers, but the order is none the less welcome. The scrutiny has Mr. Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): been immensely worthwhile. It has brought us a much I compliment the hon. Gentleman and his Committee improved order, in particular because of the introduction on their work. Given the circumstances in which we find of the concept of proportionality and reasonableness. I ourselves, introducing reasonableness and proportionality believe that many of the sceptics have been reassured. I into the LCO was probably a good thing, but it is welcome the increase in the threshold to £400,000. It strange that that has to be in the order and that we gives a more reasonable basis on which we can move cannot trust the Assembly to be reasonable and forward in the future. There was a question mark over proportionate when it brings forward Measures. 917 Constitutional Law15 DECEMBER 2009 Constitutional Law 918

Dr. Francis: It is not strange at all; it is perfectly There is compulsion in Wales, where Welsh speakers straightforward. As it happens, that was the way in are compelled each day to speak English or do without. which we achieved unanimity in the Committee. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, even in this place, the very cockpit It is also a significant achievement that an order that of British democracy, I am compelled to speak English was originally perceived as controversial has, in its or you would rightly show me the door. There is compulsion revised form, secured cross-party support. I feel that in all these matters: compulsion is nothing new in that was achieved as a consequence of listening carefully respect of language use in Wales, where people are to all sectors of Welsh society.The support was unanimous, compelled to use English. which no one could have predicted. My second point is for the benefit of those struggling The Committee made the important point that while to record my words earlier. After 49 years of struggling language legislation is a fundamental part of ensuring with English, my English deserted me at the crucial that the Welsh language continues to thrive, it is far moment. The point that I wanted to make to the hon. from the whole picture. That was demonstrated by the Member for Chesham and Amersham was that she was evidence that we took during our inquiry including, praising the voluntary approach while at the same time crucially, from the Catalan Government, who have a pointing out that it did not seem to work. She quoted long experience of language law. The Catalan witnesses the figures, and the words that I was struggling to find clearly felt that legal sanctions were secondary to the were, “How does she reconcile those two contrary development of a positive culture of acceptance of and standpoints?” However, we got her answer anyway, such support for the language—we are now at that point in as it was. Wales. Compulsion and enforcement need to be secondary I am glad to see the LCO reach this final stage. to a continuation of a consensual progress and should Emancipation for the Welsh language has been the be used only as a last resort. Clarity of expectation, as focus of my work, political and otherwise, for at least reflected in legislation, should be the primary route for the last 38 years. In that time, I have been inspired in further progress, and I believe that the order fulfils that many ways, for example by the people from all over the aim well. world who have moved to Wales and learned Welsh. I Hon. Members representing all the major parties and have also been inspired by the first words of children as rural, urban and valley constituencies listened and they learned the language, and by my own grandson, responded to the concerns, aspirations and, most of all, Osian Rhys, speaking his first words in Welsh. I was the united pride in our language expressed by Welsh seven when I learned English, so perhaps when he gets speakers and non-Welsh speakers. That was the key to to that age he will also speak English—although that our success, and the success of the LCO is that it has may happen a bit earlier these days. not proved to be divisive but has unified Wales and the We also have a vigorous culture through the medium Welsh people in its support. of Welsh. That includes our literature and music, but Only today, I received an email from the senior also the recently published four-volume dictionary of public affairs executive of E.ON UK plc, in which she Welsh published by the university of Wales. That is a said: towering and incredible intellectual feat for what is a “We welcome the changes to the LCO following debate in both fairly small language group. We have all kinds that we Westminster and Cardiff. We believe that removing energy generators could be very proud of, but problems have always arisen from the scope of the LCO was appropriate, given that generators throughout my concern for the Welsh language over all provide no direct service to customers. We also welcome the these years. Despite the vigour of the Welsh language, introduction of the ‘reasonableness and proportionality’ clause.” and of the campaign in its favour, there have always Against that background of unity, I would simply been problems and inequality. That is why, when talking say to the House tonight, “Rrhowch eich cefnogaeth about the Welsh language, I use the word “emancipation” i’r Iaith Gymraeg heno.” advisedly. I urge the House therefore, as Chair of the Welsh The LCO is a progressive and radical step towards Affairs Committee, to give this legislative competence ensuring that it will eventually become possible for order, its full support tonight. As the Abercraf miners’ people to live their lives through the medium of Welsh, banner proclaims, in the colours of the African National able to take for granted all the things that speakers of Congress, English take for granted. We will do so without continually “mewn undeb mae nerth a heddwch”— having to ask, to press, to argue and eventually to in unity there is strength and peace. organise and to protest, as I have done to demonstrate my concern for the language. Hopefully, one will be able Mr. Speaker: Order. It is worth reminding hon. and to live one’s life normally through the medium of the right hon. Members that I have imposed a 10-minute Welsh language. limit on Back-Bench contributions. The LCO is a step towards winning equal rights for Welsh speakers. It does not go the whole way; there is 10.35 pm further work to be done. I draw the attention of the Hywel Williams (Caernarfon) (PC): Perhaps I should House to two of my ten-minute Bills, one on bilingual begin with a few points about the remarks of the hon. juries and one on the registration of births and deaths Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan), in Welsh, both of which can be passed only in this place. who speaks for the Conservatives. She seems to be If the order is passed, much of the work in future will entirely obsessed with compulsion, without recognising be undertaken in Wales. That is how it should be. that compulsion is a central feature of the Welsh Language It is striking that during the long, long passage of the Act 1993, which was passed by this place after the great order, no one, as far as I know, has argued that responsibility work carried out by Lord Roberts. for the Welsh language should not be passed to the 919 Constitutional Law15 DECEMBER 2009 Constitutional Law 920

[Hywel Williams] We have reached a conclusion. In part it represents a compromise on all sides, but it is also a highly significant Welsh Assembly. There have been intense discussions staging post. I hope that the LCO can now progress and about the nature of the powers that are to be passed and the Welsh Assembly can proceed with the real work, as the conditions attached, but the central fact tonight is far as the Welsh language is concerned, of passing and that if the order is passed through the House, responsibility implementing Measures. for the Welsh language will be passed to the Assembly. That is a striking and radical step. We should be rightly 10.45 pm proud of having taken it. Twelve years ago, when the Labour Government came in, that would have been Mr. Paul Murphy (Torfaen) (Lab): I share the view seen by many people as an impossibility. I am glad to that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and acknowledge that we have come this far. other Members have expressed about the significance of this debate, and may I tell the shadow Secretary of State Circumstances have changed substantially, of course, and my hon. Friend the Member for Aberavon (Dr. Francis) over those years and certainly since the Welsh Language how much I share their sentiments with regard to the Act 1993. The implementation of any social legislation death of Carwyn Jones’s mother? Significantly, this is should be reviewed and remade every now and then. the first such debate on the Floor of the House since the Perhaps 15 years is a proper period to revisit it. In that changeover in Cardiff, and I pay tribute to Rhodri time, many changes have taken place, most strikingly in Morgan for all the work that he has done for Wales and, Wales in the demography of the language. When I first particularly, for the Welsh language during his tenure in became interested in the issue, one could reasonably office. expect to find Welsh speakers among the older group of For 17 months, when I held the position of Secretary the population. Now it is clear that Welsh speakers are of State for Wales for a second time, much of my time preponderantly young people. The Welsh language is was spent looking at this particular legislative getting younger and growing. That is a striking fact, competence order and discussing with Rhodri Morgan and the law needs to respond to that. how it should eventually emerge for our consideration. Education has changed substantially. Under the When Sir Emyr Jones Parry’s report came out the other Education Reform Act 1988, Welsh became a compulsory week, I thought it a bit churlish when it referred to the subject. That brought about profound changes. There LCO process as being too complicated, too intricate have been changes in broadcasting and in the daily use and not to be understood. I reject that. The process of the language. A significant point in our discussion of creating this LCO has been exemplary, and the about whether telecommunications should be included Welsh Affairs Committee, under the chairmanship of is that there has been a great change in the use of my hon. Friend the Member for Aberavon, has done technology, particularly by young people. a remarkable job in changing how the order has developed and how it will be accepted throughout We were all struck by the fact that the average age at Wales. which young people acquire a mobile telephone is eight. At the age of eight, they are using those little devices, I, myself, decided to ensure that there was a proper which at present usually speak English. However, when consultation process, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary our Catalan friends came over to give evidence, they of State kindly remarked, and that process was very pointed out that if one presses a certain button on a wide-ranging indeed. Representatives of industry, trade mobile phone, it speaks Catalan. There is no technical unions, the academic world, local government, public problem to prevent it providing a service through the bodies and anyone who wanted to comment on this medium of Catalan, and there should be no problem in very important measure were allowed to do so, and they providing a service through the medium of Welsh. The did. As a consequence of that consultation and our European context has changed a great deal, and Catalan, scrutiny here, including in the Welsh Grand Committee, Basque and other European so-called minority or lesser in the other place and finally in the House tonight, the used languages are more prominently used, and Welsh Measures that the Assembly eventually passes will be has been used in Brussels. better. That is absolutely the case. In closing, I pay tribute to people who have contributed I welcome the order for a number of reasons, but to the generation, discussion and development of the perhaps the most important one is how the world has LCO. It has been a long process. It would be remiss of changed, since I was a lad, in terms of those of us who me not to pay a generous tribute to my colleagues at the represent areas that are not Welsh-speaking—areas Assembly, Rhodri Glyn Thomas and Alun Ffred Jones, encompassing 80 per cent. of the population of Wales. for their vision and their perseverance. At this late hour, Those of us who are Welsh men and women and proud it would be remiss of me not to congratulate the Secretary of it, but who cannot speak the Welsh language, now of State and his deputy, who have worked hard, as well accept the language as part of our life in the same way as the members of the Welsh Affairs Committee and of that those who speak the language have for many the Committee in the Assembly. generations. As my right hon. Friend the Member for Islwyn (Mr. Touhig) has often said, that is largely due to I am sorry that the shadow Secretary of State took education. In our schools throughout Wales, from the rather negative tone that she took earlier. Her Monmouthshire, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary colleague, the hon. Member for Clwyd, West (Mr. Jones), of State said, to Meirionnydd and beyond, we see has contributed positively to the discussions, although people who are able to speak and learn the language in we took different sides on some questions. We did a way that we could never do in the past. That is not agree on everything, but it was disappointing that important, and this LCO will give the Assembly the the hon. Lady adopted such a negative tone in her authority and the competence to extend the use of remarks. Welsh language throughout our nation. 921 Constitutional Law15 DECEMBER 2009 Constitutional Law 922

We must look at one or two caveats, however. We 10.53 pm must recognise that different parts of Wales need to be treated differently. If we look at people living in my Alun Michael (Cardiff, South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op): constituency, a south Wales mining valley, in rural I join the Secretary of State in offering condolences to Wales or in the cities, we find that there is a case for the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, on the loss of his mother. considering how the Welsh language is dealt with. Provision Tonight’s debate, as several colleagues have remarked, is universal in education, for example, but we must is the culmination of a process that has shown the best tread carefully with regard to business. We are still in a of parliamentary scrutiny and shown that Welsh MPs recession, and it is good that the CBI, the Federation of have an invaluable contribution to make in strengthening Small Businesses and businesses generally support this devolution and in supporting the Welsh language. I very LCO. They believe that the Welsh language is very much echo the comments made by my right hon. Friend much a part of our heritage, but they also warn that the the Member for Torfaen (Mr. Murphy). As a member of measure should be implemented with sensitivity and the Welsh Affairs Committee, it was a privilege to be reasonableness. involved in that scrutiny. Before we started, there was a A soft touch is required in terms of how the measure prediction that there would be division. There were is implemented throughout the whole of Wales. The fears that it would all end in tears: on the one hand, hon. Member for Caernarfon (Hywel Williams) made there would be too light a touch; on the other, too reference to compulsion. Of course this LCO would onerous a burden would be imposed on business. allow the Assembly to introduce compulsory legislation That process of scrutiny reflected the way that things for people in Wales, but it is better to have consensus have changed over several years. The language has been than compulsion because that is more acceptable. a matter of division and controversy in the past, but, as Compulsion may be there as a last resort, but it should my right hon. Friend said, it is now valued by the vast not be the first method by which we deal with this issue. majority of those who do not themselves speak Welsh. If those whose job it is to enforce the legislation, whether That includes many who have chosen to move to Wales it be the new commissioner, the Welsh Language Board from England or Scotland, or other parts of the world, or the Assembly itself, are heavy-handed, then the measure as well as those of us who speak the language. I believe will have exactly the opposite effect to what we in this that that is largely because our model has been one of Chamber have been arguing for over the past year in choice rather than compulsion. Education through the saying that this is an important piece of legislation. I do Welsh language was unusual as recently as when I and not believe that that will happen, but that people will be my wife were choosing it for our children. It is now sensible about this. chosen by increasing numbers every year. Let us not Nearly two centuries ago, when my great-grandparents forget that a great deal of the progress that was made came from Ireland and the west of England to the was due to decisions of Labour local authorities in eastern valley of Monmouthshire, 60 or 70 per cent. of places such as Glamorgan, Clwyd and Gwent. Those the population were indigenous Welsh speakers. We can decisions were often taken by councils with very little tell that from looking at the Welsh chapels that are still representation, if any, of Welsh speakers. in my valley and the history of the place. I recently read In the Assembly, the language has never been an a biography of Thomas Thomas of Pontypool, a great issue. Why? Because it has been possible for people to Baptist leader who was Welsh speaking, and who said use Welsh or English as they choose and be answered in that with the great influx of English speakers coming Welsh or English, and for translation to be available to into the valleys of Wales, it was necessary to temper the all. When the LCO came forward, there were doubts approach with moderation. I believe that in the past from organisations such as the CBI, which were worried 20 years, particularly in the past 10 years since the that the powers might be used to put onerous burdens Assembly has been operating, we have adopted the on companies. I spent some time with the CBI and its right approach. Because of the sensitive way in which members debating these issues, and I found that some these matters have been approached, in my constituency of the concerns were genuine but some arose from and the valley of Torfaen, which is one of the most considerable misunderstandings about the intentions English-speaking constituencies in the whole of Wales, behind the LCO. I pay tribute to David Rosser and we now have a Welsh-medium comprehensive school members of the CBI for being willing to spend time and Welsh-medium primary schools. Welsh is taught in exploring the issues and expressing their concerns. every school, and the language is no longer a divisive Those concerns are answered by two things. The first issue. is the provisions requiring reasonableness and When this LCO goes to the Assembly in Cardiff for it proportionality. Essentially, what the Assembly has to to pass the necessary Measures, as it rightly should, ask itself in deciding whether to approve any Measure is rather than this place, I hope that the Members of the whether it will help citizens to choose to use the Welsh Assembly will realise—I am sure they will, as do Members language rather than just increase burdens or bureaucracy. of this House—that the process over the past year has The second thing that answers the concerns is crucial, been one of great co-operation between legislators in and I am pleased that my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff and in London: all of us representing the Welsh Aberavon (Dr. Francis) and my right hon. Friend the people, all of us with the interests of the Welsh language Member for Torfaen referred to it. It is the advice from at heart. the Catalan Government. When we asked whether I wish the measure well. Like my right hon. Friend legislation was necessary, their answer was essentially, and hon. Friends, I believe that it is a milestone, not “Yes, it requires a framework of law, but all your action only in the history of the way in which we deal with thereafter should be directed to building consensus and Welsh matters in the House of Commons but in the seeking agreement to enable people to be positive about history of the Welsh language. the developments that you want to promote.” I hope 923 Constitutional Law15 DECEMBER 2009 Constitutional Law 924

[Alun Michael] affairs, but as various right hon. and hon. Members will know, including a number of former Ministers on the that there will be the wisdom on the part of Assembly Government Benches, I have ventured forth on Welsh Ministers and the Assembly itself to make that the test affairs on a number of occasions, imperfectly but all the time. They must ask themselves, “Have we done enthusiastically. As a Member of this Parliament, I of enough to build consensus? Will this actually help citizens course take an interest in the whole of the Kingdom. to make positive choices about the use of the Welsh The background to this debate is the Welsh Language language?” The Assembly should use Measures when Act 1967 and the Welsh Language Act 1993. It is they are necessary to support consensus, not as an instrumental to consider those for a moment in the alternative to the hard work of building consensus. context of the order. The order transfers competence, There are three lessons that we need to learn in future but it seems to me, as my hon. Friend the Member for from this process on the Welsh language LCO. The first Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan), the shadow is on policy development. It is important that there Secretary of State, pointed out, and as the right hon. should be full debate, and that the intentions behind Member for Torfaen (Mr. Murphy) made clear in a any proposal should be thought through properly. Clear typically splendid contribution, important that we do policy is necessary for creating good law. The second is so in a collaborative fashion and with what the latter on drafting. Intelligent and sophisticated drafting is not described as a light touch. easy, and it is very easy to have loose phraseology and To that end, I want to draw the attention of right create unintended consequences. I fear that the drafting hon. and hon. Members to the debate on the 1993 Act, in LCOs has sometimes been too general, or certainly which began, as they will remember, in the House of the first draft. It seems to have followed the Whitehall Lords. There are two aspects of that debate that I think pattern, if you like—officials seeking to draft something are pertinent to tonight’s considerations. The first was because there may not be another opportunity for primary the comment made by the Minister who introduced the legislation for a number of years. Vague and loose Bill. He said: language is therefore used to give the widest possible powers. That is not a good way of drafting legislation, “The Bill provides for the implementation of this principle”— especially because the LCO process makes it possible that, by the way, is the principle that the Welsh and for the Assembly to come back for a further order if it English languages should be treated on a basis of equality— wants to do something more, without any great delay. “in ways which are appropriate in the circumstances and reasonably The third lesson to learn concerns scrutiny. The practicable”.—[Official Report, House of Lords, 19 January 1993; Committee of the Assembly did a good job and asked Vol. 541, c. 836.] the right questions, and we on the Welsh Affairs Committee That abiding principle of reasonableness seems essential quoted extensively from its findings and evidence in to our considerations of the possibilities that might reaching our own conclusions. However, it did not arise from the transfer of competence in the way the provide answers, which the Welsh Affairs Committee order plans. As I said, the right hon. Member for did. As others have, I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Torfaen made that point very clearly. Member for Aberavon for building consensus in his The three issues I would therefore like to raise are to capacity as its Chairman. It is an example that we some degree amplifications of the remarks made by the should all follow. I pay tribute also to the members of shadow Secretary of State. It is important that we all four parties who worked hard on getting the matter consider both the disincentive effect on companies or right and put a great deal of time and effort into the bodies that might want to locate in Wales and the effect discussions and examining the evidence; to the Assembly on organisations already situated there of any additional for accepting our suggestions; and especially to the new cost burden. I hope that that will be considered. That is First Minister, then the Counsel-General, for his willingness certainly a reflection of some of the less favourable to engage with MPs. Finally, I thank the Secretary of sentiments that have been expressed in Wales on the State and the Under-Secretary for their willingness to back of the publication of the order. As hon. Members take our recommendations and use them. I say that on both sides of the House will know, reaction has been because it is very easy to say, “No. We have drafted it mixed. Part of that mixed reaction has been founded on this way. It is not invented here. We will go the way we concerns about the possible additional burdens on the intend.” The willingness to listen to the wisdom of the organisations I mentioned. Members of four parties on the Welsh Affairs Committee is good for Wales and we should celebrate it. The second question relates to the cost of implementation—the shadow Secretary of State raised The best model for devolution is shown by the way the issue of appeals. It is inconceivable that there has the order has been dealt with. At the end of the day, it been no modelling in Government of the likely costs of shows a willingness to trust the Assembly, but also to implementation. I appreciate that the absence of an encourage it to be joined up and to be intelligent in its impact assessment results in part from the very nature use of the power being transferred. The process has also of the process that we are now enjoying, but none the made use of the knowledge and experience of Welsh less it would be interesting to hear what modelling has Members of Parliament of the four parties that are taken place. It is inconceivable that the Secretary of represented here. That must be a good model for the State has not taken a view on the likely cost that might future. arise from the measure. The third issue relates to the test of reasonableness. 11 pm What test of reasonableness might be applied? What Mr. John Hayes (South Holland and The Deepings) constraint might be placed on where this order could (Con): I do not intend to detain the House for long on end up? The possible destinations could be very different, this subject. I feel something of an interloper in these as the right hon. Member for Torfaen implied in his 925 Constitutional Law15 DECEMBER 2009 Constitutional Law 926 speech. We need to apply a test of reasonableness to this against the 80 per cent. of our people who are not provision, and I hope that we might hear more about bilingual. Many of those concerns have been assuaged that from the Minister when he sums up. by the extensive consultation on this LCO that was As I said, I periodically and with some trepidation launched by my right hon. Friend the Member for intervene on Welsh affairs in the knowledge that many Torfaen when he was Secretary of State. The work of other hon. Members know far more about them than I the Welsh Affairs Committee and the Committee of the do, including you, Madam Deputy Speaker, if I may say National Assembly in taking evidence has helped to so. None the less, it is important that hon. Members reframe this LCO so that it has been more warmly who represent constituencies far from Wales show an welcomed across Wales. I think that this consultation is appropriate level of concern about the affairs of this the right way to go. House and of the Assembly, and the relationship between I cannot see why any Assembly Minister or Member the two. should fear open and transparent consideration of a matter that will affect every man, woman, child, business 11.5 pm and industry in Wales. When I first heard about this Mr. Don Touhig (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op): May I echo LCO, I was concerned that the measure would have the sentiments expressed by colleagues across the House some adverse effect on business, industry and non-bilingual in sending our sympathy to the First Minister on his people in Wales. The Assembly has the right to make loss? Our thoughts and prayers will be with him and his secondary legislation—in other words, to put meat on family. May I also echo the comments of my right hon. the bones of the order—when the power is passed to it. Friend the Member for Torfaen (Mr. Murphy) in paying I consulted widely in my constituency and beyond, and tribute to the retiring First Minister, who has been an talked to businesses, trade organisations, training providers exceptional First Minister for the whole of Wales for and charities, all of which were seeking to express their the last 10 years. concerns and worries about the use of the LCO. I welcome this debate and congratulate my right hon. I discussed the matter with colleagues and Ministers, Friend the Secretary of State on bringing this matter to including in the Assembly, and I know that many others the Floor of the House of Commons. It is right that this did the same. We were not helped at the outset by what I legislative competence order should come here, because must describe as a paranoid approach by some in the tonight we are changing the constitution, and that Assembly who seemed to go out of their way to refuse should be a matter for the whole House of Commons. to give any indication of what might happen when they Indeed, this matter is listed on the Order Paper as receive the power from Parliament and of how it might constitutional law. be operated. That was wholly unhelpful to the kind of We are changing the constitution because the discussions that we had in the beginning, and there is no Government of Wales Act 2006 specifically allows us to doubt that the work of the Welsh Affairs Committee, do so by use of LCOs. I hope that in future all Welsh which is chaired by my hon. Friend the Member for LCOs that will be brought forward under this Act will Aberavon, made a big difference there. Great credit come to the House in this way. Nobody here or in Wales must be given to it. should have any concerns about this form of scrutiny. I recall that, when I was a Wales Office Minister, We are, after all, changing the constitutional relationship when matters affecting Welsh legislation came before between this sovereign Parliament and the devolved Parliament, I often exchanged letters with the relevant Welsh Assembly. Assembly Minister. That exchange would then be made If we pass this LCO tonight, as I believe we will, we public without in any way interfering with the Assembly’s will pass to the Assembly the competence to make right to make secondary legislation. Very often, those primary legislation on matters relating to the Welsh letters and that information enabled people in this place language. I approve of that, because the National Assembly to better understand what would be done with the for Wales is the right place to make such legislation. By legislation when the relevant powers were passed to bringing this matter to the Floor of the House the Cardiff. I commend that approach. I cannot think of Government are avoiding the charge of devolution by anything better, but if anyone else can, I hope that they stealth—a charge that I have laid at their door many will pursue it, because that is the right way to pursue times in the past when these LCOs have been taken such matters. At the end of the day, however, we must upstairs in Committee, not down here. I take the view, leave the Assembly with the right to make secondary as I did as deputy to my right hon. Friend the Secretary legislation. of State, that changes to the devolution settlement that The Assembly, as an institution, will demonstrate its affect the constitution should be debated in this House maturity when all its Members—not just some of them— and, if necessary, voted on by this House. I hope that in and some of its Ministers too, get a little less worked up future all LCOs relating to Wales will be brought here in about the kind of scrutiny in which we in this place, this way. under our constitutional settlement, are rightly allowed This LCO, concerning legislative powers over the to participate. It makes for better legislation, and I Welsh language, has the potential to divide Wales. I am believe that we are proving that tonight. not entirely convinced by my hon. Friend the Member for Aberavon (Dr. Francis) that this has united Wales, because—if we are honest—debates on the Welsh language 11.12 pm have tended to divide opinion in Wales in the past, not unite it. That may be sad, but that is how it is. In the Paul Flynn (Newport, West) (Lab): I am grateful for case of this LCO, there has been wide concern that the the opportunity to speak briefly in this debate. I, too, measures that will follow giving the Assembly the right wish to send my heartfelt sympathies to Carwyn Jones to make secondary legislation will in some way discriminate on the loss of his mother. At the end of an extraordinary 927 Constitutional Law15 DECEMBER 2009 Constitutional Law 928

[Paul Flynn] It is a language that existed with sophisticated literature long before the English language existed, and it continues few weeks in the history of Wales, I also offer a tribute to prosper. Last week we had a saturnalia in Caerleon in to the retiring First Minister, who has had an extraordinary my constituency—we go back a bit further than the 10 years. To stand down at the end of 10 years from the Christian tradition—to celebrate the Roman Christmas. most important job in Wales and to be garlanded with It is fascinating to recall that if one was attending a such popularity—by 65 to 75 per cent. of the nation—is saturnalia in Caerleon 2,000 years ago, the children phenomenal. It does not happen very often. A member would have been speaking two languages: Welsh and of my party who witnessed the tributes to this great Latin. Welsh is the language that survives on the lips of giant of the nation was surprised to see that 10 minutes the children today—we do not hear a lot of people later he was queuing in the cafeteria for a cup of tea speaking Latin these days. That is a matter of great with Rhodri Morgan standing next to him. It does not pride for us as a nation. happen that way in Westminster—it seems to be the Welsh This evening’s debate is a historical turning point, in way—but it might explain why Rhodri was so important. that we are going forward in harmony as a nation, At the moment, we have rare, if not unique, unity in united and at peace with ourselves, to build a much Wales on so many issues. We have had a year of a stable stronger Wales and see our own Parliament on the soil and strong coalition Government, who have not been of our country—something that we have not had in any quarrelling constantly. That has been beneficial to Wales. reasonable form for centuries—strong, stable and certain We have seen in the debate tonight this extraordinary to have a great future as an independent Parliament. unity. We all know that in the past there have been 11.17 pm divisions between us. I served with great pride on Gwent county council with my right hon. Friends the Members Mr. David Jones (Clwyd, West) (Con): It is clear from for Torfaen (Mr. Murphy) and for Islwyn (Mr. Touhig), the contributions of hon. Members from all parts of although we were not unanimous then. the House that there is an immense fund of good will towards the Welsh language, and so should there be. As I would like to pay tribute to the Welsh language and my noble Friend Lord Roberts of Conwy observed in what it has meant to my life. It has enriched it another place, the language is a highly valued part not extraordinarily. I remember living with my family and only of Welsh heritage, but of British heritage, and it having to be told that I lived in Wales. My mother should be cherished as such. Indeed, the fondness of explained to me that, although everyone to whom we Welsh people toward their language was clearly expressed spoke had Irish accents, we were in fact Welsh because just now by the hon. Member for Newport, West (Paul we were born in Wales. We were just Welsh—not proper Flynn). Welsh, like the people in north Wales, or real Welsh, like While mentioning my noble Friend Lord Roberts, I the people who speak with Welsh accents, but we were feel it appropriate again to pay tribute to the efforts that certainly Welsh. he, probably more than any other living individual, has I had the great luck that few had at the time of having made to help secure the status of Welsh as a vibrant an inspiring Welsh teacher who taught me the glorious, modern language, spoken by increasing numbers of majestic poetry of Robert Williams Parry and T. Gwynn people—and particularly young people—in the Principality, Jones. I remember that to this day. All my life, the as the hon. Members for Ceredigion (Mark Williams) language has been a source of great pleasure, right up to and for Caernarfon (Hywel Williams) said. It was Lord today, when I drive up the motorway to the sounds of Roberts who piloted the Welsh Language Act 1993 Heather Jones singing “Mae Hiraeth yn fy Nghalon”. through Parliament. He has steadfastly championed the There are many other great facets to modern Welsh, a cause of the language at every available opportunity. All language that in 1962 we all feared would not last until of us in the House owe him a tremendous debt of the end of the century, after the famous speech by gratitude. Saunders Lewis, “Tynged yr Iaith”. He said that the The wisdom that Lord Roberts showed in 1993 is just language was in such a steep decline that it could not as relevant today. If people are to be encouraged to use survive to the year 2000. Welsh is now flourishing in a the Welsh language, it should be done, so far as possible, way that none of us believed possible. on a voluntary basis. This is, as the right hon. Member I was involved in union work, but I came into politics for Torfaen (Mr. Murphy) pointed out, a highly sensitive because of the decision by the school teaching my issue. We cannot take a broad-brush approach. We have eight-year-old daughter that the first Welsh song that to take account of different sensitivities and the different she would ever learn would be the Welsh national traditions of various parts of Wales. anthem, but taught in English, which seems an affront I agree with the right hon. and hon. Members who too far. I got involved with the movement for Welsh- have said that compulsion should be avoided at all language schools in Gwent, which have survived and costs. However, our concern is that the order envisages prospered magnificently. Every one of them has been a an element of compulsion. The hon. Member for huge success. What a joy it is now to go into every Caernarfon not only recognised that but—I am sad to school in my constituency, where, when I was young, say this, because he is a nice man—appeared to rejoice people would have been uncertain whether they were in in it. I have to warn the House that nothing is more England or Wales. The county’s motto was “Faithful to likely to breed resentment than compulsion in Welsh both”, which meant faithful towards England and Wales. language legislation. That is one step away from the Now it means faithful to both north Wales and south Wales, politicisation of the language, and I am sure that almost which is an entirely different meaning altogether. everyone in this Chamber would wish to avoid that. It is a matter of some rejoicing for us as a nation that The order in its current form is, however, a significant we have reached this point, where we have this treasure improvement on the original draft, most particularly in of the language, which has come to us down the centuries. its introduction of a reasonableness and proportionality 929 Constitutional Law15 DECEMBER 2009 Constitutional Law 930 test. This is to the credit of the work of the Select We have had a good debate tonight on the Welsh Committee, under the chairmanship of the hon. Member language and on this Welsh language competence order. for Aberavon (Dr. Francis). It was not an easy task to I also pay tribute to my right hon. Friend the Member achieve consensus, but achieve it we did, and the draft for Torfaen (Mr. Murphy), who as Secretary of State LCO is all the better for that. for Wales began the process of consultation that has I also take heart from the memorandum supplied by taken us in a very constructive way to where we are the Welsh Assembly Government, which states: today. I believe that the consultation he began has led to “It is the Welsh Assembly Government’s policy that subsequent the creation of a genuine consensus on the best way Measures should not impose duties on organisations unless there forward for promoting and enhancing the Welsh language. is a clear public benefit in doing so. It is not the intention to place That consensus extends, I believe, not only to both disproportionate obligations on any organisation.” Houses of Parliament, but to the Welsh Assembly and I, for one, am willing to take them at their word, and I the people of Wales. One of the lessons of recent hope that they will be as good as their word. history is that if we are actively and positively to promote However, we are concerned that Measures might be the Welsh language we must have a consensual approach, introduced by the Welsh Assembly Government that set so that all the people of Wales are taken with us. The up an unwieldy bureaucracy to oversee the language Welsh language is the language of all the people of and to establish appeals and enforcement procedures, Wales—English speakers as well as Welsh speakers. all of which will cost money at a difficult economic In common with other Members, I pay tribute to the time, as my hon. Friend the Member for South Holland Chairman of the Welsh Affairs Committee, my hon. and The Deepings (Mr. Hayes) pointed out. More Friend the Member for Aberavon (Dr. Francis), and to importantly, such Measures might militate against the the excellent work that the Committee has done. The unselfconscious use of both Welsh and English that we stipulations of reasonableness and proportionality are all want to see. extremely important in respect of this LCO. I believe We still have reservations about the order, and I hope that the inclusion of those two tests makes this LCO that the Minister will be able to respond to them. We do that much the stronger. not know where the seemingly arbitrary figure of £400,000 A number of Members have greatly praised the process has come from. We are concerned that professional as it has been conducted and have warmly supported supervisory bodies, many of whom may have limited the provisions in the LCO. A number of reservations resources or few members in Wales, could be subject to have, however, been expressed—rather too strongly for a requirement to produce a Welsh language scheme. We my liking. It is rather unfortunate that the reservations are utterly mystified as to why the Bank of England is were expressed in the way they were, but some legitimate included in the ambit of the order. I hope that the questions have been raised. Let me briefly refer to some Minister can offer an explanation for that point, if for of them. no other. We are concerned that royal chartered bodies The future of the Welsh Language Board was raised, are still arbitrarily included, although the number of and I believe that is very much a question for the Welsh categories of such bodies has, thankfully, been reduced. Assembly Government. It will be for them to decide on We are particularly troubled that post office services are its future, as they are empowered to decide. still included, as that could act as a deterrent to prospective A number of Members, particularly the hon. Member purchasers of sub-post offices in Wales. We are also for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan), raised the concerned that niche market telecommunications, gas, issue of the potential burden on business, which was electricity and water suppliers could be deterred from echoed by the hon. Member for South Holland and The entering the Welsh market, which could have adverse Deepings (Mr. Hayes). One of the most important consequences for Welsh consumers. facets of this process has been the very positive engagement In summary, we are worried that, unless the powers with the business community. Understandably, concerns conferred by this LCO are used judiciously and sensitively have been expressed, but many of them have been by the Welsh Assembly Government, they will have the sufficiently addressed and allayed. It is very significant potential to undo all the good that has been done by the that the CBI, for example, has warmly welcomed the Welsh Language Act 1993. They could create non-tariff introduction of reasonableness and proportionality in barriers to companies wishing to establish themselves in the LCO. That is important in itself, but it is also Wales, and disadvantage Walsh consumers. They could indicative of wider support and an acceptance that be perceived as heavy-handed and bureaucratic. If the what we have before us is the best way forward for the powers are not judiciously applied, they might be resented. Welsh language. We must rely on the good will and good sense of the That does not imply, of course, that a voluntary Welsh Assembly Government in this regard. We will not approach towards enhancing the Welsh language is to oppose the making of this order, but we will be looking be put to one side—quite the opposite. This legislative very carefully at what the Assembly Government do framework before us will provide a powerful stimulus to with the powers conferred upon them. We urge them to an increasing voluntary acceptance of the Welsh language proceed cautiously and sensitively. Indeed, in the medium in Wales. My right hon. Friends the Members for Islwyn term, they could do a lot worse than leave the current (Mr. Touhig) and for Torfaen made the valid point that arrangements undisturbed. the education system in Wales is in many ways still the key to promoting the Welsh language, ensuring that it is 11.24 pm a language for young people and in tune with the needs The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales of modern Wales. (Mr. Wayne David): I shall begin by expressing my Issues were raised about the appeals process, which is condolences to the First Minister on his sad bereavement again very much in the hands of the Welsh Assembly today, as other hon. Members have done. Government, whose responsibility it will be, of course, 931 15 DECEMBER 2009 Business without Debate 932

[Mr. Wayne David] PETITIONS to fund any appeals mechanism that requires funding. I Badman Report (Somerton and Frome) also stress that a regulatory impact assessment will be made of any Measures introduced by the Welsh Assembly Government as a consequence of this LCO. That is 11.30 pm firmly embedded in the order, and it was fully recognised Mr. David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD): I wish as well as warmly welcomed in the debates and the to present a petition whose terms are probably fairly constructive discussions that we had with the Welsh well known to the House by now, as they have been read Assembly Government. out a number of times. It concerns the Badman report. Let me refer briefly to two other points. First, there is I am indebted to my constituent Kate Charlesworth and a stipulation threshold of £400,000, so that certain large several of her colleagues who came to see me some organisations such as the National Botanic Garden of weeks ago to discuss the concern that they felt, as home Wales, are brought within the ambit of the LCO. The educators, about what was proposed, and exchanged Bank of England is mentioned specifically because of information with me. They collected the signatures on the reference in the 1993 Act to the need for a Welsh the petition from people in my constituency. There are language scheme involving it. Lord Roberts of Conwy— also a few signatures from people in the neighbouring Wyn Roberts—is to be congratulated on having the Wansdyke constituency. foresight to introduce that stipulation in the Act. The petition reads as follows: May I conclude by saying— The Petition of persons resident in the Somerton and Frome parliamentary constituency, 11.30 pm Declares that they are concerned about the recommendations One and a half hours having elapsed since the of the Badman Report, which suggests closer monitoring of commencement of proceedings on the motion, THE DEPUTY home educators, including a compulsory annual registration scheme SPEAKER put the Question (Standing Order No. 16(1)). and right of access to people’s homes for local authority officials; further declares that the Petitioners believe the recommendations Question put and agreed to. are based on a review that was extremely rushed, failed to give due Resolved, consideration to the evidence, failed to ensure that the data it That the draft National Assembly for Wales (Legislative collected were sufficiently robust, and failed to take proper account Competence) (Welsh Language) Order 2009, which was laid of the existing legislative framework. before this House on 10 November, in the previous Session of The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons Parliament, be approved. urges the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families either not to bring forward, or to withdraw, proposed legislative Business without Debate measures providing for tighter registration and monitoring of children educated at home in the absence of a thorough independent ELECTORAL COMMISSION inquiry into the condition and future of elective home education in England; but instead to take the steps necessary to ensure that Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing the existing Elective Home Education Guidelines for Local Authorities Order 118(6) and Order, 7 December), are properly implemented, learning from current best practice, in That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying all local authorities in England. that Her Majesty will appoint Anthony Hugh Burton Hobman as And the Petitioners remain, etc. an Electoral Commissioner with effect from 19 January 2010 for [P000526] the period ending on 31 December 2013. —(Mark Tami.) Question agreed to. Badman Report (North Southwark and Bermondsey)

BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE 11.33 pm Resolved, Simon Hughes (North Southwark and Bermondsey) That, in respect of the Video Recordings Bill, notices of (LD): I, too, wish to present a petition on the subject of Amendments, new Clauses and new Schedules to be moved in Committee may be accepted by the Clerks at the Table before the the Badman report and home education. It was organised Bill has been read a second time. —(Mark Tami.) by the Stockman family, who live in Rotherhithe, and has been signed by 46 constituents of mine and by SITTINGS OF THE HOUSE people living elsewhere in south-east London or in east London. It follows the terms of the petition read out by Motion made, my hon. Friend the Member for Somerton and Frome That— (Mr. Heath), and those read out by other Members (1) Standing Order No. 14 (Arrangement of public business) shall previously. It asks the Government to respond positively have effect for this Session with the following modifications, namely: to the strong case that the petitioners make for home education to be permitted in the way that they desire, as In paragraph (4) the word ‘eight’ shall be substituted for the word ‘thirteen’ in line 42 and in paragraph (5) the word ‘fifth’ opposed to the way that the Government seem to intend shall be substituted for the word ‘eighth’ in line 44; to pursue. (2) Standing Order No. 90 (Second reading committees) shall Following is the full text of the petition: have effect for this Session with the following modification, namely: [The Petition of persons resident in the parliamentary In paragraph (2) the word ‘fifth’ shall be substituted for the constituency of North Southwark and Bermondsey, word ‘eighth’ in line 21; and Declares that they are concerned about the (3) Private Members’ Bills shall have precedence over Government recommendations of the Badman Report, which suggests business on 29 January; 5 and 26 February; 5 and 12 March; 23 and 30 April; and 7 May. —( Mark Tami.) closer monitoring of home educators, including a compulsory annual registration scheme and right of access to people’s Hon. Members: Object. homes for local authority officials; further declares that 933 Business without Debate15 DECEMBER 2009 Business without Debate 934 the Petitioners believe the recommendations are based on Climate Change a review that was extremely rushed, failed to give due consideration to the evidence, failed to ensure that the 11.35 pm data it collected were sufficiently robust, and failed to take proper account of the existing legislative framework. Dr. Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) (Lab): The Petitioners therefore request that the House of I rise to present a petition passed to me by Durham Commons urges the Secretary of State for Children, students union and the People & Planet society, on Schools and Families either not to bring forward, or to behalf of 600 students who are pressing the Government withdraw, proposed legislative measures providing for and the international community to come to a fair and tighter registration and monitoring of children educated strong agreement on tackling climate change at at home in the absence of a thorough independent inquiry Copenhagen. into the condition and future of elective home education The petitioners in England; but instead to take the steps necessary to request that the House of Commons urges the Government to ensure that the existing Elective Home Education Guidelines work with other countries in the United Nations to ensure: that for Local Authorities are properly implemented, learning the needs of the world’s poorest people are at the heart of a new from current best practice, in all local authorities in global climate change deal; that rich countries cut their emissions first; that rich countries provide the money and technology needed England. for developing countries to adapt to changing climates; and that And the Petitioners remain, etc.] less developed countries also invest in their most vulnerable [P000566] communities to help them adapt to climate change. Following is the full text of the petition: [The Petition of persons concerned about climate change, Badman Report (Vale of York) Declares that, from an historical point of view, the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen is one of the most significant gatherings ever; that the world has precious 11.34 pm little time to reach an agreement which will secure the future habitability of the planet; that climate change hits Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York) (Con): I wish to poor people first and worst as they face increasingly present a petition in similar terms, in the names of unpredictable weather, hunger and disease; further declares Mr. and Mrs. McCallum and others residing in the Vale that this is a massive injustice because the poorest people of York. I am a great supporter of home education, and are the least responsible for causing climate change and I pay tribute to the home educators. We are fortunate have the least resources to cope; further declares that at enough to have a particularly good local education the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference the world authority in North Yorkshire, but I agree with the community will try to agree a solution to the gravest concerns raised by the petitioners—that the Badman threat it has ever faced, that of global warming; further review was rushed, that its conclusions did not pay declares that the petitioners are doing what they can to regard to the evidence, and that it confers undue powers reduce their personal contribution to global warming, but of inspection—and I hope that the Government will know that the world needs a fair and strong international reconsider. climate change agreement. Following is the full text of the petition: The Petitioners therefore request that the House of [The Petition of persons resident in the Vale of York Commons urges the Government to work with other countries parliamentary constituency, in the United Nations to ensure: that the needs of the Declares that they are concerned about the world’s poorest people are at the heart of a new global recommendations of the Badman Report, which suggests climate change deal; that rich countries cut their emissions closer monitoring of home educators, including a compulsory first; that rich countries provide the money and technology annual registration scheme and right of access to people’s needed for developing countries to adapt to changing homes for local authority officials; further declares that climates; and that less developed countries also invest in the Petitioners believe the recommendations are based on their most vulnerable communities to help them adapt to a review that was extremely rushed, failed to give due climate change. consideration to the evidence, failed to ensure that the And the Petitioners remain, etc.] data it collected were sufficiently robust, and failed to [P000639] take proper account of the existing legislative framework. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Malta Cross/Africa Star Commons urges the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families either not to bring forward, or to 11.36 pm withdraw, proposed legislative measures providing for Mr. Joe Benton (Bootle) (Lab): I rise to present a tighter registration and monitoring of children educated petition with more than 1,000 signatures, on behalf of at home in the absence of a thorough independent inquiry my constituents, Mr. Tom and Mrs. Margaret Beswarick, into the condition and future of elective home education among others. in England; but instead to take the steps necessary to ensure that the existing Elective Home Education Guidelines The petition states: for Local Authorities are properly implemented, learning The Petition of the George Cross Island Association North from current best practice, in all local authorities in West Branch and others, England. Declares that a small Maltese Cross should be issued by the British Government to be worn with the Africa Star, for personnel And the Petitioners remain, etc.] involved with the defence of Malta, in recognition of the valiant [P000651] efforts of our former servicemen and the people of Malta. 935 Business without Debate15 DECEMBER 2009 Business without Debate 936

[Mr. Joe Benton] Declares that NHS Manchester is currently considering plans to suspend walk-in services at Burnage Healthcare Centre in The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons Burnage, Manchester; notes that this is a service that is much urges the Government to issue a small Maltese Cross to be pinned valued and well used by the local community: declares that the to the Africa Star. Petitioners are concerned that a decision to suspend walk-in services was made without public consultation And the Petitioners remain, etc. Further declares that the petitioners are concerned by the [P000638] impact that the suspension of services would have on the local Badman Report (Colchester) community, particularly the elderly: that the Petitioners believe that a decision to proceed with the suspension would be misguided; and that the Petitioners believe that such a decision would be 11.37 pm purely for financial reasons rather than being based on healthcare imperatives Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): I rise to present a The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons petition in the name of Mr. and Mrs. Crannis and 46 urges the Government to do all in its power to persuade NHS other constituents of mine on the Badman report. I will Manchester to abandon plans to suspend walk-in services at not read out the entire petition, as that has been done Burnage Healthcare Centre and allow staff at the centre to many times before, but they are continue their valuable work free from the threat of suspension concerned about the recommendations of the Badman Report, And the Petitioners remain, etc. which suggests closer monitoring of home educators, including a [P000649] compulsory annual registration scheme and right of access to Badman Report (Ceredigion) people’s homes for local authority officials. The petitioners therefore request that the 11.39 pm existing Elective Home Education Guidelines for Local Authorities Mark Williams (Ceredigion) (LD): I should like to are properly implemented, learning from current best practice, in present a petition of 70 residents from the Ceredigion all local authorities in England. constituency, which has been organised by the Clarke Following is the full text of the petition: family of Drefach, on the Badman report. Given the [The Petition of persons resident in the Colchester lateness of the hour, I shall not refer to the report as parliamentary constituency, that has been done many times. Declares that they are concerned about the The petition states: recommendations of the Badman Report, which suggests The Petition of persons resident in the Ceredigion parliamentary closer monitoring of home educators, including a compulsory constituency, annual registration scheme and right of access to people’s Declares that they are concerned about the recommendations homes for local authority officials; further declares that of the Badman Report, which suggests closer monitoring of the Petitioners believe the recommendations are based on home educators, including a compulsory annual registration scheme a review that was extremely rushed, failed to give due and right of access to people’s homes for local authority officials; further declares that the Petitioners believe the recommendations consideration to the evidence, failed to ensure that the are based on a review that was extremely rushed, failed to give due data it collected were sufficiently robust, and failed to consideration to the evidence, failed to ensure that the data it take proper account of the existing legislative framework. collected were sufficiently robust, and failed to take proper account The Petitioners therefore request that the House of of the existing legislative framework. Commons urges the Secretary of State for Children, The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons Schools and Families either not to bring forward, or to urges the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families either not to bring forward, or to withdraw, proposed legislative withdraw, proposed legislative measures providing for measures providing for tighter registration and monitoring of tighter registration and monitoring of children educated children educated at home in the absence of a thorough independent at home in the absence of a thorough independent inquiry inquiry into the condition and future of elective home education into the condition and future of elective home education in England; but instead to take the steps necessary to ensure that in England; but instead to take the steps necessary to the existing Elective Home Education Guidelines for Local Authorities ensure that the existing Elective Home Education Guidelines are properly implemented, learning from current best practice, in for Local Authorities are properly implemented, learning all local authorities in England. from current best practice, in all local authorities in And the Petitioners remain, etc. England. [P000644] And the Petitioners remain, etc.] Badman Report (Blaydon) [P000645] 11.40 pm Health Care Centre (Burnage) Mr. David Anderson (Blaydon) (Lab): I, too, wish to present a petition on the Badman report, on behalf of 11.38 pm Julie Taylor and others from the Blaydon constituency who wish to express the genuine concerns about the Mr. John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD): I report. They specifically request the Secretary of State rise to submit a petition on behalf of more than 500 to withdraw or not bring forward the various measures residents, including my constituent Jean Quinn of Avon set out in the report. I am grateful for the opportunity road, who are opposed to the planned closure of Burnage to present this petition tonight. walk-in centre. I fully support the petition and was disappointed that the Prime Minister and local Labour The petition states: party have failed to support the campaign to save it. The Petition of persons resident in the Blaydon parliamentary constituency, The petition states: Declares that they are concerned about the recommendations The Petition of persons concerned at plans to suspend walk-in of the Badman Report, which suggests closer monitoring of services at Burnage Healthcare Centre in Burnage, Manchester home educators, including a compulsory annual registration scheme 937 Business without Debate15 DECEMBER 2009 Business without Debate 938 and right of access to people’s homes for local authority officials; The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons further declares that the Petitioners believe the recommendations urges the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families are based on a review that was extremely rushed, failed to give due either not to bring forward, or to withdraw, proposed legislative consideration to the evidence, failed to ensure that the data it measures providing for tighter registration and monitoring of collected were sufficiently robust, and failed to take proper account children educated at home in the absence of a thorough independent of the existing legislative framework. inquiry into the condition and future of elective home education The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons in England; but instead to take the steps necessary to ensure that urges the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families the existing Elective Home Education Guidelines for Local Authorities either not to bring forward, or to withdraw, proposed legislative are properly implemented, learning from current best practice, in measures providing for tighter registration and monitoring of all local authorities in England. children educated at home in the absence of a thorough independent And the Petitioners remain, etc. inquiry into the condition and future of elective home education [P000641] in England; but instead to take the steps necessary to ensure that the existing Elective Home Education Guidelines for Local Authorities Dr Ghassemlou are properly implemented, learning from current best practice, in all local authorities in England. 11.41 pm And the Petitioners remain, etc. Bob Spink (Castle Point) (Ind): Some 5,300 people [P000643] signed this petition, many of whom come from the UK Badman Report (Scarborough and Whitby) Kurdish community.The Kurds are a proud and wonderful people, who have suffered oppression and betrayal over many years. They seek justice and a right to remind us 11.40 pm of the atrocities, lest they ever be repeated. Mr. Robert Goodwill (Scarborough and Whitby) (Con): The petition states: I, too, rise to present a petition on the Badman report, The Petition of member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party in which has been signed by 42 of my constituents in the the UK and others, same terms as were so ably read out by the hon. Member Declares that twenty years after their deaths the case of Abdul for Somerton and Frome (Mr. Heath). Rahman Ghassemlou, the General-Secretary of the Democratic The petition states: Party of Iranian Kurdistan, Abdullah Ghaderi-Azar and Fadhil Rassoul has never been resolved, notes that they travelled to The Petition of persons resident in Scarborough and Whitby Vienna, on July 13, 1989 to negotiate a peaceful solution and parliamentary constituency, obtain political rights for the Kurdish nation, with the appointed Declares that they are concerned about the recommendations Iranian representatives, but that all three were killed during the of the Badman Report, which suggests closer monitoring of meeting home educators, including a compulsory annual registration scheme The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons and right of access to people’s homes for local authority officials; urge the Government to encourage the EU to press the government further declares that the Petitioners believe the recommendations of Austria to allow an independent judicial enquiry into these are based on a review that was extremely rushed, failed to give due deaths and to secure a just and true resolution to this case consideration to the evidence, failed to ensure that the data it collected were sufficiently robust, and failed to take proper account And the Petitioners remain, etc. of the existing legislative framework. [P000648] 939 15 DECEMBER 2009 London City Airport 940

London City Airport proposal to the Civil Aviation Authority to alter the London City airport standard instrument departure Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House routes, including the change to route more aircraft over —(Mark Tami.) do now adjourn. my constituency. Ian Hall, the director of operations for NATS, was quoted in the accompanying press release 11.41 pm as saying: James Brokenshire (Hornchurch) (Con): I am grateful “These changes to the turn were proposed in the TCN consultation and are necessary to formalise the departure procedures for all for the opportunity, even at this late hour tonight, to aircraft using London City and will be an added safety benefit. It highlight my concerns and those of my constituents is a change we can achieve quickly and the CAA is keen that we about the impact of flight noise, and the increase in the do so.” number of flights, from London City airport. It is also a I was subsequently informed in a letter from NATS pleasure to debate again with the Under-Secretary of that the CAA required it to expedite an airspace change State for Transport, the hon. Member for Gillingham proposal and that is self-evident when one reads the (Paul Clark), on a transport-related matter and I look CAA decision letter of 20 February 2009. The letter forward to hearing his response in due course. stated that the changes were deemed by the CAA to be In the past 10 years, the number of air transport necessary to accommodate an increase in category C movements at London City airport has doubled, from aircraft using the airport rather than following the just under 21,000 aircraft departures in 1999 to some STOLport configuration—or short take-off and landing 42,000 departures in 2008. We are about to see a further airport configuration—that had originally been envisaged. significant shift in the use of the airport. The London In his decision letter, the then director of airspace borough of Newham has now granted the airport policy at the CAA, John Arscott, stated that: permission to increase the number of flight movements “As part of the TC North development briefings, my head of by 50 per cent. The flights permission would increase Controlled Airspace advised NATS that a re-design of conventional from 80,000 to 120,000 movements a year. London City LCY SIDs”— airport forecasts that it will handle up to 3.9 million that is, London City standards instrument departures— passengers by 2010, and there are long-term plans to “to meet CAT C design criteria was required at the earliest accommodate up to 8 million passengers by 2030. That opportunity and it was subsequently agreed that these re-designed potentially significant change in the scale and nature of SIDs should be incorporated within the TC North development the operations at the airport has gone largely unnoticed project.” by many people. He went on to say: This is not simply about the number of landings and “Following on from the TC North consultation, with the departures; it is also about the flight paths that the ongoing NATS evaluation of the TC North consultation feedback aircraft will take. Last year, NATS consulted on wide- and a potential lengthy delay to eventual implementation, I ranging proposals for the busy airspace above the south-east decided that the LCY SID changes to bring conventional procedures of England known as terminal control north. The plans up to CAT C design criteria could not be delayed any further; therefore, NATS was requested to submit a change proposal to covered all London airports, with modifications to landing bring the SID designs up to CAA and ICAO CAT C design and departure routings and holding points. In the case requirements at the earliest opportunity.” of London City airport, one of the proposed changes It is interesting to note that that was virtually the last was to alter the northerly departure routing. Instead of decision Mr. Arscott took as his term of office came to aircraft taking a sharp northerly turn almost immediately an end a week later on 1 March 2009. after take-off and, thus, over Woodford and Chingford, they were instead intended to take a flight path to the So, in essence the terminal control north consultation north-east over my constituency in Hornchurch. as far as London City was concerned was potentially meaningless—one could say that it was a sham. The In September 2008, I received a letter from the head CAA had predetermined that change was necessary. I of external communications at NATS stating that there find that unacceptable and believe that I—along with would be a longer time period for consideration of the my constituents—was given a completely false impression consultation, as further options were being considered, when the TCN consultation was initiated. The changes including in respect of London City departures over were brought into effect in May and are already starting north London. It stated that to have an impact. “work is ongoing and further design options and suggestions are being evaluated”, Both easterly and westerly departures from London City airport to the north that previously took a sharp adding that turn following take-off are now being directed over my “we have not set a timetable for the next steps on the TCN constituency following a similar track to the initial proposal.” route adopted for north-easterly and southerly departures In response to a further inquiry from me about the from the airport. Based on the 2009 usage rates published nature of the revised options being considered for London in the original TCN consultation, that will in future City, I received a letter on 2 December 2008 stating that result in a near 50 per cent. increase in the number of a number of options for the wider terminal control departing aircraft overhead in my constituency from north area were being considered and that London City airport. “there may well be a requirement for further consultation on any Although the CAA might have requirements to bring proposals that are brought forward, should they be significantly London City operations into compliance with CAA different to those on which we have already consulted.” and International Civil Aviation Organisation design It was therefore with some shock and surprise that I criteria for category C departures, that does not mean discovered several months after the event that on 8 January that my constituents should be forced to bear the brunt this year NATS submitted a formal airspace change of the noise and environmental impact. Aircraft will be 941 London City Airport15 DECEMBER 2009 London City Airport 942 passing overhead at between 2,000 and 3,000 feet with a still subject to further consideration and public consultation. typical noise level of 57 to 72 dB and potentially up to Regardless of what the CAA might say, it is odd that 77 dB for BAE 146 or RJ aircraft. The CAA decision London City was stripped out in such a way when letter accepts that residents will experience additional everyone was under the impression that the TCN proposals aircraft noise. Having read that letter, I am left with the were still being considered and would be the subject of impression that the TCN proposals, so far as they further consultation. affected London City, were a done deal, and that the Given the circumstances of such a significant change consultation undertaken was effectively meaningless. and its combined effect with the general increase in This comes on top of the Newham council decision flight movements, and the impact that that will have on to approve an increase in the number of flight movements areas such as Hornchurch, I believe that the regulators at London City by 50 per cent.—from 80,000 movements have a duty to look again at the damaging proposals to 120,000. The combined impact of the changes to the that are being fast-tracked through. While there might London City departure routings and the proposed increase be arguments for increasing London City’s capacity, in flights would, in essence, lead to a doubling of the they need to be balanced against the impact of additional number of departing aircraft over my Hornchurch disruption due to noise. I object that my constituents constituency. That will have a noticeable and significant will bear the brunt of the environmental downside impact on environmental amenity for my constituents. without any clear upside, that they are told that they The double-whammy effect was never communicated or have a voice in a consultation when they are given only consulted on; again, I find that utterly unacceptable. a partial picture of the true scale of changes and that, in It is not just me, however. Significant questions are any event, their views would apparently simply be regarded now being raised by neighbouring boroughs about the as irrelevant. nature of the consultation conducted by the London In Hornchurch, we are lucky to have the benefit of borough of Newham in relation to approving the increase significant environmental amenities. We have a significant in flight movements. The London borough of Redbridge amount of green space, with a number of large parks passed an uncontested resolution in November condemning and sites of significant scientific interest. Their enjoyment the failure to consult it on the expansion of London will be adversely affected by these changes. City airport, and opposing further expansion at the I would therefore urge the Minister to use his influence airport or changes to the flight paths or modes of to ensure that those agencies with responsibility for the operation at the airport that would result in an increase planning of our flight paths look again at the design of in aircraft noise suffered by local residents. If my hon. the northerly routings from London City airport. They Friend the Member for Ilford, North (Mr. Scott) was in should look again at the serious environmental impact the Chamber, he would want to refer to that resolution of their decisions, and be held properly accountable for because he has taken a close interest in the issue. However, their actions to my constituents and the residents of it is not just Redbridge. I understand that motions in other affected areas. similar terms have also been approved by the London boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. 11.55 pm London City airport is consulting on its draft strategic The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport noise action plan. The draft plan will have to be submitted (Paul Clark): At the outset, may I congratulate the hon. to the Secretary of State for Transport early next year Member for Hornchurch (James Brokenshire) on securing for consideration before formal adoption under the this debate. I am delighted to face him again and to have European environmental noise directive. I urge the Secretary a further discussion on transport issues. of State not to accept the plan unless the significant Our commitment to sustaining economic growth and complaints and concerns that I have raised in the debate protecting the environment is at the very heart of the have been properly addressed, particularly the significant Department’s aviation policy-making process. With specific impact that residents in east and north-east London regard to smaller airports such as London City airport, will suffer due to departing aircraft from London City the Government’s 2003 White Paper “The Future of as a consequence of the flight routing changes. There Air Transport” noted that regional and local planning should be a consideration of changes to routings, when authorities appropriate, and discussions with both the CAA and “should take account of the benefits that development at the NATS, when necessary, so that my constituents are not smaller airports could provide, and consider policies which facilitate forced to bear the brunt of what I consider to be a the delivery of growth” fundamentally flawed notification and consultation and opportunities at these airports. However, I have no procedure on two fronts. doubt that the hon. Gentleman will agree that hard Will the Minister make urgent representations to decisions have to be taken to strike a balance between both the CAA and NATS about the nature of their tackling the environmental challenges, enabling people general approach to consultation? The case raises serious to fly and allowing the industry to compete internationally. and significant issues, and if their approach is simply to Tensions will always arise in such matters, of course, go through the motions by carrying out consultation on but it is about getting the balance right. a done deal, that is utterly acceptable. The hon. Gentleman raised a number of issues regarding I also urge the Minister to instruct NATS and the recent changes at London City airport and I am keen to CAA to go back to the drawing board, reassess the deal with them. I shall begin with Newham council’s departure routings from London City, and come back decision to grant planning permission for London City with revised proposals as part of the next round of airport to increase by some 50 per cent. the total number consultation under the TCN proposals. It is worth of air traffic transport movements from 80,000 to 120,000 making the point that London City was specifically per year, and the impact that that might have on local stripped out of the TCN. All the other proposals are residents. 943 London City Airport15 DECEMBER 2009 London City Airport 944

[Paul Clark] It might be helpful if I explain briefly the procedure for making changes to airspace in the UK. Airspace The decision to grant that planning consent was planning and regulation is the responsibility of the entirely a matter for the London borough of Newham. I independent regulator, the CAA. The process for making am sure that the hon. Gentleman, who knows the changes to airspace is governed by the CAA’s airspace position of his own Front-Bench team when it comes to change process. A change sponsor, in this case NATS, is the decision-making process at a local level, will agree responsible for developing and consulting on a proposal with that. Expansion of the airport is consistent with for an airspace change, ensuring that it satisfies and/or the Government’s view that there is considerable potential enhances safety standards, improves capacity and mitigates, for airports like London City to grow, and the airport is as far as is practical, any environmental impacts in line well placed to serve a niche business market. with the Department’s environmental guidance to the CAA. James Brokenshire: It is important for the Minister to Informed by the consultation, the airspace change understand the Newham council decision, as one concern sponsor must submit its proposal to the CAA. It is the was whether it consulted properly with all the surrounding CAA that then assesses the formal proposal against the councils and all the residents who might be affected by regulatory requirements, including environmental objectives, the application. Will he consider that in the context of which are clearly a concern to the hon. Gentleman and guidance given to planning authorities with regard to his constituents, and either approves or rejects the proposal. sensitive and significant applications such as this one? If the CAA considers that a proposal could have a People who would have been affected found out about it detrimental effect on the environment, it is required to only very late in the day, with the result that their ability advise the Secretary of State for Transport. It must to comment and provide objections was very limited. refrain from making the airspace change without first securing his approval. Paul Clark: I was just about to come to that issue. A Therefore, airspace changes are made only where it is judicial review launched by the campaign group “Fight clear, after consultation, that an overall environmental the Flights” is currently looking into whether there was benefit will accrue or where the airspace management consultation with the neighbouring boroughs of Redbridge considerations and the overriding need for safety allow and Waltham Forest, and their residents. The hon. no practical alternative. Gentleman will recognise that it would be wrong for me to comment further, other than to say that the guidance James Brokenshire: I appreciate the Minister’s generosity as to the routes that should be taken is clear. Obviously, in giving way. As I understand it, he has said that the however, the judicial review will make its own decisions, CAA makes the decision whether there is an environmental and we wait to see what happens. aspect that should be referred to the Secretary of State. The hon. Gentleman raised the issue of standard The CAA appears to be the judge and the decision-maker instrument departure—SID—routes from the airport, on that. Is there any route whereby the Secretary of which were introduced in May this year. These changes State could call in for consideration a proposed change were brought about in order to bring London City in routing? It seems strange that the CAA can, in effect, airport’s departure profiles up to the international design require NATS to implement a change and decide on the standards required for the mix of aircraft types that environmental aspects itself. currently operate to and from the airport. Our airport operations have very high safety records, which is due in Paul Clark: As I have indicated, the Secretary of part to the hard work of all those responsible for State vests that power in the independent regulator, the maintaining that safety record and following the right Civil Aviation Authority, but it has to make those profiles. considerations in conjunction with the guidance— When the airport was first opened, the departure particularly on the environmental side—that is laid out routings were designed to accommodate short take-off in conjunction with the Government’s policy. and landing operations. At that time the aircraft being I shall now turn specifically to the environmental flown from the airport were predominantly turboprops, impact of the recent changes to London City airport. I which operated within certain departure speed categories, recognise that the levels of aircraft noise and air quality, as I am sure the hon. Gentleman recognises. Over time and the visual impact on the hon. Gentleman’s constituents, the aircraft operating from the airport have changed to will of course be of concern. I understand that point, more modern jets that require faster departure speeds. and that is why I said right at the beginning of my Accordingly, the Civil Aviation Authority instructed remarks that getting the balance right is a judgment NATS, the air navigation service provider, to consider that has to be made. changes to the London City SIDs to reflect the International The CAA’s guidance on the airspace change process Civil Aviation Organisation’s departure design standards includes substantive guidance on a range of environmental for the aircraft types that are operating from the airport. requirements, including noise, air quality, tranquillity In practice, the revised SIDs have merely formalised and visual intrusion. With regard to noise issues at the departure tracks that were already being flown by London City airport, the hon. Gentleman will recall about 60 per cent. of the airport’s traffic. These changes from my answer to his recent parliamentary question were undertaken independently of the planning decision that responsibility for monitoring noise levels of aircraft of Newham council and implemented in accordance at the airport falls to the airport operator. There are no with the independent airspace change process. The approval statutory governmental noise controls like those that of the Secretary of State was not required in order to apply to Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports. implement the changes. Guidance on the airspace change However, under the terms of local monitoring agreements process is readily available on the CAA’s website, which with the London borough of Newham, London City is I looked at earlier today. required to produce annual noise contours. 945 London City Airport15 DECEMBER 2009 London City Airport 946

Given that the airport is in the city centre and in close it will be required to submit the final draft plan to the proximity to residential areas, it imposes stringent noise Government so that it can be considered for formal control measures that are designed to mitigate its local adoption under the directive. environmental impact. Those measures incorporate strict The airport is very aware of its local impact and seeks restrictions on opening hours, including a ban on night to ensure that local people see the benefit of living near flights. In addition, the airport produces annual contours, an airport. The growth of the airport has encouraged whereby the noise levels at the airport are monitored by businesses, investors and developers to locate in east a noise and track-keeping system. Further, London London, bringing new services and facilities to the area. City airport’s noise insulation scheme has the lowest Let me turn finally to TC North. TC North is one of trigger of any airport in the UK. In developing an the most complex pieces of airspace in the world, with insulation scheme to reflect the local circumstance, the routes in and out of the major airports of Heathrow, airport, I am encouraged to note, is able to set criteria Stansted, Luton and London City. I must stress that the so that properties within the 57 dBA contour can be TC North proposals are not associated with, and do not considered for insulation. The hon. Gentleman will assume, future development at Heathrow, Stansted or know that that goes beyond the recommended level of any other airport. As the hon. Gentleman said, the 66 dBA in the air transport White Paper. London City airport SID proposals originally formed In terms of noise, there are future initiatives and two part of the TC North consultation on a package of key developments. The first relates to the proposed measures designed to reduce delay, maintain safety and expansion of the airport. The planning conditions imposed improve environmental performance. That consultation as part of Newham borough council’s planning consent on TC North was the largest of its kind undertaken; the requires the airport to develop an improved noise population in the region affected is just under 13 million. monitoring and mitigation strategy. That is expected to include the replacement of the existing noise and track- NATS directly consulted over 3,000 primary stakeholders, keeping system and improvements to the noise insulation including MPs, county, borough, district and parish schemes. councils, environmental organisations and chambers of commerce. Before the launch of the consultation, NATS The second initiative relates to the requirement for arranged briefings for local MPs and national and the airport to prepare a strategic noise action plan regional media. In response to concerns that there was under the European environmental noise directive. Under not enough time to consider the details of the proposals, the terms of that directive, the airport is required to NATS extended the consultation period by four weeks, develop a draft action plan in consultation with the giving a full 17-week consultation period. Following local community. The airport is conducting a public that, NATS decided to review the TC North design consultation on its draft noise action plan, and, as the options further. However, any revised designs for the hon. Gentleman rightly points out on his website, the TC North region are unlikely to be ready for consultation closing date is 15 January. He encourages everyone to before autumn next year. participate in it, and that is absolutely commendable. The CAA considered that further consultation on the The consultation process is a valuable opportunity London City airport SID proposals was not needed— for the airport to work closely with its neighbouring communities in developing control measures that will apply over the next five years. The neighbouring 12.11 pm communities are clearly important. Once the airport House adjourned without Question put (Standing Order has completed its consultation and considered the responses, No. 9(7)).

177WH 15 DECEMBER 2009 Health Care (Buckinghamshire) 178WH

Although we have relatively good health, we have only Westminster Hall average care—those are not my words; they are the words of health care management professionals. Are we Tuesday 15 December 2009 17 per cent less in need or 17 per cent. healthier than other areas? I think not. Sadly, we have poor dental access and poor ambulance times, because of the size of [MR.PETER ATKINSON in the Chair] the county. We also have a higher number of delayed hospital transfers and an ageing population. All our Health Care (Buckinghamshire) constituents are living longer, so the disparity between the formula that is adopted and the outcomes is starting Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting to widen and become greater. I believe that my colleagues be now adjourned.—(Mr. Watts.) may allude to that matter in more detail. 9.30 am The financial situation is becoming dire. I believe that the Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust must find Mrs. Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) (Con): an efficiency saving of 3 per cent. annually, which is May I say what a pleasure it is to serve under your some £11.5 million. In addition, the PCT is now paying chairmanship, Mr. Atkinson? I am grateful to have the the hospitals trust at 25 per cent. of the tariff for the opportunity to raise concerns about health services in rest of the year for over-performance against most Buckinghamshire, particularly in Chesham and Amersham. in-patient and follow-up out-patient work, which adds When I applied for the debate, I did so not only in the another £5.2 million of income loss and takes the total interests of my constituents, but on behalf of my colleagues savings that have to be found to about £17 million by who are sitting here with me. I was the lead name for the the end of March. debate, but I applied for it on behalf of my hon. Friends the Members for Aylesbury (Mr. Lidington) and for In fact, in Buckinghamshire, we are unable to fund Wycombe (Mr. Goodman), and of my hon. and learned the care records service, which amounts to some Friend the Member for Beaconsfield (Mr. Grieve). £2.4 million, or Maternity Matters, which is about Unusually, I will also make some remarks on behalf of £700,000. Our health service leaders have had to pull the right hon. Member for Buckingham (John Bercow) together a summit plan—in other words, an emergency who, as you know, Mr. Atkinson, presides over the plan. Given the hospitals trust’s financial position and House and is unable to participate in such debates. the PCT’s structural deficit, more than £20 million has Nevertheless, he feels just as passionately as we do to be taken out of the health service in Buckinghamshire about health services in Buckinghamshire and, with between now and the end of the financial year. your permission, Mr. Atkinson, I have some speaking Remedial action has been taken to try to plug that notes that I intend to deploy on his behalf. gap. Attempts are being made to curb our urgent care I welcome the Minister and my hon. Friend the demand, and our health service is aiming to make Member for Guildford (Anne Milton), who speaks on 100 fewer admissions a week and reduce the number of health matters for the Conservatives, to the Chamber. I accident and emergency attendees by 30 per cent. I must am delighted to see the Minister, because we did some tell the Minister that, after my last meeting with the sterling work together during the course of this Parliament hospitals trust, there is no indication that there have on the Autism Act 2009. When that provision was just a been any major shifts in that pattern at all, which means raw Bill, the Government, in the shape of the Minister that the projected cost savings will not be made. We are and his colleagues, chose to oppose it. However, with also trying to reduce our GP referrals to hospital by persuasion and after winning the vote on Second Reading, 50aday. the Minister and his colleagues saw the light. Our GPs and other NHS staff are working like We were able to exhibit—and I say this in a spirit of Trojans to see more patients, as well as offering community generosity to all the other parties—the House at its best services and trying to reduce the elective and out-patient and put an Act in place. I give notice to the Minister demand. They are trying to balance the books, but they that in the interests of my constituents in Buckinghamshire are doing so against almost impossible odds. We are I shall be holding his feet to the fire. I am looking trying to move from one model of care to another far forward to a wide and thorough consultation on the too rapidly, which is causing big problems. One could Autism Act, which will be part of our health care consider the scarcity of funds to be a positive challenge— service. I hope that the Minister will bring the enlightenment indeed, many people who work in health service do, that he eventually brought to the debate on the services because they regard the glass as half full, not half provided to people with autism to this debate, which empty. In the long term, we all want better care closer to covers the wider health care services in Buckinghamshire. home, and we want people to receive the right treatment After more than a decade with Labour in power, it is at the right time. I believe that the administrators who fair to say that the NHS in Buckinghamshire is facing a head up our services are doing the very best that they crisis. We have called this debate to find out just what can to deliver them. However, what we are experiencing the Minister and the Government are going to do about on the ground is the alarming effect of a pace of change that. There is no time for warm words; the stark reality that is almost impossible to achieve. Buckinghamshire is that the health service in Buckinghamshire is fast will be the first area virtually to tip over, not least approaching breaking point. because of the historical financial deficit. Buckinghamshire has one of the lowest-funded NHS Clinics at Amersham hospital have been dramatically systems in the country: it receives some 17 per cent. less reduced, with many moving to Wycombe or Stoke per head than the UK average. Last year, we had the Mandeville. That causes great difficulties for people only primary care trust with a deficit of some £7.5 million. who travel to get treatment. I can honestly say that 179WH Health Care (Buckinghamshire)15 DECEMBER 2009 Health Care (Buckinghamshire) 180WH

[Mrs. Cheryl Gillan] of services might be reduced as a result of the planned review. He believes that the PCT might be planning to some of the letters I have received are absolutely heart- invest solely in cognitive behaviour therapy and wants breaking. Many of my elderly constituents find the reassurance that other forms of therapy will be recognised journeys and the confusion of the changes almost and receive investment. impossible to deal with. Overall, more than 60 per cent. The right hon. Member for Buckingham is also of the clinics can be maintained, but that means that concerned about Buckingham community hospital, where there is a 40 per cent. reduction, which is an enormous doctors and patients are worried about the new contract drop by anyone’s standards. and are concerned that the reduction in the number of The PCT has given notice to providers of primary hours of care would be detrimental to the hospital. counselling services that their services will end early That has already caused the transfer to Milton Keynes next year, which, when combined with other cuts to of patients who would have been treated in Buckingham Mind centres and the managed services, means most of community hospital. I understand that there is much the counselling services in Buckinghamshire will be anger about the downgrading of the community hospital removed in the very near future. Our ambulance services, among his constituents, and fears among the staff, who which do a fantastic job, do not operate on a level feel that the new arrangements are worse. Under previous playing field. The per capita allocation of NHS funds arrangements, GPs could continue to visit their patients, reduces payments to the so-called affluent areas, such as but that is no longer the case. It is essential that the need ours. However, the cost per capita of providing ambulance for budget cuts does not result in a second-class service services is much higher than in urban areas, which puts for the residents of Buckingham and the surrounding even more pressure on the service in Buckinghamshire. area. With our services operating under such pressure, I Although unable to speak on the matter, the right am concerned about what will happen if we are hit by a hon. Member for Buckingham is no less concerned flu epidemic and a harsh winter. Our senior managers than my colleagues, who will speak in this debate, and have a mandatory duty to break even and deliver on me about the resources available for providing proper budget, but they are not going to do so if it means health care through the NHS to our constituents. I am jeopardising patient safety. There is a real possibility of sure that his comments would mirror some of my a major problem if we are hit by a flu epidemic. I have earlier remarks. I am particularly worried about the been told by our senior personnel that the board of effect on NHS staff in Buckinghamshire. I have had Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust takes seriously talks, as have my colleagues, with the chief executive of its responsibility for the stewardship of our finances, the hospital trust and I know that it will try to reduce which ultimately are funded by the taxpayer, but that its any redundancies to the absolute minimum. However, it commitment to patient safety and the quality of services has had to establish employee assistance and a redeployment is its top priority. That means, in my language, that our bureau. Consultations with affected staff, although under health care professionals—they cannot say this, but I way, mean that many of our dedicated personnel in the can—will put people before their budgets and their health service now fear for their jobs as we approach the careers, and that is true dedication. However, the years Christmas season. of unfair funding for Buckinghamshire are now coming home to roost. If there is a crisis this winter, what will I therefore ask the Minister not to put on the rose-tinted the Minster do to help to deliver health services in glasses of office when he responds, but to realise that Buckinghamshire, which are stretched to breaking point, with our existing structural budget deficit, the need for to our constituents? productivity improvement, the financial downturn and I understand that we in Buckinghamshire are not the fact that Buckinghamshire received 17 per cent. less alone in feeling the effects of the unfair funding and funding than the national average, we have an ever- that similar effects are being felt in Hertfordshire, Berkshire, increasing problem that will not go away. To deliver in Hampshire and, indeed, Oxfordshire. Perhaps the Minister this financial year and just break even, the cost improvement would confirm that many of those areas are approaching programmes equate to stripping out about £35 million a financial crisis. I believe that the financial crisis is felt in total. That would be asking a lot of any health right across our area, and I am certainly not convinced service in any part of the county, but it is especially true that the advent of the South Central strategic health in our area, where the demand is so high. authority, which was formed on 1 July 2006, has helped. What is particularly worrying is that the problem will The fact that that authority has had not one, but three be exacerbated in future. With a forecast increase of chief executives in that time has hindered, rather than only 5.1 per cent. next year and little or no increase in helped the situation—it brings a whole new meaning to the budgets thereafter, there will be reductions in funding the word “continuity”. However, I understand that that in real terms, which will mean real cuts to our health strategic health authority has reserve funds squirreled service that cannot be concealed or dressed up by fancy away, so perhaps the Minister would tell us the extent of words. They will come as a result of the actions that those funds, which I understand could run to £30 million- have been taken by the Government in power at the plus, and how we can access them to alleviate the moment. Will the Minister tell me how he can help us in problems faced by my constituents and others across this financial year, how he will ensure that people in the county. Buckinghamshire continue to receive a high-quality, As I said at the beginning of my speech, I would like safe and accessible health service and how it will be to make a few points on behalf of the right hon. sustainable in future years? I am sure that he would not Member for Buckingham, who has some specific concerns want his legacy in government to be the fact that people about his constituency. He has been contacted by several in Buckinghamshire do not get a decent national health constituents concerned about the threat to mental health service. I hope he can rise to the challenge and will not services and by people who are worried that the range produce the usual official script. 181WH Health Care (Buckinghamshire)15 DECEMBER 2009 Health Care (Buckinghamshire) 182WH

9.46 am and I believe that most of my constituents want health services to be delivered to them at home or as close as Mr. David Lidington (Aylesbury) (Con): I congratulate possible to their home. Trends in medical science and my hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham the trend toward concentrating specialisms—the treatment (Mrs. Gillan) on securing the debate. I should also of particular cancers or particular types of heart attack—in declare an interest in two respects. Since I might refer to a limited number of hospitals where all the experts and mental health services, I declare that I am an honorary the best equipment can be brought together are certain vice-president of Buckinghamshire Mind. I should make to continue and will provide better patient outcomes. it clear, moreover, that my family and I have been using local health services in the county throughout my time The model for the future of a wide range of local, as a Member: all my four children were born at Stoke usually community-based services and in-patient stays Mandeville hospital and, because of family illness, I in hospital reserved for serious conditions, for as short a have had occasion to visit the accident and emergency time as possible, is one that I would endorse. However, department at Wycombe general hospital, and both the my real fear about what is happening in Buckinghamshire accident and emergency and in-patient wards at Stoke is that, although we are seeing that reconfiguration Mandeville hospital within the past 10 days. happen, it is driven not by clinical developments and priorities but by the urgency of making the books My hon. Friend set out clearly in her speech the balance in a short period of time. financial challenge the local NHS faces. Some of the problems we have faced over the years in persuading The Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust and the officials and Ministers to take those challenges seriously Buckinghamshire primary care trust have agreed a financial arise from the misleading impact of average statistics plan that involves cutting the number of hospital admissions for the country, which show Buckinghamshire as being by 100 a week, and securing a 30 per cent. reduction in prosperous, healthy and therefore able to cope with admissions to A and E. That all has to be achieved by significantly less than the average per capita funding for the end of the current financial year, and we are already England. Of course, those averages sometimes conceal seeing the results. I had a letter from a constituent the the fact that there are certainly pockets of poverty, both other day in which she complained that she had received in Aylesbury and in High Wycombe, as I am sure my a letter offering her an appointment at Stoke Mandeville hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Mr. Goodman) hospital for treatment for which she had been referred will say later. Certainly, anyone who visits Southcourt by her GP, but then she had a telephone call to say that or Quarrendon in my constituency would not regard the offer was being withdrawn because her case no those estates as prosperous. There is a disparity in the longer fitted the new criteria that the PCT had imposed county between the south, where the population is for financial reasons. ageing rapidly, and the Aylesbury area, which is one of I fear that community services, primary care and the fastest-growing parts of England and has a young preventive services not only will not be developed in population. time to meet the demands of the new model of health It is wrong to assume that old people are passive care but are actually under acute strain at the moment. these days. When I speak to GPs in my constituency, Let us look at what is happening with the PCT. I have they say that elderly patients come in, describe their been told by local GPs that the health visitor service has symptoms and then explain that they have looked their been cut, and moved from GP surgeries into a central condition up on the internet and discovered that some office location. When I visited a GP surgery on one of new treatment is available. They then tell their doctor, in my most deprived estates the other week, I was told by forthright terms, that they want that treatment and are the nurses and other staff that it is sometimes difficult unwilling to take no for an answer. They have high and to get hold of a health visitor because health visitors increasing expectations that a previous generation of often do not know from one day to the next where they retired people did not have. will be based or which people they will be able to see. Comprehensive coverage by health visitors of the poorest Mrs. Gillan: I had a case exactly like that in my areas of Aylesbury may still be an aspiration, but it is surgery as recently as yesterday. A constituent had been not happening in practice. told by his GP to look up what could be done for his The same is true for district nurses and the school condition, and he went back with what needed to be nurse service, which is desperately stretched. The truth done. The GP would very much like to recommend the about primary care in our county is that anything that is treatment but, of course, would be running against an not the subject of a specific Government target is liable ever-diminishing budget. to be squeezed and cut. There is little scope for GP innovation that would Mr. Lidington: My hon. Friend is right, and all of us push up the standard of service. GPs tell me that they are finding such cases arising in our constituency work feel frustrated when they come up with a new idea but load. I do not know whether she recalls this, but I are then told by the PCT that, unless it can afford to believe that it was the first of the strategic health fund the innovation throughout the county, no practice authority’s trinity of chief executives who questioned in is allowed to provide it. That undermines professional a valedictory memorandum whether the current level of responsibility and stifles the possibility of some real funding for Buckinghamshire was sufficient to maintain improvement in the quality of health care locally. a core service at the level which local people are entitled I have already referred to the pressure on Wycombe to expect. and Stoke Mandeville hospitals to cut admissions and My hon. Friend put it well: there is little argument attendances at A and E, but we have learned recently today about how health services are evolving and ought that there is to be a further regional review of hospital to evolve in this country. I am certainly not going to capacity, which will involve Berkshire and Buckinghamshire stand here and say that there cannot ever be change, and possibly Oxfordshire as well—my understanding is 183WH Health Care (Buckinghamshire)15 DECEMBER 2009 Health Care (Buckinghamshire) 184WH

[Mr. Lidington] competition, where colleagues and others compare their experiences of woe, especially—on a more serious note— that the John Radcliffe hospital is also under acute given the experiences of some of my constituents, which financial pressure. Local people will greet the prospect I have heard about in my surgery and outside it over the of a further hospital review with horror, and there will past eight years. Given that I am leaving the House at be fear that another round of hospital cuts is on its way. the election, I shall speak at least partly in a valedictory If we are to move to the new model of health care, it spirit. is clear that an effective ambulance service will be In my eight years as a Member of Parliament, important. Paramedics need to be able to reach patients undoubtedly the most important constituency issue has quickly and to stabilise their condition, and we need an been health care: no other single issue compares to it in effective ambulance service if more patients are to be terms of the interest, concern and anxiety it arouses. In transported significant distances to the specialist hospitals those eight years, the cuts and closures at Wycombe and units of the future. However, the South Central hospital—the loss of our children’s ward, maternity Ambulance Service NHS Trust is already struggling to ward and full A and E service—have created a huge meet its targets. Yesterday, I had a letter from the ruction in Buckinghamshire. I want to make three simple chairman of the trust, who said that services in rural points about that whole experience. areas of the south-central region in particular were First, when I arrived as a new candidate in 2000, I under huge strain. visited Wycombe hospital and spoke to a gentleman The other element that is missing from the discussion called Roy Darby, who had been the chief executive about the new model of NHS care is the place of there—Wycombe and Stoke Mandeville had recently county council social services. As the Minister will been merged into a trust—for at least 10 years and, I know, Buckinghamshire county council is already a think, longer. The NHS has always been primarily a floor authority, and news has just come through that it nationally orientated and directed service, but the structures will again receive the smallest grant increase of any were reasonably stable and people such as Roy Darby shire county in England for the next financial year. The knew their way round the local NHS backwards and eligibility criteria for access to social care are being exhibited a particular sense of responsibility, ownership tightened year on year. My fear is that, inevitably, that and knowledge of it. will mean that more elderly and disabled people, and Since my being elected our regional health authority more people with a chronic illness who are unable to has been merged, as my hon. Friend the Member for qualify for care that they might previously have received, Chesham and Amersham said. The three primary care will fall over or have accidents. They will be admitted to groups that existed at the time of my election became A and E, and possibly for an in-patient stay in hospital. three primary care trusts, some of which had deficits—as Paradoxically, that would increase rather than reduce my hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury is fond of the financial pressures that some of the reductions and saying, no one has ever found the balancing surpluses—and reconfigurations in service have been designed to achieve. then became a single Bucks-wide primary care trust. In conclusion, I want to leave the Minister in no The mental health trust has been merged with Oxfordshire doubt that those are not just my views as a politician. and the ambulance trust has been merged. Wycombe The view of nearly every doctor and nurse in my hospital had just gone in with Stoke. We have experienced constituency to whom I have spoken is that the local a kind of permanent revolution, as in Mao’s China. health service in our county is struggling, and that, yes, Local people undoubtedly feel that their ownership of there needs to be a coherent look at the configuration the service, which was never particularly strong, has and pattern of health care in Buckinghamshire, but that been compromised in the past eight years, and that, that needs to be linked to an examination of the funding when cuts and closures have been put on the table, system to ensure that people get the quality of service besides some of the improvements that have taken they are entitled to through payment of their taxes. place, they have not had any say in what has happened. Secondly, on the cuts and closures, as I have said, 9.58 am good things have happened and are happening at Wycombe hospital. I have good relations with the management Mr. Paul Goodman (Wycombe) (Con): I congratulate team there and with the PCT, as my colleagues do: we my hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham try to work together. However, in 2004, when this wave (Mrs. Gillan) on securing this debate. Despite her heavy of cuts and closures was announced and rippled through commitments elsewhere, she has proved again this morning large parts of the country—including in substantial that she is a relentless and doughty champion of the areas of the south of England, where Government health care and other interests of her constituents, as all Members of Parliament appeared to be less well represented of us in Buckinghamshire try to be. It is worth putting than Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs—there on the record once again that our colleague the right was a feeling that managers had been sent in from hon. Member for Buckingham (John Bercow) cannot outside to ram these changes through. be with us, but my hon. Friend spoke for him. Thirdly, the main substance of my hon. Friends’ I cannot rival my hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury speeches is the problem with the funding formula. In a (Mr. Lidington) in my use of the local NHS, although I rational dispensation, spending would be related to have been through Wycombe hospital accident and need, meaning that spending would largely be related to emergency and in a ward there for a brief period, so I age. As my hon. Friends have said, we have an ageing have had some personal experience of the NHS in population in Buckinghamshire, particularly in south Bucks, as well as the constituency experience that my Buckinghamshire. In a rational dispensation, deprivation hon. Friends have had as Members of Parliament. funding would be allocated from a separate budget. However, I do not want to start a Monty Python-type Under such a system it is unlikely that Buckinghamshire 185WH Health Care (Buckinghamshire)15 DECEMBER 2009 Health Care (Buckinghamshire) 186WH would receive 17 per cent. less per head than the national Our health service is prevented from moving forward by average, which is the case. I am sure that my hon. Friend the deficit. As my hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury the Member for Guildford (Anne Milton) will say more said, not only can it not move forward; we are now about this later. faced with the hospital review to which he referred. I am Essentially, given the pace and scale of change that sure that my constituents and our local paper, the Bucks my hon. Friends are describing, in Buckinghamshire we Free Press, will look on that with a searching light. are like the Red Queen in “Alice’s Adventures in I will not labour the point that my hon. Friend the Wonderland”, who had to run to stand still. Given the Member for Chesham and Amersham made about funding disadvantage, our NHS staff and managers transport, but if, at the same time as going through the have to climb a steep incline to get on top of their changes, doctors are being told to look for ways of not deficits and manage the restructuring at a time of great referring patients, the stress on patients who are referred change, because there is an enormous knock-on effect will fall on the transport system. The Chamber will have from our having 17 per cent. less funding per head. For noted what my hon. Friend said about the ambulance example, there is a clear effect on my poorer constituents trust. in areas such as Castlefield and Micklefield. My hon. All together, some good things have happened in the Friend the Member for Aylesbury mentioned the poorer Buckinghamshire NHS Hospitals Trust, but the system areas in his constituency, such as Quarrendon. In effect, is under great strain. With the approach of an election, our poorer constituents, because they are not surrounded in which I shall not be participating, many of my by others who are as poor as they are, are disadvantaged constituents will cast their minds back to 1997 and the compared with poorer constituents elsewhere living claim of the then Leader of the Opposition, Tony Blair, alongside those who are as poor as they are. That has that voters had 24 hours to save the NHS. They will had a substantial effect on communities in my constituency look at their local NHS and acknowledge the many containing people who may not speak English as a first good things that have happened, but they will remember language, some of whom have recently arrived and that in 1997 Wycombe had full A and E, a maternity many of whom may not always have grasped how rapid unit and a children’s unit. Although they will understand the pace of change has been and what effect these that change must happen, it cannot be forced through changes were having on their local services. against a background of having, unfairly, 17 per cent. less funding than the national average. Mrs. Gillan: May I say how much my hon. Friend will be missed as his constituents’ representative when he leaves the House? He has taken the headlines on many 10.11 am occasions, particularly in respect of health and health Mr. Dominic Grieve (Beaconsfield) (Con): It is a services, defending his constituents’ rights to a decent pleasure to be able to participate in this debate. I hope service. Does he agree that this double hit on those to do so briefly, because much of what I want to say has people in our constituencies who are less wealthy and been said by my hon. Friends. In particular, I thank my have less disposable income is exacerbated by poor hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham public transport systems? Therefore, the changes that (Mrs. Gillan) for securing this debate and opening it. accompany this downturn in financial circumstances often mean moving out-patient clinics, even though It might be helpful for the Minister if I try to step people have established a pattern of travel and find it back a little from the immediacy of the funding issues almost impossible to reorganise their travel arrangements that we have described, and go back to some basic to get to farther-flung clinics. They are disproportionately principles. It will be widely acknowledged on both sides affected at a time when they are trying to be treated by of the Chamber that NHS resources are not infinite. If the health service, and their poverty means that, in my party has the opportunity of forming a Government, many instances, they are unable to travel to some of the we will face exactly the same funding constraints, changed services. particularly in the current financial climate, that the Government must face. However, those constraints should not allow us to engage in propaganda exercises to Mr. Goodman: I agree. I will return to that point in a pretend that something is when it is not. My hon. moment. As my hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury Friend the Member for Wycombe (Mr. Goodman) rightly rightly said, one effect of change being implemented is highlighted the extent to which the Government have that transport has to take the strain, and that applies met the promises that they made pre-1997, but it is whether the ambulance service is involved, or whether impossible to reach that conclusion for Buckinghamshire poorer people are travelling who may not have access to as a whole and south Buckinghamshire in particular their own private transport. because of the extent to which services have been curbed I have touched on the implications of the change for or cut. my poorer constituents. Obviously, in respect of the A live issue is the extent to which an area should better-off ones, if they are elderly they are still entitled receive funding in relation to its need or indices of to such care. That group of people is more likely to need deprivation. The county, including my constituency, is the NHS than others, as my hon. Friends have said. prosperous by national standards, so one can understand The funding shortage is having a paralysing effect on that the Government might argue that the population’s change in the local NHS. Wycombe hospital and Stoke, health care needs are likely to be proportionately less. in the trust, want to achieve foundation status. We That may be correct, and the indices of overall health in support foundation status, as the Government do, but Buckinghamshire do not seem to be very bad, but the the deficit, and the shuffling of deficits back and forth difficulty that arises with that approach is that as services between the hospital trusts and the PCT, is a millstone are progressively phased out, those who may need them round the neck of the foundation status application. will be unable to access any service at all. That is the 187WH Health Care (Buckinghamshire)15 DECEMBER 2009 Health Care (Buckinghamshire) 188WH

[Mr. Dominic Grieve] valley hospitals. I am sure that the Minister will acknowledge that what should be a reasonably rapid bureaucratic hallmark of the problem that I face in my constituency. process by which referral to a specialist London hospital It consists of some people who are very rich, and some that will provide what is sometimes life-saving care who are on middling incomes and who can manage, but takes weeks, and almost inevitably requires my involvement it also has pockets of extreme poverty which is every bit in writing letters to him, or to the head of the PCT or as bad in one or two places as in inner city areas in the regional trust trying to kick someone into London. acknowledging that specialist provision that can be One of my wards was, and still may be, ranked 13th accessed only at, for example, St. Thomas’s hospital, in the indices of deprivation in the south-east, although should be provided. that is not as bad as some of the wards in the constituencies There is a constant, underlying theme of difficulty in of some of my hon. Friends here today. People there moving the bureaucratic logjam. Although 99 times out find that the services that they need and cannot access of 100 we will probably end up getting what we asked through the private sector are simply not available in the for because it is the right thing to have—I say that to health service. reassure the Minister—in the meantime, the patient and This is an old theme, and the second or third time their family can legitimately claim that the wait and that we have had a similar debate about the problem of delay have had a significant impact on the health of the funding of health services in Buckinghamshire. Returning individual. I do not regard that as acceptable. to that theme, I well remember that one of the Government’s Given the human condition, I know that we will first actions when it came to office in 1997—I give this never have a perfect service, and I do not expect one. to the Minister by way of illustration of the problem—they However, the amount of time, effort and energy that is removed the tax breaks for people of pensionable age devoted to bureaucracy is worrying and must also cost taking out private health insurance. I remember that money. In my role as an MP, I keep thinking about the vividly, because the consequence was to create the first amount of money that could be used in front-line winter crisis after I was elected to Parliament. Those services that is being squandered in shoring up the people could no longer access private health care, bureaucratic paper round. That process dilutes the amount particularly in my constituency, or beds in private hospitals of money that I and wealthy members of my constituency when they had pneumonia in winter, so they started to pay in tax, before the money can be translated into the fill the hospital at Wycombe. I remember the administrators service and used to the advantage of the person who saying that they believed that that was the cause of that needs it. Such bureaucracy adds to that process. sudden surge, thereby making it even harder for those who were more deprived to obtain access. Mental health provision has been mentioned. It is a How does the problem of chronic underfunding manifest subject of interest to me, and in the past I have been itself? My hon. Friends have made some important involved with Mind, where I was vice-chairman of a points, and I do not want to repeat them, but I endorse group in London. Mental health provision in the county what they said. I shall give the Minister some examples is, frankly, poor. That is not the fault of the professionals that may interest him in understanding what is going who provide it, and if I were to be optimistic I would on. The first has been alluded to, but I am returning to say that it is perhaps on a mildly improving graph. it. It is the problem of the reverse turf war between There was a period about two years ago when mental social services and the health service. Generally in a turf health provision had become so bad that I thought it war, people are told to get off someone else’s patch, but had reached the abyss. throughout my time as a Member of Parliament since My hon. Friends have highlighted the issue of counselling 1997 I have witnessed the struggle between social services services, and I would like to pick up that subject to and the health service in asking the other to come on to illustrate my point. Counselling services are accessed their patch and take over responsibility for the services directly on referral by a GP. One of the features of the that they should provide. briefing that was helpfully provided by Buckinghamshire We have discussed acute services, and I want to move primary care trust, is that it wants to cut costs by away from that a little. A matter that fills my surgeries lowering the number of admissions to accident and weekly is arguments about elderly people with modest emergency and referrals to hospitals. We all know that circumstances in hospitals, where they will go next to be mental health problems exist, and with the economic cared for, what the element of nursing care should be downturn and the various other financial pressures on and who should take responsibility for it. Leaving aside families, I get the distinct impression that that trend will the fact that I am perfectly aware that individuals may be rising. have a financial interest because of the extent to which Counselling and referral systems operated in the county they must pay from their pockets, that happens even very cheaply. Buckinghamshire PCT gave a £300,000 when people will never be in a position to make a funding subsidy, which it is now withdrawing. Of that, contribution to their care if they move into a care home. £90,000 is being withdrawn from Bucks Mind which, as It is a source of endless correspondence, and all because the Minister will know, provides a largely voluntary the PCT and social services want to pass responsibility service. On the face of it, that is not a large sum of round and round because neither has the resources to money, although I accept that in the context of the PCT meet the need. this is probably an essential cut to try and meet budgetary That is one example. The second is the PCT’s approach constraints and to save money. However, if that service to those who are, perhaps fortunately, a small minority cannot be provided because the money has been withdrawn, but who, for one reason or another, need specialist what will the consequences be on the need to access provision that falls outside the competence of the more specialist services through accident and emergency Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust and Thames or elsewhere? 189WH Health Care (Buckinghamshire)15 DECEMBER 2009 Health Care (Buckinghamshire) 190WH

This is a classic illustration of where by trying to Conservatives left office in 1997, we were spending a make savings and cuts of this kind—particularly the third less than the European average on health, and the virtual closure of a voluntary service that simply needs consequences were there for all to see. The problems help with its overheads—we are likely to put greater about access to health care continued for some time, pressure on the health service elsewhere. When the cut and when I arrived in Parliament four years later, my was proposed, it was suggested that the referral service first debate in this Chamber was on orthopaedic waiting for counselling to Buckinghamshire Mind was not a times in Norfolk. At that time—I am sure that it was good system. However, Buckinghamshire PCT was clearly similar in Buckinghamshire—people sometimes waited aware of Mind’s effectiveness, as it had been happy to for three years to get to hospital for a hip or knee joint fund it without any difficulty for years in the past, operation. The situation was not good in those days, arguing that it was extraordinarily good value for money. and there was a strong case for increasing investment in The fact that the PCT now believes that such funding the health service. If that investment had not happened, will no longer be possible, illustrates that a series of I have no doubt that the position in Buckinghamshire warped priorities have been imposed on it due to the would be even worse than it is today. None the less, the current problems that it faces. hon. Lady pointed to some important issues about how I will not go on at great length, but I will conclude funding is allocated around the country. with another illustration of my point. The ambulance What the hon. Lady said about her experience and service has been mentioned, and we learn that although what her hon. Friends described reminded me of the the apparent needs of the area are not as great as situation in Norfolk—a rural county with quite an elsewhere, the service has seen an inexorable rise in elderly population. The pressures and strains on the volume demand by over 6 per cent. per annum in recent health service in such an environment are very real. The years. It is currently running at 8 per cent. up on last ambulance service not meeting its target for getting to year, and has pointed out that that is not sustainable emergency calls on time was one issue that the hon. given that only 60 per cent. of patients go to hospital Lady raised. Poor access to dental care was another when an ambulance is called out, and only 10 per cent. example that she gave. The ever increasing number of need extended hospital treatment on admission. That emergency admissions to acute hospitals is causing strongly suggests that the ambulance service is being enormous strain. Her hon. Friends also made the point used as a bottom-line safety net for the provision of that there was the sense of the whole system under primary care services to the local community—indeed, intense strain, and that is a picture that I see in my I know that to be the case. county of Norfolk. All of us on this side of the Chamber are supportive of the Thames Valley air ambulance service, which is entirely voluntarily funded. One of its complaints is Mrs. Gillan: I could have added that we also have that it is being used for routine hospital transfers to save problems with low rates of Chlamydia screening. We the ambulance trust cash. It resents that because it is a have problems supporting people quitting smoking. We specialist emergency service that intervenes when somebody have problems with proactive management of long-term has to be transported rapidly from one place—often conditions. I did not give the whole list, because I removed from a road—to a hospital. I hope that the wanted to set the scene for the debate, but I do not want Minister will forgive me this digressory tour to illustrate the hon. Gentleman to diminish the problems by trying what is happening on the ground in our area. to draw an arcane parallel with what happened 12 years I do not expect the Minister to be a miracle worker. I ago. I am talking about today. The Government who know that his Government have wrecked the public came in 12 years ago also removed the tax breaks for finances and now have to pick up the pieces, and I fully private health care from my constituents, many of whom appreciate that the area I represent will never receive the then felt that they could not afford it and fell back on same amount of funding per head of population as a the NHS. place such as Liverpool or another great city that has higher levels of deprivation. However, we cannot go on Norman Lamb: I do not in any way wish to diminish in this way. At some point, this will all go badly wrong the problems. I am simply saying that I see many of the for the Government. Illustrations of serious failures same problems in my county of Norfolk. I intended to will be visited on the Minister, which will be entirely due go on to discuss mental health, which the hon. Lady to a failure to do any creative, sensible, medium-term and some of her hon. Friends also discussed. Mental planning for how to secure effective services in health health is at a particular disadvantage in the health care for our constituents locally.It requires doing something service because it does not benefit from any centrally more than submitting the poor old primary care trust— imposed target. Such targets have driven improved access which in my view does its best—to an endless cycle of in other areas of health care, but one consequence of crisis management. targets is that areas that are not targeted lose out. In many cases, people in Buckinghamshire and elsewhere 10.27 am wait for months on end for access to cognitive behaviour Norman Lamb (North Norfolk) (LD): I congratulate therapy and other objectively approved therapies that the hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham can help people to recover, get them back to work and (Mrs. Gillan) on securing this debate, and on getting a so on. Access is appalling. good turn out from her colleagues, who have all spoken The hon. Lady, in her intervention, and the hon. and passionately about the health needs of their county. learned Member for Beaconsfield (Mr. Grieve) lamented The hon. Lady spoke about the impact of 12 years of the loss of subsidy for private health care, which is Labour rule in Buckinghamshire. However, to introduce something that causes me real concern. Do the a note of discord, we must remember that when the Conservatives propose a reintroduction of that subsidy? 191WH Health Care (Buckinghamshire)15 DECEMBER 2009 Health Care (Buckinghamshire) 192WH

[Norman Lamb] might be able to take the strain a little better. There was no attempt to improve productivity at that time, or no If the hon. Lady and the hon. and learned Gentleman success at improving productivity. Services such as mental lamented its loss, the clear implication is that they want health took the hit. it back. There is a risk that when the financial pressure increases, crisis management takes over and there is a process of Mr. Grieve: What the hon. Gentleman has just said is slash and burn. Instead of doing that, we must consider a complete load of nonsense. I made the position clear. how we can redesign services to improve the efficient The reality in the area that I represent is that if everyone use of resources in the health service. One problem is in the area solely made use of the national health that financial levers in the health service incentivise service, the system would collapse. Because there are activity. We pay acute hospitals more and more for wealthy people, many of them do not do that. After doing more activity. We do not pay to optimise health 1997, when certain tax breaks for the elderly to get care and quality. We do not pay to incentivise primary private health care were removed, more of them became care to keep people out of hospitals. The system of dependent on the NHS. I used that example to illustrate payment by results was criticised by Mark Britnell, the how a bed use crisis developed over a winter in one of former director of commissioning in the Department of my local hospitals; on the evidence of the administrators Health. Just before he left in the summer, he said at a and doctors, the crisis was entirely the result of that conference in London that there was an urgent need to change. I simply used it to illustrate the consequences, abolish or radically reform payment by results. That is in an area where services are already stretched, of the Government’s own system, and it was the director introducing another element into the equation. of commissioning who made that case. The Government have introduced a concept called Norman Lamb: I am grateful for that clarification. practice-based commissioning, which is designed to The hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham said encourage primary care to do more and to take work that the funding formula delivers 17 per cent. less for that is currently undertaken in acute hospitals and do it her area than the national average. There is concern in closer to home, in the community. The hon. Member many parts of the country that the funding formula for Aylesbury (Mr. Lidington) made a very good point. does not sufficiently recognise the cost of delivering When GPs go to the PCT with proposals for services health care in rural areas, particularly in areas with an that they could provide under practice-based elderly population. Even if an elderly population happen commissioning, all too often they are turned down. I to be relatively well off, they still have health needs. It understand the concern expressed by the hon. Member still costs money to provide for operations in acute for Chesham and Amersham that sometimes we try to hospitals and so on. However, the funding formula does redesign services too fast, but when there are opportunities not appear to recognise that sufficiently. to develop community-based services around GP practices, All the problems that the hon. Lady described, fairly those proposals are rejected by PCTs, which simply and accurately so far as health services in Buckinghamshire refuse to engage in the whole concept of practice-based are concerned, are likely to become significantly worse commissioning. The person responsible for practice-based unless we are smart about how we use the available commissioning for the Department of Health has himself resources in the health service. Whichever party wins said that the concept appears to be failing and is almost the general election next year, the prospects for the dead in the water. That system to encourage GPs to do health service look bleak, because even if we ring-fence, more, closer to home, appears to be failing. What protect, or safeguard funding for the NHS, the reality is should the way forward be, given the acute financial that throughout the developed world, we are seeing squeeze on public services such as health, which means rises in health costs. That has happened over many that little new money is coming in and that costs are decades, and that trend is likely to continue with an rising? There are a number of elements— ageing population and with lifestyle conditions such as Mr. Peter Atkinson (in the Chair): Order. I am sorry obesity and others caused by alcohol abuse and so on. to interrupt the hon. Gentleman, but I would be grateful Another factor is the cost of new drugs coming on if he would keep an eye on the clock. He has been stream. A fortnight ago, I talked to a group of consultants speaking for more than 10 minutes, and we need to hear in Norfolk who told me that two new drugs approved the Minister. by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence had a cost impact on Norfolk PCT of about £2.5 million. Norman Lamb: I am grateful for that reminder, That is from a fixed budget, not a budget that is Mr. Atkinson. increased by that amount to fund it, so something else Let me summarise. We need to decentralise power has to give. The impact of an ageing population, new and accountability so that Buckinghamshire PCT is drugs coming on stream and lifestyle conditions means accountable to its local community. We need to integrate that we have rising health costs at a time when health health and social care, focusing particularly on those budgets are likely to be fixed or rising very slowly. That with chronic conditions so that we keep them out of creates the potential for a perfect storm, and the risk is hospital and prevent crises from occurring. We need to that the most vulnerable lose out in those circumstances. break down the divide between primary and secondary Some of the public health services to which the hon. care. Finally, we need to get NHS financial incentives Lady referred are often most at risk. working so that we can focus on the prevention of ill When the health service was last under financial health and on health and well-being. We can then end pressure, in 2005-06, the Select Committee on Health the crazy process of simply incentivising more and concluded that services such as mental health and public more activity that does not optimise health in the health programmes were cut, rather than services that community in Buckinghamshire or anywhere else. 193WH Health Care (Buckinghamshire)15 DECEMBER 2009 Health Care (Buckinghamshire) 194WH

10.40 am after in their own home and receiving worse care and services—less physiotherapy and less occupational therapy. Anne Milton (Guildford) (Con): I, too, congratulate Indeed, they are often unnoticed by services. my hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan) on securing the debate. I welcome the fact On the funding formula, I must tell the hon. Member that she also spoke on behalf of the constituents of the for North Norfolk (Norman Lamb) that the issue is not right hon. Member for Buckingham (John Bercow), just what we spend, but how we spend it. Buckinghamshire who presides over this place. receives 17 per cent. less funding than the average, but as my hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and My hon. Friend described PCT and local health care Amersham rightly said, her constituents’ needs are not services that are in absolute crisis. She rightly highlighted 17 per cent. lower than the average. The cost of providing the fact that the current reconfigurations are taking ambulance services and many other services in areas place much too quickly to enable standards of care and such as Buckinghamshire is also greater than the average. quality to be maintained. She highlighted the 40 per The Government White Paper “Our health, our care, cent. cut at clinics in Amersham and the complete cut in our say” was quite explicit about the fact that changes counselling services. in services should not be made in response to short-term As my hon. Friend said, the right hon. Member for budgetary constraints, but that is exactly what we are Buckingham is concerned about mental health services— seeing. £35 million has been stripped out just so that they can Healthy and wealthy areas often have older populations break even. Our greatest concern is that it is precisely with a much greater need for health care services. As mental health services that are being cut back to deal has rightly been said, it is simply not the case that with our financial deficit. As the Minister is well aware, wealthy areas have less need. Although such areas are mental illness costs this country £77 billion. Sadly, after relatively affluent, they are the big users of health care 12 years of this Government, they remain a Cinderella services. Wealthy areas also have significant, albeit small, service and they are very vulnerable. areas of deprivation, and people should not live in such areas, which do not attract the significant funding that My hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury other areas do. (Mr. Lidington) spoke of the reduction in health visitors, school nurses and district nurses and of particular When I sat on the Health Committee, we also did a concern at the Wycombe and Stoke Mandeville hospitals. report on budgetary deficits, and I point the Minister to He also spoke of his extensive use of NHS care, which the work of Professor Sheila Asantha, who looked at is perhaps why he looks so well this morning. the impact of the Government’s funding formula on wealthy areas. She pointed out that those living in My hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe wealthy areas get the worst health care services, because (Mr. Goodman) talked of his constituents’ massive the funding formula is skewed towards areas of deprivation, concerns about the significant changes at Wycombe which need money for public health improvement but hospital. He spoke at length about reconfigurations and do not necessarily have demand for health care services. the fact that the Government have continued the ghastly cycle of constant change. The Government have never fully understood that issue. In this season of good will, I do not want make I sat on the Health Committee when it undertook an too many party political points, but I hope that the inquiry into reconfigurations, and there has been one Minister can respond and demonstrate that he has some reconfiguration every 18 months since the NHS started. understanding of the difference between money for At the time, the Committee highlighted the significant public health improvements, which needs to go to deprived loss of focus that occurs following reconfigurations, as areas, and money for health care services. well as their absolutely paralysing effect, and that has never been truer than it is today. At the end of the day, We need to separate the money for health care service reconfigurations deliver few cost savings; in fact, they delivery from the money for public health improvements, are a cost in themselves. and that is the Conservative party’s policy. As I am sure the Minister is aware, improving public health takes The funding formula is the crux of the debate, and more than money in the health service. In many ways, it my hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury rightly pointed is not appropriate to deliver such measures via the out that the supply of money is not infinite. However, health service—we also need social and economic change demand probably is. When I first trained as a nurse, if we are to make a difference. That is exactly why we people would come into A and E wheeling their hernia have seen health care inequalities rise despite the in a wheelbarrow in front of them, but expectations Government’s best efforts. The Government have been today are such that they probably would not accept a ill informed. 1-inch hernia. Expectations have rightly gone up, but Targets have been mentioned, but not as much as the demand is a constant pressure on the NHS, which they should have been. Again, as I said, the issue is not does not have an infinite supply of money. just the money we spend but how we spend it. I recently There is rightly concern about the dance that takes went to a conference attended by a lot of senior doctors place between the NHS and social services, as my hon. and surgeons, although I will not identify it because of Friend the Member for Aylesbury pointed out. At times the comments that were made. However, there was quite such as this, everybody scurries around trying to dump a lot of talk about targets, and that is the same wherever the costs of care on somebody else. In my constituency, I go. Those at the conference went on and on about there is concern that the move to reconfigure services targets distorting clinical priorities. Indeed, people in and look after people in their own homes will see the the audience started talking about the fact that they NHS dump costs on social services, which face similar now have training days to work out how to play the budgetary constraints. The patient ends up being looked system—it is called gaming. 195WH Health Care (Buckinghamshire)15 DECEMBER 2009 Health Care (Buckinghamshire) 196WH

[Anne Milton] 91 per cent. of patients now receive treatment requiring hospital admission within 18 weeks, with that figure The problem with process-driven targets is that care rising to 97 per cent. for day cases; and more than that does not have a target simply does not happen. The 93 per cent. of suspected cancer patients are seen by a Government have never fully understood the difference specialist within a fortnight of referral. As far as delivering between a process-driven target and an outcome. To outcomes in the past decade, those figures are a testament take as an example follow-up for long-term conditions, not only to the additional funding from the Government, many people with diabetes and conditions such as epilepsy but to the hard work of local NHS staff, whom I thank need follow-up in secondary care; however, they currently for their efforts. We are determined to bank that progress do not get it because of Government targets relating to and to continue to improve standards in a very different first appointments. The process is driven entirely by financial climate. centrally-driven Government priorities, not clinical needs. I think that every hon. Member who has spoken has My hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury mentioned raised the issue of the national funding formula and paperwork, of which targets attract a huge amount. We suggested that it penalises Buckinghamshire unfairly. have many people now employed in the health service The new funding formula that we are using was developed solely to deal with that. There are outstanding questions, by the Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation, an but I realise that time is short so I shall draw my independent panel of experts. It has been designed to comments to a close. meet the twin objectives of equal access for equal need, Perhaps the Minister can explain what is happening and reducing health inequalities—themes that hon. to the £30 million of reserves that the strategic health Members repeated throughout the debate. The funding authority currently holds. What plans do the Government formula recognises that the principal cause of variation have to look again at the funding formula? Can the in health care needs is the age structure of the population, Minister state, hand on heart, that the reconfigurations so it factors in the number of older people and the in the past 12 years have produced better delivery of expected number of births. health care services? Does he understand how damaging It is widely acknowledged that poverty significantly that change has been, and how much it has cost? increases people’s chances of getting sick and needing health care, so the formula also increases funding if a 10.51 am primary care trust region has a high level of deprivation. The Minister of State, Department of Health (Phil In Buckinghamshire, the proportion of people over Hope): In the nine minutes left for me to reply I want 60 is 22 per cent., the same as the England average. I first to congratulate the hon. Member for Chesham and agree that there are pockets of deprivation, which is Amersham (Mrs. Gillan) on securing the debate. I also something that local providers must take into account congratulate the hon. Members for Aylesbury when providing services and allocating resources. Overall, (Mr. Lidington) and for Wycombe (Mr. Goodman) and however, although I would not describe Buckinghamshire the hon. and learned Member for Beaconsfield (Mr. Grieve), as rich, as the hon. and learned Member for Beaconsfield who joined her in making a strong plea on behalf did, it is, as other hon. Members said, one of the more of their Buckinghamshire constituencies and that of affluent parts of the country. That means, according to Mr. Speaker. Their plea, essentially, when we get to the the funding formula, that it receives a lower proportion bones of it, is “More money for Buckinghamshire of funding than somewhere with, say, 30 per cent. of its NHS, please.” That may be a bit of a shorthand version, population aged over 60. The point is that it is the but I think that is essentially it. They raised some independent expert panel, the Advisory Committee on specific issues that time will not allow me to cover, and I Resource Allocation, that believes that the formula is am sure that the NHS organisations in Buckinghamshire the best way of allocating funding. Whatever the arguments that will be following the debate will take forward some about the formula—and I believe I have made a powerful of the detailed points. case for it—Buckinghamshire’s funding will continue to grow. The NHS in Buckinghamshire will still get more Mrs. Gillan: Will the Minister give way? than £652 million this financial year and £686 million in 2010-11—more than a 10.5 per cent. increase over the Phil Hope: I have only just begun. two years. The route to financial health for Buckinghamshire, as Mrs. Gillan: I and my hon. Friends would all be for all parts of the NHS, lies not in questioning the delighted to receive a very detailed letter from the funding formula, although I have heard the points Minister about the issues that he has not the time to made by the Opposition, but in radical action to improve cover. the quality and effectiveness of local services. The NHS has faced long-standing financial pressures locally; that Phil Hope: The hon. Lady is of course in regular point has been made and I recognise it. However, it has conversation with her NHS organisations and I am sure told me that it is working to address those issues. Both they would be delighted to write to her about the details the hospital trust and the PCT are working to break that she and her hon. Friends have raised, which are of even for 2009-10. They believe that they are on the front course a matter for local NHS organisations. foot in re-engineering health services; they have formed We have had a decade of expansion and of a massive a Healthy Buckinghamshire leaders group—a joint plan catch-up in health funding, which has yielded big of action to deal with current financial problems; and improvements throughout the country, Buckinghamshire their summit plan is already making a difference. The included. Opposition Members will know that in new Buckinghamshire-wide out-of-hours service is already Buckinghamshire 99 per cent. of patients attending up and running, not least in the constituency of the accident and emergency are now seen within four hours; hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham, and there 197WH Health Care (Buckinghamshire) 15 DECEMBER 2009 198WH are plans for a new GP-led centre based in Wycombe House of Commons Reform hospital. The hospital trust tells me it expects a 15 per cent. drop in demand for out-patient services in the next 11 am few years as care is increasingly—and rightly—delivered by GPs and other community services, as the hon. Mark Fisher (Stoke-on-Trent, Central) (Lab): This Member for Aylesbury remarked. debate will focus on the excellent report produce The way patients use NHS services means that demand d by my hon. Friend the Member for Cannock Chase drops for some out-patient services, and it is not a good (Dr. Wright). Sadly, he cannot be here today because he idea to run half-empty clinics. That is why clinicians is chairing a meeting of the Public Administration across the NHS in Buckinghamshire are exploring how Committee; we would have benefited from his contribution. to combine out-patient clinics to make the make best Credit for setting up the Select Committee on Reform use of available resources. A smarter NHS will mean of the House of Commons should go to the Prime more services coming out of hospitals and into the Minister and the Leader of the House, and particularly home or the community, although I recognise the points so for appointing exactly the right person to chair it. about concerns over rural ambulance services. I understand My hon. Friend does a superb job in chairing the PAC, that the review is taking place in Buckinghamshire, and and he did so yet again when chairing the Committee the final report will be presented to the south central on Reform of the House of Commons and reporting in health overview and scrutiny committee in January such short order. It demonstrates what a clever and 2010. shrewd man he is. A point was also made about psychological therapies. It is a measured report. It is well argued and well The PCT’s professional executive committee, led by thought out. It is pragmatic. Without solving all the clinicians, agreed the recommendation to refocus problems that confront us, it will undoubtedly take us psychological therapy resources, totalling more than firmly in the right direction. Reform of the House is £4 million, on evidence-based therapies. As the Minister badly needed. responsible for mental health I can tell the hon. Member for Guildford (Anne Milton) that a 50 per cent. increase Mr. Elfyn Llwyd (Meirionnydd Nant Conwy) (PC): I in funding for mental health services since 2001— was a member of the Committee, and I too pay tribute a £2 billion increase—is remarkable and puts this to the Chairman and the other members of the Committee country’s mental health services at the forefront of here today. However, I would be a bit careful about those in Europe. complimenting the Prime Minister and the Leader of I have tried not to be too party political in this debate, the House until they have implemented the report. but other hon. Members have made it so, and I therefore conclude by saying that when the Conservative party Mark Fisher: I shall come to that later, but of course left office in 1997 the NHS was on its knees. The hon. the hon. Gentleman is right. Nevertheless, pending Member for North Norfolk (Norman Lamb) was right. what happens to the report, the Government deserve In the past 12 years the Conservative party voted against some credit. We have been hoping for and arguing for every Budget, with record increases in NHS spending such a report for the 26 years during which I have been that brought benefits not least to Buckinghamshire. a Member of the House. We have taken some steps Finally, the Conservatives are approaching the general forward, but as the hon. Gentleman said, now is the election pledged to abandon key criteria for waiting crucial moment. Will we see the report implemented—and times, and to create an austerity Britain, with smaller will it implemented in the bold way that it should be? Government. From what we have heard today it appears they intend to reintroduce tax breaks for private insurance Bob Spink (Castle Point) (Ind): I accept all that the schemes and abandon deprivation formula in the funding hon. Gentleman says. He brings an important matter allocations. before the House today. Does he not accept, however, that the report does not go far enough in that it does Mrs. Gillan: On a point of order, Mr. Atkinson. Is it not tackle the abuse of MPs having second jobs? Being in order that when the Minister himself thought there an MP in today’s environment is a full-time job. One of was little time for the debate he should reduce it to a the greatest abuses that has been perpetrated is MPs political diatribe although he has not answered the having two, three or four—some of them even nine or question of what will happen to my constituents in the 10—remunerated additional employments. We cannot event of a flu epidemic, and given their straitened do the job, retaining public confidence in the House circumstances? and its Members, if MPs are going to moonlight. It simply ain’t on. Mr. Peter Atkinson (in the Chair): Order. That is a point of debate, not a question for the Chair. Mark Fisher: The hon. Gentleman makes a valid point, but the report correctly focuses on the political Phil Hope: It was also a skilful attempt to use up reforms necessary in the House. Plenty of behavioural time, as I describe the options at the next general reforms are necessary; and this year’s events, with the election, which will be, for the people of Buckinghamshire, concentration on allowances and expenses, shows that a fundamental choice between going back to the bad the public are impatient with Members. Much needs to days when the Conservatives ran down the NHS, or be put right, and I hope that it will be put right. looking forward to a period of further investment to However, the report is about political reform and what support the health service in Buckinghamshire and we need to do to strengthen Parliament, so that it can across the country. fulfil its central responsibility of scrutinising legislation and holding the Government to account. That is the heart of the matter. 199WH House of Commons Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 House of Commons Reform 200WH

[Mark Fisher] David Taylor (North-West Leicestershire) (Lab/Co-op): I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate. The hon. Gentleman is right about expenses and Many newspapers, having seen the disillusion, distaste double jobs, but the debate is about our job here and and disgust with MPs among the wider electorate, have how we do these things. What we are doing is a political suggested a substantial trimming in the number of matter. The report is excellent. It gives us a blueprint for Members. There may be something in that, but it can be a better and more effective Parliament. done only in parallel with a substantial extension and improvement of services such as citizens advice and Natascha Engel (North-East Derbyshire) (Lab): What community law services, as they will be needed to pick does the hon. Gentleman mean by “political”? Does he up the casework. Four hundred Members simply could mean party political, or does he mean something else? not handle the work load that we are experiencing now. We have to find some way to satisfactorily transfer that Mark Fisher: Absolutely not party political. No, I work. mean the political work that we do here in holding the Government to account. That is what we are about. Mark Fisher: We are probably going rather wide of Party politics is a very different matter. I mean political the subject. However, I have great sympathy with my with a small p. hon. Friend’s view. Indeed, one necessary aspect of that would not be the strengthening of citizens advice, desirable Mr. Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): I do not though that would be, but a strengthening of local have another job, but it seems to be thought perfectly government, which has lost much of its autonomy and practical for someone on the Government Front Bench powers. It is now an agent for central Government to fill two jobs—one in this House and one on the Front rather than an entity in itself. Bench. The report gives us a blueprint for a better, more Mark Fisher: I did not catch the end of the hon. effective Parliament. That would allow us to do what we Gentleman’s question. are sent here to do. We are sent here to do two things. The first is to raise grievances in return for voting the Mr. Turner: He has a job in this House; he also has a Government Supply.The second is to hold the Government job as Minister. That makes two jobs. Why can some of to account. Those have been the defining characteristics us not do that yet others can? and responsibilities of the House for the past 800 years. They have not changed. Mark Fisher: If the hon. Gentleman is making a case for the separation of powers between the Executive and Natascha Engel: I am sorry to labour the point, but the legislature, as happens under the American political are we not here also to represent political parties? Apart system, he would find certain Members of the House— from some hon. Members—they are the exception rather including some members of the Committee—most than the rule—we were all elected to represent those sympathetic. However, I believe that separating powers political parties. We would not be here unless we stood will bring more problems. We might achieve stronger on the political party ticket. scrutiny, but we would have less effective government because the Executive would not be rooted in the democratic Mark Fisher: That is self-evident. Those of us who process. Almost inevitably, they will be appointees. They think that we personally are being elected will find when might be clever, but they would not have roots in the we stand for re-election, in May or June or whenever it public or in our democratic structures, which I believe is, that it is our party that will be re-elected. Of course, has always been a strong characteristic of the House. the hon. Lady is absolutely right. Dr. Andrew Murrison (Westbury) (Con): Does the We are sent here to be a check and a balance on hon. Gentleman agree that what is important is the Government, which is in the interests of both the public quality of the work done by hon. Members? The report and the Government. If we do our job properly and makes some useful comments along those lines, and on rigorously, it makes for better Government. Sadly, however, how quality might be improved. In the event of MPs’ we are failing in our duty. Over the past 100 years, quality of work improving, especially in holding the Parliament has been getting steadily weaker and more Government to account, does the hon. Gentleman agree enfeebled, and government has been getting stronger that we could seriously consider reducing the number of and more almighty, and that is not in the interests of MPs, perhaps bringing us more in line with the American Parliament, good government or the House. legislature that he cites? Parliament, therefore, is not working. At the moment, the Government decide everything that happens in this Mark Fisher: I agree with all of that. I see no reason place: when we come here, what we debate, what we can why the House needs more than 400 Members. We vote on and what substantive motions are put down on would probably do a better job if fewer of us were the Order Paper. We in this House are the creatures of focusing our attention on our work. The report was Government. We come here when we are called, go about rebuilding the House, not about casting a new away when we are told to, debate the subjects that the constitutional settlement, although we may well come Government think are proper and vote when we are to that in the fairly near future. I am sympathetic to asked to do so. How we vote is a different matter. what the hon. Gentleman says, but that is not what the Parliament has lost the sense of its own identity. Its Committee was about. We need to focus on how to identity is distinct from that of Government; the Executive improve and rebuild the House, which is badly in need and the legislature have two totally different roles, and of it. there is no longer a clear distinction between the two. 201WH House of Commons Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 House of Commons Reform 202WH

Mr. Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) huge waste of time at the behest of this Government, (Con): Although I recognise such symptoms and believe particularly in relation to so-called topical debates, them to be undesirable, does not part of the problem which have simply become a vehicle for the Government stem from the fact that Members of Parliament view to bring forward matters that are obliging to them on a their role fundamentally differently from the one of political level, rather than to deliver things of real 20 or 30 years ago? Too many Members of Parliament topicality? Does the hon. Gentleman not agree that that see themselves as super-councillors, who take up issues is a matter for the House rather than the Government if that should be handled by citizens advice bureaux and we are to continue with topical debates? local law centres, rather than as representatives who hold the Government to account, which is a particularly Mark Fisher: One of the really impressive things important role for Back Benchers in Government. about this report, which reflects well on the Chairman and the all-party members of the Committee, is that the Mark Fisher: Yes, but those roles are not alternatives. Committee did not allow itself to get diverted by micro- It is the fascination, complexity and difficulty of our matters such as that—important though they are. It job that we are, quite rightly, expected to do both. We kept to the high ground of what the principles were and have to be very involved with our communities, respond the foundation stones that we need to put in place if we to them and learn from them. All of our e-mails and are to rebuild the House. mail bags are a political education on a daily basis; we The first such foundation stone is the control of understand and learn what is happening in our country business. As the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant and what the effect is of Government legislation on our Conwy said, if we are to implement this report, we must constituents. We have a very strong local root, and if we give the Government confidence that this is not some fail in that role, then holding the Government to account way of subverting them. They have a mandate; they in some lofty way on a national forum will be ill-informed. have been elected and must have the time to put their My hon. Friend the Member for North-East Derbyshire programme through. By reassuring the Government (Natascha Engel) raised an interesting point about party that that is the case, the Committee is completely right, politics. It is a paradox and contradiction that as Back and that is essential if we are effectively to rebuild the Bench Government MPs, we are here not only to be House. I am talking here about the Government’s control loyal to our party—we love our party and want it to do over their programme for which they have a mandate. I well—but to hold the Government to account. At times, am not saying that the Government have the right to that causes tension, which was seen most acutely during control the whole business of this House. When we look the vote on the Iraq war. Tension crops up almost every at what happens on the Floor of the House, we find that week in some form, and that makes this job demanding, only half of the time is devoted to Government business. interesting and very difficult to reform. The rest of it is devoted to scrutiny, questions, and I do not disregard or belittle the party political element; private Members’, Back-Bench and Opposition business. it is very important and it is why we are all here. It is about a 50:50 split between Government time—the However, we must step aside from that and hold the time that they need to get their programme introduced Government to account regardless of our party affiliations. and scrutinised—and our time. This is our House and it If we allow our party affiliations to dominate how we is absurd that we should be dependent on the Government scrutinise and hold the Government to account, we for how we use that time. We are elected to this House; become the rubber stamps of Government, which is it is our House of Parliament. They are the Government poor value for the electorate and bad for this House. and have a totally different responsibility. They have the Such matters are not easy; if they were we would not responsibility to take executive action on behalf of this have the difficulty of this report. They are both important country and to introduce legislation and taxation. They and paradoxical. need to get such things through, but they do not need to The report is based on three good foundation stones. dominate and run the detailed day-to-day business of It states that the this House. “Government should get its business, the House should get its Natascha Engel: Will my hon. Friend explain to me scrutiny and the public should get listened to”. what he thinks the difference is between a proposal for a I would amend that slightly. The Government should Back-Bench business committee and a proposal for a have the time to get their business through the House. House business committee? When we talk about who Government have no God-given right to get any business controls time, it is important to distinguish between they choose, but having had a mandate from the public, Government and Back-Bench time. Will he make that they must have sufficient time to put their business in distinction a bit clearer for me? front of the House, argue for it, and hope to convince the House that their business is good. So, the Government Mark Fisher: I hope that I have made it clear. The must have time; that is essential to efficient and practical time that is properly the Government’s is the time that government. The House should have the time and the they need to get through the programme on which they facilities rigorously to scrutinise the programme, and were elected and have a mandate for from the public. the public must get the feeling that they are listened to They have to introduce legislation and have it scrutinised and that their concerns are being reflected on the Floor and enacted. All other time is the House’s business. If I of the House. have a criticism of this report it is that the distinction to which my hon. Friend refers is not made clear. Dr. Murrison: Time is very precious, and the hon. Gentleman is right to say that the Government must be Dr. Evan Harris (Oxford, West and Abingdon) (LD): given time to get their programme through so that they Does the hon. Gentleman agree that sometimes these can fulfil the manifesto on which they have been elected. things are complex? I say that because Government- None the less, does he not agree that there has been a sponsored legislation is clearly the Government’s business 203WH House of Commons Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 House of Commons Reform 204WH

[Dr. Evan Harris] Select Committees are a matter for this House to determine; they are nothing to do with the Government to get through and the report is very clear that the at all. The Government have their own job to get on Government will be guaranteed the time to get that with legislation; the Government do not have the job of legislation through, but how that legislation is scrutinised scrutinising themselves, which is effectively what Select by the House must be a matter for the House and it Committees do. To my mind, it is amazing that the cannot be right for the Government to decide how Select Committees function as well as they do and that much or how little time is available to the House to do is thanks to some very brave and very independent-minded that, within reason, what order it does it in and which Chairpeople, such as Gwyneth Dunwoody, the former parts of Bills are scrutinised. The Government should Member of Parliament for Crewe and Nantwich, who is have their way; they can whip and people should vote now deceased. She was such a brilliant Chairman of the on party lines. But the House should decide how it Select Committee on Transport that, as a result, our scrutinises Government legislation, otherwise it is not transport policy in recent years has been hugely strengthened doing House business. and improved by the rigour that she brought to that role. But the idea that she should have been manipulated Mark Fisher: I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman; by the Government—it would not have been in the that point goes to the heart of this report. However, I Government’s interest to have done that. It is actually in do not think that these things are necessarily great all our interests that the Select Committees should be sticking points. One can look at other countries and chaired independently and that their members should other legislatures and see that they find a way of negotiating reflect the views of the House and not the opinions or between all parts of their Parliaments and their tastes of a Government. Governments. Dr. Murrison: Will the hon. Gentleman add to his list Natascha Engel: This point is not just a small sticking- of fine Chairpeople of Select Committees Dr. Ian Gibson, point for me; it is a really big point for me. Who the former Member of Parliament for Norwich, North, controls the time is a really big and important issue. I who was a very distinguished Chairman of the Select am a massive supporter of having a Back-Bench business Committee on Science and Technology, on which I committee that would look at how we can organise our served? Of course, that Committee came to a sticky end, House time better and how we can make better use of due chiefly, I think, of the efforts of that gentleman in things such as topical debates and general debates; I trying to propagate the best interests of science and have absolutely no problem with that idea. Where I have technology in this country, which was sometimes a problem and where I think that the report is quite uncomfortable for the Government. dishonest is the idea that how much time we spend on different parts of Government legislation should be a Mark Fisher: Well, I think that the hon. Gentleman decision that is made by Back Benchers and not the makes his point. Executive. That is something that I have an issue with, because it is down to the Executive of the day to decide Mr. Peter Atkinson (in the Chair): Order. If I can how much time we spend on different parts of Government interrupt the hon. Gentleman just for a minute, I want legislation. to say that he has been very generous in taking interventions but we are very time-limited and there are many Members Mark Fisher: I must say that I do not entirely agree who wish to speak in this debate. I say that because I with my hon. Friend. It is our job to scrutinise Government cannot influence how many interventions he takes, but and therefore the time and the manner in which we perhaps he might bear in mind our limited time. scrutinise Government—either the scrutiny of Government Departments by Select Committees, or the scrutiny of Mark Fisher: I absolutely take your point, Mr. Chairman, Government legislation by Public Bill Committees—is and it is very kind of you to attribute the fact that I am our responsibility. It is not for the Government to tell taking rather longer than I had intended to my generosity us, “You may only scrutinise our legislation in such and in taking interventions. I feel that I am probably taking such a way”. It is for the Government to have all the too long to introduce this debate anyway, because I time they need to present that legislation, to defend it know that in Westminster Hall today we have people and to persuade us that it is admirable legislation that who sat on the House of Commons Reform Committee we need to enact, but it is not for the Government to and who have very important contributions to make to say, “You may not scrutinise us in such a way”. I think this debate. Therefore, I will try to bring my remarks that my hon. Friend and I will have to disagree on this to a close. point, much as I admire her. If we are to fulfil our responsibilities as a Parliament, It is because scrutiny goes to the heart of our role as we need to get control not only of the business of the parliamentarians that control of scrutiny is absolutely House and not only of the membership and chairmanship essential, which brings me to the issue of the control of of the Select Committees, which this report identifies so the Select Committees. It is absolute nonsense that the clearly as an issue, but of the Standing Orders of this Select Committees of this House, which have been a House, which the report identifies rather less clearly as brilliant invention over the last 35 years, should effectively an issue. The Standing Orders determine the future of be determined, either directly or indirectly, by the this House and at the moment they can only be amended Government. It is like the Government choosing their effectively by grace of the Government. They are our own invigilators and scrutineers, and saying, “We will Standing Orders, not the Government’s Standing Orders; be looked at very closely, but only on the terms and by they are the Standing Orders of this House and we the people who we approve”. ought to control them. 205WH House of Commons Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 House of Commons Reform 206WH

There are things in the report that one could imagine, confidence in Parliament arrives hot on the heels of an in an ideal world, being slightly stronger and places unprecedented economic firestorm in the past two years, where it could go wider, as hon. Members have already whereby the catastrophe that has befallen financial mentioned, but the fact of the matter is that I think that institutions has shaken public confidence in the capitalist the report is a superb beginning and a superb indicator system and with the inquiry that is currently being of where we ought to be going. What we now need to do conducted into our going to war in Iraq there is again a is to take this debate on to the Floor of the House and sense that the Executive has been allowed to get away have it on a substantive motion, which many Members with blue murder. in Westminster Hall today have been pressing the However, I feel that the reforming steps that we have Government for. There is an indication that we may get taken so far will not necessarily be sufficient. In the next that substantive debate by the end of January. I hope Parliament, I suspect that we will see a huge turnover of that we will get it by that time. It would be very foolish MPs, even without the turnover that my own party of the Government, having done the difficult job of hopes will happen as far as the general election result is setting up this Committee, appointing the right people concerned. However, there is a concern that we will be to sit on it and to report on this issue and getting, to filling this House with a lot of inexperienced men and their own credit, an excellent report if we were not women who will regard themselves as being little more allowed to debate the report and take the issue forward than cheerleaders for their party leaders. The worst as quickly as possible. To leave such a debate to the next possible outcome, in my view, would be the reinforcement Parliament would be a terrible mistake. Furthermore, if of a parliamentary class made up of people with little we are right in thinking that a third, or perhaps even or no experience outside the political sphere. more, of the Members of the next Parliament will be new MPs, those new MPs will not know how this place It is also possible that expenses woes will encourage works as well as some of us perhaps do, having experienced many of Edmund Burke’s “good men”, and women, the virtues and vices of the present system. We need to simply to give up on the idea of democracy. I do not move fairly fast in the next few months and I hope that lament the scandal’s unveiling, but I mourn the hopeless we will do so. way that politicians dealt with a time bomb that had been waiting to go off for years, as many of us recognised. It is up to us to bestir ourselves and to identify what is It did not have to be that way. We must grasp the rare peculiar about Parliament and our identity that is different opportunity in the aftermath of the scandal to implement from that of Government. If we do that, we will be overdue but lasting reforms. laying a foundation for what this report calls itself, which is “Rebuilding the House”. I reiterate some of what the hon. Member for Stoke- on-Trent, Central said. First, we must pare back the Several hon. Members rose— control exercised by the Executive. In my view, successive Governments and Opposition leaderships deserve much Mr. Peter Atkinson (in the Chair): Order. Before I call of the blame for the parliamentary expenses fiasco that the hon. Member for Cities of London and Westminster has blown up so spectacularly over the past six months. (Mr. Field) to speak, I want to say that there quite a few We have witnessed repeated grandstanding by party Members—I think that there are five or six—who are leaders who refused to implement independent salary trying to catch my eye and that the wind-ups should reviews but turned a blind eye to the cynical—and, at its start shortly after 12 o’clock. So, if hon. Members extreme, fraudulent—manipulation of the second home can do a bit of quick mental arithmetic, we will get allowance, whose annual uplift was never reduced, reversed everybody in. or even capped, and which became a salary substitute. The 24/7 media world in which politics operates militates 11.27 am in favour of any close-knit team around party leadership Mr. Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) being on message, but Executive patronage must now (Con): I welcome the fact that we are having this debate be curtailed. today and I thank the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, I agree with much of what was said about Select Central (Mark Fisher) for introducing it. Regrettably, I Committees. They need to exercise real power. In my must say that I do not entirely agree with the thrust of view, the appointment of all Select Committee members, what he said. I am afraid that the report to which he has not just Chairmen, should be by a secret ballot of all referred was far too timid; it needed to be a good deal MPs. As was rightly pointed out, chairmanships have more robust. I accept that there was an element of too often been handed out by the Executive to former compromise about it and one certainly hopes that at Ministers or senior Back Benchers on the basis of their least what has been proposed in the report will go compliance and willingness not to rock the boat. The through as a starting-point to what I think will be a hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central referred to radical reform. the late Gwyneth Dunwoody and to Ian Gibson. I say that because I think that there is little doubt that Unfortunately, they are the exceptions that prove the the allowances scandal, to which the hon. Gentleman rule about our Select Committee system. One of the referred, will cause what I suspect will be the largest biggest oxymorons in British politics is a phrase that shake-up in parliamentary practice since the Great Reform one often hears in the media: “the influential Select Act of 1832, and not before time. It is perhaps not Committee”. entirely coincidental that the momentous upheaval in Select Committees should be much smaller. I am 1832 came as a result of a crisis of confidence in many grateful that the report goes in that direction. The other institutions. At that time, it was the established number mooted was 11, but in my view, Select Committees Church of England and the monarchy—after the scandals should number between five and eight members, who that had surrounded George IV and George III before should all be fully committed to acquiring or developing him—that were in crisis. Of course, today’s crisis in genuine expertise in the field. The current situation 207WH House of Commons Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 House of Commons Reform 208WH

[Mr. Mark Field] is a much wider democratic deficit. I had hoped that the report would address it, but it has failed absolutely to involves a ludicrous charade in which ill-prepared MPs, do so, which is why I submitted a minority report. I am on the rare occasions when they attend, parrot planted grateful for this opportunity to explain briefly why questions cobbled together by a Committee Clerk rather I did so. than even pretending to hold witnesses or Ministers One main reason why I thought that the report genuinely to account. missed the mark slightly is that we never defined at any We should also have a much smaller House of Commons, point what we meant by reform. Unless we have a clear although I risk talking myself out of a constituency. idea of what it is we mean by reform or modernisation— Curiously, the only Members who tend to propose there is lots of talk about modernisation as well—it is reductions in the size of the Commons are those on the perfectly possible that I could be discussing something cusp of retirement. I see a few such individuals here. completely different from any other Member of the [Interruption.] I hasten to add that in their case it is House. Also, we must define our purpose. What do we voluntary retirement rather than involuntary. The size want our Parliament to do, and therefore, what do of Parliament should be reduced substantially. My party’s we see our role to be as Members of this House? policy is a 10 per cent. reduction, but I think that that None of those questions was really addressed. Although should be a first step. Ideally, a fixed-size Parliament of the report is important—it considers Select Committees, 450 to 500 Members should be our medium-term goal. the question of who scrutinises business and how best The primary priority of all MPs, therefore, should be to do so—those are details. Unless the context is much holding the Executive to account rather than acting as wider and we consider exactly what we do and why we local ombudsmen on constituency issues more appropriately do it, we could end up making things worse rather than dealt with by local authorities, law centres and citizens better. One key element of the report that many Members advice bureaux, to name but three publicly funded have spoken about today—it has also been discussed in bodies properly designed to deal with parochial concerns. the Committee and elsewhere—is wresting control away I would like the process of separating the legislature from the Executive. We may all agree that the Executive from the Executive to begin. That final element of my has too much control, but how we wrest it away from wish list is probably a step too far even for my more them and who we give it to is a key issue not addressed reform-minded colleagues, for now at least. If Parliament in the report. is to have any future relevance beyond making up the The proposal for a House business Committee—not numerical armies required by Governments to pass a Back-Bench business Committee, which I support—to their legislation, we should regard law-making as an determine who controls Government time in the House end in itself rather than an essential stepping stone would give such decisions to a group of seven sensible towards holding ministerial office. My preference—it Back Benchers elected by secret ballot of the whole will not happen at this election, but perhaps at some House, but it could make the situation worse. We did future election—is to have two votes on election day, so not go into detail about how we would do so and people can vote for the Prime Minister and for their exactly what the outcomes would be, but they could be local Member of Parliament. It might well result in a dangerous. split slate, but I do not think that that would be an I will be brief, because I intervened on my hon. unhealthy state of affairs. Friend many times. I think that we all agree that Select There is one important caveat, which I mentioned in Committees are good. They are the one thing that my intervention, that must be addressed before we enhances the reputation of the House. Again, I urge begin a headlong rush to empower individual caution. What are we proposing, and why are we proposing parliamentarians. Many MPs—perhaps even most of it? What are we trying to improve? Gwyneth Dunwoody us—do not regard any of the foregoing, and still less the and Lord Anderson, formerly MP for Swansea, East— constitutional duty of holding the Executive to account, I was not a Member of the House at the time, but I as their main role. Increasingly, the House of Commons remember watching from outside—became members consists of a cadre of super-councillors who keep much and Chairs of their Select Committees, so even though of their attention and their burgeoning work load in a the system was imperfect, it worked. constituency-focused comfort zone. We are all proud of the work that we do in our constituencies, and it is I am worried that by saying, “We don’t think it works important to have a finger on the pulse, but if we are to well enough; let’s do something completely different, ensure reform and put power back into the hands of like having an election by secret ballot of the whole Parliament, this generation of MPs and the next must House,” we might make things worse. We have not be properly equipped to play their key role in the thought through the consequences. The only time when transformative Parliament that democratic renewal in we hold a secret ballot of the whole House is to elect the this country so desperately needs. new Speaker, and many Opposition Members felt that, like it or not, somebody whom they found unpalatable was foisted on them by a Government majority. Given 11.35 am that this is a party political institution and that we tend Natascha Engel (North-East Derbyshire) (Lab): It is to revert to type, what guarantee is there that we would a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr. Atkinson. not do so when electing Select Committee Chairmen? I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke- on-Trent, Central (Mark Fisher) on securing this debate. Mr. David Drew (Stroud) (Lab/Co-op): I partly agree It takes place not just as a result of the report “Rebuilding with my hon. Friend. However, it is not fair that certain the House”, by the Select Committee on which I served, Members, who have been democratically elected, are but against the backdrop of the MPs’ expenses scandal, blocked from ever joining a Select Committee because which is not going away. Part of the reason is that there they are independently minded. 209WH House of Commons Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 House of Commons Reform 210WH

Natascha Engel: I do not know the details of individuals had weapons of mass destruction that he could deploy who have been blocked. I was elected in 2005, which within 45 minutes and so forth. Unless we work out was quite late in the 12 years of Labour Government. ways to ensure that the Executive are honest and The current issue with Select Committees is filling the straightforward with the House, it will always be difficult spaces because there is no mad clamour to serve on to scrutinise them because we will be hobbled. them. There are four or five big, sexy Select Committees I will give a simple example. When the issue is whether that everyone wants to be on, including the Home the nation should go to war, I see no justification for the Affairs Committee, the Foreign Affairs Committee and Attorney-General’s advice to the Government not being the Treasury Committee. Members will not put their shared with the House. Either it is legal to go to war or names down for any number of other Select Committees, it is not. One of the most shameful aspects of the Iraq and cannot be persuaded to do so for love nor money. saga, which I am sure the Chilcot inquiry will highlight, If Select Committee members are elected by the is the way in which Lord Goldsmith was effectively House by secret ballot, how can we ensure that there is bludgeoned into producing advice that satisfied the an adequate gender balance, the right amount of age Prime Minister. Independent legal advisers to the and experience, and a regional mix? The Select Committee Government should be allowed to be independent. It on Reform of the House of Commons considered that appears that when Lord Goldsmith put in writing an in detail and it is not possible. Through the gain of opinion to Government that was hostile and said that making Select Committees more democratic, something the war was not lawful, he was punished by being else would be taken away. We must caution against excluded from Cabinet meetings until he produced an making the situation, which we all agree is not perfect, opinion that satisfied the Prime Minister. Almost the an awful lot worse because we might not be able to go day before British troops were deployed, he said that it back to the system that we think works okay. Nothing is was lawful. As Sir Jeremy Greenstock, our permanent perfect. representative to the UN at the time, was obliged to say to the Chilcot inquiry, this was not a legitimate war, but Finally, I will make a point that I made time and it was legal. That is not a distinction that lawyers really again on the Reform of the House of Commons understand. Committee. It is six months before a general election. As other hon. Members have said, there will be an unprecedented number of new MPs and they will have Mr. Graham Allen (Nottingham, North) (Lab): If we fresh ideas on what to do. They will have fought an had an independent Parliament, it could have reconvened election against the backdrop of the MPs’ expenses in that long summer. As it happened, some of us scandal and will have to have an idea of how Parliament created our own parliament, which forced the Government can be reformed. If we go too far down the line of to allow Parliament to be recalled. Secondly, an independent House business committees deciding who controls what Parliament could have commissioned its own legal advice, bits of time, we risk tying the hands of the future which the Clerks have informed me was not possible. generation, which is not fair. I would welcome the We could then have taken a view on whether the proposed opportunity to debate this in greater detail on the Floor war was legal. of the House, but I am grateful for the opportunity to make a few brief points today. Tony Baldry: The hon. Gentleman, who has been persistent on this issue—quite sensibly, he has tabled items on the Order Paper and campaigned elsewhere— 11.42 am makes some extremely good points. The Iraq conflict Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): The confidence that demonstrated that the House cannot entirely trust the the hon. Member for North-East Derbyshire (Natascha Executive, who often have their own imperatives, desires Engel) has in the Whips and the usual channels is and objectives. If a Government command a large touching. When she has been here for a few more years, majority in the House, irrespective of which party they perhaps she will catch the embittered cynicism of some represent, there is always a temptation to use the majority of us who have been here for a long time. I will be brief to get their business through. because other hon. Members want to speak. [MR.JIM HOOD in the Chair] I challenge hon. Members to consider one point. The I conclude with a quotation from Ken Macdonald, hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central (Mark Fisher) who was the Director of Public Prosecutions for five said that there should be a balance between Government years from 2003 to 2008. It is a damning indictment not time, Back-Bench scrutiny and representing the wishes just of Tony Blair, but of Parliament as an institution: of the general public. If there is to be effective scrutiny, “The degree of deceit involved in our decision to go to war on we often require the Executive to share information Iraq becomes steadily clearer. This was a foreign policy disgrace with us. If they do not do so, we are incapable of of epic proportions and playing footsie on Sunday morning making judgments. television does nothing to repair the damage. It is now very difficult to avoid the conclusion that Tony Blair engaged in an I wonder how many hon. Members who voted for the alarming subterfuge with his partner George Bush and went on to war on Iraq would have done so if they had known mislead and cajole the British people into a deadly war they had what we all know now. The House was entirely dependent made perfectly clear they didn’t want, and on a basis that it’s on the information given to it by the Executive. increasingly hard to believe even he found truly credible.” [Interruption.] Well, some of us voted against it. I We have to accept that that subterfuge and deceit was voted against it as I believed that it was against international perpetrated on Parliament and that we did not have the law because it did not have UN backing. That was a effective means, tools or mechanisms to discover what simple position to take. Many colleagues from all parts was truly happening. We did not even have the basic of the House felt compelled to support the Government legal advice that was given to the Government as providing because they genuinely believed that Saddam Hussein legitimacy for the war. 211WH House of Commons Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 House of Commons Reform 212WH

[Tony Baldry] staggering thesis that basically went along the lines of, “It’s all in the manifesto and it’s the Government’s job From my 26 years in the House, what happened with to get that through, so what are you doing here?” I am Iraq causes me the greatest concern, because as an not entirely sure that we are paid £64,000 a year merely institution we were sucked into something that many of to nod through what is in a manifesto without any us will regret for the rest of our lives. Any reforms of the element of parliamentary scrutiny. We need to be careful institution must ensure that such a thing never happens about going down that road. again. On the comments of the hon. Member for Castle Point (Bob Spink), who is sadly not in this Chamber 11.49 am now, I absolutely support getting rid of MPs’ second jobs and moonlighting—in fact, I proposed a private Martin Salter (Reading, West) (Lab): It is a pleasure Member’s Bill on that issue back in 2007. If we contrast to follow the hon. Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry). the top 50 outside earners in this place with their voting I can give him some comfort. I have just done a quick records, it is clear that the public lose out in that regard. count around the Chamber and a clear majority of On the recommendations of the reform Committee Members did not vote for the Iraq war. Let us glory in itself, we considered three issues. We passed over the our purity for a few moments. I speak as a member matter of the election of the Deputy Speaker, but I very of the Select Committee on Reform of the House of much support the principle of that, particularly the Commons. It was a pleasure to serve on that Committee election of the Chairman of Ways and Means, who may and work with colleagues on it. have a key role to play in a future business Committee. I shall respond to some of the issues raised and then That matter has been passed to the Select Committee make a couple of points. I say to my hon. Friend the on Procedure and, again, its recommendations need to Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central (Mark Fisher) be implemented sooner rather than later. that he should beware of giving too much praise either We also considered the election of Select Committee to the Prime Minister or the Leader of the House, Chairs. In 2001, a fiasco occurred within the parliamentary because thus far the reaction to and reception of our Labour party because of the Executive’s attempts to report has been lukewarm. The Prime Minister is on the determine who their scrutineers were and to decide that record as saying that he fully supports some of the Donald Anderson and Gwyneth Dunwoody were too recommendations, and the Leader of the House has yet good at their jobs and would therefore be excluded from to give us time for either a debate or a decision—a the list of people put forward for the Select Committee. substantive vote—on the report. So the pressure needs The parliamentary Labour party for once was not a to be put on not just my Front Benchers but Conservative poodle, and it rose up. As a result, we brought our Front Benchers—I say that to the hon. Member for internal democracy into that process, and the elected Cities of London and Westminster (Mr. Field). As Back-Bench Members in the PLP had a say in the someone who has organised many events in this place, I names put forward. We are relatively content with our assure him that dark forces are gathering and manoeuvrings internal system and I commend it to other parties. are taking place. We grappled with the notion of electing every single Opposition Front Benchers’ enthusiasm for reform is place on a Select Committee, which would be very wilting as the day of the general election gets closer, difficult to do. I agree with my hon. Friend the Member because all Governments like to control everything and for North-East Derbyshire: in the context of a new feel that they have to be control freaks. It is part of our Parliament, how are we going to weigh up the credentials job to challenge that, whoever forms the next Government. of one newly elected MP against another? I am not sure I want to challenge the notion that we can somehow do that I would want to say who the eleventh member of a our job better with fewer MPs. I ask hon. Members to Select Committee should be from a particular party. reflect on the arguments they have made. What they are That is a matter for the parties themselves. saying is that too often we are super-councillors, we are If we agree the balance—the public decide that as a doing too much casework, we should be doing more result of the number of MPs from different parties who scrutiny, and we should therefore have bigger constituencies are sent here—it is for the parties themselves to come and do less casework. That does not necessarily add up, forward with a sensible, coherent and transparent system. because there may be some transitional problems. People However, it is for the House to decide who the Chairs of might want to think their arguments on that through. those Select Committees should be. Let us be honest: I say to my hon. Friend the Member for North-East the Select Committee Chairs are not going to be newly Derbyshire (Natascha Engel), for whom I have huge elected Members of the House; they will be people with affection, that I utterly reject her minority report. I some experience who have a contribution to make. It is thought it was a cop-out and that it merely talked about healthy for us to have that internal debate, but there is transferring the decision-making process to another no doubt that the type of people who will triumph in Parliament. That report did not address the clear terms those elections will be those who have shown independence of reference that were set up for our Committee to a of spirit and who really are formidable scrutineers. It is very tight time scale, which the Committee addressed. those people whom we need to chair our Select Committees. We did not have time to dance on the head of a pin The case for the House to have control over its own concerning what we mean by reform or anything else. business is overwhelming, particularly regarding non- With due respect, I say to my hon. Friend that she governmental time. I would like us to go further. The should beware of being sucked into the arguments that farce of private Members’ Bills is currently an exercise were given to us in the evidence from my right hon. in using up time. We march the non-governmental Friend the Member for North-West Durham (Hilary organisations and lobby groups up to the top of the hill, Armstrong), the former Chief Whip. She gave us a and an inordinate amount of time, paper and rain forest 213WH House of Commons Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 House of Commons Reform 214WH is wasted in debating matters that will never get through, legislature. Thirdly, it has traditionally been the practice because a Government Whip can stand up on a Friday for members of the public to petition Parliament. That morning and shout, “Object.” For goodness’ sake, we has largely fallen into desuetude, because there is certainly have to be better than that. We have to have something no guarantee that such petitions receive proper consideration better than a system of institutionalised filibustering, or, indeed, any consideration at all. I therefore support which is effectively how a lot of our time and energy is the idea of a public petitions Committee, which would wasted. I would like us to go further in terms of the hand every petition either to a Select Committee for House controlling its own business. consideration, to the relevant Minister for action, or to A small part of the report that I had some influence the proposed business Committee for consideration for on concerns how the public can be better engaged in debate on the Floor of the House. To improve the what goes on in this place. Currently, early-day motions public’s sense of engagement, it would be a good idea if are no more than political graffiti. We sign too many of a petitions Committee rotated its meetings around the them, there are too many of them and they are on too country, as, indeed, is already the case with the Public many subjects. I would like early-day motions to be Petitions Committee in the Scottish Parliament. limited and a system introduced—we allude to this in Again, as happens in some other countries, there is a the report—whereby if an EDM gathers support from strong case for allowing petitions that have attracted the across the House in sufficient numbers, a debate can signatures of a significant proportion of the electorate— take place on the Floor of the House. 5 per cent. or whatever threshold we choose—automatically to have the right to be debated on the Floor of the David Taylor: Will my hon. Friend give way? House and be voted on. That does not, of course, preclude the tabling of amendments or the House reaching Martin Salter: No, I will not. The public could then whatever decision it may make. genuinely engage and drive some of the discussions that I would have liked the Committee to have been given we have in this place. the right to go further. In particular, I think that Parliament During the summer it was my privilege to visit Australia, should have the right to adopt its own commissions of where they have some interesting mechanisms. Select inquiry when it considers that to be appropriate and Committee reports are debated on the day of publication, necessary and, indeed, that it should have the right, and there are three-minute constituency statements through when a Prime Minister proposes a committee of inquiry, which Members of Parliament can make a statement on to ratify that decision before the committee begins a matter of import. Topical debates are decided not by work. Similarly, I believe that Cabinet Ministers should the Government but by the House as a whole. I see this be subject to ratification by the appropriate Select process as just the start. I want the report to be implemented Committee of the House. That might seem a revolutionary now and a process set up, so that reform can continue proposal, but it is exactly what happens in congressional on into the next Parliament and into the Parliament confirmation hearings in the United States. after that. Finally, as other Members have pointedly asked, when do the Government propose a debate and vote on Several hon. Members rose— the Committee’s proposals? Will the terms of that debate encapsulate the draft resolution proposed by the Committee, Mr. Jim Hood (in the Chair): Order. I hope to call incorporating all its proposals, and will there be a vote Front Benchers to give the winding-up speeches around signifying the House’s decision to go ahead with the 12 noon. With that in mind, I call Michael Meacher. reforms straight away before the election? It would be helpful if the Minister could give clear and definite answers to those questions. 11.57 am

Mr. Michael Meacher (Oldham, West and Royton) 12.1 pm (Lab): In the brief time available, I want strongly to support the recommendations from the Reform of the Mr. David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD): I House of Commons Committee. My objection is that congratulate the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central the Committee was not allowed to go far enough, so I (Mark Fisher) on securing the debate and on his comments, shall build on those foundations. and other Members on their comments as well. First, it is essential not only that the Chair and The report, “Rebuilding the House”, opens with a members of Select Committees are kept free of the quote from Sir Robert Worcester: influence of the party managers, but—even more “The public are sullen, some even mutinous.” importantly—that the main recommendations of major You can say that again. There has been no such disquiet reports by Select Committees in the course of a year are in recent times about the state of our politics and our debated and voted on on the Floor of the House. I Parliament. Although the expenses scandals are part of would like the Liaison Committee to be given the power that, let us not confuse what is symptomatic from what to select some of those reports, so that there can be a is causative. The problem is that people do not know vote on the Floor of the House on a substantive motion what Members of Parliament are for, and if they do that reflects its recommendations. know what they are for, they know that we are not Secondly, I support the call made for Members to doing the job in the way they would want it done. That elect their own business Committee. There is no question means that we must reform our political processes to but that, over time, the Executive have encroached make them more effective and relevant. It is instructive increasingly on the rights of Members of the House, that those newspapers that were most vocal on the until they can do little more than rubber stamp what the inadequacies of Parliament were unable to devote a Executive want without any prior consultation with the single column inch to the Committee’s report when it 215WH House of Commons Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 House of Commons Reform 216WH

[Mr. David Heath] that—because that is transparently what works in other legislatures, yet we leave it to the Executive to decide was published. They do not want to see Parliament what we debate, which I find extraordinary. made more effective, but I am happy that some Members do. David Taylor: The hon. Gentleman has mentioned I believe that there is a much wider agenda on democratic public participation. Is he at all attracted by Simon renewal, which other Members have touched on today. Cowell’s idea for an “X Factor” approach, not on It would not be appropriate in this debate to discuss all whether we should have Gordy from Cowdenbeath, the things I believe we should be looking at, but they Dave from the home counties or Nicky from south include fixed-term Parliaments, the way in which we are Yorkshire as our leader, but on particular and specific elected to the House, the funding of political parties, issues? Would that not go some way towards engaging which I spent six months discussing with colleagues and the public in the important things we discuss here? which has resulted in very little, and reform of the House of Lords, which I spent another six months Mr. Heath: I think that there might be more sophisticated discussing with other parties and which also resulted in ways of achieving the same result, and I am not desperately very little. That agenda would include proper devolution attracted to “The X Factor”, but I think that the and subsidiarity so that we move power to local government principle must be right. in this country and from the European level to the national level. Natascha Engel: The hon. Gentleman said he supports the proposal for a business Committee. Is that a business Today, however, we are concentrating on Executive Committee for Back-Bench business or for House business? control of our legislature. We ought to recognise—those who do not should look at other Parliaments around Mr. Heath: My personal view is that it would be a the world—that this country is almost unique in having Committee for all business of the House. I believe that a Parliament dominated by the Executive. It is within we scrutinise expenditure extraordinarily badly. On the our power to address that issue, if only colleagues from days on which we are supposed to deal with estimates, all parties in the House recognised the need to do so. It the one thing we do not discuss is the estimates. It is is within our power to address it, but we only have the extraordinary that we devote a minimal amount of opportunity to do so if the Executive allow it. That is time, with minute participation, to eye-wateringly large the conundrum at the heart of the matter: we can amounts of taxpayers’ money. That is what we are there change the balance of power between the Executive and to scrutinise on those days, but we do such a poor job of the legislature only if the Executive let us do so, and we it. That problem is not fully addressed in the Committee’s need to look at that. report. It does deal with control of Select Committees, which is an important issue, but, in the great scheme of I do not believe that the Committee’s report answers things, not the most important issue. However, it is all the questions. It is a good report, but the Committee certainly something on which we should make progress. was constrained by its terms of reference and the time frame within which it was required to report, so there Private Members’ business is important, as it is about are issues with which its report does not deal. However, re-establishing the respect for the role of the individual it does deal with much of what is going wrong. For Member in the House and for the idea that we are here instance, it asks questions what happens to Bills on as legislators and we have things to say on behalf of our Report. It is a catastrophe for the House that large and constituents. It is for Parliament to determine whether important Bills, often dealing with matters literally of what we have to say is relevant in the wider statute life and death, pass unscrutinised to another place so book, rather than for a single member of the that it can do the job that we in the elected House Government—a Whip—to shout “Object” and ruin should be doing. That is an outrage. many months of detailed work. The report has produced a draft resolution for the Even when Bills are brought before us that we are consideration of the House, so the question is this: why told will set a paradigm for the way in which such on earth are the Government not simply putting that matters will be treated in future, that is not the case. draft resolution before the House? They said that that When the Equality Bill was recently introduced in was a matter of urgency, but they have dillied and Parliament, the Leader of the House told us that it dallied for weeks. They have written to me and to the would be an example of the way to do it. Well, it was an hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire (Mr. Vara), example of the way we do do it, because half of it was the shadow Leader of the House, whom I am pleased to not scrutinised on Report and was passed to the other see in the Chamber, and asked what we think about the House for it to do the job we should be doing. matter. It is not for me alone to think about those issues, Access to the agenda of the House is a key area, and but for the House to think about them. I believe that not just for the public. I absolutely agree with hon. that resolution should be put before the House and that Members who have said that the public should have a we should have a debate on it, because there is still way of influencing what we discuss, but Back Benchers, detailed work to be done on making changes to Standing Opposition parties and Members who have a genuine Orders if the House agrees to the draft resolution, as I interest in bringing a matter forward, must have better hope it will. The most important issue before the House access to the agenda. It is in that regard that the is how we make Parliament work effectively. It is a proposed business Committee becomes so important, matter of urgency, of massive import and cannot be but it is the one area on which I have doubts about the delayed. Select Committee’s recommendations, because I would There was a Roman senator—I believe it was Cato prefer a single business Committee. There should be a the Censor—who used to finish every debate with business Committee—I have no doubt whatever about “Carthago delenda est”: Carthage must be destroyed. If 217WH House of Commons Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 House of Commons Reform 218WH

I had the same discipline, I would end every speech with has helped, but there is still much more that needs to be “Standing Order No. 14 delenda est”. We must remove done before we can truly say that we are connecting that Standing Order to give back control of this House with the public. to its Members, not the people who serve as Ministers, A week after the Prime Minister’s coronation in who should not have that responsibility. July 2007, he spoke of entrusting “more power to Parliament and the British people.”—[Official 12.9 pm Report, 3 July 2007; Vol. 462, c. 815.] He also spoke of reducing the power of the Executive Mr. Shailesh Vara (North-West Cambridgeshire) (Con): and of increasing their accountability. Those fine words I congratulate the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, were of course welcomed by all, but as has happened so Central (Mark Fisher) on securing this debate and on often, the Government simply failed to follow through. his contribution. I would like to put on the record the Even the reforms we are discussing today are not from a valuable work that he has done prior to this debate. He Government initiative. Instead, they stem from a letter was the founder of, and then an assiduous contributor written by the hon. Member for Cannock Chase to the to the cross-party efforts of, Parliament First, which for Prime Minister in which he suggested setting up the some time has been advocating reform of how we do Reform of the House of Commons Committee. our business. Among its publications was a report in April 2003, “Parliament’s Last Chance”. While the title The absence of any genuine desire for reform is also may have seemed a little apocalyptic at the time, perhaps illustrated by the shambles that is the Modernisation with hindsight the sentiments were not so wrong. Committee, which has not met for 18 months. As well as being chaired by a Minister, one of its last actions was May I also congratulate the hon. Member for Cannock to force through proposals for Regional Select Committees. Chase (Dr. Wright) and all the other members of the That was done despite the objections of the Opposition Reform of the House of Commons Committee on their parties; they were forced through on the casting vote of efforts in producing their report, especially given the the Leader of the House. relatively short time they had to do it? In contrast with the Government’s dithering and In the wake of revelations concerning Members’ procrastination, my party has shown real leadership. allowances and expenses, Parliament’s reputation has We have been calling for reform of the Commons for reached a low ebb. Therefore, any proposals for reform some time. In February 2006, my right hon. Friend the must be considered in the light of enhancing public Member for Witney (Mr. Cameron), the Leader of the confidence in Parliament and its Members. The revelations Opposition, established the Conservative party’s democracy shattered many people’s faith in our political system, taskforce under the chairmanship of my right hon. and but it is fair to say that the cracks in our institution had learned Friend the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Clarke). been growing for many years. Also serving on that committee were my right hon. Before touching on the report’s specific recommendations, Friend the Member for North-West Hampshire (Sir George it is worth highlighting the Government’s record to Young) and my hon. Friend the Member for Chichester date. I am happy to give credit where it is due. On the (Mr. Tyrie). The taskforce’s report called for radical constitutional front, the Scottish Parliament and Welsh changes to how Parliament operates, and I am pleased Assembly have received widespread support, and there that many of its proposals have been adopted by the is some expectation that the Northern Ireland Assembly Wright Committee. will help to deliver a lasting peace settlement. The For example, in May my right hon. Friend the Leader Freedom of Information Act 2000 has helped to make of the Opposition made a speech in which he stressed Parliament and the Executive more open and accountable, the need for Select Committee Members and Chairmen while some of the working practices of the Commons to be elected. Select Committees are an important part have been brought up to 21st-century standards, certainly of parliamentary scrutiny, but the undue influence of in terms of being in tune with modern family life. Those party Whips on membership is a matter of concern. changes are welcome, and if we were in government we The last time reform in this area was seriously pressed would keep them. was in 2003 by the late Robin Cook, who was then However, welcome though those changes are, and Leader of the House. He was outmanoeuvred by his leaving devolution aside, the changes introduced since own party Whips and voted down in the House on a 1997 have not substantially changed the relationship recommendation of the Modernisation Committee, of between Parliament and the Executive. In fact, they which he was Chairman. have tilted it in favour of the Executive. For example, we Put simply, Select Committee chairmanships should have the use of the automatic guillotine, control by the not be offered as rewards for party loyalty. The situation Whips of nominations to Select Committees, unacceptable encountered in 2001, when Government Whips attempted delays in obtaining timely and proper replies from to remove two Select Committee Chairmen who were Ministers when Members ask oral and written questions, seen as “difficult” to their own party, should not be and regular briefings to the media on statements before allowed to happen again. We should have Select Committee a word has been uttered in the House—for example, Chairmen and members who enjoy the support and today’s announcement by the Defence Secretary. confidence of the House. They should be the best people for the job. At times, that may be inconvenient Martin Salter: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? for the Opposition and the Government, but it is the way forward. Mr. Vara: I am afraid I will not. As I have very We agree that Deputy Speakers should be elected, limited time, I must press on. and we look forward to considering the Procedure The Defence Secretary briefed the “Today”programme Committee’s recommendations in the not too distant prior to a statement. The Freedom of Information Act future. 219WH House of Commons Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 House of Commons Reform 220WH

[Mr. Vara] not constitute a whole day’s debate or, indeed, a contribution to it. Moreover, will the Deputy Leader of the House The proposals regarding petitions are especially welcome confirm that every effort will be made to ensure that no and long overdue. Again, they follow proposals previously ministerial statements and the like interfere on the day? made by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition. Will she also clarify a particular point from last week’s Other more radical comments regarding the triggering business questions, when the Leader of the House spoke of debate or legislation after a certain number of signatures of responding to the debate? Will she confirm that there have been received are also welcome. The Committee is will be a statement, either written or oral, followed by a right to caution against the effect that such changes proper debate? may have on the operation of the House, but, if The Government have asked the Opposition parties implemented correctly, they would help in the process for their views on the report. Will the Deputy Leader of of reconnecting the Commons with the public. the House take my contribution today as our response However, we would go further. We have specifically to the Wright report? We look forward to hearing from said that we would introduce citizens’ initiatives: if a the Minister about what the Government’s view is on petition to Parliament secures 100,000 signatures, there the report. should be a formal debate, and if members of the public are backed by a petition of 1 million electors, they should be able to table a Bill to be presented and voted 12.20 pm on in Parliament. The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of We have also called for the House to have more the House of Commons (Barbara Keeley): It is a pleasure control over its own business. Of course, the Government to serve under your chairmanship, Mr. Hood, and that have the right to pursue their legislative agenda according of Mr. Atkinson earlier in the debate. I, too, congratulate to what has been set out in their manifesto, but that my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, Central does not mean they should control the whole timetable. (Mark Fisher) on securing this debate and on opening it It is important to allow MPs proper time to debate. One so well. It is an important issue for the House to discuss: of the Government’s most retrograde parliamentary we can see that from the number of contributions. I innovations has been the use of programme motions for counted about 17 hon. Members at certain points in the every Bill. They have stifled debate and resulted in debate, although slightly fewer are present now. numerous instances where new clauses and amendments As this debate has developed in the House, I have tabled to Bills have simply not been debated; for example, been grateful for the chance to listen to the views of all that happened with the recent Equality Bill. hon. Members who have contributed to it, including The way in which proposals will be implemented is today the hon. Members for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy almost as important as the changes themselves. It is (Mr. Llwyd)—always difficult to pronounce—and for clear that some can be introduced immediately, such as Castle Point (Bob Spink), my hon. Friend the Member changes to how petitions are presented. However, as the for Stroud (Mr. Drew), the hon. Member for Westbury report says, any changes would have to be implemented (Dr. Murrison), my hon. Friends the Members for in stages. That is sensible, and we need to ensure that the North-West Leicestershire (David Taylor) and for North- implementation of any new Standing Orders does not East Derbyshire (Natascha Engel), the hon. Members inhibit the ability of a new Parliament to hit the ground for Cities of London and Westminster (Mr. Field), for running. Isle of Wight (Mr. Turner), for Oxford, West and Abingdon (Dr. Harris) and for Banbury (Tony Baldry), my hon. But we should go much further. The Wright Committee Friends the Members for Nottingham, North (Mr. Allen) was constrained by its terms of reference. Members will and for Reading, West (Martin Salter), my right hon. of course be aware that much time was wasted at the Friend the Member for Oldham, West and Royton outset, not least because of changes to the original (Mr. Meacher), and the Opposition Front Bench motion, but that should not stop the process of ensuring spokesmen, the hon. Members for Somerton and Frome that Parliament is reformed further to serve the public (Mr. Heath) and for North-West Cambridgeshire better. For example, we would like to see the abolition (Mr. Vara). of wasteful Regional Select Committees, a reduction in As many hon. and right hon. Members have said, the size of the Commons and equalisation of constituency reform of the House is a broad, important subject, but sizes, a vast improvement in the scrutiny of European it is not new: it is a continual process and we should Union legislation, a cut in the overall cost of politics regard it as such. There should be change as procedures and a determined effort to resolve the West Lothian become outdated or new systems develop. I support a question so that only English MPs can vote on wholly number of the reforms that have been advanced by both English matters. Those and other measures are necessary the Modernisation Committee and the Procedure if we are really to reform Parliament and make its Committee since 1997. Indeed, it was recently 10 years processes and procedures fit for the 21st century. since Westminster Hall started to be used as the parallel To conclude, my party has been leading on this Chamber, and it is useful, as we have seen today, in matter for some time. We welcome the majority of the allowing debates that are open to all hon. Members. proposals in the report, but we must ensure that changes The Modernisation Committee recommended establishing and their implementation are made in an appropriate this room as a second debating Chamber. That change and achievable way. This is not the end of the line but was not met with support throughout the whole House. only a station stop along the track of necessary reform It is interesting to note that our current Speaker was a and modernisation. In last week’s business questions, key opponent of that reform. But I think that we can several Members spoke of having a full day’s debate on agree, particularly today, that this change has been a the report. I very much hope that this short debate will successful innovation. 221WH House of Commons Reform15 DECEMBER 2009 House of Commons Reform 222WH

Other reforms brought about by the Modernisation Most of the changes I have mentioned have been Committee have been important too, including changes welcomed, although some more than others. Last night to the sitting hours of the House and deferred Divisions. we were here from 10.20 pm to 11.20 pm, setting up the We do not always want to find ourselves—particularly London Regional Select Committee. That took a little those hon. Members with children—voting at 11.20 pm while, but those innovations are important. or 11.40 pm, as we did last night: that is not family-friendly. As hon. Members know, events this year related to Another reform is the introduction of core tasks for the crisis surrounding hon. Members’ use of allowances Select Committees. More recently we have had topical have created a pressure for reform of the system, but questions and topical debates, which hon. Members more generally too, and that is mentioned in the have mentioned. As with the use of Westminster Hall Committee’s report. On 10 June, as hon. Members have for wider debates, topical questions and debates will be mentioned, the Prime Minister said that he was happy reviewed in terms of how they are working. I think most support the proposal from my hon. Friend the Member hon. Members would agree that the topical questions for Cannock Chase (Dr. Wright) to chair that special innovation is working. commission, as we called it then, to advise on the Recently, we debated the House of Commons annual processes that the Committee took forward. report, although that debate was not as well attended as The Committee reported three weeks ago. It recognises this one, and discussed the importance of public engagement that its report contains conclusions and recommendations and involvement. There were not many contributions that are directed not at the Government, but at the on that matter today, but it is a vital part of what we House, Ministers and Back Benchers alike. The Committee need to develop in our reform agenda. said that it expects a Government reply on some points, Another change stemming from the Modernisation and that it would be due around the end of January. Committee was the report that set up the Regional The Committee also said that it expects a debate. The Select and Regional Grand Committees. I defend the Leader of the House has said that the Government Regional Select Committees and particularly the Regional intend to make time for a debate on the important Grand Committees that met throughout the summer. I matters we have debated today, and she reaffirmed that read the reports of those Committees, in which some at business questions last week. I cannot add more useful debates were held, particularly on factors such as detail to that, but I expect her to announce a date in the the economic downturn. usual way. I take on board the point made by the hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire about ministerial Martin Salter: Does my hon. Friend not realise that statements being made on the day. The Leader of the there is a distinct danger of those hon. Members who House said she would try to make sure that that did not served on the Reform Committee beginning to self-harm happen. if we have to listen to any more canters through the wonders of the Conservative party democracy taskforce Returning to the report, as my hon. Friend the Member or the history of the Modernisation Committee? Does for Reading, West said, the appointment of Deputy she not agree that we want to hear whether both Opposition Speakers was considered by the Procedure Committee, and Government Front Benchers are signed up to the and we will respond on that debate too at the same time Wright Committee recommendations? We had a non- as discussing the other matters I have mentioned. response from the Conservatives; will we get a proper The report of the Reform Committee touches, response from her? importantly, on areas in which further work is needed, such as the Liaison Committee’s re-examining the current Barbara Keeley: I will come to that. [HON.MEMBERS: role of Select Committees. We have heard a great deal in “When?”] I will touch on further changes—[Interruption.] this debate about the role of Select Committees. The task of looking again at them may tie into the concerns Mr. Jim Hood (in the Chair): Order. I ask hon. expressed by my hon. Friend the Member for North-East Members to calm down and let the Minister finish her Derbyshire. There has been strong support voiced in a speech. number of contributions about changing the way the House appoints the members and Chairs of Select Barbara Keeley: There have been some important Committees, but an important difference was expressed changes and reforms. It is important, as we look forward, by my hon. Friend, who said that, although we accept not to lose sight of the fact that there have been some that Select Committees work well, we need to consider good reforms that have helped matters. what we are proposing. As she said, secret ballots of the The systems of pre-legislative and post-legislative whole House may not work. The Government could, scrutiny give a more systematic approach to scrutinising with a majority, foist their choice of Select Committee Bills. I understand that there are issues regarding the Chairs on the House. That needs thinking about. My scheduling of Report stage and so on, which hon. hon. Friend also asked how such ballots would get a Members have raised, but we have got better at our task gender and geographical balance and a mix of levels of of scrutiny: the current Bribery Bill is one example of experience. That deserves detailed consideration. As we that. Post-legislative scrutiny memorandums have also have mentioned previously, there will probably be a helped. large number of brand new MPs in the 2010 intake. We The Equality Bill, which was mentioned by the hon. need to consider how a ballot would work with a large Member for Somerton and Frome, was complicated number of new people. legislation that replaced eight former pieces of discrimination legislation. Although perhaps not all the Mr. Allen: In the less than one minute remaining, processes helped, some of them, including interleaving could my hon. Friend be crystal clear with hon. Members the easy-read guide, helped hon. Members and the from all parties and the House itself and say whether public to work on the Bill. Those things are important. there will be a substantive motion on the report that the 223WH House of Commons Reform 15 DECEMBER 2009 224WH

[Mr. Allen] Government Science Priorities Reform Committee has put forward at some time, and will she tell us when that will be? That is why we have 12.30 pm had this debate, and that is the question that virtually Dr. Vincent Cable (Twickenham) (LD): It is a privilege every hon. Member who has spoken has raised with her. to have the opportunity to introduce this short debate Will she make that clear so there is no misunderstanding? on science funding. The matter has come to light in the past week with the announcement that the Government Barbara Keeley: I have to say that I disagree. I do not will try to trim £600 million from their budget for think that is why we have had the debate today. We have higher education and science. I am sure that they will be had this debate because there is a continuing process of deluged with proposals from other Members of Parliament debate. We have opened a debate that will continue into to discuss how that will affect their constituencies. I the new year. I have already mentioned that I cannot— have already seen some strong statements on the bigger picture from the Royal Society, the Royal Society of Mr. Jim Hood (in the Chair): Order. Chemistry, and other bodies. We have only half an hour, so I shall not deal with that big picture; I want to deal with one specific and narrow aspect, which is how the Government’s funding proposals affect one institution—the National Physical Laboratory in my constituency. I shall develop significance of the laboratory in the wider science community. It has approximately 350 of the country’s leading scientists—predominantly physicists and mathematicians—and it is the cornerstone of the Government’s activity in national measurement. It faces a short-term proposal to remove 10 per cent. of its budget, which Prospect, the trade union representing most of the professional scientists, estimates could involve about 40 professional scientists having to go from core programmes. That may be premature, because we do not yet know how many people will be involved, but the cut in financial and human terms will be substantial, both in an extremely important institution for British science, and for Teddington in my constituency. First, I shall explain a little of the background to show why the matter is important and why it merits special attention. Measurement science is not dramatic or headline-grabbing, but it is at the heart of scientific work. This country has four significant laboratories specialising in different sorts of measurement work, and three happen to be on the same campus in my constituency. They are the National Physical Laboratory, the laboratory of the Government Chemist, which is now part of a privatised unit specialising in chemistry research, and the National Weights and Measures Laboratory. In terms of resources, the National Physical Laboratory accounts for approximately 80 per cent. of national measurement activity. That is crucial, because any applied science, whether for scientific research or industrial purposes, must have a measurement base, whether that involves distance, time, heat or the measurements required by new sciences such as nanotechnology and bioscience. The concept of Greenwich mean time, for example, is actually Teddington mean time, because the laboratory containing the atomic clocks that determine the basic standard of time is there. Measurement is at the core of applied science which, along with engineering, would not exist without a measurement base, and that is what the laboratory provides. It develops and improves measurement techniques, and derives new systems of measurement for new problems, one of which is carbon. Carbon trading must be based on a common denominator of measurement. Secondly, although the National Physical Laboratory is a national institution, it is part of a global network of institutions, and a leading international institution in 225WH Government Science Priorities15 DECEMBER 2009 Government Science Priorities 226WH the measurement of science, or metrology. There are “our links with our immediate…BIS colleagues I think are very comparable institutions in the United States, including positive in terms of how we structure the programme. What I am the National Institute for Standards and Technologies, concerned about though is that by the time it gets to them it is and Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt in Germany, difficult to see the evidence base for the reductions and it tends to be, ‘We will take ten per cent off everyone’.” but the National Physical Laboratory is recognised as being the leading institution, or certainly among the That “10 per cent. off everyone” approach by the leading handful of globally important institutions. Those Department towards the cuts is seriously worrying. institutions collaborate but also compete, and the Let me reinforce what I said earlier. I fully accept that laboratories will say that at the very time at which we there must be discipline in public spending, and that are embarking on a process of cuts, NIST and PTB there will almost certainly be cuts. However, that must should have a massive infusion of resources, because be done rationally and as far as I can establish, at the their Governments recognise that if their applied science moment we have a “10 per cent. off everything”approach, effort is to improve and expand they must have a strong which is not efficient, either economically or administratively. base for measurement science. Thirdly, we can all argue for more money to be spent Mr. Edward Vaizey (Wantage) (Con): Some of my on science. As someone who started his adult life with constituents work at the National Physical Laboratory, scientific training at university, I believe in science. and there are a number of important scientific However, as the Minister will say, there is infinite demand, establishments in my constituency, which is why I am and resources are limited, so there must be a return for interested in the points raised by the hon. Gentleman. society. The National Physical Laboratory’s work and Does he agree that the science budget has not been well our national effort on measurement generally is striking handled for a number of years? We faced a crisis last in its benefit-to-cost ratio. A departmental report from year with compulsory redundancies because of the way the National Measurement Office, published by the in which the Science and Technology Facilities Council then Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills handled its negotiations with what was the Department says that every for Innovation, Universities and Skills, and is now the “additional £6 million spent by Government on measurement Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. technology would deliver up to £410 million of economic impact annually.” Dr. Cable: I accept what the hon. Gentleman says—there Most commercial organisations would die to have such is probably a systemic problem. The Department might a return with every pound producing £60 of return for have been good at administering expansion, but it is not society. That is an extraordinary benefit. Grossing up good at administering contraction. There does not appear the figures and applying them to the laboratory as a to be a rational, systematic way of making choices, whole, as the laboratory’s director did in his presentation which goes to the heart of what I want to say. to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, shows that about £75 million a year, of which £50 million I accept that we are dealing with a financially austere comes from the Government generates £2 billion a year environment, but the issue is about how it is managed. I of economic value. That is an extraordinary multiplier. am not suggesting that my constituency—or the institutions in it—be spared from economies made across the country. At the heart of the controversy is the fact that, It would be easy to say, “Not in my backyard; deal with despite that extraordinary benefit, which the Government the problem somewhere else.” I recognise that there are themselves have estimated—it is not a self-serving estimate 160 Government science laboratories, and they must all by the people involved—it has been proposed that be treated fairly and be subject to the same systematic instead of adding £6 million to generate that benefit, form of assessment. £6 million will be taken away. Two conclusions may be drawn. Perhaps there is something wrong with the I have not come here to attack the Government for Government’s measurement, and perhaps the benefits their handling of science. Over the past decade, a lot of are not real and something is wrong with the calculation. investment has gone into science. There have been good That is possible—I do not know how they arrived at Science Ministers, such as Lord Sainsbury and Lord their numbers—but if they are right, an extraordinarily Drayson, who are very committed to science and are damaging decision is being contemplated. One of those knowledgeable about the subject. I know that the Prime propositions must be true, and I hope that the Minister Minister takes a personal interest in boosting science, as will address it when he responds. does the Secretary of State. However, having built up a That is the context, but I want to take the argument reputation for being pro-science, there is a serious danger on by stressing that I want a positive outcome. I am not of the Government blowing that reputation if this more here to make debating points, to lecture the Government, difficult phase is badly handled. or to apportion blame. That is not the spirit of this I am not here to attack the Department either. The debate, and I want to make several specific points. First, director of the National Physical Laboratory has gone I accept that Government spending must be cut, almost out of his way to point out that its relationship with the certainly in the Minister’s Department. I am not for one Department has generally been good and productive. I minute suggesting that that can be avoided—and I have can attest to that, as some years ago there was a difficult been outspoken in my capacity as a party spokesman in process of managing the private finance initiative project saying that we must be realistic in facing up to the need that rebuilt the laboratory. It was handled sensitively for cuts—but the issue is how it is to be done. What is and came to a successful conclusion. It is more worrying particularly worrying is how the process is being managed. that in a very difficult environment, the process is not It is worth quoting Brian Bowsher, director of the being carefully managed, and we have across-the-board National Physical Laboratory, who said in his evidence cuts without any attempt to prioritise and establish to the House of Lords that costs and benefits. 227WH Government Science Priorities15 DECEMBER 2009 Government Science Priorities 228WH

[Dr. Cable] scattergun basis or on the basis of “10 per cent. off everything”. We need a proper, rigorous process for I would like the Minister to provide some reassurance evaluating this. that a proper process is being established to look at how On a more personal level, I hope that it will be a more difficult resource environment can be managed. possible to pursue these issues in more detail with the At some point, a process must be established that asks Minister for Science and Innovation. Perhaps, as the what things are in the science budget that cannot be icing on the cake, we could persuade the Secretary of dealt with by the private sector—if the private sector State to come to the laboratories in Teddington, which will do them, there is no need for the Government to do is just down the road from Westminster. He would be them. However, almost by definition, measurement science extremely welcome, and I am sure that he would learn a for the most part cannot be dealt with by the private great deal. sector. If we go back to mediaeval times, long before Governments accepted the need to provide roads, let alone schools and hospitals, a basic function of government 12.47 pm was to provide a common or standard system of weights The Minister for Higher Education and Intellectual and measures. Providing that basic public good is basic Property (Mr. David Lammy): Let me begin by government, and it cannot simply be shifted on to the congratulating the hon. Member for Twickenham private sector. (Dr. Cable) on securing the debate, and thanking him The things that survive and are given priority will for the manner in which he made his contribution. He is presumably be those that produce the highest returns to known to the general public as his party’s Treasury society. I have quoted figures from the Minister’s spokesman, and once again he has demonstrated his Department which suggest that this area is very productive, sound grasp of finance issues. He also has a long-standing and surely that should be the rational basis on which interest and background in science, and today he has decisions are made. When establishing priorities, it is been able to combine the two and we are grateful for clear that some activities must be focused on the things that. In spite of the difficulties experienced at the National that will matter in the future—the whole carbon economy Physical Laboratory, I hope that the hon. Gentleman problem is obviously at the centre of the Government’s will allow me to present the context in which we are priorities. I worry that as a result of the cuts, the critical having this debate—the position of science in wider mass needed in British measurement for dealing with society, and what the Government have been attempting the carbon economy might not be there. to do. My question to the Minister is this: has the Department The Government inherited a UK science base in got a method? Has it got a system of risk assessment? chronic decline, thanks to a sustained period of There is no need to rush into these cuts. The Government underfunding. Not only was there a shortfall in recurrent agree with my party that although we will have to public funding of science, but the science facilities in economise substantially on public spending, we should our universities and research institutions were, in some not rush to do so during a recession—that would be the cases, literally crumbling and falling behind those of worst thing to do. It would be better to act in a measured many of our competitors. We still had great scientists, way and establish a proper system for assessing risk and but many of the best found that they could fulfil their costs and benefits. I am pressing the Government to potential to make new discoveries only by joining the indicate how they will do that. brain drain of scientists leaving our shores and going to At the same time as announcing cuts, the Government other countries. In addition, the next generation of have announced increases in spending in something British scientists coming up through our schools was called a strategic investment fund. I think that £200 million being short-changed, because the numbers of specialist has been allocated to that, and I am sure that it is a science teachers were falling dramatically across the desirable thing to do. However, who decided which country. money goes into the expanding field and which money There was a widespread feeling that the problem was is taken out of other scientific institutions? Is there a too big to tackle; indeed, there was an effective campaign basis for calculating such things? I notice that technology at the time called Save British Science. However, we for video games is included in the list of activities came to office and we tackled the problem. The Government funded by the strategic investment fund. I do not want have invested in science and research, and that investment to be snobbish; I am sure that video games could has risen year on year. It has risen dramatically, and by usefully benefit from improved technology as much next year will be double in real terms what it was in as anything else. However, who has decided that 1997. Equally importantly, the science and research £3.5million invested in video game technology is more budget remains ring-fenced—protected—to ensure that valuable than £3.5 million invested in measurement the money voted by Parliament for science and research science? There must be a system for doing such things is allocated to support science and research. systematically. We also inherited a massive capital investment backlog To conclude, and to give the Minister a proper for science research facilities. We therefore created an opportunity to reply, I have not come here to launch a unprecedented science and research investment fund, tirade against the principle of cuts, or to lecture the which provided £2 billion to help universities to make Government on their poor performance in science, because good the capital shortfall that they had experienced and in general they have been very pro-science. I want to to create science facilities of a quality worthy of our make two simple points. First, I want an assurance from scientists. We went further and created a new higher the Minister that a proper, rigorous, deliberate process education innovation fund—currently worth £130 million will be set in train to decide how the cuts in the Department a year—to encourage universities to ensure that the will be made, and that they will not be made on a benefits of new discoveries spread beyond the scientific 229WH Government Science Priorities15 DECEMBER 2009 Government Science Priorities 230WH community into the wider community and society. That Next year’s grants from my Department should not was because of the continued suggestion in British affect the laboratory’s sustainability, nor the jobs for the national life that we invented things, but the hon. Gentleman’s constituents that it supports, because commercialisation and extension of that science was the amount will be substantially more than the contractual something that we were not able to do as effectively. To minimum that I have mentioned and on which the improve specialist science teaching in schools, we introduced laboratory’s planning assumptions have been based. I incentives for teacher training. As a result, there are am bound to add that the current economic climate more science graduates in the system than ever before in would make many bodies envious of the funding that our history. the laboratory has received. It is important to go back That is why British science is strong today. It is the to the contractual basis and the funding that Serco said most productive in the G8, and ranks second only to that it needed to run the laboratory, and to recognise that of the United States in international league tables. that the Government have gone further and will still go The National Physical Laboratory is a key component further next year, notwithstanding the efficiencies that of that strength. Indeed, it has been an integral part of we have had to make. The Government’s continuing our science infrastructure ever since 1901. The work commitment to the laboratory’s work has, I hope, been that it does in establishing, maintaining and refining demonstrated by, among other things, significant investment national measurement standards may sound a bit academic in its facilities, with a new laboratory building just and dry, but it underpins many of the scientific completed. developments that we take for granted around us. Without Moreover, the laboratory’s core funding does not incredibly accurate and consistent systems of measurement, include nearly £1 million that it will receive over the the internet would not exist; nor would satellite navigation, next three years from my Department’s public sector microsurgery and advanced radiology, and many of the research exploitation fund to help it to strengthen its new green technologies on which a sustainable future capacity to commercialise the work that it does. That in will increasingly depend. That is why the National turn should help it to diversify its sources of income for Physical Laboratory receives support from my Department future years. I should also mention the research councils. on so large a scale. The laboratory cannot receive funds directly from them, To gain a clearer understanding of the issues, earlier but it may benefit from them by working in partnership today I discussed the case with the laboratory’s parent with bodies—notably universities—that can receive research organisation, the National Measurement Office. I have council grants. Indeed, it is doing so. Two current also heard from my right hon. and noble Friend the projects are especially worthy of note. One is the LIDAR— Minister for Science and Innovation, who is willing to light detection and ranging—sensing technology system meet the hon. Member for Twickenham if that would for aircraft that the laboratory is developing with the be helpful. He is keen to discuss the programme or universities of Cambridge and Manchester. The other is timetable for decisions pertaining to the fiscal strength the post-doctoral research partnership in measurement of the National Physical Laboratory. technologies that the laboratory has formed with the Since 1995, the laboratory has been a Government- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. owned, contractor-operated institute. That means that None of that is to say that the laboratory’s management it is owned by the taxpayer but operated under contract are not dealing with serious problems, which cut to the by a private company—in this case, a subsidiary of heart of the issues that the hon. Gentleman has rightly Serco. The contract runs until 2014, and guarantees the brought to the House. Assumptions have been made laboratory an index-linked annual minimum income that are not quite bearing fruit. I am not sure that they from my Department. That currently stands at £41.5 million, are entirely in relation to Government grant because, as but the actual funding that the laboratory receives this I said, we are meeting our minimum standards, but year will be £47.4 million—some 72 per cent. of its total there have been costs, particularly in respect of energy, income. that were not predicted but have gone up substantially, In his Front-Bench role, the hon. Member for and costs in respect of pensions, which perhaps are Twickenham has acknowledged more than once the more predictable but nevertheless are making the business need for publicly funded bodies to make efficiencies in plan particularly difficult at this time. Those issues cut these difficult times. The National Physical Laboratory to the heart of the laboratory’s current problems. is not immune from that need, but the core funding that The Department is very keen to work with the hon. it receives next year from the Department will fall by a Gentleman and the laboratory to find a way to deal relatively small amount to £45 million. I remind the with the matter. There may have to be some reorganisation, hon. Gentleman that that is not its sole income. Its but we are clear that we remain keen to ensure that we status allows it to garner funds from other sources. I preserve the infrastructure and ensure that fundamental assure him in particular that the current problems that capabilities in key areas such as health, energy— the laboratory faces are not, as his website claims, the result of “a junior civil servant putting a red line through key bits of Mr. Jim Hood (in the Chair): Order. We must now science research”. move on to the next debate. 231WH 15 DECEMBER 2009 Bone Marrow Register 232WH

Bone Marrow Register to present the Minister with one after the debate, because they are a big step forward in increasing the number of people on the bone marrow register. 1pm I want to raise a number of issues with the Minister, Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab): In the past two which I shall do by reviewing the parliamentary questions years, two people I personally know have been struck that I have placed before her over the past two or three down with leukaemia, as was another person I admired weeks. Each of those questions raises additional questions, from afar—the late campaigning journalist, Adrian so I want to give a flavour of the remaining unanswered Sudbury, who worked with the Anthony Nolan Trust to questions. do more than anyone else to raise awareness of bone In answer to one of my questions, the Minister stated marrow issues. that Of the two people I know personally, one is a young “the British Bone Marrow Register strategy for maintaining the lad called Max Tami, who is only 11 years old—he was registry at 300,000 donors is readily attainable without any change nine years old when he was struck down with leukaemia. to current donor selection guidelines.”—[Official Report, 1 December He is the son of my hon. Friend the Member for Alyn 2009; Vol. 501, c. 650W.] and Deeside (Mark Tami), who is a friend and colleague. Why is the NHS bone marrow register kept at 300,000 if The other person is a constituent and friend of mine, two patients a day are unsuccessful in finding a suitable Mike Peters, who used to be the lead singer with the bone marrow match? 1980s Welsh band The Alarm. Since the band split up, In answer to parliamentary question 304105, in which Mike has pursued a very successful solo career. Both I asked what proportion of UK patients received their those individuals have tried to raise awareness of leukaemia stem cell or bone marrow donation from UK or foreign and of the importance of donating stem cells and bone donors, I was told that the information was not collected. marrow to help cancer sufferers. Max recently had a How do we know whether we have sufficient UK stem starring role on “Children in Need”, where he nearly cell and bone marrow donors if the Department does outshone Terry Wogan, asking people to come forward not collect figures on the provenance of the donor to be donors. tissue? The country of origin of stem cell and bone Two years ago, Mike Peters was stricken with cancer marrow donations is also not collected. Are some countries for the second time in his life. Mike is a whirlwind of being relied on more heavily than others to provide energy and has promoted awareness of the importance donor material? Is Britain a net exporter or a net of donating. He has done that with his band at the top importer of such material? of the Empire State building, as well as from the foothills When the Department collects figures, disparities of Everest and the foothills of Kilimanjaro. He co-founded appear. I tabled parliamentary question 300913 to ask his own charity, the Love Hope Strength Foundation, for a breakdown of the numbers and percentages of with fellow cancer sufferer, American citizen James bone marrow donors for the regions of England and for Chippendale. The two have hosted more than 80 donor Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The English drives at music events across the US. Their foundation regions—the northern region includes my area of north was sponsored by DKMS and Visa and has become the Wales—seem to recruit 30 per cent. of the existing pool first resident charity at the famed Red Rocks amphitheatre of blood donors on the bone marrow register. In Northern in Colorado. Donors at those events offer a saliva DNA Ireland, the figure is only 3 per cent., and in Scotland, it swab, which allows the health authorities to identify is only 4.5 per cent. The figures for Wales are not held. life-saving matches. James Chippendale’s own life was The answers to my parliamentary questions confirm saved by that method. that no meeting has taken place between the Secretary In one year, the Love Hope Strength Foundation has of State and the devolved Administrations to discuss brought awareness of the need for donors to more than correcting that imbalance. Why is there a disparity 1 million people, and registered 4,500 bone marrow between the number of donors in Northern Ireland and donors. To put that in perspective, the total number of Scotland and in the English and north Wales regions? donors registered in Northern Ireland is 9,000, so in one Why are the Welsh figures not collected? I know that the year the two individuals behind the foundation registered hon. Lady is an English Minister, but there is the equivalent of almost half that country’s donors—a interdependence between the UK’s four constituent parts. fantastic result. Why has no meeting taken place between all the health That success was possible because the American and administrations to address the issue? German systems allow the identification of donors I tabled parliamentary questions 304184 and 304100 from DNA mouth swabs. In the UK, NHS bone marrow on the collection of umbilical cord blood. I asked for identification is done through the blood donor pool. A the total amounts of umbilical cord blood that were DNA swab is far less invasive than extracting a hypodermic processed and stored in the NHS cord bank in each of needle full of blood from a donor’s arm. Mike Peters is the past 10 years and for the number of units that were prepared to do similar work in the UK if he is allowed actually used to save patients’ lives. In 1997, there were to. He is prepared to use the contacts he has made over 862 units; in 2009, there are 1,712. In 1999, three units 32 years in the music business to raise this important were used in operations to save people’s lives; in 2009, issue. 43 units were used. Why has the annual number of Mike rang me excitedly at the weekend to say that he donors only doubled in 10 years? The Anthony Nolan had just learned that the Anthony Nolan Trust was Trust says that 50,000 umbilical cord units are needed? doing a pilot project on DNA mouth swabs. I had to tell Why have we not reached that target after 12 years? him that I already knew because I was at the trust’s In parliamentary question 304106, I asked for the event in the House of Commons last week. I was number of cord blood units that the NHS cord bank presented with one of the mouth swab packs and I want has issued for transplant into patients since 1998. The 233WH Bone Marrow Register15 DECEMBER 2009 Bone Marrow Register 234WH number rose from a low of three per annum in 1998 to to persuade the Scottish service to allow direct recruitment 44 in 2007, and the figure has now stabilised at around of people on to the bone marrow register without their that level—I think it was 47 and 43 in the past two previously going on the blood register. The Anthony years. Why are the numbers so low when the need is so Nolan Trust seeks even closer co-operation with the high? What is happening to the unused cord blood from English NHS. It has the aspiration of a single, highly newborn babies? Is it simply being thrown away while effective register, managed by the trust. I urge the Minister lives are lost for want of a proper match? to consider the proposal carefully. In parliamentary questions 304099 and 304103, I To supplement the adult register, the Anthony Nolan asked for the budgets for the marketing activities intended Trust has established a purpose-built cord blood bank, to attract blood donors, because bone marrow donors which was opened by the previous Secretary of State in are taken from the blood donor pool. I am pleased that September 2008. In the past four years, the trust has the amount has gone up from £10.5 million to £14.5 million imported 268 cord blood units for UK patients—more over the past eight years—an increase of nearly 50 per than have been provided by the NHS cord blood bank cent. However, the number of donors has decreased in 13 years. That gives a measure of its effectiveness. from 1.8 million, or 3.7 per cent. of the population, to Last year alone it imported 90 cords for UK patients. 1.4 million, or 2.7 per cent. of the population, over the That is costly, and would be unnecessary if an effective past eight years. Will the Minister check the effectiveness UK programme existed. The UK is currently of the campaigns? Will she consider separating the underperforming in the harvesting of cord blood, as my advertising campaigns for blood and bone marrow? parliamentary questions illustrated. The current world Will she also consider greater joint working with charities, leaders are Spain and Canada. The UK collects only a with volunteer bodies such as the Anthony Nolan Trust tiny amount—I think it is something like 0.13 per cent. and Adrian Sudbury’s Register and Be a Lifesaver project The rest of that elixir is simply thrown away, although and with civic-minded individuals such as Mike Peters. most mothers, if asked, would willingly let that blood—their There is a pool of talent that is not being fully utilised. baby’s blood—be used to save life. The Anthony Nolan Last week I attended a parliamentary function held Trust has a plan to collect 15,000 clinical samples by in the Terrace marquee by the Anthony Nolan Trust, to 2012 from a network of 10 collection centres across the highlight its work. I thank the trust for its pioneering UK. That will cost £15.2 million, and I believe that the work in the past 35 years. It is the largest and probably Department approached the trust and asked it formally best regarded bone marrow register in the world, and to apply for the funding. The submission was made in it was the first in the world. It is successful because it June 2009, but since that date there has been little focuses on one issue and one goal. It has limited itself to progress. I do not think that the trust has heard from the goal of providing bone marrow donors for transplants the Department. That excellent project makes sense in in the UK and abroad. The trust informed me that two many ways: it meets the desires of mothers make positive UK patients every day are denied the chance of a use of the umbilical cord; it gives a community focus; it life-saving transplant because of the lack of suitable saves the lives of thousands of patients; and it will adult matches or cord bank blood. create a world-leading resource in the UK and build a resource for the future. In addition to its life-giving The Anthony Nolan Trust has not rested on its properties for leukaemia sufferers, a cord bank could laurels. It currently has more than 400,000 people on its offer help to those suffering from diabetes, Parkinson’s register—compared with 300,000 on the national health disease, heart disease and many other conditions. service register. The trust has taken 35 years to reach that figure and its vision is to recruit 1 million registered As well as its work on increasing the number of bone donors by 2014. To achieve that, it will need the help of marrow and cord blood donors, the Anthony Nolan the Minister and the Department. Trust does excellent work to educate young people The register is not just about numbers. It is also vital about how easy it is to donate bone marrow, blood and to have a greater number of young male donors and organs. It has fully supported the Adrian Sudbury black and ethnic minority people, to increase the life Campaign to raise awareness among 17 and 18-year-olds. chances of such people should they be threatened by The awareness raising campaign, which was supported leukaemia. One of the key issues that Mike Peters has by the Department of Health, was a huge success and raised, which I have raised in questions, is the need for will be extended to cover England and Wales. saliva tests to identify donors. That need is being addressed At a cancer campaigning day two weeks ago held at by the Anthony Nolan Trust, which has piloted saliva Church House, my friend and constituent Mike Peters testing. I hope that the Minister will convince her asked whether the Secretary of State would meet him Department that what is good enough for the Anthony and me to discuss bone marrow issues. The Secretary of Nolan Trust register is good enough for the national State agreed. Will the Minister please set up a meeting health service. I hope that my friend Mike Peters will with the Secretary of State, herself, Mike Peters and the become involved in that charity’s bone marrow register Anthony Nolan Trust to take forward the issues I have events across the UK. raised in debate: increasing the size of the adult bone The Anthony Nolan Trust already works closely with marrow register and the possibility of the merger of the the Department and with the devolved Health Departments English or UK registers; taking forward the Anthony in the United Kingdom. In Scotland it works with the Nolan Trust proposal to establish a £15.2 million centre Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to encourage in the UK for a cord blood donation programme; and blood donors to join the Anthony Nolan register. As I greater use of education and awareness schemes like mentioned, the registration rate in Scotland is only those operated by the Adrian Sudbury initiative and the 4.5 per cent., as opposed to 33 per cent. in England, so programmes that Mike Peters has implemented with there is much work to be done. The trust is also trying young people at American rock festivals? 235WH Bone Marrow Register15 DECEMBER 2009 Bone Marrow Register 236WH

[Chris Ruane] I pay tribute to everyone who works to improve awareness and education, including those named by my We have a golden opportunity to make the UK the hon. Friend. I also pay tribute to organisations such as world centre for bone marrow and stem cell registers. the Anthony Nolan Trust and NHSBT. I look forward We have the disparate parts; there are fantastic voluntary to seeing the greater results of closer working together organisations and individuals, sometimes working in in the future. ignorance of each other. I look to the Minister to Donors for the British and Welsh registries are identified establish funding and co-ordination to achieve those through the national blood donor programme, operated noble goals. by NHSBT. The Anthony Nolan Trust also campaigns 1.17 pm to promote donor registration. Indeed, I registered as a donor more than 20 years ago. All campaigns share the The Minister of State, Department of Health (Gillian goal of raising awareness of the importance of donation Merron): I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for and what it can mean for the lives of others. Vale of Clwyd (Chris Ruane) on securing this important debate, and on his campaigning on a crucial issue. I I agree with my hon. Friend that it is vital that the have listened closely and I am happy to respond to message is heard by the young. They are indeed the points that he raised, but I would like first to give some donors of tomorrow. To help with that, the NHS has helpful context. I shall of course write to my hon. developed initiatives such as the “Give and Let Live” Friend on any matters that I do not get a chance to education campaign, designed to raise awareness among discuss. As always, I should be happy to arrange a 14 to 16-year-olds. The campaign has been made available meeting with him. to 6,000 schools in the UK. “Register and be a Lifesaver”, The context is the debate about stem cells, of which an initiative backed by the Anthony Nolan Trust, is bone marrow is one source. Donation of bone marrow campaigning for better education among young people. and other stem cell sources in the UK is managed by The Department of Health helped to fund a pilot NHS Blood and Transplant. The NHS works closely programme, which was run by NHSBT. with important partners such as the Anthony Nolan Those campaigns came about following the death Trust. There are three bone marrow registries in the from leukaemia of Jeanette Crizzle and Adrian Sudbury. UK, which are monitored by clinical experts at NHSBT. Both cases were tragic examples of how difficult it can Combined, they are the third largest registry in the be to provide treatment to all who need it. In Adrian’s world, and consist of the British Bone Marrow Registry, case, it was the rareness of the condition that proved an which is operated by the National Blood Service and insurmountable hurdle. For Jeanette, the challenge was includes services for Scotland and Northern Ireland; the richness of her genetic heritage. the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry; and the Anthony That brings me to the question of matched donors Nolan Trust bone marrow registry, which holds the and ethnic minorities. When treating acute blood disorders, records of 400,000 donors. it is important that the stem cell units come from a Blood donation is of course an integral part of the matched donor, usually a brother or sister. Unfortunately, work to identify bone marrow donors. The UK has an only 25 to 35 per cent. of patients have a matched international reputation for work in that area. It is sibling. That means having to rely on unrelated donors. worth saying, in response to some of the points that my Finding a donor who is genetically matched, healthy hon. Friend raised, that the registers form part of a and willing to donate is a mixture of hard work, professional network, via the organisation Bone Marrow Donors dedication and chance. It is a mammoth task. Worldwide. It provides search access to more than The task becomes even harder when the patient’s 13 million donors and cord blood units worldwide. The genetic background is complex. Currently, most of the registers in the UK do not stand alone, but are part of a 13 million donors worldwide come from a Caucasian wider picture. The Government have a very proud record background. Patients from that group have a 90 per of working closely with charities, volunteer bodies and cent. chance of finding a matched unrelated donor. individuals, including on targeted campaigning and However, for patients from ethnic minorities or with a collection programmes. In October, we helped to fund mixed genetic inheritance, the chance of finding a match an international event on the benefits of cord blood for is only 30 to 40 per cent. That is why I was so proud to transplant patients. On the same day the event took open the new centre in Tooting, as it is making a direct place, I opened the NHS cord blood bank’s newest contribution to dealing with the problem. collection site at St. George’s hospital, in Tooting. For me, the opening was testimony to the value of the On the question of other sources of stem cells such as Government’s investment in research into life-threatening cord blood, the Government have taken and are continuing conditions. to take strategic and targeted action to tackle the challenge. As with all NHSBT’s cord blood collection sites, As I said earlier, it is important to remember that bone St. George’s was chosen because it serves families of a marrow is not the only source of stem cells for transplant. diverse multicultural mix. I was struck by how such a Umbilical cord blood is an excellent source of stem simple procedure could provide such a valuable resource. cells, and has some clinical advantages over bone marrow. As my hon. Friend acknowledged, it adds an essential The NHS cord blood bank is the fourth biggest in the contribution to the work of supplying the NHS with world, with about 14,000 stored umbilical cord blood stem cells for transplant. It saves lives, and it makes an units. The Government are investing nearly £10 million important difference to families affected by blood disorders in order to increase the size of the bank to 20,000 stored such as leukaemia. That is why, like my hon. Friend, I units by 2013. The cord blood bank aims to redress the am determined to facilitate and promote discussion and imbalance on bone marrow registries by focusing debate on the way forward for the harvesting and use of collection at hospitals with catchment areas that are stem cells for transplant. more ethnically diverse. 237WH Bone Marrow Register15 DECEMBER 2009 Bone Marrow Register 238WH

My hon. Friend asked about cord blood being discarded. The cost of the tissue typing is the same whether the I shall put that into context. In the UK, about 50 per DNA used is extracted from swabs or from blood. cent. of the samples collected are discarded, but that is Although the quantity of DNA isolated from swabs is due to such things as contamination, infection or low sufficient for the initial tissue testing, it does not give cell counts. It compares favourably with the discarding enough DNA to perform additional tests, such as rate in Spain, for instance, which is about 70 per cent. confirmatory or high-resolution typing, which are normally The NHS cord blood bank has one of the best requested by the transplant centres and are required records of harvesting and banking cord blood in the prior to transplant. Additionally, transplant centres world, and its inventory of unique tissue types is second sometimes request DNA samples for repeated confirmatory to none. So far, about 280 units of cord blood have been tests. I remain interested in the Anthony Nolan Trust issued, mostly for export. The number increases year on pilot. year, because medical advances mean that cord blood My hon. Friend suggested that the UK was can be used to treat a wider range of patients. Just as underperforming in some way. That is not a description cord blood collected in the UK can be used to find that I recognise. We are the fourth largest in the world matches for patients overseas, so we are able to draw on for cord banks; we have the second highest number of international cord blood banks to find matches for human leukocyte antigen unique samples stored; we patients here. have the second biggest registered cord blood bank I know that my hon. Friend understands the need to after New York; and we have an excellent reputation in look to the future—a time when cord blood may become science. However, we can always do more, and we will even more important. A review commissioned by the continue to do so. Department of Health last year recommended further consideration of the collection and use of cord blood, My hon. Friend also mentioned age limits. I confirm and a joined-up approach to service provision. I assure that the NHS recruits donors between the ages of 18 my hon. Friend that since then discussions have been and 49. Donors remain on the registry until the age of held with a range of partners on the collection, storage, 60. The other registries in the UK have lower age limits. commissioning and use of stem cells for transplant. Given the number of questions raised as a result of today’s debate, I have asked officials to open discussions I know that my hon. Friend is interested in the about bringing age limits in the UK into line with those question of swabs versus blood tests. I look forward to of the NHS. The decision, of course, will be a matter for receiving the pack that he has promised me. I welcome the registries themselves. the pilot that the Anthony Nolan Trust is running. I confirm that the NHS identifies donors through the I thank my hon. Friend for his contribution and for blood donor programme. Using buccal or saliva swabs his immense interest in what I believe is an important would, in the view of clinicians, add another unnecessary matter. I join him in wanting to ensure that the UK layer of testing, without an overall cost or clinical remains at the forefront of this work, and that we are benefit. Blood samples are more efficient and give us able to meet our obligations in matching stem cell more genetic material to work with. donations to patients in need of a transplant. 239WH 15 DECEMBER 2009 Fire Safety (Rented Accommodation) 240WH

Fire Safety (Rented Accommodation) fire in my constituency highlighted the issue of fire safety, it was found that around a quarter of the properties of Riviera housing trust had no smoke alarm. Much to 1.30 pm its credit, the association has now pledged to ensure Mr. Adrian Sanders (Torbay) (LD): I wish to declare that all properties have working smoke alarms by March an interest, as the part-owner of two properties that are 2010. Nevertheless, Government guidelines are clearly currently rented out. lacking if a housing association can provide a service to vulnerable people without needing to ensure safety Let me start by praising the measures that have from fire. improved fire safety in residential properties over the past 20 years. More than 80 per cent. of homes now The key word here is “guidelines”. The Housing have smoke alarms compared with 9 per cent. in 1987, Health and Safety Rating System highlights 29 factors and fire deaths have halved from 1988 to 2008. Many that may be taken into consideration by local authorities fire authorities have carried out sterling work in increasing when assessing risks to all residential properties. If fire public awareness of not only the need to have working is seen as a category 1 hazard, enforcement action can smoke alarms but a range of other fire safety measures. be taken. Other guidance documents over recent years have stressed the importance of smoke alarms, but local I pay tribute to the Devon and Somerset Fire and authorities are free to do as little as they wish. Rescue Service, which has worked hard on a range of prevention measures. Following a serious fire in my A number of cases have highlighted the need for constituency, the authority installed more than 1,200 new better regulation. At a recent inquest into a fatal fire in smoke alarms in just two months. Building regulations Yarcombe near Honiton in Devon, the coroner resolved currently dictate that new-build extensions and alterations to contact Ministers from the Department for Communities should be equipped with hard-wired smoke and fire and Local Government to urge them to review whether alarms. Furniture regulations also play their part in smoke detection could be mandatory in rented domestic reducing the number of avoidable domestic fires, or dwellings. lessening their impact, and Government have wisely Earlier this year there were fire deaths in two incidents invested in an effective publicity scheme. All those measures in Northumberland; at Ashington and Bedlington. have had the impact of reducing fire deaths and increasing the number of working smoke alarms across the country. Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd) (Lab): Will the hon. Figures clearly show that as awareness about fire Gentleman join me in congratulating 16-year-old Shannon safety increases, deaths and injuries decrease, yet casualties Yates from Rhyl who, on Sunday night, risked life and and preventable fires continue. We have seen a number limb to break into a neighbour’s property to rescue a of tragic fire deaths in recent months, quite often involving man who had succumbed to smoke? Does he also agree rented properties. The figures speak for themselves. In that the types of residence that are most vulnerable to 2007, there were 331 deaths from fire. Of those, 222—or fire are houses of multiple occupation, and still more two thirds—occurred in places in which there was no needs to be done to ensure that landlords install smoke working smoke alarm. In 137 cases, there was no detection alarms? system at all. Is it not possible to argue that a working smoke alarm could have saved one of those 222 lives or Mr. Jim Hood (in the Chair): Order. Interventions helped to prevent one of the 9,066 non-fatal casualties should be shorter than that. from that year? There are gaps in the regulations governing fire Mr. Sanders: I am more than happy to congratulate prevention. Outside of houses in multiple occupation, it the young lady on her spirited civil action. The hon. is only guidance or good practice that governs the Gentleman is right when he says that houses of multiple provision of smoke and fire detection. The majority of occupation have been identified as most at risk, which is landlords in the private and social sectors ensure that why they already come under statutory legislation. My smoke alarms are available, which not only provides point today is that we need to extend that legislation to safety and reassurance for tenants, but is in the interests all housing. of landlords. However, a minority of rented homes do not have smoke alarms and they may well house some In September, an elderly woman died in a fire in of the most vulnerable members of society. There is Porlock, Somerset. Again the fire authority found no something of a correlation between the propensity to smoke alarms. Indeed, fire officers have told me that fire and the lack of fire safety devices. The Association they have never attended a fatal fire where working of British Insurers highlighted that in 2001, 81 per cent. smoke alarms have been present. The number of cases of homes had smoke alarms, but fewer than 60 per cent. reported in the local press of smoke alarms saving of homes suffering fires had alarms. families from death and/or injury is significant. There should be a straightforward solution to the problem. Promoting voluntary good practice among landlords has been very positive. The number of landlords becoming In 2004, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister accredited is increasing and that reassures tenants not Select Committee, of which I was then a member, only that their property is relatively safer, but that their produced its report on the fire service with the following landlord appreciates their duty of care to them. Sadly, recommendation: the majority of private-sector landlords do not join “We believe that functioning smoke alarms save lives and landlord associations in which best practice can be reduce injuries. The Committee congratulates those Fire Services shared and standards raised. The good landlords pay a which operate initiatives to fit free smoke alarms for the vulnerable. We welcome the requirement for alarms to be hard-wired in heavy price in reputation for the actions of the bad. alterations, extensions and new buildings. We recommend this Social housing providers also need to ensure that requirement be extended to include all existing tenanted properties, they are working to best practice. When a recent house housing of multiple occupation and housing for vulnerable members 241WH Fire Safety (Rented Accommodation)15 DECEMBER 2009 Fire Safety (Rented Accommodation) 242WH of society. If the design of such buildings makes installation of Legislation must be part of a solution to the problem hard-wired alarms impossible, we recommend use of alarms of fire casualties. The financial incentive of cheaper fitted with 10 year batteries.” insurance for more responsible behaviour, coupled with As those recommendations were not adopted, I feel that good education, can only go so far. Therefore I urge the it is time to review the matter. Moreover, I should like to Minister to find a swift solution to this problem. The stress one further point of the recommendation and figures that I have set out today show that the absence that is the hard-wired nature of smoke alarms. Many of a smoke alarm is at least a factor in more than landlords in both private and social sectors rely on 200 deaths and in thousands of injuries every year. We battery-powered alarms to serve as safety devices. Although have legislated to make landlords ensure that gas appliances they are good and far better than having no detection and flues are safe, so why can we not legislate to ensure devices at all, they throw up some problems. They are that tenants have a good chance to survive any fire in not always as accurate as mains connected systems, and their property? over-sensitive alarms can easily be turned off by disgruntled There are a few realistic measures that we can consider tenants having to hear an alarm every time they toast a taking. For example, will the Minister consider amending piece of bread. Furthermore, such alarms require regular section 2 of the Housing Act 2004 to make the absence testing, and with vulnerable tenants that is not always of appropriate fire detectors and alarms as well as the something that can be devolved to personal responsibility. presence of defective fire detectors and alarms separate A more serious issue is that of failure to trigger. category 1 prescribed fire hazards? Will he look at other Figures show that since 1997 the failure rate of mains-linked delegated legislation to ensure that the responsible smoke alarms has been between 9 and 13 per cent. That person—in other words, the landlord—equips dwellings compares rather starkly to the failure rates of 37 to with appropriate fire detectors and alarms? Will he look 44 per cent. for battery-operated smoke alarms. The at including questions in the home information pack’s majority of the latter cases are due to flat or absent property information questionnaire that relate to the batteries. That is not to say that smoke alarms are the presence and standard of fire detectors and alarms? only solution; we need to explore issues such as more Fire authorities across the country have done their regular inspections of electrical systems in rented properties part by raising awareness, giving advice and fitting and more awareness over how to prevent fires starting alarms. Now it is the Government’s turn to act and I in the first place. However, where saving lives and urge the Minister to do what he can to help prevent preventing injury from fire is the issue, it seems indisputable future tragedies. that smoke alarms have a significant beneficial effect. Making smoke detectors compulsory in all rented properties has broad support. I have already mentioned the ODPM 1.42 pm Select Committee report. Early-day motion 263, which The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for endorses mandatory detectors, has cross-party support. Communities and Local Government (Mr. Shahid Malik): I must also register my thanks to the hon. Member Mr. Hood, I want to commence by saying what a for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling) for pledging his pleasure it is to engage in this debate under your stewardship. support to the cause in my local newspaper. Sir Jeremy I also want to congratulate the hon. Member for Beecham, the then chair of the Local Government Torbay (Mr. Sanders) on securing this debate. He has Association, also spoke in favour of compulsory smoke an obvious passion and commitment for this cause and detectors in 2003. Landlords have a duty of care to for his constituency. That passion does not surprise me, ensure that gas systems are kept in good order—they because some 15 years ago he had equal passion on even need an energy performance certificate—so why issues relating to the third sector and helping the poorest do we not ensure that all landlords provide adequate in society. I had the privilege of working with him then. protection from fire? For the majority of landlords, In England, we have a strong record on fire prevention, such a requirement would not make any difference as a record that we can be justifiably proud of. Any deaths they already fulfil all the guidelines. However, for tens or injuries in house fires are regrettable, but the latest of thousands of existing tenants and future tenants, it statistics show that fire deaths in the home in England could provide considerable reassurance and, more are at their lowest since 1980 and, as the hon. Gentleman importantly, save dozens of lives every year. pointed out, 40 per cent. lower than in 1997. It is good progress that new dwellings are guaranteed Our key strategy to drive down preventable fire a good standard of fire detection and warning, but it is deaths across all housing sectors has been proactive fundamentally important that that protection is extended community fire safety activities—education, information to those people who live in older properties and that and publicity—as has been highlighted. Most fires in guidelines should be turned into a necessity. the home are preventable. Community fire safety is Research carried out earlier this year for the Australian about providing basic fire safety information to Fire and Emergency Authorities Council showed that householders, to help them to alter their behaviour and just less than a third of countries across the developed think more about how fire safety could affect them and and developing worlds have legislation in place to make their families. In particular, it is about reminding people smoke alarms mandatory. So it is not an unusual or of the importance of having working smoke alarms draconian law to consider introducing. As the deputy installed in their homes and testing them regularly. chief fire officer of the Devon and Somerset fire and The installation of properly maintained smoke alarms rescue service has said on this issue: in every household has been the centrepiece of our “Some of our most vulnerable people are affected by this gap efforts to reduce fire deaths in the home, as they provide in the law.” the vital early warning of fire and consequently help We know that fire death rates are higher for the over-80s people to escape. The Government have conducted than for any other group. high-profile national television campaigns that promote 243WH Fire Safety (Rented Accommodation)15 DECEMBER 2009 Fire Safety (Rented Accommodation) 244WH

[Mr. Shahid Malik] which is the principal tool for assessing fire safety risk and for regulating standards in all types and tenures of the use and maintenance of smoke alarms, which have residential accommodation, in both individual dwellings proved very successful. We have recently launched a and housing blocks. new national advertising campaign, “Don’t Drown in Creating legislation to insist that all local authority Toxic Smoke”. and social housing landlords install smoke alarms is by We have targeted advice and guidance at more than no means straightforward. I do not think for a second 1 million social homes, by advertising in social housing that the hon. Gentleman was suggesting that creating newsletters through a partnership with the “Wise up to such legislation would be straightforward; I think that Fire” campaign. That work, conducted in collaboration his argument was that it is necessary. There are complex with editors of tenants’ newsletters, involved a fire issues involving maintenance and liability. Also, of course, safety advertorial that provided top fire safety tips, many residential buildings also contain premises for including highlighting the importance of having a working other uses, such as commercial and retail, which complicates smoke alarm installed, and guidance on the responsibilities the picture further. of social housing landlords. The HHSRS reflects our preference for proportionate Since 2004, the Government have invested £25 million and risk-based regulation supported by the encouragement in grants to fire and rescue authorities to enable them to of best practice rather than blanket requirements across purchase smoke alarms to install in domestic dwellings. the piece. That is also reflected in the advice issued in I want to join the hon. Gentleman in paying tribute to 2001 to which the hon. Gentleman referred, which his local fire and rescue service—the Devon and Somerset emphasised the value of installing smoke alarms in fire and rescue service—for the work that it has done, social housing and clarified the legal implications for which he described in his speech. local authorities. That initiative resulted in nearly 2 million home fire All good landlords will wish to ensure the health and risk checks being carried out in England, with more safety of their tenants and the safety of their property, than 2.4 million smoke alarms being installed, saving an which is their asset. In the vast majority of cases, local estimated 53 lives per year. I know that the hon. Gentleman authorities and housing associations, as responsible recognises the importance of that initiative and indeed landlords, have taken the opportunity to install smoke applauds the initiative. alarms. Although the decent homes standard does not The increase in ownership of smoke alarms as a require that smoke alarms be installed, an assessment of result of such campaigns and other actions is a major fire risk is necessary to meet the statutory minimum success story. As I think the hon. Gentleman himself standard for housing under the housing health and mentioned, in 1987 only 9 per cent. of dwellings were safety rating system. A fire assessment under the HHSRS fitted with smoke alarms. By 2007, that had risen to considers the likelihood of a fire starting, the chances of 85 per cent., an almost tenfold increase. Indeed, the its detection, its speed of spreading and the ease and English house condition survey suggested that in the means of escape. social rented sector more than 88 per cent. of homes The decent homes programme does not and could had smoke alarms by 2007. The social sector also leads not cover all aspects of a building, but we will keep the the way in fitting hard-wired and mains-powered smoke matter under review as we maintain the standard in alarms, with nearly 40 per cent. of dwellings in that future. That does not prevent landlords from installing sector having such alarms compared with less than smoke alarms when undertaking other works, as local 16 per cent. of dwellings in the private sector. The hon. authorities and housing associations are encouraged to Gentleman powerfully articulated the increased efficiency do, and the evidence suggests that many social landlords and effectiveness of mains-powered smoke alarms. are doing so. There is absolutely no room whatsoever for complacency Of course, attention to fire safety is not confined to about health and safety matters in our homes, which individual dwellings. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire obviously includes fire safety matters. In the first instance, Safety) Order 2005, landlords, as “responsible persons”, each of us must take responsibility for the safety of our have a duty to risk-assess fire safety in the common own households. So, fire safety in individual domestic parts of buildings, take adequate precautions and manage properties is generally a matter for the occupier of the any remaining risk. Although the order applies only to premises. the common parts of premises, in many residential Any new measures that we introduce through regulations premises the responsible person will in practice need to must, of course, be proportionate and justified in terms take account of fire safety measures in place in the of the lives that they save and the injuries that they individual dwellings. Fire and rescue authorities have a prevent. For instance, it has been a requirement in legal duty under the order to enforce its provisions in building regulations since 1992 that new dwellings the common areas of residential accommodation such should be fitted with mains-powered smoke alarms. as blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation. That requirement applies to the erection of new buildings, Local authorities have inspection and enforcement extensions and to certain alterations and changes responsibilities under the Housing Act 2004. of use. In recognition of the complexities, we have worked Legislation also exists to govern fire safety in certain closely with the Local Authorities Co-ordinators types of existing residential accommodation. As the of Regulatory Services, the Chartered Institute of hon. Gentleman indicated in response to an intervention, Environmental Health and the Chief Fire Officers blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation are Association to develop guidance to ensure that the covered by that legislation. The Housing Act 2004 risk of fire in multi-occupied buildings is actively and introduced the housing health and safety rating system, appropriately managed. That work continues. 245WH Fire Safety (Rented Accommodation)15 DECEMBER 2009 Fire Safety (Rented Accommodation) 246WH

In our response to the consultation on reform of view is that checking is woefully inadequate at the council housing finance, we proposed, in the context of moment, hence the campaign. Hopefully, it will have local authority self-financing after 2011, the inclusion the same impact as previous campaigns. of ongoing maintenance of lifts and common parts in I assure the House that we will continue to encourage addition to the decent homes standard. social landlords to provide smoke alarms—particularly hard-wired systems, for the reasons that the hon. Gentleman Mr. Sanders: I am grateful for the Minister’s kind highlighted—when carrying out other works to their words at the start of his speech. I remember our time stock. We think that that, rather than introducing another working together with much pleasure. Will he consider regulatory requirement, remains the right way forward, the fact that we require landlords to conduct a gas notwithstanding the point that I made earlier. As I check when a tenancy begins? Why the reluctance to indicated, we will keep the matter under review, not add a working fire alarm at the same time? They cannot least as we maintain the decent homes standard in do anything after that—it is then the tenant’s future. responsibility—but the landlord could have that It is still worth noting that householders can take responsibility at the start of the tenancy. some responsibility for their own safety, including fire safety, and the vast majority do. For as little as £8, Mr. Malik: That is a valid point worth considering. I anyone can buy and install a smoke alarm for their will take it away, consider it and write to him. From a home to help protect themselves and their family from common-sense perspective, it seems like an appropriate the dangers of fire. Anyone unable to do so themselves opportunity to carry out a check for fire alarms if one is can contact their local fire and rescue service and ask it taking place for other potentially hazardous elements to undertake a home fire risk check. Depending on the within the household. person’s circumstances, the fire and rescue service will The framework includes six standards for social housing consider supplying and fitting a smoke alarm free of providers, one of which is the home standard covering charge. quality of accommodation and repairs and maintenance. We remain committed to reducing deaths from fire so The Tenant Services Authority’s proposed quality standard that tragedies such as the ones that we heard about means the decent homes standard or higher, and it is today will not be repeated. All the hon. Gentleman’s proposed that providers should give their tenants the requests and suggestions are undoubtedly sensible and opportunity to agree a local standard reflecting their reasonable, but he will understand that introducing new concerns and priorities. If fire safety matters are a requirements in legislation sometimes has unintended concern for tenants, the framework would enable tenants consequences. If we can do things without going down to shape their local standard to reflect that. a legislative route, that would be the preferred option. The hon. Gentleman has pressed for provision of As he highlighted in his intervention, we have opportunities smoke alarms to be made a statutory requirement on all to increase fire safety in the home without being too landlords. As I have emphasised, the Government share onerous or complex about it, and I will consider some his concern to ensure full take-up of smoke alarms in of them. I thank him again for raising an issue that is every dwelling. That is why we have focused so heavily incredibly important not just to his constituents but to on it in campaigns aimed at householders, tenants and people throughout the country. landlords alike. I have already stated that the number of Question put and agreed to. smoke alarms taken up has increased tenfold. There has been a step change in getting smoke alarms into dwellings; the latest campaign seeks to ensure another step change 1.59 pm in terms of people checking them once a week. Our Sitting adjourned.

93WS Written Ministerial Statements15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 94WS

The legislation will not affect genuine donations to Written Ministerial charity where tax avoidance arrangements are not involved and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will be consulting Statements with the charity sector to ensure that the legislation achieves its intended effect. Further details are contained in a draft explanatory Tuesday 15 December 2009 note published on HMRC’s website at: www.hmrc.gov.uk, today with the proposed draft legislation. It is particularly offensive that individuals seeking to TREASURY avoid tax do so in a way that exploits charity tax reliefs. I am therefore giving notice of our intention to deal with any arrangements that emerge in future that are Anti-Avoidance designed to take advantage of the tax reliefs for donations of qualifying investments under section 431 of the The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Stephen Income Tax Act 2007 and section 587B of the Income Timms): This Government have put in place a and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. The Government comprehensive set of tax reliefs for charities and for introduced these reliefs in 2000, with the intention that those who choose to donate to charities. These tax they should be used only for genuine donations to reliefs provide valuable incentives to encourage people genuine charities. Where HMRC becomes aware of to give and provide support to the charity sector. In the arrangements which attempt to frustrate that intention, UK we are rightly proud of our charity sector, which the Government will introduce legislation to close them continues to undertake important work in the UK and down, where necessary with effect from today. around the world. This action will not affect the vast majority of charities It is therefore particularly regrettable that we have and donors who organise their affairs in a straightforward become aware of an artificial, aggressive and offensive and ordinary way. The Government continue to believe tax avoidance scheme that seeks to abuse those tax that charities make an important contribution to our reliefs available for donations to charity. A similar scheme society and do not deserve having their reputation to exploit this same relief was shut down in the Finance called into question by such offensive tax avoidance. Act 2004, and we are aware that other schemes to exploit these reliefs have been marketed since then. Government Fraud Report The Government will not tolerate tax avoidance or tax evasion, and will act promptly to tackle both of these, so I am today announcing changes to be made to The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Sarah legislation, with immediate effect, to counter these schemes. McCarthy-Fry): Today I am publishing the Government The scheme exploits the relief available for donations Fraud report for 2008-09. Copies of the document of listed shares and other types of qualifying investments entitled, “Fraud report 2008-09: an analysis of reported (including land) to charities in section 431 of the Income fraud in Government departments” have been deposited Tax Act 2007 and section 587B of the Income and in the Libraries of the House and will be available on Corporation Taxes Act 1988. An offshore company the HM Treasury website at: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk. sells to a taxpayer listed shares with a market value well in excess of the amounts paid. However the offshore COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT company has an option to buy back the shares, exercisable after three years, for £1. The taxpayer then gifts the Growth Funds shares to a charity and gets tax relief on the higher market value of the shares, despite having paid only a fraction of that market value for the shares. The Minister for Housing (John Healey): I am publishing The option to buy back the shares is not taken into today the Government’s response to their consultation account for the purposes of determining the amount of on the proposed changes to the Growth Fund for the relief. The rules disregard contingent liabilities, such 2010-11. Copies have been placed in the Library of the as an option, until the liability crystallises, typically by House. the exercise of the option in this case. In reality the The Growth Fund provides capital and revenue option is never exercised and the scheme organiser gets funding to the 75 growth partnerships in Growth Areas the money back from the charity through some contrived and Growth Points across 163 local authorities in England, arrangements.The benefit to the charity is typically supporting their planned housing growth, enabling less than half of 1 per cent. of the value of the tax relief housing development to be brought forward, tackling obtained. barriers to delivery and ensuring that new development The Government do not accept that these highly is planned as sustainable communities. Provisional funding contrived arrangements have the effect sought, but will allocations for 2009-10 and 2010-11 were published in remove any doubt by introducing appropriate legislation December 2008. in the Finance Bill 2010. The new rules will reduce the The exceptional economic circumstances and global tax relief on such arrangements to the lower of the cost recession have affected the availability of finance, credit of acquisition to the donor of the shares or investments and mortgages. The Government have taken action to gifted, or the market value at the date of disposal, help people stay in their homes, stay in work, and to where the acquisition was made as part of a tax advantage help firms stay in business. The Government have also scheme. This legislation will have immediate effect from continued to focus on providing the affordable homes 15 December 2009. that people need. The Government are clear that getting 95WS Written Ministerial Statements15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 96WS house building across the country started, and providing grant money from the Growth Fund will mean it is still the affordable homes that people need, is a priority used for housing purposes and that the fundamental during the current exceptional economic circumstances. aims of the Growth Fund—to support housing growth— The Government set out the housing pledge as will still be met. part of Building Britain’s Future on 29 June, with a I wrote to the leaders of all local authorities in the £1.5 billion package of measures to build an extra Growth Areas and Growth Points about the housing 20,000 new affordable homes in 2009-10 and 2010-11, pledge on 17 July, highlighting the opportunities for of which over 13,000 will be for social rent, and 10,000 additional funding, and set out the planned adjustment open market homes. As a result, the Government are to the Growth Fund. The Government’s preferred approach now investing £7.5 billion in 2009-10 and 2010-11 to was to make a pro-rata reduction to the provisional deliver up to 112,000 affordable homes and around 2010-11 capital allocation of each Growth Area and 15,000 private homes. Growth Point. Provisional revenue allocations for 2010-11 While the majority of funding for the pledge comes remain in full. The Government believe this approach from other Government Departments’ programmes, given would provide certainty on funding decisions in a timely the importance attached to stimulating the housing manner, is fair and transparent. Consultation on the market, I also reviewed our own investment programmes proposed changes lasted six weeks. in Communities and Local Government to support the The consultation showed that although respondents pledge. As such, the Government have switched £128 million did not welcome any reduction in funding they did capital funding from the Growth Fund in 2010-11 to show general support for the Government’s preferred support the pledge. All regions have benefited from the approach of a pro-rata reduction for every growth area pledge funding, which has been considerably greater local authority and the Government will therefore revise than the impact of the 2010-11 switch from growth funding allocations for 2010-11 as set out below. Revised funding. funding allocations will be paid by the Homes and Given the impact of the exceptional economic Communities Agency to the nominated accountable circumstances on the delivery of homes and infrastructure, body for each Growth Area and Growth Point in the there is uncertainty that it will be possible to use Growth first quarter of 2010-11. Local authorities in growth Funds in the way envisaged when multi-year allocations locations will still have the flexibility to prioritise how were made before the global recession. Switching some funding is used to best support local priorities.

Revised Funding Allocations for 2010-11 Revised 2010-11 Total 2010-11 Provisional 2010-11 Provisional Capital Provisional Capital and Total Capital and Revenue Location Revenue Allocations Allocation Revenue Allocation Funding 2008-09/2010-11

3 Cities and 3 Counties £1,341,120 £9,964,960 £11,306,081 £40,275,554 Ashford £258,001 £4,253,886 £4,511,886 £23,130,042 Aylesbury Vale £271,015 £2,533,043 £2,804,059 £12,293,946 Barnet £346,424 £3,380,042 £3,726,467 £11,122,030 Basingstoke £216,799 £1,622,164 £1,838,962 £6,194,140 Bedford and Marston Vale £309,886 £4,444,963 £4,754,849 £18,679,213 Birmingham and Solihull £256,535 £2,284,936 £2,541,471 £11,696,546 Black Country and Sandwell £344,478 £2,686,479 £3,030,957 £6,478,667 Brent £110,000 £1,456,989 £1,566,989 £6,300,064 Cambridgeshire £637,032 £7,794,623 £8,431,655 £37,758,618 Carlisle * £74,908 £0 £74,908 £231,089 Central Lancashire and £215,786 £1,700,011 £1,915,797 £4,119,498 Blackpool Chelmsford and Braintree £192,110 £2,378,579 £2,570,689 £11,540,468 Coventry £194,010 £1,452,356 £1,646,366 £6,462,320 Croydon £211,429 £1,794,982 £2,006,411 £5,498,105 Dacorum £123,908 £1,229,128 £1,353,036 £6,334,093 Didcot £168,753 £905,527 £1,074,280 £1,836,492 Doncaster and South £404,100 £3,129,181 £3,533,280 £7,568,071 Yorkshire Dover £103,339 £856,916 £960,255 £2,091,851 East Staffs £198,155 £1,484,527 £1,682,682 £6,214,584 Enfield £171,057 £1,155,370 £1,326,427 £5,964,546 Exeter and East Devon £273,956 £2,048,414 £2,322,370 £7,141,274 Gainsborough £124,500 £481,061 £605,561 £1,298,936 Grantham £197,335 £1,477,741 £1,675,077 £6,022,333 Greater Manchester £508,781 £3,948,235 £4,457,017 £9,481,743 Hackney £200,456 £1,518,731 £1,719,187 £8,197,915 Haringey £0 £1,963,083 £1,963,083 £9,389,401 Haven Gateway £414,888 £3,464,424 £3,879,311 £15,540,525 Hereford * £171,034 £0 £171,034 £1,975,549 Islington £150,000 £1,925,129 £2,075,129 £6,751,313 97WS Written Ministerial Statements15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 98WS

Revised Funding Allocations for 2010-11 Revised 2010-11 Total 2010-11 Provisional 2010-11 Provisional Capital Provisional Capital and Total Capital and Revenue Location Revenue Allocations Allocation Revenue Allocation Funding 2008-09/2010-11

Kerrier and Restormel £164,031 £1,327,041 £1,491,072 £3,191,279 Kings Lynn £107,915 £888,670 £996,586 £2,166,905 Leeds City Region £259,887 £2,049,795 £2,309,682 £4,985,742 Lincoln £251,634 £1,881,362 £2,132,996 £8,071,257 London Harlow Stansted £346,262 £3,851,751 £4,198,013 £18,624,097 Luton and South Beds £285,000 £2,856,541 £3,141,541 £19,661,505 Maidstone £193,349 £1,451,698 £1,645,046 £5,816,667 Mersey Heartlands £259,208 £2,041,401 £2,300,609 £4,966,785 Mid Mersey £164,241 £1,302,980 £1,467,221 £3,190,525 Milton Keynes £250,000 £5,026,841 £5,276,841 £24,590,112 Newark on Trent £204,756 £1,533,510 £1,738,266 £5,708,951 Newcastle and Gateshead £191,795 £1,519,924 £1,711,720 £3,697,116 North Northamptonshire £437,503 £6,313,783 £6,751,285 £30,296,688 North Tyneside £97,506 £802,724 £900,230 £1,967,053 Norwich £427,825 £3,191,580 £3,619,404 £13,040,595 Oxford £190,830 £1,283,616 £1,474,446 £4,692,755 Partnership for Urban South £578,000 £5,336,386 £5,914,386 £22,073,297 Hampshire Peterborough £15,000 £3,866,918 £3,881,918 £18,540,147 Plymouth £415,915 £3,101,084 £3,516,999 £11,922,591 Poole £188,300 £1,411,407 £1,599,708 £5,287,577 Reading £200,000 £1,568,080 £1,768,080 £6,214,856 Redbridge £100,568 £1,640,605 £1,741,173 £8,764,376 Reigate and Banstead £184,701 £1,384,701 £1,569,402 £5,715,470 Shoreham £129,435 £1,043,467 £1,172,902 £2,531,465 Shrewsbury and Atcham £140,000 £1,134,930 £1,274,930 £5,085,268 South and East Durham £133,638 £1,030,603 £1,164,241 £2,534,469 South East Northumberland £105,891 £869,999 £975,890 £2,123,882 St. Albans £58,233 £717,195 £775,428 £2,427,151 St. Edmundsbury £102,312 £1,033,373 £1,135,685 £5,064,955 Stafford £109,436 £897,083 £1,006,519 £2,187,302 Stevenage and North £166,522 £1,384,958 £1,551,480 £7,795,712 Hertfordshire Swindon £378,881 £2,826,281 £3,205,163 £11,817,317 Taunton £300,698 £2,248,263 £2,548,962 £9,216,142 Tees Valley £255,289 £1,992,209 £2,247,498 £4,855,790 Teignbridge £107,930 £885,575 £993,504 £2,160,354 Telford £264,010 £1,970,358 £2,234,368 £8,301,933 Thetford £235,191 £1,760,762 £1,995,953 £7,001,688 Torbay £176,232 £1,319,024 £1,495,257 £5,411,857 Truro £174,457 £1,308,685 £1,483,142 £5,336,832 Waltham Forest £166,707 £1,445,180 £1,611,887 £7,690,737 Welwyn Hatfield £90,576 £845,142 £935,718 £4,423,017 West Cheshire £137,906 £1,108,192 £1,246,099 £2,733,022 West Northamptonshire £0 £7,065,393 £7,065,393 £33,187,980 West of England £392,637 £3,721,661 £4,114,298 £18,489,020 Worcester £170,000 £1,323,785 £1,493,785 £3,700,496 *Did not bid for capital funding in 2010-11 as part of their programme of development.

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT for a sustainable legacy and get more children and young people taking part in high-quality PE and sport. That is also one of our departmental strategic objectives. Autumn Performance Report We are maintaining decent progress against our other Departmental Strategic Objectives—the digital switchover The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport programme is on track and more data is becoming (Mr. Ben Bradshaw): I am pleased to announce the available to assess enjoyment of and excellence in culture, publication of my Department’s Autumn Performance media and sport. I expect to be in a position to report Report. more fully on them next year. We report strong progress against our public service We continue to maintain a strong track record of agreement to deliver a successful and inspirational delivering value for money savings. We have Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 that provide significantly exceeded our Lyons relocation target and 99WS Written Ministerial Statements15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 100WS maintain good progress towards our comprehensive and Merlin, with much smaller niche fleets for specialised spending review 2007 value for money target. roles. As a result of the measures set out above, we do A copy of the Autumn Performance Report will be not intend to proceed with the future medium helicopter deposited in the House Libraries. competition. We anticipate that the reduction in fleet types will produce substantial through-life cost savings over the DEFENCE next decade and beyond. We are also exploring the possibility of further benefits that might arise through, for example, estate rationalisation and the more efficient Future Rotary Wing Strategy delivery of training solutions. Although the major components of this strategy will The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Bob Ainsworth): be subject in due course to separate investment decisions, I am today announcing a new strategy that will see the the new approach represents excellent news for the Ministry of Defence deliver increased levels of helicopter overall helicopter capability available to our armed capability for our armed forces. The strategy’s priority forces and provides industry with a clear vision of our is support to operations, and through it we will deliver, investment priorities over the coming decade against by 2016, an increase of some 40 per cent. in the number which they can align their resources. While a significant of helicopters suitable for deployment in hot and high percentage of the planned investment will be made on a conditions, such as Afghanistan. US product (Chinook), we anticipate that much of the At the heart of the strategy is the procurement of an investment required to deliver other elements of the additional 22 new Chinook helicopters, with a further strategy will be made in the UK, supporting UK jobs, two expected to replace those that were destroyed in and sustaining essential onshore skills as well as delivering Afghanistan this summer. The current Chinook fleet value for money. has seen continuous service on operations over the last 20 years, and it has performed superbly in Afghanistan. It is a proven capability that is highly regarded by those who fly it and troops who use it. Delivery of these ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE aircraft will not only mean more aircraft able to operate in the kind of conditions seen in Afghanistan but also a significant increase in the overall lift capacity of our EU Energy Council helicopter fleet. We anticipate delivery of 10 new build Chinook during the course of 2012 and 2013, including two to replace the aircraft recently lost in Afghanistan. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy The proposed investment in these new Chinook builds and Climate Change (Mr. David Kidney): My noble on the £400 million that the Ministry of Defence has Friend the Minister of State for Energy and Climate invested this year to improve the operational performance Change today made the following statement: of the existing Chinook fleet by delivering enhanced I represented the United Kingdom at the EU Energy Council engines and cockpits. in Brussels on 7 December 2009. The first item on the agenda was an update from the Swedish Beyond increasing levels of capability, our other main presidency on the energy efficiency package (made up of separate focus has been on simplifying the delivery of helicopter directives on the energy performance of buildings; the indication capability. As the HCDC set out in its recent report, by labelling and standard product information of the consumption Helicopter Capability (HC434), the optimum means to of energy and other resources by energy related products; and the achieve efficiencies is through reducing the number of labelling of tyres with respect to fuel efficiency). The presidency different types of helicopter fleet; with each fleet type noted that the package was close to final agreement. The UK is comes an associated support cost overhead and training happy with the progress made on these directives. cost. The new strategy will enable the Department to The Commission reported on progress on the proposal for a reduce the number of fleet types. regulation on the security of gas supply. This was followed by a policy debate in which member states commented on the current We aim to remove all marks of our Sea King fleet by draft of the proposal, in particular responding to questions about 2016, with its roles to be delivered by our Merlin the roles and responsibilities of different actors in preparing for helicopter fleet or, in the case of UK peacetime search and during an emergency, of the need for mandatory infrastructure and rescue capabilities, by a joint private finance initiative and supply standards; and the definition of protected customers. service that we intend to provide with the Maritime and The UK raised concerns over some of the powers envisaged for Coastguard Agency. To enable this transition, we intend the Commission. to capitalise on our past investment in Merlin and its There was also an exchange of views on the recent Commission communication on investing in the development of low-carbon over-water capabilities and safety features, including by technologies under the Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan. modifying our Merlin Mk3/3a helicopters to enable The UK indicated that it shared its support for the SET Plan but them to operate effectively from amphibious shipping raised concerns over the sources of funding for the programme in as well as continuing to contribute to our battlefield lift the current financial climate. requirements. In addition, the Commission updated Ministers on progress in The £300 million Puma life extension programme, a number of other areas, including implementation of the European which will deliver a step change in the aircraft’s capability, economic recovery package, the Baltic Energy market integration will proceed, delivering vital battlefield lift capability programme and the regulation on the notification of investment projects in energy infrastructure within the European community. for operations alongside Chinook until at least 2022. Some delegations used the opportunity to raise concerns about Beyond the retirement of Puma, we intend that the biomass sustainability criteria. Finally, the Spanish Minister outlined Ministry of Defence will operate four broadly equal-sized the energy priorities for Spain’s forthcoming presidency. These core helicopter fleets comprising Chinook, Apache, Wildcat included a new energy action plan for 2010-14, a focus on 101WS Written Ministerial Statements15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 102WS renewables, energy efficiency, low-carbon technologies, relations providing important services to local authorities and emergency with external energy suppliers and further progress on current responders, helping them to be better prepared for potential legislation. flooding; Over lunch, Ministers discussed a number of items on international Strengthened arrangements for local and national co-ordination relations in the field of energy including relations between Ukraine in the event of an emergency, as recently tested in Cumbria—for and Russia. example through publishing updated emergency response and Separately, Ljubljana was selected as the seat for the agency for recovery guidance; the co-operation of energy regulators, following a vote. Announced that local communities across England will benefit from £16 million funding to help them tackle surface water flooding, including £9.7 million made available to 77 local authorities for areas where the risk and potential impact of ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS surface water flooding could be highest; Issued guidance to regulators on protecting essential services; local action includes reinforced defences at Mythe water treatment Exotic Diseases of Animals works in Gloucestershire and flood defences at East and West Hull sewage pumping stations; Invested in building capacity, including funding local authority The Minister of State, Department for Environment, places for the Environment Agency’s flood management foundation Food and Rural Affairs (Jim Fitzpatrick): The national degree and developing an NVQ level 2 and 3 course on flood contingency plan for exotic diseases of animals will be risk management; laid before Parliament today in accordance with Section Delivered, through the Environment Agency: 14a of the Animal Health Act 2002 which came into 106 flood defence schemes protecting over 63,800 additional force on 24 March 2003. homes in England. This plan sets out the operational response arrangements 140,000 additional people signed up to receive flood warnings DEFRA will put in place to deal with any occurrence of in England and Wales: and the introduction of “opt out” telephone warning systems in February 2010 will significantly foot and mouth disease, avian influenza or Newcastle increase that number. disease. The plan is also applicable to all other exotic Doubled our overall investment in flood and coastal erosion diseases of animals. It is composed of two elements: risk management in the last ten years to a record £2.15 billion DEFRA’s framework response plan for exotic diseases of animals, over the current three-year spending period. outlining the systems and structures which are established and The progress report explains the further steps we are detailing the key roles and responsibilities of Ministers and officials during an outbreak of disease; and taking to implement Sir Michael’s recommendations. The risk of flooding remains and the recent events in DEFRA’s overview of emergency preparedness which provides details of our preparedness and operational response. Cumbria underline once again the importance of this work. The Government remain determined to enable us It replaces DEFRA’s contingency plan for exotic to better able anticipate and deal with the impact of animal diseases which was laid before Parliament on flooding. 9 December 2008. I will continue to keep the House informed of progress DEFRA’s contingency plan is very much a “living through future progress reports. document”. It will be subject to ongoing revision taking on the latest developments in science, research, and epidemiological modelling together with lessons identified from outbreaks. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE To meet the provisions of the Animal Health Act, the plan will also be subject to formal annual review. EU General Affairs Council and Foreign Affairs Council Pitt Review (Government Response)

The Minister for Europe (Chris Bryant): The General The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Affairs Council (GAC) and Foreign Affairs Council Rural Affairs (Hilary Benn): I am placing copies of the (FAC) was held on 7/8 December in Brussels. My right Government’s second update report detailing the progress hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary represented the UK. made in implementing the recommendations contained The agenda items covered were as follows: in Sir Michael Pitt’s report on the 2007 summer floods in the Libraries of both Houses today. GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/flooding/risk/ The full text of conclusions adopted, including ‘A’points, floodreview2007.htm can be found at: We continue to make significant progress. We have http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/ introduced our Flood and Water Management Bill which docs/pressdata/EN/genaff/111832.pdf implements Pitt recommendations that require legislation, Preparation of the 10-11 December European Council and will strengthen co-ordination, improve accountability On economic issues, my right hon. Friend the Foreign and reduce the impact of future floods. Secretary emphasised that governance of the financial In advance of the Bill becoming law, we have taken markets was a global issue, not just an internal matter action to help communities at risk of flooding. We have, for Europe. He stated that the EU should take account for example: of the International Monetary Fund work on renewing Set up a £7.7 million Flood Forecasting Centre, jointly run by the “social contract” between the financial institutions the Environment Agency and the Met Office, which is already and wider society, including by ensuring that the financial 103WS Written Ministerial Statements15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 104WS sector bear the full costs associated with its activities. Kosovo’s progress towards the EU; and welcomed progress My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary congratulated in Albania and Montenegro, while urging the countries the presidency for their help in resolving the financial to intensify efforts on reforms in a number of areas and supervision and regulation package. agreeing to return to their membership applications On climate change, my right hon. Friend the Foreign once the Commission had presented its “Avis”(opinions). Secretary underscored the importance of tackling this EU Disaster Management issue against the backdrop of the Copenhagen conference Ministers approved a presidency report on reinforcing of parties. He called for the European Council conclusions the EU’s capacity for preventing and responding to to reinforce the EU’s commitment to the Kyoto protocol, disasters, which the Government support while recognising and to be clearer and more specific on climate financing. the primary role of national responsibility in disaster On external relations, my right hon. Friend the Foreign management. Secretary, with support from a number of member Trio Programme of the Spanish, Belgian and Hungarian states, argued for a European Council declaration on Presidencies Afghanistan, reflecting President Obama’s 1 December announcement on troop reinforcements, and the London Spain, Belgium and Hungary briefly presented their conference in January 2010. The presidency agreed to programme, looked forward to chairing the GAC under draft a declaration, which was discussed at the FAC on their presidencies, and to close co-operation with the 8 December. We also requested conclusions language President of the European Council and the High on development assistance. Representative. The Government welcome the Trio’s Enlargement emphasis on finalising the international climate change negotiations, putting in place a Lisbon strategy fit to Ministers adopted conclusions, which the take the EU beyond the aftermath of the economic Government broadly support, welcoming the Commission crisis and bringing Europe closer to its citizens. communication dated 14 October 2009 entitled “Enlargement Strategy and Main Challenges 2009-2010”. EXTERNAL RELATIONS COUNCIL Broadly, the conclusions took stock of progress in The full text of all conclusions adopted can be found accession negotiations with Turkey and Croatia, while at: urging both countries to implement outstanding reforms. http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/ On Turkey, the Council welcomed recent initiatives docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/111833.pdf including on the Kurdish issue and recognised that Turkey is an important regional player, playing a key Western Balkans role in energy supply.However, it expressed disappointment The presidency briefed on the EU/US initiative to that Turkey has not yet fulfilled its obligation to open unblock progress on reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina its ports to trade with Cyprus under the additional and Ministers held an exchange of views on the future protocol to the association agreement and agreed that of EUFOR Operation Althea. They agreed to revert to further efforts are needed to accelerate the pace of the latter at their next meeting in January. Turkey’s accession negotiations. On Croatia, the Council Iran commended progress made but stressed further efforts are needed to meet accession criteria in order to be able Ministers also approved a draft European Council to conclude negotiations in 2010. declaration on Iran which draws attention to Iran’s On Croatia’s cooperation with the International Criminal continued failure to comply with international obligations Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) the Council and signals the EU’s readiness to begin a new phase of welcomed the creation of a new investigative task force, work on the pressure side of the dual-track approach, noted that substantial progress had not been reported, which the Government welcome. and called on Croatia to take the necessary steps to Middle East Peace Process complete a comprehensive and credible investigation Ministers agreed conclusions that called for the into missing documents without further delay. On Iceland, resumption of negotiations leading to a two-state solution the Council noted their application for EU membership within an agreed time-frame; referred to Jerusalem as in July and agreed to come back to the issue when the the future capital of two states and declared that the Commission presents its assessment on whether Iceland EU will not recognise any changes to the pre-1967 is ready to open accession negotiations. borders; emphasised the importance of the United States’ The Council reaffirmed EU support for the European efforts; welcomed and encouraged Palestinian efforts perspective of the western Balkans; noted that the on state-building and improving law and order; reiterated office of the ICTY prosecutor was content with Serbia’s commitment towards the security of Israel and its full current levels of effort in their cooperation, and that the integration into the region; and welcomed and encouraged EU would start implementing the interim agreement; Israel’s steps to ease restrictions of movement in the welcomed the fact that Macedonia had substantially West Bank. addressed the key priorities of the accession partnership, noting the Commission’s recommendation to open accession Afghanistan negotiations and agreeing to return to the matter during Ministers agreed to forward the presidency’s draft the next presidency; expressed concern about political declaration to the December European Council for developments in Bosnia and Herzegovina and called on adoption, which the Government welcome. The declaration its leaders to speed up key reforms; welcomed the notes that an international conference is to be held in Commission’s study on furthering Kosovo’s political London in January 2010, underscores the EU’s readiness and socio-economic development and invited the to support President Karzai in meeting his commitments, Commission to take the necessary measures to support and highlights the need to maintain a comprehensive 105WS Written Ministerial Statements15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 106WS approach to the challenges in Afghanistan, building on The recent announcement by the Sri Lankan a combination of political/civilian development and Government that, as of 1 December, all remaining military instruments. IDPs have been granted freedom of movement is a Burma positive step. We hope this leads to unrestricted freedom of movement for all IDPs as soon as possible. As the France briefly raised the EU approach to Burma. Under-Secretary of State for International Development, The presidency underlined that EU action was in train. my hon. Friend the Member for Worcester (Mr. Foster), AOB: Honduras made clear in his statement of 28 November, we believe Spain called on the EU to monitor progress on the opening of the camps and granting of real freedom reconciliation, as well as the views of the US and key of movement will enable the thousands still living in the states in the region, and keep the situation under review. camps to start to rebuild their lives. We welcome the A points fact that a number of national NGOs have now been granted access to some areas where IDPs are returning The Council adopted the following conclusions or to such as Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Mannar and Jaffna in decisions without discussion: the north. The recent announcement by the Governor Conclusions on Iraq of the Northern Province that international NGOs will Conclusions on Horn of Africa also be allowed to work in these areas on agreed projects Conclusions on Climate Change and International Security is also welcome. It is imperative that all humanitarian Conclusions on promoting compliance with International agencies are given full access to all IDPs, including ex Humanitarian Law combatants, so that they can provide them with the help Conclusions on Human Rights and Democratisation in Third and protection they need both in the camps and in Countries places of return. Sri Lanka Political Beyond the immediate humanitarian concerns the UK has underlined to the Government of Sri Lanka the The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth importance of securing genuine reconciliation between Affairs (David Miliband): Seven months have now passed Sri Lanka’s communities. since the end of the conflict in Sri Lanka. I would like to update the House on developments in the humanitarian At the end of May the Sri Lankan president issued a and political situation in Sri Lanka. joint statement with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recognising the need to work towards a lasting political Humanitarian solution. The UK has consistently maintained that one Since the end of the conflict the UK has focused its of the prerequisites for lasting peace in Sri Lanka is a efforts on securing an improvement in the humanitarian political settlement that fully takes into account the situation. The end of the fighting in May left over legitimate grievances and aspirations of all communities. 280,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps in Presidential elections have now been announced for northern Sri Lanka. The UK’s approach to the situation 26 January 2010. Parliamentary elections in spring 2010 has been fourfold: to advocate for improvements in will be a further opportunity for the voice of Sri Lanka’s conditions in the camps so that they meet international communities to be heard. Free, fair and credible elections standards; to push for the early and safe return of IDPs will allow Sri Lanka’s communities to have their say in to their home areas; to support, with the Department shaping the country’s future. Adequate arrangements for International Development’s (DFID) allocation of must be made to ensure IDPs can vote in upcoming £12.5 million since September 2008, the vital work of elections. It is important for all those who want to play the humanitarian agencies that have been providing a role in Sri Lanka’s future to agree to an inclusive assistance to the IDPs; and to urge the Government of political solution that addresses the underlying causes Sri Lanka to allow those not yet resettled to have the of the conflict. ability to enjoy unrestricted freedom of movement. The EU has made clear its belief that accountability Conditions in the camps have improved to the extent is integral to the process of reconciliation. We therefore that basic needs are now generally being met. In recent welcome President Rajapakse’s decision to appoint an weeks there has been some progress in the return of independent committee to look into the incidents cited IDPs. As of 6 December, the UN has confirmed that in the US State Department’s report. We will continue over 158,000 IDPs have been released. Of this number to press the Government of Sri Lanka to live up to this approximately 29,000 vulnerable people had been and his earlier commitment made to UN Secretary-General transferred to host families or institutions. This leaves Ban Ki-moon in May to take measures to address less than 112,000 people in the Menik farm site and less possible violations of international humanitarian law. than 15,000 people in camps in other locations. It is important that IDPs continue to be able to return to GSP+ (General System of Preferences plus) /Human their home areas as soon as it is safe to do so. When I Rights spoke to Foreign Minister Bogollogama on 29 October The EU’s GSP+ trade preference scheme is intended and 4 November, he confirmed that the Government of to provide vulnerable economies with incentives to achieve Sri Lanka was committed to returning those still in the standards in sustainable development, human rights, camps. In order to assist this process, the Government labour standards and good governance. Beneficiary have been funding the work of demining non-governmental countries are required to implement effectively certain organisations (NGOs) such as Mines Advisory Group international human rights conventions. On 19 October and HALO trust to help make areas safe for return. We 2009 the European Commission published a report of will continue to help clear landmines, to provide transport its investigation into Sri Lanka’s compliance with three from the camps and to help civilians to restart their lives of these conventions. The report was clear about Sri so they can return home quickly and safely. Lanka’s failings in the implementation of the International 107WS Written Ministerial Statements15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 108WS

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the convention This year’s community safety accreditation schemes against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading audit shows an increase in the number of participating treatment or punishment and the convention on the forces from 23 in 2008 to 26 this year. The Metropolitan rights of the child. This report has reinforced our Police was one of the three forces to begin operating a serious concerns over the human rights situation in Sri scheme. Over the same period, the number of accredited Lanka and we share the Commission’s assessment. The persons rose from 1406 to 1667 (an 18.5 per cent. rise) Commission is expected to issue its formal recommendation and the number of employers with accredited persons on Sri Lanka’s continued access to the GSP+ scheme rose from 95 to 109. This growth reflects the benefits of shortly. We are clear that, in order to continue enjoying the scheme for the police and businesses. Accredited access to the GSP+, Sri Lanka must meet fully its persons help to tackle anti-social behaviour, to provide human rights obligations. I have urged the Government a visible and reassuring presence on our streets. of Sri Lanka to take urgent action to address the issues The employers’ guide is intended to improve the raised by the Commission in its report such as the lack information available to employers about the scheme of effective investigations into alleged disappearances and to raise its profile. Four employer case studies and the need to uphold the right to freedom of expression. (presented in the employers’ guide) demonstrate clear As EU Foreign Ministers made clear in our conclusions benefits, both for the organisation and for the accredited of 27 October, the EU will maintain a dialogue with Sri staff, in greater information sharing and closer partnership Lanka on the steps necessary to address the problems with the police. highlighted by the Commission’s investigation, in order Copies of the audit and the guide are available on the to effectively implement the conventions. Home Office website at: www.homeoffice.gov.uk and in Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) the House Library. When the Heads of Commonwealth Governments met in Port of Spain in November members agreed that Control Order Powers Australia will host CHOGM in 2011. The most important thing for the UK was that the host for each Commonwealth The Minister for Policing, Crime and Counter-Terrorism summit demonstrably embodies our shared values— (Mr. David Hanson): Section 14(1) of the Prevention of including respect for human rights and democracy. Terrorism Act 2005 (the 2005 Act) requires the Secretary While we welcome the recent progress on freedom of of State to report to Parliament as soon as reasonably movement for IDPs in Sri Lanka, given our ongoing practicable after the end of every relevant three-month concerns about the humanitarian and human rights period on the exercise of the control order powers situation at the time, the UK was unable to support Sri during that period. Lanka’s bid to host CHOGM in 2011. However Commonwealth leaders accepted the President of Sri The level of information provided will always be Lanka’s offer to host the summit in 2013. subject to slight variations based on operational advice. Control orders continue to be an essential tool to Conclusion protect the public from terrorism, particularly where it We have regularly made clear our view that the is not possible to prosecute individuals for terrorism-related Government of Sri Lanka has a unique opportunity—and activity and, in the case of foreign nationals, where they duty—to work for genuine political reconciliation. As a cannot be removed from the UK. measure of the UK’s ongoing commitment to the future As stated in previous quarterly statements on control of Sri Lanka, we remain at the forefront of international orders, control order obligations are tailored to the efforts to help ensure lasting peace there. My right hon. individual concerned and are based on the terrorism-related Friend the Prime Minister’s special envoy for Sri Lanka, risk that individual poses. Each control order is kept and my right hon. Friend the Member for Kilmarnock under regular review to ensure that obligations remain and Loudoun (Des Browne) continues to engage the necessary and proportionate. The Home Office continues Tamil Diaspora and he has updated hon. Members on to hold Control Order Review Groups (CORGs) every his recent activities. quarter, with representation from law enforcement and We will continue to work directly with the Government intelligence agencies, to keep the obligations in every of Sri Lanka and with international partners including control order under regular and formal review and to the EU, UN and Commonwealth, to urge the Government facilitate a review of appropriate exit strategies. During of Sri Lanka to resolve the underlying causes of the this reporting period, six CORGs were held in relation conflict through an inclusive political process which to the orders currently in force. In addition, further addresses the legitimate grievances and aspirations of meetings were held on an ad hoc basis as specific issues all communities—Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims. arose. During the period 11 September 2009 to 10 December 2009, three non-derogating control orders have been HOME DEPARTMENT made and served. No control orders have been renewed in accordance with section 2(6) of the 2005 Act in this reporting period. In this reporting period there have Community Safety Accreditation Schemes been six revocations of control orders that were in force. Three control orders were revoked because it was not possible to meet the disclosure test set out in the June The Minister for Policing, Crime and Counter-Terrorism 2009 House of Lords judgment (AF & Others)on (Mr. David Hanson): An employers’ guide to community article 6 of the European convention of human rights safety accreditation schemes and the 2009 audit of (ECHR) (right to a fair trial). One of these orders was community safety accreditation schemes have been not replaced. In the other two cases new non-derogating published today. control orders with significantly reduced obligations 109WS Written Ministerial Statements15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 110WS were imposed in their place; the Government argued to comply with article 6 or to withdraw reliance on the before the court that in such cases article 6 was not relevant allegations. The Secretary of State elected to engaged—or, even if it was, the level of disclosure make some further disclosure to maintain the control required in AF & Others did not apply. Two control order in force. In an open judgment handed down on orders were revoked because they were no longer considered 21 October 2009 the court set out the principles of how necessary. One control order was revoked on the order the court should apply the decision in AF & Others. of the court. In addition to the six revocations of An interlocutory judgment was handed down in the current control orders, one non-derogating control order case of Secretary of State for the Home Department v previously made but not served was also revoked in this AN on 27 November 2009. The court handed down a quarter. judgment in closed only requiring the Secretary of State In total, 12 control orders are currently in force, nine to make further damaging disclosure to comply with of which are in respect of British citizens. Seven individuals article 6 or to withdraw reliance on the relevant allegations. subject to a control order live in the Metropolitan The Secretary of State elected to make some further Police Service area; the remaining individuals live in disclosure to maintain the control order in force. other police force areas. All of these control orders are A further interlocutory judgment was handed down, non-derogating. There were no prosecutions for breaching about which it is not possible to say any more for legal a control order during this reporting period however reasons. one individual was charged with seven counts for breach Two judgments have been handed down by the High of a control order obligation. Court in relation to modification appeals during this During this reporting period, 77 modifications of reporting period. The court handed down judgment control order obligations were made. 29 requests to in Secretary of State for the Home Department v BH on modify control order obligations were refused. 17 November 2009. The court found that the Secretary Section 10(1) of the 2005 Act provides a right of of State’s decision to refuse to modify BH’s geographical appeal against a decision by the Secretary of State to boundary to let him attend legal appointment outside renew a non-derogating control order or to modify an his boundary was lawful. This was against the background obligation imposed by a non-derogating control order that the Secretary of State had offered to modify the without consent. One appeal under section 10(1) of the control order to allow the visit subject to BH agreeing 2005 Act has been lodged with the High Court during to submit to a personal search as part of a police escort this reporting period. A right of appeal is also provided to and from the appointment. BH had refused to agree for by section 10(3) of the 2005 Act against decisions by to this condition and the Secretary of State had therefore the Secretary of State to refuse a request by a controlled refused the modification. The court decided this refusal person to revoke their order and/or to modify any was lawful, noting that BH’s legal representatives were obligation under the order. During this reporting period able to visit him within his boundary instead. However, four appeals have been lodged with the High Court he commented that in circumstances where it would not under section 10(3) of the 2005 Act. be proportionate to refuse to modify the boundary for a Six interlocutory judgments were handed down by purpose such as attending an urgent medical appointment, the High Court during this reporting period in relation the Secretary of State would not be able to insist that a to disclosure required to make control order judicial controlled person be escorted by the police, if the police review proceedings under section 3(10) of the 2005 Act would not escort the individual without searching him compliant with article 6 following the June 2009 House first. of Lords judgment in AF & Others. The court handed down a judgment in Secretary of Two of these judgments were handed down in the State for the Home Department v AS on 23 November case of Secretary of State for the Home Department v BB 2009. The court dismissed AS’s appeal against the decision &BC. In the first judgment, handed down on of the Secretary of State to refuse to modify his control 5 October 2009 in closed only, the court required the order to enable him to stay overnight in London during Secretary of State to make further disclosure in order to the judicial review hearing of his control order. ensure compliance with article 6 despite the court’s During this reporting period, the Court of Appeal acknowledgement that the disclosure of this material refused permission to appeal in one case. In Secretary would cause damage to the public interest. The Secretary of State for the Home Department v AU, the Court of of State elected not to make the disclosure identified. Appeal found AU did not have any real prospect of Both control orders were revoked and new control orders success in his arguments that the judicial review of his with significantly reduced obligations were imposed. In control order had not been article 6 compliant and that the second judgment, handed down on 11 November when the Secretary of State decided to impose a control 2009, the court found that, notwithstanding the new order in this case, he was not entitled to consider control orders impose less stringent obligations, article 6 allegations which formed part of the previous criminal applied and that the House of Lords in AF & Others had prosecution and sentence. identified an “irreducible minimum”of disclosure which Full judgments are available at: http://www.bailii.org/ must be made in all control order cases regardless of the stringency of the obligations. The court granted the Door Supervisors Training Secretary of State permission to appeal and an appeal has been lodged. A further two judgments were handed down in the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the case of Secretary of State for the Home Department v Home Department (Mr. Alan Campbell): I am pleased AS. At the hearing on 6 and 8 October 2009, the court to announce the publication of a consultation document handed down a judgment in closed only requiring the and partial impact assessment on enhanced (or top up) Secretary of State to make further damaging disclosure training for door supervisors renewing their licences. 111WS Written Ministerial Statements15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 112WS

Copies of the report will be available in the Vote a commentary on any information withheld for the benefit of Office and in the House Library. the families or on legal or other grounds; produce a report explaining the work of the panel and the extent to which disclosure adds to public understanding of the tragedy and its aftermath. Hillsborough Disaster Where Government records are covered by the well established convention on access to papers of a previous The Secretary of State for the Home Department administration—in particular papers which indicate (Alan Johnson): The Hillsborough tragedy on 15 April the views of Ministers, such as Cabinet material or 1989 at the FA Cup semi final between Liverpool and ministerial policy advice—representatives of the previous Nottingham Forest was the worst disaster in British administration are being consulted and their consent to sporting history. Ninety-six people died and hundreds release of those papers sought. more were injured. The tragedy was of such national and international significance that it served to act as a watershed in the subsequent minimisation of safety risks at football matches and similar sporting events. Identity Cards There have been a number of examinations of the circumstances surrounding the disaster over the years. Following the 20th anniversary of the tragedy in April The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the 2009, the Prime Minister asked the then Secretaries of Home Department (Meg Hillier): I am pleased to announce State for the Home Office and for Culture, Media and the extension of the national identity service from the Sport, and the Justice Secretary, to consider how to beginning of January 2010. bring about maximum possible public disclosure of On 30 June, the Home Secretary confirmed that we governmental and other agency documentation on the would accelerate the roll-out of identity cards by extending events that occurred and their aftermath. In order to the initial coverage from Greater Manchester to other bring about this disclosure I am today announcing the locations in the north-west of England early in 2010. creation of the Hillsborough independent panel. Following a successful implementation of the national The Hillsborough independent panel will work in identity service in Greater Manchester and at Manchester partnership with Government and other public agencies and London City airports on 30 November, the next to oversee the disclosure process. It will also consult phase of the roll-out will be commenced from Monday those most affected by the disaster: the Hillsborough 4 January 2010. From that date, most citizens living or families. The panel will be chaired by the right reverend working in the north-west will be eligible to make James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool. The appointment of applications for identity cards at a fee of £30. the rest of the panel will take place over the coming Initially, they will be able to apply at the offices of the weeks in close consultation with the Hillsborough families Identity and Passport Service (IPS) in Manchester city and will be announced in due course. The panel will centre. From February 2010, they will also be able to meet for the first time in Liverpool as soon as possible apply at new enrolment facilities in existing IPS offices in the new year. in Liverpool and Blackburn. The independent panel will be provided with access To find out more about identity cards, register interest to Hillsborough documentation held by Government in obtaining a card or to request an application pack, and local agencies relevant to events surrounding the visit: www.direct.gov.uk/identity or call 0300 330 0000. tragedy in advance of the normal 30-year point for public disclosure. The fundamental principles will be full disclosure of documentation and no redaction of content, except in the limited legal and other circumstances UK Border Agency (Chief Inspector’s Report) outlined in the full terms of reference and disclosure protocol which will be placed in the Library of the House and made available on the Home Office website The Minister for Borders and Immigration (Mr. Phil at: www.homeoffice.gov.uk. Woolas): The first annual report of the independent Recognising the volume of material that must be Chief Inspector of the UK Border Agency, John Vine, catalogued, analysed and preserved, the panel will seek is being laid before Parliament today. The post and role to complete its work within two years. of independent Chief Inspector was created in the The remit of the independent panel will be to: Borders Act 2007 and extended in the Borders Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to reflect the wider role of oversee full public disclosure of relevant government and local information within the limited constraints set out in the disclosure the new agency. The key focus of the Chief Inspector is protocol; the efficiency and effectiveness of the UK Border Agency. The role provides an external, independent and transparent consult with the Hillsborough families to ensure that the views of those most affected by the tragedy are taken into account; assessment of the Agency and helps to provides reassurance to Parliament and the public. I therefore welcome this manage the process of public disclosure, ensuring that it takes place initially to the families of the victims and other involved account of the first year’s work of the Chief Inspector. parties, in an agreed manner and within a reasonable timescale, The annual report sets out the work of the Chief before information is made more widely available; Inspector in establishing his inspection methodology, in line with established practice, work with the Keeper of inspection plan and staffing since the role commenced Public Records in preparing options for establishing an archive in July 2008 and summarises the findings from six early of Hillsborough documentation, including a catalogue of all inspections. Copies of the report will be available in the central governmental and local public agency information and Vote Office. 113WS Written Ministerial Statements15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 114WS

Interim CCTV Regulator content of any regulatory framework; raise public awareness and understanding of how CCTV operates and how it contributes to tackling crime and increasing public The Minister for Policing, Crime and Counter-Terrorism protection; review the existing recommendations of the (Mr. David Hanson): I am today announcing the national CCTV strategy and advise the strategy board arrangements we are putting in place to take forward on implementation, timelines and cost and development implementation of the national CCTV strategy and to of an effective evidence base; and promote public awareness approve an interim CCTV regulator with immediate of the complaints process and criteria for complaints to effect. the relevant agencies ( for example, Information Commissioner, local authority or private organisation) CCTV enjoys a high level of public confidence in or how to deal with complaints relating to technical tackling crime. Home Office research published in 2005 standards. showed that over 80 per cent. of respondents supported the use of CCTV to deal with crime in their neighbourhood. The appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator A similar high level of confidence is reflected in the will bring to his CCTV role the expertise, knowledge, Ipsos MORI poll conducted last year and which we will and standing he has gained in operating a suitable be publishing shortly. CCTV played a key role in a framework for forensic services. He will play a leading number of investigations including the London terrorist role in identifying and helping meet the needs of both outrages in July 2005 and the Steven Wright murders in users and the public. Ipswich as well as offences such as burglaries, robberies, While the interim CCTV regulator will not have violence and antisocial behaviour across the country. responsibility for deciding whether individual cameras The changes are aimed at ensuring that those involved are appropriately sited or how they are used, he will be across the CCTV industry, whether from the public or able to help explain to the public how they can complain the private sector, can be actively involved in the about intrusive or ineffective CCTV placement or usage. development and implementation of national standards Part of the process of promoting greater accountability on the installation and use of CCTV. Importantly, it is engaging directly with key stakeholders. We will shortly also aims to maximise public engagement by raising be establishing an independent advisory group with public awareness of the benefits of CCTV and representatives from business, CCTV operators, community accountability of owners and users of CCTV systems. and third sector groups to monitor and provide direction It is important that we retain and build on that high on implementing the national strategy. The advisory level of public confidence by demonstrating the important group will advise the interim CCTV regulator and the contribution to preventing and detecting crime and national CCTV strategy board. These arrangements antisocial behaviour which CCTV can make. We have provide for partnership working at strategic and already announced in Building Britain’s Future that we neighbourhood level. Through these new arrangements, will make sure that local people have a say on the use of we intend to ensure that CCTV continues to be an CCTV in their area and will be publishing guidance for important tool available to communities to help tackle crime and disorder reduction partnerships next year on crime and antisocial behaviour. communicating with their community on the role of CCTV in public protection. It is also important that we address public concern INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT about how CCTV is used. I am, therefore, pleased to announce the appointment of the Forensic Science Regulator, Andrew Rennison, as the interim CCTV Autumn Performance Report regulator with immediate effect. The interim CCTV regulator will advise the Government on matters surrounding the use of CCTV in public places, including The Secretary of State for International Development the need for a regulatory framework overseen by a (Mr. Douglas Alexander): I have today laid before permanent CCTV regulator, which enables the police, Parliament my Department’s autumn performance report local authorities and other agencies to help deliver safer for 2009. The report is in the Library of the House and neighbourhoods while ensuring that personal privacy copies are available for hon. Members from the Vote considerations are appropriately taken into account Office. with supporting safeguards and protections. The The report provides details of progress on DFID’s establishment of a permanent CCTV regulator would departmental strategic objectives and value for money rightly be a matter for Parliament. That is why we are, at as well as progress on Public Service Agreement 29: this stage, considering the regulatory arrangements function Reduce poverty in poorer countries through quicker through an interim appointment and the revised governance progress towards the millennium development goals. structure for implementation of the national CCTV strategy. The interim appointment will be for a period of up to St. Helena 12 months. The appointment is an important step in implementation of the national CCTV strategy. The interim regulator will work with the national CCTV The Secretary of State for International Development strategy board on six key areas. These are to: develop (Mr. Douglas Alexander): I have carefully considered national standards for the installation and use of CCTV the views received in response to the public consultation in public space; determine training requirements for on air access for St. Helena. I have also considered the users and practitioners; engage with the public and reasonableness of proceeding with funding an airport private sector in determining the need for and potential in the prevailing economic conditions and the urgent 115WS Written Ministerial Statements15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 116WS requirements upon the Department to protect vulnerable To accompany the command paper the Ministry of countries around the world from the impact of the Justice has today published a consultation paper Civil global downturn. Law Reform—a draft Bill containing the draft Bill, the The present calls on DFID funding, and the current accompanying explanatory notes and the impact economic conditions, mean that proceeding with the assessments relating to the reform. The consultation project would not be appropriate at this time. DFID is period will close on 9 February 2010. committed to supporting the people of St. Helena and so, rather than make a decision at this juncture, I have instructed my officials to conduct a further analysis of FOI Quarterly Monitoring Statistics two particular issues that have been brought to my attention through the consultation, and require more detailed scrutiny: The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Mr. Michael potential cost savings to the airport contract which might be Wills): Today I have deposited copies of “The Freedom enabled by recent technological developments of Information Act 2000 - Statistics on implementation options for funding the capital cost of the airport through a in Central Government: Q3 - July - September 2009” in possible public private partnership. the Libraries of both Houses. Copies are also available In addition, my officials will also analyse further the in the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office. costs and options for a replacement ship. This is the quarterly monitoring statistics report analysing I expect this to take around six months and will make the performance of central Government in the fifth full a further statement when it is complete. year of freedom of information. The director responsible for the overseas territories will be visiting St. Helena in the first quarter of 2010 to discuss this announcement with both Government and House of Lords (Commonwealth and Republic of private sector. Ireland Citizens)

JUSTICE The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Mr. Michael Wills): My noble friend the Under-Secretary of State, Bernard Lodge Ministry of Justice, has made the following written ministerial statement: The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice During the debate on 10 December in the House of Lords—on (Claire Ward): I have today laid before Parliament the the Commonwealth’s shared goals in democracy and development— report of the inquiry that the Under-Secretary of State, Baroness Gardner of Parkes asked about eligibility of Commonwealth Ministry of Justice, Member for Dewsbury (Shahid and Republic of Ireland citizens for membership of the House of Malik) announced on 23 February 2009 into the death Lords. The Government undertook to set out the background to the issue in more detail and to legislate before the end of the of Bernard Lodge, who died at HMP Manchester on current session of Parliament to remove any uncertainty. The 28 August 1998. Government’s firm view is that nothing in the current circumstances I would like to thank the Chair of the inquiry, Barbara prevents any Member of the House of Lords from membership Stow, and the solicitor to the inquiry for the way in or from taking a full part in the proceedings of the House. which they handled the inquiry and for fulfilling the It was suggested to the Government in April 2009 by the terms of reference so efficiently. House authorities that the drafting of the Electoral Administration Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”), and modifications made by that Act to Civil Law Reform Bill section 3 of the Act of Settlement 1701, could be interpreted to have inadvertently cast doubt on whether Commonwealth and Republic of Ireland citizens are eligible for membership of the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice House of Lords and to hold certain offices under the Crown. (Bridget Prentice): In accordance with the Government’s The Government have been examining possible interpretations legislative programme for 2009-2010, the Secretary of of the changes made by the 2006 Act carefully. Although one State for Justice and Lord Chancellor has today laid possible interpretation would have the effect which has caused before Parliament the draft Civil Law Reform Bill for concern, this was clearly not the intention of Parliament when passing the 2006 Act, and the Government would disagree with pre-legislative scrutiny (Civil Law Reform—A Draft any suggestion that changes should be made in the way that Bill Cm 7773). eligibility is regarded. The draft Bill contains provisions to: The relevant provisions are complex. Section 18 of the 2006 reform the law of damages to provide a fairer and more Act included provisions about eligibility for membership of the modern system, particularly in relation to bereavement and House of Commons, which were intended to ensure that only dependency damages under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. persons with indefinite leave to remain in the UK are eligible to be give greater flexibility in setting the interest rate on pre-judgment Members of the House of Commons. The Act also extended this debt and damages and on judgment debts so that it can be provision to elections to the European Parliament, the Greater adapted more readily to different circumstances, making it London Authority, local authorities, and the devolved legislatures. fairer to debtors and creditors alike. The provision was enacted in response to concerns that elected reform the law relating to the distribution of estates of a representatives should be able to serve their term of office in full deceased person where an inheritance is forfeited or disclaimed, in the UK. The provision was commenced on 1 January 2007. so that where a person is disqualified or refuses an inheritance, Section 18(7) of the 2006 Act repealed the first entry in his or her heirs are not disinherited. Schedule 7 to the British Nationality Act 1981. That entry had bring the disciplinary hearing appeal process for barristers into modified the application of section 3 of the Act of Settlement line with the appeal process for solicitors by transferring the which concerns eligibility for membership of both Houses of jurisdiction to hear appeals to the High Court. Parliament, the Privy Council and certain offices under the 117WS Written Ministerial Statements15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 118WS

Crown by disapplying part of it in relation to Commonwealth (g) Has an assessment been made as to whether existing and Republic of Ireland citizens, allowing such citizens to be legislation is sufficient to deal with any or all of the issues in Members of either House and to hold offices under the Crown. question? This change was made in consequence of the provision at (h) Have relevant parliamentary committees been given the section 18(1) of the Electoral Administration Act 2006, which opportunity to scrutinise the legislation? substituted a new modification of section 3 of the Act of Settlement that applies only for the purposes of membership of the House of The Video Recordings Bill which has been introduced Commons: under its terms, Commonwealth citizens who do not have indefinite leave to remain in the UK are prevented from in this House today is the first Bill to be fast-tracked being Members of the House of Commons. However, since the since the Committee published its report. The explanatory drafting of the legislation did not contain provisions expressly notes of this Bill reflect the new approach. saving the first entry in Schedule 7 to the British Nationality Act 1981 in relation to membership of the House of Lords and other offices under the Crown, a question has been raised about whether the eligibility of Commonwealth or Republic of Ireland citizens for membership of the House of Lords and other positions is affected. Parliamentary Pensions Though it clearly was not the intention of Parliament in passing the 2006 Act to change the entitlement of Commonwealth and Republic of Ireland citizens to sit in the House of Lords, Ministers have concluded that it is best to put the issue beyond any doubt. Accordingly, we will introduce appropriate legislation The Leader of the House of Commons (Ms Harriet before the end of the current Session of Parliament to remove any Harman): The Government are committed to providing uncertainty on this issue. An amendment will be tabled to the public service pension schemes that are affordable and Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill, currently before the sustainable in the long term, consistent with the principle House of Commons, to achieve this. of fairness for all taxpayers and between generations. On 3 December I laid before Parliament amendments to the Parliamentary Pensions (Consolidation and LEADER OF THE HOUSE Amendment) Regulations 1993. These amendments will bring in the cost-saving changes to the Parliamentary Pension Scheme which I announced in my statement of Expedited Legislation (Explanatory Notes) 31 March 2009 in accordance with the January 2008 recommendations of the Senior Salaries Review Body endorsed by the House on 24 January 2008. The package is judged by the Government Actuary to produce savings The Leader of the House of Commons (Ms Harriet of 2.9 per cent. of payroll, which will reduce the Exchequer Harman): On 7 July the House of Lords Select Committee contribution to the scheme by approximately £1.4 million on the Constitution published its report on “Fast-track a year. Legislation: Constitutional Implications and Safeguards” (HL 116, 2008-09). The Government response was The House endorsed the cost-saving package on published on 7 December (HL 11, 2009-10). 25 June 2009 and also agreed that further changes The report recommended that, where the Government should be brought forward to cap the Exchequer was proposing expedited legislation it should provide contribution for 2009-10 not at the 28.7 per cent. of an explanation of why the legislation should be fast-tracked. payroll level recommended by the Senior Salaries Review The Government accept in principle the Committee’s Body, but at the lower 2008-9 level of 26.8 per cent. recommendation that, for all Bills which are to be passed with unusual expedition, an explanation of the At request of the Prime Minister, the Senior Salaries reasons for using a fast-track procedure should be Review Body is currently undertaking a fundamental provided. independent review of the Parliamentary pension arrangements. The Prime Minister has asked the Senior I am therefore informing the House that any future Salaries Review Body to consider the full range of legislation which will be subject to expedited procedures options for reducing the Exchequer contribution and to will contain a full explanation in the accompanying consider, among other things, the merits of defined explanatory notes to the legislation. The explanation contribution or money purchase arrangements. The will address the questions set out in paragraph 186 of Senior Salaries Review Body aims to conclude its report the Committee’s report: by the end of the year. The Senior Salaries Review Body (a) Why is fast-tracking necessary? will take into account the cost-saving changes we have (b) What is the justification for fast-tracking each element of made, but its chairman has expressed concern that any the Bill? proposals by the Government to make further such (c) What efforts have been made to ensure the amount of time changes at this time could conflict with the Senior made available for parliamentary scrutiny has been maximised? Salaries Review Body’s recommendations and might (d) To what extent have interested parties and outside groups appear to compromise its review. The Government’s been given an opportunity to influence the policy proposal? decision on any further proposals will be taken after the (e) Does the Bill include a sunset clause (as well as any publication of the review. Where applicable, those proposals appropriate renewal procedure)? If not, why do the Government will be informed by the Senior Salaries Review Body’s judge that their inclusion is not appropriate? recommendations and will, in compliance with the House (f) Are mechanisms for effective post-legislative scrutiny and of Commons’ resolution of 25 June, have the effect of review in place? If not, why do the Government judge that freezing the Exchequer contribution for 2009-10 at the their inclusion is not appropriate? 2008-09 level as a percentage of payroll. 119WS Written Ministerial Statements15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 120WS

TRANSPORT and the distance-based payment for use of low-carbon buses that are now part of the current BSOG system. The new incentive per passenger arrangements, which build on Bus Service Operators Grant the work done by the Commission for Integrated Transport, will rely on accurate recording of passenger numbers. This will require audited data of the sort that can be provided through the use of The Minister of State, Department for Transport smart ticketing equipment. The move to per passenger payments (Mr. Sadiq Khan): My right hon. and noble Friend the will therefore be underpinned by the delivery of the Government’s smart and integrated ticketing strategy, which has been announced Secretary of State for Transport has made the following today, and which is itself supported by the new smart ticketing ministerial statement: incentive described above. We recognise that it could take up to 10 In December 2008 the then Secretary of State for Transport, years for the national bus fleet to be equipped, and we therefore the right hon. Member for Ashfield (Geoff Hoon), announced a propose a managed transition from BSOG to the new system. range of reforms to bus service operators grant (BSOG) to bring Introduction of this new form of bus subsidy will also require this subsidy better into line with Government objectives. As the approval of the European Commission for reasons of state promised in that announcement, we have since been developing aid. Given the fundamental nature of the changes that we are the detailed arrangements with stakeholders, and continuing to proposing, approval is likely to take two to three years. Until the discuss possible longer-term reforms. new system has been approved the existing BSOG scheme will In April this year the Government introduced two changes to continue. Once approval has been given, the per passenger system the current BSOG scheme. First, bus operators who have achieved will be rolled out as quickly as operators can install ITSO smart a 6 per cent. improvement in fuel efficiency will receivea3per ticketing systems. The existing fuel-based system will continue in cent. uplift in their BSOG rate from April 2010. Secondly, with parallel for those operators without smartcard equipment, although effect from April 2009 operators have been able to claim an the rate of payment may decline over time. Eventually, by around additional payment of 6 pence for each kilometre operated by a 2020, the BSOG system will end and be replaced entirely by an low-carbon bus, per example one that is capable of achieving at incentive per passenger. least a 30 per cent. reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared We will discuss the detailed implementation of these proposals to a similar size conventional diesel bus. with members of the Bus Subsidy Advisory Group and with I can now confirm the details of two further changes that were other Government Departments. In particular, we recognise that first announced in last December’s statement and will come into an incentive per passenger will have different impacts in areas of effect in April 2010. From that date operators will receive an 8 per high and low demand. While the bulk of resources available for cent. increase in their BSOG rate if they have operational ITSO bus support will therefore move to an incentive per passenger smartcard systems and, separately, a 2 per cent. increase if they basis, we will wish to discuss with stakeholders how best to make have fitted their buses with GPS equipment. To qualify for the appropriate arrangements for supporting socially necessary services higher rate smartcard equipment will need to accept all English that become less commercially viable as a result of introducing a concessionary passes and the incentive will also be linked to per passenger system. This might mean, for example, some of the accepting integrated ticketing products. To receive either the current BSOG budget being transferred to local authorities. smartcard or GPS incentive, operators will also have to commit to It remains our intention as part of these reforms to stop share specific data with local authorities, central government and providing BSOG direct to London operators, as announced last other relevant bodies. Together these incentives could be worth December. We will seek to agree detailed arrangements with TfL around £1,000 in additional grant per bus each year. at the appropriate time. The smartcard and GPS incentives will not apply to London The changes I have announced today set the long term direction operators. The contractual arrangements for bus services in London of changes to bus subsidy and introduce important new incentives already provide the mechanism for securing the outputs that the to the current system. In summary they will: Government are seeking, such as installation of GPS equipment and availability of GPS data. There is a separate project to enable Provide strong incentives for bus operators further to improve the Transport for London Oyster network to read ITSO smart their fuel efficiency, building on the changes introduced in cards, to which the Department for Transport has committed £60 April 2009 which have sent decisive signals to the industry million. about the need to improve their environmental performance; The smartcard incentive is part of a package of measures Give operators real incentives to attract more passengers to designed to encourage the introduction of smart and integrated their services and out of their cars; ticketing across the country. These are the subject of a separate Underpin the ticketing strategy also announced today and announcement today. Encouraging the take up and use of GPS pave the way for widespread smart ticketing; systems will help realise the potential for passengers to receive real-time information about bus services and bus performance. Support the take up and use of GPS systems that will increase availability to passengers of real-time information about services I can also announce today our intentions for a more fundamental and bus performance. reform of BSOG which we aim to introduce in the next two to three years. As last December’s statement made clear, we want our buses to be as green and clean as possible. That is why we are reforming EU Transport Council BSOG to ensure it contributes to the Government’s strategic objectives, particularly in relation to tackling climate change. Drawing on the results of our consultation in 2008 on options for longer term reform, and from discussions with stakeholders, the The Minister of State, Department for Transport Government wish to move away from paying support on the basis (Mr. Sadiq Khan): I will attend the second Transport of how much fuel is consumed. We will therefore bring forward Council of the Swedish presidency which will take place new arrangements for support on the basis of passenger numbers. in Brussels on 17 December. This will act to make public transport more attractive thereby The Council will be asked to reach a political agreement delivering environmental benefits through reduced congestion and improved air quality. on a regulation on the rights of passengers in bus and coach transport, which also amends Regulation 2006/2004 These new arrangements will mean that operators will face the full cost of the fuel they use. This will strengthen the commercial on co-operation between national authorities responsible incentives for operators to find ways to reduce their fuel consumption for the enforcement of consumer protection laws. While and improve the business case for investment in driver training the scope of the regulation remains unresolved prior to and low-carbon buses. It also builds on the fuel efficiency target the Transport Council, other key UK concerns with the 121WS Written Ministerial Statements15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 122WS original proposal have been addressed and the Government There will be a progress report from the Commission hope that a satisfactory political agreement can be on the second stage of air services negotiations with the reached. US. Ministers’ views will be sought on the next phase of the negotiations. The Council will be asked to reach a general approach on an amending regulation on structures for the Smart and Integrated Ticketing Strategy management of the European satellite radio-navigation programmes. The Commission will also give a progress report on the Galileo programme. Regulation 683/2008 The Minister of State, Department for Transport significantly changed the role of the Galileo Supervisory (Mr. Sadiq Khan): My right hon. and noble Friend the Authority (GSA). The amending regulation amends Secretary of State for Transport has made the following earlier legislation on the GSA to bring it all in line with ministerial statement: the 2008 regulation. It changes the name of the body I am today announcing the launch of the Government’s smart and integrated ticketing strategy. concerned to the European GNSS Agency and gives the The strategy follows a consultation which ran for 10 weeks European Commission more power in the administrative from August this year and sought views on the Government’s board. The UK is content that this is a sensible compromise. emerging vision for smart and integrated ticketing across public The UK has been a strong supporter of the need for a transport in England. The consultation was well received, with security accreditation body which can operate over 120 responses, and there was strong support for the emerging independently. We were also keen that, should the vision although also a strong message that Government needed to Accreditors take a decision which would significantly set out a clear roadmap for delivery. increase cost or introduce delay, the Commission cannot Our research suggests that smart and integrated ticketing overrule them without going to the Council and the could bring overall benefits of over £1 billion per year and could Parliament. It would be for Council to decide whether significantly improve the offer to the passenger through reduced queuing times, removal of the need to carry cash and the provision the risk of not doing what the Accreditors wanted was of seamless journeys. manageable. The Commission and member states have We have incorporated 27 specific Government commitments in agreed with us that this is a sensible way forward. the strategy. Key commitments include £20 million of funding to be awarded to nine of the largest urban areas in England (outside There will be a progress report on a directive on the London) in order to bring smart ticketing to the greatest number deployment of intelligent transport systems (ITS). My of people most quickly; a change to bus operators’ grant (BSOG) officials have been negotiating to secure amendments to which is the subject of a separate announcement today and which the draft directive which better align it with UK interests. will reward operators who equip their buses with smart ticketing Good progress has been made on those areas of concern infrastructure with an 8 per cent. increase in grant; consideration to the UK. of possible legislation if insufficient progress has been made in the roll-out of integrated ticketing; and the creation of a dedicated There will also be a progress report on a proposed smart and integrated ticketing team within the Department of directive on aviation security charges. The UK will Transport to co-ordinate delivery of the strategy from a central work towards achieving a fair and proportionate outcome point. The strategy includes a timetable for delivery, which though that balances the interests of passengers and airports. challenging, I believe is achievable. Our immediate goal is to see integrated multi-modal smart ticketing schemes, similar to the The Council will be asked to reach a general approach Oyster scheme in London but using the ITSO specification, in on a directive on reporting formalities for ships arriving England’s major urban areas by 2015. We expect that urban in and/or departing from EU ports. The UK supports schemes will provide a base from which further expansion can this measure in principle as it should lead to a streamlining occur, and anticipate that that there will be some local integrated of administrative procedures to be followed by ships. It ITSO smart ticketing schemes in every area of the country by will be important to ensure that the implementation 2020. The Department will also continue to put smart ticketing timetable allows member states sufficient time to adapt requirements into the rail franchises as they come up for renewal. existing national systems to the new requirements. Longer term, our aim is to see customers possibly being given a choice of ticketing media, potentially including bank cards and The Council will be asked to adopt conclusions following mobile phones and improved links between ticketing and information on from the Commission’s Communication “Asustainable provision to make public transport use an easier and more attractive option to passengers. future for transport: Towards an integrated, technology-led The successful delivery of the strategy will depend upon partnership and user friendly system”, which was debated by the working to ensure that schemes meet the needs of the passengers. Council in October. The UK believes the Council In the strategy, the Department lays out the roles envisaged for conclusions to be a good outcome. They provide the principal stakeholders; ITSO, the local transport authorities, Commission with a clear and useful steer and I expect local transport operators, train operating companies and suppliers. to be able to sign up to the conclusions at the Council. We recognise that we cannot deliver the strategy without the support of all these key stakeholders and I look forward to The Council will be asked to adopt a decision, authorising working with them to ensure that we meet our commitments as the Commission to negotiate an agreement with the soon as possible. International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), providing Copies of the strategy document have been placed in the a general framework for enhanced co-operation. The Library of the House. UK supports this proposal. There are significant gains UK Roads Liaison Group Report (Severe Weather to be had from closer co-operation between the Community February 2009) and ICAO, notably in the field of aviation safety. The presidency has made clear that the draft mandate does not affect relations between individual member states The Minister of State, Department for Transport and ICAO, nor does it affect the arrangements for (Mr. Sadiq Khan): In February Britain experienced its preparing Community positions for meetings of the worst winter for 18 years. It is important that we learn ICAO Council. the transport lessons from that experience, so that the 123WS Written Ministerial Statements15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 124WS country is better prepared for similar severe events in a matter of last resort, but that the Government should future. To this end, the then Secretary of State for develop a contingency plan for any future Salt Cell, to Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Ashfield be used in extremis. I again accept the recommendation. (Mr. Hoon), commissioned the UK Roads Liaison Group My Department is working with a number of stakeholders, (UKRLG) to conduct a review of the difficulties both within and without Government, to develop robust experienced in the operation of winter maintenance protocols against such an eventuality. service at that time. Co-operation and co-ordination between highways The UKRLG published its report on 4 August (available authorities and suppliers will be a key component in from the Libraries of both Houses or from: better management of winter service in the future, www.ukroadsliaisongroup.org), and I am grateful for however severe the weather. The Highways Agency had the thorough way in which it reviews events. The report already identified the need to develop a closer relationship makes 19 recommendations, and I am pleased to announce with its salt supply chain partners. A strategic Salt today that the Government have accepted them all, Liaison Group (SLG) has been established, to discuss which together should improve our preparedness to issues affecting salt usage and supply for the strategic face up to the challenges presented by severe winter network. Local highway authorities may wish to reflect weather in the future. on how similar arrangements might benefit them. As Most of the recommendations are addressed to local part of its own review of lessons learnt, the agency also highway authorities and salt suppliers. It is, of course, highlighted the need for improved communications to for each authority to consider these and decide for give earlier warning of any developing salt supply issues. themselves how best to take them forward. I commend Again, local authorities may wish to consider how they them to authorities’ attention. can implement a more precautionary, focused dialogue with salt suppliers in the same way. The report addresses four recommendations specifically to the Department for Transport and the Highways There is already good communication between the Agency. Highways Agency and local authorities, and the agency shares a number of depots with local authorities. As First, it recommends that the Highways Agency should well as the cost efficiencies associated with depot-sharing, hold a reserve of salt above that which it needs to meet it can provide access to the network at operationally its service standards, in order to reduce overall demand important locations that may not otherwise be available. for salt at critical times. In addition to supporting the The Highways Agency recognises the importance of UKRLG review, the agency has carried out its own depot-sharing in providing a cost-effective solution to internal exercise to identify those areas of its business planning and maintaining an effective winter service. which may be improved, to further strengthen its winter However, depots are often not suitable for sharing service resilience. A number of improvements have been either on account of their location, their size or other identified and implemented, including a review of the operational constraints. Each proposal therefore needs salt stock levels that will be held across the strategic to be considered on its individual merits, to ensure that road network in England. The agency has previously service delivery for both authorities will not be implemented a risk-based approach to set its salt stock compromised. levels each year. By identifying and considering the impact of issues which may affect salt supplies and While no system can be completely resilient in extreme associated stock levels, a suitable salt stock profile for circumstances, adopting the UKRLG’s recommendations each of the agency’s operational areas is derived for the should help the nation to be better prepared should winter season ahead. The increased risk of a salt shortage weather conditions similar to this past winters be similar to that experienced last season has been considered encountered in future. when setting the salt stock profiles for this winter season, in order to increase the agency’s salt stock resilience. UKRLG further recommend that the Department WORK AND PENSIONS should publish an information leaflet for highway authority elected members and senior managers on preparation for severe winter conditions. We have produced such a Autumn Performance Report leaflet and have arranged for this to be distributed today. The report proposes that the Department should The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Yvette make preparations to enable rapid introduction of Cooper): I will shortly be publishing the Autumn derogation against drivers’ hours regulations for specific Performance Report of the Department for Work and categories of vehicles and drivers if necessary in times Pensions. The report is intended to supplement the of severe adverse weather conditions. We agree with the Department’s annual report published in June 2009. recommendation that it is important to implement such The report is the Department’s third report under derogations quickly, when the need has been identified. CSR2007 on its cross-governmental public service We believe that the Department’s response in February agreements, its departmental strategic objectives and its was as swift as was possible; but we will review our value for money delivery agreement. processes to ensure that we remain ready to deal with This publication has been specifically designed to be applications for derogation as quickly as possible. accessed online, on the grounds of sustainability and UKRLG considered the operation of the centrally potential financial savings, and will be available on the co-ordinated Salt Cell that was set up in February. The Department’s website. For the convenience of Members, report concludes that the possibility of a future some printed copies will be placed in the Library and Government-run Salt Cell should only be considered as supplied to the Vote Office and Printed Paper Office. 35P Petitions15 DECEMBER 2009 Petitions 36P Petitions Badman Report (Old Bexley and Sidcup) The Petition of persons resident in the Old Bexley and Sidcup parliamentary constituency, Tuesday 15 December 2009 Declares that they are concerned about the recommendations of the Badman Report, which suggests PRESENTED PETITIONS closer monitoring of home educators, including a compulsory annual registration scheme and right of Petitions presented to the House on Monday 30 November access to people’s homes for local authority officials; 2009 but not read on the Floor further declares that the Petitioners believe the Badman Report (Hendon) recommendations are based on a review that was extremely The Petition of persons resident in the Hendon rushed, failed to give due consideration to the evidence, parliamentary constituency, failed to ensure that the data it collected were sufficiently Declares that they are concerned about the robust, and failed to take proper account of the existing recommendations of the Badman Report, which suggests legislative framework. closer monitoring of home educators, including a The Petitioners therefore request that the House of compulsory annual registration scheme and right of Commons urges the Secretary of State for Children, access to people’s homes for local authority officials; Schools and Families either not to bring forward, or to further declares that the Petitioners believe the withdraw, proposed legislative measures providing for recommendations are based on a review that was extremely tighter registration and monitoring of children educated rushed, failed to give due consideration to the evidence, at home in the absence of a thorough independent failed to ensure that the data it collected were sufficiently inquiry into the condition and future of elective home robust, and failed to take proper account of the existing education in England; but instead to take the steps legislative framework. necessary to ensure that the existing Elective Home The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Education Guidelines for Local Authorities are properly Commons urges the Secretary of State for Children, implemented, learning from current best practice, in all Schools and Families either not to bring forward, or to local authorities in England. withdraw, proposed legislative measures providing for And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Derek tighter registration and monitoring of children educated Conway .] at home in the absence of a thorough independent inquiry into the condition and future of elective home [P000446] education in England; but instead to take the steps necessary to ensure that the existing Elective Home Petitions presented to the House on Monday 7 December Education Guidelines for Local Authorities are properly 2009 but not read on the Floor implemented, learning from current best practice, in all local authorities in England. And the Petitioners remain, etc. Badman Report (Hitchin & Harpenden) [P000444] Badman Report (Harrow East) The Petition of persons resident in the Hitchin & The Petition of persons resident in the Harrow East Harpenden parliamentary constituency, parliamentary constituency, Declares that they are concerned about the Declares that they are concerned about the recommendations of the Badman Report, which suggests recommendations of the Badman Report, which suggests closer monitoring of home educators, including a closer monitoring of home educators, including a compulsory annual registration scheme and right of compulsory annual registration scheme and right of access to people’s homes for local authority officials; access to people’s homes for local authority officials; further declares that the Petitioners believe the further declares that the Petitioners believe the recommendations are based on a review that was extremely recommendations are based on a review that was extremely rushed, failed to give due consideration to the evidence, rushed, failed to give due consideration to the evidence, failed to ensure that the data it collected were sufficiently failed to ensure that the data it collected were sufficiently robust, and failed to take proper account of the existing robust, and failed to take proper account of the existing legislative framework. legislative framework. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Secretary of State for Children, Commons urges the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families either not to bring forward, or to Schools and Families either not to bring forward, or to withdraw, proposed legislative measures providing for withdraw, proposed legislative measures providing for tighter registration and monitoring of children educated tighter registration and monitoring of children educated at home in the absence of a thorough independent at home in the absence of a thorough independent inquiry into the condition and future of elective home inquiry into the condition and future of elective home education in England; but instead to take the steps education in England; but instead to take the steps necessary to ensure that the existing Elective Home necessary to ensure that the existing Elective Home Education Guidelines for Local Authorities are properly Education Guidelines for Local Authorities are properly implemented, learning from current best practice, in all implemented, learning from current best practice, in all local authorities in England. local authorities in England. And the Petitioners remain, etc. And the Petitioners remain, etc. [P000445] [P000516] 37P Petitions15 DECEMBER 2009 Petitions 38P

Equitable Life (Hitchin and Harpenden) Petition presented to the House on Monday 14 December 2009 but not read on the Floor The Petition of residents of the constituency of Hitchin and Harpenden in the Hertfordshire region of the U.K. regarding the Government’s response to the Parliamentary Badman Report (Gravesham) Ombudsman’s reports on Equitable Life, The Petition persons resident in the Gravesham Declares that the Petitioners either are or they represent parliamentary constituency, or support members, former members or personal Declares that they are concerned about the representatives of deceased members of the Equitable recommendations of the Badman Report, which suggests Life Assurance Society who have suffered maladministration closer monitoring of home educators, including a leading to injustice, as found by the Parliamentary compulsory annual registration scheme and right of Ombudsman in her report upon Equitable Life, ordered access to people’s homes for local authority officials; by the House of Commons to be printed on 16 July further declares that the Petitioners believe the 2008 and bearing reference number HC 815; and further recommendations are based on a review that was extremely declares that the Petitioners or those whom they represent rushed, failed to give due consideration to the evidence, or support have suffered regulatory failure on the part failed to ensure that the data it collected were sufficiently of the public bodies responsible from the year 1992 robust, and failed to take proper account of the existing onwards, but have not received compensation for the legislative framework. resulting losses and outrage. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Secretary of State for Children, Commons urges the Government to uphold the Schools and Families either not to bring forward, or to constitutional standing of the Parliamentary Ombudsman withdraw, proposed legislative measures providing for by complying with the findings and recommendations tighter registration and monitoring of children educated of her Report upon Equitable Life. at home in the absence of a thorough independent inquiry into the condition and future of elective home And the Petitioners remain, etc. education in England; but instead to take the steps necessary to ensure that the existing Elective Home [P000561] Education Guidelines for Local Authorities are properly implemented, learning from current best practice, in all local authorities in England. Petition presented to the House on Tuesday 8 December And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by 2009 but not read on the Floor Mr. Adam Holloway .] [P000646] Badman Report (Walthamstow) The Petition of persons resident in the Walthamstow Badman Report (Brentford and Isleworth) parliamentary constituency, The Petition persons resident in the Brentford and Declares that they are concerned about the Isleworth parliamentary constituency, recommendations of the Badman Report, which suggests Declares that they are concerned about the closer monitoring of home educators, including a recommendations of the Badman Report, which suggests compulsory annual registration scheme and right of closer monitoring of home educators, including a access to people’s homes for local authority officials; compulsory annual registration scheme and right of further declares that the Petitioners believe the access to people’s homes for local authority officials; recommendations are based on a review that was extremely further declares that the Petitioners believe the rushed, failed to give due consideration to the evidence, recommendations are based on a review that was extremely failed to ensure that the data it collected were sufficiently rushed, failed to give due consideration to the evidence, robust, and failed to take proper account of the existing failed to ensure that the data it collected were sufficiently legislative framework. robust, and failed to take proper account of the existing The Petitioners therefore request that the House of legislative framework. Commons urges the Secretary of State for Children, The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Schools and Families either not to bring forward, or to Commons urges the Secretary of State for Children, withdraw, proposed legislative measures providing for Schools and Families either not to bring forward, or to tighter registration and monitoring of children educated withdraw, proposed legislative measures providing for at home in the absence of a thorough independent tighter registration and monitoring of children educated inquiry into the condition and future of elective home at home in the absence of a thorough independent education in England; but instead to take the steps inquiry into the condition and future of elective home necessary to ensure that the existing Elective Home education in England; but instead to take the steps Education Guidelines for Local Authorities are properly necessary to ensure that the existing Elective Home implemented, learning from current best practice, in all Education Guidelines for Local Authorities are properly local authorities in England. implemented, learning from current best practice, in all And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mr. Neil local authorities in England. Gerrard .] And the Petitioners remain, etc. [P000505] [P000647] 39P Petitions15 DECEMBER 2009 Petitions 40P

Petition presented to the House on Tuesday 15 December Badman Report (Bournemouth West) 2009 but not read on the Floor The Petition persons resident in the Bournemouth West parliamentary constituency, Badman Report (Epsom and Ewell) Declares that they are concerned about the recommendations of the Badman Report, which suggests The Petition of persons resident in the Epsom and closer monitoring of home educators, including a Ewell parliamentary constituency, compulsory annual registration scheme and right of Declares that they are concerned about the access to people’s homes for local authority officials; recommendations of the Badman Report, which suggests further declares that the Petitioners believe the closer monitoring of home educators, including a recommendations are based on a review that was extremely compulsory annual registration scheme and right of rushed, failed to give due consideration to the evidence, access to people’s homes for local authority officials; failed to ensure that the data it collected were sufficiently further declares that the Petitioners believe the robust, and failed to take proper account of the existing recommendations are based on a review that was extremely legislative framework. rushed, failed to give due consideration to the evidence, failed to ensure that the data it collected were sufficiently The Petitioners therefore request that the House of robust, and failed to take proper account of the existing Commons urges the Secretary of State for Children, legislative framework. Schools and Families either not to bring forward, or to withdraw, proposed legislative measures providing for The Petitioners therefore request that the House of tighter registration and monitoring of children educated Commons urges the Secretary of State for Children, at home in the absence of a thorough independent Schools and Families either not to bring forward, or to inquiry into the condition and future of elective home withdraw, proposed legislative measures providing for education in England; but instead to take the steps tighter registration and monitoring of children educated necessary to ensure that the existing Elective Home at home in the absence of a thorough independent Education Guidelines for Local Authorities are properly inquiry into the condition and future of elective home implemented, learning from current best practice, in all education in England; but instead to take the steps local authorities in England. necessary to ensure that the existing Elective Home Education Guidelines for Local Authorities are properly And the Petitioners remain, etc. implemented, learning from current best practice, in all [P000654] local authorities in England. And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Chris Grayling .] OBSERVATIONS [P000537] TREASURY Equitable Life (Hitchin and Harpenden) Badman Report (Forest of Dean) The Petition of residents of the constituency of Hitchin The Petition persons resident in the Forest of Dean and Harpenden in the Hertfordshire region of the U.K. parliamentary constituency, regarding the Government’s response to the Parliamentary Declares that they are concerned about the Ombudsman’s reports on Equitable Life, recommendations of the Badman Report, which suggests Declares that the Petitioners either are or they represent closer monitoring of home educators, including a or support members, former members or personal compulsory annual registration scheme and right of representatives of deceased members of the Equitable access to people’s homes for local authority officials; Life Assurance Society who have suffered maladministration further declares that the Petitioners believe the leading to injustice, as found by the Parliamentary recommendations are based on a review that was extremely Ombudsman in her report upon Equitable Life, ordered rushed, failed to give due consideration to the evidence, by the House of Commons to be printed on 16 July 2008 failed to ensure that the data it collected were sufficiently and bearing reference number HC 815; and further robust, and failed to take proper account of the existing declares that the Petitioners or those whom they represent legislative framework. or support have suffered regulatory failure on the part The Petitioners therefore request that the House of of the public bodies responsible from the year 1992 Commons urges the Secretary of State for Children, onwards, but have not received compensation for the Schools and Families either not to bring forward, or to resulting losses and outrage. withdraw, proposed legislative measures providing for The Petitioners therefore request that the House of tighter registration and monitoring of children educated Commons urges the Government to uphold the at home in the absence of a thorough independent constitutional standing of the Parliamentary Ombudsman inquiry into the condition and future of elective home by complying with the findings and recommendations education in England; but instead to take the steps of her Report upon Equitable Life. necessary to ensure that the existing Elective Home And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mr. Peter Education Guidelines for Local Authorities are properly Lilley, Official Report, 7 December 2009, Vol. 502.] implemented, learning from current best practice, in all [P000561] local authorities in England. Observations from the Chancellor of the Exchequer: And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by The Government responded to the Parliamentary Mr. Mark Harper .] Ombudsman’s report into the prudential regulation of [P000653] Equitable Life on 15 January 2009. The Government 41P Petitions15 DECEMBER 2009 Petitions 42P have the greatest respect for the Office of the Ombudsman. of local, regional and national Government policies, The Ombudsman’s important role in the maintenance together with the failure of the competition authorities of standards of public service is unquestioned. to deal with the aggressive policies of the supermarkets. The Government are permitted, in certain circumstances, Further declares that the loss of the UK’s Independent to reject the Ombudsman’s findings and/or her retailers has far-reaching socio-economic and environmental recommendations for remedy. In this instance, where implications for the whole community; further declares the Government departed from findings in her report, that superstores and small independent shops should and her compensation recommendation, it did so only not be considered as two separate markets. after very careful consideration. The recent judgment in the judicial review of our The Petitioners therefore request that the House of response confirmed the legality of the Government’s Commons urges the Government to take steps to secure decision to reject the Ombudsman’s compensation the future of small shops across the UK and to safeguard recommendation. With regard to her findings, the Court the choice and competition that people expect on the found in three instances that the Government had focussed market place; to create an independent regulator to too narrowly on the issue of regulatory compliance, and ensure that local retail planning decisions do not have a we have accepted those findings. negative effect on the interests of the local community; The Government must act in a way that balances the and to prohibit unfair pricing advantages such as below legitimate interests of the taxpayer with those of cost selling. policyholders affected by events at Equitable Life. The And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Andrew Ombudsman herself recognised in her report that the Selous, Official Report, 25 November 2009; Vol. 501, public interest is a relevant consideration. What this c. 644 .] means is that it is appropriate to consider the impact on the general taxpayer of any payments. [P000424] A further issue is that the Ombudsman was only able Observations from the Secretary of State for Business, within her remit to consider the role of the regulator Innovation and Skills: and not the role and responsibility of Equitable Life Small retailers are the lifeblood of our economy and and other parties. The Government do not believe that play an important role in our local communities. Their the taxpayer should fund payments for any losses survival will be crucial to both maintaining employment attributable to other factors, such as market conditions and economic activity through the downturn and providing or the actions of Equitable Life itself. growth as we move towards recovery. The Government also explained in their response Small retailers can access the same support and advice that they do not believe that it is generally appropriate as any small business. The Government are continuing to pay compensation where there is regulatory failure. to improve and build on the delivery of services through The responsibility to minimise risks and to prevent the Business Link brand. Business Link provides the problems occurring in a particular financial institution information, advice and support needed to start, maintain lies, first and foremost, with the people who own and and grow a small business in today’s competitive run that institution. environment. Nevertheless, the Government recognise that some policyholders have been disproportionately affected by A number of the recent measures introduced to help the events at Equitable Life. There are strong reasons to SMEs form “Real Help for Business”, a cross-Government act quickly to help those hardest hit. We remain firmly brand of outward-facing products and initiatives to committed to introducing a fair ex gratia payment help businesses during these tough economic times. scheme as soon as possible. The ex gratia payment In addition to providing immediate help directly to scheme will be developed based upon consideration of businesses, the Government’s recent focus has been to Sir John Chadwick’s advice and to take into account ensure the banks have sufficient capital and liquidity, other relevant considerations such as the position of the and then to ensure they use it to lend. public finances. Our goal is to introduce a scheme that Going forward, within the context of “Building Britain’s is administratively quicker and simpler to deliver than Future—New Industry, New Jobs”, published by the that envisaged by the Ombudsman. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in The Government expect Sir John to submit his final April 2009, we are developing new ideas to ensure that report in spring 2010. Once the Government has had an SMEs are able to grow when the upturn comes. opportunity to consider Sir John’s advice, details of the payment scheme that is fair to both taxpayers and On 5 May 2009, the Government published a policyholders will be announced. consultation draft Planning Policy Statement 4 (PPS4): Planning for Prosperous Economies. The proposals recognise the importance of achieving a broad range of BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS retailer representation, both small and large, in improving the attractiveness of town centres and promoting Future of Small Shops competition and consumer choice. Draft PPS4 also The Petition of members of the Federation of Small requires local authorities to plan proactively for their Businesses and others, town centres, and make provision for a range of new Declares that the House of Commons All-Party Small development, which will meet the needs of the community, Shops Group estimates that there will be no independent and create opportunities for small and large retailers. retailers by 2015; declares that this equates to the loss of Small shops can add character, diversity and enhance 50,000 small businesses; declares that the petitioners choice and we are asking local authorities to make full believe that small shops are struggling to survive because and effective use of the tools that are available to them. 43P Petitions15 DECEMBER 2009 Petitions 44P

The consultation period on draft PPS4 ended on in local markets and to improve relationships between retailers 28 July and we hope to publish the final policy before and their suppliers, on which subject the Competition the end of the year. Commission made a number of recommendations to On 14 April 2009 the government also launched the Government. publication “Looking after our town centres”. This The Competition Commission’s investigation looked guide is aimed at town centre managers and their local at competition between convenience stores and large partners, and offers practical help in setting out how we retailers and concluded that, although competition was can work together to make sure that our town centres intense, there was no evidence to suggest any distortions reach their full potential. in competition. The Competition Commission’s 2008 investigation The Competition Commission’s investigation also looked into the UK groceries market concluded the market was at predatory (below cost selling) pricing and concluded generally working well for consumers and competition it was not part of a predatory strategy aimed at convenience was effective and delivered good outcomes for consumers. stores or specialist stores and was not having significant However action was needed to improve competition unintended effects on smaller stores.

893W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 894W

HomeBuy Direct, (b) New Build HomeBuy, (c) Written Answers to First-Time Buyer’s Initiative, (d) Open Market HomeBuy and (e) Social HomeBuy schemes on the Questions latest date for which figures are available. [305037] John Healey: For (a), 259 homes were available in rural areas with less than 10,000 inhabitants under Monday 14 December 2009 HomeBuy Direct in 2009-10, as at end September 2009: For (b), 408 homes were completed in rural areas [Continued from column 892W] with less than 10,000 inhabitants under New Build HomeBuy in 2009-10, as at end September 2009: For (c), (d) and (e) First Time Buyers Initiative, COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Open Market HomeBuy and Social HomeBuy; we do not hold data centrally on the number of homes available Affordable Housing: Construction in rural areas. Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Data source: Communities and Local Government how many Homes and Communities Agency affordable homes have been built in (a) Ashford constituency and (b) Kent in each of the last Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for 12 months. [304927] Communities and Local Government how many homes in rural areas were built on exception sites in Mr. Ian Austin: Information on new affordable homes each year since 1989. [305041] is not available by constituency. In 2008-09, 250 affordable homes were built in Ashford Mr. Ian Austin: The number of affordable homes local authority and 1,940 in Kent. provided on rural exception sites was 1,219 in 2008-09. These figures are from the Homes and Communities This estimate is as reported by local authorities in the Agency Investment Management System (IMS), and Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix. Figures are not local authority returns to CLG. available for earlier years. Figures are only available on a monthly basis from the IMS data, they are not available monthly from local Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for authority returns. The monthly IMS figures are shown Communities and Local Government how many in the following table: homes in rural areas were (a) available and (b) New Build affordable homes provided with funding by the HCA purchased through the (i) HomeBuy Direct, (ii) New Ashford LA Kent Build HomeBuy, (iii) First-Time Buyer’s Initiative, (iv) Open Market HomeBuy and (v) Social HomeBuy 2008 scheme in each of the last three years. [305273] April 0 30 May 0 0 John Healey: For (i), HomeBuy Direct only became June 0 40 operational in February 2009. July 0 10 For (ii), the number of New Build HomeBuy homes August 30 110 available and purchased in rural areas with less than September 20 100 10,000 inhabitants in the last three years is as follows October 50 170 (separate information on homes available and purchased November 10 60 is not held centrally): December 40 120 2008-09: 1,114 2007-08: 829 2009 2006-07: 200 January 20 160 February 10 420 For (iii), the First Time Buyer’s Initiative; the availability March 90 670 of homes and purchases in rural areas is not recorded Total with HCA funding1 250 1,890 separately. Note: For (iv), Open Market HomeBuy homes are purchased The figures have been rounded to the nearest 10, so the totals may not sum on the open market, so no data are held on properties due to rounding. Total affordable housing supply includes social rent, available. The number of purchases in rural areas with intermediate rent and low cost home ownership. Not all less than 10,000 inhabitants in the last three years is as affordable housing is provided by new build completions, follows: as some supply can come from acquisitions; in 2008-09, 2008-09: Information not held centrally following changes to a total of 260 additional affordable homes were provided data collection. in Ashford, and 2,370 were provided in England (new 2007-08: Five. build and acquisitions). 2006-07: Three. For (v), Social HomeBuy, we do not hold data centrally Affordable Housing: Rural Areas on homes available from landlords participating in the Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for scheme. Communities and Local Government how many Data source: homes were available in rural areas through the (a) Homes and Communities Agency 895W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 896W

Community Assets Programme Digital technology can also be extremely valuable in helping people to stay in regular contact with their Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for families and friends. Communities and Local Government Communities and Local Government how many is working with DWP and other partners to deliver a community asset transfers have taken place since the commitment to run digital inclusion projects targeted at publication of the Quirk review. [306397] giving people in sheltered housing access to new technology.

Barbara Follett: In relation to the implementation of Council Housing the Quirk Review, the Advancing Assets for Communities demonstration programme supported 50 local authority Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for and community partnerships between 2007 and 2009 Communities and Local Government with reference to and over one-third of the 80 pilot projects supported the answer to the hon. Member for Welwyn Hatfield of are expected to complete successful transfer before 31 March 22 June 2009, Official Report, column 642W, on council 2010. The programme is supporting 22 partnerships in housing, if he will place in the Library a copy of the 2009-10 and will continue until 2011. Nationally there research reports on (a) rent analysis and (b) debt are no data for exactly how many community asset analysis. [305818] transfers have taken place but a recent survey by SQW consultants found that from a sample of 119 local Mr. Ian Austin: The documents have been placed in authorities, 350 asset transfer projects are currently the Library. They have been available on the Communities under way. and Local Government website since 21 July. Community Infrastructure Levy Council Housing: Rents Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for has made of the yearly revenue to be generated by the Communities and Local Government which local Community Infrastructure Levy once operational; and authorities with council housing have not applied for whether such revenue will be classified as tax revenue financial support for reduced rent increases for council for the purposes of the national accounting rules. tenants. [305933] [305931] Mr. Ian Austin: Harlow and North Kesteven district Mr. Ian Austin: I refer the hon. Member to the answer councils have not taken up the Government’s offer of I gave her on 28 October 2009, Official Report, compensation to enable them to reduce their rent increases columns 456-57W. in 2009-10 to an average of 3.1 per cent. Community Relations: Elderly Council Tax: Empty Property Mr. Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps his Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State Department is taking to reduce social isolation for Communities and Local Government with amongst elderly people. [305988] reference to the answer of 16 October 2008, Official Report, column 1109W, on council housing: finance, Mr. Ian Austin: Communities and Local Government whether local authorities which reduced their council has various programmes and policies which contribute tax discount on empty homes will be permitted to towards reducing social isolation among older people. retain the additional revenue raised under the The Supporting People (SP) programme provides recalculation of the council tax base for the 2011-12 housing-related support which can help older people to settlement. [306723] maintain health and well-being, and take part in their communities. Between 1 April 2008 and 31 March 2009, Barbara Follett: All council tax revenue is retained by SP outcomes data show 9,212 older people receiving local authorities. long-term housing-related support services were supported For the purposes of formula grant distribution, the to establish contact with external services, family or council tax base for each authority is the number of friends, and 6,757 were supported to participate in Band D equivalent properties in their authority. The leisure, cultural, faith or learning activities. number of dwellings in each band is calculated by Our work to create more cohesive, active and empowered taking the number of dwellings on the valuation list and communities includes strengthening third sector and adjusting for various exemptions and discounts. This voluntary organisations that will provide important includes the number of dwellings that receive a discount support to local groups who are in a position to work because they are classed as long-term empty dwellings. actively in local communities. We are supporting a £5.5 million cross-Government scheme to promote Departmental Conferences intergenerational volunteering and encourage meaningful interaction between young and old generations. Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government encourages the Communities and Local Government which adoption of Lifetime Neighbourhoods principles, and conferences held overseas have been attended by civil will shortly commission a report to provide advice to servants based in his Department in the last three local authorities in making a reality of Lifetime years; and what the cost to the public purse was of such Neighbourhoods. attendance at each conference. [305872] 897W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 898W

Barbara Follett: Records on overseas visits held in £ Communities and Local Government (CLG) do not Photography Video identify separately the number made to attend foreign conferences or information on/or cost of what conferences 2006-07 470 0 were attended. This information can be obtained only 2007-08 794 0 at disproportionate cost. 2008-09 445 3,658 All ministerial travel and travel by CLG staff is Empty Dwelling Management Orders undertaken in accordance with the ‘Civil Service Management Code’ and the ‘Ministerial Code’. Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how he evaluates Departmental Internet the effectiveness of empty dwelling management orders. [304642] David T.C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what redesigns of Mr. Ian Austin: The Department is making a continuous websites operated by (a) his Department and (b) its assessment of the success of EDMOs through its regular agencies there have been since 27 June 2007; and what contact with local authorities and the Empty Homes the (i) cost to the public purse and (ii) date of Agency. completion of each such redesign was. [306170] Empty Property Barbara Follett: For information relating to the redesign of the Department’s corporate website in August 2007, Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Communities and Local Government how many Friend the Member for Gloucester (Mr. Dhanda) on long-term empty private homes there were in each 20 May 2008, Official Report, column 264W. Government office region in each year since 2003. The Department does not hold information on the [306399] website redesign of its agencies’ sites centrally and so this information could be provided only at disproportionate Mr. Ian Austin: Information on the number of privately- cost. owned homes that are long-term vacant is not held centrally. Departmental Manpower Empty Property: Leeds

Mr. Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many staff Communities and Local Government (1) how many of his Department were in its redeployment pool on 1 long-term empty properties there were in Leeds in each (a) January, (b) April, (c) July and (d) October 2009. year since 1990; [306588] [306707] (2) how many long-term empty properties there were in Leeds, West constituency in each year since 1990. Barbara Follett: The number of staff in the Communities [306601] and Local Government redeployment pool—known as the Career Transition Centre (CTC)—were as follows: Barbara Follett: The number of long-term empty domestic dwellings in Leeds since 2004 are shown in the Number following table. Data prior to 2004 are not available and 1 January 2009 36 data are not available at constituency level. 1 April 2009 57 1 July 2009 53 Long-term empty dwellings

1 October 2009 52 1 November 2004 6,445 As of 1 December 2009 the number of staff in the 10 October 2005 4,542 CTC had fallen to 33. Staff in the CTC undertake 9 October 2006 4,070 meaningful temporary roles while awaiting a permanent 8 October 2007 4,525 post, to widen their experience and alleviate pressure 6 October 2008 4,712 points in the business. 5 October 2009 4,724 The data are taken from the Council Tax Base (CTB) Departmental Publicity form completed annually in the autumn by all billing authorities in England and returned to Communities Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State and Local for Communities and Local Government how much his Government. Department has spent on (a) Ministerial photoshoots Details of the number of empty non-domestic and (b) production of videos in which Ministers hereditaments are not currently available. appear in the last three years for which figures are available. [305512] Equality Bill 2008-09 then 2009-10

Barbara Follett: The communication directorate of Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Department for Communities and Local Government Communities and Local Government with reference to has commissioned: the answer to the hon. Member for Peterborough of 899W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 900W

13 May 2009, Official Report, column 838W, on the Fire Services: Contracts Equality Bill, whether local authorities will be compensated under the new burdens principle for the Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State costs to them of implementing the provisions of the for Communities and Local Government which Equality Bill. [305819] contractors have been awarded contracts worth over £1 million under the FireControl regional fire control Barbara Follett: The Government are committed to room project to date. [303480] ensuring that all new burdens falling on local authorities are fully and properly funded so that there is no upward Mr. Malik: The following have been awarded contracts pressure on council tax bills. Where appropriate, funding worth over £1 million under the FiReControl project: is provided through the formula grant system or through Contractors specific grants. Actica Fire Services Atkins Canada Life Ltd. Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State CB Richard Ellis for Communities and Local Government what his most Chief Fire Officers’ Association recent estimate is of the date upon which each regional Cornwell fire control room will become operational. [303477] Denton, Wilde and Sapte Mr. Malik: Under current planning assumptions the EADS first regional fire control rooms are expected to become Leafrange Ltd. operational in spring 2011 and the last fire and rescue PA Consulting service will switch over by the end of 2012: Turner and Townsend VT Group Regional control centre Go live date Developers South West May 2011 Broadlands Wolverhampton Ltd. East Midlands May 2011 Cambridge Research Park Ltd. North East May 2011 Easter Properties (Fareham) Ltd. and Norwich Union Life West Midlands May 2011 and Pensions Ltd. North West January 2012 East Properties Ltd. and Norwich Union Life and Pensions South East March 2012 Ltd. Yorkshire and Humberside July 2012 Summerfield Developments (SW) Ltd. East of England September 2011 Yorkcourt Properties Ltd. London September 2011 Landlords Canada Life Ltd. Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State Control Centre Limited Partnership Canada Life Ltd. for Communities and Local Government whether he Leafrange Ltd. plans to publish updated national and regional business plans for the FireControl project. [303479] Fire Services: Finance Mr. Malik: At present we have no plans to publish an updated FiReControl Business Case. Mr. Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his most Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State recent (a) assessment of the progress on and (b) for Communities and Local Government what estimate of the cost of the FiReControl project is. representations his Department has received on the [303299] FireControl project from (a) fire and rescue and (b) local authorities in the last 12 months. [303481] Mr. Malik: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Copeland (Mr. Reed) on Mr. Malik: FiReControl is being delivered in close 2 November 2009, Official Report, column 761W. partnership with local government. Over the last 12 months, The estimated full cost of implementing FiReControl representations have been received on a regular and is £420 million. ongoing basis. Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for for Communities and Local Government what the Communities and Local Government on what date he estimated gross cost of the FireControl project is over expects the regional fire control centre in (a) the South each of the next 15 years. [303462] West, (b) the South East, (c) the East of England, (d) the East Midlands, (e) the West Midlands, (f) Mr. Malik: The estimated remaining FiReControl Yorkshire and the Humber, (g) the North West and implementation project cost is circa £230 million. Beyond (h) the North East to become operational. [303806] implementation Communities and Local Government has also committed to support any fire and rescue Mr. Malik: I refer the hon. Member to the answer authority for whom operating costs are forecast to given to the hon. Member for Peterborough (Mr. Jackson) increase under the new networked control arrangements. today (UIN 303477). The current estimate for this is £8.2 million each year. 901W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 902W

Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State Floods: Cumbria for Communities and Local Government for what reasons other than specification changes expenditure Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for on the FireControl project has exceeded the initial Communities and Local Government what estimate he budget. [303482] has made of his Department’s expenditure on flood recovery in Cumbria in the next six months; and if he Mr. Malik: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I will make a statement. [304712] gave to the hon. Member for Copeland (Mr. Reed) on 2 November 2009, Official Report, column 764W. Ms Rosie Winterton: The Prime Minister announced on 20 November that Communities and Local Government would make £1 million available for local authorities in Fires: Death Cumbria to use as they see fit to assist communities in recovering from the floods. Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the average Floods: Finance age was of those killed in domestic fires in each fire and rescue authority area in each year since 2000. [307180] Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he Mr. Malik: The information requested has been placed has made of local authority expenditure on repairing in the Library. flood damage in each of the last five years. [305229] Ms Rosie Winterton: The information requested is Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for not collected centrally. Communities and Local Government how many people have been killed in domestic fires in properties Gardens: Planning Permission held under each type of housing tenure in each fire and rescue authority area in each year since 2000. [307189] Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the Mr. Malik: Type of housing tenure is not currently timetable is for the publication of his Department’s collected in fire incident records. The practicalities of review into garden and infill development. [305814] doing so are being considered within the current review of the information collected by the Incident Recording Mr. Ian Austin: We will make a further announcement System. and publish the findings of the review together with the evidence shortly. Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Green Belt Communities and Local Government how many people of each (a) sex and (b) ethnicity have been Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for killed in domestic fires in each fire and rescue authority Communities and Local Government which local area in each year since 2000. [307190] planning authorities have land with green belt designation. [306400] Mr. Malik: The information requested has been placed in the Library. Mr. Ian Austin: At 31 March 2009, a total of 197 Information on the number of fatalities by ethnicity local authorities had designated Green Belt land. The has been collected only since the introduction of the detailed list is in “Local Planning Authority Green Belt new Incident Recording System. This was live across all Statistics: England 2008-09 Annex 1”, which can be of England and much of the UK from 1 April 2009. found on the Communities and Local Government Data for 2009-10 will be available in summer 2010. website at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/ Flats: Construction statistics/lagreenbelt2008 Historic Buildings: Planning Permission Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for and what proportion of new completed dwellings in Communities and Local Government what England have been flats in each year since 2000. representations his Department has received from (a) [306748] the Royal Town Planning Institute and (b) heritage or conservation groups on the revision of PPS15. [305936] Mr. Ian Austin: Figures for the number of new-build dwellings completed in England each year since 2000 Mr. Ian Austin: The Department received nearly are given in live table 244 on the Communities and 500 responses to the consultation exercise on draft Local Government website at the following link: Planning Policy Statement 15 (Planning for the Historic Environment). One of these was from the Royal Town www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/1387095.xls Planning Institute, which submitted a joint response Figures on the proportion of new-build dwellings with the Institute of Historic Building Conservation. completed each year that were flats are given in live More than 50 were from heritage or conservation groups. table 254 on the Communities and Local Government All responses are now being considered, and a summary website at the following link: and analysis will be published before the end of January www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/table254.xls 2010. 903W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 904W

Homelessness: Young People The remaining six properties were originally taken on by the Commission for the New Towns, another of the HCA’s predecessor bodies. Four of these were taken on John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for over 10 years ago, and it is not possible to find the cost Communities and Local Government how many of acquiring these assets other than at disproportionate people aged between 16 and 25 years have been cost. Of the remaining two sites, one was taken on in registered as homeless in each year since 1997. [307024] 2004 for £19,000, and one in 2005. In the 2005 case, the rental guarantee of £49,000 only applied from 2009. Mr. Ian Austin: Information about English local housing authorities’ actions under the homelessness legislation Of the nine property interests with negative assets, eight are in relation to rental liabilities existing on (part 7 of the Housing Act 1996) is collected at local ″ ″ authority level, and published by the Department in the leasehold properties i.e. Lease or leaseback interests , quarterly Statistical Release on Statutory Homelessness, and one is a rental guarantee. The HCA does not hold available both in the Library and via the CLG website at: any asset where disengagement is dependent upon investment, the cost of which exceeds the value to be http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/ realised through future asset sales. statistics/homelessnessq32009 Data collected includes the number of households Housing accepted by local housing authorities as eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need, Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for and therefore owed a main homelessness duty to secure Communities and Local Government what assessment that suitable accommodation is available (‘homeless has been made of the effect on housing waiting lists of acceptances’). If a settled home is not immediately the recession. [306385] available, the authority must secure temporary accommodation (TA) until a settled home becomes Mr. Ian Austin: As at 1 April 2009 there were 1.76 million available. households on housing waiting lists in England. The Figures on homeless acceptances by age group of the number was 1.77 million in April 2008. applicant, for each financial year since 1998-99 can be found in table 10(b) of the statistical release mentioned Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for above. The table shows number of applicants who are Communities and Local Government what proportion aged between 16 and 24 years old. The equivalent of new completed dwellings in England were flats in 1997-98 figures can be found in earlier additions of the each year since 1997. [307074] release, accessible from the following link: Mr. Ian Austin: Figures on the proportion of new-build http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/ dwellings completed each year since 1997 that were flats housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/homelessnessstatistics/ publicationshomelessness are given in live table 254 on the Communities and Local Government website at the following link: Homes and Communities Agency: Assets http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/ table254.xls

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing: Autism Communities and Local Government (1) pursuant to the answer of 25 November 2009, Official Report, Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for columns 175-76W, on the Homes and Communities Communities and Local Government what steps he Agency, when and at what cost each of the negative plans to take under the Adult Autism Strategy to meet valued assets held by the Homes and Communities the housing needs of people with autism. [306287] Agency was acquired; [306906] Mr. Ian Austin: CLG is working with the Department (2) pursuant to the answer of 25 November 2009, of Health to consider the housing needs of people with Official Report, columns 175-76W, on the Homes and autism. Communities Agency, what negative valued assets are held by the Homes and Communities Agency; [306908] People with autism may have their housing needs met by the Supporting People programme which provides (3) which of the negatively valued property interests revenue funds for local authorities to commission housing owned by the Homes and Communities Agency are related support services for vulnerable people in their related to (a) lease or leaseback interests, (b) rental area, to enable them to develop independent living guarantees and (c) assets where disengagement is skills. However, the programme is a locally delivered dependent upon expenditure which exceeds the amount and managed programme and it is for each local authority expected to be realised through future asset sales. to allocate the available resource based on local needs [307139] and priorities. PSA 16 sets out the Government’s aim that the most John Healey: Negative value assets are held in Bristol vulnerable adults are offered the chance to get back on (1), Gloucester (1), Winchester (1), Milton Keynes (4), a path to a more successful life by increasing the proportion Peterborough (1), and Trafford Park, Manchester (1). of socially excluded adults in settled accommodation Of these, three were included as part of the 82 redundant and in employment, education or training. CLG lead hospital sites purchased by the Urban Regeneration on the settled accommodation aspect of the PSA and Agency, one of the HCA’s predecessor bodies, during the PSA16 client group will include people with autism the 2006 financial year. The total liability associated who are assessed as having a moderate to severe learning with the three assets was £1.8 million. disability, or receiving secondary mental health services. 905W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 906W

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for its report ‘HAPPI--Housing our Ageing Population: Communities and Local Government which section of Panel for Innovation’ last week, and we will be considering his Department is responsible for implementation of how the recommendations in the report can support the the Autism Strategy in relation to housing. [306288] ongoing implementation of ‘Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods’. Mr. Ian Austin: The Housing Management and Support Housing: Energy Directorate are responsible for the housing aspect of the Adult Autism Strategy. Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing: Elderly Communities and Local Government how many and what proportion of (a) owner occupiers, (b) social tenants and (c) private tenants spent (i) between zero Mr. Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for and three per cent., (ii) from four to six per cent., (iii) Communities and Local Government if he will develop from seven to nine per cent. and (iv) 10 per cent. or a national strategy for retirement housing. [306271] more of their total household expenditure on electricity, gas and other fuels in each of the last three Mr. Ian Austin: The Government published their years. [307210] Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society ‘Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods’ in February 2008, Mr. Ian Austin: The following table provides estimates which sets out our strategy for all types of housing, of the number and proportion of owner occupiers, including specialised housing for older people, such as social renters and private renters spending the requested retirement housing. proportions of their disposable income on electricity, One of the commitments in the 2008 strategy was to gas and other fuels in 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08. commission an innovation panel to look at the future of These estimates are based on data from the ONS specialised housing for older people. This panel published Expenditure and Food Survey.

Household expenditure on electricity, gas and other fuels, England, 2005-06 to 2007-08 All households Owner occupiers Social renters Private renters Proportion of disposable income spent on fuels 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Thousand 0-3% 9,288 8,453 7,903 1,976 1,569 1,676 1,493 1,480 1,524 4-6% 3,527 4,188 4,297 869 902 1,136 440 467 718 7-9% 1,014 1,232 1,266 448 534 441 175 234 216 10% or more 740 991 1,041 541 530 616 251 246 277 All 14,569 14,869 14,507 3,834 3,535 3,869 2,359 2,427 2,735

Percentage 0-3% 64 57 54 52 44 43 63 61 56 4-6% 24 28 30 23 26 29 19 19 26 7-9% 7 8 9 12 15 11 7 10 8 10% or more 5 7 7 14 15 16 11 10 10 All 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Source: Expenditure and Food Survey.

Housing: Floods Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assistance his Department provides to homeowners whose homes Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for are flooded but who do not have flood insurance. Communities and Local Government what estimate he [305232] has made of the number of households displaced by flooding that have not been able to return to their homes following each incident of flooding in the last three years. [305231] Ms Rosie Winterton: The Department provides assistance in respect of flooding in exceptional circumstances. Following the summer 2007 floods we made available Ms Rosie Winterton: We do not keep information flood recovery grant of £18.4 million to support the centrally on all flooding events as most are dealt with at work of the hardest hit local authorities in helping the local level. We did monitor displaced households those people in their communities in greatest need, following the summer 2007 floods. Around 50 per cent. whether insured or not. In addition, in July 2008, of households displaced by those floods had returned £30.6 million was allocated under the Restoration Fund to their homes after six months. Around 80 per cent. to support their continued efforts to rebuild their had returned within 12 months and around 99 per cent. communities. within 24 months. 907W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 908W

Local authorities had flexibility to decide how best to price affordability ratio for households on (a) lower use these funds based on their own local circumstances. quintile and (b) median earnings was in each local On 20 November, we announced that a Community authority area for the most recent quarter available. Recovery Fund of £1 million would be made available [305039] to local authorities affected by the Cumbria flooding. Again this is for local authorities to support those Mr. Ian Austin: Communities and Local Government people in their communities in greatest need, whether do not hold household earnings data down to local insured or not, and local authorities will have flexibility authority level. Therefore we are unable to derive house in how they can use the fund. price affordability ratios based on household earnings. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administer social fund crisis loans and community care Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for grants, which provide help for the most vulnerable Communities and Local Government what the average people with essential needs in an emergency. Crisis house price was in each local authority area in each loans are intended for people on benefits or low income, year since 1997. [305225] and community care grants can only be used to help people on income-related benefits with little or no access Mr. Ian Austin: Data showing average (mean and to capital or other resources to meet the need. median) house price in each local authority in each year Social fund crisis loans can be paid to people in work since 2007 are available on our website at: in circumstances such as these, where they are victims of http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/table- a disaster and in need of immediate help. 585.xls Housing: Lighting http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/table- 586.xls Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what Communities and Local Government what the ratio of consideration he has given to the requirement for the lower quintile house prices to lower quintile earnings output of domestic light bulbs to be measured in was in each year since 1997. [306413] lumens; and whether the listing of an equivalent luminance in watts in addition to lumens would be permitted. [305934] Mr. Ian Austin: I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given on 23 March 2009, Official Report, columns Dan Norris: I have been asked to reply. 71-72W, to the Member for Welwyn Hatfield (Grant Shapps). From September 2010, EU Regulation 244/2009 under the Eco-design for Energy-using Products Directive will require manufacturers to label packaging with the lumen Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for output of a lamp, in addition to the nominal lamp Communities and Local Government pursuant to the power (in Watts). answer of 8 December 2009, Official Report, column 305W, on housing: prices, what the average sale price of The lumen output will be required to be written in a a home in a rural area was in each region in each year font twice the size of the nominal power. since 1997 in 2009-10 prices. [306909] Housing: Prices Mr. Ian Austin: The average sale price of a home in a Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for rural area in each region at 2008 constant prices in each Communities and Local Government what the house year since 1997 is presented as follows:

East West Yorkshire and East Midlands London North East North West South East South West Midlands the Humber

1997 107,437 89,621 n/a 77,875 99,463 142,458 111,339 107,251 85,342 1998 114,441 93,022 n/a 76,020 101,030 154,679 117,681 111,782 84,352 1999 124,937 99,644 n/a 81,445 106,974 170,908 129,314 120,810 88,035 2000 139,890 106,538 n/a 81,848 111,902 196,075 146,245 129,034 91,259 2001 155,994 116,183 n/a 83,993 121,275 211,826 160,865 142,541 96,842 2002 184,406 137,116 n/a 94,321 137,090 239,296 189,328 166,628 113,323 2003 205,980 162,931 n/a 111,706 159,710 261,644 216,438 189,009 135,749 2004 221,536 180,591 n/a 135,430 186,542 277,668 236,833 210,901 162,349 2005 227,703 187,011 n/a 145,344 192,407 279,585 238,220 214,706 169,678 2006 233,404 188,657 n/a 151,110 199,364 290,583 243,213 219,904 176,849 2007 239,819 191,829 n/a 150,707 205,262 301,810 254,397 220,604 178,803 2008 227,682 179,643 n/a 146,057 196,094 291,108 239,038 210,432 170,405 Note: Prices have been adjusted for inflation using the ONS Retail Price Index. Source: Land Registry. Local authorities that are classed as rural under the DEFRA rural codes have been included and local authorities classed as urban by DEFRA have been filtered out. 909W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 910W

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for region in (a) each year since 1997 and (b) each of the Communities and Local Government pursuant to the last 20 quarters. [306910] answer of 8 December 2009, Official Report, column 305W, on housing: prices, what the average Mr. Ian Austin: The average sale price of a home in a sale price of a home in a rural area was in each rural area in each region in (a) each year since 1997 and (b) each of the last 20 quarters is given as follows.

(a) Average sale price of a rural home by region for each year since 1997 £ East West Yorkshire and East Midlands London North East North West South East South West Midlands the Humber

1997 78,777 65,714 n/a 57,101 72,931 104,456 81,638 78,641 62,576 1998 86,790 70,546 n/a 57,652 76,619 117,306 89,247 84,773 63,971 1999 96,204 76,728 n/a 62,714 82,372 131,602 99,574 93,026 67,789 2000 110,909 84,466 n/a 64,891 88,720 155,454 115,948 102,302 72,353 2001 125,856 93,736 n/a 67,765 97,844 170,901 129,785 115,002 78,132 2002 151,268 112,476 n/a 77,371 112,454 196,294 155,306 136,684 92,959 2003 173,856 137,520 n/a 94,285 134,802 220,838 182,683 159,531 114,577 2004 192,555 156,966 n/a 117,713 162,139 241,344 205,851 183,311 141,110 2005 203,533 167,161 n/a 129,917 171,984 249,909 212,934 191,916 151,668 2006 215,258 173,989 n/a 139,362 183,864 267,991 224,304 202,808 163,099 2007 230,664 184,506 n/a 144,954 197,426 290,289 244,685 212,182 171,977 2008 227,682 179,643 n/a 146,057 196,094 291,108 239,038 210,432 170,405 Source: Land Registry. Local authorities that are classed as rural under the DEFRA rural codes have been included and local authorities classed as Urban by DEFRA have been filtered out. (b) Average sale price of a rural home by region for each of the last 20 quarters £ Yorkshire East West and the East Midlands London North East North West South East South West Midlands Humber

2004 Q3 201,403 165,275 n/a 124,852 172,499 254,777 217,987 194,413 150,247 2004 Q4 200,287 164,999 n/a 127,589 168,853 247,273 213,216 190,441 146,737

2005 Q1 198,655 163,653 n/a 121,321 165,270 243,341 209,892 187,410 144,221 2005 Q2 198,979 164,224 n/a 125,629 170,227 244,044 208,012 189,632 147,101 2005 Q3 208,001 170,096 n/a 132,190 176,047 257,993 218,430 195,884 155,148 2005 Q4 205,831 168,947 n/a 136,560 173,282 250,602 213,238 192,808 156,883

2006 Q1 202,820 163,427 n/a 129,269 171,726 250,301 210,681 190,580 152,807 2006 Q2 209,807 173,390 n/a 138,928 182,122 260,904 218,772 199,413 161,460 2006 Q3 223,501 178,634 n/a 143,697 191,254 280,295 231,620 210,529 167,446 2006 Q4 220,650 177,396 n/a 142,582 186,646 273,804 230,904 206,983 167,528

2007 Q1 221,875 176,712 n/a 137,480 188,534 273,962 232,936 201,877 162,346 2007 Q2 225,685 183,677 n/a 141,859 193,885 282,244 238,355 208,782 170,420 2007 Q3 238,879 189,427 n/a 149,326 204,441 304,244 255,927 219,738 178,778 2007 Q4 234,980 187,330 n/a 150,279 201,278 297,867 249,325 217,137 175,379

2008 Q1 232,201 181,992 n/a 144,810 198,520 291,948 240,071 210,476 168,071 2008 Q2 229,650 179,847 n/a 147,854 193,347 291,508 239,604 211,064 173,560 2008 Q3 234,433 184,482 n/a 152,222 204,143 305,653 247,514 216,608 173,501 2008 Q4 211,467 170,959 n/a 137,585 187,229 272,499 227,352 202,153 165,139

2009 Q1 205,144 162,775 n/a 130,340 176,118 251,756 213,573 189,049 150,704 2009 Q2 205,707 166,121 n/a 135,332 178,246 259,753 218,146 191,556 156,380 Source: Land Registry. Local authorities that are classed as rural under the DEFRA rural codes have been included and local authorities classed as Urban by DEFRA have been filtered out. Data for 2009 Q2 are provisional.

Housing: Research need was presented to his Department; and when he expects the report to be published; [305042] (2) how much his Department has paid to Heriot Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Watt University to undertake its research into housing Communities and Local Government (1) when the supply and future housing need. [305043] report of research undertaken by Heriot Watt University into housing supply and future housing 911W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 912W

Mr. Ian Austin: The Department received a first draft budget for the programme is dependent on the exact report of the housing need research commissioned from nature of the report and is consequently undetermined Heriot-Watt University in October 2009. The report at this stage. Nonetheless, the report will not require the will be finalised after academic peer review. A publication collection of new data and so should prove relatively timetable has not yet been fixed. inexpensive to compile. The cost of this research project is expected to be £163,256. To date, the Department has paid Heriot-Watt Local Government Finance University £146,458. Housing: Sprinkler Systems Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what new Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for burdens placed on local authorities since the adoption Communities and Local Government what assessment of the New Burdens principle have not resulted in has been made of the merits of installing sprinklers in associated compensation for councils. [305939] new build (a) homes and (b) flats. [307069] Barbara Follett: The Government are committed to Mr. Ian Austin: The use of sprinklers and other fire ensuring that all new burdens falling on local authorities suppression technologies in dwellings was considered in are fully and properly funded so that there is no upward the review that lead to the 2006 revision of Approved pressure on council tax bills. Where appropriate, funding Document B. This document provides guidance on is provided through the formula grant system or through compliance with Part B (Fire safety) of the Building specific grants. Regulations. The extensive review that preceded the development of this new guidance considered a four Local Government Finance: Emergency Services year research project looking at the issue from both an effectiveness and cost/benefit perspective. Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State Sprinklers have been shown to be an effective measure for Communities and Local Government what the in reducing fire deaths. However, the review, which assumed share of the council tax base for the purposes included public consultation, concluded that it would of the local government finance settlement was for (a) not be cost-effective to provide sprinklers in all new police services and (b) fire and rescue services in each homes but that it would be reasonable to provide them year since 1997-98. [307084] in blocks of flats over 30 metres in height where the risks were shown to be greater. A provision to this effect was, therefore, included in the revised Approved Document. Barbara Follett: The following table shows the share of council tax base used in calculating an authority’s Housing: Standards share of formula grant for each of the four tiers of authorities from 1997-98 to date. Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent Share of council tax base estimate he has made of the cost of refurbishing an Fire and Upper-tier Police rescue Lower-tier average home to meet the lifetime homes standard. services services services services [306396] 1997-98 0.758669681 0.080168570 0.032113754 0.129047995 Mr. Ian Austin: In “The Future of the Code for 1998-99 0.766520068 0.076204156 0.031550096 0.125725680 Sustainable Homes—Making a Rating Mandatory”, 1999-2000 0.768727795 0.075652314 0.031170922 0.124448969 page 51 para. 3.3 sets out the range of costs for building 2000-01 0.772332753 0.074372718 0.030934777 0.122359752 to the Lifetime Homes Standard as being between 2001-02 0.769879048 0.075528699 0.031166754 0.123425499 £545 and £1,615. Revised costs are included in the 2002-03 0.766842457 0.074921464 0.031854515 0.126381564 impact assessment supporting the forthcoming consultation 2003-04 0.70233379 0.08491934 0.03773994 0.17500693 on the Code for Sustainable Homes which will be 2004-05 0.7040995 0.0876150 0.0367455 0.1715400 published shortly. 2005-06 0.7127738 0.0863271 0.0358011 0.1650980 2006-07 0.72103328 0.08672247 0.03378238 0.15846187 Local Government 2007-08 0.72012056 0.08707602 0.03432392 0.15847951 2008-09 0.701408590 0.094044500 0.036637434 0.167909476 Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State 2009-10 0.711867721 0.091344847 0.034972733 0.161814699 for Communities and Local Government with 2010-11 0.722079958 0.088692078 0.033356743 0.155871221 reference to his Department’s press release of 7 December 2009, what other sources of data will be During the period 1997-98 to 2002-03, the shares of used to produce the report on the nation’s civic health; council tax base were set on the basis of national shares which Department has lead responsibility for that of total standard spending assessments for the services report; what the budget is for that programme; and that each provides, using the control totals set out in whether he plans to commission new research for that annex E of the Local Government Finance Report report. [306754] (England) for that year. In addition, during the period 1997-98 to 1999-2000, Barbara Follett: The full list of data sources for the the figures for inner London boroughs and the receiver Civic Health report is still under consideration by the for the Metropolitan police district were adjusted to Department of Communities and Local Government allow for expenditure on probation and magistrates (which has lead responsibility for its production). The courts. 913W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 914W

From 2003-04 onwards, the shares of council tax Letter from Steve Bundred, dated 14 December 2009: base have been set so that the percentage increase in The Audit Commission sent an email to prospective parliamentary grant for each damping group of authorities is broadly candidates of all parties on 18 November 2009. The email advised proportional to the under lying percentage increase in them of information about their local authority areas to be formula spending share/relative needs formula for that published on the new Oneplace website on 9 December 2009 and group. In 2003-04, the resulting shares for shire county gave them the url of sample web pages. councils and shire district councils in two-tier areas The message noted the interest that their prospective constituents were adjusted to reflect in part the combined impact of might take in impartial assessments of services and quality of life raising the assumed national council tax from about in local areas. The Commission’s Managing Director, Communication and Public Reporting, sent a further email to prospective candidates £769.16 for 2002-03 to about £1,037.46 for 2003-04 on on 9 December 2009 informing them that the Oneplace website the distribution of council tax income for these two was up and running and giving them its web address. groups of authorities are taken together. A copy of this letter will be placed in Hansard.

Local Government Services: Elderly Mortgages

Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government with reference to Communities and Local Government how many the answer of 14 October 2009, Official Report, column buy-to-let mortgages in each region have defaulted on 972W, on local government services: elderly, how much their mortgage repayments in each of the last 10 funding from each programme budget will be drawn quarters. [305561] from the reprioritised central budgets; and what estimate he has made of the monetary value of the (a) Mr. Ian Austin: The Council of Mortgage Lenders efficiency savings and (b) funds released by collects and publishes data on the numbers of buy-to-let reprioritisation by local authorities. [306558] mortgages that are in arrears. However these data are only available for the United Kingdom as a whole. Barbara Follett: The commitment to offer free personal care at home to those with highest needs is expected to Mortgages: Government Assistance cost up to £670 million in a full year. The Government, through the Department of Health, will provide the Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for bulk of this funding (£420 million in a full year). The Communities and Local Government how many Government believe that it is right that councils play households in (a) Ashford constituency and (b) Kent their part alongside central Government to help have taken up the Homeowners Mortgage Protection deliver the free personal care commitment and to Scheme. [304928] contribute £250 million in a full year to the cost, through efficiencies and reprioritisation. It is for councils themselves to make decisions on how to deliver those further Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for savings. Communities and Local Government how many households have received financial support under the (a) Mortgage Rescue Scheme and (b) Mortgage Local Government: Freedom of Information Homeowner Support Scheme in each local authority to date. [305937] Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many Mr. Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for requests were received by local authorities under the Communities and Local Government how many Freedom of Information Act in each of the last five people in Preseli Pembrokeshire constituency have years; and how many requests to local authorities received assistance through the Mortgage Protection under the Freedom of Information Act were responded Scheme. [306653] to within 20 days in each such year. [306052] John Healey: We have acted rapidly in conjunction Ms Rosie Winterton: The information requested is with lenders and money advice agencies to put in place not held centrally. a range of help and support for households struggling with their mortgage at every stage, and launched a campaign to ensure households have clear information Local Government: Standards about the help available. Most borrowers experiencing difficulties are able to agree a solution with their lender. Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for In addition, the Government schemes provide a valuable Communities and Local Government what mailings backstop for those people who need further support. and communications the Audit Commission has Over the last year over 330,000 homeowners have received sent to prospective parliamentary candidates about help and advice with their mortgage. comprehensive area assessment in the last 12 months; Financial Services Authority figures show that in and for what purposes. [305925] quarter 2 of this year 135,000 households were benefiting from an arrangement agreed with their lender, an increase Ms Rosie Winterton: This is an operational matter for of 74 per cent. on the previous year. the Audit Commission, and I will ask the chief executive The proportion of the mortgage market now of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member committed to offering the Government-backed scheme direct. or similarly extended forbearance without the need for 915W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 916W

Government guarantee is now more than 90 per cent. Ordnance Survey UK wide management information collected from these lenders and money advice agencies show: Mr. Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Over 33,000 loans were benefiting from extended forbearance Communities and Local Government whether he plans where lenders were accepting less than contractual monthly payments to revise Ordnance Survey’s Business Strategy or where loans had been modified to make monthly payments published on 23 April 2009 with reference to the more affordable for the borrower; announcement of 17 November 2009 on access to 6,000 of these loans were deferring interest as part of an Ordnance Survey data. [306348] arrangement equivalent to the Homeowners Mortgage Support scheme, and only 15 have so far needed the formal backstop of Mr. Ian Austin: The purpose of the forthcoming HMS and have been registered for the Government-backed guarantee consultation is to hear feedback on the most appropriate following the five-month qualification period. future business strategy for Ordnance Survey in order Mortgage Rescue Scheme summary monitoring statistics to deliver access to certain geographic information for are published on a quarterly basis on the Department’s free re-use. website. Figures can be accessed using the following link: Recycling http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/ statistics/mortgagerescuestatistics Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Quarterly figures reported by local authorities from Communities and Local Government how many local January to September 2009 are provided in a table authorities are making facilities available for the which has been placed in the Library. recycling of Christmas trees in 2009. [305564] Dan Norris: I have been asked to reply. Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for DEFRA does not hold the information requested. Communities and Local Government how much has The Government believe local authorities are better been spent by his Department on (a) the set up and placed to make decisions on the best waste management ongoing costs of the Mortgage Help website and (b) strategy for their local area, so they do not direct or publicity for the initiative since its launch. [307147] interfere in the decisions they make. This includes the facilities local authorities make available for recycling John Healey: The Mortgage Help website and Christmas trees. It does however, encourage local authorities accompanying publicity campaign are both ongoing to consult extensively with residents, to ensure their projects, costs for which are not yet finalised. opinions and preferences are taken into consideration. The Department will publish detailed annual costs for these activities, and other communications expenditure, Regional Planning and Development as is established practice at the time of its next Annual Report. Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment has been made of the effect of the removal of the needs Multiple Occupation test in planning guidance on levels of out-of-town development. [306388] Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many Mr. Ian Austin: Annex A to the impact assessment of indicators and datasets councils must submit to his the draft Proposed Changes to Planning Policy Statement Department as part of the Register of Licensed Houses 6: “Planning for Town Centres”, which we published for in Multiple Occupation regime; with what frequency; consultation in July 2008, sets out our assessment of the and for what reasons that data is not included in the effects of removal of the need test on levels of out-of-town National Indicator set. [305927] development. Regional Planning and Development: Finance Mr. Ian Austin: The Register of Licensed Houses in Multiple Occupation collects 31 data items in one dataset. Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Local authorities are asked to provide data once a Communities and Local Government how much public quarter. These data are collected to monitor the 2004 funding the regional assemblies and their successor Housing Act and were not intended to be part of the bodies will receive in 2010-11. [306389] National Indicator set. Mr. Ian Austin: We are still awaiting business plans Non-Domestic Rates: Fire Services from regional assemblies and successor bodies which will set out their funding requirements for 2010-11. Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State However, we have said that overall resources need to be for Communities and Local Government how much reduced in 2010-11 compared to 2009-10. has been paid in empty property business rates in Rented Housing respect of each regional fire control room liable for such rates. [303478] Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many right Mr. Malik: The North West Regional Control Centre to manage companies exercised their right to take over (RCC) has paid £47,808.73 in business rates and the the management of properties in each year since the South East RCC has paid £3,939.54. implementation of the Commonhold and Leasehold No other business rates have been paid. Reform Act 2002. [307138] 917W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 918W

Mr. Ian Austin: Communities and Local Government to provide, including the provision of resident wardens does not hold information on the number of RTM in sheltered accommodation, based on local needs and companies that have registered as a company and have priorities. gone on to acquire the right to manage, or information in respect of yearly breakdowns since implementation Social Rented Housing: Asbestos of the right to manage in October 2003. Repossession Orders: Rural Areas Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will require the owners of social housing to inform residents of Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for such housing of the presence of asbestos in their Communities and Local Government how many housing and its communal areas. [305566] homes in rural areas were repossessed in each year since 1997. [305062] Mr. Ian Austin [holding answer 9 December 2009]: Guidance published by the Health and Safety Executive Mr. Ian Austin: The Department does not collect states that in the case of the common parts of domestic information on mortgage possessions and arrears although premises such as lift and stair spaces in flats, there is a information for the United Kingdom as a whole is duty placed on those with maintenance and repair published separately by the Council of Mortgage Lenders responsibilities to provide information on the location (CML) and the Financial Services Authority (FSA). and condition of the material to anyone who is liable to These are not split by whether the mortgage was for a work on it or disturb it. home in a rural area or not. Sheltered Housing Social Rented Housing: Insurance

Mr. Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps his Communities and Local Government what progress Department is taking to ensure that sheltered housing has been made on reviewing his Department’s guidance residents are consulted on any changes proposed by Insurance for All: A good practice guide for providers service providers; what sanctions are available to his of social housing. [305073] Department in respect of service providers who do not consult residents prior to taking decisions on changes Mr. Ian Austin: The document ‘Insurance for All: a to service provision; and if he will make a statement. good practice guide for providers of social Housing’ [305992] was published by the Housing Corporation in April 2001. Revision of the document was one of four Mr. Ian Austin: Changes to services provided under recommendations on insurance in Sir Michael Pitt’s the Supporting People programme, including in sheltered review of the summer of 2007 floods which the Government housing, are a matter for the individual local authority accepted. concerned. However we have made clear that any changes Six monthly reports on the progress of the should only be implemented after meaningful consultation recommendations accepted by the Government are available with residents. on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural CLG does not impose sanctions on providers of Affairs website at: services as it is local authorities which have a contract http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/flooding/risk/ with providers, not CLG. However, CLG have developed floodreview2007.htm a framework, called the Quality Assessment framework The latest report is currently being finalised and will (QAF) whereby authorities are able to measure the be published shortly. standard of the services which are being delivered to service users. To meet the necessary standard the service Social Rented Housing: Property Transfer must take account of service user views. In response to concerns raised about changes to Mr. Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for sheltered housing services, Lord McKenzie chairs a Communities and Local Government whether he has ministerial working group which will produce guidance made a recent estimate of the number of housing to providers and commissioners on consultation and transfers within housing associations in South East engagement with residents, and a complaints guide to London. [304998] make residents more aware of how best to raise concerns they may have. Mr. Ian Austin: The Department has not made any estimate of the number of housing transfers within Mr. Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for housing associations. However, the following table lists Communities and Local Government if he will instruct those local authorities in south-east London who since local authorities to provide residential wardens for 1997 have transferred all or part of their housing stock sheltered housing schemes in circumstances in which to registered social landlords under a large scale voluntary existing residents signed tenancy agreements on the transfer programme. understanding that such wardens would be provided. [306272] Registered social Local authority Date of transfer landlord Mr. Ian Austin: The provision of residential wardens LB Bexley 9 February 1998 Orbit Bexley in sheltered housing schemes is a matter for local LB Bexley 9 February 1998 London and Quadrant authorities. Local authorities determine what services 919W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 920W

Mr. Ian Austin: The three tenancy deposit protection Registered social Local authority Date of transfer landlord schemes are operated by private companies and are self-financing. Communities and Local Government LB Greenwich (Charlton 29 March 1999 Charlton Triangle monitors all three schemes and holds regular contract Triangle) Homes Limited governance meetings with the scheme providers. LB Lewisham (Phoenix) 3 December 2007 Phoenix Community Housing Ltd. Tenant Services Authority: Manpower LB Lewisham (Grove 7 July 2008 London and Quadrant Park) Housing Trust LB Lewisham (Lee) 12 October 2009 Broomleigh Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many staff Social Rented Housing: Waiting Lists will be directly employed by the Tenant Services Authority; and what the estimated number is of staff who will conduct inspections for the authority without Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for being employed by it. [306409] Communities and Local Government if he will rank local authorities in England by the number of Mr. Ian Austin: The number of staff directly employed applicants on their waiting lists for social housing (a) by the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) is set out in on 2 December 2009, (b) in April 2009, (c) in 2008 their annual report and accounts which was laid in and (d) in 2007; how many such applicants there were Parliament on 5 November 2009. on each such waiting list in each case; and if he will make a statement. [304777] Travelling People: Republic of Ireland

Mr. Ian Austin: Information is available on numbers Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for of households rather than applicants. The number of Communities and Local Government what recent households on the local authority housing waiting list is assessment he has made of the rate of migration collected on the Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix of Travellers to the United Kingdom from the Republic (HSSA) as at 1 April each year. of Ireland; and whether any assessment has been made Where local authorities and registered social landlords of the effect of the new criminal trespass laws in the operate a common register, households registered with Republic in affecting migration patterns. [305942] the RSL will be included in the data. However, registered social landlords are independent bodies and can keep Mr. Malik: A “common travel area” is in place between their own waiting lists. the United Kingdom and Ireland, and therefore no A table has been placed in the House Library ranking record is kept of the movement of particular ethnic the number of households on the local authority waiting groups between the two countries. lists for each local authority in England as at 1 April Communities and Local Government publish data each year for 2007, 2008 and 2009. twice yearly on the number of Gypsy and Traveller caravans in England. Recent data does not indicate any Supporting People Programme unexpected increases in the number of Gypsy and Traveller caravans. Mr. Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Valuation: Tribunals Communities and Local Government what steps his Department is taking to promote best practice by local authorities in the provision of services under the Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Supporting People programme. [305989] Communities and Local Government (1) how many disputes relating to (a) service charges and (b) TV Mr. Ian Austin: CLG have developed a Supporting aerial digital switchover were dealt with by the People Quality Assessment framework (QAF) and a Leasehold Valuation Tribunal service in (A) each of the Supporting People Outcomes framework. The QAF last three years and (B) 2009 to date; [307136] enables local authorities to measure the standard of the (2) how many long leases were varied by the services which are being delivered to service users and Leasehold Valuation Tribunal service under the terms the Outcomes Framework shows the benefits attained of Part IV of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 in by individuals of using the services. CLG will continue each of the last 10 years; [307137] to promote the use of both the QAF and Outcomes (3) how many disputes of each category were dealt Framework in the procurement and delivery of Supporting with by the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal service in People services. each of the last three years. [307140] In addition CLG have convened a Supporting People Transition Board to support the sector, including local Mr. Ian Austin: The information is as follows: authorities, to deliver the Supporting People programme Cases dealt with by the Residential Property Tribunal Service 2006-09 in an un-ringfenced environment. 2006 2007 2008 20091

Tenancy Deposit Schemes Fair rents 2,173 1,993 1,847 1,856 Market rents 916 859 936 1,007 Leasehold enfranchisement 3,000 3,352 3,032 2,177 Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for and lease extension Communities and Local Government what assessment Service charges etc. 1,848 1,715 2,141 2,884 has been made of the financial stability of tenancy Right to buy appeals 142 75 45 29 deposit schemes. [307079] Housing Act 2004 cases 49 206 248 241 921W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 922W

Cases dealt with by the Residential Property Tribunal Service 2006-09 housing stock, an analysis of the English Housing 2006 2007 2008 20091 Condition Survey suggests social housing is less likely Others 33 27 32 24 to contain G-rated boilers, following years of investment Total 8,161 8,227 8,281 8,218 under programmes such as Decent Homes. The Greener 1 Projected. Boiler Incentive will provide £400 for up to 125,000 Notes: homes who seek to replace working G rated Boilers 1. ‘Fair rents’ cases are those involving regulated tenancies under the Rent Act with more efficient heating technologies. In addition 1977. 2. ‘Market rent’ cases are those involving assured and assured shorthold Building Regulations require broken boilers to be replaced tenancies established under the Housing Act 1988. with more efficient boilers. Currently 1.5 million boilers 3. ‘Right to buy appeals’ are determinations made by residential property a year are replaced. tribunals as to the suitability of housing for occupation by the elderly. 4. ‘Housing Act 2004’ cases relate to those powers given to residential property tribunals in respect of the Housing, Health & Safety Rating System, management Caparo Group orders under the Act and the licensing of houses in multiple occupation. Projected totals for 2009 are based on actual figures Mr. Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for for the first 10 months of the year, extrapolated to Energy and Climate Change whether (a) Ministers and 12 month totals. (b) officials in his Department have met Angad Paul in The information sought on how many long leases each of the last three years. [303109] were varied by the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal service Joan Ruddock: Since the creation of the Department under the terms of Part IV of the Landlord and Tenant of Energy and Climate Change in October 2008, Ministers Act 1987 in each of the last 10 years, which is only held and officials have in the course of business met and from 30 September 2003 when jurisdiction was transferred consulted with a wide variety of public and private from the courts to Leasehold Valuation Tribunals, is sector individuals and organisations. not immediately available. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as this Climate Change: International Cooperation information becomes available. The number of disputes dealt with by Leasehold Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Valuation Tribunals relating to service charges in each and Climate Change if he will make it his policy to seek of the last three years, and 2009 to date, are identified in an agreement to eradicate the use of the above table. hydrofluorocarbons in refrigeration and air conditioning systems in his discussions at the United I am aware of one dispute dealt with by the Leasehold Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. Valuation Tribunals in 2009 relating to digital switchover. However, no specific records are kept identifying the [305883] disputed components of each individual service charge Joan Ruddock: Together with the EU, the UK is case dealt with by Leasehold Valuation Tribunals, including committed to working for an international disputes relating to TV aerial digital switchover. hydrofluorocarbons emissions reduction arrangement as one of the outcomes of Copenhagen. Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Energy and Climate Change what meetings he plans to Biofuels: Power Stations hold with non-governmental organisations at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Copenhagen. [307345] and Climate Change what biomass power stations are Joan Ruddock: At the Copenhagen climate change (a) in operation and (b) under construction. [307630] summit, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I will hold regular meetings with a wide range of Joan Ruddock: With regard to the number of biomass non-governmental organisations. power stations in operation, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Climate Change: Publicity Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland (Dr. Kumar) on 3 November 2009, Official Report, column 889W. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for We do not keep figures centrally for the number of Energy and Climate Change what steps the Act on CO2 biomass power stations under construction. Campaign has taken to offset the carbon dioxide emissions generated through its activities. [304019] Boilers Joan Ruddock: All agencies working on the Act on CO campaign are briefed to meet the campaign objectives Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for 2 Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has in a carbon efficient way. made of the number of inefficient domestic boilers in DECC will offset direct CO2 emissions from Act on (a) public and (b) private housing; and how long he CO2 campaigns since 2007, specifically transportation estimates it will take to replace them under the and electricity use during advertising shoots and public proposed scrappage scheme. [307622] events.

Joan Ruddock: We estimate that there are about Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for 4.5 million domestic boilers which are “G-rated” or Energy and Climate Change how many people have worse. While we do not hold sufficient information to called the Act on CO2 advice line to seek advice on say what percentage are in social housing or private saving money since its inception. [304053] 923W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 924W

Joan Ruddock: Since its inception in April 2008 until The statistics can be found on the Ministry of Justice the end of October 2009, 866,866 people have called the website at: Act on CO2 helpline. http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/ freedomofinformationquarterly.htm Departmental Buildings and copies are available in the Libraries of the House. Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the energy efficiency Departmental Internet rating is for each of his Department’s buildings in London. [306321] David T.C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what redesigns of websites Joan Ruddock: The Energy Performance Operational operated by (a) his Department and (b) its Rating for 3 Whitehall Place is 150 on scale F. predecessors have been carried out since 27 June 2007; and what the (i) cost to the public purse and (ii) date of Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for completion of each such redesign was. [306162] Energy and Climate Change what the (a) energy rating and (b) energy band is of each building occupied by Joan Ruddock: The Department of Energy and Climate his Department and its agencies. [306432] Change was created on 3 October 2008, and its official corporate website: Joan Ruddock: The Energy Performance Operational http://www.decc.gov.uk/ Rating for 3 Whitehall Place is 150 on scale F. Atholl was launched on 23 February 2009. There has been no House is located in Scotland and therefore has no requirement for a redesign since the launch. requirement to have an energy rating. There have been redesigns on the following websites Departmental Conferences that are also administered by the Department of Energy and Climate Change: Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy http://www.actonco2.direct.gov.uk/actonco2/home.html and Climate Change which conferences held overseas (ActOnCO2) have been attended by civil servants based in his (The website development costs are shared between Department since its inception; and what the cost to Department of Transport and DECC. The cost to the public purse was of such attendance at each DECC was £25,820. Completed: October 2009) conference. [305866] http://chp.decc.gov.uk/cms/ (CHP Focus—Combined Heat and Power) Joan Ruddock: This information is not held centrally (Cost: £7,500. Completed: Sept 2009) and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. http://www.chpqa.com/ Departmental Domestic Visits (Quality assurance for Combined Heat and Power) (Cost: £7,500. Completed: December 2009) David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for http://mrws.decc.gov.uk/ Energy and Climate Change on how many occasions (Managing Radioactive Waste Safely) he visited (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) Northern (Cost: £6,500. Completed: September 2009) Ireland in an official capacity in the last 12 months. [303487] www.planningrenewables.org.uk (Planning Renewables Website) Joan Ruddock: In the course of his official duties, my (Cost: £46,000. Completed: March 2009) right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has visited www.renewables-advisory-board.org.uk Scotland twice and Wales four times in the past 12 months. (The Renewables Advisory Board (RAB) He has not made an official visit to Northern Ireland during the last 12 months. (Cost: £6,000. Completed: August 2007) www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/home Departmental Freedom of Information (Low Carbon Building Programme) (Cost: £15,000. Completed: July 2009) Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.lowcarbonbuildingsphase2.org.uk Energy and Climate Change how many requests under (Low Carbon Buildings Programme Phase 2) the Freedom of Information Act 2000 his Department received in 2008; and how many of these received a (Cost: £20,000. Completed: July 2009) substantive response within 20 days. [305495] www.bigenergyshift.org.uk (Big Energy Shift) Joan Ruddock: Statistics published by the Ministry of (Cost: £68,000. Completed: August 2009) Justice on Freedom of Information in central Government www.decc.gov.uk/offsetting for 2008 show that of a total of 45 non-routine requests The UK Government’s Quality Assurance Scheme for Carbon received by the Department (based on aggregated quarterly Offsetting) data) 64 per cent. (29) received a substantive response within 20 days. (Cost: £6,000. Completed: September 2009) 71 per cent. (32) of requests were dealt with ‘in time’, http://www.leos.le.ac.uk/AATSR/ that is within 20 days by meeting the deadline or other (AATSR—University of Leicester science and validation website) permitted extension deadline. (Cost: £6,300. Completed: September 2009) 925W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 926W

Departmental Official Hospitality Departmental Security

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Energy and Climate Change what the purposes was of and Climate Change how many security passes his the reception held by his Department on 10 November Department has issued to contractors providing 2009; how many guests were invited; how many consultancy services in the last 12 months. [303948] attended; and what the cost was. [303397] Joan Ruddock: DECC’s access control policies are implemented in line with the HMG Security Policy Joan Ruddock: The reception was held to support the Framework, Mandatory Requirements 56, 57 and 58. communication of the UK’s objectives in the run up to The Department does not have the information requested the UN negotiations on climate change in Copenhagen as there is no requirement for the DECC pass system to in December. specifically identify contractors who are providing 158 guests were invited. We do not have a record of consultancy services to the Department. the exact number who attended. The cost was £3,122.72 Departmental Taxis Departmental Public Relations Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many miles (a) Mr. Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Ministers and (b) officials in his Department and its and Climate Change what payments the Energy Saving predecessors travelled by taxi in the course of their Trust has made to Positif Politics Ltd. in the last official duties in each year since 1997; and at what cost 12 months; and what (a) representations his to the public purse in each such year. [302707] Department has received from and (b) discussions it has had with Positif Politics Ltd. on the Energy Saving Joan Ruddock: The Department of Energy and Climate Trust in that period. [305434] Change was established in 3 October 2008. Mileage information is not collected when taxi claims Joan Ruddock: I refer the hon. Member to the answer are submitted by officials using taxi hire companies. For I gave him on 21 July 2009, Official Report, columns ministerial taxi travel using the Government Car and 1627-8 W. Despatch Service where travel mileage is available the The Energy Saving Trust is a private company limited distance recorded for the period 3 October 2008 to by guarantee, and details of payments made are therefore 31 March 2009 is 915 miles. a matter for the Trust’s Board. The total cost for ministerial and official taxi travel in During the last 12 months, DECC has not received the period 3 October 2008 to 31 March 2009 was any representations from nor engaged in any discussions £63,000. with Positif Politics Ltd., regarding the Energy Saving Departmental Travel Trust. Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Energy and Climate Change on what date he last and Climate Change what payments the Energy Saving travelled by (a) bus and (b) taxi in the course of his Trust has made to Stratagem in the last 12 months; and official duties. [302727] what (a) representations his Department has received from and (b) discussions it has had with Stratagem on Joan Ruddock: In the course of his official duties, my the Energy Saving Trust in that period. [305435] right hon. Friend the Secretary of State last travelled by taxi on 11 November 2009. All travel by Ministers is Joan Ruddock: I refer the hon. Member to the answer undertaken in accordance with the ‘Ministerial Code’. I gave to him on 21 July 2009, Official Report, columns 1627-8W. Departmental Written Questions The Energy Saving Trust is a private company limited John Mason: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy by guarantee, and details of payments made are therefore and Climate Change how many questions tabled for a matter for the Trust’s Board. answer on a named day his Department received in During the last 12 months, DECC has not received each of the last 12 months; and to how many such any representations from nor engaged in any discussions questions his Department provided a substantive with Stratagem, regarding the Energy Saving Trust. answer on the day named. [305379]

Departmental Publications Joan Ruddock: For the period 1 December 2008 to 30 November 2009 357 named day questions were tabled Nigel Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for to DECC and of these 104 received substantive answers Energy and Climate Change if he will place in the on the day. Library a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding Energy Supply between his Department and the British Geological Survey on the operation of the National Geoscience Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Data Centre in Gilmerton, Edinburgh. [305808] Energy and Climate Change what steps have been taken in relation to the possibility to exercise the Joan Ruddock: A copy of the Memorandum of reserve powers provided under the Energy Act 2008 for Understanding has been placed in the Libraries of the the Government rather than Ofgem to set the grid House. access regime. [304470] 927W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 928W

Mr. Kidney: The Government launched a consultation Energy: Housing on options for grid access reform on 25 August 2009, and this closed on 17 November. The consultation Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for document was placed in the House Libraries, and is Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has also available from the DECC website at: made of the effectiveness of the Home Heat helpline; http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/consultations/ and whether his Department collects data on the improving_grid/improving_grid.aspx uptake of home energy support benefits in each We are currently considering responses received to constituency. [304682] the consultation and will publish a Government Response alongside a further, technical consultation on our preferred Joan Ruddock: The Home Heat Helpline is run through option and the changes to industry codes and licences the Energy Retail Association and is funded by the associated with implementation in early 2010. We intend energy suppliers. Spend by suppliers on the Home Heat to implement the changes to codes and licences to Helpline is reported on and monitored by Ofgem under ensure the regime can take effect from June 2010. the voluntary agreement between suppliers and the Government for spending on programmes of social Energy Supply: Cybercrime assistance. Ofgem’s latest report is available online at: http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Pages/ Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for MoreInformation.aspx?docid=263&refer=Sustainability/ Energy and Climate Change if he will consider the SocAction/Suppliers/CSR merits of bringing forward legislative proposals for a The DECC-funded Warm Front Scheme, which operates mandatory duty for energy utility companies to report in England only, provides a range of energy saving breaches in their cyber-security to Ministers. [302669] measures to applicants in receipt of certain passports benefits. Eaga plc, the scheme manager, gather performance Mr. Kidney: Existing good practice is that a cyber data by region, local authority area and constituency security breach resulting in a loss or compromise of on behalf of the Department. customers’ details would be reported to the Office of the Information Commissioner. DECC works closely Fuel poverty is a devolved matter, and devolved with other areas of Government (notably the Office of Governments collect their own data. Cyber Security (OCS) and the Centre for the Protection The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) is a of National Infrastructure (CPNI)) to identify and GB-wide obligation that requires the big six energy mitigate vulnerabilities in the national infrastructure suppliers to report measures installed to the regulator, that could be exploited by cyber threats, and to share Ofgem. Measures installed are reported at GB level and best practice across the CNI. no information on where this is occurs is currently kept. If a cyber security breach impacts an energy utility To address this deficiency, the Government are negotiating company’s operational capability leading to security of a voluntary agreement with the energy suppliers for supply concerns, I have existing procedures (including them to report the installation of measures into the my Department’s emergency response plans) and existing Homes Energy Efficiency Database (HEED) managed powers (including, where appropriate, emergency powers by the Energy Saving Trust, and it is hoped to conclude under the Energy Act 1976) to intervene. these negotiations shortly. Energy: Conservation Energy: Meters

Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the budget is of the Energy and Climate Change how many households in Community Energy Savings Programme; and which (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the organisations will coordinate the associated North East and (d) the UK had (i) electricity and (ii) community energy assessors. [307080] gas pre-payment meters in each of the last 10 years. [303646] Joan Ruddock: We expect the energy companies to deliver around £350 million worth of energy efficiency Mr. Kidney: Ofgem monitors and publishes information measures in discharging their obligations under the about gas and electricity prepayment customers. However, Community Energy Saving Programme (CESP). prepayment data are not collected on a parliamentary The obligated energy companies are responsible for constituency or borough council basis. Ofgem published the energy advice delivered under CESP. Such advice figures for the 10-year period in its Domestic Suppliers must be delivered in accordance with the CESP Order Social Obligation 2008 report. The number of customers and Ofgem’s supporting CESP guidance. in Great Britain using prepayment meters was:

Customers in Great Britain using prepayment meters Million 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Gas 1.6 1.8 1.8 2.0 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.4 Electricity 3.7 3.5 3.8 3.7 3.7 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6

Mr. Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy customers in each (a) constituency and (b) local and Climate Change how many domestic energy authority area use pre-payment meters. [304492] 929W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 930W

Mr. Kidney: Ofgem monitors and publishes information Period Expenditure (£000) about gas and electricity prepayment customers. However, data is not collected on a parliamentary constituency or 2004-05 504 local authority basis. In June 2009, the last period for 2005-06 689 which data has been published, the number of customers 2006-07 771 in Great Britain using prepayment meters was 2,464,377 2007-08 603 for gas and 3,698,628 for electricity. In Scotland, the 2008-09 603 number of customers using prepayment meters was 242,688 for gas and 476,794 for electricity. I have liaised with Ofgem over this reply. As it explains, Fuel Poverty Ofgem do not record specific information about hotel costs. This reply draws on information published in Ofgem’s annual resource account statements which are Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for available through its website. Energy and Climate Change what recent estimate he has made of the number of households living in fuel Members: Correspondence poverty in (a) Chesterfield constituency, (b) Derbyshire and (c) England. [307167] Mr. McLoughlin: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change when he expects to reply Mr. Kidney: The most available sub-regional split of to the letter from the right hon. Member for West fuel poverty relates to 2006, and shows that there were Derbyshire of 24 August 2009 concerning Hydropower around 4,900 fuel poor households in the Chesterfield in Derbyshire, ref: PM/OP/Hydropower. [307165] constituency and around 54,500 fuel poor households in the county of Derbyshire. Joan Ruddock: My noble colleague Lord Hunt of Most recent figures are available for England. These King’s Heath OBE responded on 8 December 2009. show that in 2007, there were around 2.8 million fuel Such a delay is obviously unacceptable and my officials poor households in England. have investigated the reasons for the error and are adjusting correspondence handling procedures to prevent Gas and Electricity Markets Authority: Public this happening again. Relations Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Energy and Climate Change when his Department and Climate Change what payments Ofgem has made expects to publish its response to the report on energy to Finsbury in the last 12 months; for what purposes; security by the right hon. Member for Croydon North. and if he will place in the Library a copy of the [307229] contract governing those payments. [305065] Mr. Kidney: My right hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, North (Malcolm Wicks) has raised a number Mr. Kidney: Ofgem made the following payments to of important issues which we are studying carefully and Finsbury for communications related activities: the Government will publish a response in due course. Financial year Total paid (£) Official Engagements 2002-03 29,006.16 2003-04 62,067.47 Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for 2004-05 11,308.36 Energy and Climate Change what meetings he has had 2005-06 0 with the Government’s Chief Sustainability Officer in [304484] 2006-07 0 the last 12 months. 2007-08 0 Joan Ruddock: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of 2008-09 0 State has regular meetings with ministerial colleagues, 2009-10 0 officials and others. Total 102,381.99 Scientists The Department does not hold any information on the commercial contract between Ofgem and Finsbury. Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for I have therefore asked Ofgem’s chief executive to write Energy and Climate Change on how many occasions to you direct. he has met (a) the Government chief scientific adviser Hotels and (b) his Department’s chief scientific adviser in the course of his official duties in the last 12 months. [303964] Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much the Office of Gas and Joan Ruddock: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of Electricity Markets has spent on hotel accommodation State has regular meetings with ministerial colleagues, for its officials in each of the last five years. [306042] officials and others. Mr. Kidney: Ofgem does not record specific information Solar Power on expenditure on hotel accommodation but it does publish annual information on overall travel and subsistence Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for expenditure. Over the last five years, its expenditure on Energy and Climate Change for what reasons his travel and subsistence has been as follows: Department ceased to accept applications for 931W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 932W funding for photovoltaic projects under phase two closed to new Solar PV applications from 1 December of the Low Carbon Buildings Programme on 2009 as we have approximately £5.7 million worth of 30 November 2009; and if he will make a statement. applications for PV waiting to be processed. [306668] The introduction of FIT’s in April 2010 will replace the LCBP grant support for electrical generation equipment Joan Ruddock: In Budget 2009, my right hon. Friend and is anticipated to further stimulate the market through the Chancellor announced a further £45 million for a tariff mechanism. LCBP to allow for grant funding continuity up to the Grant funding will be available from the Low Carbon introduction of Green Energy Cash-backs (FITs) on Communities Challenge, the choice of technology will 1 April 2010 and Renewable Heat Incentives (RHIs) on be defined by the applicants but will include Solar PV. 1 April 2011. Technology ’pots’ were created to allow Warm Front Scheme for equitable support for all microgeneration technologies from the LCBP programme. Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Following consultation with the industry, an initial Energy and Climate Change how many claimants ’pot’ of £14 million was set for Solar PV under Phase-2 received assistance under the Warm Front programme of LCBP.This was subsequently increased to £18 million in each of the last three years; how many such due to unprecedented demand. claimants were not reimbursed for the full cost of work We currently have approximately £5.7 million worth carried out under the Warm Front scheme in each such of applications for PV being evaluated under Phase-2 year; and if he will make a statement. [305701] and this will exhaust the total allocation for PV As a Mr. Kidney: The number of households assisted under result, we closed LCBP-2 to new PV applications from 1 Warm Front in the last three complete years, alongside December 2009 in line with our discussions with industry. the number of households who received works whose Of the £45 million announced in Budget 2009, we value was in excess of the grant limit, are as follows: anticipate that we will commit over £19 million to Solar PV. Households asked to Assisted households contribute Phase-1 which provides support for householders remains open to new applications for Solar PV until 31 2006-07 253,079 35,805 March 2010. 2007-08 268,900 59,839 2008-09 233,594 51,405 2009-10 (to 30 157,111 8,466 Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for November 2009) Energy and Climate Change what steps he has taken to ensure the continuous availability of funding for solar Mr. Andy Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for photovoltaic projects; and if he will make a statement. Energy and Climate Change what monitoring process [306669] is in place to ensure the quality of work carried out under the Warm Front scheme; and if he will make a Mr. Kidney: The Low Carbon Building Programme statement. [305982] (LCBP) will provide continuity of grant provision up until the introduction of Green Energy Cash-backs Mr. Kidney: Due to the vulnerable nature of Warm (FITs) in April 2010 for the Phase-1 (householder stream). Front applicants, the Scheme pays particular attention The demand for grants for solar photovoltaic technology to maintaining the highest possible standards of safety, under the Phase-2 scheme (communities and other not- quality and customer care. As manager of the Scheme, for-profit organisations) has been unprecedented and Eaga continually monitors contractor performance using we have found it necessary to close that programme to customer satisfaction surveys, with the best performing new applications, however we are currently processing a contractors receiving backlog of £5.7 million worth of applications for PV Additionally, upon completion of installation, 100 per projects. cent. of heating and 5 per cent. on insulation installations Grant funding for microgeneration technologies including (chosen randomly) are inspected by experienced Solar PV will be available through the recently announced independent engineers to ensure the necessary standards PAYS pilot scheme starting in December 2009 and are met. further grant funding will be available for communities Alongside these measures, the Department have also participating in the Low Carbon Communities Challenge. appointed independent quality assurors, White Young In both these programmes, the choice of technology Green, to carry out six-monthly and ad hoc audits of will be defined by the applicants but will include Solar PV. installer performance.

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Energy and Climate Change what grant assistance is available for non-domestic users of solar photovoltaic Broadband energy. [306670] Bill Wiggin: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what Joan Ruddock: The Low Carbon Buildings Programme estimate he has made of the proportion of households will close to applications for electrical microgeneration, have a broadband internet connection in each local including Solar PV on 31 March 2010 when feed-in authority area. [304041] tariffs (FITs) will be introduced. Due to unprecedented demand, the Phase-2 scheme (non-domestic) has been Mr. Timms: No such estimates have been made. 933W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 934W

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Minister of State, South East, 99.98 per cent. of households were Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what connected to a DSL-enabled BT exchange and 84 per proportion of households have a broadband internet cent. of households were connected to an unbundled connection in (a) rural areas of England and (b) local exchange. Herefordshire. [304043] Business: Eastbourne Mr. Timms: The Department does not have information on the proportion of households connected to broadband in (a) rural areas of England and (b) Herefordshire. Mr. Waterson: To ask the Minister of State, However, figures from the Ofcom Communications Market Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how Report: English regions of August 2009, indicate that many (a) small, (b) medium-sized and (c) large 65 per cent. of households in rural England, and 58 per businesses in Eastbourne have received funding under cent. of households in rural West Midlands, have fixed the Regional Loans Transition Fund scheme since the broadband connections. scheme was established. [303746]

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Minister of State, Ms Rosie Winterton: Regional Transition Loan Funds Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what were established by the Regional Development Agencies steps he is taking to ensure that consumers can access as a time limited measure while national instruments third party provider services via broadband services such as the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme were provided by regulated private companies. [304132] put in place. In the SEEDA region the Transition Fund provides loans of up to £150,000 for SMEs that are Mr. Timms [holding answer 7 December 2009]: I facing liquidity issues arising from the adverse financial understand that the hon. Gentleman is concerned about credit squeeze. The Transition Fund is financed by a specific situation in which he says access to 118 directory SEEDA and managed by Finance South East. One inquiries services is restricted by BT through their “Home business in Eastbourne has applied for funding under Hub” broadband product. this scheme since it was established. This application BT’s Home Hub is a wireless internet router which was turned down as it did not meet the eligibility facilitates a range of services including broadband and criteria. For comparison, in the SEEDA region over the a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone capability. same period, 141 businesses enquired about these loans, BT provides access to their own directory enquiries 27 businesses were offered funding and 20 have so far service (118 500) through the VoIP service and restricts received funding, of which two are based in East Sussex. access to other directory inquiries services. This restriction In those circumstances where companies did not meet is limited to the Home Hub VoIP service as customers the criteria a range of advice through the Business Link can access other 118 numbers through their normal BT network has been made available, such as business phone, or by prefixing the number with five when using health checks. Over 95,000 businesses have benefited their VoIP phone to access their PTSN line. Users are from this service to date across England, including also free to access 118 services through the internet. 17,851 in the South East. A recent Significant Market Power (SMP) review by Ofcom found that “call origination for Voice over Business: Government Assistance Broadband (VoB) calls is not the same market as wholesale call origination on a narrowband network” and as such, Mr. Prisk: To ask the Minister of State, Department BT are within their rights to restrict access to other for Business, Innovation and Skills how many directory inquiries services. businesses in each (a) parliamentary constituency, (b) Ofcom have recognised that as VoIP/VoB services local authority area and (c) Government Office region develop and increase in significance they may need to had received funding under the (i) Enterprise Finance re-examine their judgment and possibly include VoIP/VoB Guarantee, (ii) Working Capital, (iii) Trade Credit calls in BT’s end to end connectivity obligation. In the Insurance Guarantee, (iv) Capital for Enterprise Fund mean time, the Department and Ofcom are keen to and (v) Automotive Assistance Programme scheme on encourage commercial negotiation between BT and the the latest date for which figures are available; and if he affected service providers to find a resolution to this will make a statement. [302137] ongoing dispute. Ms Rosie Winterton: The reporting structure for each Broadband: South East scheme differs in terms of the availability of information at constituency, local authority, and regional levels. Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, The “Enterprise Finance Guarantee” is a temporary Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what loan guarantee scheme aimed at facilitating additional recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of bank lending to viable small and medium sized enterprises. broadband coverage in (a) Lewes constituency, (b) Decision-making on individual loans is fully delegated East Sussex and (c) the South East. [304277] to participating lenders and is done on commercial grounds. Mr. Timms: The Department does not hold the Figures on the Enterprise Finance Guarantee are information in order to make a recent assessment of the available at constituency and at local authority level, a adequacy of broadband coverage in (a) Lewes constituency, copy of which shall be deposited in the Library of the (b) East Sussex and the south-east. However, in its House. For brevity, following are figures for the number Communications Market Report: English Regions, and value of loans offered and drawn within each published in August 2009, Ofcom estimates that in the region as of 26 November. 935W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 936W

Number of new loans offered Total value of offered loans Number of new loans drawn Total value of drawn loans (£ Region to customer (£ million) by customer million)

East Midlands 486 52.83 416 44.24 East of England 757 66.97 613 54.70 London 803 90.21 631 70.46 North East 236 22.40 190 16.76 North West 717 69.35 613 57.19 South East 988 98.20 785 77.35 South West 757 68.48 641 56.36 West Midlands 620 62.08 522 50.72 Yorkshire and the Humber 444 45.16 367 36.35 Wales 347 26.62 267 19.05 Scotland 464 61.43 395 54.33 Northern Ireland 72 13.58 56 10.41 Total UK 6,691 677.29 5,496 547.93

Under the “Working Capital Scheme”, £2 billion of Government Office Constituency Number of suppliers guarantees has been provided to two banks to free up regulatory capital for new lending to UK companies. Heywood and Middleton 1 Companies themselves do not apply for guarantees Manchester, Blackley 1 under the Working Capital Scheme (WCS) and are not aware that their loans are guaranteed under the WCS. No records are kept by parliamentary constituency or South East East Hampshire 1 region of companies who have loans underpinned by Faversham and Mid Kent 1 WCS guarantees. Folkestone and Hythe 1 As a result of action by the Government and the Mole Valley 1 regulatory authorities leading to improvements in capital North East Milton Keynes 1 markets since the introduction of the WCS, the Government Reading West 1 have been able to allocate resource provision for the Richmond Park 2 WCS to other measures to support businesses. Sutton and Cheam 1 As of 20 November, 72 suppliers have purchased Woking 1 “Trade Credit Insurance” under the Government Top-up Scheme, in the following Government offices/constituencies. Wokingham 1 We do not analyse the information per local authority area: South West Bristol West 1 Exeter 1 Government Office Constituency Number of suppliers North Devon 1 East Midlands Amber Valley 1 Wansdyke 1 Northampton South 2

West Midlands Birmingham, Ladywood 2 East of England Broxbourne 1 Birmingham, Sparkbrook and 2 Harlow 1 Small Heath Cannock Chase 1 Huntingdon 1 North Warwickshire 1 Luton South 1 Nuneaton 1 Saffron Walden 1 South Derbyshire 1 Welwyn Hatfield 1 Stourbridge 1 Telford 1 London Chipping Barnet 1 Cities of London and 1 Walsall South 2 Westminster West Bromwich West 2 Holborn and St Pancras 2 Wolverhampton Northeast 1 Wolverhampton South West 1 North East Middlesbrough 1 Wyre Forest 1 Redcar 1 Tyne Bridge 1 Yorkshire and the Bradford North 1 Humber North West Altrincham and Sale West 1 Cleethorpes 1 Birkenhead 1 Elmet 1 Bolton South East 1 Kingston upon Hull West and 1 Burnley 1 Hessle Eccles 1 Normanton 1 937W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 938W

Departmental Conferences Government Office Constituency Number of suppliers

Scunthorpe 1 Mr. Baron: To ask the Minister of State, Department Sheffield, Attercliffe 1 for Business, Innovation and Skills which conferences Shipley 1 held overseas have been attended by civil servants based in his Department since its inception; and what Vale of York 1 the cost to the public purse was of such attendance at each conference. [305865] Northern Ireland Belfast South 1 East Londonderry 1 Mr. McFadden: The Department does not centrally Mid Ulster 1 record details of conferences held overseas attended by civil servants. To obtain this information would require searching through four departmental and IT systems Scotland Coatbridge, Chryston and 1 and entail disproportionate costs. Bellshill Ochil and South Perthshire 1 The Department will soon publish details of expenses of senior staff on the Department for Business, Innovation Stirling 1 and Skills website, overseas conferences attended will be included. Wales Islwyn 1 Neath 1 Departmental Electronic Equipment

Mr. Hands: To ask the Minister of State, Department Total — 72 for Business, Innovation and Skills how many plasma screen televisions his Department has purchased since As of 26 November, with respect to £75 million its inception; and what the cost has been of purchasing Capital for Enterprise Fund equity scheme, the appointed and installing such screens. [306085] fund managers have so far made offers totalling £68.2 million to 44 businesses. 11 businesses have accepted Mr. McFadden: This Department’s Estates section the terms of the funding offered with a total value of has not purchased any plasma screen televisions since £17.9 million. The fund managers continue due diligence its inception in June. on these, and the further proposals that have been put Information is not held centrally for any purchases of forward. Eight businesses have received investment totalling plasma screens that may have been made by individual £12.2 million, two based in the East Midlands, one in Directorates within the Department. London, Two in Scotland, two in the South East and one in Yorkshire and Humber. I am not providing a Departmental Public Expenditure breakdown by parliamentary constituency or local authority as this could make it possible to identify the individual Mr. Hayes: To ask the Minister of State, Department companies that have received support. for Business, Innovation and Skills what the cost to the With regard the Automotive Assistance Programme, public purse was of the review of employee on 18 September 2009, BIS announced the offer of a engagement commissioned by his Department and £10 million loan to Tata Motors European Technical conducted by David MacLeod and Nita Clarke. Centre to support £25 million of investment in the [304573] Coventry area to develop and manufacture electric vehicles Mr. McFadden: The external costs (excluding VAT) in the UK. associated with conducting the employee engagement review, and with publication of the report in July 2009, were £192,678. Climate Change Projects Office Electric Cables: Standards

Gregory Barker: To ask the Minister of State, Mr. David Anderson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what the aims and objectives are of his Department’s steps his Department is taking to protect the public Climate Change Projects Office. [304472] from the risks posed by installation of electrical cables which do not meet approved standards. [304007] Mr. McFadden: The Climate Change Projects Office (CCPO) is the UK Government’s primary contact for Jonathan Shaw: I have been asked to reply. business involved in the international carbon market Where examples of electrical cables which do not (particularly climate change projects under the Kyoto meet the recognised approved standards are reported to Protocol—Clean Development Mechanism and Joint the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) the matter is Implementation projects that generate tradable carbon investigated by inspectors who enforce, among other credits). The CCPO supports and promotes UK private supply legislation, the Electrical Equipment (Safety) sector involvement in the market. The CCPO is based in Regulations 1994 (EESR). Inspectors have the power to the Department for Business and is joint-funded by the prohibit further supply of electrical cables whose foreseeable Department for Energy and Climate Change. Details use represents a risk of serious harm to persons. Where about the CCPO’s work can be found in the UK CCPO defective products are already in the supply chain action annual report 2008/09, copies of which have been placed can be taken to require suppliers to warn and advise in the House Libraries. their customers. 939W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 940W

Examples of defective electric cables imported from by the statutory instruments registrar since 2001. There Asia are currently under investigation. More generally, are no central records maintained of “other regulations”. inspectors will shortly be carrying out an exercise to Since that time the Department and its predecessors examine samples of cables in use on construction sites have made 235 statutory instruments to meet obligations in the UK. Depending on the findings, besides prohibiting arising from EU Law, under powers contained in the the supply and use of any found to be seriously defective, European Communities Act 1972. HSE will propose a wider market surveillance project to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills on Freight the supply of cables into the industrial and domestic market. Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, Energy and Climate Change Unit Department for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 3 December 2009, Official Gregory Barker: To ask the Minister of State, Report, column 982W, on freight, if he will break down Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what by mode of transport the number of road freight the aims and objectives are of his Department’s Energy companies which have (a) become insolvent, (b) and Climate Change Unit. [304473] ceased trading for other reasons and (c) been started up in each of the last 10 years. [306641] Mr. McFadden: The Low Carbon Business Opportunities Unit and the Energy and Climate Change Unit in BIS Ian Lucas: Further to the answer of 3 December have now joined together to form the Low Carbon 2009, in answer to part (a), The Insolvency Service do Business Team. The Low Carbon Business Team aims not currently collect or maintain a record of figures at to capture the economic and industrial opportunities the level of detail below “Land Transport”. The figures for the UK from the global shift towards a Low Carbon provided in the answer of the 3 December are the most economy and ensure the views of UK business are detailed available to answer part (a). properly taken into account in the development of At the most detailed level of classification, the “freight policies across Whitehall. They will be working together, transport by road” industry is identifiable. However, it taking a strategic approach to ensure industry is in a is not possible to distinguish the mode of transport position to capitalise on business opportunities arising within this standard industrial classification. from the transition to a low-carbon economy. Responsibility for statistics relating to business start-ups EU Law and closures (“births” and “deaths”) has moved from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to Gregory Barker: To ask the Minister of State, the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Tables 1 and 2 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what record statistics received from the ONS in response to (a) statutory instruments and (b) other regulations to (b) and (c) above. These represent those figures which meet obligations arising from EU law his Department are both readily available and most similar in coverage has brought forward in the 2005 Parliament. [304171] to the figures for insolvencies, but they should not be treated as being entirely consistent and, in particular, Mr. McFadden: Central records of statutory instruments the ONS’ figures will include some businesses that are made under specific powers have only been maintained not registered companies.

Table 1: (b) Business “deaths” in the land transport industry., England and Wales 6024 Freight transport by road 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Total 3,365 3,680 3,685 3,490 3,245 3,190 3,085 Note: The population base includes all those businesses which are registered for VAT and/or PAYE, rather than registered companies. Source: ONS

Table 2: (c). Business “births” in the land transport industry, England and Wales 6024 Freight transport by road 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Total 3,195 3,375 3,240 3,275 2,825 3,195 2,985 Note: The population base includes all those businesses which are registered for VAT and/or PAYE, rather than registered companies. Source: ONS

Higher Education: Leeds West parliamentary constituency are shown in the table. Reliable information on student loans received is not John Battle: To ask the Minister of State, available at constituency level. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how Enrolments1 from Leeds, West parliamentary constituency UK higher education many students from Leeds West constituency (a) 2 attended university courses and (b) received student institutions academic years 1996/97 to 2007/08 loans to attend university courses in each year since Academic year Enrolments 1996-97. [306599] Mr. Lammy: The latest figures from the Higher Education 1996/97 1,315 Statistics Agency (HESA) on enrolments from Leeds, 1997/98 1,275 941W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 942W

Enrolments1 from Leeds, West parliamentary constituency UK higher education Higher Education: Lewes institutions2 academic years 1996/97 to 2007/08 Academic year Enrolments Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how 1998/99 1,470 many people from Lewes constituency became full- 1999/2000 1,505 time undergraduate students in each year from 2002-03 to 2007-08; and how many such people (a) were from 2000/01 1,510 and (b) had parents from each socio-economic group. 2001/02 1,520 [306957] 2002/03 1,585 Mr. Lammy: The latest available information from 2003/04 1,635 the Higher Education Statistics Agency is shown in the 2004/05 1,730 following table. 2005/06 1,830 Figures are provided for full-time undergraduate entrants 2006/07 1,835 aged under 21, and 21 and over, as data on socio-economic class is gathered on a different basis for these two 2007/08 1,825 distinct age groups. Socio-economic class is derived 1 Covers enrolments to all levels and modes of study. from information on occupation: for entrants aged under 21 2 Excludes the Open University due to inconsistencies in their data across the time series. this is based on the occupation of their parent, and for Note: those aged 21 and over it is based on their own occupation. Figures are based on a snapshot count as at 1 December to maintain consistency Figures for the 2008/09 academic year will be available across the time series. Source: from the Higher Education Statistics Agency in January Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). 2010.

Full-time undergraduate entrants from Lewes constituency1 by age and socio-economic classification2: UK higher education institutions3: academic years 2002/03 to 2007/08 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 Socio-economic classification ≤21 21+ ≤21 21+ ≤21 21+ ≤21 21+ ≤21 21+ ≤21 21+

Higher managerial and 75 5 95 10 90 10 100 10 85 5 80 0 professional occupations Lower managerial and 85 25 120 10 105 25 105 15 105 15 100 20 professional occupations Intermediate 35 10 35 10 45 15 45 5 45 5 35 15 occupations Small employers and 20 0 30 5 30 5 20 5 30 5 25 5 own account workers Lower supervisory and 15 0 15 0 15 0 20 0 20 0 15 0 technical occupations Semi-routine 20 15 25 5 15 20 20 15 15 15 20 10 occupations Routine occupations 5555100105105155 Total known 255 60 325 50 310 75 325 50 310 50 285 55 Missing4 110 65 50 75 60 55 75 65 75 65 70 90 1 The table does not include entrants where the constituency of the student cannot be established due to missing or invalid information. 2 This field collects the socio-economic classification of students participating in HE if 21 or over at the start of their course or parental classification if under 21. 3 Figures exclude the Open university due to inconsistencies in their coding of entrants across the time series. 4 Covers students whose socio-economic classification was missing, not classified or ‘Never worked and long-term unemployed’. Note: Figures are based on a HESA standard registration population and have been rounded up or down to the nearest five, therefore components may not sum to totals. Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency

Higher Education: Student Numbers Qualifiers1 from Leeds local authority, West Yorkshire2 and England UK higher education institutions. Academic years 1997/98 to 2007/08 Academic year Leeds West Yorkshire England

John Battle: To ask the Minister of State, 1997/98 3,865 10,625 305,995 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how many students from (a) the city of Leeds, (b) West 1998/99 4,325 11,725 315,715 Yorkshire and (c) England graduated in each year 1999/2000 4,425 12,285 322,590 since 1997. [306603] 2000/01 4,680 12,895 355,550 2001/02 4,605 12,635 363,345 Mr. Lammy: The latest information from the Higher 2002/03 5,055 13,815 387,615 Education Statistics Agency is shown in the table. This 2003/04 5,715 15,220 409,965 covers qualifiers from UK higher education institutions 2004/05 5,610 15,130 427,900 who were resident in Leeds, West Yorkshire and England at the time of applying to higher education. Figures for 2005/06 5,510 15,540 429,845 the 2008/09 academic year will be available in January 2010. 2006/07 5,955 15,715 434,335 943W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 944W

Qualifiers1 from Leeds local authority, West Yorkshire2 and England UK higher January to June 2008 industry online monitoring of a education institutions. Academic years 1997/98 to 2007/08 selection of ELSPA members’ games, found over 350,000 Academic year Leeds West Yorkshire England infringing video game files for the UK. Globally, the 2007/08 6,140 16,440 450,990 monitoring of those games found over 11 million infringing 1 Covers qualifiers from all levels and modes of study. video game files. 2 Covers the local authorities of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield. Note: Mr. Watson: To ask the Minister of State, Figures are based on a qualifications obtained population and have been Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what rounded to the nearest five. estimate his Department has made of the number of Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) people who shared copyrighted material through peer-to-peer technology in the UK in the latest period Internet for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [306027] Adam Afriyie: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills when Mr. Timms: The Government have not carried out a his Department first informed the Internet study into the number of people who share copyrighted Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers of its material unlawfully through peer-to-peer technology. plans to bring forward proposals for new powers in Commonly quoted industry figures suggest around relation to internet domain registries in the Digital 6.5 million regular file-sharers, but it will be an early Economy Bill. [305484] task for Ofcom under the Digital Economy Bill to set Mr. Timms: The Department contacted ICANN in an authoritative baseline for the level of online infringement, July to inform them that the Government were preparing and monitor the level of such infringement as the initial reserve powers in respect of internet domain name obligations begin to be applied. registries. Mr. Watson: To ask the Minister of State, Internet: Copyright Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate his Department has made of the cost of Mr. Watson: To ask the Minister of State, peer-to-peer file sharing of copyrighted material to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what British music industry in each year since 1999; if he will estimate his Department has made of the cost of publish his Department’s analysis upon which such an peer-to-peer file sharing of copyrighted material to the estimate is based; and if he will make a statement. UK film industry in each year since 1999; if he will [306055] publish his Department’s analysis upon which such an estimate is based; and if he will make a statement. Mr. Timms [holding answer 10 December 2009]: The [306025] Government have not carried out an independent Mr. Timms: The Government have not carried out a assessment of the cost of unlawful peer-to-peer file-sharing study into the cost of unlawful peer-to-peer file-sharing to the music industry. However, music industry research to the UK film industry. However, the UK Film Council estimates that in 2008 they suffered losses as a consequence in 2006 estimated that the total cost of copyright of such activity of £180 million. This figure, clearly infringement to the UK film industry to be £388 million identified as an industry estimate, was used in the of which digital infringement is estimated to have cost consultation document issued in June 2009 on this the industry £202 million. The 2007 estimates were topic. £404 million total cost, of which digital infringement £224 million. While digital infringement will include Mr. Watson: To ask the Minister of State, other forms of infringement than peer-to-peer, it is Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how likely that it will account for a large proportion of the many meetings (a) Ministers and (b) officials have estimated figure. In the June 2009 consultation document held with representatives from (i) the Federation the IPSOS research, commissioned by industry, was Against Copyright Theft, (ii) the British recorded included that calculated losses in 2007 from unlawful music industry and (iii) the Open rights Group in the peer-to-peer file-sharing to the film and television industries last 12 months. [306114] of £152 million. Mr. Lammy: Ministers and officials from the Department Mr. Watson: To ask the Minister of State, have held numerous meetings in the last 12 months with Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what the Federation Against Copyright Theft, the British estimate his Department has made of the cost of Recorded Music Industry and the Open Rights Group. peer-to-peer file sharing of copyrighted material to the UK games industry in each year since 1999; if he will Internet: EU Law publish his Department’s analysis upon which such an estimate is based; and if he will make a statement. [306026] Mr. Watson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Mr. Timms: The Government have not carried out a whether his Department has made an assessment of study into the cost of unlawful peer-to-peer file-sharing the likely effects of EU Directive 2000/31/EC on the to the UK games industry. However, according to the provisions outlined in the Digital Economy Bill, with Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association particular reference to articles (a) 12, (b) 13, (c) 14, (ELSPA) in their response to the consultation on this and (d) 15 of the Directive; and if he will make a subject published last year, for the six-month period statement. [306030] 945W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 946W

Mr. Timms: The Government believe the Digital Post Office Economy Bill is fully compliant with Directive 2000/31/EC. Mr. Newmark: To ask the Minister of State, Internet: Security Department for Business, Innovation and Skills for what reasons a sub-postmaster’s or sub-postmistress’s Mr. Watson: To ask the Minister of State, contract may be terminated. [306500] Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what estimate his Department has made of the number Mr. McFadden: I have asked Alan Cook, Managing of (a) residential customers and (b) business Director of Post Office Ltd., to respond directly to the customers who have unencrypted wireless internet hon. Member and a copy of his reply will be placed in connections in the UK; [306028] the House Libraries. (2) what assessment he has made of the number of Post Office: Disciplinary Proceedings wireless routers in the UK that are protected by (a) WEP, (b) WEP2 and (c) WPA1 encryption; and if he Mr. Newmark: To ask the Minister of State, will make a statement. [306029] Department for Business, Innovation and Skills whether sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses are Mr. Timms: We do not collect data on the number of permitted to be accompanied by (a) solicitors and (b) wireless networks that are protected by encryption nor other people independent of the Post Office at the relative use of the various security techniques available. disciplinary meetings. [306497] Get Safe Online advises home users to protect their wireless networks from intrusion by applying encryption. Mr. McFadden: I have asked Alan Cook, Managing Director of Post Office Ltd., to respond directly to the Invoices hon. Member and a copy of his reply will be placed in the House Libraries. Chris Huhne: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what Mr. Newmark: To ask the Minister of State, steps his Department has taken to prevent the practice Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how of issuing unsolicited invoices to businesses for many sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses have inclusion in internet and business city guides; and been subject to disciplinary action in respect of whether any prosecutions have been brought for incidents related to the use of the Post Office Horizon offences related to this practice. [306816] system; and what standards of proof are used by the Post Office when investigating such incidents. [306499] Kevin Brennan: Section 3 of the Unsolicited Goods and Services Act 1971 imposes requirements as to how Mr. McFadden: I have asked Alan Cook, Managing agreements may be made for entries in business directories. Director of Post Office Ltd., to respond directly to the A person will not be liable for any charge for inclusion hon. Member and a copy of his reply will be placed in in a directory of an entry relating to that person or his the House Libraries. business unless that person has agreed to the charge. Local Trading Standards Services have a duty to enforce Mr. Newmark: To ask the Minister of State, the legislation, although the Department does not hold Department for Business, Innovation and Skills who information on the number of prosecutions brought. conducts appeal proceedings in respect of disciplinary action taken against Post Office employees. [306501] National Geoscience Data Centre Mr. McFadden: I have asked Alan Cook, Managing Director of Post Office Ltd., to respond directly to the Nigel Griffiths: To ask the Minister of State, hon. Member and a copy of his reply will be placed in Department for Business, Innovation and Skills if he the House Libraries. will publish the costings of each of the four options considered in the British Geological Survey’s Tribal Post Offices Group report on the closure of the National Geoscience Data Centre in Gilmerton, Edinburgh. Mr. Roger Williams: To ask the Minister of State, [305729] Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how many post offices in (a) urban and (b) rural areas in Mr. David Hamilton: To ask the Minister of State, each region have closed in each year since 25 December Department for Business, Innovation and Skills if he 2004; and if he will make a statement. [306520] will publish the costings of each of the four options considered in the British Geological Survey’s Tribal Mr. McFadden: I have asked Alan Cook, Managing Group report on the closure of the Survey’s Director of Post Office Ltd., to respond directly to the engineering and core store in Loanhead, Midlothian. hon. Member and a copy of his reply will be placed in [305730] the House Libraries.

Mr. Lammy: The full report by the Tribal Group Mr. Roger Williams: To ask the Minister of State, including the costings and net savings for the four Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how options is available on the website of the British Geological many post offices in (a) urban and (b) rural areas in Survey: each region Post Office Ltd. has identified for closure http://www.bgs.ac.uk/about/ in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012; and if he will make a InformationManagementReport.html statement. [306639] 947W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 948W

Mr. McFadden: The Government have said that it Mr. Newmark: To ask the Minister of State, will not support a further programme of post office Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what closures so no post offices have been identified for estimate he has made of the likely savings to the future closure. However, neither the Government nor Exchequer consequent on the implementation of the POL can prevent the closure of individual post offices new Post Office Horizon system. [306495] where, for example, a sub-postmaster decides to retire or resign and a replacement cannot be found. The Mr. McFadden: In 2007, the Government agreed a Government’s access criteria will continue to apply business plan with the Post Office for the period to across the UK. March 2011. This was linked to the funding of up to We are providing up to £1.7 billion to 2011 to support £1.7 billion which the Government are providing to the a network of around 11,500 branches; this includes a Post Office over that period. The business plan sets out £150 million annual social network payment to support a range of cost saving measures being undertaken by non-commercial sub-post offices, in urban as well as the Post Office, including upgrades to its Horizon IT rural areas, from April 2008. We also recognise that system. These measures will in total provide an annual there will be a continuing need for network support cost saving of over £200 million from 2011 and POL is payments beyond 2011. on target to achieve this. POL’s progress on delivering these cost savings is monitored by the Shareholder Mr. Roger Williams: To ask the Minister of State, Executive. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how many people in (a) urban and (b) rural areas in each Mr. Newmark: To ask the Minister of State, region live (i) less than one miles, (ii) less than two Department for Business, Innovation and Skills miles, (iii) less than three miles and (iv) three miles or whether the Post Office Horizon system will be more from the nearest post office; and if he will make a examined by independent auditors prior to its replacement. [306496] statement. [306640] Mr. McFadden: I have asked Alan Cook, Managing Mr. McFadden: I have asked Alan Cook, Managing Director of Post Office Ltd., to respond directly to the Director of Post Office Ltd., to respond directly to the hon. Member and a copy of his reply will be placed in hon. Member and a copy of his reply will be placed in the House Libraries. the House Libraries. Postal Services Commission: Hotels Post Offices: Information and Communications Technology Anne Main: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how Mr. Newmark: To ask the Minister of State, much the Postal Services Commission has spent on Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what hotel accommodation for its officials in each of the last changes to the Post Office Horizon system will be made five years. [306045] in the development of a new system. [306498] Mr. McFadden: This is an operational matter for which Postcomm has direct responsibility. I have therefore Mr. McFadden: I have asked Alan Cook, Managing asked Postcomm’s Chief Executive, Tim Brown, to Director of Post Office Ltd., to respond directly to the reply direct to the hon. Member. hon. Member and a copy of his reply will be placed in the House Libraries. A copy of the response will be placed in the Libraries of the House. Mr. Newmark: To ask the Minister of State, Postal Services Commission: Internet Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what timetable he has set for the implementation of the new David T.C. Davies: To ask the Minister of State, Post Office Horizon system; and what his most recent Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate is of the cost of implementing that system. redesigns of websites operated by the Postal Services [306493] Commission have been carried out since 27 June 2007; and what the (a) cost to the public purse and (b) date Mr. McFadden: I have asked Alan Cook, managing of completion of each such redesign was. [306210] director of Post Office Ltd, to respond directly to the hon. Member and a copy of his reply will be placed in Mr. McFadden: This is an operational matter for the House Libraries. which Postcomm has direct responsibility. I have therefore asked Postcomm’s Chief Executive, Tim Brown, to Mr. Newmark: To ask the Minister of State, reply direct to the hon. Member. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what A copy of the response will be placed in the Libraries mechanisms are in place for independent audit and of the House. checking of the new Post Office Horizon system prior to its implementation. [306494] Public Sector: Information

Mr. McFadden: I have asked Alan Cook, managing Mr. Mark Field: To ask the Minister of State, director of Post Office Ltd, to respond directly to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills with hon. Member and a copy of his reply will be placed in reference to the announcement on 17 November 2009 the House Libraries. on the Making Public Data Public initiative, what steps 949W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 950W are being considered by the Government to increase the Other key areas in which Sir Tim Berners-Lee will availability of public sector information to business, advise the Government include: individuals and community organisations. [306350] (4) Working with the Government to engage with the leading experts internationally working on public data Mr. Timms: The Government’s overall policies and and standards, and to promote international liaison plans for increasing the availability and re-use of public and global standards setting—an investment in future data are set out in ″Putting the Frontline First: Smarter international data sharing. Government″ (Cm 7753), published on 7 December. (5) Helping to drive culture change in Whitehall toward an assumption of total publication for anonymous Mr. Mark Field: To ask the Minister of State, data using open standards. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what The panel will work closely with the recently-appointed the terms of reference are for his Department’s Making Director for Digital Engagement and other officials in Public Data Public initiative; and if he will make a the Cabinet Office, the Office for Public Sector Information statement. [306484] (part of The National Archives), and the Technology Strategy Board. Mr. Timms: The terms of reference for the initiative led by Sir Tim Berners-Lee OM and Professor Nigel Mr. Mark Field: To ask the Minister of State, Shadbolt are as follows: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills which public sector information holders are being considered In the last two years the Government’s work on the under his Department’s Making Public Data Public Power of Information has shown how the information initiative; and if he will make a statement. [306485] revolution has the potential to transform Government and public services. Mr. Timms: The Making Public Data Public initiative The Government have accepted all of the has initially focussed on public sector information holders recommendations of the Power of Information Taskforce in central Government Departments and agencies. The to open up access to Government information for free Government consider that the same principles should re-use. be extended to all public services, and my right hon. In particular, and linked to its wider programme of Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and Public Service Reform, the Government are committed Local Government announced on 7 December that to implementing and to extending to the wider public Professor Nigel Shadbolt will lead a Local Public Data sector the principle that public sector information should Panel to work with local government to release local be available under straightforward licences and in standard public data. formats for others to re-use: the principle that public sector information should be public. Mr. Mark Field: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what In the next six months, Sir Tim Berners-Lee will serve methodology was used to calculate the estimate that in an advisory capacity to the Minister for the Cabinet the implementation of the Making Public Data Public Office, and he will work with Professor Nigel Shadbolt initiative could contribute £1 billion to the economy. to form a panel of technical and delivery experts to [306486] oversee the rapid implementation of key recommendations, including: Mr. Timms: The Office of Fair Trading market study (1) Overseeing the creation of a single online point of “Commercial Use of Public Information” (published in access for all public UK datasets—and work with 2006) estimated that improving the way in which the departments to make this part of their routine market for public sector information worked could operations—with a live Beta site running by the end of mean it would grow to over £1 billion per annum. the year. (2) Bringing forward specific proposals to implement Students: Loans and extend to the wider public sector the public sector information principle, including: Mr. Willetts: To ask the Minister of State, helping to select and implement common standards for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how release of public data many people not domiciled in the UK have helping to select, develop and implement common terms for outstanding loans with the Student Loans Company; that data where necessary how many such loans are in arrears; and in respect of developing Crown Copyright and ’Crown Commons’ licenses how many such loans no repayments were made in the and extending these to the wider public sector last 12 months. [303616] supporting the exploitation and publication of distributed and decentralised information assets Mr. Lammy: The most recent figures showing the number of borrowers not domiciled in the UK with looking at the potential for reform of the information regulatory framework, working with the ICO and other experts to ensure outstanding loans and the number in arrears and not that the regulatory regime supports the proactive publication paying have been published by the Student Loans Company, of Government information and are available in the following documents on the website. (3) Driving the use of the internet to improve Government consultation processes as proposed by the SLC SFR 02/2009 Student Loans for Higher Education Taskforce and learning from the innovations already in England, Financial Year 2008-09 (Provisional) at: used by DIUS, the Cabinet Office and others. www.slc.co.uk/pdf/slcsfr022009.pdf 951W Written Answers14 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 952W

Annex—Income Contingent Repayments by Repayment Ian Lucas: The Insolvency Service does not currently Cohort and Tax Year 2000/01 to 2007/08 Inclusive collect or maintain a record of figures at the level of (Provisional) at: detail requested for part (i). The lowest available industry www.slc.co.uk/pdf/slcsfr022009annex.pdf breakdown is for “Land Transport” as a whole; these For borrowers who are domiciled in the EU, effective figures are available at: collection is underpinned by EC Regulations 44/2001 http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/otherinformation/statistics/ which allows the SLC to obtain judgments in UK insolv.htm courts, which can be enforced by courts in other EU and were also provided in the answer of 3 December countries. Borrowers’ accounts must be set up with 2009, Official Report column 982W. repayment schedules and put into notional arrears in order that the SLC can inform borrowers that unless Parts (b) and (c) can not be answered independently. they take steps to provide income details and commence Instead information has been provided on SIC 6021 repayment where appropriate, legal action will be taken which covers elements of both part (b) and part (c), against them. This is an essential step in the overseas and 6023 which also covers elements of part (b). collection process. Responsibility for statistics relating to business start-ups Transport and closures (“births” and “deaths”) has moved from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The data recorded Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, as follows are the record statistics received from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how ONS in response to (b) and (c) above. These represent many companies involved in (a) passenger rail those figures which are both readily available and most transport, (b) interurban and suburban passenger land similar in coverage to the figures for insolvencies, but transport, (c) urban, suburban and metropolitan area they should not be treated as being entirely consistent passenger transportation by underground, metro or and, in particular, the ONS’ figures will include some similar systems and (d) taxi operation have (i) become businesses that are not registered companies. insolvent, (ii) ceased trading for other reasons and (iii) been started up in each of the last 10 years. [306642] Part (ii) Deaths

(a) Passenger rail transport (England and Wales) 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

6010 Transport via railways 5 15 15 10 5 15 10

(b) interurban and suburban passenger land transport and (c) urban, suburban and metropolitan area passenger transportation by underground, metro or similar systems(England and Wales) 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

6021 Other scheduled passenger land transport 130 170 145 165 115 140 125

6023 Other passenger land transport 215 300 330 285 235 265 245

(d) taxi operation (England and Wales) 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

6022 Taxi operation 835 855 870 1025 900 965 970

Part (iii) Births

(a) Passenger rail transport (England and Wales) 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

6010 Transport via railways 15 25 10 15 10 5 15

(b) Interurban and suburban passenger land transport and (c) urban, suburban and metropolitan area passenger transportation by underground, metro or similar systems(England and Wales) 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

6021 Other scheduled passenger land transport 115 110 145 175 155 140 135

6023 Other passenger land transport 340 375 305 275 265 250 290

(d) taxi operation (England and Wales) 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

6022 Taxi operation 975 1200 1835 1335 1275 1280 950 Source: ONS The population base includes all those businesses which are registered for VAT and/or PAYE, rather than registered companies. It should be noted that the above figures are inclusive of insolvencies; it is not possible to separate these out. 953W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 954W Written Answers to Electoral Register Mrs. Laing: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Questions Electoral Commission what recent estimate the Electoral Commission has made of the number of Tuesday 15 December 2009 people registered to vote in (a) local, (b) European and (c) general elections. [306317] HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION Mr. Streeter: The Commission informs me that the Cats Office for National Statistics (ONS) collects annual electoral registration data showing the number of entries Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the hon. Member for on the local government and parliamentary registers. North Devon, representing the House of Commons The most recent figures are for the electoral registers on Commission if the House of Commons Commission 1 December 2008 and show the following numbers of will consider the merits of providing a resident cat. entries on the electoral registers for the United Kingdom. [306270] Nick Harvey: The Commission has no plans to introduce Type of election Entries on the electoral registers a cat. The House Service includes a qualified pest Local government 46,147,877 controller, who monitors and controls pests on the Parliamentary 45,194,449 parliamentary estate using humane and effective methods. In addition, an independent expert is employed to audit For the European Parliament elections across the and advise on pest control, and inspections of catering United Kingdom on 4 June 2009, the number of entries areas are undertaken by the local council. The clear on the registers was 45,312,626. advice we have is that all effective measures possible are The ONS is due to publish figures for the 1 December being taken, but that in a building such as the Palace, 2009 electoral registers in the spring of 2010. pests such as mice can only be controlled rather than Hotels eradicated. Security Anne Main: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Mr. Hurd: To ask the hon. Member for North Electoral Commission how much the Electoral Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission has spent on hotel accommodation for its Commission whether the House of Commons staff in each of the last five years. [305706] Commission has engaged any (a) private intelligence and (b) private security firms or consultants in the last Mr. Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me 12 months. [305172] that it has spent approximately the following amounts in each of the last five years on hotel accommodation Nick Harvey: The House of Commons has engaged for staff. It is not possible to provide more precise one private security firm in the last 12 months for one figures as these totals include some travel and subsistence specific piece of work in connection with the internal expenses, and to disaggregate these would incur inquiry into the unauthorised disclosure of information disproportionate cost: on Members’ allowances. £

ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE 2004-05 32,080 Departmental Internet 2005-06 29,480 2006-07 23,490 David T.C. Davies: To ask the hon. Member for 2007-08 56,850 South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s 2008-09 71,090 Committee on the Electoral Commission what redesigns of websites operated by the Electoral Commission have taken place since 27 June 2007; and DEFENCE what the (a) cost to the public purse and (b) date of Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations completion of each such redesign was. [306192] Mr. Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me Mr. Keith Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for that it has completed two website re-design projects in Defence pursuant to the Prime Minister’s Statement of this period. 30 November 2009, Official Report, columns 831-6, on The first was the re-development of its corporate Afghanistan and Pakistan, on what date the website: Government agreed with the Afghan government that the capacity of the Helmand police training centre www.electoralcommission.org.uk would be doubled; and if he will make a statement. This project was completed in June 2008 at a cost of [304877] £283,744. The second was the re-development of the Commission’s Mr. Ivan Lewis: I have been asked to reply. voter information website: The decision to increase the capacity of the recently www.aboutmyvote.co.uk opened interim Helmand police training centre from This project was completed in August 2008 at a cost of 150 to 250 police per course was taken by the Helmand £140,600. provincial chief of police on 28 October 2009. The 955W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 956W decision is fully supported by the Civilian-Military Mission Aircraft type Average tour interval Tours in Helmand. The UK has funded the interim police training centre as part of a programme of capacity Tristar 70 days Afghanistan building in Helmand, including the training and mentoring VC10 20 months Falkland Islands of Afghan national police recruits. Tornado GR4 18 months Afghanistan BAE125 three months Afghanistan Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for BAE146 three months Afghanistan Defence whether operational commitments in Chinook 42 weeks Afghanistan Afghanistan have affected the military’s capability to Merlin 44 weeks Afghanistan build temporary bridges in the UK. [307145] Sea King 17 months Falkland Islands

Bill Rammell: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I Armed Forces: Absence without Leave gave on 15 December 2008, Official Report, column 331W, to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock). This includes our capability to build bridges in the UK. Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armed forces personnel went absent Air Force: Deployment without leave (a) from posts (i) in Scotland, (ii) in Northern Ireland, (iii) in Wales, (iv) in England and (v) Dr. Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence overseas and (b) while on operations in each month what the average unit tour interval was for each (a) of 2009. [304775] aircraft and (b) helicopter crew type in the Royal Air Force in the latest period for which figures are Mr. Kevan Jones: The information is not held in the available. [304374] format requested. Centrally held information relates to the number of Absent Without Leave incidents and not Bill Rammell: The average unit tour interval for each to the number of personnel. Additionally, data are only RAF aircraft and helicopter crew type, including those available by month in respect of the Royal Navy and in Joint Helicopter Command, as at 3 December 2009 is Royal Air Force. In respect of the Army, only the year shown in the following table. to date total is held centrally and to obtain this information The roles and deployment patterns vary between by month will require a manual search of records which each type of aircraft and this is reflected in the tour could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The intervals experienced by their aircrew. Aircrew when available figures are provided in the following table. not deployed on operations continue to meet defence AWOL statistics are recorded by the number of incidences commitments and conduct training. reported. Within this total there may be Service Personnel who have been AWOL on more than one occasion. Aircraft type Average tour interval Tours Furthermore, following the reporting of an incidence of AWOL, information may later come to light of extenuating Hercules C130K 42 days Afghanistan circumstances for that unauthorised absence, such as Hercules C130J 92 days Afghanistan and Iraq compassionate, hospitalisation or travel delays beyond Hercules C130K 90 days Falkland Islands the individual’s control. In such cases they may not have Sentinel 63 days Afghanistan been formally charged but the incidence is still recorded.

Region Royal Navy Eastern Western Northern Army Royal Air Force Region

January 5 5 5 0 — 1 Scotland February 10 5 5 0 — 0 — March 10 5 5 0 — 0 — April5500— 0 — May 10 5 5 0 — 0 — June 10 5 5 0 — 0 — July 10 5 0 0 — 0 — August 5 5 0 0 — 1 England September 10 5 5 0 — 0 — October 10 5 0 0 — 1 England November 5 0 0 0 — 3 England Total 182 0 0 0 11,695 16— 1 This is the number of recorded incidences, not the number of people AWOL or the number of charges brought. Notes: 1. Figures in respect of the Royal Navy and Army rounded to nearest 5. 2. The Royal Navy record their AWOL incidences by regions of the United Kingdom (Eastern, Western and Northern) from the ship or unit where they absconded from.

Armed Forces: Cadets Mr. Kevan Jones: This information is neither held centrally nor in the format requested, and could be provided only by a manual search of records thus Dr. Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence incurring a disproportionate cost. what the (a) inflow and (b) outflow of cadet forces staff has been in each month of 2009 to date. [304435] 957W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 958W

Dr. Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) Armed Forces: Sport what the (a) inflow and (b) outflow has been of each cadet and combined cadet force in each month of 2009 Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for to date; [304436] Defence what his policy is on the funding of (2) what the (a) required and (b) actual number of competitive sport as an element of adventurous cadet staff has been in each month of 2009 to date. training courses for members of the armed forces; [304437] whether this policy has changed during the last six months; and if he will make a statement. [306381] Mr. Kevan Jones: Statistics on the strengths of the Adult Volunteers for cadet forces and each cadet and combined cadet force is contained within the document Mr. Kevan Jones [holding answer 14 December 2009]: ″TSP 7 Annual Publication UK Reserves and Cadets as Both competitive sport and adventurous training in the at 1 April 2009.″ This is available in the Library of the armed forces make a vital contribution to operational House or/and at the following link: effectiveness, fighting spirit and personal development. They play an important part in service life including www.dasa.mod.uk recruiting and retention. While some physical activities Monthly information is neither held centrally nor in the (canoeing, gliding, mountaineering, parachuting and format requested and could only be provided by a sailing) can be authorised either as sport or adventurous manual search of records at disproportionate cost. training, a clear dividing line is drawn. If the activity is We are greatly indebted to the superb commitment of ‘competitive’ it is designated as ‘sport’ and conducted the adult volunteers who continue to provide such a under the regulations of the relevant national governing rewarding experience for the cadets in detachments body; non-competitive adventurous training is undertaken throughout the country. I am extremely grateful to the under the services’ adventure training policy.Consequently, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers for the commitment and publicly-funded adventurous training courses do not leadership they continue to display. involve competitive sport. This policy has not changed in the last six months. Armed Forces: Manpower Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for for Defence (1) what the (a) trained requirement, (b) Defence what the policy of his Department is on the trained strength and (c) fit for duty strength is of each funding of competitive sport involving (a) teams and (b) pinch point trade; [305018] individuals from the armed services; whether that policy has changed during the last six months; and if (2) what percentage of each pinch point trade is in he will make a statement. [306382] breach of its harmony guidelines on individual separated service; [305019] Mr. Kevan Jones [holding answer 14 December 2009]: (3) what the percentage shortfall of (a) trained Sport in the armed forces makes a vital contribution to requirement, (b) trained strength and (c) fit for duty operational effectiveness, fighting spirit and personal strength of each pinch point trade is. [306797] development. It plays an important part in service life Bill Rammell: Information detailing pinch point trades including recruiting and retention. Consequently has been reclassified. I am withholding the information encouragement is given to service personnel to participate as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice in a full range of sporting activities both as team the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed members and individuals. For major sports facilities are forces. provided at units and for all eligible sports public funding The House of Commons Defence Committee will is provided, within laid down criteria, for equipment, continue to be provided with information on the armed travel and cash in lieu of rations. Sport is also supported forces manning situation, including pinch point trades, by non-public funds. There has been no change to this under normal security exemptions. policy in the last six months.

Armed Forces: Mental Health Services Armed Forces: Training John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many soldiers have been diagnosed with Defence whether the training restrictions placed on the mental health problems following active service in Iraq. Officer Training Corps apply to (a) University Air [306950] Squadrons and (b) University Royal Naval Units. Mr. Kevan Jones: The MOD’s Defence Analytical [307237] Services and Advice (DASA) organisation publishes statistics on first attendances to MOD’s out-patient Bill Rammell: There are currently no training restrictions Departments of Community Mental Health (DCMHs) in place on the Officer Training Corps (OTC). Payments and its in-patient contractor, in the UK Armed Forces for officer cadets attending training have been suspended Psychiatric Morbidity reports. Quarterly and annual since October 2009 as part of a range of budgetary reports for the whole of 2007 and 2008, and quarterly measures put forward by the Army this year. UOTC reports for January to March and April to June 2009, activities are continuing on a voluntary basis, although are now available both in the Library of the House and travel and subsistence costs are being met and all cadets on the DASA website at: will have the opportunity to earn their annual bounty. www.dasa.mod.uk The Royal Air Force has made a 10 per cent. reduction Equivalent verified data prior to 2007 are not available in its university Air Squadron ground training budget and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. for this financial year, the flying training budget has not 959W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 960W been affected. This has reduced some adventurous training Mr. Kevan Jones: I refer the hon. Member to the activities, and annual paid training days for cadets have answer I gave on 9 December 2009, Official Report, been reduced from 35 to 31. column 367W, to the hon. Member for Glasgow, East No training restrictions have been placed on university (John Mason). Royal Navy units this year. Central guidance on answering parliamentary questions is now available in the “Guide to Parliamentary Work”, Bailey Bridges at the following link: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/parliamentary-clerk- Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for guide.aspx Defence (1) whether his Department plans to continue In the response to the Procedure Committee Report on using Bailey bridges; [307143] written parliamentary questions, the Government accepted (2) how long it takes on average to construct a Bailey the Committee’s recommendation that Departments bridge in ideal conditions. [307144] will be required to provide the Procedure Committee with sessional statistics in a standard format on the time Bill Rammell: The Bailey bridge is no longer used by taken to respond to written parliamentary questions, the British Army. The requirement for long, clear span, accompanied by an explanatory memorandum setting high load class bridges is now met by the Logistic out any factors affecting their performance. This will be Support Bridge (LSB), which is a development of the taken forward as soon as possible. Bailey bridge. While sharing some characteristics of the proven Bailey bridge system, the LSB has significantly improved performance; primarily due to improvements Military Bases: Browndown in design, manufacturing processes and raw materials. The time taken to construct a LSB is dependant upon Sir Peter Viggers: To ask the Secretary of State for a myriad of different factors including the length of Defence what plans there are to continue the activities span required, the weight of. traffic that must be supported of those Army Cadet Force units which use the and crucially the conditions of, and access to the site Browndown military accommodation following its where the bridge is required. As an illustrative example planned closure. [307606] a 12 bay (36 m) bridge on a pristine site in ideal conditions would take 40 hours to erect. The bridge Mr. Kevan Jones: Cornwall Army Cadet Force (ACF) that was recently constructed in Cumbria (a 52 m span) was the only ACF which used Browndown for its annual took three and a half days of bridge construction, camp. This will now take place at Penhale or St. Mawgan. within a wider window of almost 10 days for all the 145 Brigade’s Central Training camps for adults and associated preparation and support. Given the challenging senior cadets were formerly held at Browndown. These conditions of this particular task, this is a considerable will now be run at Bicester Garrison, Longmoor or achievement. Malta Lines in Aldershot, depending on availability.

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Naval Strike Wing Defence what the load capacity is of the Bailey bridge recently constructed over the River Derwent; and whether his Department plans to build a temporary Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the order of battle of the Naval Strike road bridge over the River Derwent. [307146] Wing is; where it is based; and what its command Bill Rammell: The load capacity of the temporary structure is. [306742] footbridge built across the River Derwent is 4.5 tonnes. We are not aware of any plans for Cumbria county Bill Rammell: The Naval Strike Wing (NSW) is part council or central Government to ask Defence for the of Joint Force Harrier (JFH) which is based at RAF construction of a road bridge, temporary or otherwise. Cottesmore. NSW flies the Harrier GR9 aircraft and comprises 197 personnel, including 16 pilots. Commanding Departmental Lost Property Officer NSW,a Royal Navy (RN) Commander, is directly responsible to the JFH Force Commander (FC), a RAF Mr. Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Group Captain, who is also Station Commander at Defence which of his Department’s locations in the RAF Cottesmore. UK have recorded (a) laptop computers, (b) desktop The JFH FC is responsible to Air Officer Commanding computers and (c) memory sticks as having been (i) (AOC) No. 1 Group, RAF Air Command, through lost and (ii) stolen in each of the last 10 years. [306696] Captain Harrier, a RN manned position within HQ No. 1 Group, RAF AIR Command—AOC 1 Gp is the Mr. Kevan Jones [holding answer 14 December 2009]: Aircraft Operating Authority for all JFH aircraft, aircrew This information is not held in the format requested and support personnel. and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Departmental Written Questions Rescue Services: Pembrokeshire

Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Defence how many and what percentage of how many times a search and rescue helicopter from parliamentary questions tabled for written answer by RMB Chivenor was operational off the coast of his Department on a named day in session 2008-09 Pembrokeshire in (a) day time and (b) night time in received a substantive Answer on that day. [307539] each of the last five years. [306655] 961W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 962W

Bill Rammell: The number of search and rescue call Departmental Internet outs from RMB Chivenor off the coast of Pembrokeshire are shown in the following table. Day time call outs have been interpreted as between 0800 and 1959. Call outs David T.C. Davies: To ask the Minister for the have been defined as those within a 25 mile radius of Olympics what redesigns of websites operated by her the Pembrokeshire coastline. Office have taken place since 27 June 2007; and what the (a) cost to the public purse and (b) date of 2005 2006 2007 2008 20091 completion of each such redesign was. [306196]

Day2623231531Tessa Jowell: Information on the redesigns of websites Night 3 4 4 5 5 in the Cabinet Office and the Department for Culture, Total 29 27 27 20 36 Media and Sport (DCMS) will be covered in the answers 1 Up to 30 September. provided by the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at DCMS, Mr. Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence respectively. what estimate he has made of the helicopter flying time from (a) RMB Chivenor, (b) RAF Valley, (c) RNAS Culdrose and (d) Solent Coastguard to Departmental Training Pembrokeshire. [306665] Mr. Baron: To ask the Minister for the Olympics how Bill Rammell: The current average helicopter flying many overseas training courses were attended by her times, to the risk areas covering Pembrokeshire and its Office’s civil servants in the latest period for which surrounding coastal waters, together with the estimated figures are available; how many civil servants attended flying times for the future UK Search and Rescue— each course; and what the total cost to the public purse Helicopter (SAR-H) service are provided in the following was of each course. [305887] table. Tessa Jowell: Civil servants in the Government Olympic Current (minutes) Future (minutes) Executive (GOE) report to me through the permanent RMB Chivenor 34 27 secretary of the Department for Culture, Media and RAF Valley 42 33 Sport and will therefore be included in the answer RNAS Culdrose 63 49 provided by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State MCA Lee on Solent 68 68 at DCMS. Cabinet Office civil servants will be covered in the answer provided by the Minister of State for the We continue to meet our national requirement of Cabinet Office. reaching all very high, all high and 75 per cent. of medium risk areas well within one hour of take off. Hotels

Anne Main: To ask the Minister for the Olympics OLYMPICS how much her Office spent on hotel accommodation Christmas for (a) Ministers, (b) special advisers and (c) civil servants in each of the last five years. [305653] David T.C. Davies: To ask the Minister for the Olympics how many Christmas trees were purchased Tessa Jowell: The Government publish an annual list by her Office in each year since its was established; of all (international) ministerial travel costing over £500. what the cost was of those trees in each year; from The list includes a breakdown of travel by all Ministers where the trees were sourced; what account was taken and the global figure for the cost of ministerial travel of the sustainability of the sources of the trees; and by includes the cost of staff (including special advisers) what process the trees were disposed of. [305643] accompanying Ministers. Detail of travel taken in the current year will be published as soon as it is ready after Tessa Jowell: My office has not purchased any Christmas the end of the financial year. All ministerial travel is trees since it was established. undertaken in accordance with the Ministerial Code. Information on other hotel accommodation used by Departmental Conferences myself, special advisers and civil servants in my office will be included in the answer provided by the Minister Mr. Baron: To ask the Minister for the Olympics of State at the Cabinet Office. which conferences held overseas have been attended by civil servants based in her Department since its Olympic Games 2012 inception; and what the cost to the public purse was of such attendance at each conference. [305855] Hugh Robertson: To ask the Minister for the Tessa Jowell: Information on overseas conferences Olympics how many groups in the Government attended by civil servants in the Cabinet Office and the Olympic Executive have responsibility for 2012 Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will Olympic legacy matters; what the (a) membership is be covered in the answers provided by the Minister of and (b) responsibilities for Olympic legacy matters of State for the Cabinet Office and the Parliamentary each such group are; and how many times each such Under-Secretary of State at DCMS, respectively. group has met in the last 12 months. [305789] 963W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 964W

Tessa Jowell: The Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Sports: Obesity Board in the Government Olympic Executive has responsibility for managing the legacy from the 2012 John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for games. Culture, Media and Sport what steps his Department is Four supporting boards report to the Olympic and taking to encourage participation in sport in Leeds Paralympic Legacy Board: covering East London, sports, West constituency in order to reduce levels of obesity; social and economic legacy. There is also a Nations and and what funding has been made available for this Regions Group which ensures that the legacy of the purpose in 2009-10. [306979] games is UK-wide. The members consist of civil servants from across Mr. Sutcliffe: DCMS is primarily focused on increasing Whitehall and representatives from external organisations sports participation, with Sport England as our key who give their time for free. delivery partner. However, this is part of a joint target This year the Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Board with the Department of Health to get 2 million more has met three times. Each of its four sub-groups has met people more physically active, including one million two or three times and the Nations and Regions Group more people playing more sport. DCMS and Sport members have met four times England work very closely with the Department for I will place the terms of reference and membership Health across this target and sport will, of course, have for each of the groups mentioned above in the Libraries a great positive effect on people’s health. of both Houses. As the non-departmental public body with responsibility for community sport, Sport England’s aim is to increase and sustain levels of participation in sport and develop talent to drive standards of elite performance throughout CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT the country. Their funding is distributed as part of the commitment to get 1 million more people playing more Historic Buildings: Coventry sport by 2012. National governing bodies of sport (NGBs) are at Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State the heart of the strategy as it is their networks of for Culture, Media and Sport when he expects the community clubs, coaches and volunteers that make review by English Heritage on the proposed listing of sport happen. Sport England is investing £480 million Coventry Market to be concluded; what through 46 governing bodies over the next four years representations his Department has received on the and have agreed grow, sustain and excel targets with matter; what discussions his Department has had with each one. Each sport has developed a whole sport plan Coventry city council on the matter; and what to achieve these targets. assessment he has made of the likely effects of the In addition to the funding which is distributed through proposed listing on wider regeneration plans for NGBs, Sport England also operates a number of other Coventry. [307168] funding streams. In 2009-10 Leeds, West received a revenue Sportsmatch award of £50,000 through Exchequer Margaret Hodge: The grounds for review submitted funding to Leeds Rugby Academy for a community by the listing review applicants have been assessed by sports programme. the Department and further advice has been requested While no additional lottery awards have been made from English Heritage, the Secretary of State’s in the current financial year to Leeds, West, in previous statutory advisers on the historic environment. I would financial years the total value of capital and revenue expect to be able to make a decision on the review by funding to Leeds, West totalled £2,249,610. March 2010. The Department has received representations both in Sports: York favour and opposing listing from private individuals and companies. DCMS has not had any discussions with Coventry city council on the issue of the review. Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) The Secretary of State, when making a listing decision, Culture, Media and Sport what financial assistance (b) may only take into account the architectural and historic the Government and the National Lottery has interest of a building. He may not take into account given to (i) amateur sports clubs, (ii) sport in schools planning matters and, therefore, is unable to consider and (iii) professional sports clubs in York since the possible effects of listing on regeneration plans. 1996-97. [304509]

Leisure: Facilities Mr. Sutcliffe: The information is as follows: Amateur sports clubs Mr. Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, (i) In 2002 the Department introduced the Community Media and Sport how much was spent on (a) leisure Amateur Sports Clubs (CASC) Scheme which provides facilities and (b) sports facilities in each district and certain tax reliefs for registered clubs, similar to those unitary council area in the Eastern region in the last normally given to charities. The Department does not 12 months. [306465] hold records on the number of clubs registered or the financial benefit received by registered clubs in York. Mr. Sutcliffe: The information requested is not held However as at November 2009 the CASC scheme has centrally in the manner requested; to provide it would 5,511 registered clubs across the UK, and Deloittes incur disproportionate costs. estimate that it has saved community amateur sports 965W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 966W nearly £61 million since the scheme’s inception. This While the United Nations World Tourism Organisation money has gone back into sport and has enabled clubs predictions were that inbound tourism figures were to spend it on everything from facilities to kit. expected to fall for all countries because of the economic Sport England has invested approximately £300 million climate, the figures for inbound holiday tourism (up nationally into national governing bodies of sport (not 3 per cent. in the first nine months of this year) and including the Football Foundation funding) since 2005. domestic tourism (up 6 per cent. in the first eight While a proportion of this funding was used to develop months of this year) have remained strong. amateur sports clubs, Sport England are unable to The figures over the first three quarters of both years breakdown the information as required. They also provide are set out in the following table. However, latest figures extra funding (in addition to their funding of national show the number of overseas residents visiting the UK governing bodies of sport) directly to amateur sports in September 2009 was unchanged compared with clubs around the country including in York. September 2008. Furthermore, overseas visitor spend in The Football Foundation, who is funded by the premier September was 7 per cent. higher than September last league, the Football Association and the Government, year. has advised that since its inception in 2000, it has The latest UK inbound tourism figures (in thousands), granted a total of £2,227,115 to amateur sports clubs in for 2008 and 2009 are set out as follows1. York. Since 1999 The Big Lottery Fund has also awarded 1 Source: £73,743, through a total of 19 awards, benefiting amateur The Office for National Statistics sports in the city of York constituency. Sport in schools Number (ii) Since 2003, approximately £2.4 billion has been 2008 invested nationally to support sport in schools through Quarter 1 7,195 the PE, School Sport and Club Links (PESSCL) strategy Quarter 2 8,405 and then the PE and Sport Strategy for Young People Quarter 3 9,358 (PESSYP). This total is a mixture of Exchequer and Quarter 4 6,930 lottery funding, of which £686 million has been lottery funding. The Department is unable to provide a breakdown 2009 of this total at local authority level without incurring a Quarter 1 6,197 disproportionate cost. Quarter 2 7,904 The Big Lottery has advised that they awarded £887,392 Quarter 3 18,860 through a total of 24 awards, benefiting sport in schools 1 Latest estimate. in the city of York. Professional sport (iii) In terms of lottery funding, the York City football PRIME MINISTER club received a total of £556,163 through the Football Youth Development Programme. The following table Departmental Conferences provides details of individual awards by year: Mr. Baron: To ask the Prime Minister which Local Total conferences held overseas have been attended by civil Recipient Project title authority (£) servants based in 10 Downing Street in the last three years; and what the cost to the public purse was of such 1998-99 York City Football Youth York 288,690 FC Development attendance at each conference. [305876] Programme 2003-04 York City Football Youth York 138,000 The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the FC Development annual list of overseas visits by Cabinet Ministers, Programme costing in excess of £500, published by the Government. 2004-05 York City Football Youth York 67,890 Copies of the lists are available in the Libraries of the FC Development Programme House. 2005-06 York City Football Youth York 61,583 FC Development Departmental Electronic Equipment Programme Grand 556,163 Mr. Hands: To ask the Prime Minister how many total plasma screen televisions his Office has purchased since Source: 2001; and what the cost has been of purchasing and Sport England installing such screens in each such year. [306083] Tourism The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State Mr. Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for for the Cabinet Office (Angela E. Smith) on 14 December Culture, Media and Sport what the inbound tourism 2009, Official Report, column 839W. figures were for the first three quarters of (a) 2008 and (b) 2009. [303194] General Elections

Margaret Hodge [holding answer 1 December 2009]: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Prime Minister when the VisitBritain forecast that the full year picture for tourism purdah period in advance of a general election will in 2009 will be a year-on-year spending increase of 1 per commence in respect of Government announcements; cent. and if he will make a statement. [305752] 967W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 968W

The Prime Minister: In line with established practice, evaluated on equal pay in respect of (i) ethnic groups, once a general election is announced, guidance is issued (ii) disabled and able-bodied people and (iii) part-time on questions of procedure and conduct during the and full-time employees in (A) Leeds and (B) England; period of the election. and what level of difference in pay has been identified for each group in each location. [307440] Iraq Committee of Inquiry Maria Eagle: The Equality and Human Rights Mr. Davey: To ask the Prime Minister if he will Commission (EHRC) has published two research reports publish a list of all the documents the Government has on gender pay gaps by different equality strands since made available to the Iraq Inquiry. [306383] December 2008. They are: • Pay Gaps Across Equalities Areas by Simonetta Longhi and The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to my Lucinda Platt of the Institute for Social and Economic Research, statement of 15 June 2009, Official Report, column 23. University of Essex (ECHR Research Report no. 9, 2008); and Pay Gaps Across the Equality Strands: a review by Hilary Tony Blair Metcalf of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (ECHR Research Report no. 14, 2009). Mr. Hands: To ask the Prime Minister when he last The first study consists of a statistical analysis of the spoke to Tony Blair about official business. [305830] Labour Force Survey; the second study is a review of the existing research evidence from 200 onwards. Both The Prime Minister: I have regular discussions with a reports take a Great Britain wide approach and show wide range of individuals. data on pay gaps by ethnicity and disability and also include some information on full-time and part-time pay gaps. However, neither report presents data separately for England or for Leeds. WOMEN AND EQUALITY Departmental Information Officers NORTHERN IRELAND Mr. Heald: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality how many full-time equivalent press officers Christmas (a) are employed by and (b) work for the Government Equalities Office. [303609] Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department has Michael Jabez Foster: Six full-time press officers currently spent on Christmas (a) cards, (b) parties and (c) work for the Government Equalities Office, supporting decorations in the last 12 months. [303841] the Department and its four Ministers. Mr. Woodward: The total spent by the Northern Departmental Written Questions Ireland Office (NIO), its agencies, arms length bodies, and including the Public Prosecution Service on Christmas Mr. Harper: To ask the Minister for Women and cards to individuals working in and with the Northern Equality how many and what percentage of Ireland community was £1,960.53. At Hillsborough Parliamentary Questions tabled for written answer by castle, provision of two Christmas trees cost £195.00 her on a named day in session 2008-09 received a with a further £909.14 spent on decorations across the substantive answer on that day. [307531] rest of the Department. The Northern Ireland Office London office, to mark the work of staff during the Michael Jabez Foster: There were 41 named day year, held a special event; the total cost for this event parliamentary questions tabled for written answer by was £990.28. the Minister for Women and Equality during session 2008-09. Of these 59 per cent. received a substantive Departmental Buildings answer on the named day. Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Equal Pay Northern Ireland how much his Department spent on works and refurbishment to offices allocated to Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister for Ministers in his Department’s buildings in the last Women and Equality what recent progress has been 12 months. [305678] made on reducing the pay gap between men and women. [305001] Paul Goggins: The amount spent on work and refurbishment to offices allocated to Ministers is not Maria Eagle: The latest figures from the Office for separately costed or invoiced so this question could be National Statistics show the gender gap based on median answered only at disproportionate cost. hourly earnings for all employees has fallen from 22.5 per cent. in 2008 to 22.0 per cent. in 2009. Departmental Publicity

Equalities and Human Rights Commission: Research Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department has John Battle: To ask the Minister for Women and spent on (a) ministerial photoshoots and (b) Equality what research the Equalities and Human production of videos in which Ministers appear in the Rights Commission has (a) conducted and (b) last three years for which figures are available. [305522] 969W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 970W

Paul Goggins: The Northern Ireland Office (NIO), Reported bus and coach passenger casualties in vehicles that were in motion and did not impact with any object, vehicle or pedestrian, by position in vehicle1: including its arms length bodies and the Public Prosecution 2004-08 Service Northern Ireland but excluding its agencies and (a) England (b) Greater London NDPBs, has had no expenditure on (a) ministerial Year of photoshoots or (b) production of videos in which accident Standing Seated Standing Seated Ministers appear in the last three years. 2005 1,296 1,560 593 419 Police Service of Northern Ireland: Finance 2006 1,295 1,432 597 336 2007 1,161 1,610 444 300 Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008 1,110 1,556 436 339 Northern Ireland what the policing budget in Northern 1 Excludes casualties that were boarding or alighting at the time of the accident. Ireland has been in each year since 1979. [305413] Departmental Travel Paul Goggins: The information requested is available only for the last 10 years and is as follows: Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Minister of State, £ million Department for Transport (1) how many buses he used Resource Capital during his mystery traveller bus tour; [302688] DEL DEL AME Total (2) how much his Department has spent on his 1999-2000 640.8 14.1 — 654.9 mystery traveller bus tour. [302689] 2000-01 671.5 12.8 — 684.3 2001-02 687.5 18.2 — 705.7 Mr. Khan: To date, I have taken 20 buses. 2002-03 702.4 21.6 — 724 I have paid for all my bus fares myself. 2003-04 696 20.4 — 716.4 All ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance 2004-05 736.4 31.7 — 768.1 with the Ministerial Code. 2005-06 856.8 32.2 — 889 2006-07 895.2 38.7 — 933.9 2007-08 957 38.4 236.4 1,231.8 Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Minister of State, 2008-09 933.5 41.1 265.2 1,239.8 Department for Transport whether his Department has 2009-10 911.8 42.4 288.5 1,242.7 offset the carbon emissions arising from his mystery traveller bus tour. [302927] Terrorism Mr. Khan: My bus tour has been planned to coincide, Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for as far as possible, with existing ministerial commitments. Northern Ireland what his most recent assessment is of All bus stages undertaken as part of the tour have been the security situation in Northern Ireland; and if he made using scheduled bus services available to the public. will make a statement. [307343] As such, carbon emissions arising specifically from the tour are negligible and no expenditure has been incurred Paul Goggins: The most recent report of the Independent to offset them. Monitoring Commission confirms the threat from dissident republicans is more serious than at any time since they began to report in 2004. This small number of people EU Law are determined to take Northern Ireland back to the past but will not be allowed to succeed. Gregory Barker: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what (a) statutory instruments and (b) other regulations his Department TRANSPORT has brought forward in this Parliament to meet Buses: Injuries obligations arising from EU law. [304179]

Mr. Pelling: To ask the Minister of State, Mr. Khan: Central records of statutory instruments Department for Transport how many injuries resulting made under specific powers have only been maintained from passengers falling on buses were reported in (a) by the Statutory Instruments Registrar since 2001. There England and (b) Greater London in the last five years. are no central records maintained of “other regulations”. [306289] Central records show that since the Department for Transport was created in May 2002, it has made 138 Paul Clark: From the information collected by the statutory instruments to meet obligations arising from Department for Transport it is not possible to identify EU Law, under powers contained in the European passenger falls on buses. However, it is possible to Communities Act 1972. identify those passengers reported by police as injured on a bus/coach that was in motion and did not impact EU law obligations may also be met by statutory with any object, vehicle or pedestrian. This information instruments made under Acts other than the 1972 Act. is given in the following table: According to a database held by the Department for Transport, the Department has made a total of 171 Reported bus and coach passenger casualties in vehicles that were in motion and did not impact with any object, vehicle or pedestrian, by position in vehicle1: statutory instruments since the beginning of 2004 to 2004-08 meet EU law obligations. This number includes those (a) England (b) Greater London instruments made under the 1972 Act as well as other Year of Acts. accident Standing Seated Standing Seated The cut-off date used for measuring the number of 2004 1,319 1,541 644 490 statutory instruments made was 4 December 2009. 971W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 972W

Motor Sports Association Mr. Khan: The Severn Bridges Act 1992 provides that new toll rates are introduced on 1 January each year. Mr. Wallace: To ask the Minister of State, Under the provisions of section 9(2) of the Act, an Department for Transport what progress has been annual order is required to be made in December each made in amending legislation to provide for the year fixing the toll amounts for the following year. The transfer of responsibility for authorising routes for UK annual toll rates are revised in line with a formula rallies from the Royal Automobile Club to the Motor related to the retail price index figure for the previous Sports Association; and when that process is likely to September. The tolls are calculated by multiplying toll be completed. [306536] rates given in a table in section 9 of the Act by a factor to allow for the inflation increase from March 1989. These amounts are then rounded to the nearest 10 pence. Paul Clark: Government officials will be writing to stakeholders shortly with a copy of the draft regulations Mr. Roger Williams: To ask the Minister of State, and to explain how we intend to proceed. We are aiming Department for Transport what assessment he has to complete the process in the spring. made of the effect of the Severn Crossing toll on businesses in Wales. [306308] Official Cars: Exhaust Emissions Mr. Khan: The second Severn Crossing was constructed Charles Hendry: To ask the Minister of State, to alleviate traffic problems on the old Severn Bridge Department for Transport what the average level of and to improve transport links to businesses in Wales. carbon dioxide emissions was for new cars purchased Since 1992, the tolling structure in place allows the by the Government Car and Despatch Agency in the Concessionaire to recover the costs associated with the last 12 months. [307602] construction of the second Severn Crossing and the financing, operation and maintenance of both Severn Paul Clark: The average level of carbon dioxide Crossings. emissions for new cars purchased by the Government The Department for Transport has made no recent Car and Despatch Agency in the last 12 months is assessment of the impact of the Severn Crossings tolls 142.08g/km. on businesses in Wales. Taxis Public Transport: Crimes of Violence Greg Mulholland: To ask the Minister of State, Mrs. May: To ask the Minister of State, Department Department for Transport what recent estimate his for Transport with reference to the Home Department has made of the number of unlicensed Department’s Together we can end violence against taxis operating in (a) England and (b) Leeds North women and girls strategy, how much his Department West constituency. [305765] plans to spend on steps to improve safety on public transport in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11 and (c) each of Mr. Khan: In order to offer a taxi service lawfully in the subsequent three years; and from what budget such England (outside London), the driver and the vehicle expenditure will be drawn. [305310] must be licensed by the relevant local authority under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847. It is a matter for Mr. Khan: Substantial investment by the public transport local licensing authorities to make an assessment of the industry, local authorities, the police and others has extent of illegal operation in their area and take appropriate already been—and continues to be—made to help achieve enforcement action where necessary. We do not keep a a safe environment for public transport passengers and central record of any such assessments. staff. The costs are met through a variety of Government Taxis: Guide Dogs and non-Government funding streams. The development of the secure bus stations scheme Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Minister of State, and any further publication of good practice guidance Department for Transport how many exemptions have on improving personal security will be met through the been granted on medical grounds to licensed tax Department’s administration budget to cover staff and drivers from the requirement under the Disability any consultancy work. Discrimination Act 1995 to carry guide dogs with their The Department will contractually require new train owners. [305960] operators to ensure the majority of rail stations are accredited under the Secure Stations scheme. All recently Mr. Khan: The Department for Transport does not let rail franchises contain such provisions. The costs will have access to this data centrally as exemptions are be met from the rail franchising budget, but cannot be issued by local licensing authorities. It will be for licensing separately identified as they will form part of the total authorities to keep their own records as to the numbers service proposition put forward by bidders. of exemptions issued from the duty to carry assistance dogs.

Severn Bridge: Tolls Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what steps he is taking to Mr. Roger Williams: To ask the Minister of State, encourage licensing authorities to ensure that the Department for Transport what mechanism governs requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 the calculation of new annual tolls for the Severn for licensed taxi drivers to carry guide dogs with their Crossings. [306307] owners are monitored and enforced. [305961] 973W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 974W

Mr. Khan: Taxi drivers have a duty under the Disability Departmental Freedom of Information Discrimination Act 1995 to carry assistance dogs in their vehicles. These duties have been in effect since Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for 31 March 2000. It is the responsibility of local licensing Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many authorities to monitor and enforce the duties and should requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 be incorporated into the licensing enforcement regime. his Department received in 2008; and how many of The Department for Transport has issued guidance to these received a substantive response within 20 days. licensing authorities outlining their duty to enforce the [305494] provisions. Dan Norris: Statistics published by the Ministry of Justice on freedom of information in central Government for 2008 show that of a total of 446 non-routine requests ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS received by the Department (based on aggregated quarterly data) 72 per cent. (115) received a substantive response Departmental Electronic Equipment within 20 days. 88 per cent. (391) of requests were dealt with ‘in time’, that is within 20 days by meeting the deadline or other permitted extension deadline. Mr. Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many The statistics can be found on the Ministry of Justice plasma screen televisions his Department has website at: purchased since 2001; and what the cost to the public http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/ purse has been of the purchase and installation of such freedomofinformationquarterly.htm screens in each such year. [306063] and copies are available in the Library of the House.

Dan Norris: No plasma screens have been purchased Departmental Publications since 2006. Further information concerning the purchase of plasma screens from 2001 to 2005 could be provided Mr. Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for only at disproportionate cost. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the monetary value is of his Department’s contract with Departmental Energy Seven Squared for the production of its staff magazine; and for what reason the magazine is not produced by Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for his Department’s communications office. [305249] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) energy rating and (b) energy band of each building Dan Norris: The monetary value of the contract with occupied by his Department and its agencies was in Seven Squared to produce Landscape magazine for the each of the last three years. [305946] financial year 2008-09 was £136,752.24 (not including VAT). Dan Norris: The OGC publishes central Government Landscape is DEFRA’s staff magazine. It is a high Departments’ display energy certificate (DEC) operational quality publication that is issued 10 times a year and ratings building by building twice a year. The most made available to staff in DEFRA, our Executive agencies recent publication, on 31 July 2009, contains DEC data and the other partner organisations with which we up to and including 28 February. work. Research shows that the magazine is well read, This information can be found on the following website: well received and makes a strong contribution to the http://www.ogc.gov.uk/ effectiveness of the business by raising awareness of our government_delivery_display_energy_certificate_data.asp wide-ranging portfolio, and for ensuring that staff are Data relating to the energy rating of buildings as at clear about the purpose and direction of the Department. 30 September 2009 will be published on the OGC It is more cost-effective for us to outsource publication website on 18 December 2009. of Landscape to an agency which has the necessary range of specialist equipment, software, technical skills Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for and editorial skills to produce this high quality magazine. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the energy To establish and maintain a publication unit in-house efficiency rating is of each of his Department’s which would be underutilised in this specific instance, buildings in London. [306320] cannot be justified.

Dan Norris [holding answer 14 December 2009]: The Domestic Waste: Waste Disposal OGC publishes central Government Departments’ display energy certificate (DEC) operational ratings building Mr. Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for by building twice a year. The most recent publication, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he on 31 July 2009, contains DEC data up to and including has made of the amount of household waste sent for 28 February. This information can be found on the incineration in the London borough of (a) Bexley, (b) following website: Bromley, (c) Croydon and (d) Greenwich in the most http://www.ogc.gov.uk/ recent period for which figures are available. [306895] government_delivery_display_energy_certificate data.asp Data relating to the energy rating of buildings as at Dan Norris: The tonnage of waste sent for incineration 30 September 2009 will be published on the OGC with energy recovery by each of the local authorities website on 18 December 2009. in question in the financial year 2008-09 is shown in the 975W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 976W following table. These authorities sent no waste to be food procurement frameworks, including the one referred incinerated without energy recovery in 2008-09. to on canned fish. The sustainability criteria will be The full local authority dataset is available on DEFRA’s included in the invitation to tender. website. Forestry Commission: Internet Municipal waste incinerated with energy Local authority recovery in 2008-09 (tonnes) David T.C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what redesigns Bexley 14,880 of websites operated by the Forestry Commission have Bromley 43,897 taken place since 27 June 2007; and what the (a) cost Croydon 309 to the public purse and (b) date of completion of each Greenwich 60,083 such redesign was. [306199] Source: WasteDataFlow. Dan Norris: The Forestry Commission’s England Drinks website has not been the subject of a redesign process in the period specified, but has benefited from a continuing evolution with the publication of new information and Mr. Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for improvements to the user experience. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of litres of (a) soft drinks, Incinerators (b) mineral water and (c) fruit juice were consumed per person in each of the last five years. [306561] Mr. Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will review Dan Norris: The following table shows the estimated the licensing conditions relating to incinerator number of litres of soft drinks, mineral water and pure operators for the purposes of imposing requirements fruit juices purchased by UK household residents in the for more detailed reporting, with particular reference UK in each year since 2003-04. to (a) quarterly reports for incinerator bottom ash and (b) test results for H14 ecotoxicity. [306738] Litres per person per year 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 Dan Norris: There is no legal requirement for more Soft 116.0 108.6 102.3 106.4 98.8 detailed reporting under current UK or EU legislation. drinks There is also no requirement to provide information on Mineral 15.1 16.3 16.5 18.8 16.7 H14 testing (or any hazardous waste assessment) under water Hazardous Waste Regulations or Environmental Permitting Pure fruit 17.6 15.3 19.0 20.0 18.6 Regulations. juice Grand 148.7 140.3 137.8 145.1 134.1 total Mr. Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Notes: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress 1. Estimates are averages over the UK household population including children. his Department has made on the sampling of 2. Estimates cover both eating out and household purchases. Concentrated soft incinerator bottom ash for the purposes of classifying drinks have been converted by a factor of 5 to the unconcentrated equivalent. Source: batches as hazardous or non-hazardous. [306739] The Expenditure and Food Survey. Dan Norris: The Environmental Services Association Fish is currently finalising a sampling protocol that can be used to help the assessment of incinerator bottom ash. Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) has made of the (a) monetary value and (b) quantity national and (b) international standards there are in of canned fish purchased by the public sector in each of respect of the sampling of industrial waste or other the last five years. [307650] materials to ensure that they are correctly classified as hazardous or non-hazardous. [306740] Dan Norris: The information requested is not available. For the past five years, the procurement of food products, Dan Norris: Due to the large variation in the composition including canned fish, has been a matter for individual of waste, there is no single national or international public sector organisations and authorities. Future standard that could be applied for sampling wastes. collaborative procurements will provide greater access to this type of information. Mr. Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will direct Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment Agency to make available on its Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether his website the quarterly reports produced by incinerator Department’s planned collaborative procurement operators on (a) discharges and (b) tests on framework for the purchase of canned fish in the incinerator bottom ash from their licensed facilities. public sector will include sustainability criteria. [306741] [307651] Dan Norris: The Environment Agency makes these Dan Norris: DEFRA is working closely with the reports available on its public registers. These can be Office of Government Commerce to ensure that viewed at the regional offices relevant to each facility. sustainability criteria are embedded into future collaborative They are not stored electronically. 977W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 978W

Origin Marking: Israel Huw Irranca-Davies: Council Decision 7146/09 was adopted on 3 March 2009 and established the position Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for to be taken by the European Community at the subsequent Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proposals three annual and related intersessional meetings of the he has to identify products from the Israeli settlements International Whaling Commission (IWC). The Council’s in the West Bank and Gaza on labels; and if he will intention was, therefore, that the Decision should remain in force until the end of the 63rd IWC annual meeting in make a statement. [305985] 2011. Neither the European Commission nor member states have suggested so far that there is any need to Dan Norris: On 10 December the Secretary of State amend the Decision. tabled a written ministerial statement concerning technical advice on the labelling of produce from the Occupied Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Palestinian Territories. That advice has been issued in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the response to consumer and retailer concern about a lack International Whaling Commission’s Small Working of clarity on whether such produce comes from Israeli Group on the future of the IWC (a) last met and (b) settlements or Palestinian producers. Some aspects of plans to meet prior to the 62nd International Whaling the advice are relevant to produce from Gaza as well as Commission meeting in June 2010. [307297] from the west bank. However, we understand that since 2006 there have been no Israeli settlements in Gaza, therefore the issue of clarity of origin between Palestinian Huw Irranca-Davies: The International Whaling producers and Israeli settlement producers is not applicable. Commission’s (IWC) Small Working Group (SWG) last met in March 2009 and was due to meet in December 2009 to discuss the output of the Support Group. The Recycling Support Group, set up to assist the chair and the SWG in reaching a decision on a number of issues relating to Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for the future of the IWC, was unable to reach a conclusion Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he at its September 2009 meeting and so will continue has made of the number of Christmas trees which were discussions. The SWG is, therefore, scheduled to meet recycled in each of the last three years; and whether his again in March 2010 ahead of the 62nd IWC meeting Department provides assistance to local authorities for in June. the recycling of Christmas trees. [307648] Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Dan Norris: No such estimate has been made by Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the DEFRA. The Government believe local authorities are International Whaling Commission’s Support Group better placed to make decisions on the best waste of the Small Working Group on the future of the IWC management strategy for their local area, so it does not (a) last met and (b) plans to meet prior to the 62nd direct or interfere in the decisions they make. This International Whaling Commission meeting in includes the facilities local authorities make available June 2010. [307298] for recycling Christmas trees. It does, however, encourage local authorities to consult extensively with residents, to Huw Irranca-Davies: The International Whaling ensure their opinions and preferences are taken into Commission’s (IWC) Support Group last met from 4 to consideration. 6 December 2009. The group plans to meet again in January 2010 and the product of that meeting will be Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for discussed in the larger meeting of the Small Working Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he Group (SWG) in March. This will allow the SWG to has made of the number of Christmas cards which review and discuss the matter prior to the next annual were recycled in each of the last three years; and if he meeting of the IWC in Morocco in June 2010. will make a statement. [307649]

Dan Norris: No such estimate has been made by DEFRA. The Government believe local authorities are INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT better placed to make decisions on the best waste management strategy for their local area, so it does not Departmental Art Works direct or interfere in the decisions they make. This includes the facilities local authorities make available Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for recycling Christmas cards. It does, however, encourage for International Development how much his local authorities to consult extensively with residents, to Department spent on art works in the last 12 months. ensure their opinions and preferences are taken into [306440] consideration. Mr. Michael Foster: Works of art displayed in the Whales: Conservation Department for International Development (DFID) are from the Government Art Collection (GAC), which Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for publishes an annual list of acquisitions. The most recent Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether there details of acquisitions made by the GAC were published are plans to revise EU Council Decision 7146/09 of on 5 October 2009 and are available on the GAC 3 March 2009 in advance of the 62nd International website: Whaling Commission meeting in June 2010. [307192] http://www.gac.culture.gov.uk/information/publications.asp 979W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 980W

International Assistance The Office of the Leader of the House of Commons joined the Cabinet Office in June 2007 and information Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for from before this time can be provided only at International Development which governments disproportionate cost. contributed to the delivery of aid supplies provided by his Department in (a) 2007, (b) 2008 and (c) 2009, Departmental Training and what steps the Government took in consequence in each case. [306802] Mr. Baron: To ask the Leader of the House how many overseas training courses were attended by her Mr. Michael Foster: The Department for International Office’s civil servants in the latest period for which Development (DFID) works with other Governments figures are available; how many civil servants attended to deliver its aid in two ways: each course; and what the total cost to the public purse Financial aid to partner Governments was of each course. [305893] Through delegated co-operation or co-financing arrangements where one donor leads in the relationship with the partner Barbara Keeley: Since June 2007, no civil servants Government. based in the Office of the Leader of the House of We only give financial aid to partner Governments Commons have attended overseas training courses. The when there is a shared commitment to poverty reduction, Office of the Leader of the House of Commons joined human rights and strengthening public financial the Cabinet Office in June 2007 and information from management. We protect our funds in three ways: before this time can be provided only at disproportionate cost. We assess the risks carefully and have our assessment checked by external experts. Departmental Written Questions We ensure that Governments have a credible reform programme to improve their systems; and provide technical support to help them. Mr. Harper: To ask the Leader of the House how We use safeguards to prevent mis-use of funds and ensure the many and what percentage of Parliamentary Questions adequacy of these is checked by independent experts; e.g. tabled for written Answer by her on a named day in additional audits of particular sectors or tracking money from session 2008-09 received a substantive Answer on that the Ministry of Finance to make sure it gets to the right places. day. [307552] Details of where UK aid is delivered are publicly available through the DFID annual reports which are Barbara Keeley: 52 parliamentary questions for named available through the DFID website: day were tabled to my right hon. and learned Friend http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Site-search/?q=annual+report during the 2008-09 Session. 100 per cent. of these questions were answered on the named day and substantively. Central guidance on answering parliamentary questions LEADER OF THE HOUSE is now available in the ‘Guide to Parliamentary Work’, at: Departmental Conferences http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/parliamentary-clerk- guide.aspx Mr. Baron: To ask the Leader of the House which In the response to the Procedure Committee report on conferences held overseas have been attended by civil written parliamentary questions, the Government accepted servants based in her Office in the last three years; and the Committee’s recommendation that Departments be what the cost to the public purse was of such required to provide the Procedure Committee with sessional attendance at each conference. [305861] statistics in a standard format on the time taken to respond to written parliamentary questions, accompanied Barbara Keeley: Since June 2007, no civil servants by an explanatory memorandum setting out any factors based in the Office of the Leader of the House of affecting their performance. This will be taken forward Commons have attended conferences held overseas. The as soon as possible. Office of the Leader of the House of Commons joined the Cabinet Office in June 2007 and information from Hotels before this time can be provided only at disproportionate cost. Anne Main: To ask the Leader of the House how much her Office spent on hotel accommodation for (a) Departmental Electronic Equipment Ministers, (b) special advisers and (c) civil servants in each of the last five years. [305658] Mr. Hands: To ask the Leader of the House how many plasma screen televisions her Office has Barbara Keeley: I refer the hon. Member to the purchased since 2001; and what the cost has been of answer provided by the Cabinet Office on 14 December purchasing and installing such screens in each such 2009, Official Report, column 840W. The information year. [306084] requested for the Cabinet Office is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Barbara Keeley: I refer the hon. Member to the The Office of the Leader of the House of Commons answer provided by the Cabinet Office on 14 December joined the Cabinet Office in June 2007 and information 2009, Official Report, column 839W. This information from before this time can be provided only at can be provided only at disproportionate cost. disproportionate cost. 981W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 982W

WALES Unauthorised sites (without planning permission) Number of caravans on sites Number of caravans on sites Departmental Pay on Gypsies and Travellers’ on land not owned by Gypsies own land and Travellers Mr. Scott: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Count Not Not how much has been paid in bonuses to civil servants in period Tolerated tolerated Tolerated tolerated his Department in 2009. [306535] January 2009 1279 1086 718 545 Mr. Hain: The Wales Office is subject to Ministry of July 2008 1224 1016 725 971 Justice performance guidance, from which my Department January 2008 1054 1233 687 823 has paid £15,200, in end of year appraisal bonuses. The July 2007 992 1112 572 1316 amounts are set by the Ministry of Justice and are in January 2007 997 1255 491 795 recognition of outstanding performance; seven Ministry July 2006 964 1258 589 1183 of Justice staff received the reward. January 2006 714 1440 438 680 A further sum of £700 was awarded as a special July 2005 630 1342 673 1422 bonus under the Ministry of Justice reward and recognition January 2005 704 1563 513 778 scheme, for additional work performed. July 2004 530 1325 593 1816 All payments were non pensionable lump sums. January 2004 610 1367 573 1021 July 2003 451 1213 652 1663 Departmental Sick Leave January 2003 505 903 539 1081 Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State July 2002 439 799 458 1803 for Wales how many days sickness absence were taken January 2002 533 604 615 1022 by staff in his Department in each of the last July 2001 417 547 487 1895 12 months for which figures are available; and what the January 2001 458 507 379 1259 July 2000 364 439 486 2027 cost to his Department was of such absence. [305549] January 2000 299 429 684 1104 Mr. Hain: The Wales Office does not collect this information in this way, and obtaining this information Data extracted from the biannual publications of the could be achieved only at disproportionate cost. “Count of Gypsy and Traveller Caravans” covering the period January 2000 to July 2009 Departmental Training Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Community Development: Finance how many overseas training courses were attended by his Department’s civil servants in the latest period for John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for which figures are available; how many civil servants Communities and Local Government what support his attended each course; and what the total cost to the Department gives for the recruitment of community public purse was of each course. [305888] development workers. [306988] Mr. Hain: None. Barbara Follett: Communities and Local Government sponsors and funds the Community Development COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Foundation (CDF) as a non-departmental public body, to be a leading source of expertise on community Caravan Sites: Travelling People development and empowerment. As part of its activities, Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State and working with other national community development for Communities and Local Government with organisations, CDF provides research evidence and good reference to the written ministerial statement of practice guidance covering the role of community 24 November 2009, Official Report, column 44WS, on development workers, their recruitment, retention and Gypsy and Traveller caravan count 2009, how many management. This work will be enhanced by the results unauthorised Travellers there were on (a) tolerated of an England-wide survey of Community Development and (b) not-tolerated sites on land (i) owned and (ii) Work, the report of which CDF is due to publish in not owned by Travellers, in each year since 2000. March 2010. [307065] John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Malik: The Bi-annual count of Gypsy and Traveller Communities and Local Government (1) how many caravans collects data on the number of caravans on interfaith projects have been funded by his Department authorised and unauthorised sites in England. It does since 2005; and if he will make a statement; [306989] not provide data on the number of persons who are (2) how many grants his Department has made to Gypsies and Travellers. The following table derived interfaith organisations since 2005; and if he will make from the counts covering the period from 19 January to a statement. [306990] 16 July 2009 shows the number of caravans on unauthorised sites. Mr. Malik: The Faith Communities Capacity Building Unauthorised sites (without planning permission) Fund was distributed over the three years 2004-05 to Number of caravans on sites Number of caravans on sites 2007-08, in two rounds of funding, to the organisations on Gypsies and Travellers’ on land not owned by Gypsies in the attached lists. The Fund had two categories: own land and Travellers capacity building and inter faith activity. Count Not Not period Tolerated tolerated Tolerated tolerated A total of 73 inter faith organisations have successfully received funding in both rounds of the July 2009 1205 987 579 958 Faith Communities Capacity Building Fund. A 983W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 984W comprehensive list of organisations granted funding is and local development frameworks. In CAA, we will consider available on the Community Development Fund (CDF) progress towards achieving local priorities, in relation to these website at: different timescales. Judgements are made using a range of evidence. Evidence www.cdf.org.uk includes performance data, evidence from any inspections that Since 2008, we have been committed to a three year have taken place in the area, the views of local people and services programme of investment and support worth over users and self-assessments that local partners may want to provide. £7.5 million, as announced in our inter faith framework As well as any self-assessment, inspectorates will draw evidence “Face to Face and Side by Side”. from key documents such as the Sustainable Community Strategies, Housing Strategy, Local Development Framework, Children and Part of this funding is being distributed through the Young People’s Plan, Joint Strategic Needs Assessments, Community “Faiths in Action” fund, which aims to support local Safety Partnership Plan and reports to, and minutes of, the local activities and initiatives that have a direct link to one or strategic partnership, children’s trusts, council and scrutiny committees. more of the four building blocks described in “Face to All of this information is brought together along with information Face and Side by Side:” confidence and skills to bridge held by the six inspectorates (the Audit Commission, Ofsted, the and link; shared spaces for interaction; structures and Care Quality Commission and Her Majesty’s Inspectorates of Constabulary, Prisons and Probation) to reach judgements about processes; and opportunities for learning. All types of the quality of public services in the area. organisations at national, regional or local level in The findings from CAA are reported on the new Oneplace England may apply for this funding. The Faiths in website at: Action programme is administered CDF and further information about projects and organisations funded www.direct.gov.uk/oneplace under this programme can be found at: A copy of this letter will be placed in Hansard. www.cdf.org.uk Council Housing: Rents The other funding is allocated to a programme of investment over three years in Regional Faith Forums to support and build their capacity, in particular their Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for interaction with local inter faith activity. Communities and Local Government how many and what proportion of local authorities have decided to My Department also supports the Inter Faith Network reduce their level of social housing rent in 2009-10. for the UK (IFN) with an annual grant. IFN represents [306878] the collective voice of all main faith communities and in partnership with DCLG facilitated England’s first inter Mr. Ian Austin: We have no data to suggest that any faith week. The week ran from 15-21 November 2009 local authority has reduced social rents in 2009-10. and we offered small grants to national inter faith organisations to help with their contribution and enable Of the 191 authorities with active housing revenue cross community participation. accounts at the beginning of the financial year, 189 (98.9 per cent.) accepted our offer of real help now by way of additional subsidy to reduce their average rent Comprehensive Area Assessments increase to 3.1 per cent., thus providing real help to their tenants. Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what role the Council Tax Audit Commission has in inspecting local development plan documents as part of comprehensive area Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for assessments. [307205] Communities and Local Government what recent representations has he received from the Local Ms Rosie Winterton: This is an operational matter for Government Association’s Labour Group on council the Audit Commission, and I will ask the chief executive tax. [305813] of the Audit Commission to write to the hon. Member direct. Barbara Follett: The three year settlement delivered Letter from Steve Bundred, dated December 2009: by this Government for Local Government, which delivered Your Parliamentary Question outlined above has been passed a 4 per cent. average increase in investment, has resulted to me to reply. in the Secretary of State receiving no formal representations Comprehensive Area Assessment, or CAA, is a new way of from any LGA group. assessing local public services in England. It examines how well these services are working together to meet the needs of the Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for people they serve. Communities and Local Government with reference to The starting point for assessments is the priorities set and the answer to the hon. Member for Brentwood and agreed by local public services, based on what is important to Ongar on 29 October 2008, Official Report, column local people. The focus of assessments is on outcomes of public 1136W, on council tax: standards, what data collections services working together on people and places, and prospects for outside the national indicator set (a) are still being improvement in the future. collected and (b) have been discontinued by his What matters locally varies from place to place. Councils and Department. [306433] their local partners have developed sustainable community strategies to set out the challenges and agreed priorities for their areas and how they plan to achieve sustainable development. In addition, Barbara Follett: I refer the hon. Member to the they have agreed with central government new local area agreements answer I gave her on 22 October 2009, Official Report, (LAAs) setting out improvement targets up to March 2011. columns 1645-646W, in respect to data this Department Longer-term goals are set out in sustainable community strategies still collects. 985W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 986W

The Department will be publishing the latest update his Department’s building attended by civil servants in to its simplification plan on 14 December. This lists the his Department there have been since its inception; and data that the Department has stopped collecting and what the cost was of each. [307527] sets out other work under way to further reduce the regulatory burden. A copy of this update will be available Barbara Follett: The Department does not hold at: information centrally on the number of away days and http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/publications/ conferences attended by staff since its inception. Attendance corporate-reports/ at away days and conferences are approved by appropriate line managers and there would be a disproportionate Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for cost involved in trying to obtain this information. Communities and Local Government with reference to the answer of 14 October 2009, Official Report, column 965W, on council tax, whether he has made an estimate Departmental Pay of the effects on the revenue of each local authority with a below-average council tax collection rate of their Mr. Scott: To ask the Secretary of State for collection rate. [306552] Communities and Local Government how much has been paid in bonuses to civil servants in his Barbara Follett: No. Under sections 33 and 44 of the Department in each year since 2003. [306455] Local Government Finance Act 1992, and regulations 3 and 7 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Barbara Follett: The following table sets out the total Tax Base) Regulations 1992, it is the responsibility of cost of performance bonuses paid to civil servants individual local authorities to take account of collection within Communities and Local Government. Figures rates when considering their council tax base (and the are only available from the financial period 2004-2005. resulting revenues) during the process of setting budgets and their band D council tax levels for a financial year. Total cost of non-consolidated payments As a result, the revenue of a local authority with a £ below-average council tax collection rate is not materially 2009-10 1751,150 affected for that financial year by such a collection rate. 2008-09 1,284,549 2007-08 1,018,350 Council Tax: Billing 2006-07 838,250 2005-06 596,000 Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for 2004-05 469,000 Communities and Local Government what assessment 1 This total cost only represents the non consolidated payments made has been made of the effectiveness of the new to the SCS and is subject to change once the pay award for all staff requirements to publish efficiency information on below SCS has been implemented council tax bills; and whether research was conducted The Department also operate a scheme for all staff before implementation of the requirements on the below the Senior Civil Service under which individuals comprehensibility of the information. [306411] or teams may receive a small non-consolidated award in recognition of an outstanding contribution over a limited Barbara Follett: In the Explanatory Memorandum to period. The maximum payment made under these the 2008 Regulations governing the inclusion of efficiency arrangements is £600. Records are only available for the information on and with council tax bills, the Department periods set out in the table. committed to review their operation this financial year. Total cost of in-year performance non-consolidated performance The review consisted of two telephone surveys; the awards first, on the local government experience, asked how £ people had reacted to the information. It found that about a third of councils were contacted at least once in 2005-06 116,000 response to the efficiency information presented on or 2004-05 105,000 with the council tax bills. It also asked what operational 2003-04 116,000 difficulties, if any, councils had encountered in meeting the requirement. Overall, authorities did not experience In Communities and Local Government, bonus payments the level of difficulty anticipated in their response to the are made to those members of staff who are found to 2008 consultation on the proposal. have made a significant contribution towards the achievement of the team’s, and/or Department’s objectives. The second survey questioned a small number of Individuals are expected to show that they have exceeded consumer groups on their understanding of the public the requirements set for the achievement of the objective response to the information and sought their views and have demonstrated exemplary behaviour in doing about its effective presentation. Provision of efficiency so. Our senior civil service staff members are also information was generally welcomed in so far as it assessed against a range of factors, including: meant that the public could be better informed about the work that their local authorities are engaged in. The achievement of their Prime Objective which focuses on the way in which they lead, manage and develop their staff; Departmental Conferences Degree to which business objectives are met; Delivery for Ministers; Mr. Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Demonstration of skills set out in the Professional Skills for Communities and Local Government how many (a) Government framework such as judgment and leadership; and away days and (b) conferences that took place outside Effective resource management. 987W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 988W

Departmental Public Expenditure Domestic Waste: Waste Disposal

Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for for Communities and Local Government how many Communities and Local Government with reference to funding streams relating to (a) housing, (b) the answer of 10 November 2009, Official Report, regeneration and (c) social exclusion are overseen by column 275W, on domestic waste: waste disposal, if he his Department and its agencies. [306729] will make it his policy to review the design standards to assess whether they are sufficient to house the number Barbara Follett: The information requested is as follows: and volume of wheelie bins provided by waste (a) Housing collection authorities to households. [307128] There are four funding streams relating to housing, Mr. Ian Austin: The Government plan to carry out an under the title ‘Improving the Supply and Quality of evaluation and review of Part H (Drainage and waste Housing’: Central Government Spend; Local Authority disposal) and its guidance as part of the Future of Spend; Annually Managed Expenditure and Non-Budget Building Control Implementation Plan and will introduce Spend. These are set out in the Department’s Main any necessary revisions in 2013. Supply Estimate 2009-10, which covers both the We have reviewed domestic waste disposal within the Department and its agencies, and form sections B, M, T waste category of the Code for Sustainable Homes (the and W respectively. Code) as part of the Code’s general review before its (b) Regeneration planned consultation later this year. Given the variability There are two funding streams relating to regeneration, of frequency of waste collections by local authorities, under the title ‘Building we propose to amend the calculation methodology for Prosperous Communities, Promoting Regeneration and external space to link it to the frequency of collections Tackling Deprivation’: Central Government Spend and by the local authority. Where a local authority does not Local Authority Spend. These form sections C and N provide the waste containers and collects fortnightly, respectively of the Main Estimate. the BS5906:2005 space standards (l00 litres for the first bedroom and then a further 70 1itres for each additional (c) Social Exclusion bedroom) should be doubled. We are not proposing There are two funding streams relating to social that you can reduce the space requirements for more exclusion, under the title ‘Developing Communities frequent collections. Additionally, we propose that where that are Cohesive, Active and Resilient to Extremism’: the local authority does not limit the volume of waste Central Government Spend and Local Authority Spend. collected weekly, then compliance with BS5906:2005 is These form sections D and O respectively of the Main required. We intend to publish our conclusions from the Estimate. Code consultation in summer 2010. The Main Estimate 2009-10 can be found at: Fêtes http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/1340_me08_dclg_1st.pdf This information is also published in the CLG Annual Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Report 2009, Annex C at: Communities and Local Government with reference to http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/ the answer of 14 October 2009, Official Report, annualreport09 columns 965-68W, on fetes, how many (a) forms and The annual report also contains further details regarding (b) permits are required for the purposes of operating the specific programmes funded through each of the a fete. [306551] aforementioned funding streams. Barbara Follett: We have made no such estimate. Departmental Public Relations Fire Services

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State Communities and Local Government what payments for Communities and Local Government what (a) the Fire Service College and (b) his Department guidance documents issued by his Department to fire has made to ICE Ltd. in each of the last five years; and and rescue authorities on Integrated Risk Management to what projects these payments relate. [306509] Plans relate to (a) the location of fire stations and fire appliances, (b) the hours of operation of fire stations, Barbara Follett [holding answer 14 December 2009]: (c) the priority given to protecting life, (d) the priority The information is as follows: given to protecting property and (e) socio-economic and geo-demographic targeting of support. [306819] (a) The Fire Service College have made the following payments to ICE Ltd: Mr. Malik: Decisions on operational issues such as the location of fire stations and fire appliances, the Business area: Centre for Leadership £ hours of operation of fire stations and the priority 2005 0 given to identified and assessed risks are taken by 2006 20,000 individual Fire and Rescue Authorities (FRAs) as part 2007 44,000 of the integrated risk management planning process. 2008 10,000 A range of IRMP related guidance has been issued to 2009 0 FRAs and is available on the Communities and Local Government website at: (b) The Department has made no payments to ICE http://www.communities.gov.uk/fire/developingfuture/ Ltd. in the last five years. integratedriskmanagement/ 989W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 990W

The guidance, which is non-prescriptive, is designed to Floods: Cumbria provide advice and assistance on IRMP and its associated processes, allowing local authorities and local communities Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State to make appropriate decisions at the local level. for Communities and Local Government pursuant to The Department has also provided each fire and the answer to the hon. Member for Peterborough of rescue service with a suite of software called the fire 1 December 2009, Official Report, column 643W, on service emergency cover (FSEC) toolkit. This toolkit floods: Cumbria, whether expenditure incurred by allows each fire and rescue service to undertake a risk-based local authorities below the 0.2 per cent. threshold in assessment of their area. FSEC is based upon a geographical respect of the recent flooding in Cumbria will be information system, which takes account of a range of reimbursed under the Bellwin scheme. [306724] factors including socio-economic and geo-demographic data, and uses bespoke software to calculate the probable Barbara Follett: No. The threshold has been set at losses based on a particular set of response strategies in 0.2 per cent. of a local authority’s calculated annual terms of lives lost and property costs. That then enables revenue budget. This is because the Government, the FRA to determine its optimum prevention, protection throughout the lifetime of the Bellwin scheme, have and response strategies appropriate to its own area. thought it reasonable to expect authorities to cover costs themselves up to a certain level. Every local authority Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for is required to maintain reserves, one of whose main Communities and Local Government with reference to purposes is to meet unexpected costs. Successive the recent impact assessment in respect of delays to the Governments have retained the threshold and it has FiReControl Projects; which fire services were never been waived, even during the 1987 storms, the identified as higher risk; and if he will place in the 2000 floods, the foot-and-mouth crisis or the 2007 Library a copy of the full results of the impact summer floods. assessments. [307156] The threshold applies to annual spending and not to Mr. Malik: We undertook an impact assessment of spending on each incident. So authorities who report project delay, working with the fire and rescue services. more than one incident in the same financial year take No fire and rescue service identified unmanageable spending on all reported incidents into account in risks as a result. A small number of fire and rescue calculating whether they have exceeded the threshold. services identified increased risks and we are working with them to mitigate these. The information provided Greenbelt by the fire and rescue service was on a confidential basis. Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment Communities and Local Government what mechanism he has made of the effect on his Department’s policy exists for the transfer of individual fire and rescue on the protection of green belt land of the decision of authorities control functions to regional control the Planning Inspectorate of 20 October 2009 in centres; and whether he can direct such a transfer. respect of the appeal of Libra Demolition Ltd against the refusal of Leeds City Council to grant outline [307195] planning permission for a residential development. Mr. Malik: The Government are committed to working [306888] in partnership with the Fire and Rescue Service to deliver the benefits which FiReControl will bring. This Mr. Ian Austin: The site referred to is not in the green commitment is set out in the ‘Fire and Rescue Service belt. However, the case is subject to legal proceedings at National Framework 2008-11’. Powers exist under present, so it would not be appropriate to comment sections 22 and 29 of the Fire and Rescue Services further at this stage. Act 2004 to direct a move to the FiReControl network, as a last resort. Homelessness: Leeds Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he Communities and Local Government how many and has made of the cost of measures taken as a result of what proportion of people classed as homeless and in delays to the FireLink and FiReControl projects; and priority need are under the age of 25 years in Leeds city which of them are included in the FiReControl area; and if he will make a statement. [306600] business case. [307196] Mr. Malik: Firelink delays have resulted in additional Mr. Ian Austin: Information about English local housing costs in project management which have been recovered authorities’ actions under the homelessness legislation from the contractor. The Firelink project has also incurred (part 7 of the Housing Act 1996) is collected at local additional costs for project management in providing authority level, and published by the Department in the an interim solution to enhance integration with existing quarterly Statistical Release on Statutory Homelessness, control rooms due to FiReControl delay. The cost is available both in the Library and via the CLG website estimated at £4.6 million Under FiReControl, the estimated at: cost of the delay in July is £40 million. We have entered http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/ into a royalties deal with our supplier on future sales of statistics/homelessnessq32009 the system to recover these costs for the taxpayer while Data collected includes the number of households enabling the system to be developed. The cost of any accepted by local housing authorities as eligible for delay are referred to in the FiReControl Business Case. assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need, 991W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 992W and therefore owed a main homelessness duty (to secure Housing that suitable accommodation is available). Data on age of applicants accepted as owed a main Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for homelessness duty is available at national level and Communities and Local Government with reference to provided in table 10(b) of the statistical release, found at the answer of 11 November 2009, Official Report, the link above and in the Library. The first age band column 525W, on housing, how many first time buyers shows applicants who are aged between 16 and 24 years purchased a home with a mortgage in the UK in each old (all applicants must be 16 or over). year from 1979 to 1995. [306416] Data is also available at a national level on applicant households with dependent children accepted as owed a Mr. Ian Austin: The numbers of first time buyers main homelessness duty, in table 5 of the statistical purchasing a home with a mortgage in the UK in each release mentioned above. However the actual number of year from 1979 to 1995 are presented in the following children is not held centrally. table: During the July to September quarter 2009, there First time buyers purchasing with a mortgage, UK were 123 homeless acceptances in Leeds, of which 30, Number or 24 per cent. were from applicants aged 16 to 24 and 1979 320,200 84, or 68 per cent. were households with dependent 1980 314,400 children. 1981 342,100 A table showing the number and proportion of accepted 1982 433,800 applicants aged between 16 and 24 years and applicant 1983 477,600 households with dependent children, at local authority 1984 531,300 level has been placed in the Library. 1985 557,800 1986 612,700 1987 523,700 Homelessness: Young People 1988 580,300 1989 455,200 Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for 1990 409,200 Communities and Local Government (1) what estimate 1991 336,200 he has made of the proportion and number of 1992 447,600 homeless people aged 18 years or under; [307224] 1993 519,500 (2) what estimate he has made of the proportion and 1994 532,100 number of homeless people aged 25 years or under. 1995 420,300 [307225] Source: Council of Mortgage Lenders. Today there are 1.6 million more homeowners than in Mr. Ian Austin: Information about English local housing 1991 and 1 million more than in 1997. authorities’ actions under the homelessness legislation (part 7 of the Housing Act 1996) is collected at local Housing Benefit authority level, and published by the Department in the quarterly Statistical Release on Statutory Homelessness, Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for available both in the Library and via the CLG website: Communities and Local Government how many local http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/ authorities have responded to his Department’s statistics/homelessnessq32009 consultation on the Housing Revenue Account. Data collected include the number of households [306880] accepted by local housing authorities as eligible for assistance, unintentionally homeless and in priority need, Mr. Ian Austin: The Department received 155 responses and therefore owed a main homelessness duty (to secure from local authorities to the consultation on proposals that suitable accommodation is available). If a settled to reform the Housing Revenue Account subsidy system. home is not immediately available, the authority must Housing Benefit: Lancashire secure temporary accommodation until a settled home becomes available, and this information is also collected. Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State Figures on the number and proportion of applicants for Communities and Local Government what recent under the age of 25 who were accepted as owed a main assessment he has made of the incidence of housing homelessness duty, was given in response to my right benefit fraud in East Lancashire; and if he will make a hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, West (John Battle) statement. [306450] today (PQ 306600). A table showing the number and proportion of Helen Goodman: I have been asked to reply. households with children (and the actual number of Department for Work and Pensions fraud and error children) in temporary accommodation can be found in estimates, published in the Fraud and Error in the the statistical release mentioned above. Benefit System series, provide fraud and error estimates We also hold centrally data on the number of 16 to at a national level. The estimates are derived from the 17-year-old applicant households in temporary examination of a sample of benefit payments. The accommodation, and on 30 September there were 1,590 sample sizes are too small to produce valid estimates at in this category, 3 per cent. of the total number of sub-national level, so therefore information for East households in temporary accommodation on this date. Lancashire is not available. 993W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 994W

Housing: Carbon Emissions Housing: Prices

Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what Communities and Local Government what the average requirements there are on a householder to make purchase price of a first-time buyer’s property was in adjustments for the purposes of energy efficiency to a each year since 1997. [307268] dwelling that householder proposes to extend. [306893] Mr. Ian Austin: The average mix-adjusted purchase price of a first-time buyer in each year since 1997 is Mr. Ian Austin: Minimum standards for energy efficiency available on our website at: are set out in Part L of the Building Regulations (England & Wales), ‘Conservation of fuel and power’. Part L http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/ 141377.xls. requirements apply only when certain categories of building work are carried out to existing dwellings, including adding an extension. Guidance issued under ICE Part L sets out a number of energy efficiency provisions, in relation to the performance of the fabric and services David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for of any new extension. Communities and Local Government what payments Where an extension is added onto a building (including (a) the Fire Service College and (b) his Department a dwelling) and the floor area of the existing building have made to ICE Ltd. in each of the last five years; exceeds 1,000m2 then additional consequential energy and to which projects these payments relate. [306651] efficiency improvements to the existing building may also be required. Barbara Follett: The information is as follows: (a) The Fire Service College have made the following CLG recently consulted on proposals to raise Part L payments to ICE Ltd: standards in 2010 and plans to publish a summary of responses early in 2010. Business area: Centre for Leadership £ Housing: Expenditure 2005 0 2006 20,000 2007 44,000 Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008 10,000 Communities and Local Government how much his 2009 0 Department and its predecessors spent on housing in each year since 1997-98 expressed in real terms in (b) The Department has made no payments to ICE 2009 prices. [307219] Ltd. in the last five years.

Mr. Ian Austin: Data on public expenditure by Litter department and function is published annually in “Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses”. The latest edition Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for was published in June 2009 (Cm 7630) and includes Communities and Local Government what powers data from financial year 1997-98 up to and including local authorities have in respect of the placing of dog 2007-08. refuse bins and litter bins on unadopted land. [306770]

Housing: Finance Barbara Follett [holding answer14 December 2009]: My Department is not responsible for the placement of dog refuse bins and litter bins. Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much of the Local Government: Pensions £21 million for low-carbon heating systems announced in April has been spent in each region. [307018] Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what his Mr. Ian Austin: There has been no expenditure as yet Department’s latest estimate is of the average level of under the Low Carbon Infrastructure Fund but contracts employer contribution as a percentage of the are in place to enable allocated monies to be spent this employee’s salary made by each administering local financial year. The regional breakdown of committed authority within the Local Government Pension expenditure is as follows: Scheme. [306817]

£ million Barbara Follett: No estimate has been made. North East 1.7 Local Government: Reorganisation Yorkshire and Humber 1 West Midlands 3.88 East Midlands 1.5 Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State South West 3.3 for Communities and Local Government with South East 5.77 reference to the answer to the hon. Member for London 3.5 Meriden of 16 October 2009, Official Report, column 1107W, on Atherton Associates, whether Ministers in 995W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 996W his Department have met representatives of Atherton Mr. Ian Austin: Where applications for a development Associates in the last 36 months to discuss unitary consent order are made to the Infrastructure Planning restructuring. [306725] Commission (IPC), decisions will have to be made in accordance with the national policy statement although Barbara Follett: No Minister from this Department the IPC may also have regard to other matters which it has met with Atherton Associates in the last 36 months. thinks are both important and relevant. As the primary consideration for the IPC when it makes decisions on Local Government: Standards applications for development consent, national policy statements will take precedence over planning policy Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for statements and planning policy guidance notes. Communities and Local Government what mechanisms are used to (a) collect, (b) check and (c) Non-Domestic Rates: Churches publish statistical data for the purposes of the (i) local spending reports and (b) Total Place initiative. [306891] Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether church Barbara Follett: Expenditure data published in local buildings which are used for purposes other than spending reports are official statistics and are collected, religious worship are liable for business rates. [306920] checked and published in line with guidelines for such Barbara Follett: As stated in the Local Government statistics. Finance Act 1988, if church halls, chapel halls and Total Place data is collected and owned by the pilot similar buildings are used only for the purposes of the areas involved on a voluntary basis. CLG has commissioned organisation responsible for the conduct of public religious a report which will summarise and comment on these worship, they are, like the church or place of public findings and will be published following agreement of a religious worship, exempt from business rates. final draft. However, where the building is also used for other Marinas: Planning Permission purposes, it may be rated accordingly. Non-Domestic Rates: Greater London Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what planning Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for guidance is in place in relation to building marinas on Communities and Local Government with reference to (a) protected coastline and (b) adjoining Green Belt the answer of 14 October 2009, Official Report, land. [305935] columns 974W, on non-domestic rates: Greater London, what the title was of the guidance note from Mr. Ian Austin: There is no planning policy or guidance which the section on sub-location codes was obtained; specific to marinas on protected coastlines or within or and if he will place in the Library a copy of that note. adjoining Green Belt. Our policy on the latter is set out [306553] in Planning Policy Guidance Note 2, Green Belts, available on the website: Barbara Follett: The title of the document is “Review www.communities.gov.uk of sub-location codes”. A copy has been placed in the Library. Mortgages: Repossession Orders Non-Domestic Rates: Public Libraries

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate he Communities and Local Government whether the has made of the number of households with a (a) operators of mobile libraries are liable for the payment mortgage and (b) second-charge loan which have been of business rates. [307040] repossessed in each of the last three years. [307130] Barbara Follett: Mobile libraries are not rateable. The Mr. Ian Austin: The Department does not collect operational base from which they work may have a information on mortgage possessions and arrears although liability for rates. information for the United Kingdom as a whole is published separately by the Council of Mortgage Lenders Non-Domestic Rates: Valuation (CML) and the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for The latest CML information is at: Communities and Local Government what percentage http://www.cml.org.uk/cml/media/press/2456 rise in rateable values for an average hereditament from The latest FSA information is at: the 2005 Rating List to the draft 2010 rating list would http://www.fsa.gov.uk/Pages/Doing/Regulated/Returns/IRR/ entail a real terms revenue neutral change in business statistics/index.shtml rates based on the 2010-11 standard rating multiplier. National Policy Statements [306387] Barbara Follett: The percentage rise in rateable values Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for that would entail a real terms revenue neutral change in Communities and Local Government which business rates based on the 2009-10 and the provisional documents will have priority in cases where the 2010-11 small business multipliers is 18.2 per cent. This contents of national policy statements differ from percentage was calculated by setting the Notional planning policy statements and planning policy Chargeable Amount (NCA) for a given hereditament in guidance notes. [307075] 2009-10 equal to the NCA for that hereditament in 997W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 998W

2010-11. The NCA is the product between the multiplier Mr. Ian Austin: The following tables show, by region, for the relevant year and the rateable value (RV) of the the annual number of third party requests for planning hereditament in that same year. This calculation assumes applications to be called-in; the number of planning that hereditaments would not be eligible for any relief, applications referred under section 77 of the Town and i.e. that its bill would coincide with the NCA. Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA); the number of The five-yearly business rates revaluations make sure applications called-in; and the number of article 14 each business pays its fair contribution and no more by Directions issued. Figures before 2002 have been excluded ensuring the share of the national rates bill paid by any due to potential data inaccuracies. one business reflects changes over time in the value of The power to call-in any planning application is their property relative to others. The 2010 revaluation provided solely by section 77 of the TCPA. An article 14 will not raise a single extra penny for Government. Direction simply prevents a local planning authority Over a million properties will see their business rate from granting permission for a specific proposal. liabilities come down as a result of revaluation. The Government intend to put in place a £2 billion relief South West region scheme to limit the impact on the minority with bill Number increases. That is on top of the wider support available Third party to help ease business pressures including discounted requests All referrals Called-in Article 14 rate bills for small businesses and deferring tax payments. 2009 6 84 1 7 Oikos Storage: Canvey Island 2008 8 82 5 8 2007 8 75 2 5 Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for 2006 33 132 13 11 Communities and Local Government what the (a) 2005 34 166 14 28 maximum and (b) minimum volume of fuel is which is 2004 20 184 14 24 to be stored at the Oikos terminal for the duration of 2003 5 172 18 32 BP’s leasehold contract. [307252] 2002 8 146 7 18 Mr. Ian Austin: According to HSE records the current hazardous substances consent for the Oikos terminal is South East region for a maximum of 473,508 cubic metres of highly Number Third party flammable liquids which may include petroleum and requests All referrals Called-in Article 14 petroleum mixtures (no minimum is specified). This would be approximately 355,131 tonnes of petroleum. 2009 21 128 3 4 2008 12 146 6 2 Ordnance Survey 2007 20 171 8 10 2006 17 183 8 8 Mr. Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for 2005 17 211 18 35 Communities and Local Government if he will make it 2004 6 178 11 6 his policy to provide support to the areas of the 2003 19 252 20 40 mapping sector not accounted for by the operations of 2002 8 199 19 34 Ordnance Survey. [305110] East region Number Mr. Ian Austin: There are no plans to provide explicit Third party financial support to the mapping sector outside Ordnance requests All referrals Called-in Article 14 Survey. 2009 15 65 5 4 2008 43 119 42 8 Mr. Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for 2007 0 77 5 9 Communities and Local Government with reference to 2006 1 92 5 4 the announcement of 17 November 2009 on the 2005 1 124 6 21 Making Public Data Public initiative, when he expects 2004 2 116 2 16 to begin the consultation regarding access to Ordnance 2003 3 169 6 29 Survey data. [306349] 2002 9 133 7 27 Mr. Ian Austin: We expect the consultation to be North East region launched during the week beginning 14 December 2009. Number Third party Planning requests All referrals Called-in Article 14

2009 9 58 0 5 Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008 15 62 2 4 Communities and Local Government how many 2007 7 68 1 9 requests in each region he has received for planning 2006 14 69 9 4 applications to be called in (a) under an Article 14 2005 3 67 6 12 declaration and (b) under section 77 of the Town and 2004 0 68 3 13 Country Planning Act 1990 in each of the last 10 years; 2003 3 69 12 13 how many of those have been called in; and if he will 2002 4 73 5 10 make a statement. [307278] 999W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1000W

London region Private Rented Housing: Greater London Number Third party Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for requests All referrals Called-in Article 14 Communities and Local Government what information his Department holds on the average 2009 19 88 5 5 length of private sector tenancies in each London 2008 18 90 7 7 borough; and what plans he has to improve the security 2007 15 118 4 4 of tenure for private sector tenants. [307251] 2006 21 111 6 14 2005 27 143 10 29 Mr. Ian Austin: Communities and Local Government 2004 20 141 11 19 does not hold the information requested. Most tenants 2003 15 117 3 25 in the private sector have assured shorthold tenancies. 2002 24 126 14 30 The legislation governing these is designed to achieve a fair balance between the rights of landlords and tenants West Midlands region and we have no plans to change this. Number Third party Regional Planning and Development requests All referrals Called-in Article 14

2009 7 80 5 5 Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008 3 74 7 7 Communities and Local Government by what process 2007 10 121 4 4 planning committee members are appointed to each of [305926] 2006 15 117 6 14 the development corporations. 2005 8 112 10 29 Mr. Malik: There are three Urban Development 2004 19 138 11 19 Corporations (UDCs) in England: London Thames 2003 8 127 n j 25 Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC); Thurrock 2002 18 147 14 30 Thames Gateway Development Corporation (TTGDC); and West Northamptonshire Development Corporation East Midlands region (WNDC). The Planning Committees for the UDCs are Number appointed in each case by the Board under the terms of Third party the Committee’s governing documentation, copies of requests All referrals Called-in Article 14 which are published on the relevant Corporation’s website. 2009 5 46 3 5 LTGDC 2008 2 51 0 5 http://www.ltgdc.org.uk/PDF/ 2007 1 59 1 1 Planning%20committee%20terms%20of%20reference.pdf 2006 3 59 3 7 TTGDC 2005 4 58 5 10 Website being upgraded—a copy will be placed in the Library 2004 5 75 7 14 of the House. 2003 8 76 8 9 WNDC 2002 10 74 7 23 http://www.wndc.co.uk/about_us/ board_meeting_agendas.aspx Yorkshire and Humber region In the case of London Thames Gateway and Thurrock Number Thames Gateway Development Corporations, the Board Yorkshire and Humber Third party may decide to appoint independent members. Where region requests All referrals Called-in Article 14 this takes place procedures analogous to those required by the Commissioner for Public Appointments are followed; 2009 5 78 1 7 although such appointments are not OCPA regulated. 2008 3 99 3 16 2007 7 89 0 9 Scientists 2006 7 108 3 15 2005 3 143 7 37 Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for 2004 2 151 3 29 Communities and Local Government on how many 2003 3 176 14 27 occasions he has met (a) the Government chief 2002 5 138 5 24 scientific adviser and (b) his Department’s chief scientific adviser in the course of his official duties in North West region the last 12 months. [303966] Number Third party Barbara Follett: In the last 12 months the Secretary requests All referrals Called-in Article 14 of State has:

2009 0 63 3 7 (a) Not met with the Government chief scientific adviser. 2008 3 114 6 13 (b) Met once with the departmental chief scientific adviser. 2007 2 82 3 7 Sleeping Rough 2006 7 118 14 24 2005 3 142 9 25 2004 1 163 16 33 Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for 2003 1 181 12 29 Communities and Local Government what his most 2002 2 184 16 29 recent estimate is of the number of rough sleepers in (a) Leeds and (b) England. [305773] 1001W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1002W

Mr. Ian Austin: In 1998 there were estimated to be vacant land: Tamworth, how many acres of green 1,850 rough sleepers in England with eight rough sleepers space there are in each local authority in England; and in Leeds. Since then good progress has been progress what his Department’s definition of green space is. has been made in reducing the total number of rough [307214] sleepers to 464 in 2009, based on local authority street counts, which includes six rough sleepers who were Barbara Follett: Data on local authority green space found on Leeds’ count. from 2005 are publicly available from the Office for National Statistics. These are not comprehensive as Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State there is no requirement for national collection. More for Communities and Local Government what the accurate and current data could be supplied by individual estimated level of rough sleeping in England was in local authorities. Communities and Local Government March 2001. [306726] do not define green space, but the Annex to PPG 17 provides examples of the broad range of open spaces Mr. Ian Austin: 681 people were estimated to be that may be of public value, a significant component of sleeping rough in England in 2001. which, are related to green spaces. In 1998 there were estimated to be 1,850 rough sleepers in England. Since then good progress has been made in reducing the number of rough sleepers to a total of 464 in 2009 based on local authority street counts. SOLICITOR-GENERAL Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Crown Prosecution Service: Conferences Communities and Local Government what estimate he has made of the proportion and number of rough Mr. Graham Stuart: To ask the Solicitor-General sleepers aged 25 years or under. [307209] how many (a) away days and (b) conferences that Mr. Ian Austin: The annual headline figure for rough took place outside the Crown Prosecution Service’s sleeping based on local authority street counts does not (CPS) buildings attended by civil servants in the CPS include information on age profile. there have been since 2005; and what the cost was of each. [307461] Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many and The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service what proportion of individuals receiving Supporting (CPS) is a devolved organisation and local managers People grants under the rough sleeper strand were aged are responsible for arranging away days and conferences. (a) under 18, (b) under 25 and (c) under 40 years in Information on the number of each that took place each of the last three years. [307222] outside CPS buildings attended by civil servants is not recorded centrally. To obtain the information requested Mr. Ian Austin: The Supporting People programme is would require all managers to review records since 2005 a locally managed and delivered programme. Local and would incur disproportionate cost. The following authorities are responsible for making the strategic table provides the total value recorded for conference decisions regarding the programme including deciding expenditure in each financial year since 2005. what services to commission to meet local needs and priorities. People who are eligible for Supporting People CPS conference expenditure £ million funding tend to use a service, rather than receive a 2005-06 0.85 cashable grant. 2006-07 1.05 Social Rented Housing 2007-08 0.68 2008-09 0.67 Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for The CPS does hold Senior Managers’ Conferences Communities and Local Government if he will make it each year, which bring 150 of its senior managers from his policy to ensure that social tenants who move to a all 42 areas and senior headquarters (HQ) staff together different local authority area retain their security of to discuss the most pressing issues facing the Service. In tenure in respect of social housing in their new area. past years this has been held twice a year; a decision was [306877] taken in 2009 to reduce the frequency to one per year. Mr. Ian Austin: The Government are committed to The following table shows the average cost of each ensuring that social tenants, wherever they live in England, conference each year since 2005. continue to have the same statutory protection in respect of their security of tenure and are provided with the CPS conference expenditure senior most secure form of tenure compatible with the purpose management conferences Average cost (£000) of the housing and the sustainability of the community. 2005-06 93 We have no intention of bringing forward proposals 2006-07 112 that would diminish the security which social tenants 2007-08 128 currently enjoy. 2008-09 75 Vacant Land Departmental Conferences Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to Mr. Graham Stuart: To ask the Solicitor-General the answer to the hon. Member for Tamworth of how many (a) away days and (b) conferences that 25 November 2009, Official Report, column 184W, on took place outside the Law Officers’ buildings 1003W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1004W attended by civil servants in the Law Officers’ The Treasury Solicitor’s Department has not spent Department there have been since 2005; and what the any money on (a) cut flowers and (b) pot plants in cost was of each. [307467] 2008-09. The Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office is a The Solicitor-General: The information requested is minor occupier in buildings owned by HM Revenue outlined in the following tables. and Customs and receives a fully managed estate service (a) Departmental away days from that department. This includes the responsibility Number of away days Cost (£) for provision and maintenance of floor standing plants within the office environment, the costs for which cannot 2005-06 0 0 be separately identified. No monies have been spent on 2006-07 0 0 the provision of cut flowers. 2007-08 0 0 2008-09 1 13,249.79 The National Fraud Authority and HM Crown 2009-10 3 15,710.50 Prosecution Service Inspectorate has not made any 2515.00 payments for cut flowers or pot plants in 2008-09. 3488.73 The Crown Prosecution Service is a devolved organisation. The Department has not kept central 1 Whole office. 2 Whole office half day. records of expenditure on cut flowers and pot plants in 3 Senior management team, half day. 2008-09. To provide this information would involve checking paper records across the CPS and would incur (b) Conferences outside the Law Officers’ buildings attended by civil servants disproportionate costs. Number of conferences Cost (£) The Serious Fraud Office has spent £2,340.00 (excluding 2005-06 9 2,816.70 VAT) on flowers and £2,765.36 (excluding VAT) on 2006-07 4 2,026.39 maintenance of pot plants in 2008-09. No new pot 2007-08 5 1,815.23 plants were purchased in 2008-09. 2008-09 9 3,437.20 2009-10 4 1,752.70 Departmental Written Questions

Departmental Energy Mr. Harper: To ask the Solicitor-General how many and what percentage of Parliamentary Questions Grant Shapps: To ask the Solicitor-General what the tabled for written answer by her on a named day in energy (a) rating and (b) band of each building session 2008-09 received a substantive answer on that occupied by the Law Officers’ Departments was in each day. [307533] year for which figures are available. [307216] The Solicitor-General: Of the 29 named day questions The Solicitor-General: The information requested is tabled to my Department in the 2008-09 parliamentary published by the Office of Government Commerce and session, 28 per cent. or 96 per cent. of them were is available online at the following website address: answered on the day nominated by questioners. http://www.ogc.gov.uk/government_delivery_ Hotels display_energy_certificate_data.asp The OGC Centre of Expertise in Sustainable Procurement has committed to publish a summary of Anne Main: To ask the Solicitor-General (1) how DEC ratings for the Government estate every six months. much the Law Officers’ Departments spent on hotel accommodation for (a) Ministers, (b) special advisers The Treasury Solicitor’s Department does not currently and (c) civil servants in each of the last five years; possess an energy rating. [305652] HMCPSI’s organisation is too small to come under (2) how much the Crown Prosecution Service has the DECs (Display Energy Certificates) scheme. This spent on hotel accommodation for its officials in each only applies to buildings over 1,000 m2 which HMCPSI of the last five years; [306034] does not fall under. (3) how much the Revenue and Customs Departmental Plants Prosecutions Office has spent on hotel accommodation for its staff in each of the last five years; [305703] Grant Shapps: To ask the Solicitor-General how (4) how much the Serious Fraud Office has spent on much the Law Officers’ Departments spent on (a) cut hotel accommodation for its staff in each of the last flowers and (b) pot plants in 2008-09. [306279] five years. [305704]

The Solicitor-General: The Attorney-General’s Office The Solicitor-General: The information requested for spent £37.90 on cut flowers in 2008-09 for the reception the Law Officers’ Departments is contained in the following area. There was no spend on pot plants. table.

£ Law Officer Department 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

AGO, TSOL1, HMCPSI 51,359 44,036 56,699 51,948 27,848 SFO2 142,224 166,838 202,592 243,118 119,639 CPS3 1,130,000 1,175,000 1,447,000 1,260,000 1,248,000 1005W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1006W

£ Law Officer Department 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

NFA4 ————654 RCPO5 — 58,924 122,585 87,045 44,154 1 Information for the Attorney-General’s Office, HM Crown Prosecution Inspectorate and Treasury Solicitors (TSOL) is collated centrally by TSOL. In addition, officials from TSOL incur hotel expenses when working on client cases. These costs are not accounted for separately from other client disbursements and therefore the cost of providing this information would be disproportionate. However, since April 2009 these costs have been captured through Carlson Wagonlit and the year to date hotel expenditure recorded on case-related stays is £73,220. 2 The Serious Fraud Office’s spend on hotel accommodation by financial year include any hotel expenditure for permanent staff; non-permanent staff and non-Executive board members. 3 The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) does not record expenditure on hotel accommodation, reimbursement of meals and other incidental overnight expenses separately. To provide a detailed breakdown would involve checking paper records across the CPS and would incur disproportionate costs. 4 The costs given relate to the accommodation costs incurred during the NFA launch in 2008-09. 5 In its first year, 2005-06, Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office (RCPO) did not account separately for expenditure on hotel accommodation and providing a detailed breakdown would incur a disproportionate cost.

The Law Officers’ Departments do not have any Ian Pearson: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer special advisers. Furthermore, ministerial hotel costs given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the are not recorded separately from those of civil servants Exchequer earlier today to the hon. Members for Halton and it is therefore not possible to provide information (Derek Twigg) and Ochil and South Perthshire (Gordon on these matters without incurring a disproportionate Banks). cost. However, details on the cost of overseas trips International Finance Facility for Immunisation made by departmental Ministers are published annually by the Cabinet Office. These can be accessed at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/propriety_and_ethics/ 20. John Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the ministers/travel_gifts.aspx Exchequer what discussions he has had with his The list for 2008-09 was published on 16 July. This international counterparts on financial support for the and earlier lists are available in the Library of the International Finance Facility for Immunisation; and if House. he will make a statement. [306863] Sarah McCarthy-Fry: Treasury Ministers and officials TREASURY have meetings with a range of international counterparts as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Mutual Building Societies As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of all such 12. Paul Rowen: To ask the Chancellor of the meetings. Exchequer what steps his Department is taking to In September the Prime Minister announced a assist mutual building societies during the recession. £600 million expansion of the Innovative Finance Facility [306854] for Immunisation, with the UK contributing £250million, Sarah McCarthy-Fry: Government have taken and this expansion will support health systems in developing will continue to take steps to promote competition and countries. consumer choice through supporting the development Comprehensive Spending Review of a strong, competitive and sustainable building society sector. Government are facilitating discussions on funding and capital, with the objective of strengthening the 21. Mr. Allen: To ask the Chancellor of the robustness of the mutual building society model, and Exchequer when he expects to announce the timetable enhancing their provision of mortgages to home buyers. for the next Comprehensive Spending Review; and if Government will continue to ensure their actions are in he will make a statement. [306864] taxpayers’ interests. Mr. Byrne: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer Banks: Government Support my right hon. Friend gave the hon. Member for Putney (Justine Greening) earlier today. 14. Mr. Brazier To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what response his Department plans to Child Tax Credit make to the National Audit Office report on the Government’s support for banks; and if he will make a Mr. Crausby: To ask the Chancellor of the statement. [306856] Exchequer how many people in the UK are (a) eligible for and (b) in receipt of child tax credit. [306560] Ian Pearson: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Southend, West (Mr. Amess) Mr. Timms: Estimates of the number of households today. eligible for Child Tax Credit in 2006-07, which are the Budget 2009 latest available, are provided in table 1 of the HM Revenue and Customs publication “Child and Working 19. Laura Moffatt: To ask the Chancellor of the Tax Credit Take-up rates 2006-07”. This publication is Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the available at: effect on the economy of the fiscal measures to help http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-take- businesses he announced in Budget 2009. [306861] up2006-07.pdf 1007W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1008W

The latest information on the number of households The personal allowance and the age related allowance receiving Child Tax Credit is available in the HMRC will be maintained at their current level, providing a snapshot publication “Child and Working Tax Credits real- terms benefit relative to September’s retail price Statistics. April 2009”. This can be found at: index. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc- apr09.pdf National Insurance Contributions Departmental Pay Mr. Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr. Scott: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Exchequer how much national insurance a person how much has been paid in bonuses to civil servants in earning the national average wage paid in 1997; and if his Department in each year since 2007. [306434] he will estimate how much it will be in 2010. [307207]

Sarah McCarthy-Fry: Information on spending on Mr. Timms [holding answer 14 December 2009]: The performance and special bonuses since 2007-08 is shown annual amount of primary Class 1 national insurance in table 4.D of the 2008-09 Annual Report and Accounts contributions for individuals earning the average weekly (HC 611) available from: wage for 1996-97 and 2009-10 can be found in the www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/annual_report09.htm following table:

Employee Benefit Trusts Percentage of Gross weekly Annual Class 1 income paid as Dr. Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer wage (£) NICS (£) NICS how many interest-free loans have been made from 1996-97 359.60 1,616.16 8.6 employee benefit trusts in each of the last five years. 2009-10 590.70 2,749.60 9.0 [305760]

Mr. Timms: HM Revenue and Customs do not keep a Non-Domestic Rates: Microgeneration record of the number of loans taken from Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs). It is known that many loans are taken from EBTs by employees, some on an interest free Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Chancellor of the basis and some on an interest bearing basis. Where Exchequer how many hereditaments which benefited loans are taken on an interest free basis the employee is from the exemption for microgeneration plant and liable to a tax charge on the benefit arising (s.175 ITEPA machinery in respect of non-domestic rates valuation 2003). from 2008 to 2010 have had that equipment valued and rated as part of the 2010 rates revaluation. [306834] Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 Ian Pearson: The information requested could be Dr. Kumar: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer provided only at disproportionate cost. if his Department will bring forward proposals to extend the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to include company registrars as Taxation: Banks bodies which may be investigated and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and the Financial Mr. Bone: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Services Ombudsman. [306267] he will bring forward proposals to disallow losses made by banks for the purpose of calculating corporation Sarah McCarthy-Fry: The Government keep under tax. [307056] review those activities which are subject to regulation. At this time we have no plans to include company Mr. Timms [holding answer 14 December 2009]: The registrars within the regulatory framework. Whenever Government keep all taxes under review. the Government plan any changes to the scope of regulation this will generally be subject to public consultation. Unemployment: Young People Income Tax Personal Allowance Natascha Engel: To ask the Chancellor of the Danny Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received Exchequer what recent representations he has received on the effects on the economy of the level of youth on the levels of income tax personal allowance; and if unemployment. [306862] he will make a statement. [306842] Ian Pearson: Treasury Ministers and officials receive Mr. Timms: Treasury Ministers and officials receive representations from a wide variety of organisations in representations from a wide range of organisations and the public and private sectors as part of the process of individuals in the public and private sectors as part of policy development and delivery. the process of policy development and delivery. As was The Government are taking decisive action to ensure the case with previous Administrations, it is not the that young people are supported through the recession. Government’s practice to provide details of all such This action will ensure that we avoid the long-term representations. detachment of young people from the labour market. 1009W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1010W

WORK AND PENSIONS Income Support is available to single people who have responsibility for a child under the age of 10. A Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission: ICT single relative or friend may therefore be eligible for income support if they are responsible for a child who Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of would otherwise have been taken into care. Income State for Work and Pensions whether the Child support can also be paid where a child under age 16 is Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (CMEC) placed with a single person under fostering arrangements plans to replace the computer systems in operation at or prior to adoption. the Child Support Agency and CMEC; and if she will Income Support is also available to people, whether make a statement. [304914] single or not, who are temporarily looking after a child out of necessity because that child’s parent or guardian Helen Goodman [holding answer 7 December 2009]: is either ill or absent from home. The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission is responsible for the child maintenance system. I have Customers who are responsible for a dependent and asked the Child Maintenance Commissioner to write to are in receipt of pension credit may be eligible for one the hon. Member with the information requested and I or more of the HMRC administered benefits, none of have seen the response. which are taken into account as income for pension Letter from Stephen Geraghty: credit purposes. In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the If the customer qualifies for carer’s allowance for Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary looking after a disabled child they could receive an of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance additional amount for caring. Commissioner. Where a child is being looked after by a local authority You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and placed with a relative or friend, the financial assistance whether the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (CMEC) plans to replace the computer systems in operation at in respect of that child is the responsibility of the local the Child Support Agency and the CMEC; and if she will make a authority. statement. [304914] The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (the Commission) was established under the Child Maintenance and Children: Maintenance other Payments Act 2008 to deliver a fundamental redesign of the child maintenance system following previous failed attempts to reform existing schemes and work is now underway on the Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work development of a new child maintenance scheme. In November and Pensions with reference to the answer of 18 March 2008 responsibility for the existing two statutory child maintenance 2009, Official Report, column 1202W, on the child schemes transferred from the Secretary of State for Work and maintenance options helpline, what the equivalent Pensions to the Commission. The Commission continues to deliver the two existing schemes through a division operating under the figures to those provided in the Table are for each CSA brand name. month from January 2009. [301020] In late 2008 the Commission undertook a feasibility study to determine the most appropriate IT solution to support the future Helen Goodman: The Child Maintenance and scheme. The study recommended that the current computer system Enforcement Commission is responsible for the child (CS2) be replaced, and a new system be developed using a set of maintenance system. I have asked the Child Maintenance integrated commercial off-the-shelf products. In March 2009 the Commission agreed a contract with Tata Consulting Services Commissioner to write to the hon. Member with the (TCS) for the creation of this new IT system. Work on the new information requested and I have seen the response. computer system is currently in the development phase. Letter from Stephen Geraghty: The current IT systems will continue to be used to process the In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the existing cases and will remain in place until the existing schemes Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission, the Secretary close, currently planned around 2014. of State promised a substantive reply from the Child Maintenance I hope you find this answer helpful. Commissioner. Child Rearing You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with reference to the Answer of 18 March 2009 Official Report column 1202W on the child maintenance options helpline what the equivalent Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for figures to those provided in the Table are for each month from Work and Pensions what recent steps her Department January 2009. [301020] has taken to provide financial assistance to relatives The information you requested is provided in the table below. and friends who care for children who would otherwise This excludes information on the average time to answer calls as have been taken into care. [304113] previously included in the answer of 18 March 2009 Official Report column 1202W. This measure has been replaced with a Helen Goodman: Most benefits for children are Client Standard whereby 90.0% of calls will be answered within administered by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC); 30 seconds. This information has been included in the table below this includes child benefit, guardian’s allowance, and as a percentage of calls answered. child tax credits. I hope you find this answer helpful.

Child Maintenance Options 2009 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept

Calls received1,2 6,400 6,300 6,900 6,300 7,800 7,500 11,300 8,400 13,300 Calls answered1 6,200 6,100 6,700 6,100 7,700 7,400 10,900 8,200 13,000 Calls abandoned3,4 140 190 180 195 180 170 360 220 365 1011W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1012W

Child Maintenance Options 2009 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept

Calls abandoned as a percentage 233322333 of calls received Percentage of calls answered 100 99.2 98.6 99.6 99.7 99.5 99.1 99.8 97.2 within 30 seconds (excludes those abandoned) Average duration of inbound 430 525 515 470 470 545 530 585 615 calls3,5 (seconds) 1 Figures for the calls received and the number of calls answered are rounded to the nearest 100. 2 Calls received exclude those outside working hours. 3 Figures for the number of calls abandoned and the average duration of inbound calls are rounded to the nearest five. 4 Calls abandoned are those who have listened to the initial greeting and then: have had a short call and hung up while speaking to an agent; have hung up before speaking to an agent; or have hung up while in a queue. 5 Duration of call includes time spent talking to customers and wrapping up the call.

Cold Weather Payments: Derbyshire Alignment payment expenditure in Great Britain by quarter Proportion of total crisis loan expenditure Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Quarter £ million (percentage) and Pensions how many cold weather payments have been made in respect of households in (a) Chesterfield July to September 13.4 34.6 October to December 14.3 33.5 and (b) Derbyshire in 2008-09. [306838]

Helen Goodman: The available information is that 2009 Chesterfield parliamentary constituency was linked to January to March 15.4 31.0 Nottingham weather station and Derbyshire county Source: was linked to Nottingham, Bingley and Woodford weather DWP Social Fund Policy, Budget and Management Information System stations in the winter of 2008-09. Departmental Conferences The following table shows the number of triggers received at the three weather stations in the winter of 2008-09. Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which conferences held overseas have Weather station Number of triggers in 2008-09 been attended by civil servants based in her Department in the last three years; and what the cost to Nottingham 2 the public purse was of such attendance at each Bingley 3 conference. [305859] Woodford 4 Source: DWP Records Angela Eagle: As part of their duties, DWP officials It is not possible to give the estimated number of may attend international conferences held overseas in payments made in 2008-09 to residents of Chesterfield pursuance of their departmental work and to represent or Derbyshire county as this information is not available the UK’s interests. No central records are held on at constituency level or county level but only by weather attendance by officials at conferences held overseas. station. Generally the areas linked to weather stations do not coincide with a constituency or county. Disability Living Allowance

Crisis Loans Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people resident in (a) Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey and Pensions how much and what proportion of social constituency, (b) the Highlands and (c) Scotland fund crisis loan expenditure was spent on alignment received the (i) mobility component, (ii) care payments in each quarter since 2007. [302244] component and (iii) both the mobility and the care components of the disability living allowance in each Helen Goodman: The available information is given in of the last five years. [304670] the table. Alignment payment expenditure in Great Britain by quarter Jonathan Shaw: The available information is in the Proportion of total following tables. crisis loan expenditure Disability living allowance cases in payment for the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch Quarter £ million (percentage) and Strathspey parliamentary constituency for each of the last five years, as at May of each year 2007 May each year January to March 8.7 33.3 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 April to June 9.8 36.3 July to September 11.8 39.3 Total 4,300 4,460 4,540 4,710 4,960 October to December 11.3 37.3 Higher care and 720 750 790 830 840 higher mobility 2008 Higher care and 360 380 380 400 420 January to March 11.4 34.6 lower mobility April to June 12.1 34.4 Higher care only 60 60 70 80 80 1013W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1014W

Disability living allowance cases in payment for the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch Disability living allowance cases in payment in Scotland for each of the last five and Strathspey parliamentary constituency for each of the last five years, as at years, as at May of each year May of each year May each year May each year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Total 303,990 311,000 318,090 327,310 337,270 Middle care and 600 620 650 670 700 higher mobility Higher care and 52,140 53,810 56,560 58,890 60,410 Middle care and 770 820 850 880 960 higher mobility lower mobility Higher care and 17,440 18,160 19,130 20,230 21,360 Middle care only 150 160 150 150 170 lower mobility Higher care only 3,730 3,740 3,610 3,760 3,800 Lower care and 430 430 430 450 480 higher mobility Middle care and 49,570 50,680 52,310 53,890 55,260 Lower care and 370 380 400 420 430 higher mobility lower mobility Middle care and 41,670 44,320 46,670 48,910 51,740 Lower care only 250 280 270 290 320 lower mobility Middle care only 10,440 10,510 10,170 10,110 10,270 Higher mobility 480 480 460 450 460 only Lower care and 37,270 37,550 37,880 38,550 39,600 higher mobility Lower care and 17,840 19,230 20,490 22,330 24,230 Lower mobility 100 100 90 100 100 lower mobility only Lower care only 20,040 20,560 20,810 21,580 22,680 Notes: 1 Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not sum due to rounding. Higher mobility 46,760 45,240 43,140 41,520 40,060 2. Figures show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude only people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. 3. The postcode of a claimant is used to assign the parliamentary Lower mobility 7,060 7,220 7,320 7,540 7,870 constituency, local authority and government office region. Local authorities only are assigned by matching postcodes against the relevant postcode directory. Notes: Source: 1 Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not sum due to NOMIS rounding. Disability living allowance cases in payment for the highland local authority for 2. Figures show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude each of the last five years, as at May of each year people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if May each year they are in hospital. 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 3. The postcode of a claimant is used to assign the parliamentary constituency, local authority and government office region. Local authorities Total 10,270 10,590 10,830 11,250 11,740 are assigned by matching postcodes against the relevant postcode directory. Source: NOMIS Higher care and 1,790 1,880 1,980 2,050 2,100 Housing Benefit higher mobility Higher care and 680 710 740 770 810 Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for lower mobility Work and Pensions when she expects to publish her Higher care only 160 160 170 190 180 proposals on the future of housing benefit. [307248]

Middle care and 1,570 1,620 1,680 1,730 1,830 Helen Goodman: As set out in the pre-Budget report, higher mobility the Government intend to launch an immediate consultation Middle care and 1,640 1,710 1,800 1,890 2,010 on housing benefit reform. lower mobility Middle care only 400 410 380 390 410 Housing Benefit: Islington Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Lower care and 1,140 1,140 1,150 1,230 1,300 higher mobility Work and Pensions what average amount of housing Lower care and 710 750 800 830 870 benefit was paid to claimants who are (a) local lower mobility authority, (b) housing association and (c) private Lower care only 660 690 680 710 780 sector tenants in the London borough of Islington in each of the last three years. [307249] Higher mobility 1,320 1,300 1,250 1,260 1,250 only Helen Goodman: The available information is in the tables. Lower mobility 210 210 200 200 210 Average amount of weekly housing benefit by tenure: London borough of only Islington as at August 2007 Notes: £ 1 Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Totals may not sum due to rounding. Local authority (council) tenants 85.34 2. Figures show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and exclude Housing association tenants 99.68 people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital. Private sector tenants 141.71 3. The Highlands region is defined as the local authority of the claimant. The Notes: postcode of a claimant is used to assign the parliamentary constituency, local 1. The data refers to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple. authority and government office region. Local authorities are assigned by 2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest penny. matching postcodes against the relevant postcode directory. Source: Source: Housing benefit and council tax benefit management information system NOMIS quarterly 100 per cent. taken in August 2007. 1015W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1016W

Average amount of weekly housing benefit by tenure: London borough of claimants of jobseeker’s allowance were aged (a) under Islington, as at November 2008 and August 2009 21, (b) 22 to 25, (c) 26 to 30, (d) 31 to 35, (e) 36 to £ 40, (f) 41 to 45, (g) 46 to 50, (h) 51 to 55, (i) 56 to 60 November 2008 August 2009 and (j) over 60 years old in each month since January Local authority 82.79 86.40 2005; and if she will make a statement. [307152] (council) tenants Housing association 104.10 109.33 tenants Angela E. Smith: I have been asked to reply. Private sector tenants 169.81 184.32 Notes: The information requested falls within the responsibility 1. The data refers to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple. of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority 2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest penny. to reply. Source: Single housing benefit extract (SHBE) taken in November 2008 and August 2009. Letter from Jil Matheson, dated December 2009: Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Work and Work and Pensions what information her Department Pensions, asking how many and what proportion of claimants of holds on the average amount of housing benefit paid to jobseeker’s allowance were aged (a) under 21, (b) 22 to 25, (c) 26 those in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance in the London to 30, (d) 31 to 35, (e) 36 to 40, (f) 41 to 45, (g) 46 to 50, (h) 51 to borough of Islington. [307250] 55, (i) 56 to 60 and (j) over 60 years old in each month since January 2005; and if the Secretary of State will make a statement. Helen Goodman: The most recent available information (307152). is that, as at August 2009, the Average amount of weekly housing benefit paid to recipients of jobseekers The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles the number of claimants of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) from the Jobcentre allowance in the London borough of Islington was Plus administrative system. Table 1 shows the number of persons £115.83. aged (a) under 20, (b) 20 to 24, (c) 25 to 29, (d) 30 to 34, (e) 35 to Notes: 39, (f) 40 to 44, (g) 45 to 49, (h) 50 to 54, (i) 55 to 59 and (j) 60 and 1. The data refers to benefit units, which may be a single person or over who were claiming JSA in each month since January 2005. a couple. Table 2 shows the proportion of total claimants of JSA by each of 2. The figure has been rounded to the nearest penny. these age groups in each month since January 2005. These are our standard age ranges. I am sorry that the data can not be presented Source: for the age groups requested. Single housing benefit extract (SHBE) taken in August 2009. Jobseeker’s Allowance National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work count are available on the Nomis website at: and Pensions how many and what proportion of http://www.nomisweb.co.uk

Table 1: Number of persons claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance by age group Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged 60 Under 20 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 and over

January 2005 98,660 155,795 111,830 101,485 94,200 85,650 70,985 68,735 67,110 9,365 February 2005 106,730 160,615 112,900 101,125 94,555 85,810 71,120 68,470 66,490 9,170 March 2005 108,020 160,770 112,260 100,395 94,105 85,505 70,925 67 755 66,025 8,840 April 2005 105,885 157,845 110,935 98,865 93,230 84,965 70,850 67,550 65,925 8,410 May 2005 103,860 155,430 110,355 98,025 93,215 85,485 71,640 67,880 65,485 8,525 June 2005 101,110 151,870 109,705 96,550 92,560 84,555 71,090 67,160 66,050 8,255 July 2005 103,705 164,850 111,520 96,760 92,185 84,255 70,990 66,645 65,105 8,210 August 2005 105,820 170,175 112,900 97,005 92,395 84,300 71,205 66,785 65,500 8,150 September 2005 103,940 107,705 111,205 95,830 91,465 84,225 71,155 66,210 65,270 7,920 October 2005 103,980 162,445 110,385 94,695 91,265 84,590 71,355 66,300 65,615 7,940 November 2005 103,835 162,255 112,055 96,035 92,560 86,070 72,980 67,915 67,510 8,350 December 2005 105,280 164,960 115,565 98,020 94,740 87,020 74,670 68,790 68,640 8,630 January 2006 111,785 178,165 123,610 104,340 101,045 93,610 80,610 73,365 73,105 9,655 February 2006 121,270 185,985 126,575 105,945 102,610 95,770 82,280 74,805 74,280 9,650 March 2006 124,090 187,265 126,780 105,435 102,955 95,815 82,545 74,605 74,480 9,535 April 2006 121,830 184,585 125,455 104,960 102,050 95,485 82,760 74,735 74,515 9,550 May 2006 118,050 179,580 123,780 103,575 101,210 95,095 82,105 74,515 73,620 9,380 June 2006 114,515 177,190 122,775 102,145 100,240 94,475 81,210 73,645 72,615 9,130 July 2006 116,195 186,090 123,940 101,910 99,460 93,995 80,615 72,925 72,085 8,925 August 2006 116,475 189,220 123,920 100,705 98,290 93,165 79,900 72,450 71,405 8,720 September 2006 117,550 185,930 122,450 99,820 97,715 92,920 79,655 72,110 71,305 8,685 October 2006 113,685 178,145 120,080 98,020 96,255 91,970 79,220 71,765 70,995 8,700 November 2006 110,450 172,785 119,320 97,280 95,810 91,530 78,960 71,810 70,770 8,865 December 2006 110,185 172,015 120,645 97,340 95,855 92,070 79,665 71,835 70,560 8,900 January 2007 113,680 181,495 125,975 101,280 99,795 96,105 83,775 75,355 73,600 9,610 February 2007 119,515 186 ,600 127,655 101,090 99,495 95,985 83,650 74,720 72,650 9,345 March 2007 118,140 183,260 125,760 98,635 97,350 94,130 81,590 73,155 71,065 9,000 April 2007 110,725 173,770 121,300 94,695 94,030 91,165 79,595 71,570 69,280 8,640 1017W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1018W

Table 1: Number of persons claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance by age group Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged 60 Under 20 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 and over

May 2007 105,675 167,685 117,865 91,810 91,150 88,605 77,595 70,040 66,795 8,265 June 2007 98,840 162,255 114,240 88,385 83,120 85,640 75,015 67,625 64,230 7,710 July 2007 98,855 168,285 114,180 87,345 86,580 84,325 73,665 66,570 63,190 7,515 August 2007 99,175 173,010 115,315 87,080 85,940 83,520 73,560 66,115 62,475 7,365 September 2007 99,420 165,155 110,970 83,650 83,735 81,075 71,690 63,500 59,660 6,750 October 2007 94,850 155,500 107,725 81,305 81,865 79,540 70,475 62,315 58,060 6,830 November 2007 91,070 150,110 106,415 80,135 81,025 78,900 70,210 61,305 56,740 6,880 December 2007 91,750 151,540 108,565 80,965 81,700 79,670 70,565 60,555 55,220 6,890 January 2008 93,635 160,805 114,515 84,655 85,665 84,455 74,805 63,800 57,900 7,570 February 2008 100,330 168,810 117,150 85,550 86,420 84,650 75,190 63,660 56,715 7,420 March 2008 100,255 168,130 116,135 84,755 85,560 84,100 74,785 63,005 55,770 7,240 April 2008 96,705 164,620 115,355 84,460 85,395 84,320 75,115 63,460 55,800 7,255 May 2008 94,330 162,900 115,285 84,275 85,400 84,540 75,455 63,780 55,680 7,230 June 2008 91,725 164,995 116,385 84,445 85,440 84,945 75,970 63,745 55,935 7,235 July 2008 90,200 179,845 121,420 87,200 87,975 87,070 77,720 65,170 57,450 7,775 August 2008 102,340 196,880 129,365 91,585 91,775 90,505 81,755 68,185 60,080 8,380 September 2008 108,270 198,335 131,540 93,310 94,000 93,055 83,855 69,455 61,105 8,605 October 2008 109,050 198,915 135,690 96,460 97,155 96,680 87,385 72,535 63,750 9,500 November 2008 114,895 213,970 149,120 105,740 106,430 106,220 95,790 79,605 69,815 11,395 December 2008 123,230 232,045 164,125 116,445 116,510 116,850 105,075 86,750 75,440 13,225 January 2009 130,490 256,300 181,630 129,860 130,305 131,630 119,115 98,795 84,550 16,205 February 2009 153,585 298,255 207,820 146,150 146,360 147,720 133,410 110,590 93,220 18,500 March 2009 159,945 309,675 217,255 152,775 152,725 154,235 139,955 115,115 97,220 19,640 April 2009 156,725 310,945 221,145 157,215 157,995 159,960 145,885 119,750 100,720 20,550 May 2009 155,020 307,210 221,805 158,580 160,795 163,490 149,175 121,785 101,605 20,635 June 2009 151,185 305,945 219,735 157,880 159,825 162,735 149,070 121,135 100,670 20,085 July 2009 154,795 322,150 221,435 157,705 159,775 162,695 148,860 120,520 100,245 19,710 August 2009 159,040 338,235 223,955 158,995 160,860 164,110 150,265 121,255 100,720 19,460 September 2009 162,255 332,210 219,845 157,200 160,875 164,465 150,635 120,550 99,010 18,695 October 2009 160,860 324,915 217,240 156,905 160,930 165,000 151,955 121,355 99,365 18,410 Note: Data rounded to nearest 5 Table 2: Proportion of total claimants of Jobseeker’s Allowance by age group Percentage Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged 60 Under 20 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 and over

January 2005 13 20 15 13 12 11 9991 February 2005 14 21 15 13 12 11 9991 March 2005 14 21 15 13 12 11 9991 April 2005 14 21 15 13 12 11 9991 May 2005 14 21 15 13 12 11 9991 June 2005 13 21 15 13 12 11 9991 July 2005 14 22 15 13 12 11 9991 August 2005 14 22 15 13 12 11 9991 September 2005 14 22 15 13 12 11 9991 October 2005 14 22 15 13 12 11 9991 November 2005 14 21 15 13 12 11 10 9 9 1 December 2005 13 21 15 13 12 11 10 9 9 1 January 2006 13 21 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 February 2006 14 22 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 March 2006 14 22 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 April 2006 14 22 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 May 2006 14 21 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 June 2006 14 21 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 July 2006 14 22 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 August 2006 14 23 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 September 2006 14 22 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 October 2006 14 22 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 November 2006 14 21 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 December 2006 14 21 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 January 2007 13 21 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 February 2007 14 22 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 March 2007 14 22 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 April 2007 14 22 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 1019W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1020W

Table 2: Proportion of total claimants of Jobseeker’s Allowance by age group Percentage Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged Aged 60 Under 20 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 and over

May 2007 14 22 15 12 1? 11 10 9 9 1 June 2007 13 22 15 12 12 11 10 9 9 1 July 2007 13 22 15 12 12 11 10 9 8 1 August 2007 13 23 15 12 11 11 10 9 8 1 September 2007 14 23 15 12 12 11 10 9 8 1 October 2007 13 22 15 12 12 11 10 9 8 1 November 2007 13 22 15 12 12 11 10 9 8 1 December 2007 13 22 16 12 12 11 10 9 8 1 January 2008 13 22 16 12 12 12 10 9 8 1 February 2008 13 23 16 11 12 11 10 9 8 1 March 2008 14 23 16 11 12 11 10 9 8 1 April 2008 13 22 16 11 12 11 10 9 8 1 May 2008 13 22 16 11 12 12 10 9 8 1 June 2008 12 22 16 11 12 11 10 9 8 1 July 2008 12 23 16 11 11 11 10 8 7 1 August 2008 13 24 16 11 11 11 10 8 7 1 September 2008 13 24 16 11 11 11 10 8 7 1 October 2008 13 23 16 11 11 11 10 8 7 1 November 2008 12 23 16 11 11 11 10 8 7 1 December 2008 12 23 16 11 11 11 10 8 7 1 January 2009 11 22 16 11 11 11 10 9 7 1 February 2009 12 23 16 11 11 11 10 8 7 1 March 2009 12 23 16 11 11 11 10 8 7 1 April 2009 11 22 16 11 11 11 10 9 7 1 May 2009 11 22 16 11 11 12 11 9 7 1 June 2009 11 22 16 11 11 12 11 0 7 1 July 2009 11 23 16 11 11 12 11 9 7 1 August 2009 11 24 16 11 11 11 10 8 7 1 September 2009 11 23 15 11 11 12 11 8 7 1 October 2009 11 23 15 11 11 12 11 9 7 1 Source: Jobcentre Plus administrative system

Personal Accounts The following table shows the number and percentage of benefit accounts paid into a Post Office card account Mr. Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work (POCA) in the Castle Point constituency in each of the and Pensions (1) whether the costs of establishing the last five years. Benefit accounts will have multiple Personal Accounts Delivery Authority will be met from transactions and may include payment of more than charges made in respect of the proposed personal one state benefit. accounts scheme; [305962] Percentage paid by (2) when she plans to announce her decision on the All POCA POCA (a) level of and (b) mechanisms for making charges in respect of the proposed personal accounts scheme. 2005 4700 16 [305963] 2006 4660 15 2007 4520 14 Angela Eagle: Revenues from membership charges 2008 4320 13 are intended to cover the costs of the scheme, including 2009 4170 12 those being incurred by the Delivery Authority to establish Social Security Benefits the scheme. A decision on the scheme’s charging regime is yet to Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for be made. Work and Pensions what recent estimate she has made of the number of households in England in which all Post Office Card Account: Castle Point resident adults (a) have a child under 16 years and (b) are pregnant women with maternity certificate Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Work MAT-B1 and are in receipt of at least one of income and Pensions how many and what percentage of state support, council tax benefit, housing benefit, benefit payments to residents of Castle Point jobseeker’s allowance, pension credit and income- constituency were paid into Post Office card accounts related employment and support allowance. [305787] in each of the last five years. [307597] Helen Goodman [holding answer 10 December 2009]: Helen Goodman: The figures are not available in the Information on the receipt of income support, format requested. council tax benefit, housing benefit, jobseeker’s allowance, 1021W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1022W and pension credit is not available on a person level Winter Fuel Payments: West Yorkshire basis because these are paid on a benefit unit basis. The most recent estimate available is that there were John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 1,000,000 households in England where all of the benefit and Pensions how many people in West Yorkshire units had children under 16 and were in receipt of at received winter fuel payments in 2008-09. [306577] least one of income support, council tax benefit, housing benefit, jobseeker’s allowance, or pension credit. Angela Eagle: 409,140 individuals in the West Yorkshire Government office region received a winter fuel payment Social Security Benefits: Legal Aid in 2008-09. Notes: Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Work and Pensions what assessment she has made of 2. Local authorities are assigned by matching postcodes against the effects of the availability of legal aid funding on the the relevant ONS postcode directory. ability of people to obtain benefits administered by her Source: Department. [304148] Information Directorate, DWP Jim Knight: Legal aid funding does not impact on Work Capability Assessment eligibility criteria for benefits administered by the Department for Work and Pensions. Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Winter Fuel Payments: Derbyshire and Pensions with reference to the answer of 10 November 2009, Official Report, column 300W, on Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Jobcentre Plus: training, what qualifications and and Pensions how many people in (a) Chesterfield experience Atos Healthcare professionals are required constituency and (b) Derbyshire received winter fuel to have before making medical assessments on payments in 2008-09. [306839] individuals’ fitness for work. [303658]

Angela Eagle: 21,820 people in Chesterfield constituency Jonathan Shaw: The approved health care professionals’ and 175,520 in Derbyshire received a winter fuel payment (HCPs) role is to carry out an assessment of the functional in winter 2008-09. effects of the customer’s disabling condition, and to utilise the information gathered to provide the decision Notes: maker with an impartial and independent assessment. 1. Figures rounded to the nearest ten. Atos doctors must be fully registered with the General 2. Parliamentary constituencies and local authorities are assigned by matching postcodes against the relevant ONS postcode directory. Medical Council without current or previous restrictions, conditions or warnings and hold a licence to practice Source: from the date the GMC issues licences. In addition they DWP Information Directorate 100 per cent. data. must have at least three years post full registration (GMC or EEA—European Economic Area equivalent) Winter Fuel Payments: Leeds experience as a minimum. Alternatively for non EU graduates three years post full registration experience in John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the doctors native country is required. In individual and Pensions how many people in the Leeds city area cases, solely at the discretion of the CMA, the requirements received winter fuel payments in 2008-09. [306580] that no conditions or warnings be attached to registration and that the doctor must have a minimum of three Angela Eagle: 137,580 individuals in Leeds local authority years post registration experience, may be waived. received a winter fuel payment in 2008-09. Atos nurses must be fully registered (level 1) Registered Notes: General Nurses without current or previous restrictions 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. or cautions with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. 2. Local authorities are assigned by matching postcodes against In addition they must have at least three years post full the relevant ONS postcode directory. registration experience. In individual cases, solely at the Source: discretion of the CMA, the requirements that no cautions Information Directorate, DWP be attached to registration and that the nurse must have a minimum of three years post registration experience, John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work may be waived. and Pensions how many people in Leeds West Atos Healthcare HCPs are specifically trained to constituency received winter fuel payments in 2008-09. provide decision making authorities with independent, [306581] accurate and authoritative advice and reports on the effects of disability. Angela Eagle: 14,180 individuals in Leeds, West Initial Training—varies in detail according to which constituency received a winter fuel payment in 2008-09. benefit is involved. However all such training follows a Notes: similar basic pattern, as follows: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Theoretical Training—Theoretical training commences 2. Parliamentary constituencies are assigned by matching postcodes with a trainer-led theory-based course usually delivered against the relevant ONS postcode directory. to a group of trainees in a classroom setting. Trainees Source: who are new to the work of Atos Healthcare will receive Information Directorate, DWP instruction in such areas as disability analysis, customers 1023W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1024W rights, equal opportunities and professional standards. HCPs to carry out assessments. Approval is dependent Detailed technical information relevant to the benefit on strict recruitment criteria, completion of a course of concerned is provided. All Atos health care trainers training in disability assessment medicine approved by have undergone specific training to prepare them for the the CMA and evidence of satisfactory performance. role, including practical sessions to enhance their Minimum experience criteria for recruitment are laid understanding of how adults learn. down both employed and contracted HCPs. Practical Training—Practical Training is the work undertaken by the new recruits that is produced in a controlled environment. For examination centre based FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE assessments the trainee is supervised and appraised by an experienced medical adviser as they complete their Afghanistan: Reconstruction introductory cases. In the domiciliary visit based benefits the initial cases are monitored immediately on return to Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for allow feedback to be given without delay. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Demonstration of understanding assessed by multiple monetary value has been of contracts entered into by choice examination—for incapacity benefit, employment his Department in Afghanistan with (a) Afghan and and support allowance and disability living allowance (b) non-Afghan contractors in each year since 2001. the trainee is required to attain a pass mark in a [305468] multiple choice questionnaire before they are allowed to proceed to the practical training. The questionnaire Mr. Ivan Lewis: The information we have on non-Afghan includes questions on the whole range of topics covered contractors is as follows and covers contracts in Afghanistan in the training course. during the financial years 2008-09 and 2009-10. Demonstration of understanding by audit—In all Comprehensive information on contracts pre-dating this benefits the initial cases produced by the trainee are period could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. target monitored by an experienced medical adviser and Value the training cannot be considered as complete until the Purpose Company Notes (£) HCP has demonstrated that their work is acceptable. Whenever any problems are identified appropriate feedback Intelligence Minimal Risks November 2008— 633,691 is provided. Further cases are monitored until the work Advisers August 2010 Life Support Crown Agents April 2009—March 1,061,888 is shown to be satisfactory. If the situation is not Services 2010 rectified the HCP may be required to repeat the entire Police Mentors ArmorGroup January—March 2009 157,110 training process. Continued lack of progress will result and Advisers (end) in the HCP being offered no further training and no Mobile and ArmorGroup January—December 20,174,588 further work. Static Security 2009 Vehicle ArmorGroup February 2009— 328,079 Approval—All HCPs must be approved by the chief Maintenance February 2010 medical adviser to the DWP and separate approval is Civilian airlift Diplomat Freight April 2008—March 1,934,843 required for each benefit area in which the HCP is Services 2009 involved. Approval is dependent on successful completion Primary Edinburgh January—December 379,543 of all stages of their training process and ongoing Healthcare International 2009 Note: demonstration that the work being carried out meets a The above figures include all current contracts, with figures for the specific satisfactory standard. periods stated in the “Notes” column. Written Guidelines—As part of the trainees training The aforementioned contracts are those that are and ongoing support, HCPs are issued with guidelines administered by the FCO centrally in London. Details pertaining to the benefit involved. These guidance notes of Afghan contractors/contracts run and administered provide specific technical advice about the benefit concerned, locally at our posts in Afghanistan are not held centrally outline best practise and contain general advice about and thus could be obtained only at disproportionate disability analysis and service to the people with disabilities. cost. The assessment carried out is different to the more Bermuda usual type of medical examination in which the HCPs aim is to make a diagnosis and decide on appropriate Mr. Andy Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for treatment. A GP or specialist is not usually trained in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is disability assessment medicine and therefore will often taking to support the government of Bermuda in not have specific experience in assessing the disabling tackling gun crime; and if he will make a statement. effects of medical conditions and the way in which a [305981] customer’s illness or disability affects them in carrying out of a range of everyday work-related activities. As Chris Bryant: Under the Bermuda Constitution, the well as this difference in emphasis within the assessment governor has responsibility for the police. He is working process, the HCP will, when giving an opinion, be aware closely with the Bermuda police service and the Bermuda of the law relating to benefit entitlement. A specialist Government to help the police tackle rising gun crime. on the other hand is less likely to be familiar with the Three overseas police forces have offered their experience law. and advice: a force in Florida, the Federal Bureau of In order to provide independent, accurate and Investigation of the Washington DC area and West authoritative advice and reports it is not necessary for Midlands police in the UK. All three offers have been HCPs to hold specialist registration with the General accepted by Bermuda and will be put to the best possible Medical Council. The DWP chief medical adviser approves use. 1025W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1026W

Bosnia-Herzegovina: Judiciary Chris Bryant: This information is not held centrally, and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost. Mr. Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions his Mr. Vaizey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Department has had with the High Representative in and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department Bosnia-Herzegovina on the future role of international has budgeted for Christmas trees in 2009. [305719] judges and prosecutors in Bosnia-Herzegovina; and what recent representations he has received on the Chris Bryant: This information is not held centrally, matter. [307110] and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost. David Miliband: High Representative Inzko briefed Departmental Carbon Emissions the 18-19 November Peace Implementation Council (PIC) Steering Board on the future role of international Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for judges and prosecutors in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he PIC Steering Board invited him to consider what further has made of the tonnage of carbon dioxide emissions steps could be taken to address the concerns raised in arising as a result of his activities undertaken in an this regard. Officials from my Department have since official capacity in each year since his appointment. been in regular contact on this issue with High [305560] Representative Inzko and his staff. Mr. Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Chris Bryant: The information requested is not held and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he centrally, and could be obtained only at disproportionate has had with his EU counterparts on the continued cost. Since 1999 the Government have published a list presence of the international judges and prosecutors of Cabinet Ministers’ overseas travel over £500 along serving in the War Crimes Chamber of the State Court with the total cost for all ministerial travel. Copies of in Bosnia-Herzegovina; and what the outcomes of lists are available in the Library of the House. All ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance with the those discussions were. [307111] Ministerial Code and all central Government ministerial David Miliband: The continued presence of international and official air travel has been offset from 1 April 2006. judges and prosecutors serving in the War Crimes Chamber The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is of the State Court in Bosnia and Herzegovina was actively seeking to improve the sustainability of its raised at the European Foreign Affairs Council on operations through its “Greening the FCO” programme, 8 December, where I made clear UK support for an whose objective is to ensure that all aspects of FCO extension to their mandate. operations at home and overseas are managed sustainably, and that environmental considerations are at the heart Mr. Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign of the way the FCO is run. and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of recommendations in the 3 December report to Departmental Conferences the UN Security Council by Prosecutor Serge Brammertz on the continued presence of the Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign international judges and prosecutors serving in the War and Commonwealth Affairs which conferences held Crimes Chamber of the State Court in Bosnia- overseas have been attended by civil servants based in Herzegovina. [307112] his Department in the last three years; and what the David Miliband: The Government support the assessment cost to the public purse was of such attendance at each made by International Criminal Tribunal for the former conference. [305864] Yugoslavia Chief Prosecutor Brammertz in his 3 December 2009 report to the UN Security Council on the continued Chris Bryant: This information is not held centrally, presence of the international judges and prosecutors and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost. serving in the War Crimes Chamber of the State Court Departmental Co-ordination in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The Government agree that these judges make an important contribution to the justice system in BiH, and to the ability of the Mr. Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign country to meet its international obligations, and therefore and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to the strongly supports High Representative Inzko’s 14 December answer of 14 August 2008, Official Report, column 2009 decision to extend the mandate of international 125W, on Departmental coordination: Department for judges and prosecutors working in the war crimes International Development, what progress has been department of the Court of BiH. made on his Department’s planned co-location with the Department for International Development in Christmas Abuja; and if he will make a statement. [307169]

David T.C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for David Miliband: In May 2009, when the business case Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many was developed and the amount of their financial Christmas trees were purchased by his Department and contribution formally assessed, the Department for its agencies in each of the last five years; what the cost International Development withdrew from the Foreign was of those trees in each year; from where the trees and Commonwealth Office’s project to construct a new were sourced; what account was taken of the high commission in Abuja and decided to remain in sustainability of the sources of the trees; and by what their existing offices in the city. However, in order to process the trees were disposed of. [305634] provide flexibility, the design of the new mission is 1027W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1028W being taken forward to allow future co-location with Chris Bryant: I refer the hon. Member to the answer the Department for International Development should given to the right hon. Member for Horsham (Mr. Maude) circumstances change. on 6 March 2008, Official Report, column 2791W. Co-location is the preferred option for both the Foreign The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) delegates and Commonwealth Office and the Department for budgets for such equipment to individual internal International Development and each proposal is assessed departments and does not hold a centralised record of on both its financial and non-financial elements with a such purchases. The information could therefore be focus on achieving best value for the Government. provided only at disproportionate cost. Departmental Cost Effectiveness Standard FCO guidance applies to the purchase of plasma television screens. This is based on achieving Dr. Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign value for money. and Commonwealth Affairs what efficiency savings projects (a) his Department and (b) its agencies put in Departmental Energy place under the Operational Efficiency Programme; on what date each such project was initiated; how much each such project was expected to contribute to Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for departmental savings; how much had been saved Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the (a) through each such project on the latest date for which energy rating and (b) energy band of each building figures are available; and if he will make a statement. occupied by his Department and its agencies was in [300923] each year for which figures are available. [305944] Chris Bryant: Building on the Comprehensive Spending Chris Bryant: The energy ratings and bands for Foreign Review 07 (CSR07) programme to deliver £35 billion in and Commonwealth Office buildings are as follows: savings by the end of financial year 2010-11, the Operational Efficiency Programme (OEP) is a key part of the 2008 2009 Government’s drive to achieve greater efficiency savings Rating Band Rating Band across public spending. King Charles Street 92 D 110 E The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is Old Admiralty 103 E 98 D working on its contribution towards the £35billion in Building savings as outlined in its most recent Departmental Lancaster House 71 C 87 D Report and forthcoming Autumn Performance Report. 1 Carlton Gardens 58 C 49 B Despite over £100 million of financial pressures caused Hanslope Park 245 G 155 and G by Sterling’s fall in value, the FCO is working to achieve 619 its OEP contribution through: The Corporate Services Programme, which was launched in Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for December 2008. This is expected to deliver £4 million in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the energy financial benefits in 2010-11. As of November 2009, the Corporate Services Programme had delivered £3.4 million in financial efficiency rating is of each of his Department’s benefits from outsourcing facilities management services, localising buildings in London. [307421] corporate services positions overseas and rationalising corporate services activity in the UK. Chris Bryant: The energy ratings and bands for Foreign Corporate Procurement which is contributing £2 million savings and Commonwealth Office buildings are as follows: in Programme Spend targeted mainly at the daily rates being charged by organisations awarded accountable grants and 2008 2009 £2 million savings through the implementation of the FCO’s Rating Band Rating Band Consultancy Value Programme and Category Management for Consultancy. King Charles Street 92 D 110 E FCO Services (FCOS) which is an independent trading fund. Old Admiralty Building 103 E 98 D In addition to their £6million saving target already agreed for Lancaster House 71 C 87 D CSR07, FCOS will generate an additional £4million in 2010-11 1 Carlton Gardens 58 C 49 B by driving down their costs further and through an increased Hanslope Park 245 G 155 and G dividend. 619 £2.1 million to be found by further driving down of costs. The wider FCO Family is also contributing. The Departmental Internet British Council will deliver £2.6 million in savings in 2010-11 through its Business Transformation programme which began in May 2009. The BBC World Service has David T.C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for made strides in the sharing and outsourcing of back Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what redesigns of office functions, including procurement and will continue websites operated by (a) his Department and (b) its to examine its processes to help produce future savings agencies have taken place since 27 June 2007; and what to contribute £3.3 million. the (i) cost to the public purse and (ii) date of completion of each such redesign was. [306161] Departmental Electronic Equipment

Mr. Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Chris Bryant: The information is as follows: and Commonwealth Affairs how many plasma screen (a) The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) televisions his Department has purchased since 2001; has undertaken two redesigns of its websites since 27 June and what the cost has been of purchasing and installing 2007. Between March and September 2008, the FCO such screens in each such year. [306066] delivered a new FCO web platform, which included 1029W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1030W redesigns of all its 250 websites. Then in October 2009, Departmental Sick Leave the FCO completed a redesign of its main site www.fco.gov.uk. Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State (i) The cost to the public purse of the two redesigns for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many are as follows: days sickness absence were taken by staff in his 2008: It is not possible to break down the costs for the 2008 Department in each of the last 12 months for which redesign because the redesign costs were part of the wider figures are available; and what the cost to his FCO web platform project, which was delivered by Logica. Department was of such absence. [305554] Logica subcontracted elements of the project out (for example, to XM for design, to Alterian for the content management Chris Bryant: For the 12 month period from December system, to Verizon for hosting). The amount Logica paid subcontractors for the design work is commercially protected 2008 to November 2009, a total of 21,628 sick days and not known to the FCO. were taken by UK-based civil servants employed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The estimated cost 2009: In October 2009, the FCO redesigned the FCO corporate site www.fco.gov.uk. The work was completed using in-house of this absence is £1,881,809.59. resources at no additional cost to the public purse. The in-house resources cannot be disaggregated from the ongoing cost of Departmental Standards maintaining the FCO web platform. (ii) Dates of completion are as follows: John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008: Our corporate site www.fco.gov.uk launched on 31 March Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reasons 2008, including with the new design. Our other sites were the decision was made to change the corporate services launched over the summer, with the final one going live on 29 programme from a five- to a three-year programme; September 2008, including with the new design. and if he will make a statement. [305416] 2009: The 2009 redesign of our corporate site www.fco.gov.uk went live on 24 October 2009. Chris Bryant: The corporate services programme has (b) We are not aware of redesigns by our agencies. a key role to play in driving cost savings from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s back office. It was directed to deliver those savings within a three year Departmental Manpower timescale in light of the tight fiscal climate.

Mr. Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for and Commonwealth Affairs what change there has Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many been in the number of locally-engaged staff at each consultants are employed by his Department’s overseas post as a result of budgetary changes since the corporate services programme; and what the cost to withdrawal of the Overseas Price Mechanism; and if he date of employing consultants within the programme will make a statement. [307053] has been. [305417]

David Miliband: Staffing levels at posts take into Chris Bryant: The corporate services programme currently account a number of factors, chiefly operational need, employs 36 staff, of which nine are consultants or affordability and sustainability.Local budgets are devolved specialist contractors. The programme also has a number to heads of post, therefore, the recording of changes to of contracts in place to obtain specialist technical, legal the number of locally engaged staff as a result of the and commercial advice and support. withdrawal of the overseas price mechanism (OPM) The total spend on such external support since October and any subsequent budgetary changes are not held 2008 is £4,382,269. centrally. To provide a breakdown for each overseas The corporate services programme aims to reduce the post spanning the period from the withdrawal of OPM cost of the back office by approximately £24 million to the present could only be obtained at disproportionate year on year from 2011-12. cost. Departmental Taxis Departmental Official Hospitality Ian Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contracts his Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State Department has with private hire taxi companies; and for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much (a) what expenditure his Department has incurred against his Department and (b) its agencies spent on (i) each such contract in each of the last three years. alcohol and (ii) entertainment in the last 12 months. [300831] [305537] Chris Bryant: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Chris Bryant: Spend on alcohol for official entertainment (FCO) currently uses two contracts with private hire was included within the total for entertainment expenditure taxi companies: Addison Lee, covering the London in the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Chipping area; and Raffles Taxis, covering the Milton Keynes Barnet (Mrs. Villiers) on 12 October 2009, Official area. Both contracts are used for both FCO departmental Report, columns 38-39W. Expenditure on official usage, and FCO Services. As FCO Services has been an entertainment is devolved to individual departments independent Trading Fund since 1 April 2008, their and posts and to provide a breakdown for alcohol alone expenditure is recorded and shown separately since could be done only at disproportionate cost. that date. 1031W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1032W

The FCO uses a contracted out service to ensure the Chris Bryant: In recent months, the Foreign and best value for money, and taxi use is verified by directorates. Commonwealth Office has significantly improved its We are working collaboratively with other Government performance in answering named day parliamentary departments to keep future costs down by the use of a questions (PQs) on time. The numbers of such PQs single service provider. Following an in-house review received and answered on time from January 2009 to earlier in 2009 the FCO has taken positive action to Prorogation in November 2009 were as follows. Reliable reduce its taxi costs as demonstrated by the figures for statistics are not available for December 2008. the first seven months of this year. We are continuing to bear down on future costs. PQs answered on PQs received time FCO guidance underlines that all staff should travel by the most appropriate means according to the demands January 66 10 of their job and to ensure maximum efficiency and February 62 17 value for money. Public transport must be used whenever March 66 21 possible. Taxis may be used when there is no other April 29 5 suitable methods of public transport available—e.g. May 40 17 when staff are working late into the night during crises, June 50 28 or travelling to airports at unsociable hours—or where July 45 32 staff are carrying classified material for meetings. September 35 35 October 92 67 £ November 22 19 Raffles Taxis Addison Lee

Financial Year 2007/08 206,563 340,531 Gibraltar: Territorial Waters

Financial Year 2008/09 Sir Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what FCO departmental usage 108,584 386,448 assessment he has made of the status in international FCO Services Trading Fund 195,850 35,089 law of the extent of Gibraltar territorial waters; and if he will make a statement. [306760] Financial Year 2009/10 (spend for 7 months to 31 October 2009) FCO departmental usage 41,011 174,317 Chris Bryant: We are fully confident of the UK’s FCO Services Trading Fund 101,003 30,827 sovereignty over British Gibraltar Territorial Waters.

Departmental Telephone Services Sir Nicholas Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for assessment he has made of the merits of the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many government of Gibraltar’s application to the European telephone lines with the prefix (a) 0870, (b) 0845 and Court of First Instance against Commission Decision (c) 0800 his Department (i) operates and (ii) sponsors; 2009/95/EC updating a list of sites of Community how many calls were received to each number in the importance for the Mediterranean biogeographical last 12 months; and whether alternative numbers region; and if he will make a statement; [306761] charged at the BT local rate are available in each case. (2) what discussions his Department had with (a) [305213] the Gibraltarian government, (b) the Spanish government and (c) the European Commission prior Chris Bryant: None. to Commission Decision 2009/95/EC updating a list of sites of Community importance for the Mediterranean Departmental Training biogeographical region; and if he will make a statement; [306762] Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State (3) what representations he has made to (a) the for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much (a) Gibraltarian government, (b) the Spanish government his Department and (b) its agencies spent on away and (c) the European Commission on Commission days in the last 12 months; and what the (i) subject and Decision 2009/95/EC updating a list of sites of (ii) location of each away day was. [306758] Community importance for the Mediterranean Chris Bryant: This information is not held centrally biogeographical region since the decision was made; as spending on away days is devolved to individual and if he will make a statement; [306763] Departments and posts. Providing a breakdown for (4) what his Department’s policy is on the each one including subject and location for the period government of Gibraltar’s application for the requested could be done only at disproportionate cost. annulment of the Spanish site of Community importance known as Estrecho Oriental; and if he will Departmental Written Questions make it his policy to challenge any new decision by the European Commission adopting an updated list of John Mason: To ask the Secretary of State for such sites which does not recognise the sovereignty of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Gibraltar over its territorial waters. [306764] questions tabled for answer on a named day his Department received in each of the last 12 months; and Chris Bryant: We are fully confident of the United to how many such questions his Department provided Kingdom’s sovereignty over British Gibraltar Territorial a substantive answer on the day named. [305372] Waters (BGTW). 1033W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1034W

The UK has sought and received permission from the would incur disproportionate costs for the Department. European General Court to intervene in support of the In order to provide an accurate answer to the question, Government of Gibraltar’s application for annulment all Foreign and Commonwealth Office staff in Departments of Commission Decision 2009/95/EC updating a list of in London and our 242 posts across the world would sites of Community importance for the Mediterranean need to be contacted and their replies collated, the costs biogeographical region insofar as it relates to the “Estrecho of which would exceed the disproportionate costs threshold Oriental” site. The court has indicated that it will hear as stated in the Cabinet Office’s Guide to Parliamentary admissibility arguments first. Our written intervention Work. on admissibility issues will be submitted to the court in Hotels January 2010 and we cannot comment further on the contents of that intervention at this stage. We fully support the Government of Gibraltar on Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign this issue and remain in close contact with them. We and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department have made representations to both the European spent on hotel accommodation for (a) Ministers, (b) Commission and Spain in order to object to their special advisers and (c) civil servants in each of the last actions on this matter and have placed on record that five years. [305661] the UK does not recognise the validity of the Estrecho Oriental listing. We object that Spain should have sought Chris Bryant: Spend on hotel accommodation is devolved to have an area of BGTW listed and that this listing to individual departments and posts and to provide a should have been approved. The UK is the only state breakdown spanning a period covering five years could competent to propose a Site of Community Importance be done only at disproportionate cost. within BGTW. During the recent negotiations on the Israel latest proposed Decision updating the list of sites in the Mediterranean, the UK voted against the proposal Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for because of the inclusion of the Spanish designation of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Estrecho Oriental. We are considering our options in representations he has made to the government of the event of a new Commission Decision including this Israel on the continued building of illegal settlements. site on its list. [306766] Government Departments: Wine Mr. Ivan Lewis [holding answer 14 December 2009]: David T.C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Settlements, including in East Jerusalem, are illegal and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the an obstacle to peace. We want Israel’s 25 November estimated total value of alcoholic beverages in the 2009 announcement on a settlement moratorium to Government Wine Cellar is; what it was in 2008-09; become a step towards resuming meaningful negotiations how many bottles of (a) wine, (b) beer, (c) spirits and between the Israelis and Palestinians. We continue to (d) other alcoholic beverages are held in the cellar; and call for a full settlement freeze in the West Bank and how many alcoholic beverages from the cellar were East Jerusalem, including so-called ‘natural growth’, in consumed in the last year. [306112] accordance with the responsibilities in the 2003 Roadmap. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has reiterated Chris Bryant: The Government Hospitality wine cellar the UK position to the Israeli Government on several provides for all Government Departments. I refer the occasions, most recently in his telephone conversation hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the with the Israeli Foreign Minister on 25 November 2009. Member for Lincoln (Gillian Merron) to the hon. Member for Bath (Mr. Foster) on 28 April 2009, Official Report, Middle East: Armed Conflict column 1204W. Since then the size of cellar has grown by about 500 bottles, and in value by about £85,000. In Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign the 2008-09 financial year, Government Hospitality and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has used about 14 per cent. of its stock, which is in line with received of (a) the number of (i) rockets and (ii) arms previous years. held by Hezbollah in Lebanon and (b) the number of militia being trained by Hezbollah in Lebanon; and if Hakluyt he will make a statement. [306099]

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Ivan Lewis: The latest report from the UN Secretary Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to General on UN Security Council Resolution 1701 the answer of 5 November 2009, Official Report, highlighted that Hezbollah continues to maintain a columns 1112-13W, on Hakluyt, if he will publish the substantial military capacity distinct from that of the submission made to the Parliamentary Under- Lebanese State, in direct contravention of Security Council Secretary of State setting out (a) the (i) reasons and Resolutions 1559 and 1701. It also makes clear that (ii) justifications for not providing the information Hezbollah have not challenged allegations regarding its requested in Question 296748 and (b) the estimated armament and increased military capability. cost of providing the information requested, required All these reports are available on the UN website at: in accordance with section 7.28 of the Cabinet Office’s Guide to Parliamentary Work. [302820] http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/sgrep09.htm This, combined with statements made by Hassan Nasrallah, David Miliband: My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary General of Hezbollah, suggest that Hezbollah Under-Secretary of State agreed that as the requested has increased its military capacity. However, we lack information was not held centrally, collating the information definitive figures. 1035W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1036W

Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has and Commonwealth Affairs when the Prime Minister made of the effect of the blockade of Gaza on (a) the last asked his Israeli counterpart to end the blockade of level of separation between the Gaza Strip and the Gaza. [306799] West Bank and East Jerusalem, (b) efforts to establish a two-state solution in the Middle East, (c) the security Mr. Ivan Lewis: My right hon. Friend the Prime situation in (i) Israel and the occupied Palestinian Minister reiterated to the Israeli Prime Minister on territory and (ii) the Middle East and (d) the 14 October 2009 the urgent need to permit the flow of likelihood of war in the region. [306774] essential humanitarian aid and reconstruction material into Gaza. Mr. Ivan Lewis: The Gaza conflict and Israeli restrictions on Gaza have reversed earlier economic and social Olympic Games 2012 development gains. These restrictions do not only affect the every day lives of innocent civilians but also increase Mr. Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the challenges in achieving a comprehensive and just Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. We will Department is taking to assist in preparations for the continue to press the Israeli government to ease border London 2012 Olympics. [306686] restrictions in Gaza. We also call on them to reduce the barriers to the movement of people and goods between Chris Bryant: [holding answer 15 December 2009]: the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) will be supporting certain international aspects of the Olympic Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign games and Paralympic games, including looking after and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to his visiting Heads of State and Government and liaising comments on the BBC World at One programme on with countries participating in the games. The FCO 30 December 2008, what assessment he has made of currently has a small team in place, co-ordinating our whether the objectives he has set for the Government’s preparations for the games. Other staff are working on policy in respect of Hamas have been achieved; and London 2012-related projects, including security and what the benefit is of this policy. [306786] protocol issues, and a public diplomacy campaign that seeks to use the games to promote Britain’s image Mr. Ivan Lewis: We continue to believe that it is not abroad. productive to talk to Hamas. The military wing of Hamas is proscribed in the UK as a terrorist organisation: Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe it fires rockets at Israeli civilians and puts ordinary Palestinians in harm’s way. We believe that to talk to Hamas while it continues to use violence would simply Mr. Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for undermine those Palestinians who are committed to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent peace. meetings he has had with representatives from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe; and if he will make a statement. [305276] Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has Chris Bryant: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary received on (a) UK nationals and (b) nationals of met the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in other European countries involved in shooting Europe (OSCE) Secretary-General, Marc Perrin De incidents at the Erez crossing in 2009. [306788] Brichambaut, when he attended the OSCE Informal Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Corfu in June 2009. The Mr. Ivan Lewis: We are aware of two incidents that Secretary-General also met the then Minster for Europe have involved the Israeli Defence Forces firing warning (Caroline Flint), when he visited London in February. shots at EU nationals at the Erez crossing in 2009. One of these incidents involved an official from the British consulate-general in Jerusalem, and the other an official Overseas Territories Consultative Council from another EU consulate-general in Jerusalem. There were no casualties in either incident. We have made our Mr. Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for concerns clear to the Israeli authorities. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the outcomes of the recently-held Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Overseas Territories Consultative Council meeting. and Commonwealth Affairs when he most recently [307379] reviewed the Government’s policy on Gaza. [306790] Chris Bryant: I had open and frank exchanges with Mr. Ivan Lewis: The Government constantly keep the Overseas Territory leaders (except Gibraltar, which their policies under review. The UK continues to be did not attend) at this year’s Overseas Territories gravely concerned regarding the humanitarian situation Consultative Council on a wide range of subjects. We in Gaza, and we urge the Israeli authorities to implement agreed the following in a communiqué issued after the fully UN Security Council Resolution 1860 and reduce meeting: restrictions at the Gaza crossings. We also call on those to continue discussions on the relationship between the UK holding the abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit to and the Overseas Territories; release him without delay. These concerns were clearly to recommit to the principles of good governance; highlighted in the 8 December EU Foreign Affairs that the UK will, where appropriate, assist the Territories to Council Conclusions. meet their international obligations; 1037W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1038W

the importance of respect for human rights and the need to The Chinese responded that safeguard children; “Gedhun Choekyi Nyima is an ordinary Chinese Tibetan to finalise action within Territories to enable extension to all young man and is of good health. At present, he is enjoying a the populated Territories of the International Labour Organisation normal life together with his family and receiving good education. convention 182 on the worst forms of child labour and the The family have repeated many times that they do not want their convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination normal life to be disturbed and that this wish should be sufficiently against women, during the course of 2010; well respected”. the importance of managing public finances so that Territories We will continue to raise this case when appropriate. are better placed to guard against downturns in their economies; the need to review the Overseas Territories borrowing guidelines; Somalia the importance of implementing recommendations from the Foot review of British offshore financial centres; Dr. Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign that the UK will support efforts to tackle crime in the Overseas and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans to send Territories. British personnel to Somalia as part of an EU Security Palestinians Sector Reform mission. [305764] Mr. Ivan Lewis: The UK has no plans to send British Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign personnel into Somalia as part of the EU security and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans to visit sector reform mission. There are ongoing discussions in Gaza. [306792] the EU about the possibility of a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) mission for Somalia to train Mr. Ivan Lewis: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Somali security forces. Secretary has no immediate plans to visit Gaza. If a CSDP mission were to be deployed, the training Palestinians: Human Rights would take place in another country or other countries because of the fragile security situation inside Somalia. The issue is still being considered and a final decision Rob Marris: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign on a possible CSDP mission will be subject to appropriate and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he assessments, consultation and agreement. Any UK received from the organisation Lawyers for Palestinian contribution would be dependent on our available resources Human Rights on 30 March 2009; what consideration and the operational needs identified. he has given to these representations; and if he will make a statement. [304734] Spain: EC Presidency Mr. Ivan Lewis: [holding answer 14 December 2009]: We have received several letters from the organisation Mr. Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Lawyers for Palestinian Human Rights throughout 2009. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment They highlighted human rights concerns including border he has made of Spain’s agenda for its forthcoming restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities in Gaza Presidency of the EU. [307378] and the administrative detention of Palestinian prisoners without charge. Chris Bryant: We understand that the Spanish Prime We take the protection of human rights very seriously. Minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, will announce The UK have consistently pressed the Israeli authorities the formal programme for their presidency on 15 December to ease border restrictions in Gaza and have also urged 2009. However, the Spanish have already said they will them to ensure that their legal processes are in accordance focus on implementing the Lisbon treaty, following up with international law and democratic norms. the Copenhagen summit on climate change, putting in place an economic reform strategy for the next 10 years, Panchen Lama driving progress on jobs and growth, and bringing Europe closer to its citizens. Innovation and equality will also be important themes. We welcome these emphases. Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent information he has obtained in respect of the Trade Unions whereabouts and health of the Panchen Lama. [307032] Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Ivan Lewis: We have consistently raised the case Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his of the Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, in Department is taking to assist the work of trades previous rounds of our regular UK/China Human Rights unions overseas; and if he will make a statement. Dialogues. Most recently I also included his name on a [306469] case list handed to the Chinese authorities during my visit to China in September 2009. In this we asked the Mr. Ivan Lewis [holding answer 10 December 2009]: Chinese to implement the recommendations of the UN We have a strong relationship with the Trade Union Committee on the Rights of the Child report CRC/C/ Congress (TUC) and, through them and through our 15/Add.271 which the UK supports. This stated that overseas missions, we work closely with the trade union China should allow an independent expert to visit Gedhun movement to reach a wide cross-section of civil society Choekyi Nyima to check his living conditions and overseas. Our worldwide network and the TUC’s links well-being and that there are no restrictions on his with trade union movements around the world mean we freedom of movement and that he is free to select a are able to work together on issues of mutual concern, career. such as democracy, human rights and rule of law. 1039W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1040W

Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) ministers Mr. Straw: Information held by the establishment meet formally with senior TUC officials and representatives shows that the costs of reconstruction currently stand three times a year at the Joint Advisory Council to at approximately £818,700 and this is set out in the discuss international issues; the most recent of these attached table. Each item is rounded up to the nearest meetings took place on 3 September 2009, and another £100 or £1,000 for items below and above £1,0000 is planned for January 2010. The TUC and the FCO respectively. have designated official contact points, who meet on a The police investigation is continuing. regular basis to ensure action is taken on recommendations from the Joint Advisory Council meetings. Additionally, Location of costs Costs (£) ad hoc meetings take place to discuss geographical and thematic issues. 1 Four residential wings—replacement glass, 30,000 fire alarm arrangements, H&S equipment, Turks and Caicos Islands: Human Rights etc. 2 Refurbishing the OMU Building—fire 634,000 damage, complete refurbishment. Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign 3 Repairing the gymnasium—Repairs to 20,000 and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has most windows, internal doors, ceiling tiles made of the effects of the recent suspension of human fire damage decoration etc. 4 Healthcare/Reception repairs to windows, 10,000 rights legislation in the Turks and Caicos Islands; and internal doors decoration. if he will make a statement. [307236] 5 Plastics Moulding Workshop—Fire damage 50,000 and redecoration, replacement machinery. Chris Bryant: While parts of the constitution have 6 Maintenance Offices—Repairs to windows, 10,000 been suspended, the fundamental rights and freedoms internal doors, decoration. of the individual are still protected under part 1 of the 7 Potato Pak Building—Totally destroyed by 8,500 Turks and Caicos Constitution Order 2006, which remains fire. 8 Repairing D Wing Annex—Replacement of 10,000 in force. The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Constitution every window pane, some external lights, (Interim Amendment) Order 2009 has removed the decoration etc. constitutional right to trial by jury in certain criminal 9 Costs of redecorating all other workshops, 10,000 cases. redecoration replacement windows. The Order in Council suspending ministerial Government 10 Boarding up buildings. 6,900 11 Compensation to staff and prisoners for 4,300 and the House of Assembly for a period of up to two property. years was brought into force on 14 August 2009. The 12 Other costs 25,000 order left the human rights provisions of the constitution Total: 818,700 in place except for the constitutional right to trial by jury in TCI, which was suspended. This provides the possibility in future of having trials by judge alone in the TCI Supreme Court in appropriate cases. This is Christmas wholly consistent with the European convention on human rights, which does not require trial by jury. A number of countries have criminal trials without a jury David T.C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for and even in the UK there is no right to trial by jury in Justice how many Christmas trees were purchased by every case. his Department and its agencies in each of the last five years; what the cost was of those trees in each year; On suspension of the House of Assembly, the UK from where the trees were sourced; what account was withdrew its acceptance of protocol 1, article 3 of the taken of the sustainability of the sources of the trees; European convention on human rights in respect of the and by what process the trees were disposed of. Turks and Caicos Islands, which requires contracting [305630] parties to hold free elections at reasonable intervals by secret ballot, under conditions which will ensure the free expression of the opinion of the people in the Mr. Wills: Since the Ministry’s creation in May 2007, choice of the legislature. However, this withdrawal is for the following amounts have been spent on Christmas a limited period until reforms have been implemented trees in its headquarters estate, inclusive of VAT and and elections held by July 2011. decorations. The 2008-09 figure includes the purchase With the approval of the Governor, the TCI Advisory of reusable lights. Council and the TCI Human Rights Commission, the right of individual petition, which had previously been Financial year £ accepted in respect of TCI for five years was accepted 2009-10 1,466 on a permanent basis in October. 2008-09 970 2007-08 924

JUSTICE The costs are for three trees, one for each building in the MOJ HQ estate for each year. Ashwell Prison The information for agencies can be gathered only at a disproportionate cost. All four of the Ministry’s agencies Mr. Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (National Offender Management Service; HM Courts how much has been spent on repair and reconstruction Service; Tribunals Service and Office of the Public of HM Prison Ashwell since the riot of April 2009. Guardian) have regionalised structures. Each individual [306524] building orders its own trees and decorations. 1041W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1042W

It would incur disproportionate cost to investigate Prisoners: Suicide where the trees had been sourced, the sustainability of those sources and the process for their disposal. The Mr. Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice decisions on what Christmas trees to purchase are left at how many prisoners committed suicide in each month local management level. of 2009. [306525] The Ministry is committed to sustainable development and improving its environmental performance, including Mr. Straw: The number of self-inflicted deaths in the achievement of key targets to: prison establishments in England and Wales for each

Reduce CO2 emissions by 30 per cent. month of 2009 to date, are as follows: Recycle 75 per cent. of waste Reduce the waste we generate by 25 per cent. and Self-inflicted deaths Reduce water consumption by 25 per cent. January 10 February 4 Courts: Physiotherapists March 4 April 7 Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for May 6 Justice what provisions in rules of court permit June 3 physiotherapists to appear as expert witnesses in cases July 7 involving low-value personal injury claims in road August 5 traffic accidents. [305828] September 2 October 5 Bridget Prentice: There are no specific provisions in November 3 rules of court permitting physiotherapists to appear as December — expert witnesses in cases involving low-value personal Note: injury claims in road traffic accidents. In these claims There are a further five deaths awaiting classification. The National Offender Management Service’s definition of self-inflicted deaths is the court may allow the reasonable costs of obtaining a broader than the legal definition of suicide and includes all deaths medical report and attendance of an expert medical where it appears that a prisoner has acted specifically to take their witness where the expert evidence was reasonably required. own life. This inclusive approach is used in part because inquest verdicts are often not available for some years after a death (some 20 per cent. of these deaths will not receive a suicide or open verdict at Health Services: Channel Islands inquest). Annual numbers may change slightly from time to time as inquest verdicts and other information become available. Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Every death in prison is a tragedy, and affects families, Justice what recent assessment he has made of the staff and other prisoners deeply. Ministers, the Ministry effects on (a) educational institutions and (b) of Justice and the National Offender Management Service businesses in the Isle of Man of the decision of the are committed to learning from each death and to National Health Service to terminate its reciprocal reducing the number of such incidents. Good care and agreement with effect from April 2010; and if he will support from staff save many lives, but such instances make a statement. [306507] go largely unreported. Prisons successfully keep safe in any given month approximately 1,500 prisoners assessed Mr. Wills: No such assessments took place. The to be at particular risk of suicide or self-harm. Deaths Department of Health ended the bilateral agreement in prisons are among the most scrutinised of all incidents with the Channel Islands (including Jersey and Guernsey) and each case is subject to a police investigation and and gave notice on the agreement with the Isle of Man, independent investigation by the Prisons and Probation as it considers that they are out of place considering the Ombudsman. Robust systems are in place for monitoring wide availability of travel insurance, and there is little all deaths and learning from them. robust data to justify the business case and value for The National Offender Management Service has a money for the national health service. broad, integrated and evidence-based prisoner suicide prevention and self-harm management strategy that Pleural Plaques seeks to reduce the distress of all those in prison. This requires proactively identifying prisoners at risk of suicide Chloe Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice and self-harm. The strategy encompasses a wide spectrum when he will provide the response to his Department’s of NOMS and Department of Health work around consultation on supporting people with pleural plaques such issues as mental health, substance misuse and launched in July 2008. [306047] resettlement. Prisoners identified as at risk of suicide or self-harm are cared for using the Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) procedures. Bridget Prentice: The House of Lords decision has raised extremely complex and difficult issues which have required very careful consideration within Government. It has also been important to look beyond Prisoners: Voting Rights the issue of pleural plaques itself to consider how people who have been exposed to asbestos can be Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice supported much more widely. We are actively considering what steps he plans to take in response to the recent all these issues in order to be in a position to publish a Council of Europe Resolution on prisoner voting final response as soon as possible. rights in the UK. [307595] 1043W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1044W

Mr. Wills: The Government note the interim resolution establishment in England and Wales. Responses to the by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers’ survey indicated that a quarter of young men and Deputies in the case of Hirst (No 2). We have recently nearly half of young women had been in care at some completed a two-stage consultation on the voting rights point. of convicted prisoners. We are carefully analysing the responses to the consultation. The Government take their obligations under the European Convention on HEALTH Human Rights seriously. But we must arrive at an Abortion approach which respects the judgment of the Court in Hirst (No 2) while at the same time taking into account Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for the political context and traditions of the United Kingdom. Health what the cost to the NHS was of the abortion procedures undertaken on non-UK residents in Prisons: Visits hospitals and clinics in England in 2008. [306031]

Mr. Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Gillian Merron: There is no cost to the national which prisons in England and Wales allow visits to health service for non-UK residents receiving non- inmates on Christmas Day. [306526] emergency abortions as these will be privately funded. Data for the cost of emergency abortions for non-UK Mr. Straw: Visits do not normally take place on residents is not held centrally. It is important to note Christmas day, Boxing day or Good Friday. Some prisons that emergency abortions are a rare occurrence. may have their own local arrangements where there may Cholesterol be some provision for visits on these days. However, this information is not recorded centrally and could only be Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health obtained by approaching 135 prisons and young offender when his Department’s Prevention Strategy will be institutions across England and Wales. published; and whether it will include reference to cholesterol as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Reintegration Support Scheme [306122] Ann Keen: We have recently published “NHS 2010-2015: Mr. Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice From Good to Great, Preventative, People Centred, what expenditure his Department incurred on its Productive”. A copy of this has been placed in the reintegration support scheme in 2008-09. [303883] Library. As set out in the section on supporting people to stay healthy, we are rolling out NHS health checks, as Mr. Woolas: I have been asked to reply. part of the range of initiatives that are aimed at preventing The cost of the 2008-09 Voluntary Assisted Return heart disease, stroke, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. and Reintegration programmes is currently not available as it is subject to audit. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to encourage people to Written Questions: Government Responses take steps to reduce their cholesterol levels. [306123] Ann Keen: Everyone between the ages of 40-74 will be Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for made aware of their cholesterol levels and told how Justice when he plans to respond to question 301329, they can reduce it through the NHS health check tabled by the hon. Member for South-West programme. It will assess people’s risk of heart disease, Bedfordshire on 19 November 2009, on departmental stroke, kidney disease and diabetes and will support working practices. [305837] people to reduce or manage that risk through individually tailored advice. Mr. Straw: I replied to the hon. Member’s question These checks will be based on straightforward questions on 7 December 2009. I apologise to the hon. Member and measurements such as age, sex, family history, for the delay in replying, but I concluded that the height, weight and blood pressure. They would also original draft answer needed clarification and referred include a simple blood test to measure cholesterol. it back. Diet and exercise are important parts of any strategy Young Offenders: Children in Care to minimise risk factors for heart disease, including cholesterol. Earlier this year we launched the Change4Life Campaign which aims to help everyone to “eat well, David Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for move more and live longer”. Justice what percentage of juveniles imprisoned for breach of (a) bail and (b) statutory orders had Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health previously been looked after in each of the last three how many people in England have high cholesterol years. [305393] rates; and if he will make a statement. [306124]

Maria Eagle: Information on the number of juveniles Ann Keen: According to data from the Quality Outcomes in custody in England and Wales who had previously Framework that is available, approximately 700,000 adults been looked after is not held centrally. in England had a cholesterol in 2008-09 of more than five millimoles per litre. However, a joint Youth Justice Board and HM Inspectorate of Prisons report “Children and Young Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health People in Custody 2008-2009” published on 9 December (1) what recent assessment his Department has made of 2009 reported on a survey of every juvenile prison the effect of high cholesterol on the population; [306125] 1045W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1046W

(2) what recent assessment his Department has made We purchased a smaller tree in Skipton House in of the effect of raised cholesterol on the cardiovascular 2009 saving £418 on the costs incurred in 2008 health of the population; [306126] The following table summarises the number and cost (3) what assessment his Department has made of of all the Christmas trees purchased by the Department raised cholesterol as a cause of disability in England. and its agencies in each of the last five years. [306127] Department of Health

Ann Keen: We know that raised cholesterol levels are Trees purchased Total cost (£) a significant risk factor for all cardiovascular diseases including coronary heart disease and stroke. 2005 1 1,145 2006 1 1,750 Everyone between the ages of 40-74 (who has not been diagnosed with a vascular disease) will be made 2007 2 2,162 aware of their cholesterol levels and told how they can 2008 1 2,903 reduce it through the NHS health check programme. 2009 4 3,235 It will assess people’s risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes and will support people to Medicines and Health Regulatory Authority (MHRA) reduce or manage that risk through individually tailored advice. MHRA does not hold records of any purchases before 2006. Details of Christmas trees purchased since These checks will be based on straightforward questions 2007 are as follows: and measurements such as age, sex, family history, height, weight and blood pressure. They would also Trees purchased Total cost (£) include a simple blood test to measure cholesterol. The Quality and Outcomes Framework of the general 2007 1 2,705.50 practitioner contract includes quality indicators that 2008 1 2,674.00 provide incentives for practices to measure and control 2009 0 0 cholesterol in people who have been diagnosed with The tree purchased in 2007 was provided as part of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. the landlord service charge and we have no records of the source of this tree. The tree purchased in 2008 came Christmas from a sustainable forest and a tree was replanted. When finished with use the tree was collected, shredded David T.C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for and turned into compost. Health how many Christmas trees were purchased by The Purchasing and Supply Agency has not purchased his Department and its agencies in each of the last five any trees. years; what the cost was of those trees in each year; from where the trees were sourced; what account was Chronically Sick taken of the sustainability of the sources of the trees; and by what process the trees were disposed of. [305649] Chris McCafferty: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the scheduled dates are for (a) commencement and (b) completion of the mid-term Phil Hope: The mandatory requirement for Departments review for the National Service Framework for prior to 1 April 2009 was that Christmas trees should be Long-Term Conditions. [306528] procured from legal sources which are preferably sustainable. The requirement since 1 April 2009 is that Christmas Ann Keen: The mid-term review is scheduled to trees must also be purchased from sustainable sources. commence early next year, and be completed by late The Government have developed a set of criteria and a spring 2010. definition of sustainable which can be found on the latest guidance, the ‘Timber Procurement Advice Note (TPAN April 2009). This is available on the Central Departmental Buildings Point of Expertise on Timber website at: www.proforest.net/cpet/files/TPAN Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health All of the trees purchased in 2009 came from a how much his Department spent on works and sustainable source. The costs include the delivery, installation refurbishment to offices allocated to Ministers in his and collection and sustainable disposal for each tree. Department’s buildings in the last 12 months. [305682] For all trees purchased in 2009 new trees are planted. The costs in 2009 represent the purchase of three small Phil Hope: The Department of Health has spent trees for Richmond House to replace artificial trees that £4,890 on works and refurbishment to offices allocated were broken and one large tree in Skipton House at a to Ministers in the last 12 months. cost of £2,485. The cost of the large tree is broken down as follows: Departmental Conferences

£ Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Cost of tree and decoration 1,786 which conferences held overseas have been attended by Collection and disposal 375 officials of his Department in the last three years; and what the cost to the public purse was of such VAT at 15 per cent. 324 attendance at each conference. [305863] 1047W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1048W

Phil Hope: Information about attendance at individual The 2007 clinical guidelines provide guidance on the conferences and the costs of such attendance is not treatment of drug misuse in the United Kingdom. They collected centrally. are based on current evidence and professional consensus on how to provide drug treatment for the majority of Departmental Training patients, including within prisons. The 2007 clinical guidelines do not provide rigid Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health protocols on how clinicians must provide drug treatment how many overseas training courses were attended by for all drug misusers (all drug misusers includes those officials of his Department in the latest period for with low, moderate and severe misuse). Neither does which figures are available; how many such officials this guidance override the individual responsibility of attended each course; and what the total cost to the clinicians to make appropriate decisions in the circumstances public purse was of each course. [305894] of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient (and guardians and carers if appropriate). In instances Phil Hope: Training provided to departmental staff is where clinicians operate outside the framework of this delivered primarily through short (half-day or one-day) guidance, they should be able to demonstrate the rationale training courses, taking place on departmental premises for their decisions. whenever possible. Data held centrally show that only An Independent evaluation of the Integrated Drug in exceptional cases do staff participate in training Treatment System in prisons has been commissioned by outside the United Kingdom. In the past year there has the Department. The independent evaluation began in been one centrally recorded case of overseas training, at 2008 and is timetabled to be completed in 2011. a total cost of £18,000. Any training organised locally by teams is not recorded Drugs: Rehabilitation centrally and would incur disproportionate cost to collect. Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Departmental Written Questions how many (a) adults and (b) children under 18 years old received opiate substitutes or methadone Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health prescriptions in each year since 2000. [305757] how many and what percentage of Parliamentary Questions tabled for written Answer by his Department Gillian Merron: The National Drug Treatment on a named day in session 2008-09 received a Monitoring System (NDTMS) records the number of substantive Answer on that day. [307543] people in specialist drug treatment who are reported as receiving a prescribing intervention. The vast majority Phil Hope: 840 questions were tabled for answer on a of such adults are receiving methadone or buprenorphine. named day, of which 789 (94 per cent.) were answered Of the remainder, some receive other substitute medication on the day specified. and some receive symptomatic treatment in conjunction with psychosocial treatment. NDTMS has recorded Dietary Supplements: Health Hazards data since 2004-05. NDTMS does not record activity by general practitioners who are not specialists in drug treatment who may also prescribe substitute opioids for Lembit Öpik: To ask the Secretary of State for drug misusers. Health how many illnesses attributable to the use of food supplements were recorded in the last 10 years; Data from 2004-05 are presented in the following and if he will make a statement. [307121] table. Data for 2008-09 have been calculated using a new, more accurate methodology.Revised data for previous Gillian Merron: There is no mandatory adverse event years, recalculated to be consistent with the improved reporting system for food supplements, therefore there methodology, will be published early next year. are no central records held of the number of illnesses Individuals1 in drug treatment in England receiving a prescribing intervention attributable to the use of food supplements. (usually alongside other interventions) Number

Drugs: Prisons 2004-05 88,196 2005-06 107,093 Mike Wood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2006-07 118,107 (1) what interventions are used to meet the needs of 2007-08 131,468 (a) low, (b) moderate and (c) severe drug misusers in 2008-092 147,504 1 prisons; and if he will make a statement; [307376] From 2004-05 to 2007-08, data included adults and young people. For 2008-09 the figure includes only adults. (2) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness 2 Methodology changed to count adults only and improve accuracy. Figures for of the Drug Interventions Programme in prisons; and this year are therefore not directly comparable with previous years. if he will make a statement. [307377] In 2007-08, 253 young people in specialist treatment in England were recorded in the National Treatment Phil Hope: The interventions used to meet the range Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA)’s published figures of needs of drug misusers in prisons are clearly outlined (‘Getting to Grips, 2009’) as receiving a pharmacological in “Drug misuse and dependence: UK guidelines on intervention, of which 77 were receiving only this clinical management (Department of Health (England), intervention (the remainder received other interventions the Scottish Government, Welsh Assembly Government in addition). A pharmacological intervention in the and Northern Ireland Executive, 2007)”, a copy of case of a young person will normally be symptomatic which has been placed in the Library. treatment, rather than substitute prescribing. 1049W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1050W

Prior to 2007-08, young people were included in the elective health service treatments handled by North general data above. Young people’s data for 2008-09 West Specialist Commissioning team of the NHS that will be published later this month. have been in operation over the past decade; and if he will make a statement. [300313] Food Standards Agency: Hotels Gillian Merron [holding answer 25 November 2009]: Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health A copy of an agreement between NHS North West how much the Food Standards Agency has spent on Specialist Commissioning team and the Isle of Man hotel accommodation for its officials in each of the last Government has been placed in the Library. Tariffs used are in line with national policy with regard to five years. [306035] payment by result. Gillian Merron: The Food Standards Agency does not separately record expenses on hotel accommodation. Health Services: Leeds The cost of separating hotel expense claims from others would be at disproportionate cost. John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what change there has been in the financial position of Food Standards Agency: Internet (a) primary care trusts and (b) hospital trusts in Leeds in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [306590] David T.C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what redesigns of websites operated by the Ann Keen: The information requested is shown in the Food Standards Agency have taken place since 27 June following table: 2007; and what the (a) cost to the public purse and (b) date of completion of each such redesign was. [306200] £000 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 Q2 Gillian Merron: There have been no redesigns of Annual Annual Forecast websites operated by the Food Standards Agency since Accounts Accounts Outturn Surplus/ Surplus/ Surplus/ 27 June 2007. (Deficit) (Deficit) (Deficit)

Leeds Primary Care Trust 3,312 5,150 5,000 Health Education: Sex (PCT) Leeds Teaching Hospital 3,093 471 0 Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for National Health Service Trust Health what sexual health campaigns (a) directed at Notes: The financial positions of all national health service organisations that report students and (b) in the Greater Manchester area his to the Department are published quarterly on the Department’s website. These Department is undertaking. [305698] publications also include an assessment of the NHS organisations’ performance against the NHS performance framework. This information can be accessed via the following link: Gillian Merron: The Department is currently undertaking www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/ sexual health campaign activity for young people, including PublicationsStatistics/DH_087335 students, in Greater Manchester. Source: The Department of Health. The ‘Any Plans Tonight’campaign will run on billboards in Manchester city centre and on selected bus shelters in Hospitals: Food wards with high rates of under-18 conceptions for two weeks starting on 29 December 2009. The campaign is Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health aimed at 16 to 18-year-olds and aims to remind young what measures his Department has put in place to people of the need to use condoms and contraception assess patient satisfaction with hospital meals. [306672] and promotes local contraception and sexual health services. In addition, the Manchester Metropolitan Ann Keen: The Department is able to measure and University branch of the National Union of Students assess patient satisfaction with hospital meals via the plans to distribute materials for use at their local club Care Quality Commission’s annual national in-patient nights and on the ‘Show a Condom Grab a Gift’ event. survey. At national level the Department works with the This survey asks a sample of patients how they rate National Union of Students in England on an ongoing hospital food, as well as whether they were offered a basis. The Department of Health and the Department choice of food and whether they got enough help from for Children, Schools and Families are currently running staff to eat their meals. Trusts may also conduct their an England-wide joint campaign aimed at young people own patient questionnaires to assess patient satisfaction including students. The first part of this campaign, with hospital meals. which covers contraception choices and is called ‘Contraception. Worth Talking About’, was launched Hospitals: Inspections on 30 November 2009. Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State Health Services: Isle of Man for Health how many hospital inspections were carried out by the Care Quality Commission and its Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for predecessors in each of the last three years; and how Health if he will place in the Library details of (a) many visits to hospital premises were made by arrangements, (b) contracts and (c) tariffs relating to inspectors from the Care Quality Commission and its the commissioning by the Isle of Man Government of predecessors in each of the last three years. [304844] 1051W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1052W

Mr. Mike O’Brien: The Care Quality Commission Leicestershire Primary Care Trust: Diabetes has provided the following information. The information is not available in the format requested. Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Since 1 April 2009, there have been 84 inspections of how much was spent by Leicestershire Primary Care national health service trusts against core standards Trust on (a) diabetes prevention measures, (b) and 74 inspections of non-NHS acute hospitals. In treatment of diabetes and (c) treatment of diabetes- addition, the Commission has completed 186 health related illnesses in each of the last three years. [306342] care associated infection inspections of NHS trusts. Ann Keen: The information is not available in the The total number of inspections of independent health format requested. care providers for the previous three years carried out by the Healthcare Commission were: Estimated expenditure on diabetes for Leicester City Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Leicestershire Number County and Rutland PCT for 2005-06 to 2007-08 is shown in the following table. 2006-07 412 Programme budgeting estimated expenditure on diabetes 2005-06 to 2007-08 2007-08 865 £000 2008-09 402 Note Programme budgeting category 04a diabetes This includes all independent health care providers regulated by Healthcare Expenditure on own Leicester City Teaching Leicestershire County Commission, not all of which are hospitals. population PCT and Rutland PCT

The total number of NHS trusts inspected by the 2005-06 5,672 8,499 Healthcare Commission against core standards were: 2006-07 7,219 10,371 2007-08 8,156 13,618 Number Notes: 1. The programme budgeting data collection is complex. Therefore, expenditure 2007-08 79 figures are best estimates rather than precise measurements. Year on year 2008-09 84 comparisons are not straightforward due to annual refinements to the data Note: collection methodology and changes to underlying data sources. This is not the number of individual visits. Some trusts had more than one visit 2. Diabetes is a subcategory of endocrine, nutritional and metabolic problems. as part of an inspection. Subcategory level data tend to be less robust than main category data as they are smaller categories and are therefore subject to greater variation. The number of health care associated inspections of 3. Figures include expenditure across all sectors. Disease specific expenditure NHS trusts carried out by the Healthcare Commission does not include expenditure on prevention, or GP expenditure, but does include prescribing expenditure. were: 4. Programme budgeting data for 2004-05 to 2007-08 are published on the Department website. 2008-09 expenditure data have been collected and are Number undergoing validation prior to publication. Source: 2007-08 120 Annual PCT programme budgeting financial returns 2008-09 190 Mental Health Services Note: This does not include follow up visits. These figures do not include service reviews, clinical Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for audits, or any of the investigations undertaken by the Health how the new patient right to maximum waiting Healthcare Commission. times proposed for the NHS Constitution will apply to (a) mental health services, (b) consultant-led Hotels community mental health teams, (c) psychological therapies for lower level anxiety and depression and (d) psychological therapies for severe mental illnesses. Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health [305912] how much his Department spent on hotel accommodation for (a) Ministers, (b) special advisers Phil Hope: Much of mental health activity will be and (c) officials of his Department in each of the last outside the scope of 18 weeks. However, where these five years. [305660] services are consultant-led, the 18 week operational standard applies to referrals to mental health services, Phil Hope: Travel by Ministers and civil servants is consultant led community mental health teams, undertaken in accordance with the Ministerial Code psychological therapies for lower level anxiety and and the Civil Service Management Code respectively depression and psychological therapies for severe mental and all expenditure has to be incurred in accordance illnesses. with the principles of managing public money and the Treasury handbook on Regularity and Propriety. Subject to the outcome of “The NHS Constitution: A consultation on new patient rights”, it is intended The amount spent on these expenses is not easily that the right will be applied in the same way as the available and could be obtained only at disproportionate 18 week operational standard. cost. The Cabinet Office publishes an annual list of overseas John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health visits made by Cabinet Ministers costing in excess of what provision for psychotherapy is available under the £500 dating from 1997 onwards. Details on all Health NHS. [306938] Ministers overseas travel for 2008-09 can be found on the Cabinet Office website: Phil Hope: The Improving Access to Psychological www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/propriety_and_ethics/ministers/ Therapies (IAPT) programme aims to improve access travel_gifts.aspx to evidence based psychological therapy for people with 1053W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1054W depression or anxiety disorders, launched in autumn Information is not collected centrally on NHS owned 2009 and currently delivered in 109 primary care trusts land and property that is currently unoccupied. (PCTs), by 2010-11 every PCTs in the country will have Prescription Drugs begun to establish a service. Although the IAPT programme had focused initially Chris McCafferty: To ask the Secretary of State for on cognitive behavioural therapy, the national health Health (1) what recent discussions he has had with service has recently extended a commitment to deliver patient representative groups about generic drug the full range of National Institute for Health and substitution; [306527] Clinical Excellence approved interventions including interpersonal therapy, couples therapy, brief dynamic (2) if he will take steps to prevent pharmacists from therapy, counselling and collaborative care as services automatically substituting prescribed drugs with their develop from 2010-11. generic equivalents until the proposed generic substitution scheme has been introduced. [306529] NHS: Finance Mr. Mike O’Brien: We have received representations Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for from a number of patient representative groups about Health what the assessed value of (a) NHS-owned our proposals to implement generic substitution in England land and property in England was in each of the last but have not met with any in advance of the formal three years and (b) NHS-owned land and property in consultation, due very shortly. England is that is currently unoccupied. [305920] Currently, pharmacists are not able to dispense a generic product where a branded product has been Mr. Mike O’Brien: The information is not collected prescribed and this will remain the position until the in the precise format requested. However, the following generic substitution arrangements are introduced. information is provided. Smoking The value of land and buildings owned by the national health service is published in their annual financial accounts. These data have been collated centrally and Mr. Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for give values for 31 March as: Health how many people have given up smoking through NHS programmes in each of the last three £ million years. [306563] Buildings excluding Assets under Gillian Merron: Information on the number of people Land dwellings Dwellings construction in England who have given up smoking1 in each year

2008-09 8,638 24,616 435 1,731 from 2006-07 to 2008-09 is provided in table 3, of the 2007-08 11,275 25,904 508 1,427 national tables published in “Statistics on NHS Stop 2006-07 10,703 24,350 507 1,391 Smoking Services: England, April 2009 to June 2009 (Q1—Quarterly report)”. The table is replicated as follows. The data are based on that provided electronically to This publication has already been placed in the Library the Department by NHS trusts and primary care trusts and the relevant table is also available on the NHS and manually collated data from the financial accounts Information Centre website at: of foundation trusts. The availability and formatting of www.ic.nhs.uk/webfiles/publications/Health%20 the foundation trust data means that they will not be and%20Lifestyles/sss09q1/Stop_Smoking_Services_England complete. _April_09_June_09_Q1_National_Tables.xls

Table 3: Number setting a quit date, successful quitters1, total spend on smoking cessation services and cost per quitter, quarterly and annually from April 2003, England Number setting a Number of successful Percentage who Total expenditure Cost per quitter quit date quitters successfully quit (£000)2 (£)2

Quarter 1: April to June 2003 68,620 36,573 53 6,360 173.90 2004 104,420 56,192 54 10,114 180.00 2005 145,538 76,495 53 12,155 158.90 2006 137,803 68,901 50 11,813 171.45 2007 171,192 86,781 51 13,173 151.79 2008 149,395 73,361 49 15,739 214.55 2009 163,946 79,351 48 20,450 257.72

Quarter 2: July to September 2003 67,075 35,968 54 8,450 234.93 2004 103,969 56,058 54 10,458 186.56 2005 126,367 65,693 52 11,000 167.45 2006 117,003 59,967 51 11,541 192.45 2007 179,302 89,496 50 12,886 143.98 2008 143,683 70,912 49 17,050 240.44

Quarter 3: October to December 2003 76,400 43,615 57 9,111 208.90 1055W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1056W

Table 3: Number setting a quit date, successful quitters1, total spend on smoking cessation services and cost per quitter, quarterly and annually from April 2003, England Number setting a Number of successful Percentage who Total expenditure Cost per quitter quit date quitters successfully quit (£000)2 (£)2

2004 109,781 62,121 57 10,587 170.42 2005 122,034 66,690 55 12,920 193.73 2006 119,986 63,659 53 12,616 198.18 2007 136,771 71,517 52 14,793 206.85 2008 139,620 71,846 51 18,852 262.39

Quarter 4: January to March 2003 149,129 88,720 59 12,280 138.42 2004 211,397 123,753 59 15,910 128.56 2005 208,881 120,803 58 15,851 131.21 2006 225,618 127,193 56 15,264 120.00 2007 193,024 103,006 53 19,954 193.72 2008 238,561 120,935 51 22,033 182.19

Annual data 2003-04 361,224 204,876 57 36,201 176.70 2004-05 529,567 298,124 56 47,069 157.88 2005-06 602,820 329,681 55 51,927 157.51 2006-07 600,410 319,720 53 51,234 160.25 2007-08 680,289 350,800 52 60,806 173.34 2008-09 671,259 337,054 50 73,675 218.59 1 A client counted as having successfully quit smoking at the four-week follow-up if he/she has not smoked at all since two weeks after the quit date. 2 These figures exclude expenditure on pharmacotherapies (NRT, bupropin and varenicline). Source: NHS Information Centre, Lifestyle Statistics.

Smoking: Young People Green and White Papers. We were provided with an interim report from PSSRU in November but that was Mr. Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for based on a view of the system when the Green Paper Health what progress has been made in reducing the was published. Our core modelling assumptions have incidence of smoking in the 11 to 15 year old age group changed quite significantly since then as a result of our over the last three years. [306562] stakeholder engagement, responses to our consultation and developments such as the Prime Minister’s Gillian Merron: Information is not available in the announcement on free personal care. The report is format requested. therefore only part of the story and we have come to the conclusion that to publish it now could be unhelpful to Information on the incidence of smoking among the wider debate on the future of care and support. young people (defined as regular smokers, occasional smokers and current smokers) is contained within table The whole methodology of the interim report was 2.1 of ‘Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use among Young published in July on the PSSRU’s website at: People in England in 2008’. Information is provided by www.pssru.ac.uk/pdf/dp2644.pdf gender and includes the years 2006, 2007 and 2008. The top level costs and benefits are in the impact This publication has been placed in the Library and assessment published with the Green Paper and available is also available on the NHS Information Centre website on the big care debate website at: at: http://careandsupport.direct.gov.uk/greenpaper/the-green- www.ic.nhs.uk/webfiles/publications/sdd08fullreport/ paper-and-supporting-documents/ SDD_England_2008_full_report.pdf PSSRU continue to model the costs and benefits of a Social Security Benefits: Disabled new national care service based on revised assumptions.

Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the models his Department Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State has produced on changing (a) disability benefits and for Health pursuant to the contributions of the (b) attendance allowance. [307693] Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on 8 December 2009, Official Report, column Phil Hope: We have not taken any decisions on whether 154, whether the term (a) equivalent level of support some benefits for older people will be reformed in the and (b) no cash losers are equivalent. [307694] new care and support system. If we do decide to integrate some benefits for older people into the new care and Phil Hope: As we said in the Green Paper, if we do support system, we will provide further details in our reform disability benefits for older people, anyone receiving White Paper next year. an affected benefit at the time of reform would continue We have been working with the personal social services to receive an equivalent level of support and protection. research unit (PSSRU) to provide the modelling and We have confirmed that this means they would not analysis to underpin our policy development for the experience a cash loss as a result of any such reforms. 1057W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1058W

Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State Phil Hope: In the Green Paper “Shaping the Future for Health (1) what effect his policy of no cash losers of Care and Support Together”, we said that Government has on the proposal for reform set out in the must make sure that the money it is spending on care Government’s Social Care Green Paper on Social Care; and support is being used in the most effective way. [307722] However, as a society, we will have to spend more (2) what estimate he has made of the cost to the money on care and support to meet the needs and public purse of the policy of no cash losers. [307723] expectations of people who will need care and support in the future. The Green Paper sets out different ways Phil Hope: We think it is important to provide certainty that this could be achieved. to those people who will be in receipt of disability In addition, we said that there is a case for drawing benefits for older people when we introduce the new some funding streams together to enable us to deliver National Care Service. If disability benefits for older the new and better care and support system we want to people were reformed as part of the National Care create. We think we should consider integrating some Service, those receiving the affected benefits at the time elements of disability benefits for older people, for of reform would continue to receive the same level of example attendance allowance, to create a new offer for cash support. We will give more details about the National individuals with care needs. Care Service offer in our White Paper next year, and We have ruled out any incorporation of disability this will include information on the costs and benefits living allowance for under-65s into the new National of a new care and support system. Care Service.

Social Services Social Services: Public Consultation Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations he has received Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on paragraphs 5.18 and 5.19 of the impact assessment how many Big Care Debate events have been held since for the Personal Care at Home Bill. [305754] the publication of the Green Paper, Shaping the future of care together, in July 2009; in which Parliamentary Phil Hope: To date we have not received any constituencies these events have been held; and which representations on paragraphs 5.18 and 5.19 of the hon. and right hon. Members have been (a) invited to impact assessment of the Personal Care at Home Bill. attend these events and (b) are recorded as having attended these events. [307204] Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health with reference to paragraph 5.28 of the Phil Hope: During the Green Paper consultation impact assessment for the Personal Care at Home Bill, period, the Department organised 80 roadshows for the what estimate he has made of the margin at which an public, and 37 events for stakeholders. They were held individual may run down savings in order to qualify for in the following constituencies: Ashford; Basingstoke; free personal care; and what estimate he has made of Bath; Bedford; Bethnal Green and Bow; Birmingham, the (a) maximum and (b) minimum numbers of Ladywood; Blackpool South; Bognor Regis and people expected to apply for free personal care. Littlehampton; Bournemouth East; Bournemouth West; [305973] Brecon and Radnorshire; Brighton, Pavilion; Bristol East; Carlisle; Cities of London and Westminster; City Phil Hope: Paragraph 5.28 of the impact assessment of York; Crawley; Croydon Central; Darlington; Dartford; discusses the incentive to run down savings in order to Derby South; Dudley South; Ealing, Acton and Shepherd’s qualify for free personal care as one of a range of Bush; Exeter; Harborough; Kingston upon Hull West benefits which may in principle result from the proposals. and Hessle; Lancaster and Wyre; Leeds Central; Leicester As reducing the savings disincentive is not a primary South; Leicester West; Lincoln; Liverpool, Riverside; policy objective of the proposal, an assessment of its Manchester Central; Morley and Rothwell; Newcastle possible scale has not been made. upon Tyne Central; North East Milton Keynes; North The expected number of people who will benefit from Swindon; North West Durham; Northampton South; the Personal Care at Home Bill is shown in Table 2 of Norwich North; Norwich South; Nottingham South; the impact assessment. These figures suggest that an Nuneaton; Oxford West and Abingdon; Peterborough; estimated 110,000 older people and younger adults will Poplar and Canning Town; Reading East; Rugby and become eligible to receive free personal care, above and Kenilworth; Sheffield Central; Sheffield, Attercliffe; beyond those approximately 170,000 people who already Southampton, Itchen; Stoke-on-Trent Central; Stretford receive care for free or the 37,061 people who make a and Urmston; Taunton; Telford; Tunbridge Wells; Tyne means-tested contribution. For the purposes of the Bridge; Vauxhall; and Wolverhampton South West. impact assessment, it has been assumed that 100 per The following hon. and right hon. Members were cent. of those estimated to become eligible will apply invited to attend Big Care Debate stakeholder events for free personal care, since it is likely that those individuals located in the Government Office Region for which they who do not choose to receive free care organised by were responsible as Regional Ministers: the hon. Member their council may choose instead to receive the equivalent for Dudley, North (Mr. Austin); the right hon. Member sum in the form of a personal health budget. for Newcastle upon Tyne, East and Wallsend (Mr. Brown); the hon. Member for Stevenage (Barbara Follett); the Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State right hon. Member for Dulwich and West Norwood for Health what funding streams he has identified for (Tessa Jowell); the right hon. Member for South Dorset the reform of the social care system. [307724] (Jim Knight); the hon. Member for Chatham and Aylesford 1059W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1060W

(Jonathan Shaw); the right hon. Member for Doncaster, Swine Flu Information Line Central (Ms Winterton); and the hon. Member for Number Oldham, East and Saddleworth (Mr. Woolas). August 2009 201,887 We have on record that the Secretary of State for September 2009 92,689 Health, the Minister of State for Care Services and the October 2009 152,604 Regional Minister for Yorkshire and Humber each attended November 2009 158,243 one or more Big Care Debate events. Total 1,380,814 Sunbeds: Research National Pandemic Flu Service Contact type Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Telephone Web Total Health what recent research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the use of July 2009 n/a n/a 613,407 ultraviolet tanning equipment by minors; and if he will August 2009 (1-15) n/a n/a 418,270 make a statement. [306483] August 2009 (16-31) 80,437 73,357 153,794 September 2009 166,820 138,650 305,470 Gillian Merron: The Department has recently October 2009 297,896 211,044 508,940 commissioned, through Cancer Research UK, two large November 2009 238,896 171,496 410,392 face-to-face surveys of sunbed use in over 9,000 children Total 784,049 594,547 2,410,273 aged 11 to 17 in England. The first of these established that 6 per cent. of 11 to 17-year-olds had used a sunbed. We cannot provide a breakdown of the calls made to A letter detailing some of the findings was published in the NPFS before 16 August as the system in place, prior the British Medical Journal on 13 November 2009. to that time, could not do this. Further information on sunbed use by children and Tourette Syndrome young people can be found at: www.comare.org.uk/documents/COMARE13thReport.pdf Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision is made in the training of Swine Flu: Disease Control general practitioners to enable them to recognise and support people with Tourette syndrome; and if he will Mrs. Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Health make a statement. [306532] for what reasons general practitioners are required to provide monthly returns to his Department on swine Ann Keen: The content of curriculum and quality influenza injections giving the (a) date of birth, (b) and standard of training for general practitioners is not diagnostic code and (c) date of injection of each the responsibility of the Department but the responsibility patient; and to what use this information is required. of the appropriate professional regulatory body. [306330] However, the Department is committed to working with the professional regulatory bodies, Royal Colleges Gillian Merron: Monthly data on swine influenza and others to promote high standards of education and (H1N1) vaccinations are collected from all general training to ensure that doctors are equipped with the practitioners in order that the number of people in the up-to-date knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for priority and age groups for vaccination that have been professional practice. vaccinated can be determined and followed through time. These data are important to collect as they allow the CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES progress of the vaccination programme to be monitored and they inform the management of the programme Academies: National Curriculum Tests and planning of any extension to it. Mr. Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Swine Flu: Telephone Services Children, Schools and Families for what reasons academies at which pupils do not take standard John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health assessment tests are included in the statistics for these how many telephone calls have been dealt with by the tests; and if he will make a statement. [306512] swine influenza hotline in each month since it came into operation. [306936] Mr. Coaker [holding answer 14 December 2009]: Academies, like maintained schools, have a responsibility Gillian Merron: The Department collects data on to administer National Curriculum tests at Key Stage 2 telephone calls to both the Swine Flu Information Line as part of their Funding Agreement. It is a requirement and the National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS). The that the results of all schools are published in the Key monthly data for each are provided as follows. Stage 2 tables. Swine Flu Information Line Academies: Sponsorship Number Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for April 2009 14,492 Children, Schools and Families whether a final date for May 2009 128,446 full payment of sponsorship funding is agreed between June 2009 53,755 his Department and the sponsor of each academy July 2009 578,698 school. [306374] 1061W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1062W

Mr. Coaker: There are two types of sponsorship Mr. Coaker: The Department for Children Schools payments for Academies: traditional procurement and and Families does not collect information about the the endowment model. For traditional procurement funding of particular types of space. Academies that sponsorship payments are a contribution However, we know that over the last four years 81 to the capital cost of constructing Academy buildings. new secondary schools have been built with the benefit Under this model, the timing of the receipt of cash of Building Schools for the Future (BSF) funding, at an sponsorship varies from academy to academy and is average cost of £25 million. As each of these schools agreed as part of the Funding Agreement between the will have facilities for teaching practical science totalling Department and the academy. on average 8 to 10 per cent. of the gross floor area, the With the endowment model, sponsors establish an cost of providing science accommodation at all these endowment fund which generates revenue for the Academy schools can be estimated at around £162 million to Company to use to counteract the impact of deprivation £203 million. In the same period, 27 schools have been on the communities they serve. Under this model, receipts refurbished and/or extended with BSF funding and to the Academy Trust are made once the academy has many of these projects are likely to include improvements opened, and is usually over a period of five years. This to science accommodation. is also agreed as part of the Funding Agreement between The aim of BSF, the largest capital investment the Department and the academy. programme for 50 years, is to provide world-class teaching In some instances, under both models, the Department and learning environments across the whole curriculum, has provided sponsors with some flexibility over the including science. The Department does not intend, timing of payments made. These are considered on a therefore, to prioritise school science in future BSF case by case basis but we would expect sponsors to pay rounds. the amounts pledged. The Department is committed to excellent science accommodation, demonstrated by Project Faraday which Antisocial Behaviour has developed exemplar designs for school laboratories to meet the needs of 21st century practical science Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for teaching. These exemplar projects, many of which are Children, Schools and Families how many respect already built, will inform and inspire all those involved zones there have been in each year since 2007; how in BSF. much funding each zone has received in each year; and For more information on Project Faraday see: what funding they can expect to receive in each of the www.teachernet.gov.uk/schoolbuildings/ next three years, broken down by funding stream. [303877] CAFCASS: Complaints

Mr. Coaker [holding answer 3 December 2009]: The Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Respect Programme was a success and most of the Children, Schools and Families what procedures the commitments in the Government’s Respect Action Plan Children and Family Court Advisory and Support have been met or are in train and have been taken into Service has in place for handling complaints received the heart of programmes across Government and in regarding the accuracy of its reports; and if he will local service delivery. make a statement. [305829] The 47 local authorities entitled ‘Respect’ areas no Dawn Primarolo: CAFCASS has a formal complaints longer hold this title but continue to receive funding to procedure, which includes complaints about the accuracy tackle antisocial behaviour, provide parenting programmes of reports. A copy of this procedure has been placed in and deliver Family Intervention Projects, the previous the House Libraries. CAFCASS Cymru operate a parallel requisite elements of being a Respect area. service in Wales on behalf of the Welsh Assembly The funding provided to these areas to continue Government and a copy of their representation and delivery of these elements of the Respect programme complaints procedure can be obtained from CAFCASS for each of the years from 2007 to 2011 is outlined as Cymru. follows: Children: Video Games £ 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Mr. Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what recent research Anti-social behaviour 3,329,719 3,429,719 3,429,719 3,429,719 his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) grant (area based grant) evaluated on the (i) level of access by people under the Family intervention 8,129,474 5,414,998 3,798,051 3,798,051 project (ASB) age of 18 years to video games featuring scenes of Parenting practitioners 2,300,000 2,350,000 2,300,000 2,300,000 violence with an 18-rated classification and (ii) potential effects on the behaviour and development of such people of that access. [303010] Building Schools for the Future Programme Dawn Primarolo: As part of her review of the effects Dr. Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, of the internet and computer games on young people, Schools and Families what proportion of Building Dr Tanya Byron commissioned extensive research into Schools for the Future funding has been spent on how video games impact children. This research looked laboratories for practical science in each of the last four at the issues such as addiction, violence and inappropriate years; and whether he has plans to prioritise school content in games. The research concluded that there is science in the next Building Schools for the Future no clear evidence either way about harmful impact on funding round. [306265] young people in terms of it creating violent behaviour. 1063W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1064W

The UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) services to approximately 5,500 children under five and is taking forward the review’s recommendations, with their families. There are no further centres planned for special emphasis on the impact that online games have this constituency. on children. The Byron review also recognised that more research into games is needed, especially given the Mrs. Maria Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for pace of change in the medium. The Council has established Children, Schools and Families with reference to the an Experts’ Research Panel to look at ways to deepen answer of 12 October 2009, Official Report, column our understanding of the issues. 201W, on children: social services, what the monetary Classification formed an important part of the review value is of the contract met centrally by his and Professor Byron recommended a review of the Department for the Together for Children consortium classification of games and following the review this to provide support for the delivery of Sure Start year we are strengthening the games classification system children’s centres since October 2006. [306634] to extend statutory protection to all material suitable for those aged 12 or over. The recommendations also Dawn Primarolo: Together for Children, a consortium included working with Trading Standards officers on of Serco, Tempus Resourcing Ltd., 4Children and assessing underage sales of video games. Investigating Continyou, was contracted as the Department’s delivery the issue was accepted as a priority by the Executive partner for Sure Start children’s centres in October 2006 Board of UKCCIS and the Council has commissioned to provide support to local authorities to plan and work with local partners to investigate the issue. deliver their children’s centre programmes. The following table gives details of the monetary value of the contract Children’s Centres for each year since its commencement which is met centrally by the Department. John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Total cost (excluding VAT) (£ Children, Schools and Families (1) what his most Financial year million) recent assessment is of the effectiveness of Sure Start children’s centres in reducing child poverty; [306606] 2006/07 3.4 (2) what recent assessment he has made of the 2007/08 6.5 effectiveness of Sure Start children’s centres for low 2008/09 7.2 2009/101 7.5 income families. [306625] 2010/111 3.7 1 Dawn Primarolo: Sure Start children’s centres both Estimated costs on current workplans. improve children’s life chances and help parents into Children’s Centres: Barnsley training and employment. All children’s centres have links with Job Centre Plus, and in 10 local authorities Job Centre Plus advisers are placed full time in children’s Jeff Ennis: To ask the Secretary of State for centres, helping parents on their journey into work. Children, Schools and Families how many people have Children’s centres are improving children’s life chances: children at Sure Start children’s centres in Barnsley evidence shows that three-year-olds in areas with Sure East and Mexborough constituency. [307163] Start Local Programmes displayed above-average levels of social development and positive social behaviour. Dawn Primarolo: There are 19 designated Sure Start Children’s Centres in Barnsley local authority, reaching For more information on the evidence of the benefits just over 12,800 children under five and their families. of Children’s Centres to low income families I refer my Of these, two are in the Barnsley East and Mexborough hon. Friend to the reply given on 10 November 2009, constituency, reaching around 1200 children under five Official Report, column 354W, to my hon. Friend the and their families. Member for Wirral South, (Ben Chapman). Reach defines those children and families with the John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for opportunity to access Sure Start Children’s Centres. Children, Schools and Families (1) what recent Figures for the number of people actually using children’s representations he has received on increasing the centres are not collected centrally. number of Sure Start children’s centres; [306608] (2) how many people use Sure Start children’s Departmental Electronic Equipment centres in Leeds West constituency. [306607] Mr. Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Dawn Primarolo: Local authorities are responsible Children, Schools and Families how many plasma for rolling out Sure Start Children’s Centre programmes screen televisions his Department has purchased since in their areas. We are on track to achieve the national 2001; and what the cost has been of purchasing and target for at least 3,500 centres by March 2010, offering installing such screens in each such year. [306074] access to services for all children under five and their families. Ms Diana R. Johnson: Records show that the Department The Department does not collect information centrally procured 17 plasma screens since 2001. The cost of about the numbers of children and families accessing purchasing and installing these screens (excluding VAT) individual Sure Start Children’s Centres. We expect in each such year was £28,281.75 in 2001; £11,764.01 in local authorities and children’s centres to collect data 2003; £19,134 in 2006 and £15,480 in 2007. on the take up of services as part of their local performance These were mainly purchased to provide a management arrangements. The Leeds West constituency videoconferencing service to the Department’s four sites currently has seven Sure Start Children’s Centres offering and to stream internal content within the Department. 1065W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1066W

Departmental Freedom of Information Departmental Written Questions

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for John Mason: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many requests Children, Schools and Families how many questions under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 his tabled for answer on a named day his Department Department received in 2008; and how many of these received in each of the last 12 months; and to how received a substantive response within 20 days. [305497] many such questions his Department provided a substantive answer on the day named. [305378] Ms Diana R. Johnson: Statistics published by the Ministry of Justice on Freedom of Information in Ms Diana R. Johnson: The information requested is central Government for 2008 show that of a total of in the following table. 554 non-routine requests received by the Department 1 December 2008 to 15 December 2009 inclusive (based on aggregated quarterly data) 88 per cent. (485) Replied to on named received a substantive response within 20 days. 92 per Tabled day cent. (511) of requests were dealt with ‘in time’, that is within 20 days by meeting the deadline or other permitted December 2008 42 20 extension deadline. January 2009 77 42 February 2009 75 34 The statistics can be found on the Ministry of Justice March 2009 83 51 website at: April 2009 65 46 http://www.Justice.gov.uk/publications/ May 2009 71 51 freedomofinformationquarterly.htm June 2009 49 34 and copies are available in the House Libraries. July 2009 15 12 August 2009 n/a n/a Departmental Manpower September 2009 38 31 October 2009 69 46 Mr. Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, November 2009 82 46 Schools and Families how many staff of his December 2009 47 34 Department were in its redeployment pool on 1 (a) January, (b) April, (c) July and (d) October 2009. Central guidance on answering parliamentary questions is now available in the ‘Guide to Parliamentary Work’, [306706] at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/parliamentarv-clerk- Ms Diana R. Johnson: The figures for staff in the guide.aspx Department that were without permanent posts on the dates specified are (a) 11 in January 09, (b) 9in In the response to the Procedure Committee Report on April 09, (c) 12 in July 09 and (d) 22 in October 09. written parliamentary questions, the Government accepted the Committee’s recommendation that Departments be All individuals without permanent posts are actively required to provide the Procedure Committee with sessional engaged in work during this transition period, on either statistics in a standard format on the time taken to key projects or short-term business priorities. These respond to written parliamentary questions, accompanied individuals are known as priority movers and they are by an explanatory memorandum setting out any factors given individual tailored support to find suitable permanent affecting their performance. This will be taken forward posts. as soon as possible.

Departmental Temporary Employment Ecosystem Project

Mr. Djanogly: To ask the Secretary of State for Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much his Children, Schools and Families what recent estimate he Department has spent on employing agency workers in has made of the cost of Becta’s learning resources each of the last five years. [307596] ecosystem project. [305711]

Ms Diana R. Johnson: The DCSF was created on 28 Ms Diana R. Johnson: Becta has allocated £150,000 June 2007. Spend on agency staff since then is set out in for this initiative, which is designed to make it easier for the following table: learners, teachers and parents to access many millions of pounds worth of existing learning content. This will Agency (£) result in efficiency savings by reducing teacher workload, while improving the quality of the learning experience July 2007 to December 2007 333,000 and value for money for schools. January 2008 to December 2008 1,219,000 January 2009 to October 2009 1,263,000 Extracurricular Activities Spend on agency staff is historically higher during the first half of the year due to, in part, to the need to John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for recruit agency staff to work on the school census. This Children, Schools and Families (1) what plans his explains the lower than expected number for the six Department has to support the development of months of 2007. after-school clubs; [306610] 1067W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1068W

(2) what recent estimate he has made of the average Free School Meals: Leeds number of after-school activity clubs in schools in Leeds West constituency; [306613] John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for (3) what his most recent assessment is of the Children, Schools and Families how many (a) primary effectiveness of after-school clubs in reducing levels of and (b) secondary school pupils receive free schools youth crime; [306612] meals in Leeds West constituency. [306615] (4) what his most recent assessment is of the Ms Diana R. Johnson: The requested information is effectiveness of after-school clubs in improving shown in the table, together with the numbers of children academic achievement. [306611] eligible for free school meals. Maintained primary1 and state-funded secondary1, 2 schools: School meal Dawn Primarolo: The Department does not collect arrangements as at January 2009 in Leeds West parliamentary constituency data on the number of after school clubs. However, over Number Number of pupils Percentage £1 billion in funding is being made available to ensure of pupils Percentage known to known to all schools are offering access to the core offer of taking taking be eligible be eligible extended services by 2010. This includes access to a rich free free for free for free Number school school school school and varied menu of before and after school activities on roll3 meals4 meals meals3 meals from 8 am to 6 pm and during school holidays where there is demand. In England, over 19,800 (92 per cent.) Primary1 6,760 1,400 20.7 1,740 25.7 of schools are already providing access to the core offer Secondary1, 3,690 710 19.3 950 25.7 of extended services; the Government expect all maintained 2 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. schools to be doing so by 2010. 2 Includes City Technology colleges and academies. 3 Includes sole and dual (main) registrations. In the constituency of Leeds, West, 30 schools (93 per 4 Number of pupils taking a free school meal on the day of the census. Those cent.) are offering the full range of extended services. eligible may choose not to take up their offer of a free school meal for various reasons e.g. through preference or through non-attendance on the day. The evidence to date points to the positive effect Note: extended services are having on pupil motivation, behaviour, Pupil numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. Source: attendance and disposition to learning. Before and after School Census school clubs not only offer extended learning opportunities but also provide children and young people with the Freud Communications: Public Relations opportunity to participate in diversionary activities which are fun and delivered in an environment which is safe. Mr. Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the monetary value is of the The Department will continue to monitor the communications contract his Department has awarded effectiveness of the policy as it beds in and more data to Freud Communications; which Minister approved becomes available. Previous evaluation from the Full the contract; and if he will place in the Library a copy Service Extended Schools research (Cummings C, Dyson of the contract under which such payments have been A, Muijs D, Papps I, Pearson D, Raffo C, Tiplady L made. [305156] and Todd L 2007 “Evaluation of the Full Service Extended Schools Initiative”), as well as reports by Ofsted (Ofsted, Ms Diana R. Johnson: The contract with Freud 2006 “Extended services in schools and children’s centres”, Communications to deliver the Year of Music, approved Ofsted, 2008, “How well are they doing? The impact of by the Secretary of State, is £1 million across the two Children’s Centres and Extended Schools”) provided financial years 2009-10 and 2010-11. This covers all some qualitative evidence of a positive impact on pupil costs associated with the project with Freud acting as attainment. These were based on case study evidence of the sole agency working with DCSF to delivery this views, perceptions and observations of practitioners initiative. and teachers in the context of individual school case studies. DCSF is aiming to reflect COI’s new (to be standard) measures for assessing the impact of PR activity and so the contract is currently still in draft. A copy of the Free School Meals invitation to tender document against which the contract has been placed in the House Libraries. Homosexuality John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what plans his Department has to extend the provision of free school Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for meals. [306614] Children, Schools and Families what guidance his Department issues to (a) primary and (b) secondary schools on educating pupils on tolerance of Ms Diana R. Johnson: As part of the pre-Budget homosexuality. [305699] report, the Chancellor has announced a phased roll out of free school meals to primary children from low Mr. Coaker: The Department has sent out a strong income families, who are in receipt of work-related message that bullying is not acceptable in our schools, benefits, starting with 50 per cent. of eligible children in making it clear that all forms of bullying, including September 2010, and with full roll out in 2011. He also those motivated by prejudice, must not be tolerated and announced an extension to the universal free school should always incur disciplinary sanctions. Homophobic meal pilots for primary children so that there is a pilot bullying can negatively affect a young person’s attainment in each English region. and future life chances. In order to ensure that schools 1069W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1070W have the most practical and accessible tools at their across the safeguarding system and to provide support disposal to prevent and tackle homophobic bullying, and challenge to local authorities and their partners in the Department published guidance, which gives schools driving up the quality of front-line practice. The unit the knowledge and expertise to tackle homophobic will continue to work with a wide range of partners, bullying. including front-line practitioners and their managers, to The Department’s “Sex and Relationship Education develop further and take forward the priorities, all of Guidance” (2004) issued to all schools makes it clear which are designed to help improve safeguarding practice that schools should teach about all types of relationships and outcomes for children and young people. that exist within society, including homosexual relationships. The grades and associated pay scales of NSDU staff Both primary and secondary schools should address are set out in the following table. the underlying attitudes and values that underpin homophobic bullying as part of a well planned and Number of people in the age-appropriate programme of sex and relationships Grade NSDU at this scale DCSF pay scales1 (£) education (SRE). SCS pay band 1A 1 67,600-128,900 We are issuing revised SRE guidance to schools next SCS pay band 1 2 57,300-90,000 year and it is our intention that the revised guidance Grade 6 6 57,000-67,830 will reinforce this message. Grade 7 7 47,625-56,100 Senior executive 4 35,629-40,062 MyCurriculum officer Higher executive 3 29,571-32,666 officer Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Executive officer 4 24,298-26,715 Children, Schools and Families what recent estimate he 1 Pay scales vary between Government Departments as a result of devolved has made of the cost of the Qualifications and pay bargaining arrangements Curriculum Development Agency’s MyCurriculum initiative. [305712] The work of the unit is overseen by a programme board of senior officials. The unit has submitted two Mr. Iain Wright: There is no cost to the Qualifications progress reports to the DA(FCY) ministerial sub-group and Curriculum Development Agency from the in July and December. Mycurriculum.com initiative, which has been entirely The unit works closely with, and supports, the chief funded from the revenue of the self-funding commercial adviser on the Safety of Children who is due to submit arm of QCDA—the registered company QCA (Enterprises) the first of his annual reports to Parliament by April 2010. Ltd. This is a pilot of an initiative intended to bring The NSDU’s work programme will be published significant benefits to teachers in creating, developing shortly and will include a summary of progress on the and collaborating on learning resources and activities, unit’s work to date. It was decided to postpone the allowing teachers to share best practice. publication of this work programme in order to allow the new head of unit, who took up post on 7 December, National Safeguarding Delivery Unit to be consulted. The delay has not prevented the unit’s work from being taken forward: significant progress has Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for been made, as will be set out in the work programme Children, Schools and Families (1) how often the that will be published. National Safeguarding Delivery Unit has met since it became active on 1 July 2009; what work the Unit has undertaken since it became active; how many times the Pupil Exclusions Unit has reported to (a) the Cabinet sub-committee on families, children and young people and (b) the Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State Children, Schools and Families Select Committee; and for Children, Schools and Families what support is on what dates those reports were made; [307261] provided by local authorities for children who have (2) who is employed on the National Safeguarding been excluded from school as a result of their Tourette Delivery Unit; and at what pay scales; [307262] syndrome; and if he will make a statement. [306531] (3) pursuant to his answer of 6 July 2009, Official Report, columns 594-95W, on the national Ms Diana R. Johnson: School governing bodies have safeguarding delivery unit, for what reasons the a statutory duty to do their best to ensure that the National Safeguarding Delivery Unit’s work necessary provision is made for any pupil who has programme has not yet been published; and when he special educational needs. The Department’s statutory expects it to be published. [307263] guidance on exclusions states that schools should try every practicable means to maintain the pupil in school, Dawn Primarolo: The new cross-Government National including seeking local authority (LA) and other Safeguarding Delivery Unit (NSDU) became operational professional advice and support at “School Action Plus” on 1 July 2009. The NSDU is an operational unit of or, where appropriate, asking the LA to consider carrying 27 staff, co-located in the Department for Children, out a statutory assessment. Schools and Families (DCSF), drawn from the DCSF, During the first five days of a permanent exclusion, the Ministry of Justice, Department of Health, and the LA should arrange to assess the pupil’s needs and Home Office, as well as secondees from local authorities. how to meet them. From the sixth day of a permanent The unit was established to drive forward the exclusion, the LA is statutorily responsible for ensuring implementation of the Government’s response to Lord that suitable full-time education is provided to pupils of Laming, giving strong, co-ordinated national leadership compulsory school age. Tourettes is often treated with a 1071W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1072W combination of drugs and behavioural therapy, and any The Department also promotes to schools the use of educational intervention needs to follow appropriate energy contracts that are consistent with criteria considered local professional advice. value for money by the Office of Government Commerce.

Pupils: Bexley John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what (a) grants and (b) other assistance have been provided to schools in Mr. Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Leeds West to help them reduce their energy bills; and Children, Schools and Families what estimate he has if he will make a statement. [307002] made of the number of pupils in the London borough of Bexley who attended secondary schools in (a) Mr. Coaker: In December 2007 the Department set a Dartford borough, (b) the London borough of requirement to reduce carbon emissions from new school Bromley and (c) the London borough of Greenwich in buildings by 60 per cent. relative to the energy efficiency the last three years. [306898] standards set out in the 2002 Building Regulations. 2 Mr. Coaker: The requested data are set out in the Additional funding (£50/m ) was allocated to following table. approximately 200 secondary schools to help meet this target. The Department has requested that completed Number of pupils1 resident in the London borough of Bexley and attending secondary2 schools in Dartford borough, Bromley and Greenwich. carbon calculations are submitted for each of these 2009 2008 2007 projects so that proposed measures can be monitored and their effectiveness in meeting the target reduction Dartford borough 546 528 577 can be evaluated in future. Currently West Leeds Academy London borough of 612 599 634 is the only school to have completed the carbon calculation Bromley in Leeds, West. The school is therefore eligible to receive London borough of 662 717 711 Greenwich the additional funding. The planned opening date for 1 For 2007 pupils age five to 15. For 2008 and 2009 pupils in national West Leeds Academy is September 2011. curriculum year groups R to 11. The Energy Savings Trust funding database1 contains 2 Secondary school includes maintained secondary schools, academies and CTCs. details of a wide range of funds relevant to local authorities, Source: housing associations and community groups. This School Census searchable database contains details of around 100 funds for energy efficiency improvements, the installation of School Meals: Finance renewable energy and other initiatives to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide. Mr. Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, The Low Carbon Buildings Programme2 (LCBP) also Schools and Families what payments the School Food gives grants for match funding of microgeneration Trust has made to Tetra Strategy in the last 12 months; technologies for schools. Phase 2 of this scheme continues for what purpose; and if he will place in the Library a on from the phase 1 scheme that provided funding to copy of the contract under which such payments have schools from March 2007. Two schools in Leeds, Garforth been made. [305155] Community College and Kippax North Junior and Infants School have benefited from LPCB funding. Ms Diana R. Johnson: The School Food Trust has 1http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/business/Business/ paid Tetra Strategy £5,750 for the provision of desk Resources/Search-for-available-funding research services during the financial year 2009/10. The 2 http://www.lowcarbonbuildingsphase2.org.uk/index.jsp terms of reference will be placed in the House Libraries. Schools: Lancashire Schools: Energy Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for for Children, Schools and Families in how many (a) Children, Schools and Families what advice and primary and (b) secondary schools in East Lancashire assistance his Department provides to schools to 80 per cent. or more pupils are from visible ethnic enable them to reduce their energy use. [306927] minorities. [306338]

Ms Diana R. Johnson: DCSF supports schools in Mr. Coaker: Information on ethnicity of pupils is not reducing their energy in a number of ways. Under available in the form requested. advice from the Department’s Zero Carbon Task Force, DCSF has recently contracted with British Gas to The latest available information on ethnicity of pupils provide display energy meters to all schools that wish to is published at national and local authority level at: have one installed. The meters will enable schools to http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000843/ easily monitor their energy usage, and research shows index.shtml that meters are an effective way of helping users of buildings to manage their energy demands. . Schools: Leeds The display meter offer builds on the Department’s Sustainable Schools framework that has been promoted John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for over a number of years by DCSF and through the Children, Schools and Families (1) how many (a) Government Office network. The framework encourages teachers, (b) teaching assistants and (c) support staff action on energy reduction and provides guidance including were employed in Leeds local education authority top tips on how this can be achieved. schools in each year since 1997; [306594] 1073W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1074W

(2) how many teaching assistants there are in (a) http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000813/ Leeds West constituency and (b) West Yorkshire. SFR262008_Tables_LA20081021-2.xls [306609] In January 2009 there were 320 full-time equivalent teaching assistants in service in local authority maintained Mr. Coaker: The information requested for Leeds schools in Leeds, West constituency and 9,000 in West local authority for January 1997, 2001 to 2009 is published Yorkshire. in tables 19, 25 and 26 of the Statistical First Release Schools: Rural Areas (SFR) “School Workforce in England (including local authority level figures) January 2009 (Revised)”published Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for on 29 September 2009. The SFR is available at the Children, Schools and Families how many rural (a) following web link: primary and (b) secondary schools were opened in http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000874/ each year since 1997. [305060] Tables19to27_Vals.xls The information requested for Leeds local authority Ms Diana R. Johnson: The following table provides for January 1998 to 2000 is published in tables 19, 25 details of the 22 additional new maintained mainstream and 26 of the Statistical First Release (SFR) “School schools that have been established since 2000 and designated Workforce in England (including local authority level as ’rural’ at the time of their establishment. We do not figures) January 2008 (Revised)”published on 25 September have reliable information about decisions made prior to 2008. The SFR is available at the following web link: 2000.

Types 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Total

Phase/ Additional new rural school: Primary 1682111—1—21 Secondary — — 1——————— 1 Sub-total 169211101022

Local authorities are responsible for school place basis, and information for the remaining years can be provision. Where a new school is proposed a statutory provided only at disproportionate cost. process must be followed which is then decided locally Pupils with statements of Special Educational Needs (SEN) resident in each under established decision making arrangements. Ministers local authority area1 in maintained schools2 and non-maintained special schools have no direct role in the process. Number of pupils with a statement of SEN educated outside their resident local authority Schools: Yorkshire and the Humber Resident local authority 2003 2007 2008 2009 John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families (1) what plans he has to A North East rebuild and refurbish (a) primary and (b) secondary 841 Darlington 25 22 19 20 schools in (i) Leeds West constituency, (ii) Leeds City 840 Durham 170 134 118 120 and (iii) West Yorkshire; [306617] 390 Gateshead 104 85 64 52 (2) how many (a) primary and (b) secondary 805 Hartlepool 43 42 31 24 schools in (i) Leeds West constituency and (ii) West 806 Middlesbrough 57 37 34 30 391 Newcastle upon 83 101 84 85 Yorkshire have been rebuilt or refurbished since 1997. Tyne [306618] 392 North Tyneside 46 32 33 28 Mr. Coaker: In July the Department carried out a 929 Northumberland 92 99 89 103 807 Redcar and 98 94 86 81 survey of all local authorities to gather data on how Cleveland capital investment in schools has been spent and plans 393 South Tyneside 33 21 21 30 through to 2011. This data is now being validated and 808 Stockton-on-Tees 67 54 52 48 reconciled with a similar survey that was carried out in 394 Sunderland 66 40 40 47 2007. I will write to my hon. Friend by the end of February 2010 to provide the information requested. B North West Special Educational Needs 889 Blackburn with 69 76 68 67 Darwen Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for 890 Blackpool 66 39 37 33 Children, Schools and Families how many pupils with 350Bolton 69514137 statements of special educational need in each local 351 Bury 84 90 95 89 authority area have been educated in schools outside 875 Cheshire 85 79 84 88 their local authority area of residence in each year 895 Cheshire East3 n/a n/a n/a 308 since 1997. [303586] 896 Cheshire West and n/a n/a n/a 94 Cheshire3 Ms Diana R. Johnson [holding answer 2 December 909 Cumbria 15 20 25 20 2009]: The requested information is shown in the following 876Halton 97816545 table for the years 2003, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Information 340 Knowsley 97 90 85 90 for years prior to 2003 is not available on a comparable 888 Lancashire 318 278 281 282 1075W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1076W

Pupils with statements of Special Educational Needs (SEN) resident in each Pupils with statements of Special Educational Needs (SEN) resident in each local authority area1 in maintained schools2 and non-maintained special schools local authority area1 in maintained schools2 and non-maintained special schools Number of pupils with a statement of SEN Number of pupils with a statement of SEN educated outside their resident local authority educated outside their resident local authority Resident local Resident local authority 2003 2007 2008 2009 authority 2003 2007 2008 2009

341 Liverpool 98 68 59 49 885 Worcestershire 60 95 80 90 352 Manchester 194 222 215 207 353 Oldham 34 25 16 19 G East of England 354 Rochdale 64 69 69 64 3 355 Salford 84 72 74 84 822 Bedford n/a n/a n/a 74 343Sefton 73676262820 Bedfordshire 82 71 77 68 342 St. Helens 64 47 41 40 873 Cambridgeshire 125 112 110 96 356 Stockport 83 81 85 49 823 Central n/a n/a n/a 172 Bedfordshire3 357 Tameside 68 56 51 57 881 Essex 457 283 282 264 358 Trafford 105 103 103 106 919 Hertfordshire 160 183 181 178 877 Warrington 80 72 69 65 359 Wigan 84 69 68 69 821 Luton 147 70 65 53 344 Wirral 64 47 37 34 926 Norfolk 92 77 67 63 874 Peterborough 21 41 39 31 882 Southend-on-Sea 58 75 80 79 D Yorkshire and the Humber 935 Suffolk 82 72 69 72 370 Barnsley 58 61 63 67 883 Thurrock 86 98 106 102 380 Bradford 100 106 126 120 381 Calderdale 27 41 37 37 H London 371 Doncaster 35 48 45 44 A Inner London 811 East Riding of 143 209 201 210 Yorkshire 202 Camden 176 162 154 170 810 Kingston Upon 147 65 76 70 201 City of London 8 12 12 11 Hull, City of 204 Hackney 239 215 198 187 382 Kirklees 67 57 62 59 205 Hammersmith and 152 138 126 108 383 Leeds 74 60 52 53 Fulham 812 North East 47 45 42 43 309 Haringey 156 145 139 130 Lincolnshire 206 Islington 187 177 173 173 813 North 70 43 37 35 Lincolnshire 207 Kensington and 156 160 162 172 Chelsea 815 North Yorkshire 133 125 122 114 208 Lambeth 358 282 263 237 372 Rotherham 35 44 35 29 373 Sheffield 52 54 53 48 209 Lewisham 320 262 243 248 384 Wakefield 53 30 33 28 316 Newham 122 83 81 86 816 York 15 18 19 22 210 Southwark 222 198 196 209 211 Tower Hamlets 124 102 92 80 212 Wandsworth 118 127 129 128 E East Midlands 213 Westminster 183 193 180 190 831 Derby 50 48 51 51 830 Derbyshire 208 272 245 223 856 Leicester 208 207 181 173 B Outer London 855 Leicestershire 314 238 205 192 301 Barking and 147 140 149 143 925 Lincolnshire 100 123 118 110 Dagenham 928 Northamptonshire 96 86 85 88 302 Barnet 226 205 203 200 892 Nottingham 83 67 71 70 303 Bexley 190 196 183 184 891 Nottinghamshire 145 152 150 145 304 Brent 268 244 258 255 857 Rutland 15 20 21 23 305 Bromley 189 185 177 187 306 Croydon 310 364 386 395 F West Midlands 307 Ealing 205 168 149 139 330 Birmingham 162 220 235 262 308 Enfield 227 165 171 158 331 Coventry 35 34 43 39 203 Greenwich 175 141 138 136 332 Dudley 68 89 87 85 310 Harrow 133 133 144 150 884 Herefordshire 26 24 20 13 311Havering90899295 333 Sandwell 129 135 133 121 312 Hillingdon 164 112 120 112 893 Shropshire 154 97 94 90 313 Hounslow 189 219 204 210 334 Solihull 53 85 88 91 314 Kingston upon 79 93 88 86 860 Staffordshire 238 207 193 178 Thames 861 Stoke-on-Trent 243 209 223 229 315 Merton 192 220 207 200 894 Telford and 34 22 21 28 317 Redbridge 138 149 154 171 Wrekin 318 Richmond upon 96 120 118 115 335 Walsall 75 83 91 94 Thames 937 Warwickshire 123 120 121 128 319 Sutton 157 185 172 175 336 Wolverhampton 73 65 66 67 320 Waltham Forest 106 112 122 114 1077W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1078W

Pupils with statements of Special Educational Needs (SEN) resident in each Ms Diana R. Johnson: The requested information is 1 2 local authority area in maintained schools and non-maintained special schools shown in the table. Number of pupils with a statement of SEN educated outside their resident local authority Maintained primary1, State-funded secondary1, 2 and special schools3: Number 4 5 Resident local of pupils with behaviour, emotional and social difficulties —January 2009 in authority 2003 2007 2008 2009 Leeds West parliamentary constituency, West Yorkshire and England Maintained State-funded J South East primary secondary All special

867 Bracknell Forest 157 153 147 161 Leeds West 90 60 40 846 Brighton and 60 41 42 42 West Yorkshire 2,460 3,840 430 Hove England 59,930 82,270 13,240 825 Buckinghamshire 171 190 197 183 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 845 East Sussex 147 140 136 128 2 Includes City Technology colleges and academies. 850 Hampshire 371 350 333 342 3 Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools. Excludes general 921 Isle of Wight 11 6 4 5 hospital schools. 4 Headcount of solely registered pupils only. 886 Kent 208 176 164 157 5 Pupils at School Action Plus and those pupils with a statement of Special 887 Medway 125 121 126 111 Educational Needs provided information on their primary need and, if appropriate, 826 Milton Keynes 64 51 53 48 their secondary need. Information on primary need only is given here. Note: 931 Oxfordshire 58 41 50 41 Pupil numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. 851 Portsmouth 61 64 58 57 Source: 870 Reading 342 309 314 296 School Census 871 Slough 123 100 86 69 Specialised Diplomas: Rural Areas 852 Southampton 42 52 43 50 936 Surrey 223 285 296 313 Mr. Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, 869 West Berkshire 77 80 76 77 Schools and Families how many and what proportion 938 West Sussex 180 176 165 153 of rural secondary schools (a) are offering new 868 Windsor and 129 105 97 111 diploma courses, (b) will offer new diploma courses Maidenhead starting in September 2010 and (c) have joined 872 Wokingham 109 105 103 98 consortia to offer new diploma courses in each of the next four years; and if he will make a statement. K South West [303731] 800 Bath and North 30 29 34 22 East Somerset Mr. Iain Wright: We do not collect information about 837 Bournemouth 129 80 79 91 14-19 delivery at an institutional level. However, from 801 Bristol, City of 161 126 135 124 the Department’s School and College Database, over 908 Cornwall 59 63 65 59 95 per cent. of rural schools are involved in consortia 878 Devon 209 154 132 113 approved to deliver Diplomas from 2010. 835 Dorset 213 193 188 175 Consortia have applied to the fourth Gateway to 916 Gloucestershire 29 39 33 26 offer Diplomas from September 2011 and we will publish 420IslesofScilly0000the results of this process in April 2010. 802 North Somerset 37 29 33 37 879 Plymouth 27 26 21 28 Teachers: Arts 836 Poole 78 52 45 42 933 Somerset 78 81 78 73 Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for 803 South 96 109 117 113 Children, Schools and Families how many (1) places Gloucestershire were available in each region for people to train as 866 Swindon 40 38 37 38 dance teachers in each of the last 10 years; [305774] 880 Torbay 77 61 64 58 865 Wiltshire 171 186 180 172 (2) training places were available in each region for n/a = not applicable (a) music, (b) drama and (c) art teachers in each of 1 Includes pupils with valid postcodes only. the last 10 years. [306032] 2 Includes maintained nursery, primary and secondary schools, CTCs, academies and maintained special schools. 3 Post April 2009 local government reorganisation. Figures for the new local Mr. Coaker: The Department sets national targets for authorities created in April 2009 are not included for years prior to 2009. The initial teacher training (ITT) recruitment. Table 1 shows focus of this PQ is on the provision for Special Educational Needs students in place at the time the figures were collected and it is not relevant to include the number of ITT places in each of the last 10 years. historical figures for the new LAs in this context. This information is not available at regional level. Table 2 shows the number of places allocated to ITT John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for providers (based on the region of the provider) for Children, Schools and Families how many children courses specialising in the requested subjects is shown with emotional, behavioural and social difficulties in the table. This information is only available from there are in (a) Leeds West constituency, (b) West 2003/04 onwards. The sum of the allocation targets may Yorkshire and (c) England. [306624] not be the same as sector level departmental targets.

Table 1: Initial teacher training, number of places1+, 2000/01 to 2009/10, England 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10

Primary 13,100 12,500 14,000 15,200 16,300 15,800 15,300 14,800 17,460 18,050

Secondary 16,615 17,390 17,790 19,475 19,500 18,500 17,500 16,500 19,385 18,120 1079W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1080W

Table 1: Initial teacher training, number of places1+, 2000/01 to 2009/10, England 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10

Secondary by subject: Art 850 850 850 900 880 800 700 600 670 595 Citizenship — — 200 250 250 240 230 220 265 265 English (inc. Drama) 2,160 2,160 2,350 2,350 2,350 2,200 2,040 1,920 2,670 2,535 Geography 1,090 1,175 1,100 985 935 925 850 770 770 715 History 900 900 950 950 910 810 700 600 685 620 Mathematics 1,850 1,940 1,940 2,315 2,350 2,350 2,350 2,350 2,735 2,685 Modern foreign 2,050 2,050 2,050 2,050 2,050 1,900 1,790 1,670 1,670 1,525 languages Music 630 705 700 700 725 690 640 600 690 635 Other2 330 450 300 300 300 290 240 185 325 295 Physical education 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,500 1,500 1,450 1,310 1,180 1,570 1,380 Religious education 665 650 700 700 730 730 695 665 740 695 Science 2,690 2,810 2,850 3,225 3,225 3,225 3,225 3,225 3,615 3,405 Technology 2,000 2,150 2,500 2,850 2,895 2,890 2,730 2,515 2,980 2,770 of which3 Business Studies n/a n/a n/a n/a 760 730 680 600 590 505 Design and Technology n/a n/a n/a n/a 1,085 1,060 1,010 930 1,195 1,150 Information and n/a n/a n/a n/a 1,050 1,100 1,040 985 1,195 1,115 Communications Technology Vocational subjects4 n/a n/a n/a n/a 400 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Margin of flexibility/ 250 350 100 400 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Secondary reserve5 Primary and Secondary 29,715 29,890 31,790 34,675 35,800 34,300 32,800 31,300 36,845 36,170 1 Number of places prior to 2008/09 include school centred ITT but excludes employment based routes ITT (EBITT). Targets for 2008/09 onwards include EBITT, but exclude Teach First. 2 ‘Other’ includes classics, dance, economics, media, performing arts, social sciences and social studies. For 2008/09 onwards also includes diploma subjects. 3 Number of places for individual technology subjects is not available before 2004/05. 4 Places for vocational subjects in 2006/07 onwards are included with the allocation for related academic subject: Science includes places for applied science; design and technology includes both manufacturing and engineering; ICT includes applied ICT; business studies includes applied business; geography includes leisure and tourism; art includes applied art and other includes health and social care. In 2003/04 the margin of flexibility included places for a vocational subjects pilot. In 2004/05 places for vocational subjects were shown separately. 5 The margin of flexibility/secondary reserve constituted places that the TDA could allocate to any secondary subject, to support providers whose baselines would otherwise be below economic levels; to ensure the appropriate denominational balance and to help providers with a high proportion of places in shortage subjects and who therefore had particular uncertainty of income. Source: DCSF Table 2: Initial teacher training, number of allocated places, 2003/04 to 2009/10, by Government office region 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/101

Primary and Secondary ITT courses England 34,740 35,710 35,470 33,720 32,720 32,290 33,030

North East 1,620 1,690 1,740 1,570 1,510 1,530 1,540 North West 6,200 6,270 6,370 6,140 5,960 5,880 5,930 Yorkshire and the Humber 3,890 3,980 3,840 3,530 3,460 3,350 3,260 East Midlands 2,180 2,290 2,160 2,080 2,020 2,030 2,020 West Midlands 3,110 3,260 3,160 3,100 2,970 2,940 3,310 East of England 2,740 2,850 2,800 2,570 2,470 2,390 2,430 London 6,080 6,260 6,350 6,090 5,880 5,740 5,840 South East 4,570 4,650 4,640 4,530 4,460 4,470 4,720 South West 3,770 3,870 3,840 3,770 3,670 3,630 3,650 Non-Regional 590 600 570 340 340 340 350

Secondary ITT courses England 19,480 19,420 19,570 18,390 17,870 17,430 17,300

North East 900 900 950 830 790 810 790 North West 3,490 3,390 3,470 3,380 3,280 3,210 3,170 Yorkshire and the Humber 2,130 2,100 2,040 1,840 1,840 1,740 1,640 East Midlands 1,150 1,140 1,050 1,020 1,010 1,020 950 West Midlands 1,910 1,900 1,880 1,820 1,750 1,740 1,810 East of England 1,480 1,510 1,490 1,340 1,270 1,190 1,140 London 3,220 3,250 3,360 3,220 3,100 2,930 2,940 South East 2,470 2,460 2,480 2,430 2,420 2,400 2,550 South West 2,220 2,270 2,350 2,250 2,140 2,140 2,070 1081W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1082W

Table 2: Initial teacher training, number of allocated places, 2003/04 to 2009/10, by Government office region 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/101

Non-Regional 500 510 500 260 260 250 250

Secondary ITT courses specialising in Dance England 50 90 60 60 60 60 60

NorthEast 0000000 NorthWest 0000000 Yorkshire and the Humber 0000000 East Midlands 0000000 West Midlands 0000000 East of England 0 10 10 10 10 10 10 London 40 40 10 20 20 20 20 South East 0 20 20 20 10 10 10 South West 10 10 10 10 10 20 20 Non-Regional

Secondary ITT courses specialising in Drama England 320 300 140 230 190 190 190

NorthEast 10000000 North West 50 70 0 60 50 60 60 Yorkshire and the Humber 40 40 40 0000 East Midlands 0000000 West Midlands 40 30 20 40 30 30 30 East of England 0000000 London 130 120 40 90 80 60 60 South East 20 20 20 20 10 10 10 South West 30 30 20 30 30 30 30 Non-Regional 0000000

Secondary ITT courses specialising in Music England 720 710 790 720 710 660 610

NorthEast 40403020202020 North West 90 100 120 130 130 130 120 Yorkshire and the Humber 60 60 60 40 40 40 40 East Midlands 10 30 30 30 30 30 20 West Midlands 80 80 70 60 60 60 60 East of England 30 30 40 30 30 30 30 London 150 130 190 180 180 160 150 South East 100 100 110 110 100 90 100 South West 80 80 90 90 80 70 60 Non-Regional 80 60 60 30 30 30 30

Secondary ITT courses specialising in Art (also includes Applied Art) England 990 940 820 700 600 580 540

NorthEast 30203030303030 North West 210 210 170 150 130 130 100 Yorkshire and the Humber 40 30 30 0000 East Midlands 10 10 10 0000 West Midlands 90 80 70 60 50 50 50 East of England 90 80 70 60 50 50 50 London 240 240 210 190 160 150 150 South East 140 130 120 110 90 90 70 South West 150 140 120 110 90 90 80 1083W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1084W

Table 2: Initial teacher training, number of allocated places, 2003/04 to 2009/10, by Government office region 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/101

Non-Regional 0000000 Notes: 1. Number of allocated places include school centred ITT but excludes employment based ITT (EBITT). EBITT places are not allocated at subject level. 2. Places allocated in 2009/10 are provisional and subject to change. 3. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. Source: TDA

Teachers: Training Age Current contracts1 10-11 12-14 15-17 Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what provision is Orders reported for breach 23 1,278 5,844 made in the training of teachers to enable them to recognise and support children with Tourette 2007/08 syndrome. [306530] Orders made 64 3,628 20,078 Orders reported for breach 34 1,609 8,802 Mr. Coaker: Government have invested significant resources in relation to improving training for the school 2008/09 work force in relation to special educational needs. For teachers this includes training resources at both Orders made 38 3,469 19,736 undergraduate and postgraduate level which include Orders reported for breach 20 1,593 8,815 elements addressing Behavioural, Emotional and Social 1 Financial year. Under the current contracts, juveniles are defined as 10-17 year olds Difficulties, which encompasses Tourette Syndrome. The resources have been made available to all Initial Teacher Trainers and support is being provided to enable them Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for to work together to share and improve their practice in Children, Schools and Families how many children this important area. aged between 10 and 17 years old were first-time Furthermore, the national strategies have been funded entrants to the criminal justice system through by DCSF to develop and roll out an Inclusion Development receiving their first caution or conviction in each of the Programme which will deliver specially designed training last 10 years. [306684] resources for the school work force that address areas of SEN that we know some find difficult—the third phase Mr. Coaker [holding answer 14 December 2009]: Live of this covers Behavioural, Emotional and Social Difficulties Police National Computer (PNC) data were first collected (BESD) and is due to be launched in March 2010. in 1995. Between 1997 and 1999 work was ongoing to Young Offenders improve the quality of the data collection on first time entrants (FTE) to the criminal justice system aged 10 to 17 in order to bring them to a standard sufficient to Mr. Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for support the publication of national statistics. Children, Schools and Families how many electronic tag restrictions on children aged (a) 10 or 11, (b) 12 to The first year these data became available for publication 14 and (c) 15 to 17 years old have been (i) issued and was for 2000-01. Data for 2000-09 are published here: (ii) breached in each year since 1997. [302441] http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/STR/d000895/ index.shtml Maria Eagle: I have been asked to reply. The Electronic Monitoring service began in 1999. The information as follows provides data on the number Young People: Alcoholic Drinks of electronic monitoring orders received by the electronic monitoring service providers, for juveniles since 2005. John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for We cannot provide details on how many electronic Children, Schools and Families what steps he plans to orders were received for juveniles in the age groups take to assist schools to encourage responsible alcohol requested. Nor can we provide details on the number of consumption in young people. [306935] breaches. During 1999-2004, the contactors recorded data in a different way and it is not recorded centrally. To obtain this data from the previous contractors could Dawn Primarolo: Revised drug and alcohol guidance only be done at a disproportionate cost. for schools was issued for consultation on 13 November. This new guidance includes a far greater emphasis on Age alcohol and sets clear expectations around both alcohol Current contracts1 10-11 12-14 15-17 education and how schools deal with alcohol-related incidents. It also provides information on further sources 2005/06 of support. Orders made 43 2,808 13,723 We have also announced our intention to make drug Orders reported for breach 12 846 3,825 and alcohol education statutory as part of PSHE education and subject to parliamentary approval. This will ensure 2006/07 all schools provide information and education about Orders made 56 3,538 17,832 alcohol, supported by a clear curriculum. 1085W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1086W

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS From the 2009/10 academic year, this information will be available on the ILR when a unique employer Apprentices: Bexley identifier will have to be provided by all employers of apprentices. We can provide an estimate of the size of employers Mr. Evennett: To ask the Minister of State, that offer and have recruited apprentices from the National Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how Employer Skills Survey (NESS). These data are based many small and medium-sized businesses in the on repeated surveys of around 79,000 employers across London Borough of Bexley are employing apprentices. all business sectors in England. Table 1 shows information [306567] from the published 2007 National Employer Skills survey1 on the number of organisations that had any staff Kevin Brennan: Data on the number and size of the undertaking an apprenticeship in the 12 months prior employers supporting apprentices is not collected via to interview, by size of employer. the individualised leaner record (ILR) and hence the 1http://readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/lsc/National/nat-nessurvey2007 information requested is not currently available. mainreport-may08.pdf accessed on 11 December 2009.

Table 1: Percentage of employers that have recruited an apprentice in the last 12 months (NESS 2007) Number of employees of employer All employers 2-4 5-24 25-99 100-199 200-499 500+

Percentage of employers that 6 4 8 11 15 19 26 have recruited an apprentice over the previous 12 months (NESS 2007)

Apprentices: Finance Information on success rates for South Staffordshire College can be found in the latest Ofsted inspection report at Mr. Benyon: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what http://www.ofsted.gov.uk arrangements his Department has put in place for Information on projected apprenticeship achievements funding for apprenticeships for those aged 19 or more is available at national level only. during the transition period between the winding down Apprenticeship Framework achievements are published of the Learning and Skills Council and the creation of in a quarterly statistical first release (SFR). The latest the Skills Funding Agency. [304321] SFR was published on 22 October 2009 at: http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/sfroct09 Kevin Brennan: The transition of responsibilities from This includes apprenticeship framework achievements the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to the Skills by parliamentary constituency but does not contain Funding Agency’s (SFA) will not have any impact on information at provider level. The next SFR, with final the funding of adult apprenticeships and will not affect data on apprenticeships for 2008/09, is due to be published the work of training providers in delivering apprenticeships on 17 December 2009. in England. The National Apprenticeship Service, which was established earlier this year, will provide continuity Business: Essex in the promotion and delivery of apprenticeships to employers and to young people and adults. Bob Spink: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent Apprentices: Staffordshire estimate he has made of the proportion of businesses in (a) Essex and (b) Castle Point constituency which are involved in manufacturing. [307598] Mr. Jenkins: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how Angela E. Smith: I have been asked to reply. many adult apprenticeships have been completed at the Tamworth campus of South Staffordshire College in The information requested falls within the responsibility each of the last five years; and how many he expects of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority will be completed in (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) 2011. to reply. [304169] Letter from Jil Matheson, dated December 2009: As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Kevin Brennan: Reliable information on apprenticeship recent Parliamentary Question concerning what recent estimate achievements is not available for individual campuses. has made of the proportion of businesses in (a) Essex and (b) Castle Point constituency which are involved in manufacturing. Information on learner numbers at Tamworth and (307598) Lichfield College is available via the College Accounts The table below contains counts of enterprises taken from the at: Inter-departmental Business Register in March 2009. http://www.lsc.gov.uk/providers/pfm/fniancial-support/ 2009 College+Accounts.htm Manufacturing Total Percentage This provides information for Tamworth and Lichfield Essex County 3,730 53,270 7 College in 2007/08 and earlier, before the creation of Castle Point 210 2,765 8 South Staffordshire College. 1087W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1088W

Business: Yorkshire and the Humber (13) how many companies are registered under UK standard industry classification codes for the manufacturing of other non-metallic mineral products John Battle: To ask the Minister of State, in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) Leeds West constituency area; [306130] how many companies are registered under UK Standard Industry Classification codes for public (14) how many companies are registered under UK administration, defence and compulsory social security standard industry classification codes for the in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) manufacturing of rubber and plastic products in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West Leeds West constituency area; [305820] constituency area; [306131] (2) how many companies are registered under UK Standard Industry Classification codes for real estate, (15) how many companies are registered under UK renting and business activities in the (a) West standard industry classification codes for the Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West manufacturing of chemicals, chemical products and man-made fibres in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds constituency area; [305821] City and (c) Leeds West constituency area; [306132] (3) how many companies are registered under UK Standard Industry Classification codes for financial (16) how many companies are registered under UK intermediation in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds standard industry classification codes for the manufacturing of coke, refined petroleum products City and (c) Leeds West constituency area. [305822] and nuclear fuel in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds (4) how many companies are registered under UK City and (c) Leeds West constituency area; [306133] Standard Industry Classification codes for fishing in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds (17) how many companies are registered under UK West constituency area; [306115] standard industry classification codes for the publishing of newspapers in the (a) West Yorkshire, (5) how many companies are registered under UK (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West constituency area; Standard Industry Classification codes for agriculture, [306134] hunting and forestry in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West constituency area; (18) how many companies are registered under UK [306116] standard industry classification codes for the publishing of books in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) (6) how many companies are registered under UK Leeds City and (c) Leeds West constituency area; Standard Industry Classification codes for private [306135] households employing staff and undifferentiated production activities of households for own use in the (19) how many companies are registered under UK (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West standard industry classification codes for publishing, constituency area; [306117] printing and reproduction of recorded media in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West (7) how many companies are registered under UK constituency area; [306136] Standard Industry Classification codes for other community, social and personal service activities in the (20) how many companies are registered under UK (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West standard industry classification codes for pulp, paper constituency area; [306118] and paper products in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) (c) (8) how many companies are registered under UK Leeds City and Leeds West constituency area; Standard Industry Classification codes for health and [306137] social work in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City (21) how many companies are registered under UK and (c) Leeds West constituency area; [306119] standard industry classification codes for wood and wood products in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds (9) how many companies are registered under UK City and (c) Leeds West constituency area; [306138] Standard Industry Classification codes for extra- territorial organisations and bodies in the (a) West (22) how many companies are registered under UK Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West Standard Industry Classification codes for leather and constituency area; [306120] leather products in (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West constituency area; [306139] (10) how many companies are registered under UK Standard Industry Classification codes for education in (23) how many companies are registered under UK the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds Standard Industry Classification codes for West constituency area; [306121] manufacturing of textiles and textile products in (a) (11) how many companies are registered under UK West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West Standard Industry Classification codes for the constituency area; [306140] manufacturing of machinery and equipment not (24) how many companies are registered under UK elsewhere classified in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Standard Industry Classification codes for Leeds City and (c) Leeds West constituency areas; manufacturing of food products and beverages in (a) [306128] West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West (12) how many companies are registered under UK constituency area; [306141] standard industry classification codes for the (25) how many companies are registered under UK manufacturing of basic metals and fabricated metal Standard Industry Classification codes for products in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and manufacturing in (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City (c) Leeds West constituency area; [306129] and (c) Leeds West constituency area; [306142] 1089W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1090W

(26) how many companies are registered under UK Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West Standard Industry Classification codes for hotels in the constituency area; [306184] (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West (37) how many companies are registered under UK constituency area; [306174] Standard Industry Classification codes for the (27) how many companies are registered under UK manufacturing of electrical and optical equipment in Standard Industry Classification codes for hotels and the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds restaurants in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City West constituency area; [306185] and (c) Leeds West constituency area; [306175] (38) how many companies are registered under UK (28) how many companies are registered under UK Standard Industry Classification codes for supporting Standard Industry Classification codes for repair of and auxiliary transport activities: activities of travel personal and household goods in the (a) West agencies in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West (c) Leeds West constituency area; [306186] constituency area; [306176] (29) how many companies are registered under UK (39) how many companies are registered under UK Standard Industry Classification codes for retail trade Standard Industry Classification codes for freight in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) transport by road in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West constituency area; [306187] Leeds West constituency area; [306177] (30) how many companies are registered under UK (40) how many companies are registered under UK Standard Industry Classification codes for wholesale Standard Industry Classification codes for transport, trade and commission trade in the (a) West Yorkshire, storage and communications in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West constituency area; (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West constituency area; [306178] [306188] (31) how many companies are registered under UK (41) how many companies are registered under UK Standard Industry Classification codes for retail sale of Standard Industry Classification codes for bars in the automotive fuel in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West City and (c) Leeds West constituency area; [306179] constituency area; [306189] (32) how many companies are registered under UK (42) how many companies are registered under UK Standard Industry Classification codes for sale, Standard Industry Classification codes for restaurants maintenance and repair of motor vehicles and in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) motorcycles in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City Leeds West constituency area. [306190] and (c) Leeds West constituency area; [306180] (33) how many companies are registered under UK Standard Industry Classification codes for Angela E. Smith: I have been asked to reply. construction in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City The information requested falls within the responsibility and (c) Leeds West constituency area; [306181] of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority (34) how many companies are registered under UK to reply. Standard Industry Classification codes for electricity, Letter from Jil Matheson, dated December 2009: gas and water supply in the (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West constituency area; As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions. [306182] (35) how many companies are registered under UK The estimates in the following table are taken from the Inter- Standard Industry Classification codes for the Departmental Business Register and show the count of companies by requested classification as at March 2008, the latest date for manufacturing not elsewhere classified in the (a) West which estimates are available. All classifications are based on the Yorkshire, (b) Leeds City and (c) Leeds West UK Standard Industry Classification 2003. constituency area; [306183] The table contains counts of companies held on the Inter- (36) how many companies are registered under UK Departmental Business Register. The counts exclude units that Standard Industry Classification codes for the are classified as sole proprietors, partnerships, and businesses manufacturing of transport equipment in the (a) West classified to the non-profit or public sector.

West Yorkshire Metropolitan UK Standard Industrial Classification 2003 County Leeds Leeds West

75 Public Administration and Defence; Compulsory Social 00 0 Security 70-74 Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities 12,565 5,250 315 65-67 Financial Intermediation 645 275 5 05 Fishing 55 0 01-02 Agriculture, Hunting and Forestry 275 90 5 95-97 Private Households Employing Staff and 00 0 Undifferentiated Production Activities of Households for Own Use 90-93 Other Community, Social and Personal Service 1,560 630 30 Activity 85 Health and Social Work 720 245 10 99 Extra-territorial Organisations and Bodies 0 0 0 1091W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1092W

West Yorkshire Metropolitan UK Standard Industrial Classification 2003 County Leeds Leeds West

80 Education 405 140 10 29 Manufacture of Machinery and Equipment Not 460 115 20 Elsewhere Classified 27-28 Manufacture of Basic Metals and Fabricated Metal 875 220 35 Products 26 Manufacture of Other Non-metallic Mineral Products 140 30 5 25 Manufacture of Rubber and Plastic Products 245 50 5 24 Manufacture of Chemicals, Chemical Products and 120 40 5 Man-made Fibres 23 Manufacture of Coke, Refined Petroleum Products and 10 0 0 Nuclear Fuel 2212 Publishing of newspapers 10 0 0 2211 Publishing of books 35 15 0 22 Publishing, Printing and Reproduction of Recorded 595 255 45 Media 21 Manufacture of Pulp, Paper and Paper Products 65 15 0 Publishing and Printing 20 Manufacture of Wood and Wood Products 215 55 10 19 Manufacture of Leather and Leather Products 25 10 0 17 -18 Manufacture of Textiles and Textile Products 370 85 10 15 Manufacture of Food Products, Beverages and Tobacco 145 40 0 15-37 Manufacturing 4,225 1,215 175 5510 Hotels 75 25 0 55 Hotels and Restaurants 1,285 525 40 5271-5274 Repair of Personal and Household Goods 95 30 0 52 Retail 2,865 1,040 70 51 Wholesale Trade and Commission Trade, Except of 2,820 915 85 Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles 5050 Retail sate of automotive fuel 60 15 5 5010-5040 Sale, Maintenance and Repair of Motor 1,050 310 45 Vehicles and Motorcycles 45 Construction 4,410 1,530 170 40-41 Electricity, Gas and Water Supply 10 5 0 36-37 Manufacture Not Elsewhere Classified 490 145 20 34-35 Manufacture of Transport Equipment 115 25 0 30-33 Manufacture of Electrical and Optical Equipment 440 150 15 63 Supporting and Auxiliary Transport Activities; 335 100 10 Activities of Travel Agencies 6024 Freight transport by road 600 155 20 60-64 Transport, Storage and Communications 1,345 420 50 5540 Bars 420 155 15 5530 Restaurants 665 285 15

Competition Commission: Public Relations Construction: Economic Situation

Mr. Hurd: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what payments the Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Minister of State, Department Competition Commission has made to Euro RSCG for Business, Innovation and Skills what his most Apex in each of the last three years; for what purposes; recent assessment is of the effects on the construction and if he will place in the Library a copy of the industry of the recession; and if he will make a contract under which such payments have been made. statement. [305294] [302303] Ian Lucas: According to data published on 3 December Kevin Brennan: The Competition Commission has by the Office for National Statistics, total construction made payments totalling £16,690 to Euro RSCG Apex output in the third quarter of 2009 rose by 2 per cent. over the last three years—£11,867.50 in 2007/08, £3,701.25 compared with the previous quarter. An increase in in 2008/09 and £1,121.25 in 2009/10. The payments repair and maintenance of 10 per cent. over the previous related to strategic communications advice provided to quarter offset a fall in new work of 4 per cent. the CC on specific investigations and for the organisation in general. The advice has been provided under the Information on construction new orders is more volatile, terms of a three year contract which can be terminated but data published on 10 December showed infrastructure by the CC at any point with a month’s notice. The and public non-housing work holding up, with increases contract is subject to the normal considerations of of 46 per cent. and 13 per cent. respectively in the confidentiality regarding a commercial agreement such 12 months to October 2009 when compared with the as this and it would not be appropriate to place a copy previous 12 month period. Overall, new orders were in the Library. 5 per cent. down in the three months to October compared 1093W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1094W to the previous three months, and fell by 19 per cent. in Mr. Hayes: To ask the Minister of State, Department the 12 months to October 2009 compared to the previous for Business, Innovation and Skills what criteria the 12 month period. Learning and Skills Council applies for the selection of participants in its Golden Hello scheme. [304568] Construction: Government Assistance Kevin Brennan: The full eligibility criteria and self Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Minister of State, Department assessment guidance for the Further Education Golden for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Hello Scheme are published each year via the Teachernet Department intends to take to support the website: construction industry in the next two years. [307246] www.teachernet.gov.uk. In summary applicants must meet all of the following Ian Lucas: On 1 December the Department and the key criteria: Office of Government Commerce, HM Treasury, took (a) be directly employed by, and in their second ever year of a major step in appointing Paul Morrell as the Chief teaching in, an eligible FE institution. Construction Adviser. Key tasks for Paul include driving (b) at the time the application is received by the LSC, have a the implementation and further development of best teaching contract for at least one term. value construction procurement; and leading the low carbon construction Innovation and Growth Team which (c) be teaching one or more of the designated shortage subjects. will assess the key barriers to growth in the UK’s low (d) be qualified with or, at the time of application, be undertaking carbon construction sector to ensure the UK industry is and working towards a Diploma to Teach in the Lifelong well placed to serve developing needs and markets. Learning Sector (DTLLS) qualification.

Dietetics Higher Education: Leeds

Mr. Jenkins: To ask the Minister of State, John Battle: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how many Masters of Dietetics degrees were awarded in many people applied for places at universities in Leeds each of the last five years. [307078] for the academic year 2009-10; and how many studied at such universities in 2008-09. [306602] Mr. Lammy: Information on Masters degrees awarded in dietetics is not available and the numbers of Masters Mr. Lammy: The latest figures are shown in the table. qualifiers in Nutrition are given as an alternative in the Each applicant can submit up to five applications, table. except those applying to Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Nutrition is classified as a principal subject in the Science courses who can submit up to four applications. Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student The 2009-10 application numbers cover applicants who Record and includes courses in nutrition and dietetics. applied via the UCAS main scheme by 30 June. Figures for the 2008/09 academic year will be available Comprehensive data on students who studied at higher from HESA in January. education institutions in 2008-09 will become available in January. Figures are therefore provided on accepted Employment Schemes applicants to full-time undergraduate courses via UCAS in 2008-09. Mr. Hayes: To ask the Minister of State, Department Accepted applicants and applications to full-time undergraduate courses for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of Applicants accepted for Applications for entry participants in the Learning and Skills Council’s entry in 2008/09 in 2009/10 Golden Hello scheme his Department estimates have Leeds Metropolitan 7,447 36,860 not completed their training in the last 12 months. University [304567] The University of 7,582 51,694 Leeds Kevin Brennan: The main objective of the Further Leeds Trinity and All 899 4,540 Saints1 Education Golden Hello scheme is to provide an incentive 1 An accredited college of the University of Leeds to improve the retention of teachers in the sector. The Source: scheme’s eligibility criteria do not require teachers to UCAS have completed training at the point of application for or payment of the Golden Hello. Consequently the Higher Education: Qualifications Department does not require the LSC to collect information on completion of training for the purposes of the Mr. Evennett: To ask the Minister of State, scheme. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what Applicants, who must be in their second year of assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the teaching, must show that they either hold or are working targeted allocations provided by the Higher Education towards a Diploma to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Funding Council for England for (a) foundation Sector (DTLLS) qualification. The Further Education degrees, (b) old and historic buildings and (c) Teachers’ Qualifications (England) Regulations 2007 accelerated and intensive provision of postgraduate regulations require those who don’t hold DTLLS as taught subjects in price band D, with specific reference they commence teaching to complete their training to the contribution of each to (i) teaching and learning, within five years, during which time they can be employed (ii) widening participation in higher education and (iii) in a full teaching role. helping re-train people in the recession. [303718] 1095W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1096W

Mr. Lammy: The Department has made no assessment Kevin Brennan: The Office of Fair Trading’s expenditure of the effectiveness of these three targeted allocations. on hotel accommodation for the last three years was as In July HEFCE launched a consultation on the future follows: of these three targeted allocations. That closed on 14 October 2009. At their meeting on 27 November £ 2009, the HEFCE board considered proposals to reduce 2008/09 100,932 or phase out these allocations. Final decisions will be 2007/08 127,005 taken early in the new year, in the light of confirmed 2006/07 88,900 allocations for 2010-11. Expenditure on hotel accommodation was not separately Hospitality Industry: Training recorded in prior years, and it is not therefore possible to produce this information without disproportionate Mr. Ellwood: To ask the Minister of State, cost. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what Travel by civil servants is undertaken in accordance recent progress has been made on the provision of with the “Civil Service Management Code”. skills training for those working in the hospitality industry; and if he will make a statement. [306516] Office of Fair Trading: Training Kevin Brennan [holding answer 14 December 2009]: The Government are working in a number of ways to Mr. Graham Stuart: To ask the Minister of State, support the efforts of the hospitality industry to improve Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how the skills of its workforce. many (a) away days and (b) conferences that took The National Skills Academy (NSA) for Hospitality place outside the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) forms a key part of the sector’s skills strategy, and is buildings attended by civil servants in the OFT there backed by leading sector employers. The NSA provides have been since 2005; and what the cost was of each. the sector with quality assured training programmes to [307455] help to fill skills shortages. A key priority for the sector is to upskill our domestic Kevin Brennan: OFT’s expenditure on conferences workforce to fill vacancies in the sector, and so reduce since 2005 is show in the following table. the sector’s reliance on migration. Crucial to this is the roll out of the Government’s YoungPerson’s Guarantee. £ Hospitality, leisure and tourism is one of the first January 2005 - March 2005 22,445 sectors to benefit from the ‘Routes into Work’ programme, which funds pre-employment training for 18 to 24-year-olds 2005-06 (April-March) 108,562 who have been long-term unemployed, with a guarantee 2006-07 214,221 of a job in the sector. We are also working with the 2007-08 80,495 sector on skills for the ethnic catering industry, where a 2008-09 118,274 review of qualifications is taking place and a long term strategy is being developed to reduce reliance on migration Information on the number of conferences attended, and upskill UK workers. and on away days generally, is not available without disproportionate cost. In addition, the industry’s Sector Skills Council, People 1st, earlier this year received a new licence from Government, following a recommendation for relicensing Older Workers: Vocational Training by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. David Simpson: To ask the Minister of State, Learning and Skills Council for England Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how many and what proportion of people over 55 years old Mr. Oaten: To ask the Minister of State, Department have been assisted in learning new job skills in each of for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the the last three years. [303573] answer of 3 December 2009, Official Report, column 987W, on Learning and Skills Council for England: Kevin Brennan: Data is available from the Labour correspondence, when the review of processes will be Force Survey on self-reported participation in training completed. [306917] related to their current or a job they might be able to do in the future for England. Kevin Brennan [holding answer 14 December 2009]: I can confirm that the review of processes will be completed These estimates will not include everyone obtaining shortly, with a view to implementing any necessary new job skills as some people surveyed may be studying changes early in the new year. for relevant qualifications that they do not personally consider to be job related. Office of Fair Trading: Hotels Table 1 shows the proportion of working age people over 55 years old who say they have participated in Anne Main: To ask the Minister of State, training related to a current or future job in Quarter 2 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how (April to June) for the last three years. Annual estimates much the Office of Fair Trading has spent on hotel are not available as the question is only asked on the accommodation for its officials in each of the last five Labour Force Survey in Quarter 2 and covers only the years. [306041] preceding three months. 1097W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1098W

Table 1: Training for working age people over 55 year-old in England Part of the reduction includes consolidation of the Number reporting being in UK-wide sector skills council (SSC) network, creating a training for a current or future Percentage reporting being in job training for a current or future job better fit with the likely sector boundaries of the future. Government will look to UKCES to work with SSCs to Q2 472,000 12.0 bring forward proposals for this consolidation. As has 2007 been the case with the relicensing of SSCs, we will Q2 500,000 12.8 2008 continue to work closely with the devolved Administrations Q2 501,000 13.0 and other departmental sponsors of the commission, to 2009 ensure that this process takes full account of the impacts Base: on, and priorities of, the whole of the UK. This also 56-59/64 year olds, England ensures that employers are involved in the development Source: Labour Force Survey and ownership of the bodies which emerge from this We also hold information on the number of learners process. that were participating in LSC-funded Further Education. Table 2 shows the number of learners aged 55 or over Regulations: Audit participating in some form of further education. Note that not all of these learners will be learning skills Mr. Brady: To ask the Minister of State, Department relevant to a new job. for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions he has had with the Financial Reporting Table 2: Participation in Further Education of learners aged 55 or over Council on the regulation of audit firms. [306843] Participation for learners aged 55 or over Ian Lucas: This Department regularly has discussions 2005-06 706,800 with the Financial Reporting Council and its operating 2006-07 536,000 bodies about a range of issues, including the regulation 2007-08 506,800 of audit firms. Notes: 1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest hundred As part of this, I met Dame Barbara Mills QC, the 2. 2. Age is based on academic age as at 31 August of the start of the academic Chair of the Professional Oversight Board, which oversees year. Source: the regulation of audit firms, on 14 October, to discuss FE ILR the Board’s annual report. Policy Objectives Students: Disabled Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how Mr. Harper: To ask the Minister of State, many regulatory impact assessments have cited peace Department for Business, Innovation and Skills of mind as a policy objective since 1997. [304843] pursuant to the answer to Lord Addington of 5 November 2009, Official Report, House of Lords, Ian Lucas: Analysis has been carried out on impact column 372, on disabled people: student loans, what assessments contained within the impact assessment arrangements the Government has with universities library, published on the BRE website which date between and colleges to ensure that there is financial support for 1 January 2008 and 18 December 2009, totalling 450 disabled students in the event of delays in the impact assessments. assessment or payments of support; how many individual students have been supported using these No impact assessments were found to cite peace of arrangements in the academic year 2009-10; what the mind as a policy objective. average period of support for disabled students has Putting the Frontline First: Smarter Government been; and what estimate he has made of the monetary value of the financial support given under such Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Minister of State, arrangements. [307712] Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the effect on the national Mr. Lammy: This is an operational matter for which skills base of the proposed reduction in the number of Postcomm has direct responsibility. I have therefore publicly-funded bodies in the skills sector by 30 over asked Postcomm’s Chief Executive, Tim Brown, to reply the next three years, as referred to on page 54 of direct to the hon. Member. Putting the Frontline First: Smarter Government, Cm A copy of the response will be placed in the Libraries 7753. [307576] of the House.

Kevin Brennan: This proposal was first outlined in Students: Loans “Skills for Growth—the National Skills Strategy” in November. It takes forward a recommendation made Mr. Willetts: To ask the Minister of State, by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how (UKCES) and addresses employer concerns that the many enquiries have been made to the Student Loans skills system continues to be over complicated, with too Company (a) by telephone, (b) by email, (c) via its many separate bodies playing a role. website and (d) by other methods in each of the last Simplifying the landscape through reducing the number six years. [302502] of intermediary bodies will contribute to a more effective national skills system, and allow more resources to be Mr. Lammy: The Student Loans Company has provided focused on front-line delivery. the information set out in the following table: 1099W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1100W

Ian Lucas: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) does Number not directly employ staff but draws on resource from its Telephone calls received by Queries received Correspondence two parent departments the Department for Business Financial year contact centre via website received Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). UKTI has offices in 2004-05 2,743,665 n/a 252,566 98 different countries, the nine English regions, London 2005-06 2,373,175 n/a 192,457 and Glasgow. 2006-07 2,504,190 52,107 187,300 2007-08 2,831,382 158,278 148,446 UKTI holds financial information on travel and 2008-09 3,298,052 70,780 157,076 accommodation costs at the aggregate level centrally 2009-2010 to 3,233,622 70,105 103,699 while detailed information is held locally. To provide the date information requested would require obtaining detailed Notes: 1. Figures in the table are those in relation to Student Finance England, information from each location and therefore can be Student Finance Northern Ireland and income contingent repayments for borrowers across the UK. It is not possible to break down the figures further. obtained only at disproportionate cost. 2. ‘Queries through website’ refers to the secure messaging function on the Student Finance Direct/Directgov website. Vocational Training: East of England Tax

Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Minister of State, Bob Spink: To ask the Minister of State, Department Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how for Business, Innovation and Skills what funding under many regulatory impact assessments have included the (a) Train to Gain and (b) Skills for Life mitigation of the general reluctance to pay tax as an programme was provided to each college in the East of issue since 1997. [304842] England in 2008-09; and how much such funding has been allocated under each such programme for Ian Lucas: Analysis has been carried out on impact 2009-10. [307599] assessments contained within the impact assessment library, published on the BRE website, which date between 1 January 2008 and 18 December 2009, totalling 450 Kevin Brennan: Funding is allocated by the Learning impact assessments. and Skills Council to further education (FE) colleges From these it was found that five included mitigation and training organisations on an academic year basis. of the general reluctance to pay tax as an issue: In the east of England, FE colleges were allocated a total of nearly £36 million in 2008/09 academic year for Changes to rules on loan relationships; Train to Gain, and have maximum contract values Identifying users of disclosed tax avoidance schemes; worth £34 million in 2009/10 academic year. Impact assessment of ratification of the Council of Europe convention on action against trafficking in human beings; We are unable to provide a breakdown of the funding Impact assessment of legal powers to support the creation of allocated for Skills for Life provision. Skills for Life is a the UK Border Agency; collective term, used to describe learning delivered to Final impact assessment of common travel area (CTA) reform. improve literacy, language and numeracy skills, which can be delivered through different programme lines eg Trade Agreements: Peru Adult Learner Responsive and Employer Responsive. The amount of funding made available for Skills for Gregory Barker: To ask the Minister of State, Life at a national level is based on planned levels of Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what activity for an academic year but funding to FE colleges discussions his Department has had with the European and training organisations is not allocated at this level. Commission on its decision to continue multiparty Nationally, planned investment in adult (19+) Skills for trade agreement negotiations with Peru; and if he will Life courses delivered through Train to Gain and Adult make a statement. [304480] Learner Responsive routes is nearly £600 million for 2008-09 financial year and around £630 million for Ian Lucas: The EU and Peru, Colombia and Ecuador 2009-10 financial year. began negotiations on a multiparty trade agreement in January 2009, after negotiations between the EU and The proposed funding for 2010-11 for FE and Skills the Community of Andean Nations had stalled. Ecuador has recently been published in the Skills Investment has since dropped out of negotiations, but remains an Strategy, and further information and statistics regarding interested observer. funding for individual FE colleges and geographical Officials from the joint BIS/DFID Trade Policy Unit areas are available on the website of the Learning and have been in continuous liaison with the European Skills Council (www.lsc.gov.uk). Commission throughout the negotiations, via routine Train to Gain allocations for FE colleges in the east of England representation to the Article 133 Committee (now the £ Trade Policy Committee, since entry into force of the Final maximum contract value Lisbon treaty) and associated meetings in Brussels. Provisional Further education college Final 2008/09 2009/10 UK Trade and Investment: Hotels Barnfield College 490,000 662,904 Bedford College 2,200,002 1,985,420 Anne Main: To ask the Minister of State, Braintree College 1,017,573 745,050 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how Cambridge Regional College 5,700,000 6,600,009 much UK Trade and Investment has spent on hotel Chelmsford College 145,000 92,317 accommodation for its staff in each of the last five Colchester Institute 1,520,656 664,188 years. [305710] 1101W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1102W

Train to Gain allocations for FE colleges in the east of England Estimated funding for 2007/08 through LSC and HEFCE £ £ million Final maximum contract value Public funding for HEFCE professional 1 2 3 Provisional qualifications in: LSC Levels 1-4 post-graduate Further education college Final 2008/09 2009/10 (d) Electrician and related 11.5 — College of West Anglia 1,870,001 2,442,585 1 It is expected that the primary source of funding for professional Dunstable College (now Central 84,305 306,017 qualifications at post-graduate level will be the learner or their employer and Bedfordshire College) for LSC-funded qualifications outside of national entitlements there is an expected learner or employer contribution. Epping Forest College 156,574 100,248 2 Data provided by the LSC; figures are theoretical funding derived from the Great Yarmouth College of Further 218,774 249,718 number of learners enrolled on courses with “law,” “accountancy,” Education “plumbing” or “electrician” or related terms in the course title. This includes Harlow College 2,478,323 1,901,163 qualifications ranging from Level 1 (foundation learning) to Level 4 (degree equivalent) delivered through FE, Train to Gain and Apprenticeships). Hertford Regional College 753,676 1,089,564 Professional qualifications at post-graduate level in law and accountancy Huntingdonshire Regional College 2,289,213 2,492,278 would be funded, where public money is involved, by HEFCE. 3 Lowestoft College 861,253 499,749 Data provided by HEFCE; notional grant funding which is the standard resource for 2007/08 minus the assumed fee income. These data include North Hertfordshire College 6,560,001 5,057,221 undergraduate courses that are explicitly returned as professional course aims Norwich City College of Further and 1,651,588 1,392,463 to HESA data; this would not include general undergraduate courses (such as Higher Education first degrees). Oaklands College 1,099,657 1,557,933 Otley College of Agriculture and 340,000 317,663 Voting Rights: Public Companies Horticulture Peterborough Regional College 1,149,999 902,959 Richard Ottaway: To ask the Minister of State, South East Essex College of Arts and 1,799,999 1,467,919 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Technology, Southend whether he plans to review the operation of company Suffolk New College 350,082 344,832 law in respect of the sale and purchase of shares for the West Herts College 61,619 214,744 purposes of restricting voting rights in respect of West Suffolk College 3,100,006 2,865,479 public companies. [306848] Writtle College 38,401 51,398 Ian Lucas: I expect shareholders to take their responsibilities as company owners seriously. I welcome Vocational Training: Expenditure the Financial Reporting Council’s agreement to take responsibility for a stewardship code for institutional investors, building on the work of the Institutional Mr. Jenkins: To ask the Minister of State, Shareholders’ Committee. The Government believe that Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what it is important for long term sustainable growth that estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of there is effective engagement between companies and professional education and training for (a) lawyers, institutional shareholders, and wants to see London as (b) accountants, (c) plumbers and (d) electricians in a centre of excellence in this area. My noble Friend the the last 12 months. [303025] Secretary of State will be meeting leading companies and institutional shareholders on 11 January 2010 to Mr. Lammy: The Department continues to ensure explore with them how engagement in the UK market that funds are deployed to support adults into sustainable might be made more effective. employment and further learning. For the 2010-11 financial year we plan to invest £3.5 billion in adult training through the Skills Funding Agency, an increase of 3 per cent. compared with 2009-10. Investment routed through HOME DEPARTMENT the Higher Education Funding Council for England Animal Experiments: Wales (HEFCE) is £7.8 billion in 2009-10. Figures for 2010-11 will be published in January 2010. Mr. Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Funding is not allocated at an individual course level the Home Department how many regulated procedures to Further Education (FE) colleges, Higher Education under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 Institutions and other training institutions. The Learning were conducted in Wales in 2008. [306291] and Skills Council (LSC) and HEFCE are able to provide estimates of funds directed towards specific Meg Hillier: The number of scientific procedures on qualifications based on enrolment information. The living animals started under the Animals (Scientific estimated funds for 2007/081 are provided in the following Procedures) Act 1986 in Wales in 2008 was 49,452. table. Mr. Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for 1 The data provided refer to 2007/08 academic year as this is the the Home Department how many places in Wales were most recent academic year for which there is a complete set of designated as (a) a supplying establishment, (b) a data. The academic year 2008/09 has only just finished and data are not yet finalised. breeding establishment and (c) a scientific procedure establishment under the Animals (Scientific Estimated funding for 2007/08 through LSC and HEFCE Procedures) Act 1986 at the end of 2008. [306299] £ million Public funding for HEFCE professional 1 2 3 Meg Hillier: As at 31 December 2008, in Wales, seven qualifications in: LSC Levels 1-4 post-graduate places were designated as user establishments under the (a) Law 7.3 0.5 Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, one was (b) Accountancy 31.1 3.4 designated as a supplying establishment and two were (c) Plumbing 33.1 — designated as breeding establishments. 1103W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1104W

Mr. Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for This information could only be ascertained by examination the Home Department (1) what the primary purpose of individual court files, which could only be achieved was of each (a) procedure and (b) field of research at disproportionate cost. carried out on animals in Wales in 2008 under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 involving (i) Borders: Personal Records fish, (ii) pigs and (iii) genetically modified animals; and what the reasons were for the increase in the number of procedures carried out on (A) fish, (B) pigs and (C) Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for the genetically modified animals in Wales in that year in Home Department what his estimate is of the number relation to the previous year; [306302] of passenger movements (a) into and (b) from the UK in each of the next five years; and what percentage of (2) what proportion of the regulated procedures them will be subject to an (i) entry and (ii) exit check. under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 [306314] which were conducted in Wales in 2008 were performed in (a) public health laboratories, (b) universities and Alan Johnson [holding answer 14 December 2009]: medical schools, (c) national health service hospitals, The UK Border Agency is not responsible for providing (d) Government departments, (e) other public bodies, estimates of the number of passenger movements expected (f) non-profit making organisations and (g) into or out of the UK, over the next five years. commercial organisations; [306292] We expect the e-Borders system to screen 95 per cent. (3) how many (a) genetically modified animals and of all passenger movements into and out of the UK by (b) animals with a harmful genetic defect were used in the end of December 2010, which will cover all major regulated procedures under the Animals (Scientific commercial traffic. The remaining 5 per cent. represents Procedures) Act 1986 which were conducted in Wales private aviation and the small craft category and we in 2008. [306290] expect to have 100 per cent. coverage by the end of March 2014. Meg Hillier: In line with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics (implementing the Statistics and Registration Act 2007), and the National Statistician’s Christmas guidance “Confidentiality of Official Statistics”, the information requested is not available. Providing the Mr. Vaizey: To ask the Secretary of State for the information requested would breach statistical Home Department how much his Department has confidentiality relating to individual establishments. budgeted for Christmas trees in 2009. [305716]

Mr. Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Woolas [holding answer 19 December 2009]: The the Home Department how many procedures carried Department does not have a central budget for Christmas out on animals in Wales in 2008 under the Animals trees. At 2 Marsham street, the Christmas trees have (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 involved (a) New been provided by the building’s facilities management World primates and (b) Old World primates; and what supplier at no additional cost to the Department. the primary purposes of those procedures were. [306303] Crimes of Violence: Schools Meg Hillier: There were no scientific procedures on living animals started under the Animals (Scientific David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Procedures) Act 1986 in Wales in 2008 using primates. Home Department how many pupils in each region were (a) convicted, (b) permanently excluded and (c) Antisocial Behaviour Orders: West Yorkshire temporarily excluded for (i) assaulting and (ii) sexually assaulting teachers or other school staff in each of the last three years. [305015] John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued to residents of (a) Leeds West Mr. Coaker: I have been asked to reply. constituency and (b) West Yorkshire since 2002. The Court Proceedings Database held by the Ministry [306929] of Justice contains information on defendants proceeded against, found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences Mr. Alan Campbell: The latest available published in England and Wales on a persons basis. These data data on the number of antisocial behaviour orders include information on the age of the defendant, their (ASBOs) issued covers the period one April 1999 to gender, the police force area and court where proceedings 31 December 2007 and are not available below criminal took place as well as the specific offence and statute for justice system (CJS) area level. the offence. Other than where specified in a statute The number of ASBOs issued at all courts in the statistical information held does not identify the West Yorkshire CJS area between 2002 and 2007 is employment status of a victim of an offence. 1,102. Data on reasons for exclusion includes information The majority of these ASBOs will have been issued to on physical assault, verbal abuse or threatening behaviour persons resident in West Yorkshire, however it is possible against an adult, and on sexual misconduct, but not for courts to issue an ASBO to a person whether or not specifically against teachers or school staff. they reside in the area served by the court. Centrally In 2005/06, data on fixed period exclusions and on collected information on ASBOs issued does not include reasons for permanent exclusion were collected from details of the location of ASBO recipients’ residences. secondary schools only. 1105W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1106W

The available information on reasons for exclusion by The UK Border Agency became an agency on one local authority and Government office region is published April 2009 meaning the communication team are no as follows: longer embedded in relation to the Home Office. 2007/08 Press officers are not considered to be embedded http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000860/ communicators although their responsibilities include: index.shtml table 21 for permanent exclusions and table 22 for fixed period organising ministerial interviews, visits, announcements and or temporary exclusions. publicity around speeches and events; 2006/07 providing timely proactive and reactive media handling advice http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000793/ to Ministers and senior officials; index.shtml skilfully and effectively briefing journalists accurately and with table 22 for permanent exclusions and table 23 for fixed period authority; exclusions. 2005/06 working closely with Ministers’ private offices, officials and communications colleagues to plan and implement media strategies http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000733/ across a broad range of media outlets including specialist, index.shtml lifestyle, online and other new media; and table 15 for permanent exclusions and table 16 for fixed period exclusions, from maintained secondary schools. developing an understanding of issues across the Department. The role of officials in the Press Office are to: Departmental Buildings provide administration support to the senior management Mr. Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for the team; Home Department how much his Department spent on lead on recruitment and training of staff; works and refurbishment to offices allocated to Ministers in his Department’s buildings in the last 12 manage press office systems ensuring press release statements and operational notes reach the target audience; months. [305692] manage TV interviews; and Mr. Woolas: Nothing has been spent other than on routine minor maintenance. book travel and accommodation on behalf of press officers. The responsibility of communicators in the Home Departmental Freedom of Information Office’s agency, UK Border Agency are: promoting compliance with immigration and customs requirements, Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for the and deterring illegality, by highlighting penalties and enforcement Home Department how many requests under the activity; Freedom of Information Act 2000 his Department received in 2008; and how many of these received a facilitating legitimate travel and trade by providing information to the travelling public, applicants and businesses on customs substantive response within 20 days. [305493] and immigration requirements; Mr. Woolas: The information is contained in annual engaging with customers, stakeholders, the public and staff in statistics on the operation of the Freedom of Information order to improve our services and policies; Act in central Government, published by the Ministry facilitating good management of the agency through providing of Justice (MOJ). The report for 2008 is available on the information to, and engagement with, the agency’s 25,000 staff MOJ website at the following link: in 135 countries; and http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/docs/foi-statistics- report-2008.pdf facilitating visits to agency facilities and services by parliamentarians, diplomatic visitors and other stakeholders. Departmental ICT The roles of officials working in the communication department include stakeholder support staff, Mr. Hurd: To ask the Secretary of State for the administrators, technical staff, managers and non-specialists. Home Department with reference to the answer to the Table 1: Communication staff in the Crime and Policing Group right hon. Members for Horsham of 5 March 2009, Job title Job specification Official Report, column 1774W, on departmental ICT, Stakeholder Leads on management, delivery and evaluation of what the job title and job specification is of each of the communications CPG communications and stakeholder engagement embedded communicators; and what the projects in order to deliver business objectives responsibilities are of (a) embedded communicators Crime communications Leads on communication strategies across the and (b) officials working in (i) his Department’s press adviser crime agenda as covered by the Crime Directorate office and (ii) a communications department in one of Drugs and alcohol Leads on communication strategies across the communicators adviser drugs, alcohol and partnership agenda as covered his Department’s agencies. [305169] by the Drugs Alcohol and Partnerships Directorate Policing communication Leads on stakeholder communications and the Mr. Woolas: The Home Office Crime Reduction and adviser delivery of communications plans across the policing Community Safety Group (CRCSG) is now the Crime and organised crime agenda. and Policing Group (CPG). The job titles and specifications Corporate Leads on e-comms and branding across the groups communication adviser internal communications; supports delivery of CPGs of their communications staff are listed in Table 1. The corporate business plan and internal engagement communicators in the Office of Security and Counter activities Terrorism (OSCT) are listed in Table 2. 1107W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1108W

Table 2: Communication staff in the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism Mr. Woolas: Although the costs of providing Job title Job specification accommodation to press offices and special advisers is Senior communications Assist in the planning and co-ordination of not separately attributed in our accounts, for two Marsham adviser communications work across OSCT street the estimated outturn figure for financial year Communications Supporting the public consultation on 2008-09 was in the order of £450,000. manager communications data and Interception Modernisation Programme Stakeholder engagement Organising stakeholder engagement events for Departmental Publicity coordinator the programme Communications officer Lead implementation of a stakeholder Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State engagement plan to support legislation to deliver Interception Modernisation Programme for the Home Department how much his Department Internal communications Manage involvement at key exhibitions and has spent on (a) Ministerial photoshoots and (b) conferences highlighting the role and work of production of videos in which Ministers appear in the Olympic Security Directorate within the Olympic [305519] family and ensuring an appropriate last three years for which figures are available. understanding of the programme and plans among key delivery partners and industry Alan Johnson: Information relating to costs to the Internal communications Managing the delivery of internal Department on (a) ministerial photoshoots and (b) adviser communications within OSCT, utilising the full range of channels production of videos in which Ministers appear in the last three years could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Departmental Meetings Departmental Security Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which (a) individuals other than Mr. Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for the ministerial colleagues and officials of his Department Home Department how many security passes his and (b) organisations he met in an official capacity in Department has issued to contractors providing the week commencing 9 November 2009. [301168] consultancy services in the last 12 months. [303944]

Mr. Woolas: In their response to a Report by the Mr. Woolas: It is not possible to provide detailed Public Administration Select Committee Lobbying: Access figures for security passes issued by the Home Office to and influence in Whitehall, the Government agreed to contractors providing consultancy services over the past publish online, on a quarterly basis, information about 12 months for the following reasons: ministerial meetings with outside interest groups. The security pass database is regularly refreshed and details of Information for the period 1 October to 31 December expired passes issued are not retained. 2009 will be published by Departments as soon as the Application forms and pass records for contractors passes do information is ready. not differentiate between the type of contractor and it is not therefore possible to distinguish from records which of those contractors were providing consultancy services and those that Departmental Official Cars were delivering non-consultancy services (e.g. catering).

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Departmental Taxis Home Department what estimate he has made of the cost to his Department of providing official cars for Ian Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for the the use of (a) Ministers and (b) officials in the last Home Department what contracts his Department has 12 months. [301176] with private hire taxi companies; and what expenditure his Department has incurred against each such Mr. Woolas: I refer the hon. Member to the written contract in each of the last three years. [300829] ministerial statement about the cost of ministerial cars made by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary Mr. Woolas: The Home Department held a contract of State for Transport, the hon. Member for Gillingham with Black Cabs/Radio Taxi/A2B Radio Cars/Matrix (Paul Clark), on 16 July 2009, Official Report, columns which expired in November 2008. The Department 79-80WS. currently has an agreement with the Government Car For the cost of cars to officials, I refer the hon. and Despatch Agency’s Green Car service for the provision Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the of cars and drivers. Available expenditure data is as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, follows: the hon. Member for Gillingham (Paul Clark) on 2 December 2009, Official Report, column 762W. £ Taxi company Black Cabs/Radio Taxi/A2B Radio Cars/ Departmental Public Expenditure Financial year Matrix GCDA’s Green Cars

1 Mr. Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2007-08 257,000 — Home Department what the cost to his Department 2008-09 259,000 115,000 2009 (April to 2— 191,000 was of provision of office facilities to (a) special September) advisers and (b) press officers in the 2008-09 financial 1 Only available at disproportionate cost. year. [302970] 2 Contract expired. 1109W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1110W

Departmental Telephone Services UK Border Agency The UK Border Agency has a total of 12 telephone lines, six of which operate on 0870, 0845, 0800 and the Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for remaining six operate on local or 0300 numbers. the Home Department how many telephone lines with the prefix (a) 0870, (b) 0845 and (c) 0800 his Criminal Records Bureau Department (i) operates and (ii) sponsors; how many The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) has six telephone calls were received to each number in the last 12 lines which use 0870 numbers. months; and whether alternative numbers charged at The Home Office has undergone an exercise to rationalise the BT local rate are available in each case. [305206] its telephone line numbers. Many of its current telephone lines use the 03 prefix where the cost of the call, Mr. Woolas: A number of Home Office business including those made from a mobile phone, is the same areas operate directly, fund or contribute to the running as a standard landline with an 01 or 02 code but not of telephone lines using 0870, 0845 and 0800 numbers linked to a specific geographic area. via third sector partners and external groups. Until January 2009, all calls to 0845 numbers were charged at the local rate by all providers. BT announced Details of the operation of these telephone lines are that calls from BT lines to these numbers are now free. not kept centrally. It is therefore not possible to provide Ofcom has also ruled that from one August 2009 the information requested about the number of calls received cost of 0870 must be the same as an 0300 call. in the last 12 months. Departmental Training A breakdown of telephone lines is as follows: Home Office headquarters Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the (a) date, (b) location Home Office headquarters does not operate any and (c) cost was of each of the last four away days telephone lines directly. held by his Department’s Departmental Board. [305464] Identity and Passport Service Meg Hillier: The date, location and cost of the last There are currently five Identity and Passport Service four Home Office Board away days are listed in the (IPS) telephone lines which all use 0300 numbers. following table.

Location Total cost1 (£) Number of attendees Cost per head (£)

20th November 2009 St. Stephen’s Club, Queen Anne’s Gate, London 1,747.94 16 109.25 11 September 2009 Institute for Government 920 17 54.12 15 May 2009 Broadway House, Tothill Street, London 1,987.72 14 141.98 27 March 2009 Bramshill Police Training Centre, Surrey233,409.31 13 262.25 1 Costs include hire of room, facilities and refreshments throughout the day. 2 Bramshill Police Training Centre is owned and operated by National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) which is funded by the Home Office. Therefore, this figure represents the internal cross-charging for the use of our own facilities. 3 This away day included an overnight stay for all attendees.

Deportation Mr. Woolas: The cost of the legal proceedings relating to the deportation of foreign nationals on grounds of Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for national security are met from either the Special Cases the Home Department what the cost to the public Directorate of the UK Border Agency or from the purse has been of legal proceedings relating to the Office for Security and Counter Terrorism based in the deportation of foreign nationals in each year since Home Office (or from another directorate of UK Border 1997. [305466] Agency which may have an interest). With regard to the cost of proceedings in each year Mr. Woolas: The information requested is not centrally since 1997; the information requested is not centrally collated and could be obtained only by examination of collated and could be obtained only by examination of individual case files which would incur a disproportionate individual case files which would incur a disproportionate cost. cost. The type of legal costs incurred by the UK Border The type of legal costs incurred by the UK Border Agency in pursuing the deportation of foreign national Agency in pursuing the deportation of foreign national offenders are those associated with judicial reviews, offenders are those associated with judicial reviews, private law claims and the cost of defending deportation private law claims and the cost of defending deportation decisions before the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal decisions before the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal and the High Court. and the High Court. Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of Entry Clearances: Iran 30 November 2009, Official Report, column 474W, on deportation, from what budget the cost of legal proceedings relating to the deportation of foreign Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the nationals on grounds of national security are met; and Home Department how many visas were issued to how much such proceedings have cost in each year Iranian nationals by posts in (a) Dubai and (b) since 1997. [305479] Tehran in each of the last 10 years. [304654] 1111W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1112W

Mr. Woolas: The number of visas issued to Iranian abuse of the immigration and asylum systems within nationals in (a) Dubai and (b) Tehran in each year the CTA. These meetings include discussions on the since 2004 is shown in the following table. UKBA does visa requirements. not hold data prior to 2004. We continue to work in partnership with the Republic of Ireland to explore ways of aligning our respective Report year Nationality Post Name Issued visa regimes and further increase cooperation in the 2004 Iran Dubai (BE) 1,285 field of visa regimes in the future. 2004 Iran Tehran (BE) 27,702 2005 Iran Dubai (BE) 1,334 Entry Clearances: Skilled Workers 2005 Iran Tehran (BE) 28,302 2006 Iran Dubai (BE) 1,465 Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2006 Iran Tehran (BE) 35,405 Home Department how many (a) people have been 2007 Iran Dubai (BE) 1,324 granted post-study entry into Tier One of the points 2007 Iran Tehran (BE) 31,496 based system in each quarter for which information is 2008 Iran Dubai (BE) 1,248 available and (b) new arrivals have been granted visas 2008 Iran Tehran (BE) 27,597 under (i) the Highly Skilled Migrants Programme and 2009 Iran Dubai (BE) 524 (ii) Tier One in each quarter since the inception of the 2009 Iran Tehran (BE) 15,710 former. [302856] Source: CRS 7 December 2009. This data are based on management information. It is provisional and subject Mr. Woolas [holding answer 30 November 2009]: In to change. answer to part (a) of the question, please see Table 1: Table 1: Main applicants: Leave to remain and entry clearance tier one post Entry Clearances: Pakistan study applications approved by quarter Year/quarter Granted applications

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008 the Home Department (1) how many applicants resident in Pakistan who were granted entry clearance Quarter 1 — to the UK following an appeal have been waiting for Quarter 2 — Quarter 3 5,995 over two months for a visa to be issued. [304957] Quarter 4 14,780 (2) what the longest period has been for which a visa applicant in Pakistan has waited for a visa to be issued 2009 following a decision on appeal in the last three months. [304958] Quarter 1 12,545 Quarter 2 7,990 Quarter 3 8,010 Mr. Woolas: The information requested is not available Notes: and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. 1. Figures rounded to the nearest five (— = 0). 2. Tier one post study leave to remain route began 30 June 2008. UKBA staff aim to process allowed appeals within 3. Tier one post study entry clearance route began 30 June 2008. eight weeks of receiving notification of the appeal outcome. There have, however, been delays in processing Table 2: Main applicants: Leave to remain and entry clearance HSMP allowed appeals in Pakistan in recent months. UKBA applications approved by quarter sent additional staff to Pakistan in September. They Year/quarter Granted applications have now contacted almost all successful applicants to 2008 process their visas. Quarter 1 6,005 Quarter 2 6,870 Entry Clearances: Republic of Ireland Quarter 3 4,845 Quarter 4 2,125 Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions (a) Ministers 2009 and (b) officials in his Department have had with their Quarter 1 315 counterparts in the Irish Republic on the implications Quarter 2 160 for the UK of the varying visa requirements of the UK Quarter 3 65 and Irish jurisdictions in the last three years; and if he Notes: 1. Figures rounded to the nearest five (— = 0). will make a statement. [304490] 2. Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). 3. The highly skilled migrant leave to remain route closed 28 February 2008. 4. The highly skilled migrant entry clearance route closed 31 March 2008. Mr. Woolas: We have been working closely with the 5. Figures include review application grants. Government of the Republic of Ireland to strengthen the common travel area (CTA) for a significant period In answer to part (b) (ii) of the question, please see of time and remain committed to building on that Table 3: relationship in the future. Table 3: Leave to remain and entry clearance tier one applications approved by quarter No discussions have taken place between Ministers Year/quarter Granted applications on the differing visa regimes of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. However, officials regularly meet through 2008 the bilateral Immigration and Counter Terrorism Group. Quarter 1 280 This allows the two governments to explore and mitigate Quarter 2 4,850 1113W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1114W

Table 3: Leave to remain and entry clearance tier one applications approved by Mr. Alan Campbell: The Government are determined quarter to tackle the problem of fraud, and it has signalled its Year/quarter Granted applications commitment to tackling fraud with the allocation of Quarter 3 17,850 £29 million in new money over three years to implement Quarter 4 28,350 the National Fraud Programme. The National Fraud Authority (NFA) published the first National Fraud 2009 Strategy in March and will drive forward a comprehensive strategy for tackling fraud, bringing together the Quarter 1 26,470 Government, criminal justice practitioners, business and Quarter 2 22,105 the public. The funding also enabled the establishment Quarter 3 16,565 of a National Fraud Reporting Centre (NFRC) which Notes: 1. Figures rounded to the nearest five (— = 0). will provide a reporting mechanism for individuals and 2. Figures include all tier one routes (including tier one post study). small businesses to report fraud where no other law 3. Tier one leave to remain route began 29 February 2008. enforcement or regulatory reporting mechanism exists. 4. Tier one entry clearance route initiated 1 April 2008. The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), which The figures quoted are not provided under National is linked to the NFRC, will develop intelligence from Statistics protocols and have been derived from local these reports, and pass it to law enforcement agencies. management information and are therefore provisional The intelligence gathered will also help form the basis and subject to change. The figures have been rounded to of better prevention advice and alerts to fraud threats the nearest five. for business and the public. Foreign Workers In addition to the funding for the National Fraud Programme the Government are providing £3.5 million Mrs. Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State over three years to create the Police Central e-crime for the Home Department (1) what recent assessment Unit (PCeU). he has made of the effects of migrants in meeting the This will provide support to the Police Service in skills requirements of the economy; [300490] developing a structured response to online crime, and (2) what research his Department has undertaken on its initial focus will be on the area of fraud-related the contribution of migrants to reducing skills deficits electronic crime, working with the NFRC to develop a in the UK. [301399] response to reports on such matters.

Mr. Woolas: The Migration Advisory Committee Human Trafficking (MAC) is commissioned by the Government to recommend shortage occupation lists for the UK and Scotland. Mr. Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Recommended lists were published in September 2008, Home Department how often the Inter-Departmental April 2009 and October 2009. The next update is scheduled Ministerial Group has met since the implementation of for spring 2010. In its reviews the MAC considers the the Council of Europe Convention on Action against contribution migration makes to filling skilled labour Trafficking in Human Beings. [306508] shortages and meeting the skills needs of the economy. Mr. Alan Campbell [holding answer 14 December Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009]: It has met once since the convention came into the Home Department how many economic migrants force on one April 2009. of each profession came to the UK from each country in South America, Central America and Europe in Immigration each year since 2006. [305768]

Mr. Woolas: Information on the profession of migrants Dr. Evan Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for the entering the United Kingdom is not available. Home Department how many and what proportion of However, statistics on passengers entering the United applications for a residence card as the spouse of an Kingdom by purpose of journey and country of nationality EEA national had been decided within six months on are published annually in the Home Office publications the latest date for which figures are available on his “Control of Immigration: Statistics United Kingdom” Department’s website. [303650] which are available from the library of the House and from the Home Office Research, Development and Mr. Woolas: This information is not available as the Statistics website at UK Border Agency’s Case information database records all family members of EEA nationals who apply for http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration-asylum- stats.html residence cards in one category (EEA2). The statistics can be found in supplementary table 1a in the 2008 edition and in table 2.3 in the 2006 and 2007 Immigration: Children editions. Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Fraud: Internet Home Department how many children aged (a) 17 years, (b) between 12 and 16 years, (c) between five Mr. Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for the and 11 years and (d) under five years who have been Home Department what recent steps his Department detained under immigration rules have (i) absconded has taken to reduce the incidence of internet fraud. and (ii) attempted to abscond from detention in each of [305102] the last 12 years. [302958] 1115W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1116W

Alan Johnson: There has been one escape by a minor Alan Johnson: The National Policing Improvement aged 14 years of age from Oakington Immigration Agency (NPIA) was established on 1 April 2007. The Removal Centre in 2004. expenditure of the NPIA Marketing team for the past two years was: Internet £

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2007-08 1,399,000 Home Department pursuant to the answer of 2008-09 1,074,000 30 November 2009, Official Report, column 489W, on 2009-10 (forecasted outturn) 1,071,000 the internet, if he will issue guidance on the application of the (a) Privacy and Electronic Communications Passports (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 and (b) Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 to trials of the CView Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Deep Packet Inspection technology developed by Home Department how many passports have been Detica. [306650] issued in each of the last two years. [305295]

Mr. Hanson [holding answer 14 December 2009]: I Meg Hillier: The following table shows how many have no plans to issue guidance in respect of deep passports were issued in each of the last two financial packet inspection generally or specifically in respect of years. the use of a particular product. It is for the users of such equipment to ensure that the way in which it is Financial year Passports issued used is in accordance with the law as set out in the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) 2007-08 5,683,416 Regulations 2003 and the Regulation of Investigatory 2008-09 5,225,115 Powers Act 2000 or any other relevant legislation. Repatriation Internet: Advertising Dr. Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Department how much has been paid under the for the Home Department what steps his Department Facilitated Returns Scheme in each year since its is taking to regulate online advertising. [306326] inception. [303326]

Mr. Simon: I have been asked to reply. Mr. Woolas: The chief executive of the UK Border All advertising in paid for space in the UK, including Agency will provide this information to the Home online advertising is strictly controlled through a system Affairs Committee when she writes in January 2010 as of co-regulation and self-regulation, which is administered the information is not yet available. by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). This Serious Organised Crime Agency: Manpower regulatory system is independent of Government and is ultimately responsible for setting the standards for all advertising. Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many officers from The bodies responsible for writing and maintaining regional crime squads have been transferred to the the advertising codes, the Committee of Advertising Serious and Organised Crime Agency in each of the Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of last three years; [306392] Advertising Practice (BCAP), are currently finalising a full review of all the advertising codes to ensure they (2) how many officers of the Serious Organised remain up-to-date. Crime Agency were attached to regional crime squads on 1 December 2009. [306393] In addition to this work, the industry has also been considering the extent of new media regulation, particularly Mr. Alan Campbell: Regional Crime Squads ceased in the light of the recommendations set out in the Byron to exist in 1998, when the Police Act 1997 amalgamated Review—“Safer Children in a Digital World”. The review them to form the National Crime Squad. As a result of recommended industry take steps to ‘future proof’ the the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, the current system for advertising regulation, taking account National Crime Squad (NCS) and its service authority of new forms of online advertising outside the remit of ceased to exist. 1,875 NCS staff (including 1,070 former the existing regulatory system. police officers) transferred into the Serious Organised It is anticipated that the new advertising codes and Crime Agency on 1 April 2006. the industry’s proposals to extend the scope of regulation to areas of new media marketing, will be published in Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the first quarter of 2010. the Home Department how many warranted officers of the Serious Organised Crime Agency were based (a) in National Policing Improvement Agency: Public the UK and (b) overseas on 1 December 2009. Relations [306626]

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr. Alan Campbell: Officers in the Serious Organised Home Department how much the National Policing Crime Agency are not designated as warranted. They Improvement Agency has spent on advertising and are designated as having the powers of a police officer, marketing in each of the last five years. [306358] an immigration officer or the customs powers of revenue 1117W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1118W and customs. As of one December 2009, 1,570 SOCA Table 2: Offences of shoplifting recorded by the police—2002-03 to 2008-091 officers were designated with these powers; 88 of these Cambridgeshire Basic Command Unit officers are based overseas. England Central Northern Southern Sexual Offences 2008-09 302,499 1,112 1,840 1,766 1 The National Crime Recording Standard was introduced in 2002-03 and data before and after that date are not directly comparable. James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for 2 Cambridgeshire BCUs revised in 2006-07. the Home Department what recent assessment he has made of the effect on victims of a serious sexual UK Border Agency offence of the decision not to introduce national indicator 26, specialist support to victims of a serious Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the sexual offence. [301708] Home Department from which 50 parliamentary constituencies, listed from highest to lowest, the UK Mr. Alan Campbell: National Indicator (NI) 26 was Border Agency received the highest number of deferred in 2009-10 to allow time for more development enquiries regarding (a) legacy migration cases, (b) work on the indicator’s definition and measurement non-legacy migration cases and (c) out-of-country visa processes. applications in each of the last four years. [300997] During this deferred period, NI26 is being piloted in the three areas in the South West that had included NI Mr. Woolas: The information requested is not available 26 in their LAA (Bristol, Cornwall and Plymouth). A in the format required and could be obtained only by fourth area, Thurrock in Essex, had adopted this indicator the detailed examination of individual records at as a local target and is also included in the pilot scheme. disproportionate cost. The significance of including this indicator in the Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the National Indicator Set (NIS) was to highlight the issue Home Department what the (a) budget and (b) of sexual violence, and the need to provide support outturn of the UK Border Agency was in respect of IT services, as an important local issue. We are continuing in 2008-09. [301242] to work towards achieving this through our commitment in the recently published Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy to develop a comprehensive Mr. Woolas: The information requested is as follows: National Indicator relevant to all VAWG and to mainstream (a) The resource and capital budgets for IT for UK Border VAWG into other relevant national indicators where Agency for the FY 2008-09 was £260 million including projects possible, while working to encourage more Local Strategic and programmes. Partnerships to prioritise the issue. (b) The resource and capital outturn for IT for UK Border Agency for the FY 2008-09 was £227 million including projects Shoplifting and programmes. Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr. Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much the UK Border Agency Home Department how many people were reported to (a) budgeted for and (b) spent on information police on suspicion of shoplifting offences in (a) each technology in (i) 2008 and (ii) 2009. [303823] division in Cambridgeshire and (b) England in each of the last 10 years. [306353] Mr. Woolas: I am unable to provide the figures for the calendar years 2008 and 2009 as the accounts operate Mr. Alan Campbell: The available data relates to on a fiscal financial year basis. shoplifting offences recorded by the police in England and in each Basic Command Unit (BCU) in Cambridgeshire. Victim Support Schemes: Sexual Offences Shoplifting data at BCU level is only available from 2000-01. James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment he has Table 1: Offences of shoplifting recorded by the police—1999-2000 to 2001-02 made of the outcomes of the pilot of national Cambridgeshire Basic Command Unit indicator 26, Specialist support to victims of a serious England Central Northern Southern sexual offence. [301804] 1999-2000 278,243 n/a n/a n/a 2000-01 279,198 903 1,605 1,236 Mr. Alan Campbell: A pilot of National Indicator 26 2001-02 291,689 940 1,758 1,326 commenced in April 2009. Once we have made an n/a - Not available. assessment of the outcomes of the pilot, during 2010-11, this information will inform the refresh of the National Table 2: Offences of shoplifting recorded by the police—2002-03 to 2008-091 Indicator Set for the next local area agreement period. Cambridgeshire Basic Command Unit England Central Northern Southern West Yorkshire Police 2002-03 294,062 1,053 1,643 1,724 2003-04 286,440 1,059 1,505 1,601 John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2004-05 265,789 842 1,511 1,277 Home Department how many people were employed in 2005-06 279,908 807 1,582 1,371 (a) armed response units and (b) specialist firearms 2006-072 278,241 960 1,378 1,507 officers teams in West Yorkshire regional police forces 2007-08 274,146 909 1,462 1,569 in each year since 1997. [306928] 1119W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1120W

Mr. Hanson: The information is as follows. Mr. Woolas: The information is not centrally recorded (a) While both data on the number of officers whose primary and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. function is listed as “response” and the number authorised to use firearms is collected centrally, data on armed response ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE units specifically are not collected centrally. Carbon Emissions (b) The number of officers whose primary function is listed as “firearms—tactical”is restricted from the public domain following Mr. Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy consultation with Association of Chief Police Officers. Under the Freedom of Information Act 2005, information can be and Climate Change what proportion of (a) UK and withheld where disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice (b) global carbon dioxide emissions were attributable the prevention or detection of crime. to (i) aircraft, (ii) ships and (iii) cars in the latest period for which figures are available. [306921]

Work Permits Joan Ruddock: Estimates of UK greenhouse gas emissions for 2007 were published on 3 February 2009. The proportion of UK carbon dioxide emissions Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for the arising from (i) domestic aviation, (ii) shipping and (iii) Home Department how many work visas have been cars in each of the last 10 years, are shown in the issued to recipients with each level of qualification in following table. These percentages are calculated on an each of the last five years. [305247] ’End User’ basis.

Contribution of specified transport categories towards total emissions of carbon dioxide, 1998-2007, by end-user Percentage Gas/Sector 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

(a) Carbon dioxide (i) Domestic aviation 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.4 (ii) Shipping 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.5 0.5 0.8 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.0 (iii) Cars 16.0 16.6 16.3 16.0 16.9 16.2 16.1 16.1 15.7 15.9

Estimates of global carbon dioxide emissions arising Joan Ruddock: The Department of Energy and Climate from (i) domestic aviation, and (ii) shipping for the year Change was created on 3 October 2008. There were no 2005. No global CO2 data are available for cars. staff in the redeployment pool in January, April or July Contribution of global carbon dioxide emissions for specified transport 2009. On 1 October 2009, there were five individuals on categories, 2005, by source DECC’s re-deployment register. Percentage Gas/Sector 2005 Driving

(a) Carbon dioxide Dr. Ladyman: To ask the Secretary of State for (i) International aviation 1 Energy and Climate Change what mechanisms are in (ii) International shipping 2 place to ensure that staff who drive (a) a vehicle for (iii) Cars 1— which his Department is responsible have valid driving 1 No data available. licences and (b) their own vehicles in the course of Climate Change: Publicity their official duties have valid driving licences and Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for insurance; what guidance is issued to those staff in Energy and Climate Change how many visitors have respect of road safety while carrying out official duties; what steps are taken to monitor compliance with that visited the Act on CO2 website. [304034] guidance; what requirements there are on such staff to Joan Ruddock: From 17 September 2008 to 3 December report to their line managers accidents in which they 2009 there have been 1,106,253 unique visitors to the are involved while driving in the course of their official duties; and whether such reports are investigated. ACTONCO2 website. [302174] Departmental Consultants Joan Ruddock: DECC’s own policies for travel and Mr. Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy use of vehicles are currently still under development. In and Climate Change how many external consultants the interim, DECC staff refer to legacy policies from work for his Department. [303229] their ‘parent’ Departments, BIS and DEFRA. DECC does not own a fleet of vehicles for use by staff but staff Joan Ruddock: DECC currently has 135 external may continue to be covered by arrangements from consultants. ‘parent’ Departments. A summary of these are outlined Departmental Manpower as follows. Procedure for BIS staff Mr. Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (a) BIS lease vehicles: BIS has access to a small number of and Climate Change how many staff of his vehicles (approx. five) which can be leased by staff from Department were in its redeployment pool on 1 (a) contracted providers. Procedures followed by staff and their January, (b) April, (c) July and (d) October 2009. managers (e.g. on driving licences, insurance etc.) comply with [306709] requirements from the individual contracted provider. 1121W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1122W

(b) Own car for business use/car hire: It is the responsibility of Mr. Kidney: National Grid are currently exploring the driver to ensure that they have a current licence which the merits of the inclusion of load factors and other covers the car being driven and adequate insurance to provide information in calculating transmission charges and if cover for business use. Before using their own vehicle for so how such a model could be implemented. business use, staff must obtain prior approval from their line manager. For staff using hire cars for departmental business, line managers must ensure that the driver: Mr. Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy has no more than six penalty points on their driving licence; and Climate Change whether he has made an assessment of the merits of introducing incentives for has not been disqualified from driving in the last three years; pumped electricity storage in Scotland. [305739] has had no more than two ‘at fault’ accidents in the last 12 months; Mr. Kidney: The Department has made no assessment Line managers should examine at least annually the driving of the merits of introducing incentives for pumped licences of all staff that drive Department provided hired cars. storage electricity storage in Scotland. The guidance also reminds staff to ensure that they follow all advice, guidance and legislation relating to road safety—and Energy Efficiency Schemes that they will have to pay any fines incurred as a result of any driving offence (e.g. speeding, parking, failure to pay congestion Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for charge). Energy and Climate Change what estimate he made of Procedure for DEFRA staff the number of households likely to receive assistance (a) DEFRA ‘pool’ of vehicles: to use a vehicle from the under his Department’s energy efficiency schemes at DEFRA pool, staff must obtain a valid driving permit. This the commencement of each such scheme. [307273] can be obtained by faxing a copy of a current driving licence, which must be counter signed by their line manager, to the Joan Ruddock: The Carbon Emissions Reduction regional official vehicle manager. Target (CERT is a market mechanism and suppliers are (b) Own car for business use/car hire: Staff may only consider free to meet it through various approved measures. The the use of a private vehicle if the journey is under 85 miles numbers of households benefiting will therefore depend (unless a director signs off the use of a private vehicle and on both supplier actions, supply chain constraints, consumer produces a business case). Staff are responsible for ensuring adequate insurance cover is held and no specific check of demand and a range of other variables. Ofgem track driving licences is made. For car hire, drivers must be 21 or supplier performance against targets, and report CERT over and have held a full licence for at least 12 months. Driving delivery on a quarterly basis; their latest report shows licences must not contain any endorsements for theft of vehicle that over 1.5 million insulation measures and 170 million or taking without consent. Line managers must ensure that high efficiency lights have been delivered in the period drivers are eligible to drive by checking the driving licence April 2008-June 2009. before the first hire and thereafter on a six monthly basis. Drivers are also required to show their licence to the hire firm Figures for the Community Energy Saving Programme representative when the vehicle is delivered. (CESP) only commenced in September 2009. It is estimated that 90,000 households will benefit. DEFRA also promotes safe driving by publishing Eco driving techniques on the intranet. Eco driving The total number assisted by the Warm Front scheme techniques have been shown to reduce collisions and since its inception in June 2000 is, 2.1 million households. driver stress. Energy Supply Staff driving hire vehicles are required to report any accident as soon as they are able to the vehicle supplier. Mr. Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy BIS staff are required to also report the accident to and Climate Change what steps the Government are their line manager and the travel and subsistence policy taking to encourage energy suppliers to assist their unit. DEFRA staff also report the accident to the travel customers in avoiding arrears. [304496] policy unit and the departmental health and safety unit. Road traffic accidents involving the individual’s vehicle Mr. Kidney: The Government are keen to see that are not reportable under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, suppliers take a fair approach to debt management. Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995). Ofgem already publishes guidelines that set minimum standards for suppliers on debt and disconnection issues, Electricity including avoiding arrears. Ofgem and Consumer Focus are currently carrying Mr. Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy out a joint review looking at these issues. The review and Climate Change what the comparative average report will be published in the New Year. costs are of transmitting electricity to London from Fuel Poverty: Pensioners (a) Scotland and (b) Northern Ireland. [305737] Mr. Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Mr. Kidney: In 2008 the average cost per megawatt and Climate Change if he will assess the susceptibility hour of transmitting electricity to London was £3.33 to fuel poverty of pensioners in sheltered housing from Scotland, £5.48 from Northern Ireland. accommodation. [305990]

Mr. Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Mr. Kidney: Fuel poverty is not measured for pensioners and Climate Change what assessment has been made of living in sheltered accommodation. To assess the the merits of changes to the transmission charging susceptibility to fuel poverty of pensioners in sheltered methodology in order to vary charges according to the housing would be particularly difficult. Firstly, the English load factors of a plant. [305738] Housing Survey, used as the main source for the fuel 1123W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1124W poverty calculation, is a survey of domestic households The Carbon Trust (CT) have informed me that all and does not cover most forms of sheltered housing. In investment proposals for the CT Venture Capital Scheme addition, the concept of fuel poverty, defined as needing must clearly demonstrate how the investment will lead to spend more than 10 per cent. of income on energy to to material CO2 emissions savings while also generating achieve the “adequate standard of warmth” would be a commercial return. In addition, applicants should difficult to interpret for those living in such shared address the following: accommodation, because rent, or residential fees, typically Financial Position—The business plan must be accompanied cover all forms of utilities as part of the sheltered by a financial outline that allows for a detailed appraisal of the accommodation. organisation’s economic viability. Management Experience—Teams should demonstrate any relevant Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for sector experience combined with the ambition to turn their business plans into reality. Energy and Climate Change (1) pursuant to the answer of 2 December 2009, Official Report, columns 819- Market Assessment—The business plan should detail what the key commercial market is and the critical market drivers. 20W, on fuel poverty: pensioners, what proportion of pensioner households in each local authority area were Competitive Advantage—The business proposition should demonstrate a clear competitive advantage with respect to a in fuel poverty (a) in 2003 and (b) at the latest date for specific need or market demand. which information if available; [307603] Other Funding—As Carbon Trust investments will only invest (2) what proportion of pensioner households in each up to 50 per cent. in any one transaction, other private investors parliamentary constituency were in fuel poverty (a) in must be identified. 2003 and (b) at the latest date for which information if Technical and Innovation Evidence—The business plan will available. [307604] need to demonstrate innovation either through a step-change in technology design or in the application of a technology process. Mr. Kidney: Modelled levels of fuel poverty at sub Confirmation of Intellectual Property Protection—What regional level are not split by age group or any other intellectual property rights (IPR) already exist prior to the form of demographic. investment, and how any IPR arising during the investment will be protected and exploited. Gilmerton Core Store All investments need to be UK-based. The Carbon Trust fund remains open for the foreseeable Nigel Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for future. Energy and Climate Change on what date in 2005 ownership of the Gilmerton Core Store was transferred Nuclear Power from the Department of Trade and Industry to his Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Department. [305809] Energy and Climate Change when his Department issued a notice to tender for the contract to prepare an Joan Ruddock [holding answer 14 December 2009]: appraisal of sustainability of the draft nuclear national There has been no change of ownership. The Gilmerton policy statement; which companies made bids; by what Core Store freehold continues to be under the ownership criteria contractors were selected; what the total of the Department for Business Innovation and Skills. monetary value of the contracts was; and what assessment he made of the expertise of the contractors Innovation Investment Fund and Carbon Trust’s Venture selected. [305329] Capital Scheme Mr. Kidney: The Department issued an invitation to tender on 21 August 2008 through the Office for Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Government Commerce. Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the statement of 9 December 2009, Official Report, columns 359-71, Four companies bid for the contract—Drivers Jonas on the Pre-Budget Report, what criteria apply in LLP, MWH UK Ltd. (with Enfusion Ltd.), Serco and respect of eligibility for financial support from the (a) URS Corporation. The companies who bid also indicated Innovation Investment Fund and (b) Carbon Trust’s that they could draw upon the expertise of other Venture Capital Scheme; and for what time period organisations if required. The contractors were selected these schemes will remain open to applications. against criteria of value for money, and relevant experience [307625] and expertise in environmental and sustainability assessment, including strategic environmental assessment. Joan Ruddock: The UK Innovation Investment Fund The Department has paid approximately £740,000 will operate on a Fund of Funds structure which means for work relating to the appraisal of sustainability. This it will not invest directly in companies, but rather invest includes: in a small number of specialist technology funds that Appraisal of sustainability main report; have the expertise and track record to invest directly in 11 appraisal of sustainability site reports—one for each nominated companies. Investments in individual companies will site; ultimately be a commercial decision for the underlying Three additional appraisal of sustainability site reports—one fund manager based solely on the quality of the investment for each site identified by the alternative sites study; opportunity and the fund’s investment strategy. First Ancillary documents such as technical appendices. closing is expected to be in January 2010 with final An environmental policy official was involved in the closing following in 12 to 18 months. However, the interview process and the selected contractor was judged funds invested in are likely to continue to invest in to have the necessary expertise to prepare the appraisal individual companies over a number of years. of sustainability. 1125W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1126W

Nuclear Power Stations: Oldbury Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the statement Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy of 9 December 2009, Official Report, columns 359-71, and Climate Change what additional infrastructure will on Pre-Budget Report how many households he be required to connect the proposed new nuclear power expects to install (a) micro wind turbines and (b) solar station at Oldbury to the National Grid; where it will panels. [307623] connect to the National Grid; and if he will make a statement. [306062] Mr. Kidney: Based on the tariffs proposed in the Renewable Electricity Financial Incentives Consultation, Mr. Kidney [holding answer 10 December 2009]: The our modelling suggests that by 2020 there will be connection of individual power stations to the electricity approximately 20,000 small scale domestic wind turbines transmission system is a matter for the relevant developer and 800,000 domestic scale solar photo voltaic (PV) and National Grid in its role as system operator for the installations. GB transmission system. Contractual connection agreements between the relevant developer and National These projections are based on modelling which relies Grid will establish, amongst other things, what infrastructure on a number of assumptions which in reality will be is required and what the potential routes for that uncertain. Therefore actual installation numbers may infrastructure might be. differ from projected installation numbers. Opinion Leader Research Renewable Energy: EU Law

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Energy and Climate Change how much his and Climate Change what recent discussions his Department has paid to Opinion Leader Research Department has had with the European Commission since its establishment. [305237] on ensuring that the transmission charging methodology in the UK is in line with the EU Joan Ruddock: The Department of Energy and Climate Renewables Directive. [305735] Change has not paid anything to Opinion Leader Research since its establishment. Mr. Kidney: My officials recently responded to a Power Failures European Commission request for a paper explaining how the transmission charging methodology in the UK Mr. Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for is compliant with the renewables directive. Officials also Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions attended a hearing at the European Parliament on his Department has had with (a) Ofgem, (b) EDF 1 December at which the Commission was represented. Energy and (c) the Energy Ombudsman on the power The Commission agreed with our conclusion that the cuts at Dartford Creek cable bridge on 20 July 2009. methodology is compliant with the directive. [306568] Sellafield Mr. Kidney: In October 2009 officials from the Department discussed the progress of their Interruption Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Incentive Scheme Audit with Ofgem and had further Energy and Climate Change with reference to the discussions with EDF Energy on the incident, recovery answer of 12 October 2009, Official Report, column and follow up. No discussions have taken place with the 490W, on Sellafield, if he will place in the Library a energy ombudsman regarding this incident. copy of the report from Sellafield Ltd regarding the Renewable Energy contamination event which took place on 20 June 2008. [303510] Mr. Grogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what plans he has to offer to other Mr. Kidney: Yes. The report is Sellafield Ltd’s own renewable technology projects the same grandfathering document and certain information is being withheld at principles it is proposed to apply to offshore wind the company’s request to ensure site security, and to projects. [307616] protect personal identities and commercial interests. Mr. Kidney: Support under the Renewables Obligation Wind Power is grandfathered at point of accreditation for all technologies except biomass. Mr. Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy The “Government Response to the Statutory and Climate Change what discussions his Department Consultation on the Renewables Obligation Order 2009”, has had with (a) Vattenfall, (b) London Array Ltd. published in December 2008 set out our decision not to and (c) the Port of Ramsgate on the suitability of the grandfather existing biomass and waste plants following local workforce for maintenance and support evidence from the biomass industry: operations for Thanet Offshore and the London Array “that grandfathering existing stations at 1 ROC/MWh while windfarms. [305097] banding up new stations would be detrimental to a competitive market for the fuel stock.” Mr. Kidney: The Department has not had any discussions We are currently carrying out work with the Renewables with (a) Vattenfall (b) London Array Ltd. or (c) the Advisory Board, the Renewable Energy Association Port of Ramsgate regarding the suitability of the local and biomass stakeholders to assess whether moves in workforce for maintenance and support operations for biomass fuel prices might warrant such action at the the Thanet and the London Array offshore wind farms next banding review starting October 2010. as this is a matter for the market. 1127W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1128W

The Government are supporting the development of A proportion of expenditure on conferences is spent on our the appropriate skills on a nationwide basis through the staff attending external conferences for professional development Sector Skills Councils and through providing support purposes. It is important to note that the conferences hosted by for the National Skills Academy for Power. We are also the Commission are attended by charity sector representatives to enhance the quality of governance across the charity sector. We working with the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) do not have access to detailed data on attendance. to develop a skills strategy for the sector. As part of this, Generally, away days are attended by Charity Commission the BWEA is developing a programme of apprentice staff for training and strategic development purposes, with the training for the start of the next academic year which occasional guest speaker who may be a civil servant. We do not will provide training for a new generation of turbine hold data on the number of events held each year because these technicians. often occur at a divisional team level and budgetary control is exercised on the cost, not the volume of occurrence. Mr. Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy I hope this is helpful. and Climate Change what assessment his Department has made of the potential employment opportunities Charity Commission: Operating Costs represented by the maintenance and operation of Thanet Offshore and the London Array windfarms Mr. Leech: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when completed; and what steps he has taken to put in what the cost of running the Charities Commission place training arrangements for the local community to was (a) in the 12 months before the introduction of the provide skills relevant to employment in windfarms. Charities Act 2006 and (b) in the last 12 months; and [305098] what the projected costs to the Commission of implementing and enforcing compliance with the Act Mr. Kidney: The Department has not made any will be in the next 12 months. [307437] assessment of the potential employment opportunities represented by the maintenance and operation of the Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls Thanet and London Array offshore wind farms when within the responsibility of the Charity Commission. I completed. have asked the Commission to reply. We have not put in place training for the local community Letter from Andrew Hind, dated 14 December 2009: to provide skills relevant to employment in wind farms as this is a matter for the market. I refer my hon. Friend As the Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, I have to my answer today to parliamentary question number been asked to respond to your written Parliamentary Question on what the cost of running the Charity Commission was (a) in the 305097 in respect of action that the Government are 12 months before the introduction of the Charities Act 2006 and taking to support the development of these skills on a (b) in the last 12 months; and what the projected costs to the nationwide basis. Commission of implementing and enforcing compliance with the Act will be in the next 12 months (307437). The Charities Act 2006 received Royal Assent on 8 November 2006, although the introduction of many of its provisions has CABINET OFFICE been spread over a series of Commencement Orders between February 2007 and January 2009. Several provisions of the Act Charity Commission: Conferences have not yet been introduced and the timing and detail of these provisions have yet to be agreed and will go beyond 2010/11. The Act places a number of statutory objectives on the Commission Mr. Graham Stuart: To ask the Minister for the and our whole budget is, effectively, devoted to meeting these Cabinet Office how many (a) away days and (b) objectives: conferences that took place outside the Charity (a) The total cost of running the Charity Commission in the Commission’s buildings attended by civil servants in year before the Royal Assent was received (2005/06) was £31.6m. the Charity Commission there have been since 2005; (b) The total cost of running the Charity Commission last year and what the cost was of each. [307465] (2008/09) was £31.8m. (c) The total cost of running the Charity Commission this year Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls (2009/10) is forecast to be £30.9m. within the responsibility of the Charity Commission. I (d) The Charity Commission’s funding baseline for 2010/11 is have asked the commission to reply. £29.5m. Letter from Andrew Hind, dated 14 December 2009: The overall regulatory nature of the Charity Commission’s As the Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, I have responsibilities means that it is not possible to differentiate between been asked to respond to your written Parliamentary Question on future costs relating purely to the provisions of the 2006 Act and how many (a) away days and (b) conferences that took place other more general duties. outside the Charity Commission’s buildings attended by civil I hope this is helpful. servants in the Charity Commission there have been since 2005; and what the cost was of each (307465). Death: Dietary Supplements Our expenditure on conferences and away days for each financial year is set out below: Lembit Öpik: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet £ Office how many deaths attributable to the use of food Conferences Away days supplements were recorded in each of the last 10 years; and if she will make a statement. [307120] 2005-06 88,681 27,639 2006-07 45,930 38,465 2007-08 55,247 47,387 Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls 2008-09 118,328 78,562 within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. 1129W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1130W

Letter from Jil Matheson, dated December 2009: The tables attached identifies the main causes of death for (a) As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your males and (b) females in Leeds West parliamentary constituency recent question asking how many deaths attributable to the use of for each of the years 1999 to 2008 (the latest year available). food supplements were recorded in each of the last 10 years. Table 1. Main causes of death classified according to the International (307120) Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9), males, Leeds West parliamentary constituency, 1999 to 20001, 2, 3 The information requested is not available. The accurate reporting of deaths by specific causes depends on the complete recording of Years when this was a main cause of death for males all relevant causes of death by medical practitioners and coroners. Medical practitioners are required to complete the Medical Certificate ICD-9 Cause of death 1999 2000 codes of Cause of Death (MCCD) to the best of their knowledge and belief. Internationally accepted guidance from the World Health Cerebrovascular diseases * * 430-438 Organisation requires only those conditions that contributed Chronic lower respiratory * * 490-494, directly to death to be recorded. The MCCD is not designed to diseases 496 collect information on possible risk factors or exposures related Influenza and pneumonia * * 480-487 to the development of disease. Ischaemic heart diseases * * 410-414 ONS reports on mortality figures by cause using the International Malignant neoplasm (cancer) * — 153-154 Classification of Diseases (ICD). There are no ICD codes for of colon, sigmoid, rectum and adverse reactions to food supplements. anus Death: Leeds Malignant neoplasm (cancer) * — 150 of oesophagus Malignant neoplasm (cancer) * * 185 John Battle: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet of prostate Office what the main causes of death were for (a) men Malignant neoplasm (cancer) * * 151 and (b) women living in Leeds West constituency in of stomach each of the last 10 years. [306991] Malignant neoplasm (cancer) * * 162 of trachea, bronchus and lung 1 Causes of death recorded as the underlying cause in at least 10 male deaths Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls registered in the year in question. These causes accounted for 59 per cent. of within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. all male deaths in Leeds West parliamentary constituency between 1999 and I have asked the Authority to reply. 2008. 2 Cause of death in England and Wales is defined using the International Letter from Jil Matheson, dated December 2009: Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) for the years 1999 and As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your 2000, and Tenth Revision (1CD-10) for 2001 onwards. 3 Based on boundaries as of 2009. recent question asking what the main causes of death were for (a) Note: men and (b) women living in Leeds West constituency in each of The words in brackets have been added for clarity and are not part of the the last 10 years. (306991) International Classification of Diseases.

Table 2. Main causes of death classified according to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), males, Leeds West parliamentary constituency, 2001 to 20081, 2, 3 Years when this was a main cause of death for mates ICD-10 Cause of death 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 codes

Cerebrovascular diseases ********160-169 Chronic lower respiratory diseases ********J40-J47 Cirrhosisandotherdiseasesofliver ******K7G-K76

Diabetes — *——————E10-E14 Diseases of the urinary system — *——————N00-N39 Heart failure and complications and ill-defined —— *—————150-151 heart disease Influenza and pneumonia ********J10-J18 Ischaemic heart diseases ********I20-I25 Malignant neoplasm (cancer) of colon, sigmoid, * * * — * — * * C18-C21 rectum and anus Malignant neoplasm (cancer) of oesophagus — — — *———— C15 Malignant neoplasm (cancer) of pancreas — — — *———— C25 Malignant neoplasm (cancer) of prostate — * —****— C61 Malignant neoplasm (cancer) of trachea, bronchus ********C33, C34 and lung Malignant neoplasms (cancer) of lymphoid, — — — * — — * — C81-C96 haematopoietic and related tissue Suicide and injury/poisoning of undetermined — — * * — * * — X60-X84, intent Y10-Y34, exc.Y33.9 1 Causes of death recorded as the underlying cause in at least 10 male deaths registered in the year in question. These causes accounted for S9 per cent. of all male deaths in Leeds West parliamentary constituency between 1999 and 2008. 2 Cause of death in England and Wales is defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) for the years 1999 and 2000, and Tenth Revision (ECD-10) for 2001 onwards. 3 Based on boundaries as of 2009. Note: The words in brackets have been added for clarity and are not part of the International Classification of Diseases. 1131W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1132W

Table 3. Main causes of death classified according to the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9), females, Leeds West parliamentary constituency, 1999 to 20001, 2, 3 Years when this was a main cause of death for females Cause of death 1999 2000 ICD-9 codes

Cerebrovascular diseases * * 430-438 Chronic lower respiratory diseases * * 490-494,496 Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue * — 710-739 Heart failure and complications and ill-defined heart disease * — 428-429 Influenza and pneumonia * * 480-487 Ischaemic heart diseases * * 410-414 Malignant neoplasm (cancer) of colon, sigmoid, rectum and anus * * 153-154 Malignant neoplasm (cancer) of trachea, bronchus and lung * * 162 Malignant neoplasms (cancer) of breast * * 174-175 1 Causes of death recorded as the underlying cause in at least 10 female deaths registered in the year in question. These causes accounted for 59 per cent. of all female deaths in Leeds West parliamentary constituency between 1999 and 2008. 2 Cause of death in England and Wales is defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) for the years 1999 and 2000, and Tenth Revision (ICD-10) for 2001 onwards. 3 Based on boundaries as of 2009. Note: The words in brackets have been added for clarity and are not part of the International Classification of Diseases. Table 4. Main causes of death classified according to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10), females, Leeds West parliamentary constituency, 2001 to 20081, 2, 3 Years when this was a main cause of death for females ICD-10 Cause of death 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Codes

Aortic aneurysm and dissection * ——————— 171 Cerebrovascular diseases * *******160-169 Chronic lower respiratory diseases * *******J40-J47 Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease * * —***—*F01, F03, G30 Diabetes —— *—————E10-E14 Diseases of the musculoskeletal system * *——————M00-M99 and connective tissue Diseases of the urinary system — —————— *N00-N39 Heart failure and complications and * * *——— *—150-151 ill-defined heart disease Influenza and pneumonia * *******J10-J18 Ischaemic heart diseases * *******120-125 Malignant neoplasm (cancer) of colon, * — — * * — * * C18-C21 sigmoid, rectum and anus Malignant neoplasm (cancer) of ********C33, C34 trachea, bronchus and lung Malignant neoplasms (cancer) of breast * ******* C50 1 Causes of death recorded as the underlying cause in at least 10 female deaths registered in the year in question. These causes accounted for 59 per cent. of all female deaths in Leeds West parliamentary constituency between 1999 and 2008. 2 Cause of death in England and Wales is denned using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (1CD-9) for the years 1999 and 2000, and Tenth Revision ([CD-10) for 2001 onwards. 3 Based on boundaries as of 2009. Note: The words in brackets have been added for clarity and are not part of the International Classification of Diseases.

Death: Pressure Sores 2 Figures for England and Wales include deaths of non-residents. 3 Figures are based on deaths registered in each calendar year. Anne Milton: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many death certificates included the words pressure sores in each of the last two years. [307727] Departmental Official Hospitality

Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Minister for the within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. Cabinet Office how much (a) her Department and (b) I have asked the Authority to reply. its agency spent on (i) alcohol and (ii) entertainment in Letter from Jil Matheson, dated December 2009: the last 12 months. [305544] As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many death certificates included the Angela E. Smith: The information requested is not words ’pressure sores’ in each of the last two years. (307727) held centrally by the Cabinet Office and therefore is The number of deaths where pressure ulcer was mentioned on available only at disproportionate cost. Any expenditure the death certificate, in England and Wales, was 1045 in 2007 and on alcohol and entertainment is included in the 970 in 2008 (the latest year available).1, 2, 3 Department’s hospitality budget and is made in accordance 1 Cause of death was defined using the International Classification with published departmental guidance on financial of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code 1.89 (Decubitus ulcer, procedures and propriety, based on principles set out in bedsore, plaster ulcer or pressure ulcer) where it appeared anywhere “Managing Public Money” and the Treasury handbook on the death certificate. on ″Regularity and Propriety″. 1133W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1134W

Departmental Publicity Table 2: Age standardised mortality rates for chronic lung disease, coronary heart disease and cancer,1, 2 Leeds, West parliamentary constituency,3 2001 to 20074 Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Minister for the Deaths per 100,000 Cabinet Office how much her Department has spent on Chronic heart (a) Ministerial photoshoots and (b) production of Chronic lung disease disease Cancer videos in which (i) the Prime Minister and (ii) other Ministers appear in the last three years for which 2003 59 130 219 2004 46 126 229 figures are available. [305523] 2005 50 125 215 Angela E. Smith: This information could be obtained 2006 34 116 209 only at disproportionate cost. 2007 35 140 260 1 Age-standardised mortality rates per 100,000 population, standardised to the Diseases: Leeds European Standard Population. Age-standardised rates are used to allow comparison between populations which may contain different proportions of people of different ages. John Battle: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 2 Cause of death was defined using International Classification of Diseases, Office what the (a) diagnosis and (b) mortality rate Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes J40-J47for chronic lung disease, I20-I25 for was for (i) chronic lung disease, (ii) coronary heart coronary heart disease and C00-C97 for cancer. 3 Based on boundaries and postcode allocation, as of 2009. disease and (iii) cancer in Leeds West constituency in 4 Parliamentary constituency population estimates used to calculate the incidence each of the last 15 years. [306992] rates are experimental statistics. Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls Employment: Leeds within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. John Battle: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Letter from Jil Matheson, dated December 2009: Office how many people are employed in (1) the service As National Statistician, I have been asked for to reply to your sector in Leeds; [306583] recent question asking what the (a) diagnosis and (b) mortality (2) the financial sector in Leeds; [306584] rate was for (i) chronic lung disease, (ii) coronary heart disease (3) commerce in each industry sector in (a) Leeds and (iii) cancer in Leeds West constituency in each of the last 15 years. (306992) West constituency and (b) Leeds; [306585] Figures on newly diagnosed cases (incidence) of chronic lung (4) manufacturing in each industry sector in (a) disease and coronary heart disease are not readily available. Leeds West constituency and (b) Leeds. [306586] Mortality and incidence rates for parliamentary constituencies which do not share boundaries exactly with a local authority can Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls be calculated only from 2001 onwards. The tables below provide (a) the age standardised cancer incidence rate and (b) age standardised within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. mortality rates for (i) chronic lung disease, (ii) coronary heart I have asked the Authority to reply. disease and (iii) cancer in West Leeds parliamentary constituency Letter from Jil Matheson, dated December 2009: for the years 2001 to 2007 (the latest available). As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary constituency population estimates on which Parliamentary Questions asking how many people are employed these rates are based are experimental statistics, that is, statistics in the service sector in Leeds; how many people are employed in which are in a testing or consultation phase, and therefore should the financial sector in Leeds; how many people are employed in be treated with caution. commerce in each industry sector in (a) Leeds West constituency Table 1: Age-standardised cancer incidence rates,1, 2 Leeds, West parliamentary and (b) Leeds; and how many people are employed in manufacturing constituency,3 2001 to 20074,5 in each industry sector in (a) Leeds West constituency and (b) Cancer (cases per 100,000) Leeds (306583,306584, 306585 and 306586) The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles employment 2001 435 statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey 2002 441 (APS) following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions. 2003 409 Unfortunately the sample size does not support analyses of 2004 457 employment by industry for the Leeds West Constituency. 2005 484 Table 1 shows the number of persons in employment by each 2006 432 industrial sector for persons resident in Leeds for the latest 2007 400 available 12 month period, ending in March 2009 from the APS. 1 Age-standardised cancer registration rates per 100,000 population, standardised As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS arc subject to the European Standard Population. Age-standardised rates are used to allow to a margin of uncertainty. A guide to the quality of the estimates comparison between populations which may contain different proportions of people of different ages. is given in table 1. 2 Cancer incidence defined using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth National and local area estimates for many labour market Revision (ICD-10) codes C00-C97 excluding code C44: non-melanoma skin statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant cancer. count are available on the NOMIS website at: http:// 3 Based on boundaries and postcode allocation, as of 2009. 4 Newly diagnosed cases registered in each calendar year. www.nomisweb.co.uk. 5 Parliamentary constituency population estimates used to calculate the incidence Table 1: Number of persons resident in Leeds in employment in each industrial rates are experimental statistics. sector, April 2008 to March 2009 Thousands Table 2: Age standardised mortality rates for chronic lung disease, coronary heart disease and cancer,1, 2 Leeds, West parliamentary constituency,3 2001 to Agriculture and Fishing 1****— 4 2007 Energy and Water 1****— Deaths per 100,000 Manufacturing ***43 Chronic heart Construction ***30 Chronic lung disease disease Cancer Distribution, Hotels and Restaurants **69 2001 48 142 209 Transport and Communications ***29 2002 59 152 243 Banking, Finance and Insurance **70 1135W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1136W

Table 1: Number of persons resident in Leeds in employment in each industrial City of Leeds sector, April 2008 to March 2009 £ Thousands 1998 15,383 Public Administration, Education and **105 1999 16,252 Health 2000 16,914 Other Services ***19 2001 17,796 Total *372 2002 18,691 1Not available. Note: 2003 19,744 Coefficients of Variation have been calculated as an indication of the quality of 2004 20,401 the estimates. See Guide to Quality below. 2005 20,769 Guide to Quality: The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the 2006 21,496 smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie 2007 22,387 within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5 Source: per cent. we would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220 Table 3.2, Regional GVA, ONS, available on the National Statistics website at: Key Coefficient of Variation (CV) (%) Statistical Robustness http://nswebcopy/downloads/theme_economy/NUTS3.xls *0=CV≤5 Estimates are considered precise **5=CV≤10 Estimates are considered reasonably precise *** 10 = CV ≤20 Estimates are considered acceptable Population: Leeds **** CV 20 Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes Source: Annual Population Survey John Battle: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what forecast she has made of the population of Gift Aid Leeds City Council area in (a) five, (b) 10 and (c) 15 years’ time. [306985] Mr. Brady: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office which charities claimed more from the Exchequer in Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls Gift Aid than the sum spent on charitable purposes in within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. the most recent year for which figures are available. I have asked the Authority to reply. [307644] Letter from Jil Matheson, dated December 2009: Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your within the responsibility of the Charity Commission. I question about the forecast of the population of Leeds City have asked the commission to reply. Council in (a) five (b) ten and (c) fifteen years time [306985]. Letter from Andrew Hind, dated 14 December 2009: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) does not produce population forecasts. As the Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, I have However, ONS does produce population projections for local been asked to respond to your written Parliamentary Question on authorities. The subnational population projections are demographic which charities claimed more from the Exchequer in Gift Aid trend-based projections that indicate what the population levels than the sum spent on charitable purposes in the most recent year of an area are likely to be if recently observed trends in fertility, for which figures are available (307644). mortality and migration were to continue. They take no account The charity accounting framework does not require charities of future development policies which may affect trends. to account for Gift Aid as a separate item and we do not hold information on Gift Aid claims or receipts. These projections are provided in Table I below. They are 2006-based subnational population projections which were published I am sorry I am unable to provide more information in respect by the Office for National Statistics on 12 June 2008. of this question. Table 1: Population Projections for Leeds National Income: Leeds Thousand Local John Battle: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Authority Mid-2014 Mid-2019 Mid-2024 Office what the gross domestic product per head of the resident population in the City of Leeds was in each Leeds 828 874 916 year since 1992. [306589] Private Life: Bexley Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. Mr. Evennett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet I have asked the Authority to reply. Office what estimate she has made of the number of Letter from Jil Matheson, dated December 2009: (a) marriages, (b) civil partnerships and (c) divorces The Office for National Statistics publishes regional GVA in the London Borough of Bexley in the most recent rather than GDP. GVA is measured at current basic prices, which period for which figures are available. [306897] is GDP less taxes on products, plus subsidies on products. GVA by NLJTS3 regions, (principally individual counties and unitary Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls authorities) has been calculated since 1995. The latest year for which GVA is published at NUTS3 level is 2007 and the earliest is within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. 1995. I have asked the Authority to reply. The headline GVA estimates for the Leeds NUTS3 area, Letter from Jil Matheson, dated December 2009: shown as £ per head figures, for the period 1995-2007, are shown As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your in the table below: recent question asking what estimate has been made of the City of Leeds number of (a) marriages, (b) civil partnerships and (c) divorces in £ the London Borough of Bexley in the most recent period for which figures are available. (306897) 1995 12,640 Using the most recent period for which figures are available for 1996 13,466 the London Borough of Bexley, the number of marriages in 2006 1997 14,426 was 964 and the number of civil partnerships in 2008 was 24. 1137W Written Answers15 DECEMBER 2009 Written Answers 1138W

Divorce statistics are based upon information supplied to ONS These estimates are published in Table 13 of the Labour by the courts in England and Wales. The fact that a divorce has Market Statistical Bulletin. The historical figures in Table 13 are taken place in a court in a particular region does not mean that published in the Labour Market Statistical Bulletin Historical either one or both parties are resident there. Therefore, divorce Supplement which is available on the National Statistics website statistics have been historically presented at a national level only. via the following link: UK Statistics Authority: Conferences http://www.statistics.gov.uk/OnlineProducts/ LMS_FR_HS.asp Level and percentage of economically inactive working age people who would like Mr. Graham Stuart: To ask the Minister for the a job and those who are discouraged workers; quarter 1 each year 1993 to 2009, Cabinet Office how many (a) away days and (b) United Kingdom, seasonally adjusted conferences that took place outside the UK Statistics Would like a job Discouraged workers Authority’s buildings attended by civil servants in the Level Level UK Statistics Authority there have been since 2005; (thousand) Percentage1 (thousand) Percentage2 and what the cost was of each. [307447] 1993 2,221 29.7 148 2.0 1994 2,250 29.8 137 1.8 Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls 1995 2,212 29.2 112 1.5 within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. 1996 2,365 30.9 94 1.2 I have asked the Authority to reply. 1997 2,361 30.9 71 0.9 Letter from Jil Matheson, dated December 2009: 1998 2,343 30.7 71 0.9 As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your 1999 2,268 30.0 67 0.9 recent question asking how many (a) away days and (b) conferences 2000 2,269 29.9 52 0.7 outside the UK Statistics Authority’s buildings attended by civil 2001 2,224 28.6 34 0.4 servants in the UK. Statistics Authority there have been since 2002 2,233 28.8 39 0.5 2005; and what the cost was of each. 307447 2003 2,088 26.8 35 0.4 The requested information is not held centrally and could be 2004 2,051 25.8 32 0.4 obtained only at disproportionate cost. 2005 2,055 25.9 32 0.4 Unemployment 2006 2,096 26.7 38 0.5 2007 2,086 26.3 40 0.5 2008 2,121 27.0 36 0.5 Mrs. May: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office 2009 2,244 28.1 73 0.9 (1) how many and what percentage of economically 1 The number of people of working age who are inactive and would like a job inactive working age people would like a job; and how divided by the number of people of working age who are economically inactive. many and what percentage of economically inactive 2 The number of people of working age who are inactive and are a discouraged working age people would have liked a job in each year worker divided by the number of people of working age who are economically inactive. that the relevant dataset has been produced; [307062] Note: (2) how many discouraged workers there are; and It should be noted that the above estimates exclude people in most types of communal establishment (e.g. hotels, boarding houses, hostels, mobile home how many discouraged workers there were in each year sites etc.). that the relevant dataset has been produced. [307064] Source: Labour Force Survey Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. Voluntary Organisations I have asked the authority to reply. Letter from Jil Matheson, dated December 2009: Jenny Willott: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Office which national infrastructure voluntary Parliamentary Questions asking (i) how many and what percentage organisations operate in England; in what year each of economically inactive working age people would like a job; and started operation; and if she will make a statement. how many and what percentage of economically inactive working age people would have liked a job in each year that this data set [307186] has been produced (307062); and (ii) how many discouraged workers there are; and how many discouraged workers there were Angela E. Smith: The Cabinet Office does not hold in each year that this data set has been produced (307064). information on which national infrastructure voluntary Estimates of economic inactivity are available from the Labour organisations are operating in England. National Force Survey (LFS). In accordance with the International Labour infrastructure organisations that have charitable status Organization (ILO) definition, people are classed as economically are registered with the Charity Commission, and the inactive if they are neither in employment nor unemployed. Register of Charities is available on their website. The The table provided contains estimates of the number of Office of the Third Sector is committed to investing in economically inactive people who would like a job, that is, people national and local sector support organisations that who when asked, report that they would like to have a regular assist front-line groups, through Capacitybuilders. The paid job but had neither been looking for work in the last four weeks nor waiting to take up a job already obtained. Estimates of Office of the Third Sector also funds a variety of the number of discouraged workers, those whose main reason for national strategic partners, listed on its website, many of being economically inactive is because they believe there are no whom provide capacity building support, advocacy and jobs available, are also included. training to the wider third sector.

1MC Ministerial Corrections15 DECEMBER 2009 Ministerial Corrections 2MC

Number of drivers convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs1in Ministerial Correction the East of England (2000-08) with a previous conviction for the same offence Number of Number of these Percentage of drivers convicted drivers with a drivers with a Tuesday 15 December 2009 of driving under previous previous the influence of conviction for conviction for Force alcohol/drugs the same offence the same offence

Suffolk 1,080 203 18.80 JUSTICE Driving Under Influence 2003 Bedfordshire 1,058 261 24.67 Mr. Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Cambridgeshire 957 213 22.26 how many drivers convicted of driving in each police Essex 2,567 582 22.67 authority when under the influence of alcohol or drugs Hertfordshire 1,855 388 20.92 in the East of England in each year since 1999 had Norfolk 1,237 270 21.83 previous convictions for the same offence. [295947] Suffolk 1,153 228 19.77 [Official Report, 3 November 2009, Vol. 498, c. 899-900W.] Letter of correction from Maria Eagle: 2004 Errors have been identified in the written answer Bedfordshire 1,051 233 22.17 given to the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds Cambridgeshire 1,113 221 19.86 (Mr. Ruffley) on 3 November 2009. Essex 2,733 626 22.91 The correct answer should have been: Hertfordshire 1,830 386 21.09 Norfolk 1,215 248 20.41 Maria Eagle: The figures requested are shown in the Suffolk 1,243 245 19.71 following table. These figures have been drawn from the police’s 2005 administrative IT system, the police national computer Bedfordshire 1,033 250 24.20 (PNC), which, as with any large scale recording system, Cambridgeshire 1,295 272 21.00 is subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. Essex 2,523 609 24.14 The figures are provisional and subject to change as Hertfordshire 1,837 419 22.81 more information is recorded by the police. Norfolk 1,235 270 21.86 Number of drivers convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs1in Suffolk 1,053 240 22.79 the East of England (2000-08) with a previous conviction for the same offence Number of Number of these Percentage of drivers convicted drivers with a drivers with a 2006 of driving under previous previous Bedfordshire 1,090 264 24.22 the influence of conviction for conviction for Force alcohol/drugs the same offence the same offence Cambridgeshire 1,286 272 21.15 Essex 2,663 615 23.09 2000 Hertfordshire 1,867 446 23.89 Bedfordshire 762 159 20.87 Norfolk 1,310 299 22.82 Cambridgeshire 766 117 15.27 Suffolk 1,098 245 22.31 Essex 2,387 371 15.54

Hertfordshire 1,517 252 16.61 2007 Norfolk 1,074 154 14.34 Bedfordshire 1,023 271 26.49 Suffolk 863 112 12.98 Cambridgeshire 1,231 274 22.26 Essex 2,523 591 23.42 2001 Hertfordshire 1,892 426 22.52 Bedfordshire 883 181 20.50 Norfolk 1,249 309 24.74 Cambridgeshire 822 148 18.00 Suffolk 1,010 205 20.30 Essex 2,377 409 17.21

Hertfordshire 1,647 281 17.06 2008 Norfolk 1,118 183 16.37 Bedfordshire 879 233 26.51 Suffolk 916 145 15.83 Cambridgeshire 1,064 259 24.34 Essex 2,382 583 24.48 2002 Hertfordshire 1,665 407 24.44 Bedfordshire 932 220 23.61 Norfolk 1,061 257 24.22 Cambridgeshire 871 167 19.17 Suffolk 884 220 24.89 Essex 2,468 470 19.04 1 The data includes a range of offences under the Road Traffic Act. They can be Hertfordshire 1,902 345 18.14 found in sections 4(1), 5(1) (a), 7(6), 4(2), 5(1) (b), 6(4) and 7A as amended by the Police Reform Act 2002 and the Transport and Works Act 2002. Norfolk 1,230 214 17.40

ORAL ANSWERS

Tuesday 15 December 2009

Col. No. Col. No. TREASURY ...... 781 TREASURY—continued Bank Recapitalisation ...... 791 Financial Services (Regulation)...... 788 Banks (Government Support)...... 792 High Frequency Share Trading...... 781 Banks (Penalty Charges) ...... 787 Public Services ...... 795 Budget 2009 ...... 782 Remuneration Levels...... 786 Comprehensive Spending Review...... 789 Topical Questions ...... 795 Comprehensive Spending Review...... 793 UK Budget Deficit...... 790 Economic Growth...... 792 UK Credit Rating ...... 791 Financial Services (Regulation)...... 785 Youth Unemployment...... 794 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Tuesday 15 December 2009

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 94WS INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 114WS Growth Funds...... 94WS Autumn Performance Report...... 114WS St. Helena ...... 114WS CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 97WS Autumn Performance Report...... 97WS JUSTICE...... 115WS Bernard Lodge...... 115WS DEFENCE...... 99WS Civil Law Reform Bill ...... 115WS Future Rotary Wing Strategy...... 99WS FOI Quarterly Monitoring Statistics...... 116WS House of Lords (Commonwealth and Republic of ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 100WS Ireland Citizens) ...... 116WS EU Energy Council...... 100WS

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL LEADER OF THE HOUSE ...... 117WS AFFAIRS...... 101WS Expedited Legislation (Explanatory Notes) ...... 117WS Exotic Diseases of Animals...... 101WS Parliamentary Pensions...... 118WS Pitt Review (Government Response)...... 101WS TRANSPORT ...... 119WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 102WS Bus Service Operators Grant...... 119WS EU General Affairs Council and Foreign Affairs EU Transport Council ...... 120WS Council ...... 102WS Smart and Integrated Ticketing Strategy...... 122WS Sri Lanka ...... 105WS UK Roads Liaison Group Report (Severe Weather February 2009)...... 122WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 107WS Community Safety Accreditation Schemes ...... 107WS Control Order Powers ...... 108WS TREASURY ...... 93WS Door Supervisors Training...... 110WS Anti-Avoidance...... 93WS Hillsborough Disaster...... 111WS Government Fraud Report ...... 94WS Identity Cards ...... 112WS Interim CCTV Regulator ...... 113WS WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 124WS UK Border Agency (Chief Inspector’s Report)...... 112WS Autumn Performance Report...... 124WS PETITIONS

Tuesday 15 December 2009

Col. No. Col. No. PPRESENTED PETITIONS...... 35P PPRESENTED PETITIONS—continued Badman Report (Bournemouth West)...... 40P Badman Report (Old Bexley and Sidcup) ...... 36P Badman Report (Brentford and Isleworth) ...... 38P Badman Report (Walthamstow)...... 37P Badman Report (Epsom and Ewell)...... 39P Equitable Life (Hitchin and Harpenden)...... 37P Badman Report (Forest of Dean) ...... 39P BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 41P Badman Report (Gravesham) ...... 38P Future of Small Shops ...... 41P Badman Report (Harrow East) ...... 35P Badman Report (Hendon) ...... 35P TREASURY ...... 40P Badman Report (Hitchin & Harpenden)...... 36P Equitable Life (Hitchin and Harpenden)...... 40P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 14 December 2009—[Continued.]

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 932W Broadband ...... 932W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— Broadband: South East...... 933W continued Business: Eastbourne ...... 934W Housing: Autism...... 904W Business: Government Assistance ...... 934W Housing: Elderly ...... 905W Climate Change Projects Office...... 937W Housing: Energy ...... 906W Departmental Conferences...... 938W Housing: Floods ...... 905W Departmental Electronic Equipment ...... 938W Housing: Lighting...... 907W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 938W Housing: Prices ...... 907W Electric Cables: Standards...... 938W Housing: Research ...... 909W Energy and Climate Change Unit ...... 939W Housing: Sprinkler Systems ...... 911W EU Law...... 939W Housing: Standards ...... 911W Freight ...... 940W Local Government ...... 911W Higher Education: Leeds...... 939W Local Government Finance ...... 912W Higher Education: Lewes ...... 942W Local Government Finance: Emergency Services... 912W Higher Education: Student Numbers...... 941W Local Government: Freedom of Information ...... 913W Internet ...... 943W Local Government Services: Elderly ...... 913W Internet: Copyright ...... 943W Local Government: Standards ...... 913W Internet: EU Law...... 944W Mortgages...... 914W Internet: Security ...... 945W Mortgages: Government Assistance...... 914W Invoices...... 945W Multiple Occupation...... 915W National Geoscience Data Centre...... 945W Non-Domestic Rates: Fire Services...... 915W Post Office...... 946W Ordnance Survey...... 916W Post Office: Disciplinary Proceedings...... 946W Recycling ...... 916W Post Offices ...... 946W Regional Planning and Development...... 916W Post Offices: Information and Communications Regional Planning and Development: Finance ...... 916W Technology ...... 947W Rented Housing ...... 916W Postal Services Commission: Hotels...... 948W Repossession Orders: Rural Areas...... 917W Postal Services Commission: Internet ...... 948W Sheltered Housing...... 917W Public Sector: Information...... 948W Social Rented Housing: Asbestos...... 918W Students: Loans ...... 950W Social Rented Housing: Insurance ...... 918W Transport ...... 951W Social Rented Housing: Property Transfer ...... 918W Social Rented Housing: Waiting Lists ...... 919W Supporting People Programme ...... 919W Tenancy Deposit Schemes...... 919W Tenant Services Authority: Manpower...... 920W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 893W Travelling People: Republic of Ireland ...... 920W Affordable Housing: Construction ...... 893W Valuation: Tribunals...... 920W Affordable Housing: Rural Areas...... 893W Community Assets Programme...... 895W Community Infrastructure Levy ...... 895W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 921W Community Relations: Elderly...... 895W Biofuels: Power Stations...... 921W Council Housing...... 896W Boilers...... 921W Council Housing: Rents ...... 896W Caparo Group...... 922W Council Tax: Empty Property ...... 896W Climate Change: International Cooperation ...... 922W Departmental Conferences...... 896W Climate Change: Publicity...... 922W Departmental Internet ...... 897W Departmental Buildings...... 923W Departmental Manpower...... 897W Departmental Conferences...... 923W Departmental Publicity...... 897W Departmental Domestic Visits ...... 923W Empty Dwelling Management Orders...... 898W Departmental Freedom of Information ...... 923W Empty Property ...... 898W Departmental Internet ...... 924W Empty Property: Leeds ...... 898W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 925W Equality Bill 2008-09 then 2009-10...... 898W Departmental Public Relations ...... 925W Fire Services...... 899W Departmental Publications ...... 925W Fire Services: Contracts ...... 900W Departmental Security ...... 926W Fire Services: Finance ...... 900W Departmental Taxis ...... 926W Fires: Death ...... 901W Departmental Travel ...... 926W Flats: Construction ...... 901W Departmental Written Questions ...... 926W Floods: Cumbria...... 902W Energy: Conservation...... 927W Floods: Finance ...... 902W Energy: Housing ...... 928W Gardens: Planning Permission ...... 902W Energy: Meters...... 928W Green Belt...... 902W Energy Supply...... 926W Historic Buildings: Planning Permission ...... 902W Energy Supply: Cybercrime...... 927W Homelessness: Young People ...... 903W Fuel Poverty...... 929W Homes and Communities Agency: Assets ...... 903W Gas and Electricity Markets Authority: Public Housing ...... 904W Relations...... 929W Col. No. Col. No. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—continued ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—continued Hotels ...... 929W Scientists ...... 930W Members: Correspondence ...... 930W Solar Power...... 930W Official Engagements ...... 930W Warm Front Scheme ...... 932W WRITTEN ANSWERS

Tuesday 15 December 2009

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 1085W CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES—continued Apprentices: Bexley...... 1085W Departmental Temporary Employment ...... 1065W Apprentices: Finance ...... 1085W Departmental Written Questions ...... 1066W Apprentices: Staffordshire...... 1085W Ecosystem Project ...... 1066W Business: Essex...... 1086W Extracurricular Activities...... 1066W Business: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 1087W Free School Meals...... 1067W Competition Commission: Public Relations...... 1091W Free School Meals: Leeds ...... 1068W Construction: Economic Situation...... 1092W Freud Communications: Public Relations ...... 1068W Construction: Government Assistance...... 1093W Homosexuality...... 1068W Dietetics...... 1093W MyCurriculum...... 1069W Employment Schemes ...... 1093W National Safeguarding Delivery Unit...... 1069W Higher Education: Leeds...... 1094W Pupil Exclusions...... 1070W Higher Education: Qualifications...... 1094W Pupils: Bexley...... 1071W Hospitality Industry: Training ...... 1095W School Meals: Finance...... 1071W Learning and Skills Council for England ...... 1095W Schools: Energy ...... 1071W Office of Fair Trading: Hotels...... 1095W Schools: Lancashire ...... 1072W Office of Fair Trading: Training...... 1096W Schools: Leeds ...... 1072W Older Workers: Vocational Training...... 1096W Schools: Rural Areas...... 1074W Policy Objectives ...... 1097W Schools: Yorkshire and the Humber...... 1073W Putting the Frontline First: Smarter Government .. 1097W Special Educational Needs...... 1073W Regulations: Audit ...... 1098W Specialised Diplomas: Rural Areas ...... 1078W Students: Disabled ...... 1098W Teachers: Arts ...... 1078W Students: Loans ...... 1098W Teachers: Training...... 1083W Tax...... 1099W Young Offenders ...... 1083W Trade Agreements: Peru...... 1099W Young People: Alcoholic Drinks ...... 1084W UK Trade and Investment: Hotels ...... 1099W Vocational Training: East of England ...... 1100W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 981W Vocational Training: Expenditure ...... 1101W Caravan Sites: Travelling People ...... 981W Voting Rights: Public Companies...... 1102W Community Development: Finance ...... 982W Comprehensive Area Assessments ...... 983W CABINET OFFICE...... 1127W Council Housing: Rents ...... 984W Charity Commission: Conferences ...... 1127W Council Tax ...... 984W Charity Commission: Operating Costs...... 1128W Council Tax: Billing ...... 985W Death: Dietary Supplements ...... 1128W Departmental Conferences...... 985W Death: Leeds...... 1129W Departmental Pay ...... 986W Death: Pressure Sores...... 1131W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 987W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 1132W Departmental Public Relations ...... 987W Departmental Publicity...... 1133W Domestic Waste: Waste Disposal ...... 988W Diseases: Leeds ...... 1133W Fêtes ...... 988W Employment: Leeds ...... 1134W Fire Services...... 988W Gift Aid ...... 1135W Floods: Cumbria...... 990W National Income: Leeds...... 1135W Greenbelt ...... 990W Population: Leeds ...... 1136W Homelessness: Leeds...... 990W Private Life: Bexley ...... 1136W Homelessness: Young People ...... 991W UK Statistics Authority: Conferences ...... 1137W Housing ...... 992W Unemployment ...... 1137W Housing Benefit ...... 992W Voluntary Organisations ...... 1138W Housing Benefit: Lancashire...... 992W Housing: Carbon Emissions...... 993W CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES...... 1060W Housing: Expenditure ...... 993W Academies: National Curriculum Tests ...... 1060W Housing: Finance...... 993W Academies: Sponsorship ...... 1060W Housing: Prices ...... 994W Antisocial Behaviour...... 1061W ICE ...... 994W Building Schools for the Future Programme ...... 1061W Litter...... 994W CAFCASS: Complaints...... 1062W Local Government: Pensions ...... 994W Children: Video Games...... 1062W Local Government: Reorganisation ...... 994W Children’s Centres ...... 1063W Local Government: Standards ...... 995W Children’s Centres: Barnsley ...... 1064W Marinas: Planning Permission ...... 995W Departmental Electronic Equipment ...... 1064W Mortgages: Repossession Orders...... 995W Departmental Freedom of Information ...... 1065W National Policy Statements ...... 995W Departmental Manpower...... 1065W Non-Domestic Rates: Churches ...... 996W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS— continued continued Non-Domestic Rates: Greater London ...... 996W Domestic Waste: Waste Disposal ...... 974W Non-Domestic Rates: Public Libraries...... 996W Drinks...... 975W Non-Domestic Rates: Valuation ...... 996W Fish...... 975W Oikos Storage: Canvey Island ...... 997W Forestry Commission: Internet ...... 976W Ordnance Survey...... 997W Incinerators...... 976W Planning...... 997W Origin Marking: Israel ...... 977W Private Rented Housing: Greater London...... 1000W Recycling ...... 977W Regional Planning and Development...... 1000W Whales: Conservation ...... 977W Scientists ...... 1000W Sleeping Rough ...... 1000W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE .... 1024W Social Rented Housing...... 1001W Afghanistan: Reconstruction ...... 1024W Vacant Land ...... 1001W Bermuda ...... 1024W Bosnia-Herzegovina: Judiciary...... 1025W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 963W Christmas...... 1025W Historic Buildings: Coventry...... 963W Departmental Carbon Emissions ...... 1026W Leisure: Facilities ...... 963W Departmental Conferences...... 1026W Sports: Obesity...... 964W Departmental Co-ordination ...... 1026W Sports: York...... 964W Departmental Cost Effectiveness ...... 1027W Tourism...... 965W Departmental Electronic Equipment ...... 1027W Departmental Energy...... 1028W DEFENCE...... 954W Departmental Internet ...... 1028W Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations ...... 954W Departmental Manpower...... 1029W Air Force: Deployment ...... 955W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 1029W Armed Forces: Absence without Leave ...... 956W Departmental Sick Leave ...... 1030W Armed Forces: Cadets...... 955W Departmental Standards...... 1030W Armed Forces: Manpower ...... 957W Departmental Taxis ...... 1030W Armed Forces: Mental Health Services...... 957W Departmental Telephone Services ...... 1031W Armed Forces: Sport...... 958W Departmental Training ...... 1031W Armed Forces: Training ...... 958W Departmental Written Questions ...... 1031W Bailey Bridges ...... 959W Gibraltar: Territorial Waters ...... 1032W Departmental Lost Property ...... 959W Government Departments: Wine ...... 1033W Departmental Written Questions ...... 959W Hakluyt...... 1033W Military Bases: Browndown ...... 960W Hotels ...... 1034W Naval Strike Wing...... 960W Israel...... 1034W Rescue Services: Pembrokeshire ...... 960W Middle East: Armed Conflict...... 1034W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 1036W ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE ...... 953W Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Departmental Internet ...... 953W Europe ...... 1036W Electoral Register...... 954W Overseas Territories Consultative Council ...... 1036W Hotels ...... 954W Palestinians ...... 1037W Palestinians: Human Rights...... 1037W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 1120W Panchen Lama ...... 1037W Carbon Emissions...... 1120W Somalia...... 1038W Climate Change: Publicity...... 1119W Spain: EC Presidency...... 1038W Departmental Consultants...... 1119W Trade Unions ...... 1038W Departmental Manpower...... 1119W Turks and Caicos Islands: Human Rights...... 1039W Driving...... 1120W Electricity...... 1121W HEALTH...... 1044W Energy Efficiency Schemes...... 1122W Abortion ...... 1044W Energy Supply...... 1122W Cholesterol...... 1044W Fuel Poverty: Pensioners ...... 1122W Christmas...... 1045W Gilmerton Core Store ...... 1123W Chronically Sick...... 1046W Innovation Investment Fund and Carbon Trust’s Departmental Buildings...... 1046W Venture Capital Scheme...... 1123W Departmental Conferences...... 1046W Nuclear Power...... 1124W Departmental Training ...... 1047W Nuclear Power Stations: Oldbury...... 1125W Departmental Written Questions ...... 1047W Opinion Leader Research...... 1125W Dietary Supplements: Health Hazards...... 1047W Power Failures...... 1125W Drugs: Prisons ...... 1047W Renewable Energy...... 1125W Drugs: Rehabilitation...... 1048W Renewable Energy: EU Law...... 1126W Food Standards Agency: Hotels...... 1049W Sellafield ...... 1126W Food Standards Agency: Internet ...... 1049W Wind Power ...... 1126W Health Education: Sex ...... 1049W Health Services: Isle of Man ...... 1049W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Health Services: Leeds ...... 1050W AFFAIRS...... 973W Hospitals: Food ...... 1050W Departmental Electronic Equipment ...... 973W Hospitals: Inspections...... 1050W Departmental Energy...... 973W Hotels ...... 1051W Departmental Freedom of Information ...... 974W Leicestershire Primary Care Trust: Diabetes ...... 1052W Departmental Publications ...... 974W Mental Health Services ...... 1052W Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH—continued JUSTICE—continued NHS: Finance ...... 1053W Reintegration Support Scheme...... 1043W Prescription Drugs...... 1054W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 1043W Smoking...... 1054W Young Offenders: Children in Care ...... 1043W Smoking: Young People ...... 1055W Social Security Benefits: Disabled ...... 1055W LEADER OF THE HOUSE...... 979W Social Services...... 1057W Departmental Conferences ...... 979W Social Services: Public Consultation ...... 1058W Departmental Electronic Equipment ...... 979W Sunbeds: Research ...... 1059W Departmental Training ...... 980W Swine Flu: Disease Control...... 1059W Departmental Written Questions ...... 980W Swine Flu: Telephone Services ...... 1059W Hotels ...... 980W Tourette Syndrome...... 1060W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 968W HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 1102W Christmas...... 968W Animal Experiments: Wales...... 1102W Departmental Buildings...... 968W Antisocial Behaviour Orders: West Yorkshire ...... 1103W Departmental Publicity...... 968W Borders: Personal Records ...... 1104W Police Service of Northern Ireland: Finance ...... 969W Christmas...... 1104W Terrorism ...... 969W Crimes of Violence: Schools ...... 1104W Departmental Buildings...... 1105W OLYMPICS ...... 961W Departmental Freedom of Information ...... 1105W Christmas...... 961W Departmental ICT ...... 1105W Departmental Conferences...... 961W Departmental Meetings ...... 1107W Departmental Internet ...... 962W Departmental Official Cars...... 1107W Departmental Training ...... 962W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 1107W Hotels ...... 962W Departmental Publicity...... 1108W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 962W Departmental Security ...... 1108W Departmental Taxis ...... 1108W PRIME MINISTER ...... 966W Departmental Telephone Services ...... 1109W Departmental Conferences...... 966W Departmental Training ...... 1110W Departmental Electronic Equipment ...... 966W Deportation ...... 1109W General Elections...... 966W Entry Clearances: Iran ...... 1110W Iraq Committee of Inquiry ...... 967W Entry Clearances: Pakistan ...... 1111W Tony Blair ...... 967W Entry Clearances: Republic of Ireland ...... 1111W Entry Clearances: Skilled Workers ...... 1112W SOLICITOR-GENERAL...... 1002W Foreign Workers...... 1113W Crown Prosecution Service: Conferences...... 1002W Fraud: Internet ...... 1113W Departmental Conferences...... 1002W Human Trafficking ...... 1114W Departmental Energy...... 1003W Immigration...... 1114W Departmental Plants ...... 1003W Immigration: Children ...... 1114W Departmental Written Questions ...... 1004W Internet ...... 1115W Hotels ...... 1004W Internet: Advertising...... 1115W National Policing Improvement Agency: Public TRANSPORT ...... 969W Relations...... 1115W Buses: Injuries...... 969W Passports...... 1116W Departmental Travel ...... 970W Repatriation...... 1116W EU Law...... 970W Serious Organised Crime Agency: Manpower...... 1116W Motor Sports Association...... 971W Sexual Offences...... 1117W Official Cars: Exhaust Emissions ...... 971W Shoplifting ...... 1117W Public Transport: Crimes of Violence ...... 971W UK Border Agency ...... 1118W Severn Bridge: Tolls ...... 971W Victim Support Schemes: Sexual Offences ...... 1118W Taxis ...... 972W West Yorkshire Police...... 1118W Taxis: Guide Dogs...... 972W Work Permits ...... 1119W TREASURY ...... 1005W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION ...... 953W Banks: Government Support ...... 1005W Cats...... 953W Budget 2009 ...... 1005W Security...... 953W Child Tax Credit ...... 1006W Comprehensive Spending Review...... 1006W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 978W Departmental Pay ...... 1007W Departmental Art Works...... 978W Employee Benefit Trusts ...... 1007W International Assistance...... 979W Financial Services and Markets Act 2000...... 1007W Income Tax Personal Allowance ...... 1007W JUSTICE...... 1039W International Finance Facility for Immunisation ... 1006W Ashwell Prison ...... 1039W Mutual Building Societies ...... 1005W Christmas...... 1040W National Insurance Contributions ...... 1008W Courts: Physiotherapists ...... 1041W Non-Domestic Rates: Microgeneration...... 1008W Health Services: Channel Islands ...... 1041W Taxation: Banks ...... 1008W Pleural Plaques ...... 1041W Unemployment: Young People...... 1008W Prisoners: Suicide...... 1042W Prisoners: Voting Rights ...... 1042W WALES...... 981W Prisons: Visits...... 1043W Departmental Pay ...... 981W Col. No. Col. No. WALES—continued WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Departmental Sick Leave ...... 981W Cold Weather Payments: Derbyshire...... 1011W Departmental Training ...... 981W Crisis Loans ...... 1011W Departmental Conferences...... 1012W WOMEN AND EQUALITY ...... 967W Disability Living Allowance...... 1012W Departmental Information Officers ...... 967W Housing Benefit ...... 1014W Departmental Written Questions ...... 967W Housing Benefit: Islington ...... 1014W Equal Pay...... 967W Jobseeker’s Allowance ...... 1015W Equalities and Human Rights Commission: Personal Accounts ...... 1019W Research ...... 967W Post Office Card Account: Castle Point ...... 1019W Social Security Benefits...... 1020W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 1009W Social Security Benefits: Legal Aid ...... 1021W Child Maintenance and Enforcement Winter Fuel Payments: Derbyshire ...... 1021W Commission: ICT ...... 1009W Winter Fuel Payments: Leeds...... 1021W Child Rearing...... 1009W Winter Fuel Payments: West Yorkshire ...... 1022W Children: Maintenance ...... 1010W Work Capability Assessment...... 1022W MINISTERIAL CORRECTION

Tuesday 15 December 2009

Col. No. JUSTICE...... 1MC Driving Under Influence...... 1MC 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 Tuesday 22 December 2009

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CONTENTS

Tuesday 15 December 2009

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 781] [see index inside back page] Chancellor of the Exchequer

Future Defence Programme [Col. 801] Statement—(Mr. Bob Ainsworth)

Benefit Reform [Col. 818] Statement—(Yvette Cooper)

Video Recording [Col. 834] Bill presented, and read the First time

Flood and Water Management Bill [Col. 835] Read a Second time

Constitutional Law [Col. 908] Motion agreed to

Petitions [Col. 932]

London City Airport [Col. 939] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Health Care (Buckinghamshire) [Col. 177WH] [Col. 198WH] House of Commons Reform [Col. 198WH] Government Science Priorities [Col. 224WH] Bone Marrow Register [Col. 231WH] Fire Safety (Rented Accommodation) [Col. 239WH] Debates on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 93WS]

Petitions [Col. 35P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 893W]

Ministerial Correction [Col. 1MC]