Tuesday Volume 496 21 July 2009 No. 115 Part1of3

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 21 July 2009

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Mr. Straw: I was not seeking to make an astonishing House of Commons criticism of the Judicial Appointments Commission, but merely referring to the data, which—although there Tuesday 21 July 2009 are big problems with some of them—suggest that the situation for black and Asian people has gone backwards. We want the panel on judicial diversity to consider The House met at half-past Two o’clock carefully all the processes and bars on people who work their way through the profession to a certain point and then, whether they are women or black or Asian people, PRAYERS are discouraged from applying, or, if they apply, are less likely to be successful. That is particularly true of the [MR.SPEAKER in the Chair] more senior judicial appointments Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): May I urge the Secretary BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS of State to avoid any form of political correctness in appointments to the judiciary? Is not it completely NEW WRIT wrong to see people in terms of their race, gender or religion when judging them and offering them jobs? Stewart Hosie (Dundee, East) (SNP): I beg to move, Surely all jobs, including in the judiciary, should be That the Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Clerk of the given on merit alone? Crown to make out a new Writ— Mr. Straw: I can reassure the hon. Gentleman that I The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury am the least politically correct person whom I know. Of (Mr. Nicholas Brown): Object. course appointments should be made on merit, but there is something slightly insulting about the implication Mr. Speaker: As the motion is opposed, it will stand of his question— over until the time for raising matters of privilege after Questions. Mr. Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): No, no.

Mr. Straw: Yes, there is. There is something insulting about the implication of the question that there will not Oral Answers to Questions be well-qualified black or Asian people. The problems that women and black or Asian people face are similar but not the same: they are very well qualified when they enter the profession, but for all sorts of reasons they JUSTICE may be put off from getting to the starting line for the more senior appointments. Of course, when they are on The Secretary of State was asked— the starting line for a circuit or High Court judge appointment, their merits should be assessed in the Diversity (Judiciary) same way as anybody else’s, but the problem is getting people to that point. 1. Keith Vaz (Leicester, East) (Lab): What steps his Department is taking to increase levels of diversity in Mr. Speaker: May I say at the start of questions that the judiciary. [288136] the Secretary of State’s enthusiasm always to engage with the question and respond fully is widely respected The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor throughout the House, but comprehensiveness must not (Mr. Jack Straw): Entry to the legal profession is now stray into prolixity? well balanced in terms of women and black and Asian people. That makes it all the more frustrating and Magistrates Courts paradoxical that, since the creation of the independent Judicial Appointments Commission in 2006, the data 2. Mr. Jim Cunningham (Coventry, South) (Lab): suggest that the situation for black and Asian people How many magistrates courts have been in operation in has, if anything, gone backwards. To provide more each year since 2005. [288137] robust solutions and process, in April I established an advisory panel on judicial diversity and look forward to The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice its report later in the year. (Bridget Prentice): The number of magistrates courts in operation at the start of each calendar year since 2005 Keith Vaz: May I welcome that rather astonishing is: 361, 361, 360, 358 and, to date, 356. criticism of the Judicial Appointments Commission by the Secretary of State and Lord Chancellor? I agree Mr. Cunningham: Given the reorganisation of magistrates with it—we have not made progress on judicial diversity courts in the past few years, will the Under-Secretary and I was pleased that he appointed a panel to consider tell us what new initiatives have been piloted in them to the issue. When does he think that its recommendations tackle crime and its causes? will be before him? How long will it take him to implement them and put right what has not happened with the Bridget Prentice: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for Judicial Appointments Commission in the past few his question because it allows me to highlight three years? areas where we have enjoyed particular success in 733 Oral Answers21 JULY 2009 Oral Answers 734 introducing innovative new approaches. The dedicated what is happening in their areas with hon. Members. drugs courts have now been extended from the pilots in The consistent picture has been of jobs going, including Leeds and west London to elsewhere in the country— compulsory redundancies in some places, and trainee indeed, I visited one in Salford not very long ago. probation officers not getting jobs. Will my right hon. Specialist domestic violence courts are being rolled out Friend agree to meet me and a cross-party delegation across the country. We now have 122 such courts, which from the all-party justice unions parliamentary group, are successfully bringing together different agencies to to see whether we can get to the bottom of what is deal with domestic violence. My right hon. Friend the happening in the service? Secretary of State recently opened the mental health court, which will deal with mental health issues and Mr. Straw: I would be delighted to meet my hon. crime. All those courts are part of our determined effort Friend. I have also set up a process with the major not just to bring offenders to justice but to ensure that probation trade unions, NAPO and Unison, and the when they have served their time they can be brought Probation Association whereby I see them every month back into the community in a positive and useful way. to work through local anxieties. In most cases—although not every case—that process has worked satisfactorily Probation Service to allay concerns. Of course I am worried about the number of trainee probation officers for whom there 3. David Taylor (North-West Leicestershire) (Lab/Co-op): currently do not appear to be jobs, but a lot of work is What representations he has received on levels of being done, including with the Prison Service, to ensure probation service funding for the next three years. that jobs can be provided across the board in the [288140] National Offender Management Service. The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor (Mr. Jack Straw): I have received many representations. Mr. Edward Garnier (Harborough) (Con): Why does Probation funding has increased since 1997 by 70 per the Secretary of State look surprised that he engenders cent. in real terms. The budget for probation in this so little confidence among the public and probation financial year is £894 million, compared with an out-turn staff when he cannot run his budget? The director of for last year of £897 million. probation has said that he wants the maximum level of underspending. Hundreds of expensively trained probation David Taylor: All prison officers are civil servants, trainees are going straight on to the scrap heap. Hundreds unlike the great bulk of probation employees. As the more staff on full pay are in the so-called surplus new directors of offender management are drawn almost employment pool, yet probation officers often have exclusively from the Prison Service, probation boards only a few minutes a week to supervise serious offenders. are budgeting for £50 million of cuts next year. Does The property maintenance system is so bureaucratic the Secretary of State understand the angst among our that changing a light bulb in Birmingham requires a public sector colleagues in probation and their unions, repairman to drive from Newmarket. As accountancy is the National Association of Probation Officers and not the Secretary of State’s strong point, will he confess Unison, about the consequences for individuals in the that public safety is very much in peril under his criminal justice system of a further loss of resources stewardship? and staff? Mr. Straw: The hon. and learned Gentleman does Mr. Straw: Of course I understand anxieties in probation nothing to enhance his case through gross exaggeration and prison services, but let me say to my hon. Friend, of the situation. As I have said, the simple fact is that first, that we have not set the budget for the year beyond probation spending has increased by 70 per cent. since next year. Secondly, over the past 12 years, the real-terms 1997, compared, in real terms, with 35 per cent. for the increase in the probation service has been twice as fast Prison Service. Probation spending has gone up further as that in the Prison Service. and faster than the case load. It has gone up much faster than it ever would have done under a Conservative Miss Julie Kirkbride (Bromsgrove) (Con): Does the Government, and much faster that it ever would under Secretary of State not recognise that the probation a Conservative Government. service is already overstretched and that the cuts are most unwelcome? How does he expect the service to ensure the safety of the public and prevent reoffending Mr. Andy Reed (Loughborough) (Lab/Co-op): My by people who have been in prison if it does not have right hon. Friend’s Department will know of the case of the resources to manage them properly? Sarah Moore, a constituent of mine whose husband, a police officer, was killed several years ago. The probation Mr. Straw: The resources are there. The budget for service and other services have been working with the probation in the hon. Lady’s area of West Mercia was victims of crime. In view of the pressures on their £9.2 million in 2001-02. In the year just finished, it was budgets, what reassurance can my right hon. Friend £15.7 million. Even allowing for some inflation, that is a give that the mistakes that have been made in the past big real-terms increase. I am working carefully with the will not be made in the future, and that the victims of unions nationally, including the National Association crime—and not just the criminals—will be put at the of Probation Officers, to ensure that anxieties are properly heart of the criminal justice system? and better dealt with than they might have been. Mr. Straw: The current, rather tighter, financial situation Mr. Neil Gerrard (Walthamstow) (Lab): My right is no excuse whatever for a lack of efficiency or concern, hon. Friend may know that over the past couple of particularly in respect of more serious offenders. months, probation officers from across the country Performance among probation services varies greatly, have been coming to meetings in the House to discuss but I am in no doubt that, if we can get the average 735 Oral Answers21 JULY 2009 Oral Answers 736 performance up to that of the best quarter, we will be Why did NOMS last month refuse to release relevant doing very well in providing the public and, particularly, financial information that would have helped that plan, victims with a better service than they have today, despite assurances on disclosure from the Justice Secretary within available resources. last November? Are the Government deliberately hiding the true cost of youth custody, in order to hide the true Young Offenders cost of their failure to reduce reoffending?

4. Mr. Stephen Crabb (Preseli Pembrokeshire) (Con): Maria Eagle: The hon. Gentleman is straying into What recent steps his Department has taken to reduce conspiracy theories, which are not valid. I know of the reoffending rates among young offenders. [288141] plan to which he refers and, as far as I am concerned, my Department has made every effort to provide proper The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Maria information. However, I will be happy to consider any Eagle): The £100 million youth crime action plan, among further requests for information that he says have not other measures, has led to a 6.6 per cent. decrease in the been met. There might be some relevant issues relating proportion of young offenders who reoffend, and the to material that is commercial-in-confidence in a more rate at which they reoffended fell by more than 20 per competitive environment, but I would be happy to talk cent. By introducing the youth rehabilitation order later to him further about the matter. this year, we plan to focus a more intense effort on tackling the young people with the most challenging Julie Morgan (Cardiff, North) (Lab): What evaluation behaviour, to assist them in turning their lives around. has my hon. Friend made of the youth restorative disposal, which aims to get young people to apologise Mr. Crabb: Studies by the Minister’s own Department for their offence and to try to undertake restorative show that the odds of reoffending increase massively behaviour towards their victim, with the victim’s consent? when a prisoner has no employment to go to on their I understand that this is now being piloted. Has the release. Given that statistics show that youth unemployment pilot scheme been evaluated yet? has increased massively—from 11 to 17 per cent.—in the past 12 months, and that employment and training Maria Eagle: There is evidence that this type of opportunities for young people are being decimated disposal can assist the victim to gain some satisfaction during this recession, what chance does the Minister by making an impact on the person who perpetrated the give her aspiration for further progress on cutting crime against them. It is also important in assisting the reoffending rates of being realised in the current climate? young person to realise the full consequences of their action. This disposal is available in the youth system Maria Eagle: Of course the climate is a challenging and can be a useful part of intensive community activity one, but that is not a reason to give up. We believe that to prevent young people from going into the criminal we could do far more to ensure that young people get justice system in the first place and to ensure that they every chance to turn away from the life of crime that turn away from the temptation to commit crime. At the they might have embarked on at an early age. We are time the crimes are committed, they may seem to be providing more assistance, through interventions, to victimless and consequence-free, but this type of disposal help them to do that, and to deal with the real risk can help young people to understand that they are factors such as a lack of accommodation, a lack of neither. It is thus a valuable part of what we can do to employment and a lack of support. The figures to turn young people away from crime. which I referred earlier show that we are succeeding, and we intend to continue to do so. Licence Breaches Mr. Brian Jenkins (Tamworth) (Lab): Will my hon. Friend tell the House how many reoffenders lack 5. Sir Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield) (Con): How educational qualifications? What are we doing to improve many persons convicted of a criminal offence and their chances of gaining such qualifications? released on licence are in breach of the conditions of their licence. [288142] Maria Eagle: My hon. Friend hits on an important point. Many young and slightly older people who end The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Maria up in custody have problems with their educational Eagle): In 2008-09, 17 per cent. of offenders on licence attainment. The provisions in the Apprenticeships, Skills, required breach action as a result of non-compliance Children and Learning Bill, which is going through the during the first six months following release. That figure other place at present, will make local education authorities is based on a 20 per cent. sample of offenders released responsible for the educational attainment of people in on licence, and 97 per cent. of the breached licences youth custody. That will make a big difference, because were enforced by the probation service within 10 working it will focus the attention of education authorities on days of the breach. outcomes for this most disadvantaged group, which has, until now, disappeared into the youth criminal Sir Nicholas Winterton: Is the Minister aware that justice system because local authorities, which are primarily nearly 1,000 criminals, including murderers, rapists and responsible for education, have washed their hands of paedophiles are on the run after disappearing while the outcomes for that group. released on licence. This figures includes 19 murderers, 15 rapists, five paedophiles and 51 people accused of Mr. David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): The grievous bodily harm. Is that acceptable, and what are Minister will be aware of the commendable plan to the Government doing to keep a track on those who are establish a young offenders’academy in north-east London. released on licence? 737 Oral Answers21 JULY 2009 Oral Answers 738

Maria Eagle: I am aware of those figures because my Maria Eagle: That is absolutely not the case. As my Department, having compiled them very carefully over right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made clear last the last few months, published them. The hon. Gentleman week, we are tightening legal aid in respect of claims of is right that there are 954—just short of 1,000—such that kind. people who have not been successfully returned to The legal profession likes to pursue such claims. custody after their licence has been revoked, which is Conservative Members say that we should not, as they 0.7 per cent. of the total. He is also right—we do not put it, cut legal aid, yet they complain when spending wish to be complacent—that the police and criminal on legal aid goes up. They cannot have it both ways. We justice system is seeking those who have not been returned are cracking down on legal aid for prisoners with trivial to custody and will do its utmost to get them back into and non-serious complaints, and we will continue to do prison, which is where they belong. so. We spend more on legal aid than any other country in the world, but we must ensure that we target our Mr. Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley) (Lab): My hon. Friend expenditure on those who need it most. must be aware that the public and victims of crime quite rightly do not like or understand it when people on licence go on to commit further crimes. What can we Electoral Reform do to tighten up the licence system to ensure that paedophiles—and certainly rapists—do not commit further crimes. In the case of murderers, we know that some 6. Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) have gone on to murder again. What can the Minister (LD): What recent assessment he has made of the do to tighten the rules, tighten the licences and put the merits of proposals for reform of the electoral system credibility back into the system so that the public can for general elections. [288143] begin to understand that we are taking it seriously? The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Mr. Michael Maria Eagle: I accept that it is nothing to be proud of Wills): Last year the Government published a review of when serious further offences are committed by people voting systems. The review considered the experience of on licence. However, the figures on serious further the systems introduced in the United Kingdom since offences being committed and convicted show only 1997, and found no definitive evidence that one system 0.35 per cent., so while I do not wish to sound complacent was better or worse than another. The debate on the in any way, we must bear in mind the overall context, respective merits of different electoral systems continues, which I think is important. Much tougher and better and last month the Prime Minister confirmed that the arrangements for public protection have developed over Government would set out proposals for taking it further. the last 12 years: through multi-agency protection, public protection arrangements, and arrangements for IPP Sir Robert Smith: When there has been such a breakdown prisoners—those given an indeterminate sentence for of trust between the electorate and those elected to public protection—those who were previously released serve them, it is surely fundamental that the Government without any supervision are now supervised regularly should consider reform of the system that links the and can be recalled to prison if their behaviour gives electorate to the people elected to serve them. The any cause for concern. As I said, we are not complacent Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill was published and we need to do more, but the position now is much on Monday. Does the Minister not think it rather stronger than it has ever been before. absurd that a Bill that is intended to reform the constitution does not deal with that link between the electorate and Mr. Dominic Grieve (Beaconsfield) (Con): Just two their elected representatives? weeks ago, the Justice Secretary told us that 1,000 criminal fugitives were in breach of licence conditions, so how Mr. Wills: I do not think it will surprise the hon. many have since been caught? Gentleman to learn that I do not agree with him. The Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill tackles a Maria Eagle: I cannot provide a precise figure because range of issues that many Members on both sides of the the police are out in their different areas trying to find House believe should have been tackled a long time ago. the people who have not yet been found. What I can say It transfers power from the Executive to the legislature, very clearly is that in 1997, when the Government took and I would expect the hon. Gentleman to welcome office, under 30 per cent. of those whose licences were that. breached were recalled to prison. The figure is now The hon. Gentleman will be well aware—particularly 99.3 per cent., which is by all accounts an improvement. if he has read the review of voting systems that the Department published last year—that all voting systems have their proponents and their various merits and Mr. Grieve: Is not the truth that the Justice Secretary disadvantages. We need a proper public debate, and we and the Minister have taken their eyes completely off are ensuring that one is held. the ball? Yesterday, the Parole Board complained that compensation claims from prisoners had reached new heights. Can the Minister confirm that the Government Geraldine Smith (Morecambe and Lunesdale) (Lab): have increased prisoner legal aid by £20 million at the Of course a proper public debate is important, but does same time as they have cut front-line probation services my right hon. Friend agree that, whatever system we by £21 million? Is not the truth that the Government are have and whatever reform takes place, it is also important more interested in fuelling the compensation culture that we retain the constituency link and the constituency than in protecting the public? representation? What we do not want are any list systems. 739 Oral Answers21 JULY 2009 Oral Answers 740

Mr. Wills: I entirely agree. We believe that the link fraud is declining. She is right on one thing; even a between Members of Parliament and their constituents single incident of fraud is one too many. But she well is fundamental to the health of our democracy, and we knows that we are not complacent and she knows all of certainly propose to retain it. the measures that we have introduced, including postal vote identifiers. She knows that we are introducing David Howarth (Cambridge) (LD): Does the Minister individual voter registration, not because the Conservative not concede that one of the worst aspects of the first- party is pushing us but because it is the right thing past-the-post system is the fact that it reduces the entire to do. general election to a fight for a few swing votes in a few marginal constituencies? That in itself alienates a vast Youth Justice number of electors. It also leads to a large number of safe seats, which has led to a degree of complacency that has not exactly helped the House in the last few 7. Ms Sally Keeble (Northampton, North) (Lab): months. what recent steps he has taken to divert children and young people from the criminal justice system. [288144] Mr. Wills: We could have a protracted debate about the merits of the different systems, but I think that the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice hon. Gentleman is forgetting something fundamental, (Claire Ward): Our approach is set out in the £100 million which relates to what his hon. Friend the. Member for youth crime action plan. Last year the number of children West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine (Sir Robert Smith) and young people entering the criminal justice system said a moment ago. What matters in this country is for the first time fell by 10 per cent. Since 2000, the what the electorate think. In my experience and, I think, proportion of young offenders who reoffend has fallen that of most Members, the electorate have a habit of by 6.6 per cent. getting what they want—and anyone who thinks that there are any safe seats anywhere in the country nowadays Ms Keeble: I welcome those figures, but is my hon. is profoundly mistaken. Friend aware of the report from the Prison Reform Trust that shows that of the young people locked up by David Howarth: But the electorate do not get what the criminal justice system, 75 per cent. are either on they want. Will the Minister not at least concede that remand or end up with a non-custodial sentence? What another bad aspect of first past the post is that we steps are being taken to reduce these figures? inevitably elect Governments who are unpopular at the moment when they are elected? At the last general Claire Ward: My hon. Friend is quite right to raise election, nearly two thirds of the electorate voted for a the issue of custodial sentences for young people. The party other than the party that the Minister represents. Government believe that diversions are necessary to Should there not be at least a consensus between all remove as many children and young people as possible parties that Governments should be more popular at from custodial sentences, which is why we are looking at least when they are first elected? out-of-court disposals, a proportionate and efficient means, in appropriate cases, of dealing with low-level Mr. Wills: I think that the hon. Gentleman is forgetting offending by mainly first-time offenders. We also know the experience of countries that operate the system of that as a result of out-of-court disposals, reoffending is proportional representation that he wants. Parties that much lower among juveniles. secure no more than 5 per cent. of the vote can determine the Government. How can such a Government be popular? Mr. Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) (Con): Does the Minister agree that young people are far more Mrs. Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest) (Con): There is, likely to end up in the criminal justice system if they are of course, a far more fundamental problem than that of not in employment, education or training and that the proportional representation: the very integrity of our big increase in NEETs has been a major failure in the electoral system. While Conservative Members welcome Government’s pursuit of both social justice and community the measures that the Government have taken—indeed, safety? we have pressed the Government to take such measures as individual voter registration to combat electoral fraud— Claire Ward: The Government are doing an enormous the system that we are in discussing is in danger of amount for young people right across all Departments. having its integrity questioned. It has already been We think it is appropriate for children and young people described as being akin to a banana republic. An electoral not to enter the criminal justice system if it is inappropriate commissioner has said that it is childishly simple to for them to do so, which is why we are developing as commit fraud. Why will not the Government, before the many out-of-court disposals as we can to meet the next general election, look at the package of measures needs and to allow other parts of the system, such as that we propose to tighten postal voting and the production health and education, to work with those young people of identification at the ballot box to make sure that our outside of custodial sentences. system’s integrity is protected against fraud?

Mr. Wills: I have too much respect for the hon. Lady Prisons to think that she believes the rubbish that she has just uttered. If she had read the reports from the Electoral 8. Mr. Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): what Commission, and the most recent one from the commission mechanism exists for the management of contracts and the Association of Chief Police Officers, she would awarded to public sector bidders for the management know that their conclusion was that the incidence of of market-tested prisons. [288145] 741 Oral Answers21 JULY 2009 Oral Answers 742

The Minister of State, Government Equalities Office Mr. Nigel Dodds (Belfast, North) (DUP): Following (Maria Eagle): Responsibility for the management of on from the Scottish Government’s decision to legislate all prisons rests with the directors of offender management in this area, did the Secretary of State note the and the Ministry of Justice. Each public sector prison, recommendation of the relevant Department in the including those successful in a market test, is managed Northern Ireland Assembly that there should be a via a service level agreement between the relevant director change in legislation to allow those with pleural plaques of offender management and the prison. to sue in the courts and get compensation? Also, following on from what the hon. Member for Jarrow (Mr. Hepburn) Mr. Bone: HMP Wellingborough is being market-tested said, whereas the regions of devolved government will and a good bid is being put together by the local have taken action to redress this terrible injustice to governor and the prison officers, who have ignored their those who suffer from pleural plaques, will it not be national union’s advice on working together. If the bid perverse if the only area where people cannot claim is is successful and the prison has its own market plan, England and Wales? how does it fit in with the overall system? Is it separate? Mr. Straw: As I said, or implied, in answer to my hon. Friend, it is the essence of devolution that different Maria Eagle: I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on decisions can be made. It would be very curious indeed his persistence on this matter. In our Adjournment if the result of devolution was that each jurisdiction debate, he described himself as an ideological Thatcherite had to follow the decisions of the other. We are seeking but then went on to argue for keeping his prison in the to consider the evidence very carefully, and I commend public sector, which is an interesting example of the the evidence of the chief medical officer’s expert’s report Conservative party facing both ways. None the less, I and IIAC to all hon. Members, whichever constituency wish to assure him that we welcome good public sector they represent. bids. If HMP Wellingborough produces such a bid and wins, I will be very pleased. Mr. Michael Clapham (Barnsley, West and Penistone) (Lab): I hear what my right hon. Friend says about the Pleural Plaques medical evidence of IIAC, but will he look further at medical evidence during the recess, because I can tell 9. Mr. Stephen Hepburn (Jarrow) (Lab): When the him that the consultant who leads the charge for a Government plan to publish their decision following national centre for asbestos-related diseases says that he their consultation on pleural plaques. [288146] believes that pleural plaques are a disease, and he sees people on a daily basis, a proportion of whom are affected by pleural plaques to the degree of having The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor breathlessness? Will my right hon. Friend look again at (Mr. Jack Straw): On 30 June, the Government published fresh medical evidence over the recess? to the House two reports on the medical aspects of pleural plaques, one from the chief medical officer’s Mr. Straw: I would be delighted to do so. In particular, expert adviser and a second from the Industrial Injuries I would like to facilitate a serious discussion at medical Advisory Council. The Government will give further level between the medical practitioner expert to whom consideration to the issue of compensation for people my hon. Friend referred and the expert appointed by diagnosed with pleural plaques before publishing a final the chief medical officer, because his conclusion and response after the recess. that of IIAC are obviously at variance at present. In addition, we are actively considering measures to make the United Kingdom a global leader in research National Security and Intelligence Services on the alleviation, prevention and cure of asbestos-related diseases, and to help speed up compensation claims for those who develop serious asbestos-related diseases such 11. Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock) (Lab): What recent as mesothelioma. The latter includes examination of discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the process for tracking and tracing employment and proposals in his Department’s White Paper on constitutional insurance records, as well as looking into the support renewal on parliamentary oversight of national security given to individuals who are unable to trace such records. and the intelligence services. [288148] The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Mr. Michael Mr. Hepburn: Will the Secretary of State assure us Wills): As part of my duties, I have wide-ranging discussions today that pleural plaques sufferers will not be tret any with ministerial colleagues, including on all the proposals differently in terms of compensation regardless of whether in the constitutional renewal White Paper. they lodged their claim prior to the 2007 Law Lords judgment or after it and of whether live in Scotland, Andrew Mackinlay: Have I missed something, because England, Wales or Northern Ireland? it was proposed in the White Paper that there should be examination of the parliamentary oversight—of which Mr. Straw: As I said, we are giving active consideration there is none—of the security and intelligence services? to that. I understand my hon. Friend’s concern, but we The Justice Secretary has in his various ministerial have to make our own decisions in this jurisdiction. I portfolios always alluded to, and mooted, such oversight, am sure that, in turn, my hon. Friend will wish to pay and on 22 July 2008 the Prime Minister promised a joint very careful attention to the conclusions of the expert parliamentary committee on strategy— appointed by the chief medical officer and to IIAC; they came to unanimous conclusions, including those Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York) (Con): Is there a backed by the three trade union representatives. question? 743 Oral Answers21 JULY 2009 Oral Answers 744

Andrew Mackinlay: My question is, have I missed representations about genocide, war crimes and crimes anything—did the hon. Lady not notice that? What is against humanity, and we have responded positively to happening—because nothing has happened? We have those issues. this White Paper, and the new Bill is out, but there is no mention at all of national security. Sarah Teather: Does the Minister believe that someone such as Felicien Kabuga, a major financier of the Mr. Speaker: I am sure that the reply will be very Rwandan genocide, should be brought to justice for his much more succinct than the question. crimes? If so, why has she been unwilling to bring non-residents into the legislation on genocide and war Mr. Wills: I shall do my best, Mr. Speaker. The crimes? Surely, if such war criminals are present in the answer, in short, is that for once my hon. Friend has UK, they should not be given sanctuary, regardless of missed something. We did call for greater accountability whether they are resident. for the Intelligence and Security Committee, which does provide parliamentary oversight, and we are delivering Claire Ward: It seems that, yet again, the hon. Lady is it. We are doing so in terms of nominations and we are unable to welcome the significant move that the about to do so in terms of public hearings. We are Government have made on this issue, which has been beefing up the Committee—there is now a new general welcomed by a large number of her colleagues in the investigator post and the number of staff has increased other House and by outside organisations. We have by a third. taken considerable steps forward on this issue. We are not persuaded that it is necessary to change the relevant Foreign National Prisoners definition from “residence”to “presence”, as such suspects are not using the UK as a safe haven in which to hide. 12. Mr. Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Which The current law on these crimes applies to residents, three nationalities comprise the largest number of but we have stated that we are willing to examine the foreign national prisoners; and how many prisoners of definition of resident and clarify it to ensure that the each such nationality there are. [288149] sort of cases that have been discussed could well be captured by “residence” in future. The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Maria Eagle): As at 31 March 2009, the top three foreign Rob Marris (Wolverhampton, South-West) (Lab): May nationalities held in prisons in England and Wales were I make another representation to my hon. Friend? The Jamaica, with 1,099 prisoners; Nigeria, with 855 prisoners; Israeli settlers in the west bank and Golan Heights are and Ireland, with 620 prisoners. committing crimes under international law, so will she assure me that such settlers who visit the UK will be Mr. Hollobone: Should we not be sending these countries arrested and charged here? a bill for the incarceration of their nationals in our prisons? Is not this foreign prisoner scandal an absolute Claire Ward: Obviously, any decision to prosecute national disgrace, given that 13 per cent. of the prison would be a matter for the prosecuting authorities, and it population in this country is made up of people from would be inappropriate for me to comment on that other countries, who should be returned to secure detention specifically. in the countries from which they came? Shoplifting Maria Eagle: I shall desist from answering the hon. Gentleman’s first question about sending bills. [HON. 14. Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York) (Con): What MEMBERS: “Why?”] We do not have a policy to do what recent discussions he has had with the Magistrates he suggests. However, we deport foreign national prisoners Courts Authority on the implementation of sentencing where we have the chance to do so. In 2007-08, we guidelines for shoplifting. [288151] deported 4,200 foreign national prisoners, and this year we aim to deport 5,800. We do our best to divest The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor ourselves of foreign national prisoners, where it is lawful (Mr. Jack Straw): The Magistrates Association has and practicable to do so. We are also negotiating prisoner made clear its preference for charges of shop theft to be transfer agreements with relevant countries. I should prosecuted in court. As the hon. Lady is aware, earlier also point out that we currently have fewer foreign this week I published revised operational guidance to national prisoners in our jails than most other European police forces to restrict the use of fixed penalty notices countries. for shop theft to first-time offenders who are not substance abusers where the value of the goods is less than £100 International Criminal Jurisdiction and where the goods have normally been recovered.

13. Sarah Teather (Brent, East) (LD): What recent Miss McIntosh: I am most grateful to the Lord representations he has received on the jurisdiction of Chancellor for that reply and for the statement that he UK courts over cases involving crimes under international issued last week. He has said on numerous occasions law committed in other countries. [288150] that the sentencing guidelines are about to be amended, so when does he expect that the amendments might The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice reach the public eye? (Claire Ward): The Government receive many representations from time to time about the jurisdiction Mr. Straw: I will write to the hon. Lady about that. I of the UK courts for particular categories of crimes thought that her question was about the revised guidance under international law. We have recently received to the police forces, for which she has been campaigning 745 Oral Answers21 JULY 2009 Oral Answers 746 for some time. The effect of the restrictions that I T2. [288127] Mr. Gary Streeter (South-West Devon) announced yesterday on penalty notices for disorder (Con): Given the increase in tribunals practising sharia will be to ensure that a greater number of those prosecuted law in this country, can the Secretary of State or one of for shop theft end up in court. his excellent Ministers explain how that dovetails with the law of the land? How is it compatible with our Drugs (Prisons) commitment to human rights and, for example, the equality of women under the laws of this country? 15. Mr. Gary Streeter (South-West Devon) (Con): What plans he has to reduce levels of drug taking in Mr. Straw: Any domestic tribunal, as the so-called prisons. [288152] sharia courts are, has to comply with the law of the land, The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Maria and the statutory basis with which they have to comply Eagle): We have made great progress in reducing drug is an Act passed under the last Conservative Administration misuse in prisons. Drug misuse, as measured by random —the Arbitration Act 1996. This Government have no mandatory drug testing, is down by 63 per cent. since less an interest than any other party in seeing the the 1996-97 financial year. Record numbers of prisoners strictest observance of British law by everybody who is are engaged in drug treatment. Prison drug treatment resident in or subject to this jurisdiction, regardless of funding has increased year on year since 1996-97—a their confessional faith. thirteenfold increase—and record numbers are engaging with such treatment. T7. [288132] John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): Despite the efforts of various bird-brained councillors who have Mr. Streeter: Is it really a good idea for the Government not yet got the gist of the Department’s excellent new to spend £4 million on installing automatic vending guidelines on the staking of graveyards, does the Minister machines in many prisons, including Dartmoor prison welcome the fact that the Co-operative funeral service just outside my constituency, to supply methadone to has now agreed to fix any gravestone wrongly staked prisoners? Is that really the best way to bear down on over the past 10 years and consider any in its jurisdiction drug abuse? that have been staked at all?

Maria Eagle: The reference to methadone dispensers— The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice which are medically arranged treatment programmes (Bridget Prentice): As always, my hon. Friend is assiduous for prisoners that ensure that each prisoner gets only in pursuing this issue, and rightly so. I am absolutely the correct dose of their maintenance treatment—as delighted that the Co-op—of which I give notice I am a vending machines is a travesty of the truth. Vending customer—is taking on board what he raises. I have suggests selling—that is what the word means—and written directly to the chief executives and leaders of there is no question that the Prison Service deals in such local authorities, and I hope that they will take the issue behaviour in our prisons. seriously. I will make sure that they follow the guidance properly and do not allow views about health and safety Topical Questions that are unhelpfully politically correct to overcome what should be a sensible, straightforward and sensitive T1. [288126] Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock) (Lab): If way of dealing with the matter. he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): I welcome The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor the two written statements about legal aid that were (Mr. Jack Straw): Yesterday I published the Constitutional made yesterday. One insisted that best-value tendering Reform and Governance Bill, which includes major will not go ahead until pilots have been examined, and reforms in respect of the civil service and the ratification the other was on family law. On the very controversial of treaties, ends the curious election of hereditary peers issue of family legal aid, however, what will the reworking to the House of Lords, and provides for peers to resign, of assumptions and the further analysis amount to? to be suspended or to be expelled. Further proposals for What will the key considerations be? the long-term reform of the Lords will be brought forward in the autumn. With yesterday’s announcement, Mr. Straw: From work done in the Legal Services nearly all the proposals put to the House on 3 July 2007 Commission, it became apparent last Friday that there have either been implemented or are well in hand in were problems in the analysis—although not in the being implemented. basic data—that required reworking. That was why the announcement was deferred, but I say to the right hon. Andrew Mackinlay: As we will not meet for about Gentleman and the House that there has been an three months, will the Justice Secretary tell us how the extraordinary increase in expenditure on family legal promise—that an equivalent to the oath will be administered aid. It is now up to £582 million—an increase of 25 per at the Iraq inquiry—from the Prime Minister and cent.—even though the case load has declined by 11 per Sir John Chilcot can be delivered? We need to know cent. This is not a service that has been underfunded, now, not three months down the road and a long way but it is an area of legal process that has become into the Chilcot inquiry. over-elaborate. All those participating in the system have a responsibility to make it less elaborate, in the Mr. Straw: I assume that the equivalent to an oath is interests of the public and the children concerned. that those who are witnesses—I expect to be one myself— will be invited to indicate that they are about to tell the Harry Cohen (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): In 2006, truth. That is how it will work. If there is any difference, the Information Commissioner’s Operation Motorman I will write to my hon. Friend. referred to hundreds of journalists who had got information 747 Oral Answers21 JULY 2009 Oral Answers 748 on people from private detectives by illegal means. to the offences to Northern Ireland, and pick up some Those journalists, and the newspapers that they work of the mixed consequential amendments and repeals to for, have not been named. Has the Justice Department various linked statutory provisions. We will also look at been involved in that cover-up? Can they be named, so debating and discussing some of those issues with other that the people who were the victims of those illegal partners and outside stakeholders. activities can have some remedy against those newspapers and journalists? Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire, North) (Lab): I return to the question of compensation for pleural Mr. Straw: To the very best of my knowledge, my plaques victims. If someone who worked for a UK Department has not been involved in any way in the Government Department, such as the Ministry of Defence, matter. My hon. Friend asks about naming the individuals in Scotland or Northern Ireland, they would get involved, and he may wish to consider making a freedom compensation, but if they worked in England or Wales, of information request to the Information Commissioner. they would get nothing. What is the practicality and fairness of that? T3. [288128] James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend, East) (Con): May I ask the Secretary of State to return Mr. Straw: Even before devolution, there were differences to the issue of trainee probation officers and to clear up in the civil law as well as the criminal law north and a point of confusion? I think that he accused my hon. south of the border. That has just been a fact of life. and learned Friend the Member for Harborough The courts are therefore well used to dealing with some (Mr. Garnier) of exaggerating the figures, but is it not differences, which have differences of outcomes for true that around 1,000 trainee probation officers individuals. qualify each year for about 250 jobs? Does not that mean that hundreds of people trained up by the T5. [288130] Mr. Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): Government do not get jobs? HMP Wellingborough is having a methadone dispenser put in. Following what my hon. Friend the Member for Mr. Straw: I think that the hon. Gentleman’s suggestion South-West Devon (Mr. Streeter) said in an earlier of the figures is slightly wide of the mark. I have question, could the Justice Secretary explain why a accepted already that some trainee probation officers dispenser is better value and better for the prisoner will qualify, for whom positions are unlikely to be than going to see the medical officer? I wonder whether available this year. That is due to a combination of the the Secretary of State, Lord High Chancellor and tighter financial climate and the recession, which means Deputy Prime Minister could answer that. that fewer existing probation officers are moving on to other jobs. I am on the case and I am discussing the Mr. Straw: This is a most extraordinary confection of matter in detail, with the probation trade unions above a story developed by some Opposition Members. I shall all. We are anxious to use the full resources of the explain: prisoners can get methadone, whether it is National Offender Management Service to ensure that dispensed through a machine or manually, only when qualified trainees are provided with employment wherever they have been to the medical officer. What happens—I possible. have seen this in operation—is that the dispensing machines are put in by the health service to control the issue of Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire) (Lab): The Justice methadone, so that only those prisoners who have been Secretary and I have been in correspondence about the prescribed it medically, by a medical officer, can receive possibility that a prison will be built in Scarisbrick in it. There is an iris scan, and if the machine recognises my constituency. I have received assurances from him the prisoner, his or her dose is dispensed. They have to that there will not be a Titan prison or any other sort of drink it in sight of a prison officer and a medical prison there, but it would appear that my Tory councillors orderly, so there is no chance—no chance—of deception will not accept that until they hear categorically that of the kind that, I am afraid, takes place all too frequently there will not be a prison in Scarisbrick. Will my right otherwise in prison, especially with drugs. hon. Friend give me that assurance? Jessica Morden (Newport, East) (Lab): What discussions Mr. Straw: There will not be a prison in Scarisbrick. has the Department had with the Crown Prosecution Service over the proposed restructuring of the Forensic T4. [288129] Dr. Evan Harris (Oxford, West and Abingdon) Science Service? Given that we are looking at hundreds (LD): Twelve days ago, the Government accepted of jobs under threat and the closure of excellent laboratories amendments in the House of Lords to abolish seditious such as the one in Chepstow, where many of my constituents and criminal libel. Those amendments had been sought work, does my right hon. Friend agree that we should for a long time by bodies such as PEN, Index on look at the full repercussions for the CPS before any Censorship and Article 19; I am a trustee of the last of decisions are made by the Home Office? those organisations. May I ask the Secretary of State to ask his officials to liaise with them all to ensure that Mr. Straw: I am very happy to pass on to my right maximum publicity is given to the fact that we are hon. Friends the Home Secretary and the Attorney-General going to change our law, and to set an example to those the concerns that have been expressed by my hon. countries that maintain and use such laws? Friend about the position of the FSS. Those concerns, if I may say, have also been expressed to me by my hon. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle). My hon. (Claire Ward): The Government have accepted in principle Friend the Member for Newport, East (Jessica Morden) the amendments tabled to the Coroners and Justice Bill. will understand that decisions on that are matters for Among other things, the amendments will extend abolitions my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. 749 Oral Answers21 JULY 2009 Oral Answers 750

T8. [288134] Ann Winterton (Congleton) (Con): What suggests. I do not agree with her precisely that we need action is being taken by the Ministry of Justice to to wrap it all up in one grand citizens convention, but address the particular needs of former armed service on the spirit of what she is saying—the need to involve personnel who have been shown to be suffering from people in deliberative events to help formulate public combat stress and who are caught up in the criminal policy—I agree. justice system? Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): Returning to Mr. Straw: We are taking special measures to help electoral reform and the general election, given that our former service personnel who are caught up in the brave armed forces are fighting and dying in Afghanistan, criminal justice system because we recognise—indeed, partly in the name of democracy, will the Minister give this has emerged this morning—that the results of combat our armed forces a commitment that they will be able to stress can often emerge many years later, and in participate in the UK general election? unpredictable forms, including in offending behaviour that simply was not there before and during an individual’s Mr. Wills: I am very happy to give that commitment. service in the armed forces. I am very happy to write in We are well aware that levels of registration among our more detail to the hon. Lady to set out what we are armed services are not all they should be. We are doing. making concerted efforts with the MOD to improve that, and I have given an open invitation, which I extend Geraldine Smith (Morecambe and Lunesdale) (Lab): to the hon. Gentleman, to Members who have large I was alarmed about the case of a constituent of mine garrisons in their constituencies: if there are particular who was the victim of an assault and robbery at a cash measures that they think would improve levels of machine. The criminal who committed the crime was registration, I ask them please to tell us, because we are given a suspended sentence. Will my right hon. Friend very happy to engage with that process. look at the case if I send details to him? Mr. Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley) (Lab): Does my right Mr. Straw: Yes, I will. hon. Friend hold a view about the proposed closure of the Forensic Science Service at Chorley and the effect T9. [288135] Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): that it will have on the justice system that he represents, The people outside the House must be involved in given the fact that cases may not go ahead? rebuilding our broken political system. Will the Secretary of State support a citizens convention to help Mr. Straw: Of course I am concerned, as the Member to map out the path for constitutional renewal, instead for the adjacent constituency of Blackburn, about the of leaving it solely in the hands of politicians? potential effects. As I said to my hon. Friend the Member for Newport, East (Jessica Morden), I have already The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Mr. Michael made clear my hon. Friends’ concerns about the proposed Wills): The hon. Lady makes a very valuable point and I closures in Newport and Chorley. Both facilities serve a agree with a large part of what she said. It is important wide area of population and it is crucial that in any that we involve the British people in policy making organisation of the Forensic Science Service there is no between elections as well as at them. That is why we are dereliction or diminution in the service provided to the bringing forward proposals for deliberative events that Crown Prosecution Service and through that, to the involve the British people in precisely the way she victims of crime. 751 21 JULY 2009 Equitable Life 752

Equitable Life meet Members of Parliament? Finally, given that more than 300 Members have signed the early-day motion tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham 3.31 pm (Dr. Cable) on Equitable Life issues, will the Minister Susan Kramer (Richmond Park) (LD): (Urgent consider giving the House the opportunity for a debate Question): To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if in Government time and the opportunity to vote? he will make a statement on the parliamentary ombudsman’s Mr. Byrne: Let me deal first with the central question follow-up report on Equitable Life and to clarify the about the difference between compensation schemes, as work of Sir John Chadwick on a payment scheme. proposed by the ombudsman, and our conclusion that an ex gratia scheme would be more appropriate. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Liam Byrne): The ombudsman made 10 findings and went on to I am very grateful to you, Mr. Speaker, for granting me say that a number of injustices resulted. When we the opportunity to answer questions on Equitable Life looked through those findings, we came to the conclusion today. that in nine out of the 10 findings, we could accept A week or two ago, I promised the House a short wholly or in part her conclusion that there was statement, by way of update before the recess, and I laid maladministration. In four of those areas, which I think that statement this morning. I do not intend to read it were significant, we accepted that injustice followed. out as it is there for hon. and right hon. Members to Two consequences follow from that position. The consider. I know that time is short this afternoon, first is that we departed from the ombudsman in her Mr. Speaker and that you will want to maximise the conclusion that a compensation scheme should be put opportunities for questions, so let me limit my opening in place, because we do not think the taxpayer should remarks to these. be the compensator of last resort. We think that would First, the Government are grateful to the ombudsman have perverse consequences, and it is a principle on for her report. Secondly, in many areas we agreed with which the House has voted in the past. Secondly, it her conclusions of maladministration. In four key areas, would be irrational for the Government to propose a we agreed with her findings that injustice had followed. compensation scheme across the board for charges of We departed from the ombudsman in her maladministration or injustice that we did not accept. recommendation for a compensation scheme across the I know that when the ombudsman came before the board and we set out cogent reasons for that. They are Public Administration Committee on 21 January—my being challenged by judicial review today, so my remarks hon. Friends will correct me if I have the date slightly on that question will be rather limited this afternoon; wrong—she said that she would almost rather the but—this is the crucial but—we believe an ex gratia Government accepted her recommendations and then scheme must be set up to help those who have suffered did nothing to provide compensation. I do not think hardship as a result of the injustice that we believe was that that is the right approach. There are findings that perpetrated. We have asked Sir John Chadwick to make we have accepted. There are charges of maladministration recommendations on that question urgently, but he that we have accepted. Further, there are charges of must first pin down who has lost what. He will set out injustice that we have accepted. We also believe there his next steps in August and, if you would oblige me will be people who have suffered and are suffering Mr. Speaker, I would be very happy to update the hardship—in some cases extreme hardship—as a result House on its return. of that. That is why it is essential for us to set up an ex gratia payment scheme. Susan Kramer: The Minister will be very aware that The ombudsman did not have the chance to go into Equitable Life policyholders have been quite dismayed, the vital question of who lost what. That is the first having heard the ombudsman’s judgment that the injustice piece of work that we have asked Sir John to consider. I will not be remedied whatever the outcome of the work do not think it is possible to get an ex gratia scheme in yet to be done by Sir John Chadwick—referring to the place and operating justly until we have understood injustice due to maladministration. Will the right hon. who has lost what. Obviously, there are hundreds of Gentleman review the remit given to Sir John Chadwick? thousands of policyholders— The Minister will also be aware that EMAG—the Mr. Speaker: Order. May I interrupt the Chief Secretary? Equitable Life Members Action Group—and many I very much appreciate, as the whole House will, that he other Equitable Life policyholders have not given evidence is attempting to respond comprehensively, but we have and testimony to Sir John Chadwick, because they have a time limit for this exchange and I want to get in as lost confidence in his proposals since they saw his many Back-Bench Members as possible. document on the Equitable Life ex gratia payment scheme in June. Again, will the Minister review the Mr. Mark Hoban (Fareham) (Con): Is it not clear remit he has given Sir John? that a year after the ombudsman published her damning In his statement today the Minister referred to a report on the regulation of Equitable Life, and six months report by Sir John in August, but the statement included after the Government’s response, no real progress has no mention of a timetable, which the many elderly been made? Policyholders are no closer today to knowing members of the various Equitable Life organisations whether they will receive any payments for the losses are desperate to see. He also mentioned that Sir John is that they incurred as a consequence of the failure to speaking with interested parties, but is he aware that regulate Equitable Life properly. Sir John has refused to meet the all-party parliamentary In the past six months, all we have seen is one paper group on justice for Equitable Life shareholders, with a by Sir John Chadwick addressing just one aspect of his membership now of 130? Will he advise Sir John to terms of reference—relative loss. We are promised another reconsider his decision and find some other venue to paper in August that will include a definitive list of 753 Equitable Life21 JULY 2009 Equitable Life 754

[Mr. Mark Hoban] list of “the specific issues”. Will policyholders not be worried that that is further delay and prevarication? If issues to be addressed. Will the Minister tell us if this the Government thought that the situation was as good will cover all aspects of Sir John’s terms of reference or as the Minister claimed, would he not, instead of sneaking just the issue of relative loss? For example, will it it out in written form, have come to the House of his include his advice on which groups of policyholders own volition and made a statement this afternoon? have suffered the greatest impact because of the failure Mr. Byrne: There have been three debates on Equitable to regulate Equitable properly? Will it include how he Life and the Government’s response to the ombudsman will seek to apportion blame between the regulator and this year, and we had a good debate during oral questions Equitable Life, or can we expect to see many more a week or two ago. I return to the basic argument that I reports from Sir John delaying justice even longer? have presented this afternoon: if we think an ex gratia Although there has been criticism of Sir John, fault scheme should be set up, to ensure that money under for any delay rests with the Treasury, which has tried to that scheme goes to the people who have been hardest kick the issue into the long grass. Have Ministers set a hit, the first piece of work that we must do is to deadline by which Sir John will have completed his understand who has lost what. Until we do so, it is work? Will the Minister confirm that the Government difficult to get up and running an ex gratia scheme that will make a formal response to each of Sir John’s will operate justly. Surely, that must be the objective of recommendations as they are made, or will they seek to right hon. and hon. Members. Sir John has an enormous delay the process even longer by waiting until he has amount of work to do to go through the information completed all his work? Once Sir John publishes his that has been passed to him by Equitable Life. A final report, how long will it take the Treasury to make number of right hon. and hon. Members have made payments to policyholders? All that we seem to get from representations, and he is moving quickly. He is publishing Sir John is more questions and very few answers, and reports in quick succession to make sure that the maximum there has been no answer from the Treasury on the most amount of information is available to policyholders and important question—when will policyholders receive so that they can see and comment on the direction in the justice that they have been so long denied? which his mind is moving. Mr. Byrne: It is perfectly appropriate for the hon. Rob Marris (Wolverhampton, South-West) (Lab): I Gentleman to seek to keep up the pressure and the lost a small amount in the Equitable Life fiasco. May I momentum, particularly on the timetable, because that urge my right hon. Friend not to be so stubborn and is the question that most troubles policyholders. slow about this? Responsibility for these losses rests in I completely reject the argument about an absence of three parts: first, with savers; secondly, with Equitable progress. Once the ombudsman concluded her investigation, Life itself; and thirdly with the Government for what and set out where she thought that injustice had been they themselves admit is maladministration. I urge my perpetrated, it was perfectly proper for us to reflect on right hon. Friend to revisit the question of compensation: what she said, then make the decision to put in place an it would be much quicker, and they could put a cap on ex gratia scheme to correct those injustices. I am sure it, so that smaller savers would receive proportionately that the hon. Gentleman would agree that to ensure more. Will he revisit that issue? that the maximum possible help is delivered to those who are in the hardest and most difficult financial Mr. Byrne: No, I will not for the simple reason that, position, it is vital to understand who has lost what. first, I do not believe that the Government should be There are hundreds of thousands of policyholders, and the compensator of last resort when there has been every single bit of information associated with those regulatory failure; and secondly, I simply do not think policyholders has to be gone through first, which is why that it would be rational or a good use of public money we have given Sir John Chadwick all the resources for to provide compensation when there have been conclusions which he has asked, and it is why we will continue to that we simply do not accept. However, I do not subscribe check that he has all the resources that he needs to to the ombudsman’s view, put forward on 23 January, conduct his task. We are absolutely committed to getting that it would be better to accept all the recommendations a scheme up and running as quickly as possible, and I and then do nothing to provide any compensation at hope that the hon. Gentleman will continue to make all. It is important that an ex gratia scheme be set up, representations on behalf of policyholders, as I know because there is injustice that we recognise. We must other hon. Members will, to make sure that that ex now ensure that public money goes to where it is most gratia scheme is designed in the fairest possible way. needed, and that is why we must understand, first, who has lost what. Mr. Jeremy Browne (Taunton) (LD): After the ombudsman published the report with the damning Mr. Michael Fallon (Sevenoaks) (Con): Why will the title, “Equitable Life: a decade of regulatory failure”, Chief Secretary not announce a long-stop date by which the Government’s response has been characterised by the Government expect the bulk of those ex gratia foot dragging. They missed the deadline to respond by payments to have been made? Does he expect it to be in the end of 2008, as initially promised. Sir John Chadwick this financial year? has been non-communicative with Members and others, Mr. Byrne: That is an extremely reasonable point to but meanwhile policyholders are dying every day while which I am entirely sympathetic. However, until Sir John the Government are still deciding to pick and choose has done his first run-through of the information from the ombudsman’s recommendations. The Minister may literally hundreds of thousands of policyholders, that think that today represents some progress, but does he being the exercise on which he is now embarked, it will not share my concern that his statement was littered be difficult for us intelligently to present that long-stop with equivocation, and talked of “a further document”, date to the House. However, it is my ambition to come an “interim report”, a statement of his approach, and a back with that date at the earliest possible opportunity. 755 Equitable Life21 JULY 2009 Equitable Life 756

Mr. Gordon Prentice (Pendle) (Lab): How will Sir John are the basis of the ex gratia scheme that will be set up. Chadwick determine who has been hardest hit? He has When it came to changes to retirement age, reserves for access to Equitable Life records but not to Customs and guaranteed annuity rates, the financial reinsurance in Revenue records, so how will he square that circle? which Equitable Life tried to engage and the information that the Financial Services Authority provided in the Mr. Byrne: I would not want to steer Sir John in post-closure period, the Government accepted in all respect of the conclusions that he has been asked to those cases not only that there was maladministration, reach; it is an open question that we have left to him to but that injustice had therefore followed. That will have answer, and he has considerable experience in answering a bearing on the breadth of the ex gratia scheme that is such difficult questions. I am satisfied that he has at his eventually recommended, but, as I said, until Sir John disposal all the information that he needs to come to has studied who has lost what, it will be almost impossible those conclusions, but, if he were to make further to design an ex gratia scheme that operates justly. requests of us for further information, I would consider them. Sir George Young (North-West Hampshire) (Con): Is there not a clear and irreconcilable difference between, Mr. John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): How much on the one hand, the Government, and on the other, the compensation does the Minister envisage for his ex ombudsman and the Select Committee to which she gratia scheme? I do not suppose that he has put a penny reports? Is not the right way to resolve that difference in his budget for this year or for next, so I do not believe for the Government to put their own proposals in a that he intends to pay any. substantive motion before the House and see whether they command majority support? Mr. Byrne: That is not an estimate that I shall present to the House this afternoon; it is something that I shall Mr. Byrne: That would be a question for the business look at when Sir John presents his initial recommendations. managers of the House. I want to tease out two points. Yes, the Government did depart from many of the Geraldine Smith (Morecambe and Lunesdale) (Lab): ombudsman’s conclusions about maladministration. We What is the point of the ombudsman doing her report if set out cogent reasons for doing that, and they are the Government do not accept the recommendations? subject to judicial review, commencing today. It would Is it not time that the policyholders had the justice that not be rational to propose a compensation or ex gratia they deserve? scheme based on findings that we simply did not accept; that would not be a good use of public money. That Mr. Byrne: I absolutely agree that it is time that the said, we accept that injustice has resulted from policyholders of Equitable Life had the justice that they maladministration in certain areas and we think that an deserve. They are in their current position because of a ex gratia scheme is therefore required. We must make series of regulatory failures that go back many years, sure that that is set up so that it operates justly and that but sometimes Governments disagree with reports from most help is delivered to those who have lost most. ombudsmen; there have been five such occasions in recent years. As I said, I do not accept the ombudsman’s Sir Patrick Cormack (South Staffordshire) (Con): conclusion that we should just accept the recommendations Cannot the Minister realise that those suffering hardship— and then do nothing—she said on 23 January that that often extreme hardship, to use his own words—are was her preference. I actually think that an ex gratia desperate to know when they will be put out of their scheme is sensible, because there has been an injustice misery and when they will know what they are going to that we have accepted. get? Will he please give the House an assurance this afternoon that when we come back on 12 October, Mr. Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): Time is he will give a definitive report with definitive dates to definitely of the essence when it comes to getting the the House? matter resolved. On the Minister’s point about dealing with hardship, will he tell us today whether means-testing will play any part in the ex gratia payment scheme? Mr. Byrne: As I said in reply to another Conservative Member, my ambition is to come back to the House Mr. Byrne: At this stage I would not prejudge the with a long-stop date by which we can get the ex gratia design of the scheme that Sir John has been asked to scheme up and running. I accept entirely the hon. come back with. Gentleman’s point about the uncertainty and hardship that many Equitable Life policyholders are now confronting. Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): Does the Chief Secretary The hon. Gentleman will accept that, in the world of not recognise that for many people Sir John Chadwick’s limited resources where all Governments operate, we exercise appears to be evasion dressed up as examination? must make sure that the help provided goes to those Today, the Chief Secretary referred to when Sir John who need it most. That is the question that Sir John is does his first run-through. How many run-throughs are now considering. there going to be? Do they not amount to people in a dire predicament being given the run-around? Mr. Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale, West) (Con): Given the very long delay, what consideration has been Mr. Byrne: If I may, I will just draw the House’s given to the possibility of interim emergency payments attention back to the four areas in which the Government in compassionate cases? said not only that there had been maladministration, but that injustice had followed. Those areas are significant, Mr. Byrne: That is a good question, on which I shall and they should not be cast aside lightly, because they ask Sir John to reflect. 757 21 JULY 2009 Issue of Writ 758

Issue of Writ plant at Port Dundas fearing for their jobs and facing an uncertain future with no full-time MP to represent them. The people of Glasgow, North-East deserve a 3.52 pm full-time MP, and they deserve one as quickly as is Stewart Hosie (Dundee, East) (SNP): I beg to move, humanly possible. That the Speaker do issue his Warrant to the Clerk of the Labour’s actions have shown contempt, and its campaign Crown, to make out a new Writ for the electing of a Member to is in disarray. By its actions, we have seen its fear of the serve in this present Parliament for the Borough Constituency of people of Glasgow, North-East—[Interruption.] Glasgow North East in the room of Michael Martin, who since his election for the said Borough Constituency has accepted the Office of Steward or Bailiff of Her Majesty’s Manor of Northstead Mr. Speaker: Order. The hon. Gentleman should sit in the County of York. down for a moment, as I am trying to help him. I simply The issue is important. The Government objected to say to the House that whatever the provocation, right the writ earlier, but should we fail to move it today, we hon. and hon. Members must exercise what self-restraint might well condemn the people of Glasgow, North-East they are able to muster in the circumstances. to having no Member of Parliament for the next five months. When the Government Chief Whip stood up—in Stewart Hosie: I thought that I was being consensual, that magisterial way that he has—and objected to my Mr. Speaker. I beg to move the motion. motion earlier, I was not sure whether I was watching a tragedy or a comedy. What I saw could have been tragic because the Government are treating the people of 3.57 pm Glasgow, North-East with contempt. It could also have The Leader of the House of Commons (Ms Harriet been comic; I imagined another Whip phoning the Harman): I beg to move, To leave out from “That” to busload of Labour MPs who have gone off to campaign the end of the Question and add in the by-election in Norwich and making them come straight back to ensure a Government majority against “this House do pass to the Orders of the Day.” democracy and a by-election in Glasgow. That is where The effect of my amendment is that the House would this Government have got to. not move the writ today for the Glasgow, North-East The issue is extraordinarily serious. Two months have by-election. Custom and practice is that the party of the passed since Michael Martin announced that he was Member who formerly held the seat moves the writ. In standing down and it is a month today since he demitted the case of a departing Speaker, it is convention for the office, yet Labour has failed to move the writ. As I writ to be moved by the party for which the Speaker was understand it, the earliest possible date on which the last elected. Then the election must be held within 15 to by-election may now be held is Thursday 5 November, 19 working days of the writ’s being moved. We want to by which time the constituency will have been without make sure that the by-election is at a time that allows an MP for 136 days. In contrast, Ian Gibson resigned the greatest number of people to vote. his Norwich, North seat on 5 June, and that by-election will be held this Thursday, 48 days later. Last year, the Sir Patrick Cormack (South Staffordshire) (Con): by-election for the seat of Glasgow, East was held on Will the Leader of the House give way? 24 July, just 26 days after David Marshall stood down. So Labour has had every single opportunity to call this Ms Harman: Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will simply by-election, but in objecting to the writ, as it did earlier allow me to make my argument to the House. today, it is not only demonstrating contempt but running scared of the people of Glasgow, North-East. What We did not move the writ at the point at which the that objection also did was to demonstrate that it is not Speaker left the House on 22 June, as it is preferable not only by convention that the moving of a writ lies in the to have an election in the Scottish school holidays. hands of the governing party Whip, but that it is the practice as well. Sir Patrick Cormack: On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. We are reaching the end of this Session; we finish it The right hon. and learned Lady has not exactly conveyed today. Labour has had every opportunity to move the accurate information to the House. The fact of the writ and to avoid people being left unrepresented, but it matter is that the last time Michael Martin was elected a has failed to do so; that is why we felt compelled to Member of Parliament, he was elected as the Speaker move. The only practical reason not to move the writ seeking re-election—therefore as an independent and would be that the by-election would clash with the not as a member of the Labour party. I therefore Glasgow fair and the Glasgow holidays. Fair weekend suggest to you, Sir, that the Leader of the House is out was last weekend. The earliest date that the election of order on this matter. could be held if the writ were moved today is 20 August, after which time the fair and the holidays will be over, Ms Harman rose— and the children will be back at school on 17 August. There is therefore no practical reason why this cannot Mr. Speaker: Order. I can look after the matter quite happen. easily, if the right hon. and learned Lady will let me. The long and short of it is that Labour has once The short answer is that the content of what the Leader again put party first and people second. The people of of the House says is a matter for the Leader of the Glasgow, North-East need a full-time MP now. We have House. What the hon. Member for South Staffordshire had a series of brutal school closures, with little or no (Sir Patrick Cormack) has just said is a contribution consultation with parents and pupils, and no MP to to the debate, but as a point of fact, it is not a point represent those people. We have workers at the Diageo of order. 759 Issue of Writ21 JULY 2009 Issue of Writ 760

Ms Harman: You are absolutely right of course, Sir Patrick Cormack: I do not like to disagree with Mr. Speaker, that it is not a point of order. However, it Mr. Speaker, but I think that you used those terms—or is also not a point of fact because it is wrong. If you something like them, anyhow. become Speaker, the relevant question is for which I submit to the House that, whatever was said or not party you last stood for Parliament. said, it is a point of fact that Mr. Michael Martin, in his As I have said, we did not move the writ when the last election, did not stand as a Labour candidate. Nor Speaker left the House on 22 June, as it is preferable not did he stand as a Labour candidate in 2001. He stood as to have an election in the Glasgow school holidays. the Speaker seeking re-election and therefore as an Moving a writ now would mean a by-election in the independent. This afternoon, we have nothing less than middle of August. If we move the writ now, it would a shameless example of a craven Government running have to be held by Thursday 13 August, long after the scared. Glasgow schools have broken up for the summer and before they return from the summer break. It would Mr. Patrick McLoughlin (West Derbyshire) (Con): mean holding the whole campaign before the Glasgow May I draw my hon. Friend’s attention to page 220 of schools come back on 17 August, which would disfranchise “Erskine May”, which categorically states: constituents. We do not think that the writ should be moved now for a by-election in the middle of August. “At a general election he stands as ‘the Speaker seeking re-election’, since he belongs to no party”. We want to have the by-election when most people have the chance to vote, which means not holding it during the school holidays, when many families are still away Sir Patrick Cormack: I am most grateful for that on holiday. In any case, a new Member of Parliament, reinforcement of the point of fact, which I think I have even when elected, could not take their seat until the now established. When once someone sits in that Chair, House next meets on 12 October. When, as in this case, as you now have the great honour of doing, Mr. Speaker, the vacancy arises when the House is sitting, the writ they cease to have any party political allegiance, preference cannot be moved when the House is in recess, so we will or prejudice at all, as you made clear when you made move it as soon is possible after the House returns in your acceptance speech. We are therefore dealing with October. I invite the House to accept the amendment. replacing someone who was an independent Member of the House. As I said a moment ago, what is happening 4.1 pm is an example of a Government running scared. Mr. Ben Wallace (Lancaster and Wyre) (Con): The We all know—I have grandchildren in Scotland who Government’s failure to move the writ, thereby denying go back to school on 17 or 18 August—that the holidays the people of Glasgow, North-East a representative for will have come to an end in Scotland by the penultimate six months, is nothing to do with parliamentary process week of August. We also know that that was no but is all about party politics in Scotland. It is all about consideration for the Government when they moved a mitigating a disastrous school closure programme that writ last year. We have a responsibility in this House to is happening in Glasgow right now. The Labour party those out in the country who are not represented here. knows that if it were held to account on that programme, If there is a tragedy concerning a Member’s death, there it would be more likely to lose the by-election. Why is a is sometimes a point to waiting, although when Gwyneth by-election good enough for the people of Norwich, Dunwoody died we did not even wait until the funeral North? Why was it good enough for the people of had taken place. That is appalling. What we ought to Crewe and Nantwich when the hon. Lady who had have—I hope that you might consider setting up a represented the seat had not even been laid to rest? conference to consider this, Mr. Speaker—is a system whereby when a Member vacates a seat, for whatever Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP): Will the hon. reason, the by-election must be held within 28 days or, Gentleman add to that list, why was it good enough for at the most, 40 days. That should be enough for us all the electors of Glasgow, East to have a by-election and for anyone else to run a campaign, select a candidate during the summer last year? The Government are and do all the necessary things. arguing differently from the Dispatch Box this year. Mr. Wallace: We are considering the ultimate arrogance Mr. Tom Harris (Glasgow, South) (Lab): The hon. of Scottish Labour. Not only does it believe that the Gentleman was perhaps unaware that, contrary to the electorate do not deserve representation, it is also so tradition according to which the Speaker stands unopposed convinced that they will vote Labour, and that all it has by other parties, Michael Martin was opposed in 2001 to do is follow the party line without a Member of and 2005 by the Scottish National party. Those were Parliament. It is a disgrace to the House and to the contested elections. However, the hon. Gentleman was people of Glasgow, North-East. in the House when I was not in 2000 when Betty Boothroyd stood down. Did he object to the Government’s 4.2 pm moving the writ for that by-election, when she was not elected as a Labour Member of Parliament? Sir Patrick Cormack: You were, Mr. Speaker, kind enough a few minutes ago to say that the point that I made was a point of fact. It is indeed a point of fact— Sir Patrick Cormack: It was moved very quickly, but let me respond to the hon. Gentleman’s point. Yes, I Mr. Speaker: Order. I certainly did not say anything have been here a little longer than he has, and I remember about its being a point of fact. I indicated that what the the general elections that were fought by Speaker Thomas, hon. Gentleman said was a contribution to the debate Speaker Weatherill and Speaker Boothroyd. In every but that it did not constitute a point of order. Subsequently, case they were opposed. Of course it is a convention an argument was advanced about whether the hon. that the major parties do not oppose, although that Gentleman’s comments represented a point of fact. convention was not adhered to in any of those cases. 761 Issue of Writ21 JULY 2009 Issue of Writ 762

[Sir Patrick Cormack] 4.11 pm

However, the fact that the SNP chose to oppose Mr. Martin Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire, North) (Lab): when he stood as an independent candidate is not The synthetic tears of the separatists must be exposed. relevant to this case. What we are talking about this First, their party claims that the people of Glasgow, afternoon is a deprived constituency that is not represented North-East will be without an MP for a matter of here when there is no reason that it should not be months. This is the same party whose leader, the First represented here. It would be the last shabby and shoddy Minister, has almost the worst voting and attendance act of a fairly shoddy period in Parliament’s life if we record in this House—second only to the Sinn Fein were to rise today and refuse to let you move that writ, Members. The SNP has the cheek to complain that the Mr. Speaker. people of Glasgow North-East do not have an MP, but where is the right hon. Member for Banff and Buchan (Mr. Salmond)? 4.8 pm Secondly, the SNP has made a point about school Mr. David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD): I closures, but may I remind it that education is a devolved entirely take the point that the Speaker stands as an issue? The local council will deal with school closures, independent. Indeed, there is an argument, notwithstanding as will the Scottish Parliament. The constituency still the convention that the Leader of the House has set has an MSP. Thirdly, the last time we went down this out, that there is only one party that should move the road, the SNP was the party that complained. It is writ for a replacement in the seat of a former Speaker, absolute hypocrisy. and that is the Speaker’s party, which is therefore you, Mr. Speaker. However, I also feel that this debate, which has resulted 4.11 pm in fairly strong feelings expressed in all parts of the House, is entirely understandable, and it will be repeated Sir Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield) (Con): May I time and again in the future, just as it has been repeated help the House by relating some personal experience? I in the past. Where a Government refuse to issue a writ have contested two by-elections. The first was in 1969, for the replacement of a Member, of course people will when I contested Newcastle-under-Lyme. The Labour feel that the constituents of that constituency, wherever Member, the much-respected Stephen Swingler, had it is, are not being treated fairly and that matters are died, and I have to say that, on that occasion, the being manipulated for the benefit of the majority party. Labour party delayed holding the by-election for virtually That encapsulates some of the problems in the House nine months. I believe that that was unacceptable. In my with our electoral arrangements, which are exactly constituency of Macclesfield, I had to wait almost analogous with the fact that we do not have fixed-term six months for the by-election after my predecessor, Air Parliaments, which therefore means that the Prime Minister Commodore Sir Arthur Vere Harvey, was elevated to of the day can manipulate the timing of a general the upper House as Lord Harvey of Prestbury. So, to an election to the benefit of the majority party in the extent, both major parties use the holding of a by-election House. The issue also highlights the fact that the for political purposes. They make a judgment on how business is in the control of the Executive rather than well or badly they are likely to do. Parliament. I will support the motion that has been moved by the I am very much inclined to agree with what the hon. hon. Member for Dundee, East (Stewart Hosie), because Member for South Staffordshire (Sir Patrick Cormack) I believe that holding a seat vacant for virtually six months said. In the same way that there is an automaticity in this day and age is unacceptable. I do not go along about this issue in local government by statute, so there with my hon. Friend the Member for South Staffordshire should be an automaticity about it in Parliament, either (Sir Patrick Cormack), who said that a by-election by statute or by our Standing Orders. The issuing of a should be held within 28, or perhaps 40, days. However, writ should lie with the Speaker, and the writ should be I would certainly support another of his proposals: I placed before the House at the earliest opportunity. The hope that you will convene a conference on this matter, only determining factor should be the convenience of Mr. Speaker. I believe that a by-election should be held the constituency returning officer, within very narrow within three months, and I regret that, at this very parameters, as to when the election should be held. I difficult time for the country, the honourable and decent hope that this matter will now be looked at, because the people of Glasgow, North-East are going to have to present arrangements are entirely unsatisfactory. wait to have a representative. Even if Parliament is not sitting, they should still have a Member of Parliament Notwithstanding that, we have conventions in this to represent their best interests. House about the way in which these matters are dealt with. However, conventions may be examined and, when necessary, removed. I believe that this convention is Several hon. Members rose— now overdue for removal. I entirely appreciate the arguments of the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Stewart Hosie). Mr. Speaker: Order. I am sorry that the House was I think it likely that the Government will have their way deprived of the services of the hon. Member for today and that we will move on to the next business, but Macclesfield (Sir Nicholas Winterton) for a period of the hon. Gentleman has done a service to the House by six months, and I think that that sentiment will be pointing out the difficulties that this situation poses for widely shared. May I also tell him that, on the strength the good people of Glasgow, who are currently of the contributions that have been made to the debate unrepresented, and, more importantly, for the House, thus far, it is clear that there are a number of willing which again does not have the self-confidence to do its applicants for service on any future Speaker’s Conference, own work. where there to be such on this matter? 763 Issue of Writ21 JULY 2009 Issue of Writ 764

4.14 pm Ennis, Jeff Mallaber, Judy Farrelly, Paul Marsden, Mr. Gordon Rob Marris (Wolverhampton, South-West) (Lab): I Field, rh Mr. Frank Martlew, Mr. Eric understand that if the writ were to be moved today, the Fisher, Mark McCabe, Steve by-election would be on 13 August. Will the Leader of Flello, Mr. Robert McCafferty, Chris the House advise me of the last date on which anyone Flint, rh Caroline McCarthy, Kerry resident in Glasgow, North-East who was not on the Follett, Barbara McCarthy-Fry, Sarah electoral register could apply to be put on to the register, Foster, Mr. Michael McDonagh, Siobhain were the writ to be moved today? Secondly, what would (Worcester) McDonnell, John be the last date on which a resident of Glasgow, North-East Foster, Michael Jabez McFadden, rh Mr. Pat who was on the register could apply for a postal vote, (Hastings and Rye) McFall, rh John were the by-election to be held on 13 August? Francis, Dr. Hywel McGovern, Mr. Jim Gapes, Mike McGuire, rh Mrs. Anne Gardiner, Barry McIsaac, Shona 4.14 pm George, rh Mr. Bruce McKechin, Ann Mr. Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley) (Con): Speaking as Gerrard, Mr. Neil McNulty, rh Mr. Tony someone who has fought two parliamentary by-elections— Gilroy, Linda Merron, Gillian Goodman, Helen Michael, rh Alun [HON.MEMBERS: “Hear, hear.”] I know I look too young. In my experience, irrespective of summer holidays and Griffiths, Nigel Milburn, rh Mr. Alan when children go back to school, as soon as candidates Grogan, Mr. John Miliband, rh Edward Hain, rh Mr. Peter Miller, Andrew are chosen for political parties, the campaign begins for Hall, Mr. Mike Moffatt, Laura them. In my estimation, waiting until the House resumes Hamilton, Mr. David Mole, Chris in October, then moving a writ and having the parliamentary Hanson, rh Mr. David Moon, Mrs. Madeleine by-election in November as we approach winter is an Harman, rh Ms Harriet Morden, Jessica argument for not having it at that time either. As far as Harris, Mr. Tom Morgan, Julie the interests of the people of the said constituency are Havard, Mr. Dai Mudie, Mr. George concerned, the sooner the by-election is brought on, the Hendrick, Mr. Mark Munn, Meg better for everyone. Hepburn, Mr. Stephen Murphy, rh Mr. Jim Question put, That the amendment be made. Hewitt, rh Ms Patricia Murphy, rh Mr. Paul Heyes, David Naysmith, Dr. Doug The House divided: Ayes 238, Noes 127. Hill, rh Keith Norris, Dan Division No. 206] [4.16 pm Hodgson, Mrs. Sharon Olner, Mr. Bill Hood, Mr. Jim Osborne, Sandra Hope, Phil Owen, Albert AYES Hopkins, Kelvin Palmer, Dr. Nick Ainger, Nick Campbell, Mr. Ronnie Howarth, rh Mr. George Plaskitt, Mr. James Ainsworth, rh Mr. Bob Caton, Mr. Martin Howells, rh Dr. Kim Pound, Stephen Alexander, rh Mr. Douglas Cawsey, Mr. Ian Hoyle, Mr. Lindsay Prentice, Bridget Austin, John Chapman, Ben Humble, Mrs. Joan Prentice, Mr. Gordon Bailey, Mr. Adrian Clapham, Mr. Michael Hutton, rh Mr. John Primarolo, rh Dawn Baird, Vera Clark, Paul Iddon, Dr. Brian Prosser, Gwyn Balls, rh Ed Clarke,rhMr.Tom Illsley, Mr. Eric Purnell, rh James Banks, Gordon Clwyd, rh Ann Irranca-Davies, Huw Rammell, Bill Barron, rh Mr. Kevin Coaker, Mr. Vernon James, Mrs. Siân C. Raynsford, rh Mr. Nick Battle, rh John Cohen, Harry Jenkins, Mr. Brian Reed, Mr. Andy Bayley, Hugh Cook, Frank Johnson, Ms Diana R. Reed, Mr. Jamie Beckett, rh Margaret Cooper, Rosie Jones, Helen Reid, rh John Begg, Miss Anne Cooper, rh Yvette Jones, Mr. Kevan Robertson, John Bell, Sir Stuart Crausby, Mr. David Jones, Lynne Rooney, Mr. Terry Benn, rh Hilary Creagh, Mary Jones, Mr. Martyn Roy, Mr. Frank Benton, Mr. Joe Cruddas, Jon Jowell, rh Tessa Roy, Lindsay Berry, Roger Cummings, John Joyce, Mr. Eric Ruane, Chris Betts, Mr. Clive Cunningham, Mr. Jim Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Ruddock, Joan Blackman, Liz Cunningham, Tony Keeble, Ms Sally Russell, Christine Blackman-Woods, Dr. Roberta David, Mr. Wayne Keeley, Barbara Ryan, rh Joan Blears, rh Hazel Dean, Mrs. Janet Keen, Alan Salter, Martin Borrow, Mr. David S. Denham, rh Mr. John Keen, Ann Sarwar, Mr. Mohammad Brennan, Kevin Devine, Mr. Jim Kidney, Mr. David Seabeck, Alison Brown, Lyn Dhanda, Mr. Parmjit Knight, rh Jim Sharma, Mr. Virendra Brown, Mr. Russell Dismore, Mr. Andrew Ladyman, Dr. Stephen Shaw, Jonathan Browne, rh Des Dobbin, Jim Lammy, rh Mr. David Sheridan, Jim Bryant, Chris Dobson, rh Frank Laxton, Mr. Bob Simon, Mr. Siôn Buck, Ms Karen Donohoe, Mr. Brian H. Lazarowicz, Mark Skinner, Mr. Dennis Burden, Richard Doran, Mr. Frank Lepper, David Slaughter, Mr. Andy Burgon, Colin Drew, Mr. David Levitt, Tom Smith, rh Angela E. (Basildon) Burnham, rh Andy Durkan, Mark Lewis, Mr. Ivan Smith, Geraldine Byers, rh Mr. Stephen Eagle, Angela Lloyd, Tony Smith, rh Jacqui Byrne, rh Mr. Liam Eagle, Maria Love, Mr. Andrew Snelgrove, Anne Caborn, rh Mr. Richard Efford, Clive Lucas, Ian Starkey, Dr. Phyllis Cairns, David Ellman, Mrs. Louise Mackinlay, Andrew Stewart, Ian Campbell, Mr. Alan Engel, Natascha Malik, Mr. Shahid Straw, rh Mr. Jack 765 Issue of Writ21 JULY 2009 Issue of Writ 766

Sutcliffe, Mr. Gerry Williams, rh Mr. Alan Teather, Sarah Willis, Mr. Phil Tami, Mark Williams, Mrs. Betty Thurso, John Willott, Jenny Timms, rh Mr. Stephen Wills, rh Mr. Michael Turner, Mr. Andrew Wilshire, Mr. David Todd, Mr. Mark Winnick, Mr. David Tyrie, Mr. Andrew Wilson, Mr. Rob Trickett, Jon Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Vaizey, Mr. Edward Winterton, Ann Turner, Dr. Desmond Woodward, rh Mr. Shaun Vara, Mr. Shailesh Winterton, Sir Nicholas Turner, Mr. Neil Wright, Mr. Anthony Wallace, Mr. Ben Young, rh Sir George Twigg, Derek Wright, David Webb, Steve Younger-Ross, Richard Ussher, Kitty Wright, Mr. Iain Whittingdale, Mr. John Tellers for the Noes: Vis, Dr. Rudi Wyatt, Derek Widdecombe, rh Miss Ann Mr. Mike Weir and Waltho, Lynda Wiggin, Bill Pete Wishart Ward, Claire Tellers for the Ayes: Watson, Mr. Tom Mr. John Heppell and Whitehead, Dr. Alan Mr. Dave Watts Question accordingly agreed to. Resolved, NOES That this House do pass to the Orders of the Day. Afriyie, Adam Hayes, Mr. John Ainsworth, Mr. Peter Heath, Mr. David Amess, Mr. David Heathcoat-Amory, rh Arbuthnot, rh Mr. James Mr. David BILLS PRESENTED Atkinson, Mr. Peter Hoban, Mr. Mark Baker, Norman Hollobone, Mr. Philip Baldry, Tony Hosie, Stewart PUBLIC BUILDINGS (PUBLICATION OF ENERGY Barker, Gregory Howarth, David Beith, rh Sir Alan Hughes, Simon PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES)BILL Brady, Mr. Graham Hunt, Mr. Jeremy Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Brazier, Mr. Julian Jack, rh Mr. Michael Greg Clark, supported by Charles Hendry, Gregory Breed, Mr. Colin Jackson, Mr. Stewart Barker, Mr. Oliver Letwin, Bill Wiggin, Alan Simpson, Browne, Mr. Jeremy Jenkin, Mr. Bernard Mr. John Gummer, Justine Greening and Mr. Tim Yeo, Bruce, rh Malcolm Jones, Mr. David Burstow, Mr. Paul Kirkbride, Miss Julie presented a Bill to require the Secretary of State to Butterfill, Sir John Knight, rh Mr. Greg publish lists of energy performance certificates issued Cameron, rh Mr. David Kramer, Susan pursuant to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive; Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Laing, Mrs. Eleanor and for connected purposes. Cash, Mr. William Laws, Mr. David Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Chope, Mr. Christopher Lewis, Dr. Julian Friday 16 October, and to be printed (Bill 147). Clark, Greg Lidington, Mr. David Clegg, rh Mr. Nick Lilley, rh Mr. Peter Cormack, Sir Patrick Loughton, Tim Cox, Mr. Geoffrey Main, Anne PUBLIC TRANSPORT (REWARD SCHEME AND Crabb, Mr. Stephen Mason, John CONCESSIONARY FARES)BILL Davies, Mr. Dai McIntosh, Miss Anne Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Davies, David T.C. McLoughlin, rh Mr. Patrick Mr. Colin Challen presented a Bill to make provision (Monmouth) Milton, Anne Davies, Philip Moore, Mr. Michael for the introduction of a reward scheme for users of bus Djanogly, Mr. Jonathan Mulholland, Greg and rail services; and to extend the Bus Concessionary Dodds, Mr. Nigel Neill, Robert Fares Scheme. Dorrell, rh Mr. Stephen O’Brien, Mr. Stephen Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Duddridge, James Oaten, Mr. Mark Friday 16 October, and to be printed (Bill 143). Duncan, Alan Osborne, Mr. George Dunne, Mr. Philip Prisk, Mr. Mark Evans, Mr. Nigel Pritchard, Mark Evennett, Mr. David Randall, Mr. John Fallon, Mr. Michael Redwood, rh Mr. John PARLIAMENTARY STANDARDS BILL Field, Mr. Mark Robathan, Mr. Andrew (PROGRAMME) (NO. 2) Fraser, Christopher Robertson, Angus Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Gale, Mr. Roger Robertson, Hugh Order No. 83(7)A), Garnier, Mr. Edward Robertson, Mr. Laurence That the following provisions shall apply to the Parliamentary Gauke, Mr. David Robinson, Mrs. Iris Standards Bill for the purpose of supplementing the Order of George, Andrew Rosindell, Andrew 29 June 2009 (Parliamentary Standards Bill (Programme)): Goldsworthy, Julia Sanders, Mr. Adrian Consideration of Lords Amendments Goodwill, Mr. Robert Simmonds, Mark Gove, Michael Smith, Sir Robert 1. Proceedings on consideration of Lords Amendments shall Grayling, Chris Soames, Mr. Nicholas (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour after their commencement at this day’s sitting. Greening, Justine Spicer, Sir Michael Grieve, Mr. Dominic Stanley, rh Sir John Subsequent stages Hague, rh Mr. William Stuart, Mr. Graham 2. Any further Message from the Lords may be considered Hammond, Stephen Syms, Mr. Robert forthwith without any Question being put. Hands, Mr. Greg Taylor, Mr. Ian 3. The proceedings on any further Message from the Lords Harris, Dr. Evan Taylor, Matthew shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion Harvey, Nick Taylor, Dr. Richard one hour after their commencement.—(Steve McCabe.) 767 Issue of Writ21 JULY 2009 Issue of Writ 768

The House divided: Ayes 237, Noes 120. Levitt, Tom Robertson, John Division No. 207] [4.29 pm Lewis, Mr. Ivan Rooney, Mr. Terry Lloyd, Tony Roy, Mr. Frank Love, Mr. Andrew Roy, Lindsay AYES Lucas, Ian Ruane, Chris Ainger, Nick Eagle, Maria Mackinlay, Andrew Ruddock, Joan Ainsworth, rh Mr. Bob Efford, Clive Malik, Mr. Shahid Russell, Christine Alexander, rh Mr. Douglas Ellman, Mrs. Louise Mallaber, Judy Salter, Martin Anderson, Janet Engel, Natascha Mann, John Sarwar, Mr. Mohammad Austin, John Ennis, Jeff Marris, Rob Seabeck, Alison Bailey, Mr. Adrian Farrelly, Paul Marsden, Mr. Gordon Sharma, Mr. Virendra Baird, Vera Fisher, Mark Martlew, Mr. Eric Shaw, Jonathan Balls, rh Ed Flello, Mr. Robert McCabe, Steve Sheridan, Jim Banks, Gordon Flint, rh Caroline McCafferty, Chris Simon, Mr. Siôn Barron, rh Mr. Kevin Follett, Barbara McCarthy, Kerry Simpson, Alan Battle, rh John Foster, Mr. Michael McCarthy-Fry, Sarah Skinner, Mr. Dennis Bayley, Hugh (Worcester) McDonagh, Siobhain Slaughter, Mr. Andy Beckett, rh Margaret Foster, Michael Jabez McDonnell, John Smith, rh Angela E. (Basildon) Begg, Miss Anne (Hastings and Rye) McFadden, rh Mr. Pat Smith, Geraldine Bell, Sir Stuart Francis, Dr. Hywel McFall, rh John Smith, rh Jacqui Benn, rh Hilary Gapes, Mike McGovern, Mr. Jim Snelgrove, Anne Benton, Mr. Joe Gardiner, Barry McGuire, rh Mrs. Anne Starkey, Dr. Phyllis Berry, Roger George, rh Mr. Bruce McIsaac, Shona Stewart, Ian Betts, Mr. Clive Gerrard, Mr. Neil McKechin, Ann Straw, rh Mr. Jack Blackman, Liz Gilroy, Linda McNulty, rh Mr. Tony Sutcliffe, Mr. Gerry Blackman-Woods, Dr. Roberta Goodman, Helen Merron, Gillian Tami, Mark Blears, rh Hazel Griffiths, Nigel Michael, rh Alun Timms, rh Mr. Stephen Borrow, Mr. David S. Grogan, Mr. John Milburn, rh Mr. Alan Todd, Mr. Mark Brennan, Kevin Hain, rh Mr. Peter Miliband, rh Edward Trickett, Jon Brown, Lyn Hall, Mr. Mike Miller, Andrew Turner, Dr. Desmond Brown, Mr. Russell Hamilton, Mr. David Moffatt, Laura Turner, Mr. Neil Browne, rh Des Hanson, rh Mr. David Mole, Chris Twigg, Derek Bryant, Chris Harman, rh Ms Harriet Moon, Mrs. Madeleine Buck, Ms Karen Harris, Mr. Tom Morden, Jessica Ussher, Kitty Burden, Richard Havard, Mr. Dai Morgan, Julie Vis, Dr. Rudi Burgon, Colin Hendrick, Mr. Mark Mudie, Mr. George Walley, Joan Burnham, rh Andy Hepburn, Mr. Stephen Munn, Meg Waltho, Lynda Byers, rh Mr. Stephen Heppell, Mr. John Murphy, rh Mr. Jim Ward, Claire Byrne, rh Mr. Liam Hesford, Stephen Murphy, rh Mr. Paul Wareing, Mr. Robert N. Caborn, rh Mr. Richard Heyes, David Naysmith, Dr. Doug Watson, Mr. Tom Cairns, David Hill, rh Keith Norris, Dan Whitehead, Dr. Alan Campbell, Mr. Alan Hodgson, Mrs. Sharon Olner, Mr. Bill Williams, rh Mr. Alan Caton, Mr. Martin Hood, Mr. Jim Osborne, Sandra Williams, Mrs. Betty Cawsey, Mr. Ian Hope, Phil Owen, Albert Wills, rh Mr. Michael Chapman, Ben Hopkins, Kelvin Palmer, Dr. Nick Winnick, Mr. David Clapham, Mr. Michael Howarth, rh Mr. George Plaskitt, Mr. James Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Clark, Paul Howells, rh Dr. Kim Pound, Stephen Woodward, rh Mr. Shaun Clarke,rhMr.Tom Hoyle, Mr. Lindsay Prentice, Bridget Wright, Mr. Anthony Clwyd, rh Ann Humble, Mrs. Joan Prentice, Mr. Gordon Wright, David Coaker, Mr. Vernon Hutton, rh Mr. John Primarolo, rh Dawn Wright, Mr. Iain Cohen, Harry Iddon, Dr. Brian Prosser, Gwyn Wyatt, Derek Cook, Frank Illsley, Mr. Eric Purnell, rh James Cooper, Rosie Irranca-Davies, Huw Raynsford, rh Mr. Nick Tellers for the Ayes: Cooper, rh Yvette James, Mrs. Siân C. Reed, Mr. Jamie Helen Jones and Cousins, Jim Jenkins, Mr. Brian Reid, rh John Mr. Dave Watts Crausby, Mr. David Johnson, Ms Diana R. Creagh, Mary Jones, Lynne NOES Cruddas, Jon Jones, Mr. Martyn Cummings, John Jowell, rh Tessa Afriyie, Adam Clark, Greg Cunningham, Mr. Jim Joyce, Mr. Eric Ainsworth, Mr. Peter Cormack, Sir Patrick Cunningham, Tony Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Amess, Mr. David Cox, Mr. Geoffrey David, Mr. Wayne Keeble, Ms Sally Baker, Norman Davies, Mr. Dai Dean, Mrs. Janet Keeley, Barbara Barker, Gregory Davies, David T.C. Denham, rh Mr. John Keen, Alan Beith, rh Sir Alan (Monmouth) Dhanda, Mr. Parmjit Keen, Ann Brady, Mr. Graham Davies, Philip Dismore, Mr. Andrew Kidney, Mr. David Breed, Mr. Colin Djanogly, Mr. Jonathan Dobbin, Jim Knight, rh Jim Bruce, rh Malcolm Dodds, Mr. Nigel Dobson, rh Frank Ladyman, Dr. Stephen Burstow, Mr. Paul Dorrell, rh Mr. Stephen Donohoe, Mr. Brian H. Lammy, rh Mr. David Butterfill, Sir John Duncan, Alan Doran, Mr. Frank Laxton, Mr. Bob Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Dunne, Mr. Philip Drew, Mr. David Lazarowicz, Mark Cash, Mr. William Durkan, Mark Eagle, Angela Lepper, David Chope, Mr. Christopher Evans, Mr. Nigel 769 Issue of Writ 21 JULY 2009 770

Evennett, Mr. David Neill, Robert Parliamentary Standards Bill Fallon, Mr. Michael O’Brien, Mr. Stephen Field, Mr. Mark Oaten, Mr. Mark Consideration of Lords amendments Fraser, Christopher Ottaway, Richard Gale, Mr. Roger Pritchard, Mark Before Clause 1 Garnier, Mr. Edward Pugh, Dr. John Gauke, Mr. David Randall, Mr. John George, Andrew Redwood, rh Mr. John BILL OF RIGHTS Gidley, Sandra Robathan, Mr. Andrew Lords amendment 1 Goldsworthy, Julia Robertson, Hugh Goodwill, Mr. Robert Robertson, Mr. Laurence 4.40 pm Gove, Michael Robinson, Mrs. Iris Grayling, Chris Rosindell, Andrew Mr. William Cash (Stone) (Con): I beg to move Greening, Justine Sanders, Mr. Adrian amendment (a) to Lords amendment 1. Grieve, Mr. Dominic Simmonds, Mark Hague, rh Mr. William Smith, Sir Robert Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst): With this Hammond, Stephen Soames, Mr. Nicholas it will be convenient to discuss the following: Lords Hands, Mr. Greg Spring, Mr. Richard amendments 2 to 31. Harris, Dr. Evan Stanley, rh Sir John Harvey, Nick Stuart, Mr. Graham The Bill has received a great deal of attention for Hayes, Mr. John Swinson, Jo many reasons, but unfortunately the amendment that Heath, Mr. David Syms, Mr. Robert was passed in the House of Lords about the protection Heathcoat-Amory, rh Tapsell, Sir Peter of the Bill of Rights, which goes to the heart of our Mr. David Taylor, Mr. Ian proceedings in Parliament and therefore our sovereignty, Hoban, Mr. Mark Taylor, Matthew right to free speech and a raft of other matters, does not Hollobone, Mr. Philip Taylor, Dr. Richard achieve its objectives—at least, it achieves the wrong Hosie, Stewart Teather, Sarah objectives. I deeply regret the fact that the Attorney-General Howarth, David Thurso, John is not a Member of this House, because it is more Hughes, Simon Turner, Mr. Andrew appropriate to deal with the Independent Parliamentary Hunt, Mr. Jeremy Tyrie, Mr. Andrew Standards Authority in this place so that we can ensure Jack, rh Mr. Michael Vaizey, Mr. Edward that we properly protect the privileges and rights of this Jackson, Mr. Stewart Vara, Mr. Shailesh House and of Members of Parliament, and that proper Jenkin, Mr. Bernard Wallace, Mr. Ben Jones, Mr. David Weir, Mr. Mike and fair procedures will apply that will not be overridden Kirkbride, Miss Julie Whittingdale, Mr. John by an attempt to refer an issue to the European Court Knight, rh Mr. Greg Widdecombe, rh Miss Ann of Human Rights or the European Court of Justice. We Kramer, Susan Wiggin, Bill do not hold those rights for our own benefit: we hold Laing, Mrs. Eleanor Willis, Mr. Phil them on behalf of the electorate. It is on that point that Lewis, Dr. Julian Wilshire, Mr. David I make my main case. Lidington, Mr. David Wilson, Mr. Rob Lilley, rh Mr. Peter Winterton, Ann Sir Patrick Cormack (South Staffordshire) (Con): I Loughton, Tim Winterton, Sir Nicholas do not for a minute dissent from what my hon. Friend is Main, Anne Wishart, Pete saying. He is moving an important amendment that Mason, John Young, rh Sir George certainly has my support. Does he agree that it is McIntosh, Miss Anne Younger-Ross, Richard appalling that we have only one hour to consider a McLoughlin, rh Mr. Patrick completely rewritten Bill? I readily acknowledge that it Milton, Anne Tellers for the Noes: Moore, Mr. Michael James Duddridge and was substantially improved in the House of Lords, but Mulholland, Greg Mr. Stephen Crabb we have only one hour to consider all the important Lords amendments, as well as my hon. Friend’s very important amendment. Is this not a terrible way to treat Question accordingly agreed to. the House on the last day before we rise?

Mr. Cash: I could not agree more with my hon. Friend. The entire proceedings on this Bill have been conducted in an extremely shabby manner. Indeed, some important statements have been made by some of the most distinguished officials in the House—and in the other place—and the reservations that have been expressed, for example by the House of Lords Constitution Committee, about the fast-tracking of this Bill are a matter of record. The problem is that because of the sovereignty of this House it is essential that we protect our supremacy with regard to the borderline between what we do here and what may be referred to the European Court of Justice or the European Court at Strasbourg. The wording that I originally proposed, and which was adopted by my right hon. Friends on the Front Bench a couple of weeks ago, contained the words that I now propose to reinsert. 771 Parliamentary Standards Bill21 JULY 2009 Parliamentary Standards Bill 772

Unfortunately, the Bill was amended in the Lords so elsewhere, about a case in 2003 known as A. v. the that the only words left were: United Kingdom. It is a lengthy judgment, and I do not “Nothing in this Act shall be construed by any court in the have the slightest intention of going through all the United Kingdom as affecting Article IX of the Bill of Rights 1689.” detail, but it did not apply only to the UK. Other The opening words were knocked out and excluded. I nations were concerned about possible intrusion into regard them as absolutely crucial to preserving the their privileges—Italy, France, Ireland, Finland, the sovereignty of this House, and indeed of the electorate. Netherlands, Belgium and Austria played an active part They are as follows: in the case. It can fairly be said that the case did not settle the question of the application of article 6 of the “Notwithstanding any provision of the European Communities Act 1972, the European Convention of Human Rights or the European convention on human rights. I would go Human Rights Act 1998”. further and say the court concluded that Having made that reservation, I concur with the wording “the parliamentary immunity enjoyed by the Member of Parliament of Lords amendment 1, as I have just set out. in the present case”— Some distinguished lawyers took part in very learned A. v. the United Kingdom— discussions in the House of Lords. Lord Mackay of Clashfern and Lord Howe of Aberavon both made a “pursued the legitimate aims…of protecting free speech in Parliament number of brief comments but they did not go into the and maintaining the separation of power between the legislature and the judiciary.”—[Official Report, House of Lords, 20 July merits of the proposals to any extent. They simply 2009; Vol. 712, c. 1420.] averred their own opinions in a few sentences, whereas the Attorney-General gave a lengthy dissertation on the However, that was only with reference to that case, and questions of privilege and other matters that relate to there is no doubt whatever that the European Court did the Bill. not exclude the possibility of difficulties in maintaining The fundamental question is as follows: if a disgruntled parliamentary privilege and that the court might in or aggrieved person raised an issue that ultimately led future need to take steps to override, effectively, what is to judicial review, would a reference to the ECJ—or, to done in this House. a slightly lesser extent, the European Court of Human The Court continued: Rights—override the jurisdiction of this House? The Attorney-General ruled out that possibility. In contrast, “The absolute immunity enjoyed by MPs is moreover designed Lord Mackay, a former Lord Chancellor, said that to protect the interests of Parliament as a whole as opposed to those of individual MPs.” although he did not think such a situation likely to arise, he could not rule it out. I have conferred on this That is part of the Court’s reasoning. The Bill would matter with a number of eminent constitutional affect individual MPs, so it follows that the Court’s authorities—of such distinction that they are called on nostrum would not be applicable if an MP was concerned to give advice on matters in all the courts of law and in whether he had had a fair trial or whether he was Parliament—and they agree with me that it is important affected by the question of free speech or other matters that we retain in the Bill the words that my amendment that are included in the convention. proposes to reinsert. They accept that it would not be possible to assume that neither the ECJ nor the ECHR The question of the European charter of fundamental would not get their hands on a particular matter. rights was not examined in the deliberations in the Lords to any significant or useful extent. The reality is that the charter, which was attached to the Lisbon Mr. Dominic Grieve (Beaconsfield) (Con): I shall treaty and which is binding, contains a lot of overlaps cheerfully support my hon. Friend’s amendment if it is with the European convention on human rights. They put to the vote, but I have one question for him. He run parallel, but of course the protocol that incorporates mentioned the ECHR, but it does not have—and never the charter invokes the ECJ. I should like to comment has had—any jurisdiction over this or any other court on the problems that I believe would arise in that in the land. It is the embodiment of a treaty obligation. context. We should also bear it in mind that under the It can rule that the proceedings of this House, for well-established cases of Costa v. ENEL 1964 and cases example, might be in breach of the European convention such as Handelsgesellschaft and Van Gend en Loos, the on human rights—although it might be foolish of it to Court in Luxembourg has made it absolutely explicit do so—but that ruling cannot be binding. For that that reason, the part of the amendment that he is presenting would not have any impact one way or another. The rest “the laws stemming from the Treaty, an independent source of of it is of greater importance. law…cannot” because of its special and original 4.45 pm “nature be overridden by” Mr. Cash: I am grateful to my right hon. and learned domestic legal provisions, Friend. I am not going to disagree with him on that point, but I am concerned to remove uncertainty in a “however framed, without being deprived of its character as matter of such importance as this. In passing, I want to Community law and without the legal basis of the Community pay tribute to Lord Jenkin of Roding for the extremely itself being called into question.” efficient way that he dealt with this matter in the House The bottom line is this: of Lords. “This case…unequivocally declares the supremacy of Community I shall begin by setting out the problems posed by the law over inconsistent domestic law, including in particular domestic European convention on human rights. There has been law introduced after accession. Community law also takes priority a great deal of comment, in the House of Lords and over inconsistent provisions of national constitutional law.” 773 Parliamentary Standards Bill21 JULY 2009 Parliamentary Standards Bill 774

[Mr. Cash] Mr. Cash: Indeed, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for making that important point. It is clear from article 53 of the charter of fundamental If the Justice Secretary raises a question about whether rights, which refers to the level of protection, that the provisions of the charter are indeed addressed only national constitutions are themselves involved. It states: to the institutions and bodies of the Union—as I anticipate “Nothing in this Charter shall be interpreted as restricting or he may—he ought to bear in mind the fact that the adversely affecting human rights and fundamental freedoms as matter arises under article 51, whereas the reference I recognised…by Union law and international law and by international gave just now to the level of protection arises under agreements to which the Union, the Community or all the Member States are party, including the European Convention for the article 53, which contains the phrase: Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and by “Nothing in this Charter shall be interpreted as restricting”. the Member States’ constitutions.” That includes member states’ constitutions. That provision If questions of privilege in relation to article 9 of the has to override article 51, so in that, even if in no other Bill of Rights, which includes references to proceedings manner, it clearly creates a conflict between the two in Parliament from which all other things flow, such as provisions, which is a good reason why we need to make freedom of speech and so on, as well as the fairness of sure the measure is completely right. trials, are to be properly implemented, it is essential that we do not find ourselves in a position where there is any Mr. Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) uncertainty about whether European law, and in particular (Con): The uncertainty that my hon. Friend has expressed the charter in regard to the ECJ, would override the in great detail should worry all of us. Does he agree that proceedings of the House. realistically the Government must understand that there are constitutional issues up in the air? Do they not Mr. David Heathcoat-Amory (Wells) (Con): Has my simply desire for public relations purposes to get a hon. Friend taken note of the fact that the treaty of Bill—any Bill—on the statute book before the House Lisbon, if ratified, will extend the competence of the rises? That is an appalling abuse of the parliamentary EU into matters of law and the rights of the accused? If system and does us collectively no great favours. It may someone claimed to have been libelled or if a trial was give the Government a few good headlines tomorrow prejudiced by proceedings in the House and what is said morning about how they got the Bill through, but the here, they could go to the European Court of Justice Bill has already been emasculated and would be further under the charter of fundamental rights to obtain redress. emasculated if we take my hon. Friend’s proposals on That, unlike the convention, is binding on us and is board. superior to English law because it is embedded in a superior treaty. Mr. Cash: Indeed. In conclusion, this is a very important Mr. Cash: I absolutely agree. It was extremely matter. It affects the sovereignty of the House, and disappointing to read both the Attorney-General’s letter therefore it directly affects the interests of our electorate. and her speech and find that she was so categoric about It is essential that the words that I have proposed should something that one simply cannot be categoric about. be inserted before the wording in the Lords amendment. Because the question involves matters of such supreme I hope we will be able to vote on the matter later this importance, it is absolutely essential that we put it evening. beyond any doubt. The Justice Secretary may say, “Oh, we don’t need to do this,” but my response would be 5pm that in the course of the proceedings on clauses 9 and 10 The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor I put it to him that the Clerk of the House and the (Mr. Jack Straw): I hope it will be for the convenience Speaker’s counsel had come up with certain issues and of the House, particularly in view of the shortage of when I asked whether he thought they were wrong, he time—[HON.MEMBERS: “Whose fault is that?”] I knew said, “Oh no, they’re not wrong”, and then he just that would be said—but as the time is indeed short, for ploughed on. As it happens, the Government eventually the convenience of the House I shall deal with the had to give way, but in these circumstances it is essential recommendation to the House that we accept all the that we act not merely with an abundance of caution Lords amendments, and why, and also respond as quickly but with prudence. It is precisely the judicial activism of as I can to the points made by the hon. Member for the European Court of Justice and the Court at Strasbourg Stone (Mr. Cash). that continuously creates an extension of judicial activity and supremacy over our laws. Reference has been made to the improvements to the Bill. All three party leaders agreed—I say to the hon. Mr. Bernard Jenkin (North Essex) (Con): Although Member for Cities of London and Westminster (Mr. Field) the Attorney-General was pretty categoric, she was not —that we should make proposals for a parliamentary absolutely categoric. She said that standards authority. We had to do so from a standing “it is very unlikely that anything in the Bill would give rise to start— subject matter that could be interpreted by the European Court of Justice.”—[Official Report, House of Lords, 20 July 2009; Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP): There were more Vol. 712, c. 1423.] than three parties. The Attorney-General has not said “Never”. If there was ever a case for belt and braces, it would seem to be Mr. Straw: I commend the spokesman for the Scottish this. If she had said that it could never possibly happen, National party, who, if I may say so at the risk of the Government could legitimately oppose the amendment, damaging his political career, played a very constructive but the fact that she said merely that it was “very part indeed. I am extremely grateful to him, along with unlikely” suggests that she holds out the possibility that his colleagues from Plaid Cymru and the parties in it could happen. Northern Ireland. 775 Parliamentary Standards Bill21 JULY 2009 Parliamentary Standards Bill 776

If I may correct myself, the leaders of the three to table a motion. That was done, that motion has been largest parties in the House explicitly committed themselves decided, and we are now living with the consequences. to establishing a parliamentary standards authority. So, Whatever strong feelings there are in the House, we I believe, did the leaders of the other parties. Certainly, have limited time, and I should try to ensure that such all parties co-operated actively in all-party talks, which time is used to debate what is on the Order Paper. I chaired with my right hon. and learned Friend the Leader of the House. We had to do that from a standing Mr. Straw: The amendments that were made in the start. It has been quite the most difficult piece of other place are a reflection of the effectiveness of a emergency legislation that I have ever had to deal with bicameral system. I wish that there had been more time, over many years, because we started from a blank sheet. but we shall leave it at that, because many of the Lords amendments were made in response to commitments I am not apologetic about the fact that the Bill has given in the Commons. That is part of the purpose of a been changed on its way through the House. That has bicameral system. been the essence of the parliamentary process both here and in the other place. I would rightly have stood The principal changes—I do not wish to entertain the condemned had I sought to resist a series of changes House by running through all of them—change the way that were urged on us as we pooled our collective in which the enforcement powers in the Bill would wisdom from all sides of the House, at both ends of the operate. Members will recall that initially the Commissioner building, to achieve a better Bill. We have achieved a responsible for parliamentary investigations would have very much better measure as a result, and I will take the submitted reports to the Independent Parliamentary House briefly through the principal changes. Standards Authority, which would have considered them and effectively given directions and recommendations Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) to Members, and made recommendations to the Standards (LD): Reverting to the right hon. Gentleman’s opening and Privileges Committee. In shorthand, IPSA has now remarks about the time allowed for this debate, it seems been cut out of that arrangement, so the Commissioner rather sad that yet again, a Bill aimed at the House of will now report directly to the Standards and Privileges Commons had the fundamental work on it done in the Committee—a much simpler process—except where either House of Lords. We must get the systems in this place the Commissioner judges that a complaint is ill-founded right so that we deal effectively with legislation here, or he or she has reached an accommodation with the rather than relying on the House of Lords. Member concerned. There are new safeguards in the Bill that pick up the Mr. Straw: I agree, as it happens. I hope that the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Human Committee that we agreed last night to set up under the Rights. As for the offences, Members will recall that chairmanship of my hon. Friend the Member for Cannock when the Bill left the House, there were three offences: Chase (Dr. Wright) will pin that down and ensure that paid advocacy; failure to register an interest; and making more active time on the Floor of this House is used for a false declaration. As a result of concerns about legislation. parliamentary privilege, I agreed that we would drop the provision on paid advocacy, which is covered by the Sir George Young (North-West Hampshire) (Con): proposed new offence of bribery in the draft Bribery Bill. Whose idea was it to restrict this debate to 60 minutes? There were considerable concerns about the provision on the failure to register an interest. My noble Friend Mr. Straw: The usual channels. The right hon. Gentleman Baroness Scotland spelt out the fact that there is a knows that answer. difference—as indeed there is—between the offence of making a false declaration and the more severe offence Sir Patrick Cormack: Will the right hon. Gentleman in section 2 of the Fraud Act 2006. She pointed out that give way? there are plenty of parallels for the offence, including offences in social security legislation under the European Mr. Jenkin: Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? Communities Act 1972 and offences under the Scotland Act and the Government of Wales Act. That provision Mr. Straw: No, I shall proceed. Everyone knows how therefore remains in the Bill. Some other amendments the arrangements are made. have been made, including one in response to a recommendation from my hon. Friend the Member for Mr. Heathcoat-Amory: On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Foyle (Mark Durkan), to ensure that IPSA provides Speaker. My understanding is that “Erskine May” refers MPs with general guidance about taxation issues. to a programming Committee that should sit and decide, Angus Robertson: When the Justice Secretary began on each Bill, the allocation of time. It seems from what the process of discussions with all the parties, which I the Justice Secretary has just said that the programme very much welcomed, he argued that it was important was agreed in some cross-party Front-Bench deal, to to have four offences in the Bill, but in the final stage we the disadvantage of the wider rights of the House. are left with one. What kind of message does he think Could you advise the House whether any Committee that sends the public? At the start he thought that it was did sit, whether it should have sat, and what its conclusions important to have tough sanctions against parliamentarians were before we were restricted to one hour’s debate on a who broke the rules, but we are now left with just one very complex Bill with over 30 amendments from another offence. place? Mr. Straw: I do not accept that the sanctions are not Mr. Deputy Speaker: I am not aware whether any tough—but there is the issue of how that is achieved. As Committee has sat, but I rather doubt it. The plain fact for the paid advocacy, or “cash for questions”, offence, of the matter is that it is entirely open to the Government the Bribery Bill proposals, which I commend, and which 777 Parliamentary Standards Bill21 JULY 2009 Parliamentary Standards Bill 778

[Mr. Straw] “Where any such question is raised in a case pending before a court or tribunal of a Member State against whose decisions include a carve-out on article 9 of the Bill of Rights— there is no judicial remedy under national law, that court or proposals that have yet to go through the House formally, tribunal shall bring the matter before the Court of Justice.” but which have received approbation from Members on There is no question of there being a choice for the both sides of the House—will do that job. national court; there is an obligation on it to refer the There was controversy about the other two offences. case to the European Court of Justice. And, it is no Speaking for Members on both sides of the House—and good pretending that those matters in the charter of it was I who urged one of the offences on the House—this fundamental rights have nothing to do with free speech, was not a question of people going soft. It was about because that is there, in the charter. deciding what was the appropriate mechanism. The provision on making a false declaration remains in Mr. Straw: Mr. Deputy Speaker, you would not the Bill. appreciate a discussion on the finer points of the Lisbon treaty just now, but I do not accept the hon. Gentleman’s The final Lords amendment to which I wish to draw analysis, not least because of the horizontal clauses in attention is the so-called sunset clause, which provides the Lisbon treaty. not that the Bill would automatically cease to have effect after two years, but that after two years, if clauses 5 to 9 of the Bill that left the Commons were to continue, Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): Will the right hon. they would have to be extended by an affirmative order, Gentleman give way? which would give the House a chance to draw breath and review the operation of the authority after, in Mr. Straw: No. I am sorry, but I need to make practice, it has been in force for at least a year. progress. Now let me deal briefly with the proposal by the hon. On the second point, about the jurisdiction of the Member for Stone (Mr. Cash), which would add at European Court of Human Rights, Lord Jenkin of line 3: Roding said: “Notwithstanding any provision of the European Communities “As these”— Act 1972, the European Convention of Human Rights or the ECHR matters— Human Rights Act 1998”. “concern the international obligations of the UK…we could not I urge Members who support that amendment to reflect simply assert our own constitutional arrangements as a conclusive on the matter and not to put it to a vote. If they do, I answer.”—[Official Report, House of Lords, 20 July 2009; Vol. 712, urge the House to vote against it. The arguments against c. 1419.] the suggestion in the amendment were well spelt out by That is absolutely right. Indeed, the hon. and learned Members from all parts of the House of Lords yesterday. Member for Beaconsfield made exactly the same point There are two aspects to this: whether it is necessary, on an intervention, when he said that such an amendment, and if it is, whether it is possible to exclude the operation even if it were introduced into law, could not be binding of, first, the European Court of Justice in respect of the or have any impact. That is because both obligations European Union, and secondly, the European convention arise in international law, under treaties that we have on human rights, as regards this authority and this signed up to. House. On the EU and its institutions, my noble Friend the Mr. Cash rose— Attorney-General said that she did not believe that the Bill had any effect on matters within the jurisdiction of Philip Davies rose— the European Court of Justice, and she spelt out why. I think that it was the right hon. Member for Wells (Mr. Heathcoat-Amory) who said that the Attorney- Mr. Straw: No, I am going to stop there. General also used the words, “it is very unlikely,” but as It is open to us as a sovereign Parliament to denounce we are talking about the future, I must say that very few our subscription to both treaties or to either treaty, in things are absolutely certain. I would, however, make a which case we would no longer have the burdens and very large wager, which I am very happy to take in obligations of either the European Union or the European public as well as in private, that the prospect, first, of convention on human rights. If we wanted to do that, British judges in a British court deciding to refer to the that would be the appropriate thing to do—but in the ECJ is— absence of that, certain consequences follow from international treaty obligations, and, no matter what is Mr. Grieve: Remote. in the amendment, those obligations would operate. In any event, however, I warrant that the European Court Mr. Straw: Remote, says the hon. and learned Member of Justice would not take up any jurisdiction. for Beaconsfield (Mr. Grieve). If they did, the prospect On the European Court of Human Rights, although of the ECJ taking on that jurisdiction is doubly remote. there is no way in which one can stop an individual I hope that that provides some reassurance. petitioner petitioning the ECHR in Strasbourg, there would not be an issue. The hon. Member for Stone is Mr. Jenkin: There is no doubt that the charter of wrong to say that the matter is about a reference being fundamental rights, if incorporated into the treaties, made by a court. Our courts do not make references to would create all kinds of legal apparatus in the European Strasbourg; individuals put forward petitions against Union which would overlap with the matters in the the UK Government. As we know from the 2003 case of Bill—and, indeed, with parliamentary privilege. Article 234 A v. United Kingdom, the prospects of such a reference of the charter states unequivocally: then being entertained are limited to the point of zero. 779 Parliamentary Standards Bill21 JULY 2009 Parliamentary Standards Bill 780

I urge the hon. Member for Stone to withdraw the concern registered and the number of colleagues who amendment. If he does not, I urge the House to vote signed up to the amendment, that Conservative Front against it. Benchers should support it. As this final concession will not have any negative impact on the Bill, I urge the Government to give it to us and join us in the Lobby. 5.15 pm Alan Duncan (Rutland and Melton) (Con): We are Mr. Jenkin: Will my hon. Friend recall the words of asked to consider the amendments made in another the Justice Secretary? He said that he was prepared to place. May I say at the outset, before I go through some wager that nothing arising from the Bill would go in of the detail, that we on the Conservative Benches front of the European Court of Justice. Are we to make broadly support the amendments that the Lords have the foundations of our constitution depend on a wager made to the Bill? Most have been the subject of vigorous made by the Justice Secretary? Why do we not just put debate and negotiation. in place the belt and braces that we need? Just over a week ago, the Bill arrived in the House in a state of some confusion. It was immediately clear that Alan Duncan: At the risk of annoying the House, I the Government were trying to do too much in too shall put ¤10 on it now. short a space of time. As I explained in my Second I am pleased that the Government accepted Lords Reading speech, which I will not rehearse again now, it amendment 1, a Conservative amendment that categorically was obvious that Ministers had been required, at very states that the issue of parliamentary privilege will short notice, to create a Bill that had—initially, at remain unchanged in the Bill. The original Bill would least—to match the Prime Minister’s press release, no have succeeded in unravelling, in just a few days, matter what the consequences. It quickly became apparent fundamental rights that have been at the foundation of that those consequences would have had a devastating our democracy for centuries. Although the Justice Secretary impact on the House and the ability of its Members to held to a remarkably calm and sanguine view of the go about their business freely and without being trammelled impact that the Bill would have had on the proceedings by the judgment of the courts. That was not just our of Parliament, great anxiety—even alarm—was expressed opinion, but that of the Justice Committee, the Joint by the Clerk of the House, by two Select Committees of Committee on Human Rights and the Clerk of the this House and by many hon. Members on the Floor of House. this House, as well as by a great number of Lords and So we are pleased that the Government have made Ladies, and their Committee in another place, who some significant concessions, both in this House and thought it best, given the nature of this concern, to another place, that have ensured that we have, in large ensure that there was an explicit warning to the courts part at least, avoided a full-on constitutional collision that there was nothing here for them. We agree, and we with the judiciary. We have now achieved most of what are glad that the Government have acquiesced. it was ever necessary to achieve in the interim, before Sir On Lords amendment 2, we are pleased that the Christopher Kelly’s committee reports in October—that Government have agreed that nothing in the Bill should is, the establishment of an independent fees office that affect the House of Lords. We entirely support the will set and administer our allowances and expenses intention behind the amendment to ensure that if the and provide an independent mechanism to investigate House of Lords wishes to establish a similar body it can any alleged misuse of those allowances and expenses. do so, perhaps with the wisdom of our experience I now turn to the amendment to Lords amendment 1 behind it. tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Stone (Mr. Cash). As regards IPSA and the commissioner, I will not go We appreciate what my hon. Friend is trying to do. The through every amendment in detail, but I will touch on House will note that a stipulation is already laid down each clause to see exactly where we have ended up. in Lords amendment 1, which explicitly states that the There have been very few changes to the fundamental issue of parliamentary privilege will remain unchanged restructuring established by the Bill, for under clauses 1 by the Bill. The House will also note the powerful to 4 IPSA will essentially set the allowances regime, pay points made by the Attorney-General in her letter to salaries and allowances, design our code of conduct on their lordships and her speech to the upper House on financial interests, administer the register of financial Report. interests and establish procedures for investigations. It would be impossible to exclude the European Court The Lords have also untangled the dual roles of the of Human Rights from the Bill, because we have an Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and the international treaty obligation not to do so. However, Commissioner for Parliamentary Investigations. The an ECHR judgment has no real power in this country Government have made the commitment that the existing because, as my hon. and learned Friend the Member for non-statutory role currently undertaken by John Lyon Beaconsfield (Mr. Grieve) has consistently pointed out, will remain, responsible to the Committee on Standards it is not enforceable as such in our courts. If the Government and Privileges, in addition to the new statutory felt obliged to adhere to whatever judgment the ECHR Commissioner for Parliamentary Investigations. had made, they would have to go through the painful However, the commissioner’s role will be separate route of introducing primary legislation. I should register from IPSA, so nothing the Bill suggests that the new my doubt that amending the Bill to exclude the Human body functions both as judge and jury, and that is surely Rights Act would have any effect at all, given Lords a sensible approach. The commissioner will investigate amendment 1. complaints of any breaches or misuse of the expenses However, despite all that, the intention behind the and allowances regime or the rules on the registration of amendment tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for interests. He will then refer his findings, as appropriate, Stone is completely clear. It is reasonable, given the to the Committee on Standards and Privileges, if the 781 Parliamentary Standards Bill21 JULY 2009 Parliamentary Standards Bill 782

[Alan Duncan] the Committee on Standards in Public Life. Sir Christopher Kelly would appear to have been angered by the origin matter has not already been settled by repayment. He and the passage of the Bill. The battle lines already will receive any relevant information from Members seem to be drawn between the Bill and the Kelly Committee, and report any non-co-operation to the Committee. He which is studying so much of what we do. will also give Members the right to make representations, Sir Christopher Kelly has said that he views IPSA as to be heard in person, and to call and examine witnesses. a transitional arrangement, against which he may come In addition, the Government have removed two offences: out strongly in his report in October. Far from being a first, on the registration of financial interests; and secondly, great, lasting solution to a deep problem that has hit us on paid advocacy. Those are covered elsewhere in law. all in the past few months, it now appears that we We are very pleased to have a sunset clause. Any should be prepared for a substantial showdown between legislation that is put through so quickly, and from a the new body that we are establishing to set and administer standing start, will benefit well from revision and our expenses, and the old body that we set up to advise reassessment at a set date in the future. On clauses 5 to on them. 9, the Government have accepted our argument on the need for such a two-year sunset. We understood the argument that the Justice Secretary made to this House Mr. Straw: Does the hon. Gentleman acknowledge on the potential damage that an overall sunset clause the point, which I made to Sir Christopher and his would have had on IPSA’s ability to get itself up and colleagues when I gave evidence to his Committee last running and to recruit and retain staff. week, that his Committee called for entirely independent setting and administration of allowances—and pay—and for having those arrangements well established before Mr. Heathcoat-Amory: The Leader of the Opposition the election? As I explained to Sir Christopher and his has announced a quango hunt. Has my hon. Friend colleagues, unless we put the legislation through now, noticed that the sections of the Bill that are largely there is no way we could have the arrangements in place untouched are the schedules setting out Crown and settled before the next election. appointments, pensions and pay with regard to the new quango? Has he any idea of the additional costs to the public purse? If it turns out that the new Alan Duncan: In the Secretary of State’s intervention commissioner’s duties can be adequately undertaken by we see the seeds of the very confrontation that the existing Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Sir Christopher Kelly has—if not predicted—at least will he keep the new body on the quango-hunt list, at suggested that he would have a view on. We would all least provisionally? like a solution to the way in which we are paid and the way in which our expenses are administered, so that all Alan Duncan: Thanks to our hard work, my right of us, with our honourable differences, can get on with hon. Friend will be able to advance all those arguments our job of being politicians. In a few months’ time, this when the sunset clause is triggered in about two years’ Bill may or may not turn out to be a good start to that time. He may well find that he has some very good end. We must wait and see. In the meantime, we accept arguments. the amendments that were made in another place, and we want to press on. Mr. Cash: My hon. Friend referred to what I was trying to do. I simply make the point that the Mr. David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD): May I “notwithstanding” provision is in line with the metric first concur with the views of my hon. Friend the martyrs’ case and Lord Denning’s judgments, both of Member for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine which raise the question of whether, under our laws, we (Sir Robert Smith)? It is ridiculous that so few Members preserve our parliamentary system. It is vital for us to will have the opportunity to speak about the Bill, which understand that. was so markedly changed in another place and affects every Member. It is simply not right. Alan Duncan: I understand my hon. Friend’s point, which he has made strongly. I sense that he wishes to push his amendment to a Division shortly. Sir Patrick Cormack: Twelve minutes left. We should all face up to the fact that the Bill is essentially a panic measure. The Government have been Mr. Heath: It is not my fault that there are 12 minutes forced to make it up as they go along. Even before the left—I wish it were otherwise. ink is dry it is not perceived, in the eyes of many, as a The Bill initially had clear and admirable intentions. permanent solution. One of the great remaining problems It was supported by the leaders of all the parties represented is that the various elements that make up a Member’s in the House as an urgent and necessary measure. It was remuneration are assessed in an utterly fragmented way. then inflated to an unsustainable extent, and we went The authority will consider only expenses and allowances. from a proposed Parliamentary Standards Act to an There is a pressing need for some structure or system amazing vanishing act as provisions disappeared in the that can examine pay, pensions, allowances and expenses face of strong arguments adduced by the Joint Committee as one, so that the House does not have to suffer being on Human Rights, the Procedure Committee and many chewed in different places at different times, as we have others, which looked at the matter and perceived the been in the past few weeks. many difficulties. Essentially, we now have a Bill to set However, a greater problem is already on the radar. It up the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority— appears as though a collision is looming between the IPSA is “facta” as a result of the Bill, but very little Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority and else is. 783 Parliamentary Standards Bill21 JULY 2009 Parliamentary Standards Bill 784

5.30 pm Let me finish by addressing the issue raised by the The Bill is emergency legislation. It does a key thing hon. Member for Stone (Mr. Cash). I always listen with that Parliament has willed shall happen. In doing so, enormous care to what he says on such matters, because the Bill has stepped on the toes of parliamentary privilege I know how well he researches his facts and I know the to an unacceptable degree. That aspect has been improved care with which he presents his case. I am pleased that by amendment in another place, but I very much regret we now have a clear declaratory statement about article IX the fact that we do not have a proper sunset clause, of the Bill of Rights 1689. I have looked carefully at his because it is right that Parliament should re-examine arguments for extending it in words to the European the legislation in the near future, for all the reasons that Court of Justice and the European Court of Human have been set out previously. That should be done on Rights, but I am afraid that I simply cannot see doing the Floor of the House, not in a Statutory Instrument that anything other than otiose, nor can I find the Committee. The hon. Member for Rutland and Melton circumstances in which it will make a difference. (Alan Duncan) said that his right hon. Friend the As has been said, the European Court of Human Member for Wells (Mr. Heathcoat-Amory) could say Rights is a matter of international treaty. It is the right something about the deficiencies of the legislation when of any individual to make an application to the Strasbourg the sunset clause came up, but unless he is selected to court, and nothing that we write into our statutes will appear on the Statutory Instrument Committee, he will prevent that from happening, unless we decide to withdraw have no such opportunity. That is regrettable. A proper from our treaty obligations. Therefore, the proposal will sunset clause should have been included in the Bill. not affect that right. Indeed, in the case to which attention has already been drawn—A. v. United Kingdom Let me deal with the three offences that were originally of 2003—it is clear that the Strasbourg Court very intended under the legislation. I have a difficulty with much had regard for article IX of the Bill of Rights, what is proposed, because—[Interruption.] The hon. despite the fact that the Court is not bound by it, in the Member for Rutland and Melton is saying something strong majority decision that was made. I cannot envisage from a sedentary position that I must allow him to say any circumstances in which a British court would refer a in public. matter to the European Court of Justice in this regard. If anyone could provide a clear case in which the Alan Duncan: Is it not the case that the hon. Gentleman’s measure might be appropriate, I would support the hon. party voted against a full sunset clause—or at least Member for Stone’s amendment. argued against one—in another place? Mr. Jenkin: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? Mr. Heath: The hon. Gentleman needs to look at Lords Hansard from yesterday, where he will find the Mr. Heath: I am sorry, but I do not have time to take amendment from my noble Friend Lord Tyler that an intervention. Other people still wish to speak, and precisely said that a sunset clause should come into we simply do not have enough time. effect after two years to deal with the clauses in question. The hon. Gentleman will find that my party supported Mr. Jenkin: There are circumstances. that, while his did not. If he wishes to argue that case, I hope that he will read Lords Hansard. [Interruption.] Mr. Heath: I cannot see any such circumstances; nor He had better have a look before making another could the Attorney-General, according to her very full intervention. statement in the other place, and nor could other noble and learned Members of the other place whose opinions Let me deal with the specific offences dealt with by I trust. I therefore conclude that I cannot envisage the Bill. I am in some difficultly, because there are circumstances in which the extra wording would be already clear offences on the statute book covered by operative, and if it cannot be operative, it is not appropriate the Theft Act 1968, the Fraud Act 2006 and the common- to insert it into the Bill. I support the Lords amendments law offence of misconduct in public office. I accept that in their generality, and I hope that the Bill will now they are all English laws and do not apply in Scotland, make progress this afternoon. but they are the laws that should be applied. The difficulty with creating laws that are specific to Members Sir Stuart Bell (Middlesbrough) (Lab): I will be brief, of Parliament is that it reduces the scope of those Mr. Deputy Speaker. First, I would like to render the offences and provides a lower tariff than would otherwise House’s significant approbation for the work of the be the case. The one offence that is left in the Bill as a Clerk of the House, Dr. Malcolm Jack, and of Mr. Robert result of the amendments in another place provides for Rogers in dealing with the privilege question. They were a much lower tariff than the cognate offences in the aided and abetted by the right hon. Member for North-West Theft Act and Fraud Act. The other difficulty is that Hampshire (Sir George Young) and others. The Bill, the offence in question does not require proof of either with the amendments before us, will end the cosy dishonesty or material gain, so it is almost an arbitrary relationship between the Fees Office and the Members offence. of Parliament—notwithstanding the sterling work that There was a case for having a range of offences—the the staff of the Fees Office have done over the years. It range of offences that we discussed earlier in connection should be placed on record that the Justice Secretary with paid advocacy, which I accept may be covered by and the Deputy Leader of the House, my hon. Friend the draft bribery Bill or the offence of false registration. the Member for Worsley (Barbara Keeley), have shown To reduce that range of offences to a single offence that extraordinary patience and forbearance in this matter, is clearly covered by other offences that carry a higher and started from scratch, as my right hon. Friend said. tariff poses some questions. However, that is something As we are celebrating the first landing on the moon that we can re-examine when the provisions come back. 40 years ago, it seems appropriate to say that this might 785 Parliamentary Standards Bill21 JULY 2009 Parliamentary Standards Bill 786

[Sir Stuart Bell] Sir George Young: Whatever peroration I may have been preparing— be one small step for Parliament, but it should be a more important step towards restoring public confidence 5.40 pm in the institution of Parliament. Debate interrupted (Programme Order, this day) The Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Question already Sir George Young: In the very short time left, I want proposed from the Chair (Standing Order No. 83F), to have a final go at amending the Bill. I invite the That amendment (a) to Lords amendment 1 be made. Government not to press Lords amendment 12 to a vote. The amendment is a big mistake. It would remove The House divided: Ayes 82, Noes 276. the right of IPSA to refer a matter to the commissioner. Division No. 208] [5.40 pm The notes that the Government have circulated on the amendments state: AYES “This is consequential on the IPSA ceasing to have a role in Afriyie, Adam Jenkin, Mr. Bernard considering whether to give a direction or make a recommendation Ainsworth, Mr. Peter Jones, Mr. David in consequence of an investigation by the Commissioner.” Amess, Mr. David Kirkbride, Miss Julie It is no such thing; this is an entirely free-standing Atkinson, Mr. Peter Knight, rh Mr. Greg proposal. The amendment represents a backward step. Baldry, Tony Laing, Mrs. Eleanor If we pass it, IPSA will be unable to pass any evidence Barker, Gregory Lewis, Dr. Julian of wrongdoing to the commissioner for investigation. It Binley, Mr. Brian Lidington, Mr. David cannot be right for the House to proceed with Lords Bottomley, Peter Lilley, rh Mr. Peter amendment 12. Brady, Mr. Graham Loughton, Tim Brazier, Mr. Julian Maude, rh Mr. Francis There are other issues that I would have liked to Butterfill, Sir John McLoughlin, rh Mr. Patrick explore, had more time been available. I want to protest Cash, Mr. William Neill, Robert that this is simply no way in which to handle constitutional Chope, Mr. Christopher O’Brien, Mr. Stephen legislation. When we debated the Bill before it went to Clark, Greg Ottaway, Richard the other place, we did not complete our consideration Cormack, Sir Patrick Price, Adam of all the clauses. It then had three days in the other Cox, Mr. Geoffrey Pritchard, Mark place, but at least there were gaps between those three Crabb, Mr. Stephen Randall, Mr. John Davies, Philip days, in which Members of the other place could reflect Robathan, Mr. Andrew Djanogly, Mr. Jonathan on the proposals and Ministers could make helpful Robertson, Hugh Dodds, Mr. Nigel suggestions. The Bill has now come back to us. The Robertson, Mr. Laurence Dorrell, rh Mr. Stephen Lords did not mean us simply to take it or leave it, yet Robinson, Mrs. Iris Duncan, Alan all these disparate amendments have been lumped together. Rosindell, Andrew Anyone who wants to vote against Lords amendment Dunne, Mr. Philip Evans, Mr. Nigel Simmonds, Mark 12, as I do, will have no opportunity to do so, because Evennett, Mr. David Stanley, rh Sir John of the way in which the motion has been framed. Fallon, Mr. Michael Stuart, Mr. Graham Field, rh Mr. Frank Syms, Mr. Robert Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): Does not the right Field, Mr. Mark Taylor, Dr. Richard hon. Gentleman’s point about Lords amendment 12 Fraser, Christopher Turner, Mr. Andrew also apply to a number of the other amendments? Their Garnier, Mr. Edward Tyrie, Mr. Andrew net effect will be that we shall end up with an IPSA with Gauke, Mr. David Vaizey, Mr. Edward less independence and less authority, and which will be Goodwill, Mr. Robert Vara, Mr. Shailesh concerned with fewer and lower standards. Greening, Justine Wallace, Mr. Ben Grieve, Mr. Dominic Whittingdale, Mr. John Sir George Young: If there were more time, the hon. Hammond, Mr. Philip Widdecombe, rh Miss Ann Gentleman would have an opportunity to make his Hammond, Stephen Wiggin, Bill case— Hands, Mr. Greg Wilshire, Mr. David Hayes, Mr. John Winterton, Ann Heathcoat-Amory, rh Winterton, Sir Nicholas Sir Patrick Cormack: On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Mr. David Young, rh Sir George Speaker. I apologise to my right hon. Friend the Member Hoban, Mr. Mark for North-West Hampshire (Sir George Young) for Hogg, rh Mr. Douglas Tellers for the Ayes: interrupting him. This is such a parliamentary farce. We Hollobone, Mr. Philip James Duddridge and have had just one hour in which to discuss all these Jack, rh Mr. Michael Mr. Rob Wilson important issues, and my right hon. Friend has just touched on a very important one. Would you be kind NOES enough, Sir, to discuss with Mr. Speaker the way in Ainger, Nick Battle, rh John which this Bill has gone through the House? He told us Ainsworth, rh Mr. Bob Bayley, Hugh all that he was anxious for Parliament to regain its Alexander, rh Mr. Douglas Beckett, rh Margaret sovereignty, so would you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, be kind Armstrong, rh Hilary Begg, Miss Anne enough to ask him to look at the statements that he Austin, John Beith, rh Sir Alan made just four weeks ago and compare and contrast Bailey, Mr. Adrian Bell, Sir Stuart them with the way in which the Government have Baird, Vera Benn, rh Hilary treated this House over this supremely important Bill? Baker, Norman Benton, Mr. Joe Balls, rh Ed Berry, Roger Mr. Deputy Speaker: I am sure that Mr. Speaker will Banks, Gordon Betts, Mr. Clive take account of what has been said in this debate. Barron, rh Mr. Kevin Blackman, Liz 787 Parliamentary Standards Bill21 JULY 2009 Parliamentary Standards Bill 788

Blackman-Woods, Dr. Roberta Gardiner, Barry Marsden, Mr. Gordon Salter, Martin Blears, rh Hazel George, rh Mr. Bruce Marshall-Andrews, Mr. Robert Sanders, Mr. Adrian Borrow, Mr. David S. Gerrard, Mr. Neil Martlew, Mr. Eric Sarwar, Mr. Mohammad Bradshaw, rh Mr. Ben Gilroy, Linda Mason, John Seabeck, Alison Brake, Tom Goodman, Helen McCabe, Steve Sharma, Mr. Virendra Breed, Mr. Colin Grogan, Mr. John McCafferty, Chris Shaw, Jonathan Brennan, Kevin Hain, rh Mr. Peter McCarthy, Kerry Sheridan, Jim Brown, Lyn Hall, Mr. Mike McCarthy-Fry, Sarah Simon, Mr. Siôn Brown, Mr. Russell Hamilton, Mr. David McDonagh, Siobhain Simpson, Alan Browne, rh Des Hanson, rh Mr. David McDonnell, John Skinner, Mr. Dennis Browne, Mr. Jeremy Harman, rh Ms Harriet McFadden, rh Mr. Pat Slaughter, Mr. Andy Bryant, Chris Harris, Dr. Evan McFall, rh John Smith, rh Angela E. (Basildon) Buck, Ms Karen Harris, Mr. Tom McGovern, Mr. Jim Smith, Geraldine Burden, Richard Harvey, Nick McGuire, rh Mrs. Anne Smith, rh Jacqui Burgon, Colin Havard, Mr. Dai McIsaac, Shona Smith, Sir Robert Burnham, rh Andy Heath, Mr. David McKechin, Ann Snelgrove, Anne Burstow, Mr. Paul Hendrick, Mr. Mark McNulty, rh Mr. Tony Starkey, Dr. Phyllis Butler, Ms Dawn Hepburn, Mr. Stephen Merron, Gillian Stewart, Ian Byers, rh Mr. Stephen Hesford, Stephen Michael, rh Alun Stoate, Dr. Howard Byrne, rh Mr. Liam Hewitt, rh Ms Patricia Miliband, rh Edward Straw, rh Mr. Jack Caborn, rh Mr. Richard Heyes, David Moffatt, Laura Stuart, Ms Gisela Cairns, David Hill, rh Keith Mole, Chris Sutcliffe, Mr. Gerry Campbell, Mr. Alan Hodgson, Mrs. Sharon Moon, Mrs. Madeleine Swinson, Jo Campbell, Mr. Ronnie Hood, Mr. Jim Moore, Mr. Michael Tami, Mark Caton, Mr. Martin Hope, Phil Morden, Jessica Taylor, Matthew Cawsey, Mr. Ian Hopkins, Kelvin Morgan, Julie Teather, Sarah Chapman, Ben Hosie, Stewart Mulholland, Greg Thurso, John Clapham, Mr. Michael Howarth, David Munn, Meg Timms, rh Mr. Stephen Clark, Paul Howarth, rh Mr. George Murphy, rh Mr. Jim Todd, Mr. Mark Clarke, rh Mr. Charles Howells, rh Dr. Kim Murphy, rh Mr. Paul Trickett, Jon Clarke,rhMr.Tom Hoyle, Mr. Lindsay Naysmith, Dr. Doug Turner, Dr. Desmond Cohen, Harry Hughes, Simon Norris, Dan Turner, Mr. Neil Cooper, Rosie Humble, Mrs. Joan Oaten, Mr. Mark Twigg, Derek Cooper, rh Yvette Iddon, Dr. Brian Olner, Mr. Bill Ussher, Kitty Corbyn, Jeremy Illsley, Mr. Eric Osborne, Sandra Vis, Dr. Rudi Cousins, Jim Irranca-Davies, Huw Owen, Albert Walley, Joan Crausby, Mr. David Jackson, Glenda Palmer, Dr. Nick Creagh, Mary James, Mrs. Siân C. Pearson, Ian Waltho, Lynda Cruddas, Jon Jenkins, Mr. Brian Plaskitt, Mr. James Ward, Claire Cummings, John Johnson, rh Alan Pound, Stephen Wareing, Mr. Robert N. Cunningham, Mr. Jim Johnson, Ms Diana R. Prentice, Bridget Watson, Mr. Tom Cunningham, Tony Jones, Helen Prentice, Mr. Gordon Webb, Steve David, Mr. Wayne Jones, Mr. Kevan Primarolo, rh Dawn Weir, Mr. Mike Davies, Mr. Dai Jones, Lynne Prosser, Gwyn Whitehead, Dr. Alan Dean, Mrs. Janet Jones, Mr. Martyn Pugh, Dr. John Williams, rh Mr. Alan Denham, rh Mr. John Jowell, rh Tessa Purnell, rh James Willis, Mr. Phil Dhanda, Mr. Parmjit Joyce, Mr. Eric Rammell, Bill Wills, rh Mr. Michael Dobbin, Jim Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Raynsford, rh Mr. Nick Winnick, Mr. David Dobson, rh Frank Keeble, Ms Sally Reed, Mr. Andy Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Donohoe, Mr. Brian H. Keeley, Barbara Reed, Mr. Jamie Wishart, Pete Doran, Mr. Frank Keen, Alan Robertson, Angus Woodward, rh Mr. Shaun Dowd, Jim Keen, Ann Robertson, John Wright, Mr. Anthony Drew, Mr. David Kennedy, rh Mr. Charles Robinson, Mr. Geoffrey Wright, David Durkan, Mark Kidney, Mr. David Rooney, Mr. Terry Wright, Mr. Iain Eagle, Angela Knight, rh Jim Roy, Mr. Frank Wyatt, Derek Eagle, Maria Kramer, Susan Roy, Lindsay Efford, Clive Ladyman, Dr. Stephen Ruddock, Joan Tellers for the Noes: Ellman, Mrs. Louise Laws, Mr. David Russell, Christine Mr. John Heppell and Engel, Natascha Laxton, Mr. Bob Ryan, rh Joan Mr. Dave Watts Ennis, Jeff Lazarowicz, Mark Farrelly, Paul Lepper, David Question accordingly negatived. Fisher, Mark Levitt, Tom Fitzpatrick, Jim Lewis, Mr. Ivan The Deputy Speaker put forthwith the Questions necessary Flello, Mr. Robert Linton, Martin for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that Flint, rh Caroline Lloyd, Tony time (Standing Order 83F). Follett, Barbara Love, Mr. Andrew Motion made, and Question put, That this House Foster, Mr. Michael Lucas, Ian agrees with Lords amendment 1.—(Mr. Straw). (Worcester) Mackinlay, Andrew Question agreed to. Foster, Michael Jabez Malik, Mr. Shahid (Hastings and Rye) Mallaber, Judy Remaining Lords amendments agreed to. Francis, Dr. Hywel Mann, John Gapes, Mike Marris, Rob 789 21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 790

Summer Recess Adjournment seen that operating in France, Germany and even Wales. I would have thought it was time for the Government to Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House bite the bullet. I do not believe that we should be do now adjourn.—(Mr. Roy). subsidising people through the jobcentre to be unemployed when, for the same amount of money, we can support Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst): Iam them within their job. That is why the subsidy would looking for the hon. Member I was going to call, but make a real difference to people within manufacturing that may be more difficult than I thought. [Interruption.] and would keep those companies ticking over. The hon. Gentleman almost begs too much. I call Mr. Hoyle. When we come out of the recession, we want to be best placed to ensure that the skills are there. We want 5.54 pm to train people when they are in employment and make sure that they have a future. I cannot see a better way of Mr. Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley) (Lab) rose— doing that and we ought to back it up with a national jobs summit, at which we could bring together the Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. Overcome by the excitement employers, trade unions and bodies such as Federation of the moment, I should have reminded the House that of Small Businesses to make sure we deliver on the it is reasonable to lift the limit on Back-Bench speeches future of jobs. Following that, we could have regional from five to seven minutes. jobs summits to bring people together. Manufacturing is the future of the country and should be its backbone. Mr. Hoyle: Excellent! We should learn from previous Governments, and from Mr. Deputy Speaker, thank you for giving me the this Government, who have wanted to believe in the chance to raise some important issues affecting my service industry and the banking industry. We have constituency and others. learned a costly lesson that manufacturing is important A review of the Forensic Science Service is taking and it ought to be No. 1 again. place and I would be failing if I did not mention that. In my constituency, there is a good charity called We are talking about 200 scientists, and the scientific Derian House that was about to lose £350,000 to Customs base within the north-west, who are solving the most and Excise. I believe that there is good news today and hideous crimes. There is a proposal to close the service that Derian House will get that money back from within the north-west, meaning that we will be reliant Customs and Excise. Common sense has prevailed. We on Birmingham or Yorkshire to sort out the problems. won the moral argument and we have now won the If we were talking about London—the No. 1 crime argument completely. That is good news in which all hotspot—we would not think of closing such a service. constituents throughout the north-west can share. However, we are talking about closing a service in what is—because of the great cities of Liverpool and It is right that we are under attack at present. We had Manchester—the No. 2 crime hotspot. The proposal an Equitable Life statement earlier today, and a lot of makes absolutely no sense. We have some of the leading my constituents are affected by that. We were disappointed forensic scientists. The university of Central Lancashire in the question and the answers. What we want from the is second to none and has world-class status in forensic Government is action, not words, so that our constituents science degrees. We should be looking at the service get the compensation they deserve. We must ensure that being brought together between the university and the that is done sooner rather than later. Forensic Science Service in the north-west. It should be I have touched on the Forensic Science Service in the last facility that we should consider closing. Chorley and the attack on jobs, but I also want to It is a rather strange situation and I believe that mention the tax office in Chorley.There is an award-winning common sense will prevail and that a review will show tax office there, and another in Hyndburn. The office in that it would be silly to close the facility. I have had an Chorley is in a purpose-built building. It was never Adjournment debate on the subject and have made down for closure. In fact, it was held to be an example these points clearly. I met the Prime Minister to make of the best way to run a tax office: the staff were second sure that he was aware of the sensitivities of the matter to none, and, as I have said, the office was award and how crass that decision would be. We have quality winning and purpose built. Although it was not down people, solving crimes and working for many police for closure, guess what happened? The tax office in forces, including Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Blackburn was down for closure and so was the one in Lancashire, Cumbria, North Wales and even Staffordshire. St. Helens. Suddenly, however, although we were not A huge service is being provided at Chorley and we down for closure because we had an award-winning cannot allow it to close, as that would be a further office, there appears to have been some interference. attack on our science base within the north-west. We The office in Blackburn is no longer going to close and have already seen the synchrotron go from Daresbury neither is the one in St. Helens, but those in Hyndburn and we do not want to see any more closures or attacks and Chorley are going to close. How can that be right? on our scientific base. Has there been political interference? If there has, that The other big issue facing the north-west is jobs and is unacceptable. I hope that the Treasury is listening, there is great concern about Jaguar Land Rover, which and that it will reopen this tax office and let common has announced over 300 redundancies at its plant at sense prevail, because although it is down for closure, it Liverpool. That is bad news. I want manufacturing to is not closed yet. We could bring in other work. As we be put on the front foot and for it to receive more know, increasingly people are applying for tax credits. support from the Government. Manufacturing has had We want to be able to ensure that they get their credits support but I would like to see even more. That could be right. Why do we not bring that work into Chorley, and done through the short time working subsidy. We have into the office in the constituency of my hon. Friend the 791 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 792

Member for Hyndburn (Mr. Pope) as well? We can recent entry that is about to go in the register is a visit to deliver on these things, and it is important that we the carbon capture and storage pilot project in south-west do so. France that was funded by Total. Fuel duty is a big issue for constituents such as mine, My real interest, however, is that of a constituency who live in an urban-rural area. The constituency covers MP representing the concerns of many constituents 80 square miles and it has many parishes. People are whose livelihoods depend on the health of the oil and reliant on their cars. They also expect items to be gas industry. That is an interest I have not just as a delivered, because we live in a rural community. We are constituency MP; I am an MP for the north-east of a farming area as well. We need the 2 per cent. escalator Scotland, which has been fundamentally tied up with to be scrapped. All it will do is add to inflation and stop this industry for many decades. Moreover, this interest us coming out of recession early. I plead with the involves the whole country; it may be unheard of in Government to listen to what we are saying about the the rest of the country, but what has been achieved in fuel escalator. It must not go ahead in October. That the North sea has involved a golden opportunity for the would help to ensure that the recession ends sooner. whole country. It has delivered many jobs—between 350,000 and 400,000 at present. It has contributed 6.2 pm massive revenues to the Chancellor—a third of his corporation tax last year came from the North sea. It Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) also made it possible for this country to meet its Kyoto (LD): It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for commitments by the use of gas as a more environmentally Chorley (Mr. Hoyle). He raised a range of issues. The friendly fuel than coal. The North sea has therefore last of them was the fuel duty, which is extremely delivered a lot for this country, including a period of important in rural areas, and I echo his message to the great energy security when we were an exporter of Government to listen on that. energy. However, that is now changing. The hon. Gentleman also mentioned Equitable Life. There are challenges facing the North sea now, which We have had an oral statement from a Minister in the Select Committee highlighted. The specific challenge response to an urgent question. The hon. Member for is that facing any province reaching greater maturity: Chorley said he did not like the question. I thought the the big finds have long ago been identified, and now we question was very good, but the answers were somewhat have moved on to the smaller fields, but they have to lacking. If we are going to have an ombudsman service compete for investment in a global financial market. and if we want to encourage people to save, when the They need to be competitive in that global financial ombudsman highlights maladministration and a remedy market and they need the Government to recognise the is identified, the Government should look very carefully challenges they face. at that remedy, because if people are going to invest in As the Committee made clear, the industry is looking future, they will need to have confidence that there will not for a subsidy, but for a fairer and more effective tax be proper regulation. The Government want to encourage regime that takes less tax up front and thereby offers greater saving, but that will not happen if regulators fail more incentives to invest, and in the long run brings in and then there is no compensation. People are not more tax to the Chancellor, because with that investment going to be encouraged to save if we do not have a more oil and gas will be produced, which will earn more system that gives them confidence that when things go revenue for the Chancellor. Any oil and gas left in the wrong there will be compensation. ground produces no tax revenues. It belongs to the country, but we only get it out of the ground by engaging Mr. Hoyle: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? with the private sector. It is that sector’s skills and expertise that get it out of the ground. We need a regime Sir Robert Smith: As I am a Front-Bench spokesperson, that encourages that future bold move to get more out I am fortunate in not having a time limit on my speech, of the ground. so I shall give way. There is another North sea challenge in the current period. Many of the platforms are reaching an age Mr. Hoyle: I would like to put it on record that there when they might usually have been decommissioned: was nothing wrong with the question on Equitable Life; their maintenance is getting more expensive as they it was the answer that I was disappointed with. I thank were not designed to last this long, but—fortunately—they the hon. Gentleman for allowing me to clarify that. were over-engineered so they are still in active use. The current pipelines and platforms are, however, crucial Sir Robert Smith: I am pleased to have done that. hubs to future exploration. The finds that are now being Although I am aware that I am not subject to a time made are too small to justify stand-alone production. limit, I am also conscious that many Members wish to They need to be linked back to the existing platforms speak and it would be unfair of me not to take time into and pipelines in the North sea. Once those platforms account. I therefore want to concentrate on a key and pipelines have gone, whole areas of the North sea constituency issue by highlighting the first report of will be sterilised from future investment and production. the Energy and Climate Change Committee, which, Timing is vital to maintain them, and to encourage appropriately, was on the UK offshore oil and gas those hubs to be there. The Select Committee felt the industry. Government should go further in their tax incentives to I must at this point declare an interest that appears in bring in more activity on the existing platforms so that the Register of Members’ Interests: I have a shareholding they continue to be economic and to be invested in and in Shell. I am also vice-chair of the all-party group on so that future developments can be tied back to them. the offshore oil and gas industry, which paid a visit to In a mature province such as the North sea, such the Offshore Northern Seas conference in Stavanger, smaller future developments are not attractive to the which was funded by various oil companies. A more big global companies that have their own cash reserves 793 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 794

[Sir Robert Smith] Maurice Frankel, the director of the Campaign for Freedom of Information, had an interesting piece in to invest. The tradition is that smaller and more nimble The Guardian exactly two weeks ago entitled “A slow companies move in to take over that investment and and sluggish trudge to transparency—A backlog of that exciting exploration. However, those smaller and cases and a budget shortfall is making the Freedom of more nimble companies rely on the financial markets to Information Act toothless”. That is what he believes, unlock the investment, and the credit crunch and the and he tells us that the backlog in the Information recession have hit them as much as they have hit the rest Commissioner’s Office is such that of the economy. The Select Committee has therefore “on average it takes eight months before an investigation into a proposed to the Government that the tax relief that will complaint even begins. More than a quarter of cases wait for over come to these smaller companies when they get into a year” production should be paid up front and then taken to get started. That is just unacceptable. back later when the production comes in. That would At the beginning of this month, on 3 July, the campaign assist their cash flow. published a report entitled “Delays in Investigating Another exciting prospect highlighted by the Committee Freedom of Information Complaints”. It states that is the future gas finds west of Shetland. There are still “46 per cent. of cases took between 1 and 2 years from complaint large fields there, but it is a very challenging environment to decision notice” in which to operate: it is very stormy and there are very and that deep waters. Again, we think the Government should incentivise activity in that whole west of Shetland province, “25 per cent. of cases took between 2 and 3 years to a decision”. because if some of those major fields west of Shetland In the long run, we are all dead and a Parliament runs are developed, that will provide a great psychological for a maximum of only five years, yet people are waiting boost to the oil and gas community and will produce for years for the Information Commissioner to come more excitement in the markets about the potential of forward with a decision—I am one of those people. the North sea. All this is about security of supply for In November 2007, in the Public Administration our energy needs, future tax revenues from those fields Committee, I raised the case of Michael Ashcroft with and—above all from a constituency point of view—the the Cabinet Secretary. I did so because in March 2000, jobs that come from that work. No. 10 issued a press release that said that Michael The jewel in the crown of maintaining an efficient Ashcroft had given—I paused for effect there— and vibrant home market is the growing export market “a clear and unequivocal assurance” that the UK has built up around the world. We are now that he would take up permanent residence in the UK world leaders in the frontiers of deep sea oil and gas by the end of the year—by the end of 2000. To this day, exploration and production—subsea engineering—and he refuses to answer the question on that. I, therefore, we export our skills around the world. The fact that we raised it with the Cabinet Secretary in the Select Committee still have a base in the UK means that that big in November 2007. Sir Gus O’Donnell got back to me, manufacturing and industrial sector remains in the UK, saying that the Cabinet Office has no jurisdiction over bringing money back to the UK economy. For all those either House of Parliament and he did not see a role for reasons, I urge the Government to respond boldly to the him on the issue of the undertaking, as it was really not Select Committee’s recommendations and create a brighter a matter for him. On the other question of residency, he future for the North sea and for the security of this said that it was exempt information because it involved country’s energy supplies. a conferring by the Crown of an honour or dignity—that As we enter the recess— refers to Michael Ashcroft’s peerage. The second reason the information was exempt was that it related to personal Mr. Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley) (Con): Long recess. information provided, by Michael Ashcroft, in confidence. Sir Robert Smith: It is a long recess, which our leaders Those reasons were bogus and spurious, so I appealed. say we should not be having. As we enter it, I should My appeal was considered by the permanent secretary make the point from this Front Bench that the House at the Cabinet Office and it was turned down in March carries on, and many functions will take place here and 2008. At the end of that month, I wrote to the Information much work will be done by many staff of the House. I Commissioner and the matter has been with the wish, again, to place on the record a thank you, through Information Commissioner ever since. To this day, I do you, Madam Deputy Speaker, from Liberal Democrat not know why there has been a huge delay of 16 months. Members to the staff of the House for all they do to I am asking only for two simple pieces of information. I support our work throughout the year and to make it do not want to know how much tax Lord Ashcroft is possible for Parliament to function so efficiently and paying, but I want to know the answer to the following effectively. questions: to whom did Michael Ashcroft give that assurance and what form did that assurance take—was Several hon. Members rose— it oral, in a letter or in an e-mail? I have been denied those two straightforward pieces of information for Madam Deputy Speaker (Sylvia Heal): Order. May I 16 months. remind right hon. and hon. Members that the seven-minute time limit on Back-Bench contributions now applies? I have also tabled a question to the Cabinet Office. As I had this vision of the Information Commissioner’s office being submerged in a tidal wave of information 6.11 pm from the Cabinet Office relating to those two simple Mr. Gordon Prentice (Pendle) (Lab): I do not need requests, I asked the Cabinet Office how many documents seven minutes to say what I have to say, which is about the Department had supplied to the Information delays in investigating freedom of information complaints. Commissioner about my request. The Cabinet Office 795 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 796 refused to say. I did not want it to specify the nature of “Where no appeal was made, decisions made before the ECJ the documents; I asked how many documents the Cabinet ruling on 18th October 2007 cannot now be revised because it was Office had passed over to the ICO, but the shutters not until that court ruling that these decisions were shown to be came down. This makes a mockery of the Freedom of errors in law”. Information Act 2000. This issue involves someone who In other words, the Government were saying, “We acted was given an honour, but he is in our legislature, down erroneously in law but you should have known that there— before the ECJ ruling and lodged an appeal. Because you did not do that your claim is now out of time and Dr. Julian Lewis (New Forest, East) (Con): Up there. we don’t have to pay you the money that the ECJ says is lawfully yours.” What an honourable Government should Mr. Prentice: He is up there voting on, formulating have done, as swiftly as practicably possible following and participating in the laws of the land. I am talking the ECJ ruling in October of 2007, is to have written to not about the laws of Belize, but about the laws of the every known claimant whose payments had been terminated United Kingdom, so I want the new Information by the Department and advised them that, following the Commissioner to listen to what I am saying today and ECJ decision, their claims were being reinstated and ensure that I have this information within the next four backdated. There should have been no requirement on weeks. If I do not have it by then, I will raise this matter the claimants to instigate action to regain that to which again when we return in October. they were and are entitled. One claimant, who has had his application rejected, 6.17 pm is my own constituent John Hamilton, now resident in Mr. Roger Gale (North Thanet) (Con): The House France. Mr. Hamilton has 44 years of United Kingdom should not rise for the summer recess without addressing national insurance contributions behind him, paid during and resolving a situation facing a small but significant a long career in teaching and civil engineering. He had number of citizens of the United Kingdom who are his eligibility to receive disability living allowance confirmed being denied their right to “exportable benefits” . In for life on 17 June 2002 while still resident in the UK. October 2007, the European Court of Justice determined His last full payment of DLA was made, after he that aspects of disability living allowance, attendance advised the DWP of an impending move to France, on allowance and carer’s allowance were sickness benefits, 23 May 2006. Mr. Hamilton and his wife left to live in rather than “special non-contributory benefits” and France on 9 June of that year. were therefore exportable and payable to United Kingdom On 13 March 2008 my constituent found on the claimants living in other EU states and Switzerland. internet a reference to the October 2007 ECJ ruling and That decision has, potentially, a profound effect on the wrote to the Department requesting reinstatement of incomes and well-being of those who, having left the his benefits. He was told that the exportability team United Kingdom to take up residence in other EU were states, had benefits to which they had previously been “awaiting confirmation of the eligibility criteria”. told they had an entitlement for life, summarily withdrawn Following the publication of the long-awaited criteria in 1992. in February of 2009, Mr. Hamilton received a letter Let us be clear: these are not rich people who have telling him that a decision maker had rejected his claim. chosen to leave the United Kingdom to take their My constituent then submitted a request for an appeal money with them and live in large villas with swimming hearing before an independent tribunal. To date he has pools; they are, by implication, all suffering from advancing received no date for a tribunal hearing and no satisfaction. disability, and most are elderly and drawing United What Mr. Hamilton—and many others in a similar Kingdom pensions. They have, throughout their working situation—should have received is an apology from the lives, paid UK taxes and national insurance contributions Department for the chaotic mismanagement and delay and have earned the right to those continuing benefits following the ECJ ruling, immediate reinstatement of to which the ECJ says they are entitled. It would appear his benefits and, in his case, backdated payments from that there are about 2,000 to 3,000 such people and the date of termination in May 2006. John Hamilton their moving abroad has probably saved the UK taxpayer was claiming DLA before he left the UK. He was significant sums in continuing health care costs. awarded it for life. The ECJ has ruled that he is entitled Although the ECJ ruling was issued in October 2007, to this benefit, and he and others like him want and it was not until 24 February 2009 that the Department deserve their money without further delay. for Work and Pensions finally issued its eligibility criteria If this Government and this Minister seek to prevaricate for the payment of exportable benefits. First, the further at the expense of a few elderly and infirm UK Department has imposed a condition that claimants citizens and their carers who have paid their dues to the must have resided in the United Kingdom for 26 out of United Kingdom, it will be to their eternal shame. I the previous 52 weeks before claiming—inevitably, many hope that when she comes to respond, the Minister will people who moved abroad before the ECJ ruling have feel able to announce that all of those who have had found their claims rejected on those grounds. Secondly, their benefits terminated will now, and without further claimants are told that their applications for reinstatement argument or appeal, have them reinstated along with fall because they did not appeal within the time limits reparation in the form of back payments. Nothing less set following the original decision to terminate benefits. will suffice. Given that the ECJ ruling was not announced until October 2007, that is clearly a condition designed to facilitate the rejection of claims for reinstatement, rather 6.23 pm than to facilitate them. Indeed, in a letter to me dated Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Devonport) (Lab): There 14 April 2009 the relevant Work and Pensions Minister are several issues of importance to Plymouth that I said: could mention today, including how we could speed up 797 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 798

[Alison Seabeck] In the case of the Shorepoint properties, one issue of concern was the common areas, including play areas, the connectivity of broadband; how we respond to the which were neglected and potentially a health hazard. Walker review of water supplies, in view of the high The problem was that no one was taking responsibility water costs in the south-west region, and how some for those areas. Residents are often, and understandably, fairness could be brought into the charging system; or concerned with their own individual properties and the need for further investment in transport, given our simply expect the private landlord to ensure that the peripherality. However, in the past few weeks, one issue grounds are maintained, as their contracts provide. has been raised with me frequently by telephone and Common area maintenance is not initially residents’ letter, and that is the problems with leasehold managing first priority.However, when the exterior becomes overgrown agents. and when residents are being charged for maintenance In 2006-07, according to the English housing survey, and nothing is being done, they get more than a little more than 1.5 million households were owned leasehold, irritated. Some managing agents and freeholders will so about 11 per cent. of the total owner-occupied sector try to delay action and dispute land ownership to avoid could be subject to management by a managing agent. paying out for remedial action. This of course often Most leaseholders lead a problem-free existence and are then puts pressure on the local authority—and the happy with the way in which their properties are managed council tax payer—when it has to be called in to inspect and their relationship with their freeholder. However, areas and serve notices, if appropriate, on the landlord. for a significant minority, this is not the case and most Leaseholders are often invoiced for works outside the MPs will know from their casework in both the private legal timeframe, and invoices are sent out incorrectly—either rented and residential leasehold sector that people’s too soon or with the urgency of a final demand without lives can be made a misery. prior warning. In Vicarage gardens, St. Budeaux, there Typically, where a block of properties is owned leasehold, is now an active group of residents—lovely people—who the freeholder appoints a managing agent to maintain are in some cases very frightened because they have the property, arrange building insurance and look after received court summons and final demands for sums any communal areas. These managing agents will levy that they believe they have been incorrectly charged. fees on the leaseholders for the provision of these Pier Management, which oversees these properties, again services and should explain these charges—but that proved elusive until very recently. It has at last responded does not always happen, as I will explain later. to letters I sent on behalf of a resident—an elderly woman—who had been sent a court summons for moneys The managing agent sector is a multi-million pound which, when broken down, she had either paid or were industry, and one which is at the moment entirely in fact not due for some time. The lady in question has without objective and independent scrutiny and regulation. at least been reimbursed and I now understand that In the last two months alone, I have had complaints progress is being made with other residents. about four separate managing agents. Many of the concerns raised have a common theme, and interestingly However, some questions remain unanswered. The many of the properties affected in Plymouth are part residents have not been allowed to see the insurance of the portfolio that was sold off by the Ministry of cover which exists for their buildings. These are a series Defence. The complex web of sales has been part of of mainly maisonettes which have four properties in the problem for residential leaseholders, who have had them and which are wholly free-standing. The residents difficulty tracking down their landlord and then the want to know why they cannot organise their own managing agent responsible for ensuring that works are buildings insurance. The managing agents simply say carried out. that all the properties should be insured as a single For example, a company called Novograde bought a portfolio. I would welcome the Minister’s confirmation tranche of ex-MOD properties from Annington Homes that that is in fact the case, and if it is, the issue should in Barne Barton. Novograde employed a company called be revisited. Labyrinth Properties Ltd to manage that property. The In another part of my patch, a company called Solitaire Shorepoint residents came to me because they were is the managing agent; again, until very recently and receiving bills from Labyrinth for work which they following my involvement, its unwillingness to speak to claimed had never been carried out, and when they tried or meet residents has led to a serious breakdown in to contact the managing agent seeking the details of the relations. It has now met residents, and its regional maintenance being done, nothing was forthcoming. I director has taken away their concerns. The residents tried to make contact with Novograde to see if it would produced figures showing that the percentage increase put pressure on its agents. I also contacted a company in charges was astronomical with no obvious improvement called Galliard Homes whose name cropped up, but in the service offered. They quite rightly felt that this whose role was unclear. I contacted Labyrinth, to try to was unacceptable. I am pleased to say that yet again get them to talk to the residents. Sadly, none had the there has been some progress. Errors have been found in decency to respond to my request for a meeting. the company’s budget figures that make a considerable Some progress now appears to have been made. Labyrinth improvement in the charges levied. has lost its contract to a company called TMS, and Why is it acceptable for these companies not to TMS has already been in touch with me and seems to be provide the service for which leaseholders pay not moving in a more positive direction. It has acknowledged inconsiderable sums annually? They should not have to that the area has been poorly managed and that the engage the support of the local MP.Leaseholders should residents have not had the information to which they be able to access their landlord and know where to were entitled. Clearly the jury is still out, but I have contact them. The same applies to private tenants, and I encouraged TMS to engage with the residents and vice am pleased that the Government appear to be making versa. progress towards changes in this regard. 799 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 800

I am not condemning all leasehold managing agents. and to stay silent. It was also a mistake by the Stobart The professional association is keen to see the sector Group to acquiesce in that and not to get out and sell cleaned up. Finally, I ask Ministers to give serious the benefits of the airport. Now that the consultation is consideration to any legislative change to the practices closed, there should be much more aggressive selling of of letting and managing agents of residential leasehold the benefits that an expansion of Southend airport properties, because many companies offer both services could bring, especially as we approach 2012. Southend and the abuses are the same. is closer to London than Stansted, with faster journey times to the capital. 6.30 pm I turn now to the question of tax credits. I know that James Duddridge (Rochford and Southend, East) (Con): Mr. Speaker is keen to speed up responses to parliamentary I want to speak about aeroplanes, tax and flowers—a questions, and I hope he will consider extending that to combination that probably has not been addressed by parliamentary correspondence as well. I have written to the House so far. the Financial Secretary to the Treasury about my concerns about queries to the tax credits office and, given that I shall speak first about planes. There has been much over the next 10 days some of my constituents will fill in debate recently about Heathrow. I opposed the third their tax credits renewal forms, that is a very appropriate runway there and I also oppose the development of the matter to raise today. Thames estuary airport that is sometimes known as “Heathrow-on-Sea” or “Boris Island”. Whatever it is Some families in my area have children leaving full-time called, it is a rehash of the Maplin Sands proposal of education. If they do not notify the tax credits office of the 1970s and it is wholly and totally inappropriate. that, they could end up in receipt of an overpayment of However, I fully support the expansion of Southend tax credits and thus being fined more than £300. The airport. system is a mess, and the responses from the tax credits office are poor, untimely and sometimes not especially That may appear contradictory, but the expansion of comprehensive. The result is that several clarifications the current facilities at Southend airport would be very have to be issued, and the extended correspondence can positive for the town and the surrounding area. The cause confusion. It is a great disincentive to people main expansion would involve lengthening the runway taking on the extra work and promotions that would be from 1,605 to 1,799 metres. That would make Southend notifiable to the tax credits office. a successful regional airport with the capacity to serve 1 million to 2 million passengers, and so similar to the I turn now to flowers. I have noticed that Members of very successful airport at Southampton. Parliament sometimes get the bit between their teeth about really small issues. Given the bigger issues such as Southend’s economy is heavily interwoven with tourism, the recession and the economy, it may seem odd to and a fully functioning passenger airport would provide speak about Southend hospital’s decision to ban flowers, a major boost to the town. However, Southend cannot but things are sometimes symbolic. The ban on flowers rely on tourism alone, as it also needs to rely heavily on is symbolic of a public institution that has lost touch the business sector. The airport plays an important part with reality—one that has lost the common touch. in that respect as well. Ministers have said that the flower ban is a matter for Hi-Tec is a big company with its headquarters in the local hospital trust, but I am sure that if they Southend, to which it relocated mainly because of the seriously thought that flowers were a risk to health they existence of the airport and the capacity that it offered would issue national guidance on the matter. An article for staff to get around Europe. A larger airport would entitled “The Evidence Base and Infection Risks from offer more passenger flights, and both Southend and Flowers in a Clinical Setting” was published in the Rochford councils have made a strong commitment to British Journal of Infection Control in 2005, and I am develop a business park. The airport already employs sure that hon. Members of all parties will have read it in 1,300 people: its expansion would create at least another great detail. It states that there is no “robust evidence” 1,000 jobs, but my gut feeling is that there would be a that flowers cause a problem, and it goes on: great many more. “Occasionally, new practices become part of clinical routines There are always different views on airport expansion. despite the lack of supporting evidence. Banning flowers from I have received many letters and e-mails both supporting general hospital wards falls into this category.” and opposing expansion. I conducted my own survey of Another survey that I held found that more than local business people and 62 per cent. said that they 70 per cent. of people wanted to keep the display of supported expansion of the airport, with only 13 per flowers in hospital. The journalist Matthew Stanton cent. saying that they opposed it. spearheaded a campaign in the popular local newspaper Politicians can disagree with each other as well. In our the Yellow Advertiser, to which the majority of respondents last recess Adjournment debate, my hon. Friend the also said that they wanted the hospital to allow flowers Member for Southend, West (Mr. Amess) set out some in the wards. of his legitimate concerns about expansion, but the final Last week, I went to the hospital at quite short notice decision rests with councillors in Southend and Rochford. to see a friend, and I found it to be dirty, depressing and I urge them to have some backbone: they should do disorganised. The visit confirmed some of my worst what is right for the town and not worry about political fears, and the hospital’s failure to see common sense on point scoring. Some politicians in both towns have flowers is on the same level as the failures that have stepped up to the challenge, but not all. We should set caused it to become dirty and have poor patient flows. aside party politics and do the right thing for Southend. Despite its multi-million pound budget, the chairs are The consultation on the joint area action plan closed crumbling and there is not a decent one to sit on. The on 15 May. It was a mistake for the councils in Southend ragged signs on the walls telling one where to go suggest and Rochford to request the airport not to get involved that the operation there is not run in a professional way. 801 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 802

[James Duddridge] The Honduran junta has rightly been almost totally isolated. It has been rejected by the General Assembly The symbolism of the ban on flowers represents a much of the United Nations, the Organisation of American greater problem at Southend hospital, and it is a problem States and the European Union, among others. It is rare that I hope the hospital addresses. that I pay tribute to Ministers, but I pay tribute to the newly installed Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member ROYAL ASSENT for Rhondda (Chris Bryant), who has responsibility for Latin America. He responded very quickly and efficiently Madam Deputy Speaker: I have to notify the House, and made a statement to put on record Britain’s opposition in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, that Her to the coup. It is also important that the EU yesterday Majesty has signified her Royal Assent to the following suspended more than $90 million in aid to Honduras in Acts: the wake of the coup. Appropriation (No. 2) Act 2009 However, such opposition has so far been ineffectual in restoring Zelaya to government and stronger action Finance Act 2009 is need. Obviously, that stronger action should come Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 from America, because at the end of the day, it calls the Political Parties and Elections Act 2009 shots in what is historically its back yard. There were Parliamentary Standards Act 2009. hopes of real change with the election of President Obama, but we can see that there are tensions within the American Government. Clinton, the Secretary of 6.37 pm State, is possibly somewhat enamoured of the new Colin Burgon (Elmet) (Lab): Neville Chamberlain regime and does not want to take the action that others once talked about in America would like. If the US is to break with the past and work with people rather than against them, as “a quarrel in a far away country between people of whom we know nothing.” President Obama told the conference of Latin American leaders it wants to, the steps that he must take are clear. That could apply to the subject that I want to raise The Honduran Government—or rather, the supposed today—the recent military coup in Honduras. Government—must be replaced and a democratically People probably do not know much about Honduras, elected President must be installed. but the journal Business Week tells us: We hear lots about human rights in the media, but “Honduras is one of the poorest countries in the Western since the coup on 28 June that installed Roberto Micheletti, Hemisphere. Two-thirds of its 7.8 million citizens live below the the regime has unleashed a wave of repression of human poverty line…The country has one of Latin America’s most rights. Protesters and political activists have been killed, unequal distributions of wealth: the poorest 10 per cent. of the population receives just 1.2 per cent. of the country’s wealth, 1,300 people have been arrested, and there have been while the richest 10 per cent. collect 42 per cent.” curfews, widespread media censorship and the violation of other civil liberties. President Zelaya was elected to lead the country in 2005. A member of the Honduras Liberal party, he was That is important, because although we have joked in a wealthy rancher and a man of the centre or centre the past about banana republics and Governments being right. Under pressure of events, however, he began to changed on a monthly or daily basis, most of Latin change his politics and he implemented several progressive America has emerged from that darkness and the people measures during his time in office. He raised the minimum have begun to take charge of their destiny. We have seen wage by 60 per cent.—something that new Labour that throughout the Latin American continent, including might note. He also gave out free school lunches and central America. The military junta represents an attempt provided milk for babies and pensions for the elderly. to turn the clock back to those dark, dark days. If those He cut the cost of public transport, made scholarships dark days return, it will mean real hardship for the available for students and forged alliances with the millions of people in central and Latin America. progressive Governments in the continent of Latin America I hope that the deputy Leader of the House will such as those of Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador. re-confirm that the UK is absolutely and implacably President Zelaya also sought to institutionalise many opposed to the Honduran military regime, and that the of his progressive developments with constitutional change. UK will do all it can to restore the democratically The non-binding poll of the public that he proposed for elected regime. 28 June was aimed at gauging support for a proposed constituent assembly to redraft the constitution ahead 6.43 pm of a ballot in November. This is the translation of the question: Mr. Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): The Isle of “Do you agree that, during the general elections of November Wight shares many problems with the mainland, and 2009 there should be a fourth ballot to decide whether to hold a has a few of its own. My time as the island’s MP is often Constituent National Assembly that will approve a new political taken up addressing those matters and explaining their constitution?” importance to the House and to Ministers. With that in That step was too much for the military, and as a result, mind, I should like to extend my thanks to certain on 28 June—the day the ballot was supposed to take Ministers for their help this year with issues that have place—the President was kidnapped, bundled on to a affected my constituents. plane and flown out of the country, and the military Three months ago the right hon. and learned Member junta and the leading oligarchs in the country came for North Warwickshire (Mr. O’Brien), then a Minister together to form what is effectively an illegal Government. in the Department of Energy and Climate change, 803 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 804 contacted me with news that Vestas was planning to it, there were no negotiations with workers on the close its operation on the Isle of Wight. Later I wrote to redundancy packages. I find that totally unacceptable, the First Secretary of State, Lord Mandelson, to ask for and it reflects very poorly on a company as profitable as his support and advice. Vestas is a hugely profitable Vestas. Danish company and has operations across the world. The South East England Development Agency has Until recently, it operated England’s only wind turbine arranged a series of open days for Vestas staff to help manufacturing facility, in my constituency. It was one them to find suitable jobs. They are a highly skilled and of only two in Britain—the other was a small Scottish capable work force and I am confident that they will Government-funded operation. find work in the near future. Following announcements that Vestas was to shut its On another matter, I must ask why the Minister for Newport operation, several meetings were held. The Higher Education and Intellectual Property has failed Minister for the South East, the hon. Member for to produce a full response to a letter from a constituent Chatham and Aylesford (Jonathan Shaw), visited my of mine concerning the Student Loans Company dated constituency when he was looking into the matter and 22 April. In late June, via a parliamentary question, I ensured that help was given to people seeking new asked when the Department for Business, Innovation employment. I thank him for his time. and Skills planned to provide a substantive reply to my I attended a private meeting with a delegation from constituent’s letters. Here we are in late July, and I still the Isle of Wight TUC and others from the island, await a proper response to my letter. I received a brief including the Labour prospective parliamentary candidate, reply on 5 July but it was in no way satisfactory. The Mark Chiverton. A public meeting was held and it matter is particularly pressing for the constituents concerned, attracted a wide audience from across the island and and they cannot afford to wait any longer. I hope for a several people from the mainland. Needless to say, full response from the Minister as quickly as possible. Vestas employees and my constituents generally were The delay is unacceptable. dismayed at the company’s decision. Vestas announced Finally—although I had planned to speak for much record profits on the same day that it broke the news longer—I can tell the House that we are getting on with that it was closing its facility with the loss of 600 jobs. the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Vestas is not cutting jobs because of the recession or and its Ministers, and we hope that we will be able to because of a need to downsize; it has decided that it will deal with the problem of fallen stock on the island fairly be more profitable to manufacture wind turbines in the shortly. United States and China, without a thought for the I wish you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and all right highly skilled workers that it leaves behind. hon. and hon. Members a happy and productive holiday— When it originally came to the island nine years ago it although in my opinion it is too long. received a £3.5 million Government subsidy, which contributed to the costs it incurred moving from the 6.50 pm mainland. Less than a decade later it is leaving, despite that sizable taxpayer-funded financial support. That is Mr. Frank Field (Birkenhead) (Lab): I shall touch on why, when public money supports private companies, it a topic mentioned by my hon. Friend the Member for is important for it to be directed to companies and Pendle (Mr. Prentice). He said that he would not speak businesses that are firmly rooted in the local economy. for seven minutes, and I promise the House that I shall Since writing to Lord Mandelson on the matter, I not speak for as long as that. have received no reply. I find it disappointing that he I want to lay before the House the difficulties I have could not find time to speak to me about this important experienced in pursuing an alleged case of fraud against issue, especially when I see him on television daily. the NHS. In September 2007 allegations were made However, I believe in giving credit where it is due. I to me that a local doctor was passing off his private thank the Ministers whom I mentioned for their efforts patients as NHS patients in one of our local hospitals— to convince Vestas to remain open on the island. I Arrowe Park, part of Wirral hospital trust. I wrote understand that all avenues were investigated—even to the trust to ask for a meeting, which was held in subsidies were offered—but with no success. Subsidies, November 2007, when I requested the information held it seems, were not what Vestas was after. by the trust about its investigation of the fraud. I Only last week Lord Mandelson was congratulating suggested simple steps that the trust might take to find himself on the launch of the new low carbon industrial out whether the fraud was more widespread and involved strategy. I hope that he considers Vestas to be a serious other doctors. Both my request and my suggestion were loss to the future of our low-carbon economy.Government refused. plans state that around 7,000 wind turbines are to be In January 2008, under the Freedom of Information installed across Britain in the coming years. It seems of Act 2000, I asked the trust for information about the unfortunate that such green technology will have to be inquiries that it said it had undertaken. After some manufactured overseas and shipped here. delay, the trust refused to give the information. In July The loss of those 600 jobs has been a body blow to 2008 I applied to the Information Commissioner for a the island’s economy, especially during the recession. ruling that I should have access to the trust’s surveys of Since Monday evening, protesters against the closure of that case of alleged fraud. Almost a year later—to Vestas have been occupying the site. I understand their reinforce the point made by my hon. Friend the Member frustration and I am sympathetic to their concerns. Not for Pendle—the commissioner turned down my request, only is Vestas leaving the workers high and dry, it is so I wrote to the Information Tribunal disputing that doing so with very poor redundancy packages. Those decision. The tribunal replied that it would of course who have worked at the site for two years or more are receive my application, and that of course there could entitled to only twice the statutory pay. Those who have be a hearing, but if I lost the case, all the costs of the worked for less time will receive less still. As I understand inquiry and the tribunal costs would land on my doorstep. 805 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 806

[Mr. Frank Field] Much can be gained from foreign exchanges for schools, and I am concerned that the regulations being I do not expect the Minister to reply tonight, but I applied to local authorities and schools will rule out would be grateful if one of her colleagues could look such things. We have several times heard the Secretary into that matter. Is there not a difference between us as of State say that he wants to encourage such exchanges, private citizens wanting information under the Freedom because he believes they are good for the development of Information Act, and Members of Parliament wanting of individuals. I believe that too, but unless the Government to pursue—as I am in this instance—an alleged case of take some action to change the regulations, they will fraud in which a national health service doctor is passing lead to the ending of all those foreign exchanges. As off his private patients as NHS patients? In terms of the with so much of the legislation we pass, good arguments costs, I think there is a real distinction to be made. were made about the measure, but when we see the I shall pursue the case, although I have no idea what reality of its coming into effect we wonder how we ever the costs will be. However, I hope that before then the allowed it. Government will take the decision that people in public The Government have treated the victims of Equitable positions, such as MPs, who take cases on behalf of the Life disgracefully. The simple fact is that the Government public good, to protect public funds, should be treated have had the report for some time. Last November, the differently in terms of costs from the litigious constituents Prime Minister told us that we would have a statement who are to some extent clogging up the freedom of on Equitable Life before Christmas. The statement came information process. after Christmas and, as ever with the Government, time after time there have been delays. A lot of people are 6.54 pm suffering great hardship because the Government did not move faster to deal with the problems. People who Mr. Patrick McLoughlin (West Derbyshire) (Con): I have done the right thing and invested for their future start by reflecting on the fact that in the county council have been let down by the failure of the regulator. The elections this year, the Conservatives took control of victims of Equitable Life deserved to be looked after Derbyshire county council for the first time in 28 years. more quickly than the Government have pursued the I congratulate Andrew Lewer, the county councillor for matter. Ashbourne, on becoming leader of the council. The last My constituency has a huge rural area and we are time we took control of Derbyshire county council was suffering badly from bovine TB. The Government should in 1977, which was followed by the famous election pay much more attention to the subject. They have hung victory of my noble Friend the former Prime Minister, on for far too long; as the disease has spread through Lady Thatcher. I hope that what we have achieved in cattle it has cost the state more than £600 million. In Derbyshire is the precursor of an event that may take West Derbyshire we have a specific problem with bovine place in the not too distant future—whenever the next TB. We have waited for reports, but the Government general election is held. now have a huge number of them, and they need to take A few moments ago, Madam Deputy Speaker, you action urgently. read out the names of a number of Bills that had Time is short, so I have raised just three issues that received Royal Assent and had become Acts of Parliament. are very important in my constituency. There are many I want to talk about a Bill that was taken through the other such issues, but I know that other colleagues want House some years ago: the Safeguarding Vulnerable to speak. Groups Act 2006. I have received a letter from the headmaster of Queen Elizabeth’s grammar school in Ashbourne—before people 6.59 pm draw the conclusion that that is a grammar school, I Harry Cohen (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): I wish to point out that it is, in fact, an 11-to-18 comprehensive raise the case of the prisoner, Ronnie Biggs. A fortnight school. The headmaster is concerned about the implications ago the Secretary of State for Justice made a decision of the Act for hosting foreign students. He wrote a letter on his case. His son, Michael Biggs, invited me to visit to the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and him in prison, HMP Norwich. I applied to the governor Families, from which I shall quote: to visit. I wanted to see if this 80-year-old was a threat “From November 2010 any family hosting a child under the to society. His son said that his health was frail, so I age of 18 must have one adult, considered to be primarily responsible, wanted to see what sort of condition he was in, and how registered with the Independent Safeguarding Authority, i.e. a that related to the Secretary of State’s decision. My CRB check must be made. Aside from the cost, and we do not application to visit was turned down by the governor, know who will pay, I wonder how many people will be willing to undergo this imposition. It is intended to ensure child safety yet which I think is quite exceptional. there will be adults in every household who will not need to be I wrote to Ministers and I received a reply from the checked.” Justice Secretary, who wrote that the governor, Mr. Paul Only one adult needs to be checked. The letter continues: Baker, thought that “However the questionable effectiveness of such a scheme is “such a visit would cause significant disruption to the hospital on totally undermined by the fact that no similar checks, beyond the top of the disruption which the hospital has already experienced.” informal ones we currently do…have to be undertaken by the I was surprised at that. I still think it was the wrong host schools with whom we exchange students in France, Germany or the USA. Every Derbyshire Head to whom I have spoken decision, but the Secretary of State went on to say: assumes it will be the end of school exchanges.” “That said, I also think it is reasonable to ask him to facilitate Surely the Government cannot have intended that to be such a visit in the future”. the case. The Act, like so many others, has unintended I hope that that will take place, but it was wrong, in my consequences. opinion, to deny me a visit in such circumstances. 807 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 808

The real issue is the Secretary of State’s decision to made his decision to keep Ronnie Biggs in prison in the overturn the Parole Board’s recommendation that Mr. Biggs public interest. What public interest is there in keeping a be released. That was an unreasonable and cruel decision, frail 80-year-old man, who has served 10 years, in and there is some evidence that has been put forward by prison? It is a cruel penal policy, which many organisations some lawyers that it was a misuse of power and, indeed, for the elderly and the Prison Reform Trust say it is ultra vires. Clearly, Mr. Biggs had to spend his time in wrong to inflict on the increasing number of people in prison, but his 30-year sentence was excessive. I looked their 70s and 80s in prison, despite the fact that the up the Dome diamond robbers, who I think are pretty severity of the crimes involved has not increased. Why comparable to those who took part in the great train do we have such elderly people in prison, when they robbery. Two of them got 18 years, two got 15 years and should be outside? one got five years. Mr. Biggs would have been released if My last point concerns Mr. Biggs’ ill health. He has he had received such a sentence. His sentence was suffered three strokes, cannot walk, cannot talk, cannot excessive in the first place. It is more comparable to the go to the toilet without a bag, has a nasal gastric feed, sentences passed on serious sex offenders and mass has broken his hip and his pelvis, has injured his spine, murderers, and was inappropriate. has acute pneumonia and is currently in Norwich general Mr. Biggs has now served 10 years after surrendering hospital. This is a man who is a threat to society, in 2001. He was eligible for parole and was recommended according to the Secretary of State for Justice. That is for parole. The reason given for not granting him that ridiculous. The decision should be reconsidered. It is was that he was not repentant. I have a letter from not in the public interest to have an inhumane penal Mr. Chris Pickard, who was the ghost writer behind policy. We should have a humane policy, so I ask that it Ron’s autobiography, “Odd Man Out”. He states: be reconsidered. “I do, therefore, have to question who is advising and briefing Mr. Straw as most of what he has said about Ron in his ruling is simply factually wrong.” 7.6 pm Mr. Pickard continues: Mr. Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): It is a “To say Ron is unrepentant goes against all the interviews Ron pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Leyton and has given on the subject over the years and what he wrote in his Wanstead (Harry Cohen). I hope he will forgive me for autobiography in 1994. Ron has always abhorred violence and not following his line, as I intend to begin by speaking has not committed a crime since escaping from HMP Wandsworth about a group of people whom I regard as more deserving back in 1965, other than entering a number of countries on a false passport. Why after over 44 years would Ron, who may never of our sympathy and support—the victims of the Equitable now walk again, return to a life of crime and how would he pull it Life debacle. Today’s statement by the Chief Secretary off in his current state of health?” was extremely disappointing. It continues a saga that To say that Mr. Biggs is unrepentant is plain wrong, has gone on for almost 10 years, whereby the Government and to say that he could benefit from crime is ludicrous. have delayed and ducked and weaved in order to try and This is an ill man, who can hardly walk; I shall say a avoid their responsibilities in relation to the victims of little about his ill health. He is not going on a speaking Equitable Life. tour. He cannot earn from his crime—that would be Today, in response to the challenge from my right against the law. It is the media who are imposing hon. Friend the Member for North-West Hampshire themselves on him, not Ron imposing himself on them, (Sir George Young), who asked why the Government and that will happen anyway when he is released, unless did not table a substantive motion on the subject in he dies in prison, as some officials in the Home Office order to see whether that gets the support of Parliament, seem to want. That is unreasonable. the answer from the Chief Secretary was that that was a There is some dubiety—I think some craziness—about matter for the business managers. Will the Deputy the legal powers being exercised by the Justice Secretary, Leader of the House, as a business manager on duty using a law that has been repealed and another that was tonight, tell the House tonight that as soon as Parliament overruled by the Law Lords in 2002. There is massive returns in the autumn, the Government will table a inconsistency. The Secretary of State will not intervene substantive motion on Equitable Life? If she cannot in cases of murderers who have received life sentences, give such an undertaking, will she explain why? but he says that he can in cases involving lower offences, The issue should be one for Parliament, rather than such as that of Mr. Biggs. He says that he cannot for the Government. After all, we talk about the intervene on future cases, because the law has been parliamentary ombudsman. The cynical way in which changed, but he can on past cases. That is wholly the Government are responding to the crisis, which inconsistent. seriously affects groups of elderly people in all our A case is being made by Mr. Biggs’s son, Michael, constituencies, is contributing to bringing the House that there was some political element to the decision. into disrepute and making it appear as though we are The day before, the Secretary of State made a decision some way removed from the interests of our constituents. in relation to Michael Shields, the Liverpool man who is I hope the Minister will address that challenge when she in prison in Bulgaria. He decided not to let him go, responds. which I think was the wrong decision, but once he had Another matter which I hope the hon. Lady will made that decision, he had to make a similar decision in address is what is happening to the regional spatial respect of Ronnie Biggs. Both were unreasonable decisions, strategy for the south-west. My constituents and others and the motivation in the Ronnie Biggs case was elsewhere in the south-west have been waiting for years unreasonable. for a final determination of the regional spatial strategy. In reply to a point made by my hon. Friend the They were told by the Government that that information Member for Vauxhall (Kate Hoey) on the matter, the would be made available at the end of June. I tabled a Leader of the House said that the Justice Secretary had question to obtain that information which was answered 809 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 810

[Mr. Christopher Chope] I think that when Mr. Speaker made his statement on 2 July, he overlooked that point. He overlooked, too, on 16 June. The then Under-Secretary of State for the statement in the Procedure Committee report that Communities and Local Government, the hon. Member the present system is— for Portsmouth, North (Sarah McCarthy-Fry), stated: “We intended to issue the final Regional Spatial Strategy for Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. It is perhaps not the South West at the end of June. However, on 20 May, the High appropriate to continue involving the Speaker in that Court issued a judgment that the previously issued Regional discussion. I think that the hon. Gentleman has made Spatial Strategy for the East of England had failed to meet the point that he wished to make. certain requirements”. The Minister went on to say that it was impossible for Mr. Chope: I have made the point as I wished to, the Government to Madam Deputy Speaker, and I hope that as a result of doing so, the air is cleared and that Members will be “reach a clear view until the written judgment is issued…It is not encouraged to give evidence to the Select Committee. possible to set a new timetable, until the implications of the judgment have been clarified.”—[Official Report, 16 June 2009; Vol. 496, c. 208W.] 7.13 pm The latest information was given to my hon. Friend the Barry Gardiner (Brent, North) (Lab): Year 5 at Member for Weston-super-Mare (John Penrose) in a St. Christopher’s school in my constituency of Brent, parliamentary answer on 9 July, in which the Under- North is not usually the final year for pupils. However, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, on 18 May 2009, parents were notified that St. Christopher’s the hon. Member for Dudley, North (Mr. Austin) said: would not run a year 6 class from this September. Parents were given two months to plan their children’s “On 20 May, the High Court gave an oral judgment about the published Regional Strategy for the East of England…The future before the end of the school year, which is in Department and the Government Office for the south-west are breach of the contract between parents and Happy currently considering the potential implications for the Regional Child Ltd, which runs St. Christopher’s school—some Spatial Strategy for the south-west, and an announcement is people may think that is a misnomer in the circumstances. expected shortly.”—[Official Report, 9 July 2009; Vol. 495, I wrote at that point to Ms Tracey Storey, the managing c. 960W.] director of Happy Child, asking her to clarify precisely Given its meaning in common parlance, I would expect when Happy Child began to consider that alternative “shortly” to refer to a date before 21 July. provision for those children might be required, and to explain why absolutely no consultation with parents I should like to ask the Deputy Leader of the House had taken place before 18 May to discuss their two questions. First, when will we get the Government’s understandable concerns. response to the regional spatial strategy for the south-west? Secondly, will she guarantee that that response will not I was extremely concerned—and still am—about the be issued during the parliamentary recess, making it impact of Happy Child’s decision on other parents and impossible to hold the Government to account? I am children in the school. Such a decision undermines the sure that she can make a statement to confirm that, confidence of parents whose children are in year 4 and because the Government have not been able to do below and who expect their children to continue to be anything about this during the parliamentary Session taught at the school until the end of year 6. I asked until this stage in July, so they should not make an Ms Tracey Storey to clarify Happy Child’s plans for announcement when the House is not sitting. It is year 6 teaching for the children currently in year 4 and relevant that the South-West Regional Grand Committee below. is meeting in Exeter in 3 September, and it would be a Changing school is a stressful experience at any time, pity if information on that regional spatial strategy was and it is normal for children to take time to settle in and bounced on the Committee just before that date. I hope make new friends. Year 6 is a critical year for many of that the Deputy Leader of the House can give me a those children, as they sit SATs and other examinations specific response. in preparation for their secondary school education. Such a change in the lives of those children can only be Finally, I want to flag up the important inquiry that detrimental to their educational attainment and their the Procedure Committee has launched into the way in future success. The parents tell me that their children which we appoint the Speaker and the Deputy Speakers. were looking forward to being in the top year of the I hope that the news that we are undertaking such an school and having the chance to be elected to positions inquiry will ensure that you, Madam Deputy Speaker, of responsibility—being prefects and so on—and they and your fellow Deputies have a more enjoyable vacation are concerned that their children will miss out on those than might otherwise be possible, as I think that the air opportunities if they are removed from St. Christopher’s. has been cleared, and it is obvious that your future is There are other issues about which the parents are assured for much longer than might have been thought concerned, including the additional cost of having to likely after the Speaker’s statement on 2 July. I hope that purchase a new school uniform, which raises the wider the Speaker himself will give evidence to the Procedure issue of compensation. Committee and can comment on the Procedure Committee report from the 2001-02 Session. The Committee I therefore asked Ms Tracey Storey to confirm what determined that she and Happy Child would do about issues such as compensation, as well as the fact that the school had “it is entirely possible that the House might in future choose a failed to give the required notice, as set out in the Speaker from one party at a time when two of the three sitting Deputy Speakers were also members of that party. In such contractual provisions between it and the parents. She circumstances it would be unfair to expect a sitting Deputy replied that she was not prepared to discuss Speaker to resign merely to re-balance the team.” “Happy Child’s decision to ensure the viability of our business”. 811 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 812

There was not one mention of regret or the effect on the for Rochford and Southend, East (James Duddridge), children and their lives, or of the breach of contract who made some criticisms of local hospitals in his with the parents. I therefore urge my hon. Friend the constituency. I appreciate that his comments were very Deputy Leader of the House to speak with the appropriate specific and about circumstances that are unknown to Minister in the Department for Children, Schools and me, but for my part I put on the record a great tribute to Families. At a time when children are going off on their the consultants, midwives, nurses and others in the summer holidays, can we ensure that those children in Borders general hospital, where—I hope the House will particular become happy children, not Happy Child’s allow me the indulgence—my daughter, Ella, was victims? born eight weeks ago. [HON.MEMBERS: “Hear, hear!”] I I want briefly to raise another issue that affects my thank hon. Ladies and Gentlemen for their reaction constituency. Bailiffs are out of control in Brent, and to that fact. the council is instructing them, even in cases in which it I was really taken by the professionalism and dedication had entered into agreements with my constituents that of the hospital’s staff. I was obviously focused on my they could pay their debts by instalment. We are all experience and the health of my wife, Alison, and aware of the effects of the recession, and debt is likely to daughter, Ella, but I also saw at close hand over many be on the rise. It is important that public institutions days the dedication of those staff and their need and and bodies act appropriately. It is absolutely right that ability to switch between so many different, pressing they should agree to make payment by instalment available cases all the time. It was the best insight that I have had to debtors who wish to enter into such agreements. into the national health service in all the years that I Unfortunately, Brent council has not seen fit to do so have been a Member. We can never praise sufficiently in the case of Mr. and Mrs. J who, on 29 July 2008, those who serve in the health service. received a council tax vetting form that stated: The personal is important to us in our work as “The customer is agreeing to pay for himself and his wife’s Members, and I should like to turn to another encounter. share, equal to £245.60 of £739.06. The Council will have to make In Hawick in my constituency on Saturday, I joined a decision if this is acceptable. The customer is able to pay by many others from the town to celebrate the gathering direct debit in 5 payments.” there of the clan Turnbull, a very proud and historic Despite the fact that Brent council failed to write to family in the area. While I stood waiting for the pipe Mr. and Mrs. J, it instructed bailiffs, who arrived at their band as it marched along to the unveiling of a new house on 9 December, asking for £1,142.91. My constituents sculpture, however, a lady appeared out of the crowd had to pawn some jewellery to pay that amount. The beside me. She was very angry, perturbed and keen to bailiffs then contacted them again, stating that they owed impress upon me the scale of the problems for members a further £764.06, and Mr. J sent a letter to the council of her family who have lost their jobs in the past year. offering to pay the amount in five instalments. The My constituency is the centre of the UK’s cashmere council agreed to accept payment by instalments and, I knitting industry. The people of Hawick, Galashiels, am pleased to say, has now, after investigating the matter, Selkirk, Innerleithen, which I used to represent, and agreed that it was mistaken to instruct the bailiffs. other areas all contribute to a world-class industry, but Unfortunately, the council has not agreed as much in in the past year the unemployment statistics, which have the case of Mr. F, regarding a council tax debt. On doubled in my part of the world, have been largely 1 July 2009, Equita Bailiffs visited his property to changed by the terrible experience of many in that sector. collect a debt of £2,300. The bailiffs did not see Mr. F, They have been losing those jobs, and that lady was very but they pressurised his aged and sick mother, who was intent—I assure the House that she made her point—on not the debtor, to go to the bank and withdraw the full getting across to me the human suffering of her children, amount to pay off her son’s debts. her grandchildren, their friends and others in the town Finally, there is the case of Mrs. T— who have lost their jobs in recent months, and of those who fear greatly for the future of their jobs. Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. I am afraid that the Indeed, I fear that unless we see urgent action from hon. Member’s time is up. the Government now to tackle not only the general problems of manufacturing but the specifics of textiles, 7.20 pm we will see many more job losses. Last week, I met the Under-Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Mr. Michael Moore (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Skills, the hon. Member for Wrexham (Ian Lucas), who Selkirk) (LD): The hon. Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle) has responsibility for manufacturing. Alongside me was opened the debate this afternoon at breathtaking speed. Mr. Ken Pasternak, a gentleman from Denmark who, He did not quite leave himself breathless, but I was with some supporters, has invested a considerable portion impressed by the number of different subjects that he of his wealth in Peter Scott and Co. in the town. was able to cover in the relatively short time that is Mr. Pasternak went along not just as a senior industrialist available to us today. I have common cause with him in his own right, but as the leader of the Scottish about the Government’s incredible approach to the Cashmere Club, and he therefore spoke on behalf of future of tax offices, which, in Galashiels and Hawick the whole industry. I have met him and many others in my constituency, have been left in complete limbo. countless times, and with his colleagues he has been Highly skilled and professional staff are unsure about battering to get attention from the Scottish Government. their future. I echo also some of the hon. Gentleman’s So far, however, he has been very disappointed at the comments on fuel duty and Equitable Life, which others lack of practical measures offered by the powers that be have repeated in the debate. in Edinburgh. I shall return in a minute to manufacturing, one of The items on the agenda for the meeting with the the hon. Gentleman’s main themes, but, first, I should Minister last week were very focused. Mr. Pasternak is like to pick up on the comments from the hon. Member concerned, and I share his worries, about the export 813 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 814

[Mr. Michael Moore] jobs in my constituency. Thankfully, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has met credit insurance support arrangements, which have been MPs who represent port areas and finally his officials put before the House and are now being implemented, are speaking on behalf of port businesses to legal because they are largely focused on the domestic trading representatives. I hope that at last we will be able to of UK manufacturing. The cashmere sector is a huge reach a solution to the problem before too many jobs export earner and needs support for its exports, but it are lost. has not been given any, so I hope that the Minister will My third issue is the east coast main line. As everybody re-think that policy. will appreciate, following all the shenanigans that have Mr. Pasternak re-emphasised the point that many gone on, the line is likely to be taken into public right hon. and hon. Members have made in the House ownership later this year. That gives me cause for concern countless times—the need for companies to access good because National Express had promised to run a direct banking facilities. Many have growing order books but rail service between Grimsby and Cleethorpes and London see their credit shrink before their eyes, and many do King’s Cross. We do not know now whether that will go not get credit because they cannot get trade export ahead. It is important for there to be such improved insurance. We now own those banks, which are on the transport links, to maintain the economy and encourage front line when it comes to lending decisions, so I urge investment in the Grimsby and Cleethorpes area. During the Minister and those in the Treasury to go into those a Westminster Hall debate on the matter, a Minister banks, examine the decisions and understand why world- confirmed that services from London King’s Cross would class businesses with good order books may be throttled be extended to Lincoln. But I want them to go the extra because of the lack of available cash. 50 miles or so to the coast, to Grimsby and Cleethorpes, Mr. Pasternak also highlighted the need for product so that our economy can benefit from those direct links. development support, along the lines that the Italians I turn to the Humber bridge tolls. There was an inquiry and others on the continent of Europe have offered to into them in March this year. The bridge board wanted their local businesses. He echoed a point that many to put up the tolls, but local MPs are saying that we do business men and women in the borders and elsewhere not want that to happen and that the tolls are already have put to me—the need to focus on skills and skills far too high. The Minister has received the report from retention. Many in short-time working could be put the inquiry. I want to say on behalf of all the business into good, productive training if there were the support representatives, councils, other MPs and residents that for it, so I hope that the Government will finally— we do not want the tolls to go up. We want Ministers to belatedly—see sense. agree to have a year-long trial of reduced tolls, involving Mr. Pasternak said that his industry was in a crisis a token charge of about £1 to cross the Humber bridge. moment, and I echo that point. I do not want to meet That is the decision that we want from Ministers when that constituent again and have her tell me that more we come back after the recess. job losses have affected her family. I want us to put a stop to that, and I urge the Government to take urgent People would think that free school meals for all action before it is too late. primary-aged children in North East Lincolnshire was a good-news story—but, oh no, it is not. Our area was among those selected to bid to be a pilot project for free 7.27 pm school meals for all primary-age children. However, the Shona McIsaac (Cleethorpes) (Lab): Thank you very local authority said that it could not find enough match much for calling me to speak in this debate, Madam funding to put in a bid to go ahead with the policy. Yet Deputy Speaker. It is always a delight to take part in that same local authority—North East Lincolnshire such Adjournment debates, and it is excellent to see so council—invested £7 million of public money in Icelandic many people here tonight joining the regulars. banks days before they collapsed. Every inquiry into the council’s activities has criticised it, and there has I wish to raise several constituency issues before the been a vote of no confidence in its Liberal Democrat House adjourns. The first is about compensation for leader. Yet he continues to wend his merry way, saying former Icelandic water trawlermen. In Hansard today, it that he is not resigning, that it had nothing to do with was announced that an estimated £10 million is being him anyway and that it was all the officers’ fault. made available further to compensate 1,000 men, or their families, who lost their livelihoods as a direct What strikes me as odd about the situation is that a result of Government action following the cod wars. Liberal Democrat-Conservative coalition used to run The scheme will open on 31 July and the first payments the council. But the Conservatives are doing what I call should be with people before Christmas. I raised the “a bit of a Dallas”—they have forgotten the past five issue in previous Adjournment debates, and it only goes years, when they were in coalition with the Lib Dems to show that if we are persistent in raising such subjects, and all these things were going on, and they are saying, we do get through to the right people eventually. “That’s nothing to do with us either, guv.” Frankly, they were all in the cabinet together and lost £7 million of The second issue—this is the one where I want Ministers public money. That has affected investment projects in to listen—is about business rates in ports. Port-based our area, and it is shocking. businesses in my constituency are being asked to pay business rates backdated as far as 2005, following the Finally, I turn to early-day motion 1829. It was tabled Valuation Office Agency’s revaluation of their businesses. by my hon. Friend the Members for Bolton, North-East However, the firms say that they have already paid (Mr. Crausby), and my hon. Friend for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle) business rates, via a cumulo system, to Associated British was one of those who supported it. I encourage people Ports. Some companies are being asked to pay literally to look at the early-day motion, which is about protecting millions of pounds in backdated rates, and it is threatening our war memorial heritage and making sure that the 815 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 816 architecture and memorials are not threatened by In the brief time that I have, I should also like to pay development and that we preserve them for the future tribute to General Sir Richard Dannatt, the Chief of of this country. the General Staff. He has dedicated most of his adult I wish everybody a most wonderful break. If people life to serving this country and Her Majesty’s armed want to visit the British seaside, they should know that forces. It is regrettable that some Ministers have been Cleethorpes has the most wonderful beach and the best briefing against him; that does not assist our armed fish and chips in Britain. Please come to Cleethorpes, forces on the ground and it does nothing to help morale. which is wonderful. I hope that everyone enjoys their The Prime Minister promised that such briefings from holidays. other people should be dealt with severely. I hope that if Ministers are caught briefing against any senior members 7.34 pm of the military, they will be disciplined accordingly. Our armed forces on the ground want a Government and a Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): I commence by senior military, yes, to engage in discussion, and yes, paying tribute to our brave armed forces, who, while we perhaps occasionally to disagree, but they certainly do sit in comfort, safety and security, are in the fields of not want Ministers briefing against the head of the Afghanistan defending our freedoms and ensuring that Army while we are at war. that nation does not return to being a failed state in which the Taliban can regroup and from which they Finally, I should like to touch on the defence training could re-emerge on the streets of Europe, including this review—the largest private finance initiative in British country. It is sad that today we have again lost one of history. It was originally costed at £12 billion; within our servicemen, from the joint service explosive ordnance the past 12 months, the cost has risen to £13 billion. As disposal units. Our thoughts and prayers go to that I have said previously in the House, this is a privatisation man’s family, and we salute his courage. too far. I am not against privatisation of some elements When we send our forces into harm’s way, it is incumbent of support services for the military, but it needs to be on us all to think carefully about whether we should do judged on a case-by-case basis. It is clear that RAF so in a way that raises questions about the kit and St. Athan in Wales is not in a position to deliver the equipment with which they are sent into battle. In the type of training that is currently delivered on other past few weeks, there has been a debate about helicopters; sites—for example, at RAF Cosford in my constituency. it may now have moved off the immediate front pages, It is no good the Government driving ahead with this but it is a fact that our armed forces need more helicopters. project, the cost of which is increasing week by week, It is also a fact that our NATO allies are not providing with £100 million in direct and indirect subsidy even the support that they could. I hope that more nations within the past nine months. Ministers need to look will look at their own helicopter support for allies on again at this project to ensure that they do not endanger the ground, and for British troops in particular. Her Majesty’s armed forces’ training for the future, particularly given that we are in a time of war. However, the issue is about not only helicopters, but armoured vehicles. Although some of our armed forces I should like to thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, prefer to use Snatch Land Rovers, weapons-mounted for your patience with me and support for me over the installation kit Land Rovers or other forms of lightly past few months. I wish you a happy recess. armoured vehicle, there is no doubt that there is a call for more heavily armoured, albeit mobile, vehicles as 7.41 pm well. I hope that the Minister will give some assurance Ms Sally Keeble (Northampton, North) (Lab): May I this evening that those issues are being taken seriously. associate myself with the tribute that the hon. Member Of course, there is also a need for more troops on the for The Wrekin (Mark Pritchard) paid to our armed ground. If we win the space, we need to hold the space; forces? Having spent a year with the armed forces if we do not hold the space, those who have lost their parliamentary scheme, including a trip to Afghanistan, lives in winning the space might have died in vain. None I was massively impressed by our young people in the of us would want that. The families of those who have armed forces here, and that was exceeded only by seeing died would certainly want the victories won on the them in action in Afghanistan, where the work that they ground to be sustained. They would want the space in are doing is in our national interest. All the lives that which we have won victories to be enlarged. have sadly been lost there will have served to make the I also hope that the nations surrounding Afghanistan world a freer and a better place. I agree with the hon. will do all they can to ensure that there is no increased Gentleman that we must ensure that those enormously threat to our personnel. For example, there have been brave young people are properly equipped and that reports that Chinese nationals have been found in there are enough of them to do the very important job Afghanistan. The Chinese Government need to ensure that they have been given. that the border with Afghanistan is secure and that any I wish to talk about a planning issue that particularly fundamentalist seeking to cross it is intercepted and affects my constituency. By the time we come back after dealt with appropriately. the recess, the consultation will have been completed Furthermore, this Government have the responsibility and decisions will have been taken, and plans that will to ensure that any British nationals found to be shooting shape my constituency, and those of my neighbours, for and targeting our armed forces personnel in Afghanistan many years to come will practically be at the point of are dealt with appropriately. If, for example, DNA going off to the regional office. West Northamptonshire profiles from improvised explosive devices or bomb joint planning unit is drawing up proposals for many fragments match known DNA profiles on the British thousands of new houses and industrial units for database, it is only right that the Government should Northampton, and it proposes to turn the town into a give an account of what action, if any, is taken to bring city. I have spoken to my neighbour, the hon. Member the relevant British subjects before the courts. for Northampton, South (Mr. Binley) about this, because 817 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 818

[Ms Sally Keeble] come back from our holidays to find that my constituents, and those of my neighbours, have lost their right to a number of the plans affect his constituency as much control or have a say in the use of the land around as, if not more than mine. We are both extremely them, and that the plans are on the brink of going off to concerned not only about the proposals but about how the regional office for final approval. they are being dealt with. I wish you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and everybody I want to raise three concerns and ask three questions else in the House a very happy holiday. of my hon. Friend the Minister. First, the number of proposed units should be reviewed. The requirements need to be reviewed in the light of the recession and the 7.48 pm fact that several sites already zoned for development have not been developed, while a large number of Mr. David Amess (Southend, West) (Con): I wish to industrial and commercial sites in the town are empty. raise several points before the House adjourns for the Secondly, infrastructure should be provided before new summer recess. units are put in place, particularly schools, hospitals—we Nicky Avery, 27, became the youngest man ever to be very much need a new hospital—and transport services. diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. His mother is a That subject was raised at a packed and lively meeting constituent of mine, and I very much hope that the in my constituency. Government will raise awareness of this disease among Thirdly, and most importantly, there should be proper young men. consultation about the proposals. Usually, when a policy The Proprietary Association of Great Britain has proposal is discussed, we are used to having three advised me that the top 10 minor ailments account for months’ consultation. Arguably, a major emerging plan 75 per cent. of consultations. I agree with that organisation’s will affect individual people much more than a general view that we need to have increasing responsibility for policy proposal, and yet there is to be only six weeks’ taking care of our own health by treating minor ailments consultation. That would be bad enough, but the six-week in the knowledge that the NHS is really there for more period starts on 28 July. Most people would understand life-threatening and serious conditions. that residents’ associations, parish councils and all the other local groups that need to have meetings to consider I have in my constituency the greatest number of these plans do not meet during August, and one cannot centenarians in the country. I hope that this autumn we rely on their meeting in the first week of September. If will again be successful with the “Guinness Book of the planning unit holds local meetings and asks people Records” attempt at the greatest gathering. Many of to go to them, many will be unable to do so because these elderly people are in care homes, which are dependent they are on holiday or tied up with children on school on residential fees. Have the Government taken into holidays. account the fact that many elderly widows, for instance, are unable to sell their homes because of the recession? Although it is said that this an emerging plan that sets out only broad principles, many of the broad-brush Last week, I was privileged to attend Belfairs high proposals for where the developments should be sited school’s prize giving. There was a young lady there are based on actual plans that property owners have put called Jo-Jo Cranfield. She was born with her left lower forward, and are therefore about more than broad arm missing and she is a remarkable athlete. She missed principles. If the land allocations are agreed, fairly out on going to Beijing by 0.06 seconds and she is the well-worked-up plans could come forward fairly quickly second fastest swimmer in her discipline in the country. and people could see things change equally quickly. We She has a place at Millfield school, but she desperately are being told that the time limit for the consultation— needs funding, so I greatly hope that someone, somewhere apparently six weeks is okay legally—has been set on will come up with assistance for her—not least the the basis that the plans have to get to the regional office Government, who say that they will do everything they by November. Unfortunately the planning unit, which can to support gifted and talented athletes. has not been particularly competent in going about its An organisation called PERA has advised me that work, has missed a number of deadlines and is now up numerous companies in south Essex, including Ford in against the buffers. It is completely wrong that people Dagenham, have been preparing to deliver training to who will have to live with the consequences of this 1,700 people—more than 100 are in Southend, West—only development should pay the price for the fact that the for the Learning and Skills Council’s financial collapse organisation producing the plans has not been able to to bring a halt to the programme. I hope that the get itself organised to produce them in time to have Government will intervene on the matter. proper consultations. I draw the House’s attention to an article, which Will my hon. Friend the Minister relay to her colleagues appeared in The Times on 6 July, about chief constables’ in the Department for Communities and Local Government salaries. Senior police officers apparently receive off-book queries about revisiting some of the development proposals, payments and secret perks, which total hundreds of numbers, and regional and local strategies in the light of thousands of pounds. The House has come under great the impact of the recession? Can we have some genuine scrutiny, and I welcome the fact that all sorts of other assurances about the provision of infrastructure before publicly funded bodies are coming under scrutiny. Our any development takes place? Most importantly, will local chief constable in Essex was paid slightly more serious attention be given to the consultation so that than the Prime Minister. Yet again, we have a chief local people have a chance to put their views, well constable taking early retirement in Essex. We have had before the decisions are taken, on developments that several senior officers; it is like a merry-go-round—one will affect them? The Liberal Democrats are driving the minute, one person is in place, the next, someone else is timetable on this, which is shocking. We should not there. If police authorities are to be worth their salt, 819 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 820 there should be much greater scrutiny. The Independent neighbourhoods in which people are proud to live. They Police Complaints Commission should also be given are on the White City, Batman close and Wood Lane more teeth. estates in Shepherd’s Bush; on Ashcroft square and It is a shocking state of affairs when police constables Queen Caroline estate in Hammersmith, and on the come to MPs’ surgeries, complaining about their treatment West Kensington and Gibbs Green estates in west by the police authorities. That illustrates their powerlessness. Kensington. The last two are outside my current Mrs. Katie Greatorex—she said I could name her—has constituency, though in my prospective constituency. I suffered the most appalling harassment, including death have had the honour of representing the area for threats. She has been arrested and bailed without evidence 20 years on the council and they are all areas that I and she came to my surgery with a long-serving police know well. The homes are designated “not decent” by officer. Her ex-husband is a serving police constable. A Hammersmith and Fulham council, which has, in the proper investigation has not taken place, despite forensic most disparaging terms, condemned not only the buildings evidence, so I hope that the Deputy Leader of the and the areas but the residents. It is the nastiest piece of House will pass that on to the Home Secretary. social apartheid in this country for many years. Seat belts were once debated at great length in the A year or so ago, rumours, which were hard to credit House, and many hon. Members were against their at the time, began to circulate that the relatively newly being compulsory—they were mistaken. The fine for elected Tory council in Hammersmith and Fulham non-compliance used to be £30. I have tabled several planned to pull down the seven estates. Freedom of questions about that and I shall take credit for the fine’s information requests were dodged and answers to questions increase to £60. I also support the fitting of seat belt were evaded—there was nothing in writing at the time. reminders on all new cars. Plans were held up because of the continued presence of Ken Livingstone as Mayor of London, but when Boris A disgraceful incident took place recently, whereby a Johnson was elected last year, the council moved swiftly community nurse parked her vehicle in a development ahead, first by dropping all plans for new affordable at the end of Hamlet Court road because she was housing, by accelerating small-scale demolitions, by treating a terminally patient—incidentally, the patient designated sales and by handing back hundreds of died—and was charged £483 by LBS Enforcement Ltd affordable homes to developers, saying that they were for her car’s release. I am currently achieving nothing unwanted. with that. I heard the comments of my hon. Friend the Member However, last month, as a consequence of a document for Rochford and Southend, East (James Duddridge) called the local development framework core options about Southend airport. It is a difficult issue and I am strategy, the seven estates were named as requiring glad that the owners of the new airport are meeting complete redevelopment and demolition, even though local community representatives. They must convince some will have Decent Homes work done, at a cost of them that any increase in flights must mean quieter millions of pounds, next year. The plans are to replace flights than at present and that the road changes will them with luxury housing and commercial developments take place without disruption. such as conference centres. That has already been extensively reported in the Evening Standard and I am grateful to it I was recently made chairman of the all-party group for featuring the story as a double-page spread the week on the Maldives. The high commissioner said that no before last, to the Daily Mirror, which did an excellent funding has been received from the Department for editorial on the subject, and to The Guardian and other International Development and that she cannot get a newspapers. meeting with the relevant Minister. I hope that the Deputy Leader of the House can pass on the message. The leaseholders and freeholders will get a price, which will not enable them to buy equivalent accommodation There has been controversy about slow answers to in the area, and they will have to move considerably questions. I received an answer from a Treasury Minister, further out. The tenants have an uncertain future. At dated 1 July 2009, responding to a constituent’s inquiry least a third fewer units of housing will replace existing on 30 September 2008. An apology is not sufficient. affordable housing. The replacement affordable housing The House is in a state of drift, there is confusion will be registered social landlord housing: typically, it about swine flu and we have heard about difficulties in will be half the size, more expensive to run, and the Afghanistan. The sooner we have a general election, the rents will be 50 per cent. more. For many tenants, the better. Before then, I wish all my colleagues and all only option will be to move out of the borough—Barking, those who serve the House a very happy summer. Dagenham and Thamesmead have been mentioned as destinations for them. Many are elderly people, who have lived on the estates since the 1950s, 1960s and 7.54 pm 1970s when they were built. The greatest irony is that Mr. Andy Slaughter (Ealing, Acton and Shepherd’s those estates are already mixed communities. Half the Bush) (Lab): I wish to speak about a despicable act of flats on many estates are leasehold—they contain many vandalism perpetrated on the homes and lives of thousands professional people and many people in employment on of my constituents. Some 3,500 families, the majority in average wages or above. Shepherd’s Bush and some in Hammersmith and West The side effects will be on the local waiting lists. For Kensington, face demolition of their homes and uncertain 20 years of the redevelopment strategy, nobody will futures. move on any other estate or RSL property in the Let me be clear from the outset: we are talking about borough. In the meantime, as the estates are developed—it good quality homes, built to a high standard, modernised has happened elsewhere—there will be complete neglect. at the cost of tens of millions of pounds in the past few Flats will be boarded up, there will be temporary housing years, thanks to the Decent Homes programmes, in and infestations, and only health and safety repairs will 821 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 822

[Mr. Andy Slaughter] My concern is that the Government have not been as supportive as they should have to a children’s hospice. I be done. All that was confirmed to me by not only the totally understand their argument that it would have published document but the assistant director, Lyn been impossible for them to help all the charities and Garner, whom I saw for an hour and a half the week organisations that have lost money in Icelandic banks. I before last. She admitted to me for the first time face to also understand that the Government have, quite rightly, face that all those things would happen. been supporting compensation schemes for charities I have given notice to the hon. Member for Hammersmith that have lost money. Bluntly, however, Naomi House and Fulham (Mr. Hands) that I would refer to him. He has not been allowed to apply to those compensation represents four of the estates. He needs at some point to schemes because it is regarded as having far too much correct the record because earlier this month, he said money—it has lost too much money and cannot make a that the plans claim under those schemes. “‘to demolish the estates and force everyone to move’” The Government have also said that they would not are bail out charities. In one debate, the Minister concerned said, “Look, how do we decide which charities to support?” “wholly untrue.”—[Official Report, 29 June 2009; Vol. 495, c. 42.] For example, a lot of people say that the Government His own council—his colleagues—has published the should support the Cats Protection league, given the fact that that is true, so it is wrong that those remarks money that it has lost. In my judgment, a children’s should remain on the record in that form. hospice should be regarded as being in a different However, that is not the end of the matter; it is the category from a cat lovers’ charity. The argument is beginning. We are not talking about just an attack or compelling, and it is this. Charities that do the work of gerrymandering that goes far beyond anything that the Government should be seen in a different light. By Shirley Porter tried in her time. We are talking about many people’s benchmark, hospices provide the kind of something that was designed by the leader of Hammersmith service that should be funded by Government money in council, who is the head of the Tories’ local government the first place. In fact, Naomi House takes £300,000 of innovation unit, as a blueprint for the rest of the country. Government money, so the Government recognise that How do we know that? We know it because he published they should be supporting it. a document earlier this year called “Principles for Social I would ask the Minister to take the issue back to the Housing Reform”. We also know it because, at the Department of Health and to think carefully about the council’s expense, he held a round-table discussion with consequences of not supporting the hospice. Taking Tory Front Benchers, other senior Tory politicians and, £6 million out of that service will mean an enormous shamefully, local government officers on 3 March that demand from sick children that will have to be met in agreed to the most extraordinary blueprint for the future. the NHS, because Naomi House may not be able to Market rents for all housing; no security of tenure; no fulfil its responsibilities. Surely it makes sense to support right to buy; no duty to house the homeless; no capital a children’s hospice in some way. After all, it was not investment at all in social housing—is this really the Naomi House’s fault that it lost that money in the future for housing under a Tory Government? Icelandic bank concerned. I believe that what happened was unlawful—the The second issue that I want briefly to raise is the involvement of local government officers, the employment problem of so-called bogus universities. I understand of Tory activists to carry out the work and the funding that there have been grave concerns about the number of Tory think-tanks by a local authority—and a complaint of false universities being set up and the difficulties that is being made to the district auditor. More importantly they have caused with individuals coming to this country. in the long run, however, we are talking about the However, one of the consequences of the Government’s destruction of communities for political advantage and new scheme to crack down on bogus universities has in the interests of warped social engineering of a kind I been the number of student visas that can be issued had hoped I would never see a mainstream party in this under the new tier 4 proposals. I declare an interest: I country support. It is now up to the Tory Front Benchers lecture at Wroxton college, which has a number of to dissociate themselves entirely from what is being American students. done in Hammersmith and Fulham. If it really is a Students who come to this country are worth around right-wing fringe taking such action, let them say so; £6 billion a year to the economy. We do education well but if they wish to endorse such appalling attacks on in this country, and many people want to come over to the lives and livelihoods of my constituents, let them participate in it. However, the consequence of the new say that also. changes to try to crack down on the number of bogus 8.1 pm university places has been to hit that industry to such an extent that applications from individuals who want to Mr. Mark Oaten (Winchester) (LD): I want to raise study in our universities and colleges are falling dramatically. three issues and will do so as quickly as I can. Students are having their applications for places turned The first concerns a children’s hospice in my constituency down because of the new regime. Indeed, I tabled a called Naomi House. It does amazing work for children, parliamentary question about that and discovered that as I am sure hon. Members know all hospices do, and of the applications from students received so far this not just in Hampshire but in a much wider area. year from India, 49 per cent. have been rejected. We are Unfortunately, Naomi House was involved in the Icelandic not seriously saying that almost half the applications bank affair and has consequently lost £6 million of its from students from India are connected with terrorism, funds. As one can imagine, that had a devastating are we? The figure for American students is 21.3 per impact on the organisation, particularly as it was just cent. Just over one fifth of American students who want about to build a new wing—Jack’s place—that had been to come to this country have had their visas refused designed specifically for teenagers. under the new scheme. 823 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 824

I understand the need to address bogus universities funding problems because of a disagreement about the and tighten up the system. There have been problems, method of counting student numbers. As a consequence, but those that we have created by putting in place the the Higher Education Funding Council for England new scheme are having a very detrimental effect on an has ordered the university to repay £39.5 million, which important industry in this country. The figures speak will obviously have a seriously devastating effect on its volumes. Under the new regime, we are in danger of finances. turning away a lot of good students whom we would In addition, the HEFCE has also told the university want to come here and study. that its annual funding will to be cut, resulting in a loss The final issue that I wish to raise concerns the new of about 5,000 student places. As a result of all this, guidelines on helping individuals with mild or moderate 550 jobs at the university are to go, through redundancy. depression. Depression affects many people in this country, The voluntary redundancy figures have not been met, and it is welcome that we have at last recognised that so it is not clear what the university will do now. The we need to tackle it. However, to date, doctors have situation is therefore grim. The university faces the had little power to refer individuals to counselling, possibility of the loss of more than 500 jobs, the closure psychotherapy or cognitive behavioural therapy, all of of a number of courses and a reduction in student which are now recognised by the Government as useful numbers in the long term. It cannot be the Government’s tools. intention that so many people should lose the opportunity As we face the economic downturn, there is strong of going to university or that so many experienced, evidence that more people will suffer from mental health effective teachers should lose their jobs. problems and depression as a result of what is taking I have raised this matter in an Adjournment debate, place in the economy. The problem is that the National in parliamentary questions, in early-day motions and in Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines correspondence with the Secretary of State for Business, have made a judgment about which kind of support Innovation and Skills and with the relevant Ministers of should be available for mental health problems. Again, State. They have all referred me back to the Higher I declare an interest, in that I am on the board of a Education Funding Council for England. How very mental health provider, Mental Health Matters. My convenient! Well, I am sorry, but that is just not acceptable. concern is that the Government have narrowly said that This House decides the annual Budget. It also holds the only form of support that should be available under Ministers to account, and we expect Ministers to intervene the guidelines is cognitive behavioural therapy. Superb in a situation such as this to prevent jobs from being and excellent as such treatment is—I declare an interest: lost and to protect courses and student numbers. I I have seen a counsellor at times in my life and have would be grateful if the Deputy Leader of the House received enormous support by undergoing that process—the could assure me that she will quickly and firmly pass professionals argue that making CBT alone available is this matter on to the Secretary of State and ask him to not good enough. look into the situation during the recess and intervene Individual cases are very different, particularly those to protect those jobs, courses and student numbers. The involving child abuse which need a much longer form future of higher education demands that that be done. of therapy. CBT teaches individuals how to deal with There are two other items that I wish to raise. As the day-to-day pressure and how to cope with their depression, House knows, I represent Islington, North. That includes but it does not necessarily provide the kind of course Finsbury Park station, which is one of the busiest and time needed to get to the underlying reasons. That underground stations outside central London. It is a needs to be done through professional psychotherapy, transfer point between Network Rail, the Victoria line but at the moment the NICE guidelines do not allow and the Piccadilly line. It is a very old and crowded that to be included. That is a great shame, so I would station, and, crucially, it has no disability access whatever. like to ask the Minister to report back to the Department After many years of argument and campaigning, moneys of Health. If we are serious about tackling mental were found by the previous Mayor, Ken Livingstone, for health issues, we need to allow the professionals the the complete refurbishment of the station, including right form of support and not narrow it down to the step-free access throughout. That was welcomed, and one that is currently in the NICE guidelines. we looked forward to the rebuilding of the station so that we could, at last, get ourselves into the 21st century 8.8 pm and people who use wheelchairs, people with pushchairs and those who have difficulty in walking could actually Jeremy Corbyn (Islington, North) (Lab): In the seven get on and off the trains, rather than having to descend minutes allotted to me, I shall briefly raise three issues. a lengthy spiral staircase from the mainline platforms to The first concerns further and higher education and the underground, which was obviously unsatisfactory the Government’s stated wish to have more university and dangerous. places and more young people going to college when Then the new Mayor came along, re-examined all the they leave school or sixth-form college. I strongly support funding priorities of the previous Mayor and decided that, and would like this country to get somewhere up that the step-free access at the station would be to the European level. I would also like to see much postponed—until, I think, 2016. Network Rail, which is wider access to universities, so that children whose responsible for the mainline platforms and the mainline parents did not have the opportunity to go to university, services running above the underground station, has and who perhaps did not do so well in school themselves, decided that it will go ahead with its bit of step-free have the chance to go into higher education. access, however. So we now have the ludicrous position My local university is London Metropolitan university, in which a lift is being installed to connect the mainline which has a good record on widening access to higher platforms to the street, but not to the underground education, a wide variety of courses and high levels of station underneath it, because that is someone else’s student participation. However, it has got into enormous responsibility. That is absurd beyond belief. 825 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 826

[Jeremy Corbyn] problem was first highlighted in March 2005, when the Water Fluoridation (Consultation) (England) Regulations I was at a demonstration outside the station last 2005 were being debated in the upper House. Earl Saturday, at which we were saying, “Boris, give us a Howe, the shadow Health Minister, drew the House’s lift.” That is the very least that he could do in the attention to regulation 5, which was passed into law. It circumstances. It is unfortunate that the Government’s states: stated aim of having step-free access to public transport “A Strategic Health Authority shall not proceed with any step so that it can be really and truly accessible for everybody regarding fluoridation arrangements that falls within section 89(2) is being frustrated by this ridiculous funding row. Again, of the Act unless, having regard to the extent of support for the I would be grateful if the Deputy Leader of the House proposal and the cogency of the arguments advanced, the Authority could assure me that she will convey to the Secretary of are satisfied that the health arguments in favour of proceeding State for Transport my extreme displeasure, as well as with the proposal outweigh all arguments against proceeding.” that of my constituents and—more importantly—that The noble Earl Howe asked what this was supposed to of the tens of thousands of people who use Finsbury mean, and pointed out: Park station every day. They want an accessible, usable, “When we debated Section 58 of the 2003 Act, the Minster efficient station; they do not want a lift that goes emphasised that: halfway. That is simply ridiculous. It is up to the political ‘no new fluoridation scheme would go ahead without the structures to ensure the right outcome. support of the majority of the local population determined by My final point also concerns transport and the railways. local consultations conducted by strategic health authorities in I am pleased that my Friend the Member for Leyton England and the National Assembly in Wales’.” and Wanstead (Harry Cohen) is present today, because Earl Howe emphasised the words “majority of the local we both have the great privilege and honour of representing population” and went on to observe: two of the constituencies through which the famous “I see nothing in the order which fulfils that undertaking.”— Barking to Gospel Oak railway line runs. The line [Official Report, House of Lords, 8 March 0005; Vol. 670, c. 709.] was earmarked for closure during the dark days of Neither do I. However, even if 72 per cent.—or 100 per Mrs. Thatcher. Since then it has been reprieved, but cent.—of the people oppose mass fluoridation of a some of us are determined that it should be electrified, water supply, as long as the strategic health authority so that freight transport running between the east and can satisfy itself that the health arguments outweigh the west coasts could use it, and so that it and the rest of the opinions of the people affected, their opinions can be North London line could operate as one system using ignored. Only the courts and the ombudsman can do the same trains, all powered by electricity. If we electrify something about this; MPs evidently have no influence, the Barking to Gospel Oak line, improve public transport and we must await the results of the case to which I have and cut pollution, London will be an even better place alluded. than it already is. I now move on to my policy issue, which is the policy of Associated British Ports. Having been massively 8.15 pm defeated after a year-long inquiry in its wish to build a Dr. Julian Lewis (New Forest, East) (Con): I begin by giant container port on Dibden bay in my constituency, congratulating the hon. Member for Islington, North it is beginning to return to the subject again. Let me (Jeremy Corbyn). For the first time in living memory, he quote what Mr. Doug Morrison, the port director, had has made an entire speech without calling for the abolition to say to my constituents: of the British strategic nuclear deterrent. I shall try to “How do we leave a legacy for future generations? The answer follow his example and refrain from discussing defence has to be Dibden Bay. Just as you thought you were safe to put issues in the course of my short contribution. I also pay your toe back in the water, we are back again. And we are never tribute to the particularly impressive speech made by going to go away.” the hon. Member for Winchester (Mr. Oaten). Naomi That seems rather reminiscent of the film “Jaws”: at the House, the children’s hospice to which he gave great outset people are being gobbled up by a great white credit, provides a wonderful service to my constituents shark, but we should remember what happens to the as well as to his, and I warmly endorse the plea that he shark at the end of the process. made on its behalf. Finally, I come to my tribute. This is very sad indeed. In the time available to me tonight, I want to touch On 11 September 2001, a brilliant and beautiful young on a principle, a policy and a tribute. The principle is woman, a fashion designer, was due to be at the twin that the fluoridation of water should not be carried out towers. Fortunately, she overslept and missed the catastrophe without the general consent of the people affected by it. by minutes. She was in London on 7 July 2007, and In an unusual, and quite positive, cross-party alliance, although she often used the bus service that was bombed, the Liberal Democrat councillor, Councillor David she did not use it on that day, fortunately. Last November Harrison, who represents Totton in my constituency, she was working in her boutique in Notting Hill when a and I, as the Conservative MP, have been working psychotic serial robber confronted her with a knife, but together to try to involve the ombudsman in exposing she still managed to outwit him. But on 3 July this year, the corruption of a flawed consultation process that she was in her flat in Camberwell and was one of the six completely ignored the fact that 72 per cent. of the people killed by the fire there. people who responded to it were against that kind of Her name was Catherine Hickman, and she was mass medication. known as Cat. Her parents, and her sisters Elizabeth I will say no more about the specifics of that case, and Sophie, are my constituents. Her parents, Pip and however, because the matter is now subject to judicial Flo, are putting up with their terrible loss with amazing review and I do not wish to trespass on that territory. dignity, as is Mark, her partner of four years. I would That is why I shall talk only about the principle. The like to ask everyone here—those representing all religions 827 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 828 and none—to bear in their thoughts and hold in their chief executive of BAA—who believes that the third prayers the Hickman family, as we remember a talented runway proposal will go ahead. It is dead in the water, young lady who, like her family, was and is a credit to but what my constituents want are absolute commitments our community. not only that the proposal is dead, but that it will never be revisited. My constituents want some safety and security for their homes, and they want the end of the 8.22 pm threat to their communities. John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): It is The second largest development in my area is the an honour to follow the hon. Member for New Forest, Southall gasworks site, which involves the largest planning East (Dr. Lewis), and the whole House will of course application for housing development in west London—on send its condolences to the Hickman family. the site of a large gasworks. There will be 4,000 new I want to raise two issues of concern within my properties, shops and a school. It is located in the constituency that are linked to large-scale planning constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, developments. One is, of course, Heathrow expansion—the Southall (Mr. Sharma), but it abuts my own constituency. threat of the third runway and the sixth terminal, The major road accessing the site will run through my which, as Members will know, threaten the demolition constituency from the Hayes bypass. of Sipson village, with 2,000 residents losing their homes, The development poses the threat of immense growth their school, their community centre and the entire in traffic and associated air pollution in an area already village. The third runway also threatens Harmondsworth, designated as an air pollution management reserve. I Harlington, Cranford Cross and Longford villages, so have become increasingly aware of the potential dangers people living there, too, will lose their homes, either to my constituents from pollutants on this highly through demolition or because they will have been contaminated site. The developer’s own report now rendered uninhabitable by air pollution and noise pollution. confirms that the contamination includes oil and tar Those homes are already blighted. The families are waste, which forms carcinogenic hydrocarbons, and heavy unable to sell their properties if they wish to move, and metals, including lead, arsenic, cyanide and asbestos. mortgage companies will not lend to any purchasers. As The developers intend to excavate and treat those dangerous a result, my constituency includes families with children materials on site, but I am meeting members of the who are trapped—in some instances, in one-bedroom community who are extremely concerned about the risk or studio properties—and older people who are unable that those materials will pollute the nearby Yeading to sell their properties if they want to retire and live brook and enter local water supplies. nearer to their families. I am also extremely anxious about any attempts to BAA introduced a bond scheme, which effectively transport those highly toxic materials through my means that BAA promises to buy the properties affected constituency. The local Hillingdon council, I have to by Heathrow expansion, but the problems with the say, has done virtually nothing to explain the risks from bond scheme are the cause of real anxiety. The scheme the site development to the local community. The only does not cover all the properties affected by the expansion, public meetings on this planning application have been and the payment levels, based on valuations of the convened either by myself or by Friends of Minet properties, do not reflect their true value. When people country park, of which I am vice-chair. Not a single lose their home, there is no compensation within the meeting open to the general public has been convened scheme for the costs of moving or losing their whole by the council to explain the potential risks of the community. The bond scheme, furthermore, does not development. commence until the planning application for Heathrow I want to raise my concerns in the House, to draw expansion is actually submitted. That could be years, attention to the risks and to urge the Government to given the current economic climate and the chaos within maintain a close watch on that large-scale development BAA and its owner, Grupo Ferrovial. As a result, and its environmental impact. I ask the Deputy Leader people are trapped in blight, often in overcrowded and of the House to take the matter back to the relevant inappropriate accommodation, and unable to plan their Ministers. We in the community are launching a campaign lives while this uncertainty hangs over their heads. to ensure that my constituents are fully aware of the risks and are fully protected. We will submit our views BAA promised to bring forward the implementation to Hillingdon and Ealing councils to ensure that the of the bond scheme within weeks—but that was six months proper inspections take place. Yes, we will urge those ago. I met its representatives, who argued that the local authorities to ensure that conditions are attached problem lay with the individual airline companies, which to the application that protect my constituents from had to guarantee the liabilities of the bond scheme. A the increase in traffic and, more importantly, from the number of them have refused to sign up, and BAA says threat of pollutants from this contaminated site. If the it cannot secure their agreement. I asked those application is to go ahead, I believe that every condition representatives whether they wanted the Government that could be applied should be applied, to protect the to intervene, and they said no. We cannot go on like local community and the local environment. this. It is damaging the lives of my constituents, so I This site is also close to Guru Nanak school, one of urge the Government to set a deadline of no more than, the most successful schools in the country, where the say, two months, and if BAA does not adhere to its Government have invested large sums in the expansion commitments and promises to my constituents to bring of both the primary and secondary school. I want to forward the start of the bond scheme, the Government ensure that that school and its pupils are fully protected must intervene to force them to do so. and fully safe. I also want to ensure that Minet country The real solution is, of course, to scrap the third park is protected from the damage that could be incurred runway proposal once and for all. I do not believe that I as a result of the development. On that basis, I give know anyone—other than the Prime Minister and the notice to Hillingdon council and others that my community 829 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 830

[John McDonnell] served their communities in an excellent way, were not the sort of people who would come to this country and will not stand by and allow our environment to be then willingly leave. He, or she, believed that those polluted by the development—even if the council is people intended to come here, stay here and not return standing by and doing nothing. to their home country. That was despite the fact that they would be leaving families and friends, and despite clear evidence from people in this country, including me 8.29 pm and, indeed the superintendent minister of the church. Mr. Colin Breed (South-East Cornwall) (LD): I am We had given details of the programme in which they pleased to have an opportunity to raise what is an would be involved and the issues that they would discuss important and urgent issue in my constituency. with us. We had also given an absolute assurance that The House has often debated, and dealt with questions they would not reside here or impose a burden, but about, Zimbabwe and the difficulties experienced in would come to re-establish friendships and then return that country. Some 12 years ago my local church, Saltash to the country with which we have maintained a twinning Wesley Methodist church, established a twinning arrangement. arrangement with a church in Mbare, a suburb of I plead with the Deputy Leader of the House to Harare. During the first few years of that arrangement, consult the Minister for Borders and Immigration. They we enjoyed four annual reciprocal visits. One involved must recognise that these issues will continue. If we are young people from Cornwall going to Zimbabwe to to support people in Zimbabwe, we must recognise the help build water tanks. opportunities to re-establish relationships and friendships That was a long time ago, and over the intervening between organisations, churches, families and people. nine years there have been no opportunities for the This is a great opportunity to bring eight very good visits to continue. However, despite the great difficulty people back into this country so that a relationship that arose, connections have continued through e-mail between two churches that has lasted for more than and letters between families, and support has been 12 years can be re-established, and so that—hopefully—a given to the people who are living in such desperate group of people from my church in Saltash will be able circumstances. In more recent times a number of members to visit them in Zimbabwe next year. of the church have supplied funds for the education of The twinning arrangement has been mutually beneficial. Zimbabwean children, and nearly 100 have benefited. A It is not a one-way exercise: great benefit has been great deal of moral support has also been provided. gained from an arrangement that has been undergone through such difficult circumstances. However, after Earlier this year, when there were signs that Zimbabwe those people had done all that they could, after all their might have a real opportunity to emerge from its darker funding had been arranged, their tickets purchased and times, the churches decided to try to re-establish the their accommodation fixed, they were told “You cannot original relationship—or friendship—through reciprocal come here, because we think that you are coming purely visits. It was decided that it might be possible to bring a in order to stay here.” That is an insult to them, and it is number of leaders from the church in Mbare to Cornwall a disaster in terms of this country’s relationship with this year. That involved great difficulties relating not Zimbabwe. only to the funds that would have to be arranged, but to choosing the people and ensuring that the visit would I very much hope that the Government will intervene. be successful. It involved planning for the future, and I hope that they will recognise that visits and relationships re-establishing relationships that had been somewhat of this kind are worthy of support, and that those curtailed over the intervening period. However, as a people will be able to come to Cornwall, enjoy their result of all the planning over six or seven months, the stay, and return to their country reinvigorated. money was raised, it wad decided who would come, and everyone was looking forward to a visit between 8.36 pm 24 September and 7 October this year. The air tickets Mr. David Drew (Stroud) (Lab/Co-op): I am delighted had to be purchased before the application for visas, but to be able to contribute to the debate. I wish to raise they were subsequently bought. The visas for the eight three substantive issues, but I shall begin by displaying people who were to come here were applied for in the same level of indignation as my hon. Friend the Pretoria, which is now in charge of visa applications for Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle). Zimbabwe. I was promised a Jobcentre Plus facility in Dursley, in It was a cause of huge disappointment and great the south of my constituency, some six months ago. The regret that only a couple of weeks ago, with only a few jobcentre there had closed a couple of years ago. I had weeks left before the visit, all the entry clearance visa no angle on that, because there were reasons for the applications were refused. We are talking about people closure, but there was a need to open another centre, who have provided leadership in Zimbabwe: ministers and the fact that that failed to happen is an indication of the church, youth leaders and people who had worked of the Government’s failure to address rural issues. I on environmental projects. We are talking about people hope that my hon. Friend the Deputy Leader of the who had given dedicated service over a long period. House will convey my indignation to the Department They had met all the necessary requirements, and they for Work and Pensions, because there is an urgent need were, of course, hoping to come to this country to for the Department to act. re-establish a relationship that went back more than The first substantive issue that I shall raise relates to 12 years. something very sad that happened last week. A certain It seems to me that the entry clearance officer examined Mr. Nick Griffin arrived in my constituency. That may all the available information and decided that perhaps or may not be something that Mr. Nick Griffin does these people of honesty and integrity, who had clearly regularly, but I should like to think that Members of the 831 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 832

European Parliament must give the same notice as am pleased to say. I am glad that the Government have Members of Parliament when they intend to visit now come to their senses in terms of the Political constituents. I do not know why Mr. Griffin was wined Parties and Elections Bill and have seen that there is a and dined in Painswick, in my constituency, but he was. need to restrict donor activity from outside. The first of It just so happens that one of my constituents took my other two Bills was the Parliament (Disclosure of offence, and happened to spill some beer over Mr. Griffin. Information) Bill, which I hope in due course we will I know the young man concerned, and he is totally get a chance to talk about properly. The Bill demands upstanding. Indeed, he is an outstanding individual, the financial disclosure, as in the United States where all sort of person with whom I am proud to be associated. representatives have to disclose three years’ of tax returns As a result of that incident, he was taken outside and in advance of taking office. That is a perfectly reasonable given one hell of a hiding. I am not prepared to accept thing to do and I hope that arrangement can come that any politician should have a private army. I am not in here. prepared to have the BNP anywhere near my constituency. Finally, the Media Owners (Residency Requirement) In previous times we would have chased these individuals Bill would restrict ownership of media outlets to British around but I hope that we will take action and look at individuals and British firms who pay full tax in this the actions of the BNP. I do not know whether a court country. I could go on at length about what I have case is proceeding because the young man is too shocked, learned from others about those who have attacked us but it is indicative of what the BNP is like. in this House. It would only be just and proper to look My second issue is one that I raised in a previous at the tax that they pay. Horrifyingly, many of those debate before Easter and concerns school staff. I can media outlets pay no tax at all. They are the key to tax now use their names; Roger Lock, the former head of avoidance and I hope that, in due course, we will get a Marling school in my constituency, and Mick Madden chance to investigate those individuals, who they are who was the head of care at Cam house, also in my and what they do. constituency. I use the past tense because they have now been summarily dismissed and have lost their appeals. Roger served for 30 years at the school, as well as being 8.45 pm the head for a period. Mick served for 27 years at Cam Mr. Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley) (Con): I was very house. Both have lost their jobs. There is an employment disturbed to hear the story about the constituent of the tribunal pending in both cases so I shall be circumspect hon. Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) who spilled some in what I say, but their cases are mentioned in the beer over Nick Griffin. I am vice-chairman of the excellent report from the Children, Schools and Families all-party beer group. The hon. Member for Leeds, North- Committee. West (Greg Mulholland) is the chairman of the Save the A real issue arises in terms of how staff are removed. Pub group. All I can say is, “What a dreadful waste of Most of the Select Committee report refers to pupil beer.” I take on board the serious point made by the allegations; the cases in question did not involve pupil hon. Gentleman. If people were beaten up every time allegations, but did involve unfair practices. In the case beer was spilled, there would be hardly any room in the of the second school’s head, it is very unfair that allegations accident and emergency department of any hospital in of bullying and harassment came suddenly to the surface this country. I hope that the person concerned is able to after a new chairman of the governing body arrived. He pursue the matter. became the presenting—or dare I say the prosecuting— I hope that the House will not adjourn until we have officer. He chose the hearing committee. He chose the had the opportunity to discuss the issue of Mr. John appeal committee, which involved a parent—the school’s Siddall and his deceased wife who, in September 2004, internal arrangements make it clear that a parent is not went to Menorca. What happened to Mrs. Siddall there, the preferred person to be on such a body—and two and the repercussions since on Mr. Siddall, are of external representatives, which again was most peculiar. relevance to each and every Member of Parliament, That case is deserving of proper investigation. A support particularly as we are now in the summer season and group, the Friends of Marling School, is fighting on people are looking forward to their package holidays behalf of that head teacher. I wish the group well and and generally to going abroad. will continue to raise the issue because wrong things have been done. Mr. and Mrs. Siddall were an ageing couple, and we should bear in mind that we now have an ageing population Mick Madden, too, has lost his job. He was seen a in this country. They went to Menorca to enjoy a something of a sacrificial lamb, given that the deputy holiday. Sadly, Mrs. Siddall was taken ill. Mr. Siddall head of that school resigned and the head teacher, after did not know what to do about that in Menorca, so he 18 months of being suspended, was then reinstated. It contacted the hotel front desk and the hotel doctor was just so happens that in the last couple of weeks the head called. He had a look at Mrs. Siddall and decided she teacher has been dismissed. The three senior members should be admitted to hospital. Instead of admitting of the school’s staff have now lost their jobs. Mick is by her to the appropriate hospital, however, she was taken the far the most innocent of those individuals and is past the state hospital to a private hospital. Mr. Siddall fighting his corner. He subsequently got another job was concerned about his wife and does not speak Spanish, but, to put it mildly, powers were brought against him and he did not know exactly what was happening in and that job was also taken away. There has been a terms of the diagnosis of Mrs. Siddall during this degree of vindictiveness, which is more than unfair and period. Later, it became obvious to him that Mrs. Siddall is deserving of proper investigation. was not getting any better in this private hospital. She I finish by mentioning three Bills, two of which I have was then finally moved to the state hospital, which had presented to the House and one of which, the Permissible the right people with the right equipment. Sadly however, Donors Bill, has been somewhat overtaken by events, I it was all too late and three days later she died. 833 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 834

[Mr. Nigel Evans] hope that the Deputy Leader of the House will refer to this in her winding-up speech and will ensure that the On further investigation, we found that this problem message gets out to the Foreign Office, the Department affects a growing number of people in this country who of Health and the Department for Culture, Media and holiday abroad. The last thing people think about doing Sport that there is clearly a serious problem that needs when they are planning to go abroad is check out the to be addressed and that, at this holiday time, action is local hospitals and the facilities available. They are urgently needed and should be happening now. going abroad to enjoy themselves. There are suspicions about what has happened in this 8.50 pm case. I have spoken to a number of people about it and I Greg Mulholland (Leeds, North-West) (LD): I am have visited the British medical emergency service forum, pleased to take part in this debate. I wish to start by which deals with such situations on a daily basis, and I picking up on something said by the hon. Member for have learned that there is often a web of money involved Isle of Wight (Mr. Turner). He wished us all well on our in the choice of hospitals in certain countries. Spain is holidays, but I should make the point on behalf of all mentioned time and again, but so are Bulgaria, Greece hon. Members that the recess is not a holiday and we and a few other countries. In terms of this web of shoot ourselves in the foot if ever we give the impression money, I am not making accusations against the tour that it is. I will be working for a great proportion of that operator, but there are suspicions about some individuals. time, as I am sure most right hon. and hon. Members There might be suspicions that there is money in it for will be. I find that I am busier in September with the doctor to send the patient to the private hospital. constituency visits to schools, hospitals, homes and so There might also be money in it for the receptionist and on than I am when I am in this place. We must debunk for a taxi driver. Many different people might be on the the damaging myth that the recess is a holiday, because take to ensure that the person is put into the private enough damage has been done already. hospital where the money is paid. Last year in Spain, consular staff were involved in Mr. Drew: Would the hon. Gentleman like to say dealing with the deaths of 1,500 people. To put that in what he thinks about the 38 Degrees campaign? To my context, the figure for Germany was 75, in France it was mind, it is the most simplistic campaign; the survey that 170, and in the United States of America it was just I have been asked to fill in is highly dubious, because 121. Therefore, 1,500 is a huge number. We know that a it assumes that I am on holiday. It is quite a wrong lot of British people visit Spain and others live there, campaign, and I hope that he will be able to say a little and people might go and stay with those ex-pats as well. on that. I have talked to some emergency service experts, and they believe that in many cases people should be going Greg Mulholland: I absolutely agree with the hon. to the state hospital, irrespective of the fact that they Gentleman. All hon. Members have a responsibility to might have fantastic private health care cover. They are be prepared to share broadly what they are doing. I will not going to know that the private hospital might not be spending some time in my constituency and some have the right facilities. They are not going to know that time here, and of course I will rightly be spending some the medical staff in the private hospital might not be time on holiday. It is important to get that balance trained to the same level as those in the state hospital. across. They might also think that the private hospitals are jolly I wish to raise, yet again, the problems of public good, and they might have always dreamed of going to transport in Leeds. People in the Yorkshire and the such a hospital and believe that that is the right place to Humber region are sick of being bottom of the Government go; but the fact is that it is not. The emergency service transport spending league table, and we are simply not forum has speculated that perhaps as many as 400 people prepared to be at the bottom of it year on year. We have a year die because they get sent to the wrong place just received another couple of blows, the first of which where they are misdiagnosed or are just dealt with was the decision by First to scrap a number of bus inappropriately. routes in the Leeds area. Again, the decision was taken We need action; I know that the emergency service entirely in that company’s own commercial interest and forum wants action. It wants the tour operators to with little regard for the people who want to use those speak to the Government and the insurance companies services. Metro, the passenger transport authority, has to ensure that when people go abroad and something estimated that the decision will lead to approximately goes wrong, the tour operators follow a set procedure in 14 per cent. of those people not bothering to use the bus order that people get to the right hospital. I am sure network at all. that the local tour operator will know the best restaurants, Even worse than that decision is the as yet unconfirmed tourist activities and car rental companies. They should report—it is a disgrace that there has been no also know the right hospital to go to, so that if someone confirmation—that the Department for Transport is who is booked on a holiday with the company falls ill, going to reduce from 182 to 106 the number of additional they get taken to the right hospital. They must not get carriages for the Northern Rail franchise. The figure of shipped off to a place where people are coining it at the 106 is a little more than half the original commitment expense of others. People must not become victims, set out clearly in the rail White Paper, which was published becoming too ill and then sadly dying as a result of not in just 2007. The simple reality is that since the late being dealt with properly. Mr. Siddall has to carry this 1990s the number of peak rail passengers in West with him for the rest of his life, and he is doing so. We Yorkshire has almost doubled, and is continuing to clearly want justice for him, but what he wants is to grow, yet Northern Rail has had no new carriages in the ensure that a procedure is put in place so that this never past five years—during that period, commuter services again happens to anybody going abroad on holiday. I in London and the south-east have had 580. That 835 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 836 discrepancy is simply not acceptable. We have not even I am also disappointed that the solicitors, Brown been given confirmation of this reduction in the number Jacobson, claim to have been following legal procedures of carriages—it has simply been reported. Department and principles, but it is extraordinary that the coroner for Transport Ministers have not come to this place to has not had the chance to respond. The offer is on the give us that announcement. I wrote to the Secretary of table and has to be accepted or the family will lose all State today demanding that we find out as soon as their money. Frankly, whoever made the decision to act possible whether this decision has been taken. I shall be in this way at Leeds NHS should resign, but it is critical of the Department if it makes a negative difficult to discover the identity of that person, although announcement during the recess, because that is not I have requested it under the freedom of information acceptable. legislation. I am also keen to lead on the campaign for high-speed The case shows the problem with independent sector rail to Yorkshire and the Humber. Many of us who treatment centres. The National Patient Safety Agency represent Yorkshire constituencies are very pleased to has warned that no surgery should be commissioned or support the excellent fast track to Yorkshire campaign, delivered in facilities that lack systems or equipment to which is running in the Yorkshire Post. A number of us deal with emergencies, but the simple fact is that we do from a cross-party group of MPs have this week written not know whether that is the case in independent sector to councils up and down the Yorkshire and the Humber treatment centres. Nor do we know exactly how many region asking them to support that excellent initiative. operations are being performed under the £2.7 billion If we are serious about getting through this recession contract, because the Government will not tell us for and kick-starting the economy again, we need foresighted reasons of commercial confidentiality. I have asked investment; many regions in this country have been held several times for a proper debate on this issue, because back in that regard. It would be a welcome addition to at the moment the Government are allowing the PCTs the rather facile debate about cuts, if we were to talk to play fast and loose with the NHS’s guiding principles. about the real, long-term investment that this country On a lighter note, I wish to thank all my colleagues in so patently needs. the “Save the Pub”parliamentary group. We have achieved I also wish to touch on the issue of the Leeds arena an enormous amount in a short time. I hope that all and the “Leeds needs an arena” campaign running in hon. Members will support the pub and enjoy a pint or the Yorkshire Evening Post. I am delighted that Yorkshire two in pub gardens this summer. I hope that you, Forward has come forward with £18 million of funding Mr. Deputy Speaker, will be one of them. for this excellent initiative. As all who visit Leeds know, it is a cultural hub. We are proud of that and the city 8.59 pm needs a first-class concert arena. It is frustrating that Mr. Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): I wish the Government have to rubberstamp this money, and it to take part in this debate to raise several issues that is disappointing that some Sheffield MPs are seeking to have come out of my constituency mailbag and surgeries. interfere in what we are doing in Leeds. I ask them to The first of those issues came to my attention at my keep their noses out. The Government should allow surgery last Saturday at Worcester Park library, when a these decisions to be taken in Leeds by Leeds city couple of my constituents came to tell me about their council and Yorkshire Forward. niece who, at the age of 22, had been diagnosed with I have also to bring to the attention of the House cervical cancer. She was given the necessary treatment: once again the appalling case of Dr. John Hubley, my she had operations, and she also received chemotherapy constituent who died following complications at the and radiotherapy. Before the treatments proceeded, she Eccleshill independent sector treatment centre in Bradford. was offered the opportunity of a cycle of ovary stimulation The first question is why Dr. Hubley was sent there and egg harvesting, which meant that her fertilised eggs when he wanted to have his procedure at the excellent could be safeguarded by being frozen and stored so that Wharfedale hospital in my constituency. It was, of they could be used in the future. The treatment made course, because Leeds PCT has a contract with the her infertile but the storage of those harvested embryos independent sector treatment centre that it has to fulfil. meant that she had the chance to have children. Thanks Dr. Hubley’s death was described as unnecessary and to a surrogacy arrangement, she now has a child. So far, the verdict was death by misadventure. The coroner so good—but, as was noted earlier in the debate, the law said that the safety procedures at the facility were a of unintended consequences sometimes operates when “recipe for disaster” and “Mickey Mouse”. That is we in this place legislate. appalling, but the situation was made worse when Leeds Back in 1990, this House passed an Act of Parliament NHS decided to put the matter in the hands of its dealing with the regulation and control of embryos that solicitors, who gave Dr. Hubley’s fiancée—also my provided that embryos could be stored for up to five constituent—10 days to respond to what was essentially years. Just last year, in 2008, another Act was passed to a threat. She was told that she had to accept a frankly change the framework and extend the storage period to derisory offer of compensation to her and Dr. Hubley’s up to 10 years. It also provided that new regulations two children and if the family did not accept, they could be made to allow for further extensions thereafter. would become liable for legal costs running into hundreds The problem is that the five-year period under the old of thousands of pounds. This behaviour by Leeds NHS Act expires for my constituents’ niece before the new is despicable, considering what the family has already Act comes into force. Her embryos are therefore in gone through. It was bullying and blackmail, and to do limbo, between one Act of Parliament and another. As that to a family who had already suffered the loss of a a result, even though the embryos were stored well loved one is scandalous and flies in the face of everything within the 10-year period specified by the new legislation, that the NHS is supposed to stand for. It is cowardly to they will have to be destroyed in September of this year. have put the matter in the hands of solicitors, and Leeds With them will go the hopes of there being any further NHS’s apology rings hollow. children for that family. 837 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 838

[Mr. Paul Burstow] In a written statement, the Housing Minister restated that commitment to that funding. He stated: The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority “We remain committed to completing our comprehensive decent was consulted by the Government about this very issue. homes programme and to maintaining this standard. The reforms Its response was very clear, as the consultation documents I propose will safeguard this commitment. Capital funding will be show. It said: provided to support this.”—[Official Report, 30 June 2009; Vol. 496, c. 9WS.] “An unfortunate matter of timing ought not to be grounds enough to deny access to extension for those who actively desire it”. So much for that support and so much for that capital funding, because just 17 days later, on 17 July—last I can tell the House that the people in this case do Friday—in a press release rather than a written statement actively desire just that. or any other form of statement to the House, the There is a statutory instrument on this matter currently Minister announced that to fund the Prime Minister’s before the House. It has not been debated yet, although promise of 20,000 new homes, the Decent Homes there has been a formal request that it should be. It is programme must be put on ice. It will have raided to really important that people who find themselves in the provide the extra money to pay for those new homes. limbo between the old Act and the new one should not That will affect the arm’s length management be confronted with having their embryos destroyed organisations in the constituencies of hon. Members before this House has had the opportunity to debate the across the House. In my constituency, it will mean that matter. We need to persuade Ministers to change their the promise of £112 million will not be delivered. Work minds and accept that, in this case, it is inappropriate had been going on well with the tenants organisations for them to cite the wrongness of retrospection. This and staff. The announcement will damage their morale retrospection is about life and the opportunity for someone and the relationships between the local housing partnerships to have children. and tenants, who see it as another sign of the total disregard of their poor living conditions. Mr. Gale: I know that if my parliamentary friend and For all those reasons, I hope the deputy Leader of the neighbour, my hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury House will give us some indication that the Government (Robert Key), were here he would be four-square behind will look at the matter again, and that they will deliver the hon. Gentleman. We have a local case that is almost the Decent Homes standards to which they have attached identical to the one that he has described. There are so much importance. Given the overwhelming evidence very few such cases, but it is a very tragic circumstance. that substandard and poor housing conditions are the breeding ground of despair and often the place where Mr. Burstow: I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman the British National party thrives, it cannot make sense for that intervention. Indeed, the hon. Member for not to invest in decent homes or to ensure that those Salisbury (Robert Key) is one of the hon. Members resources are available. from all parties who have signed my early-day motion 1929 on this very issue. I fear and suspect that there are My final point is on Sri Lanka. I have many Tamil a number of tragic cases such as this, but some very constituents and although the war may have come to an active families are making sure that we in this place are end, there are many humanitarian issues in the country, doing our job of representing their concerns. not least rape, torture and child recruitment. Three hundred thousand Tamils are still detained in camps. The second issue that I wish to raise has to do with They are not allowed free movement, and food, water housing. Last night, I received an e-mail from Jean and other supplies are limited. Half the children in the Crossby, who chairs the federation of tenants and residents camps are under-nourished. There are outbreaks of associations in the London borough of Sutton. She told disease—chicken pox, hepatitis A and many others. me that the long-awaited funding to pay for renovating That is not peace; it is war by another means. It is terror and updating Sutton’s council housing to the Decent inflicted upon an innocent group of people who deserve Homes standard is to be delayed for several years. The better. It is time the Government did even more to Government aspire to raise homes to that standard, as I ensure that as the gaze of the world has moved away am sure do all hon. Members, but the decision means from Sri Lanka since the firing ended, we focus very that the 800 box bathrooms installed in the constituency clearly on the Sri Lankan Government to ensure that of my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and they deliver a just peace and human rights for the Wallington (Tom Brake) 40 years ago will not be replaced country’s Tamil population. for years to come, even though they were fit for only 15 years in the first place. The problem is that those box 9.7 pm bathrooms are coming away from the properties to Mr. Shailesh Vara (North-West Cambridgeshire) (Con): which they were attached. They have asbestos in them, I thank all who have spoken in this debate. Many and they are a nightmare that needs to be brought to Members on both sides of the House have done so, and an end. I say a big thank you to all of them for staying right till Chaucer house is a tower block in my constituency. It the end on this last day before recess. has leaks, poor plumbing and poor electricity supplies, It was with typical passion that the hon. Member for as well as many other problems that need to be dealt Chorley (Mr. Hoyle) made the first speech. He is the with. Again, its residents face the prospect of more same whether it is the last or the first day of term. I delays. thank him for having the courage to be critical of the On 4 June last year, the chief executive of the London Government, and particularly of the earlier statement. borough of Sutton was told in a letter that the Department The hon. Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) is smiling, but for Communities and Local Government was expecting he should perhaps let me finish what I am saying, to make “substantial funding allocations” for the start particularly given that many people are affected by the of the Decent Homes investment programme in 2009-10. Equitable Life issue and that it is important for many of 839 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 840 us in all parts of the House. I praise the hon. Member ensure that public servants who are trying to act in for Chorley for having the guts to criticise the Government defence of public funds are not themselves penalised. I for their lousy statement and their even lousier answers hope that his criticism of the Government will be taken when hon. Members spoke up passionately for their on board, and that the Deputy Leader of the House constituents’ interests. The issue was subsequently taken conveys the proper message to the relevant Ministers. up by my right hon. Friend the Member for West My right hon. Friend the Member for West Derbyshire Derbyshire (Mr. McLoughlin) and my hon. Friend the mentioned that Derbyshire county council has become Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope). Conservative after a number of years. That was one of The hon. Member for West Aberdeenshire and the highlights on the day of the local and European Kincardine (Sir Robert Smith), gave us a bit of good elections and I join him in congratulating his local news when he spoke of the possibility of jobs in the county councillors, and I wish them well in trying to supply of oil and gas in the west of Shetland. Clearly, undo the mess they inherited from their predecessors. that would happen in the medium to long term, but at a My right hon. Friend also raised the important point time of such economic crisis it is good that we can that schools are burdened with so much regulation that occasionally talk about the creation of jobs rather than many of them are considering no longer having exchange their loss. trips. I for one found such trips useful when I was at My hon. Friend the Member for North Thanet school, and few people would argue that they are not (Mr. Gale) raised a very serious issue and I hope the good for the development of the individual. My right Deputy Leader of the House passes it on to the relevant hon. Friend is right to press ahead with the issue and I Ministers. It is unacceptable that some 2,000 to 3,000 very much hope that his concerns will be heard by the people who have paid their taxes and lived most of their Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, lives in Britain find that the benefits that they have been although he is another Secretary of State whose eye is promised have been terminated. That is despite that fact anywhere but on his brief. that all the evidence says they should be in receipt of I hope that the Deputy Leader of the House has those benefits. Those elderly disabled people have given taken on board the concerns about bovine TB expressed our country its due, but the country is denying them by my right hon. Friend. The issue concerns many of us what is theirs by right. I very much hope that the who have rural constituencies. Deputy Leader of the House will deal with the matter expeditiously. I congratulate my hon. Friend on raising The hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and it in the House today. Selkirk (Mr. Moore) deserves congratulations from all of us on the fact that he has a new addition to his My hon. Friend the Member for Rochford and Southend, family. I congratulate him and his wife Alison on the East (James Duddridge) clearly showed in the number birth of their daughter, Ella, eight weeks ago. The hon. of issues he raised, and in the way he raised them, what Gentleman paid tribute to his local hospital. The health a conscientious and diligent Member of Parliament he services generally deserve a big thank you for doing so is. How proud his constituents must be to have him as well in difficult circumstances. We have a Government their Member of Parliament. who are burdening them with excessive bureaucracy Dr. Julian Lewis: And lucky. and who put targets above health priorities. Working under such conditions, the health services deserve credit. Mr. Vara: Indeed. My hon. Friend the Member for We often express our thanks to the doctors and nurses, Rochford and Southend, East mentioned his local airport but let us take this opportunity to thank the cleaners, and spoke about his constituents’ problems with the tax the porters, the caterers, the receptionists and all the authorities—something that affects all of us. However, volunteers who also do such sterling work in the health most of us will have been particularly struck by the fact services. that hospitals, including his local hospital in Southend, My hon. Friend the Member for The Wrekin (Mark are stopping people bringing flowers to patients. That is Pritchard) displayed his expertise and knowledge of distressing news, both for patients and the friends and matters foreign. He delivered a passionate and welcome relatives who want to bring them a little lightness at a speech on Afghanistan. I was privileged to visit Afghanistan time of serious ill health. I wish my hon. Friend well in last November and to meet some of our brave men and trying to overcome that ban at Southend hospital. women, many of them very young. It is a matter of My hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight concern that they are not getting the full backing and (Mr. Turner) spoke about an issue that he has raised resources they deserve when they are fighting for the before concerning Vestas, a successful Danish company, interests of Afghanistan and the broader freedom of which less than a decade ago received £3.5 million of the rest of the world. British taxpayers’ funds to help it start in the UK. On It is a disgrace that although we have some 500 the day the company announced record profits, it also helicopters, there are only 30 in Helmand province. announced that 600 jobs would go in my hon. Friend’s Moreover, it is regrettable that the Prime Minister does constituency. I was sorry to hear that he had been not have the courage to admit his contribution to the unable to speak to Lord Mandelson and had not even lack of helicopters through his failure to allow the received the courtesy of a reply to his letter, but I have proper budget for them when he was Chancellor. May I to say that I am not surprised. It is clear evidence that say how disingenuous it is that he speaks of a 60 per Lord Mandelson’s attention is on anything but his cent. increase in the number of helicopters in the past various responsibilities; his only concern is trying to two years? When he talks about the increase in troops, prop up a failing and discredited Prime Minister. he mentions specific numbers, yet on the subject of The right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) helicopters he has to resort to playing with words and raised a disturbing case of alleged fraud concerning a speaking of 60 per cent. By doing so, he demeans doctor. He also raised a broader issue—that we should himself and the office that he holds. 841 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 842

Sir Robert Smith: It is telling that although the spend more time on constituency activities. The hundreds Government say they have enough helicopters, they are of e-mails and letters that we receive will not stop trying to get more. Why are they trying to get more if because of the recess. They will continue to come to us, they think they have enough? and our constituents will expect replies, which they will receive from us, despite the fact that it is the recess. Mr. Vara: The hon. Gentleman makes a valid point. May I simply take this opportunity to wish all Members, By contrast, the Americans have a similar number of their staff and all the House staff a happy recess, and troops to the number that we have, yet they have 100 or may I also wish you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, a happy so helicopters in the same region. recess? I very much hope that the Prime Minister will As usual, my hon. Friend the Member for Southend, take the opportunity for reflection and come to the West (Mr. Amess) made a number of constituency right conclusion that everyone else in the country has points. When he spoke of breast cancer in men, it reached—it is high time to hold a general election. reminded me of the occasion I tried to introduce a private Member’s Bill to increase the breast cancer 9.21 pm screening period for women. The Bill was talked out by the Government but, as is frequently the case, they were The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of happy to take on board a good policy and rehash it as if the House of Commons (Barbara Keeley): It is a pleasure it were their own. In his first conference speech to the to follow the hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire Labour party, the Prime Minister said he thought it was (Mr. Vara), even though I do not necessarily agree with a good idea to increase the screening period for breast his final comments. cancer for women. I was pleased that he took on board my suggestion. Again, it is typical of the Prime Minister Barry Gardiner: Does my hon. Friend not agree that and the Government that they fail to give credit to the an Adjournment debate in which many Members—and Opposition when they take our policies. Nevertheless, I I count myself privileged to be able to participate this am pleased that people will benefit from it. afternoon—have taken part demonstrates a spirit of I congratulate my hon. Friend on his chairmanship comradeship across the House, as we have raised issues of the Maldives all-party group. With reference to his that we all accept are appropriate to our constituencies? concern about the slowness of answers to his questions, Is it not a shame that that note of party political temper a question tabled in 30 September 2008 and only now had to come in at this late stage, when we are all looking receiving an answer is pretty deplorable. I take this forward to the recess? opportunity to mention the fact that the Government often do not supply attachments with answers. They Barbara Keeley: Those are very much my sentiments. make reference to the House of Commons Library, but When my predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member members of the public who take an interest in parliamentary for Rhondda (Chris Bryant), first responded to a recess answers do not have access to the Library.The Government Adjournment debate, he said that these were slightly ought to bear that in mind. odd events. Most hon. Members would accept, given My hon. Friend the Member for New Forest, East the variety of topics and issues that have been raised (Dr. Lewis) paid rightful tribute to Catherine Hickman, tonight, that that is certainly the case. a beautiful young lady who, sadly, lost her life at a very early age in the recent tragedy in Camberwell. Our Jeremy Corbyn: I look forward to my hon. Friend’s thoughts and prayers are very much with Catherine reply, and I hope that she will follow the convention of Hickman, her family and her partner, Mark, and with the House and make mention of all the contributions the friends and relatives of all the others who so sadly that have been made. I was astonished that the hon. lost their lives on that day. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire (Mr. Vara)— [Interruption.] My hon. Friend the Member for Ribble Valley I was hurt, too, that he did not even (Mr. Evans) raised the sad case of Mr. and Mrs. Siddall. attempt to reply to any of the important issues raised by I entirely agree that priority should be given to ensuring Labour Members, including the obvious, legitimate and that there is a procedure in place for people who go quite correct concerns about Heathrow airport expressed abroad and find themselves unwell. We need joined-up my hon. Friend the Member for Hayes and Harlington thinking when it comes to working with the Foreign (John McDonnell). My hon. Friend the Member for Office, the Department of Health and the Department Ealing, Acton and Shepherd’s Bush (Mr. Slaughter) for Culture, Media and Sport. We are talking of lives was concerned about housing, but there was no attempt being at stake, nothing less. by the hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire at a reply, even though my hon. Friend specifically complained We have heard many speeches, a number of them about the Conservative-controlled Hammersmith council, critical of the state of affairs in Members’ constituencies. which has apparently disregarded the social needs of The Conservatives certainly know who, after 12 years of the people of Hammersmith. Labour Government, is responsible for causing all that criticism, and we have no hesitation in laying the blame Barbara Keeley: I thank my hon. Friend. It is useful where it belongs—with the Prime Minister and his to have a reminder of those issues, and I shall try to Government. I am only sorry that, with the exception of come on to deal with them. the hon. Member for Chorley, no Government Member had the courage to blame those who deserve it, including Mr. Vara: I hope that when the hon. Member for the Prime Minister himself. Islington, North (Jeremy Corbyn) reads Hansard,he The hon. Member for Leeds, North-West (Greg will appreciate that I made collective mention of all Mulholland) rightly spoke of the recess as an occasion those on the other side. I hope he accepts that that for us to take our holidays, as well as an occasion to means I gave everyone a mention. [Interruption.] If he 843 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 844 has difficulty understanding standard English, I suggest my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle) that he take that up, as I said earlier, with the Secretary was our opening batsman and did a great job. He raised of State for Children, Schools and Families. the issues of manufacturing jobs, the Forensic Science Service, his local hospice, Equitable Life, the HM Revenue Barbara Keeley: To begin— and Customs office in Chorley, which we learned was an award-winning tax office, and fuel duty in rural John McDonnell: Perhaps my hon. Friend could enlighten areas. His speech was a model of how to get as many us on the concept of collective reference. To a number topics into a recess Adjournment debate as possible— of us, it looks like a collective ignoring of key issues, particularly as he had only seven minutes. including avoidance of any response to the political gerrymandering by the Tory administration that has Mr. Hoyle: Six and a half. gone on in Hammersmith. Barbara Keeley: Yes, but we noticed that he did use Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Michael Lord): Order. There some of another Member’s time by intervening. is a danger of hon. Members doing the work of the Other hon. Members also managed to fit in many Deputy Leader of the House for her. subjects. The hon. Member for Southend, West (Mr. Amess) included at least nine or 10. Barbara Keeley: Thank you for that intervention, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Amess: Twelve. We can draw a parallel between the contributions of Members who have stayed to the end—we hope to stay Barbara Keeley: Twelve, was it? I lost track. They to the bitter end, 10 o’clock—of this debate, the last came thick and fast. debate of the summer, and the dogged determination of our valiant cricket teams in the current Ashes test series. The hon. Gentleman talked about the funding of a Members will note that I use the word “teams”, in the young athlete, and I know that the publicity that he has plural, because I mean the women’s cricket team as well given to that young athlete can really help. I have in my as the men’s team. Of course, the women have already constituency a promising young triathlete called Aimee retained the Ashes, so congratulations to them. Backhouse, so I have managed to give her a mention, as the hon. Gentleman gave one to his constituent, and The fine stand of Anderson and Panesar, hanging on that is a great thing to do. until the finish to take a draw from the first ever test match in Cardiff, was equal to the determination of Mr. Hoyle: As my hon. Friend has mentioned the tax right hon. and hon. Members here to raise their constituency office and the importance of Chorley, will she arrange issues and other issues in this penultimate debate before another meeting about the future of the tax office the recess. closure programme? Mr. Hoyle: Would my hon. Friend like to comment of the role of the Lancastrians, Freddie Flintoff and Anderson, Barbara Keeley: Yes, indeed. My hon. Friend raised who performed without exception and ensured both many subjects, but, where appropriate, we will try to get victories? him meetings, and answers, on the topics that he raised, as we will do with all hon. Members who are here tonight. Barbara Keeley: I was referring to the first test match— but definitely, with regard to the second test. Some hon. Members’ speeches had a different format and focused on a single issue. My hon. Friend the Mr. Hoyle: Anderson won the first; Flintoff won the Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice), who is not in his second. place, talked about delays in investigating freedom of information requests, and we will try to get him the Barbara Keeley: Yes, indeed. I was very definitely answer that he wants. going to mention the role of Freddie Flintoff, who took a very fine five wickets. Mr. Hoyle: He’s on his way to Pendle.

Mr. Hoyle: Both Lancastrians. Barbara Keeley: Yes. [Interruption.] He’s moved. The hon. Member for North Thanet (Mr. Gale) also Barbara Keeley: Yes, and it is a great pity that there made a case for claimants of exportable benefits such as will not be a test match at our Old Trafford, where we disability living allowance, following the European Court could have celebrated their achievements locally. of Justice ruling, and he commented on some other issues, too. John McDonnell: Now that my hon. Friend has used Let me turn to the couple of issues to which a number that analogy, who would she designate as the Flintoff of of Members referred. On Equitable Life, the hon. Member this debate? for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine (Sir Robert Smith) said that if regulators fail, that causes problems. Barbara Keeley: I shall leave Members to work that My hon. Friend the Member for Chorley was concerned out for themselves. about the answers that he had heard today, and the We had many excellent contributions. It had seemed right hon. Member for West Derbyshire (Mr. McLoughlin) as if it might not be possible to get through the great was concerned about hardship. The hon. Members for number of issues that were raised, but I shall certainly Christchurch (Mr. Chope) and for Berwickshire, Roxburgh try to. Following the cricket analogy, I should note that and Selkirk (Mr. Moore) also commented on the issue. 845 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 846

Mr. Drew: I have been sympathetic, although not on Equitable Life. Earlier today, the Chief Secretary to entirely sympathetic, to the ombudsman’s case. It would the Treasury said that such a debate was a matter for the be useful if she came to this place and talked directly to business managers. I asked her specifically whether she Members about her case; there is now some confusion could give us an undertaking tonight that the Government and a degree of interpretation about that. I have offered would bring forward a substantive motion when we to go and see the ombudsman—I should say that I went return in the autumn. In that way, we can test the will of to school with her, although she does not realise that. the House in relation to the Government’s policies on [Interruption.] I did not sit next to her. She should Equitable Life. Will she agree to do that? come here and explain her case. Will my hon. Friend set that in motion? Barbara Keeley: The hon. Gentleman will understand that I cannot agree to do that at this moment. However, Barbara Keeley: It is not my role to set that in motion, I reiterate the point that there will be a report from but I can refer it on. Sir John in August. After it comes out, we will see what I return to Members’ comments on Equitable Life. the situation is and what is the appropriate thing to do. Earlier, we had an urgent question on the matter, and We have had debates and oral questions on the matter the Chief Secretary to the Treasury raised some key and we will continue to treat it with the importance that points. The point at issue relates to the failure of regulators, Members have highlighted. but my right hon. Friend feels strongly that the Government are not the compensator of last resort. He made that Mr. Moore: Can the Minister explain why it would key point today. not be in order to have a debate on a substantive motion A number of hon. Members asked whether we could in this place? lay out the timetable. They need to know when action will be taken, and I shall take that message away and Barbara Keeley: I am not saying that it will not be; I communicate it again. I say to any hon. Member who am just saying that it is something that we can come was not here earlier that the Chief Secretary to the back to. If hon. Members want to raise it again as soon Treasury accepted the need for a timetable and said that as we get back, we should have Sir John Chadwick’s he would try to provide a “long-stop date”, as he called report, and probably a much better idea of the timetable. it, for resolution. He has already agreed to come back to the House to try to provide that. John McDonnell: Could my hon. Friend at least report the sense in the House that the debate needs to be Barry Gardiner: I understand what my hon. Friend time-limited—in my view it needs to be before the has said about the Government not being the compensator Queen’s Speech, so some time in October, or at least no of last resort in these matters. However, does she not later than November—and that it should be on a substantive agree that the most important point, made repeatedly in motion so that the House can express its will? the House and in Westminster Hall debates on this matter, is that members of the Equitable Life scheme Barbara Keeley: I will certainly express the strong are now dying? It is unjust for people to be left in a state opinions and feelings that Members have raised. of limbo. The issue must be addressed with extreme Several Members addressed similar issues, but sometimes urgency, because we cannot let it linger and fester as it in different ways. My hon. Friend the Member for has done. Chorley appealed for a national jobs summit and a short-time working subsidy. He particularly talked about Barbara Keeley: My hon. Friend has made his point supporting people staying in jobs—an important sentiment very well, as have other hon. Members. We will that fits in well with the policy theme of the Government. communicate them all. However, it is worth reflecting that the Chief Secretary has said that he will come back The hon. Member for West Aberdeenshire and with “a long-stop date” and try to give us a timetable. Kincardine appealed for tax incentives for the future. He wants to incentivise companies in west Aberdeenshire, Mr. Hoyle: My hon. Friend is generous with her time. focusing on smaller and more nimble ones that he [Interruption.] She has a bit of it to kill. thinks are particularly important in that context. I Is there an estimate of how many people will have noted his comments about supporting and maintaining died before any compensation is paid in respect of platforms and pipelines. Equitable Life? What time scale is involved? There is a “long-stop date”, but what does that mean? The truth is Sir Robert Smith: May I emphasise that those were that the people have waited for long enough. The time is not just my wishes, as there was also a Select Committee now ripe to pay them; they should not have to wait any report on the matter? longer. What pressure can my hon. Friend put on the Treasury so that it comes back with the answers that all Barbara Keeley: The hon. Member for Isle of Wight our constituents want to hear? (Mr. Turner) raised an issue of concern that has been discussed in this Chamber recently—the loss of jobs Barbara Keeley: I can put the pressure of all the and poor redundancy payments at Vestas. There are comments made by hon. Members this evening. I think several issues to be taken on board, and I am encouraged that that is sufficient. The issue has been raised and by his positive comments on work with Ministers. some good points have been made. I will make sure that they get through. John McDonnell: Vestas workers are occupying their factory, and it behoves this House to send our support Mr. Chope: One issue that is four-square within the to them. They are not only fighting for their jobs but are hon. Lady’s responsibility as a business manager is at the forefront of the campaign against climate change, whether we can have a substantive motion and debate and they deserve our support. 847 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 848

Barbara Keeley: Yes, indeed. I understand that there The right hon. Member for West Derbyshire made are some differences, because Vestas made wind turbines strong representations about the new protections under for the American market, but points have been well the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 and the made in the House. Criminal Records Bureau checks for those hosting foreign students. I will pass on his representations, but I disagree Mr. Hoyle: I recognise that the products were for the with him. I believe—and I think that my view is shared American market. However, given that the Government by the Department for Children, Schools and Families— are, rightly, expanding the UK market, with more wind that we must be careful to take enough steps to safeguard farms offshore and onshore, what can we do to ensure children. Some vulnerabilities attach to young people that some of that work is put into the Vestas factory on who go into people’s homes when they are on exchange the Isle of Wight to keep this country’s manufacturing or foreign trips, and the protection may prove important. base going? Mr. McLoughlin: Does the Deputy Leader of the Barbara Keeley: That is a very good point. House believe that foreign exchange visits are important, The hon. Member for Isle of Wight talked about the or is she willing for them to end if they entail such a importance of the South East England Development bureaucratic system that schools will no longer engage Agency. The Government have worked closely with in them? SEEDA, which set up a taskforce as soon as the consultation was announced. However, it seems as though decisions Barbara Keeley: That must be kept under review, but are being taken very quickly, which is a pity. I have been responsible in local government for schools services, and it is difficult when one believes that there We should not forget the textile industry, which was are child protection issues. Protection must be across mentioned by the hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh the board, and those who want to host visits should be and Selkirk, particularly the important issues concerning ready to be checked—just as all those who visit schools, the cashmere knitting industry. including Members of Parliament and authors, should My hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Devonport be willing to be checked, as councillors have to be. (Alison Seabeck) outlined the variety of problems created [Interruption.] We must agree to differ, and I will pass for her constituents by leasehold management agents. on the right hon. Gentleman’s representations. There have been similar instances in my own constituency, particularly in connection with insurance cover. I will Mr. Roger Gale: The hon. Lady skirts around an ensure that she gets the answers she wants on the two issue that raised its head in the past week. Some prominent matters that she raised. authors have already said that they will not visit schools. Many Members of Parliament have work experience Alison Seabeck: Will my hon. Friend take back to students, who are under the age of majority, working Ministers the need to look at what they are doing in the with them. There is a danger that we will find ourselves private rented sector and link it across not only to in the same position as the authors, and that such letting agents but to managing agents? That is extremely citizenship work will come to an end because people are important. There is a lot of common ground that we unwilling to go through the process. could legislate on, and over which the profession itself would like to see some controls. Barbara Keeley: I do not believe that authors should stop visiting schools or that people should have a problem Barbara Keeley: A constituent of mine who was also with certification for visits. However, if it is a problem, a councillor had great success in representing residents we must keep it under review. in tackling the insurance problem, which applies in Several hon. Members have praised Ministers for other parts of the country. their work; that is rare in such a debate. The hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) raised the tricky question of fluoridation, which also Mr. Andrew Robathan (Blaby) (Con): Not from this arises for us in the north-west. He covered the issues side. well, noting that it is difficult for MPs to influence the situation because the decisions are taken out of our Barbara Keeley: Yes, they have. hands. My hon. Friend the Member for Elmet (Colin Burgon) praised a Foreign Office Minister—I think he meant my Mr. Drew: There is an active all-party group on hon. Friend the Member for Rhondda—for his quick fluoridation, which has exposed some practices and the response concerning the military junta that has taken way in which area health authorities have tried to drive over the Government in Honduras. I will pass on his fluoridation forward. Should not the House have a comments, but also his concern that the Government further opportunity to review the use of fluoridation as should take up the implacable position that he would an alternative to good dental practice? It is not acceptable, like. and that should be said loud and clear. Colin Burgon: I understand that the Under-Secretary Barbara Keeley: That is an interesting thought. I have of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my a dental surgeon friend, who probably would not agree, hon. Friend the Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) is but the point is worth making. currently visiting a couple of countries in Latin America. My right hon. Friend the Member for Birkenhead Will my hon. Friend the Deputy Leader of the House (Mr. Field) raised alleged fraud in the NHS; he is not in use her powers to direct him to visit Honduras to his place, so I simply say that I shall try to get him an lecture the military junta on the bad steps that they answer. have taken? 849 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 850

Barbara Keeley: I do not know whether my powers of time, and then allowing the bailiffs to continue with extend to directing my hon. Friend in such a way, but I the process of distraint, which causes enormous distress will pass on that representation to him. to constituents? The hon. Member for Isle of Wight wanted to thank Ministers for their actions on Vestas, but I will follow Barbara Keeley: Yes, indeed. I know from my own up the response for which he is waiting from the Secretary experience when I was a local government councillor of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. I note that the great distress that bailiffs can cause. It behoves the the hon. Gentleman is also getting on with Department council to take my hon. Friend’s points on board. for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Ministers Let me add my congratulations to the hon. Member about fallen livestock—a subject that he has raised for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk (Mr. Moore) previously in such debates. and his wife Alison on the birth of their daughter Ella. I As is always the case in such debates, I do not agree thank him for his praise of nurses and midwives. I will with everything that everyone has said, but this is an also take up the issues that he raised about the textile useful opportunity for hon. Members to express what industry. they feel. My hon. Friend the Member for Leyton and The contribution from my hon. Friend the Member Wanstead (Harry Cohen) made representations on behalf for Cleethorpes (Shona McIsaac) highlighted the benefit of Ronnie Biggs. I fear that I do not agree with him. of these Adjournment debates. I commend her on the persistence that she has shown in raising the issues concerning trawlermen, who will now receive the Harry Cohen: My hon. Friend started with a cricket compensation that they deserve. She has fought for metaphor, so will she recognise that the friends and that. She also mentioned her campaign, which she is family of Mr. Biggs are sad that he is not out? Will she persisting with, to reduce the tolls on the Humber also confirm that the parole board recommended that bridge, with which most of us would agree. It is vital to he be released—that he be out—and that the decision make crossing backwards and forwards affordable. by the Secretary of State for Justice against that is not a judicial one, but a political one? Mr. Greg Knight (East Yorkshire) (Con): The Deputy Leader of the House has just said that most of us would Barbara Keeley: One could take view, but Mr. Biggs agree with the campaign of her hon. Friend the Member served only one year of a 30-year sentence for a crime for Cleethorpes (Shona McIsaac) to reduce the tolls on that involved violence, even if it was not violence that he the Humber bridge—certainly I agree with her—so is instigated. The Justice Secretary has to take into account this a Government commitment? the feelings of all the families involved, including the family of the person who was lost. Barbara Keeley: No, it is an expression of the solidarity I have already touched on one of the things that the of the pre-recess Adjournment debate more than anything hon. Member for Christchurch raised, but he also talked else. about the regional spatial strategy. It seems a shame Let me deal with the serious comments made by the that it has taken longer than expected to settle the hon. Member for The Wrekin (Mark Pritchard)— timetable for those arrangements. I will pass on his [Interruption.] He is over there. People have moved comments to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of around; it is very confusing. I join him in paying tribute State for Communities and Local Government. However, to all the men and women in our armed forces serving in I hope that the hon. Gentleman will attend the South Afghanistan and Iraq, and I pass on our condolences to West Regional Grand Committee on 3 September. In the families of those who have been lost—another fact, I hope that all hon. Members will attend their serviceman has been lost today. I am sure that other Regional Grand Committees in September and October. hon. Members know that this is also a question of providing support and solidarity for the families of Mr. Chope: Will the hon. Lady give way? those who have been injured. I have a constituent whose son was terribly injured by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, and that is a loss for the family, too. Barbara Keeley: I really need to make some progress now. Alison Seabeck: Would my hon. Friend be willing to Let me deal with the contribution from my hon. commend the rehabilitation work that is carried out in a Friend the Member for Brent, North (Barry Gardiner). range of places around the country, including the naval It is difficult to comment on some issues that hon. base in Plymouth, particularly for people who have lost Members have raised, because they have done that vital limbs? thing that a constituency MP does, namely raise various local issues. We heard that he wants happy children in Barbara Keeley: Yes, indeed. My constituent and his his constituency, not victims of Happy Child Ltd. He son had a very useful meeting with me and the Minister also raised a serious concern about bailiffs being out of responsible for veterans, and the support that the young control. If anything can be done in legislative or other man is now getting in the rehabilitation phase is very terms, that would be helpful. important to him. My hon. Friend the Member for Northampton, North Barry Gardiner: Would my hon. Friend accept that it (Ms Keeble) joined in the tribute to the armed forces. is not simply a matter of bailiffs being out of control, She is a member of the armed forces scheme, which is but a matter of councils—in this case Brent council—not another useful parliamentary scheme. She said that she communicating effectively when they have come to an supported the armed forces and their mission. She also agreement with the debtor on how to pay over a period raised a number of quite serious-sounding issues about 851 Summer Recess Adjournment21 JULY 2009 Summer Recess Adjournment 852 planning policy.Several Members have mentioned planning My hon. Friend also raised the issue of step-free policy issues related to their local council. Such issues access at stations like Finsbury Park. Transport is also a can be difficult. The plan that my hon. Friend mentioned— serious issue in my constituency. I have two very useful the major emerging plan to turn Northampton from a friends of station groups—one is Friends of Walkden town into a city—is a plan of a different order, so I will Station—and I have to say that the notion of moving to pass her comments on. step-free access at our station is a dream. I can understand why, if the dream was promised and then taken away, Ms Keeble: Does my hon. Friend really think that six many people would be disappointed. My hon. Friend weeks, starting on 28 July, is sufficient time for the local also raised spoke about the electrification of the Barking- community to be consulted on those major plans? Gospel Oak railway line.

Barbara Keeley: No, I do not. If my hon. Friend Harry Cohen rose— looks at the Cabinet Office policy on consultation, she will see that a six-week period that takes no account of Mr. Slaughter rose— a holiday season would in no sense be regarded as acceptable. She could remind her local council of the Barbara Keeley: I want to make progress and see if I Cabinet Office’s good practice guidance on consultation, can finish, as it is right for me to try to refer to all the and suggest that it starts to stick to it. She also mentioned contributions. the scale of the planning developments in her constituency. The next contribution came from the hon. Member My hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, Acton and for New Forest, East, who referred to the death of Cat Shepherd’s Bush (Mr. Slaughter) is not in his place—[HON. Hickman; she was killed in the Camberwell fire and our MEMBERS: “Yes, he is! He’s behind you!”] I should say thoughts and prayers are with her family on their terrible that it is very confusing when Members move around loss. The constituency of my right hon. and learned the Chamber, because I tend to fix them in my mind. Friend the Leader of the House is, of course, Camberwell My hon. Friend highlighted what seemed to be a really and Peckham, and I know how much she has done—even disgraceful example of a council—Hammersmith and bearing in mind the pressure at the end of this parliamentary Fulham council—carrying out a very difficult-sounding Session—to support her constituents over that incident. scheme that is putting people out of the estates where I will pass on the hon. Gentleman’s comments to her. they have lived since the 1950s and 1960s and moving a My hon. Friend the Member for Hayes and Harlington different type of person in. We have come across this (John McDonnell) spoke about Heathrow expansion before in this country, and it is a serious matter. My and particularly the bond scheme. He talked about hon. Friend has invited other Members to dissociate people and families being trapped in blighted properties. themselves from such actions, and it is open to them We will try to take that issue forward for him. to do so. John McDonnell: I say this more in sadness than in Mr. Slaughter: I apologise to my hon. Friend for anger—although my Mace days may not be completely confusing her, and for being slightly late for her speech. over—that, despite my raising the issue for three or four I blame the dodgy telly in the Adjournment restaurant, years, neither the Secretary of State nor any other rather than not wanting to hear the Opposition Front-Bench Transport Minister has visited my constituency to meet spokesman. However, I understand that the hon. Member the people who will lose their homes. Will my hon. for North-West Cambridgeshire (Mr. Vara) did not Friend yet again take back to the Transport Department mention several of the contributions to the debate. I the request for a Minister to visit the people whose wonder whether his failure to mention my speech illustrates homes are under threat? his embarrassment that senior politicians in the Conservative party are describing council estates in my constituency Barbara Keeley: I certainly will. as “ghettoes”, and that, over wine and canapés, they are— Several hon. Members rose— Mr. Speaker: Order. The enthusiasm of the hon. Barbara Keeley: I need to move on. Gentleman’s intervention is equalled only by its length. The hon. Member for South-East Cornwall (Mr. Breed) Barbara Keeley: My hon. Friend the Member for raised the importance of twinning for church groups Islington, North raised a serious issue about the funding and others who want to entertain visitors from such for further and higher education. He asked me to pass twinned area. I will make the necessary representations his comments on to the Secretary of State for Business, to the Minister for Borders and Immigration on the Innovation and Skills, and I am happy to do that. hon. Gentleman’s behalf. In common with him, I know how much churches and communities gain from those Jeremy Corbyn: I thank the Minister for mentioning visits. that, and for giving way. This is a very serious issue. Will My hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) she impress on the Secretary of State that he needs to raised a number of different issues, including rural intervene personally to save those jobs and student communities. He also spoke about violence in a constituency places? In no way should the people who are responsible pub that involved the British National party member, for this mess get off scot-free, yet it is the staff and Nick Griffin. That is a serious matter. The north-west, students who are losing their jobs and courses because particularly in Wigan, which adjoins my constituency, of those people’s incompetence in the past. has also seen violence around BNP meetings. When it happens, it reveals a very reprehensible aspect of BNP Barbara Keeley: Yes, indeed. politics; we just cannot have that at all. My hon. Friend 853 21 JULY 2009 Business without Debate 854

[Barbara Keeley] REGIONAL SELECT COMMITTEE (WEST MIDLANDS) also made representations on behalf of a head teacher Motion made, and other senior school staff against whom allegations That Dr Richard Taylor be a member of the West Midlands have been made. We are keenly aware of the effect that Regional Select Committee.—(Kerry McCarthy.) such allegations can have on a person’s health, family and career. I think it is a matter of working to ensure Hon. Members: Object. that the systems for dealing with such allegations are fair and capable of resolving the issues quickly. I know that my hon. Friend has made the same representations REGIONAL SELECT COMMITTEE on previous occasions, and I am sure that it has been (YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER) helpful for him to have made them again tonight. He Motion made, also referred to two Bills that he had introduced. That Mary Creagh be discharged from the Yorkshire and the The hon. Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans) gave Humber Regional Select Committee and Mr Austin Mitchell be another plug to the all-party beer group, which I suppose added.—(Kerry McCarthy.) we can expect at this time of year. I will refer on his key point about representatives of the emergency services Hon. Members: Object. forum wanting to speak to people in government. It is concerning when so many people lose their lives on holiday. It should be a happy time of year and people REGIONAL SELECT COMMITTEE should not come back from holidays, particularly in (SOUTH WEST) Spain, having lost loved ones. Motion made, The hon. Member for Leeds, North-West (Greg That Linda Gilroy be discharged from the South West Regional Mulholland)—[Interruption.] He is not in his place; he Select Committee and Roger Berry be added.—( Kerry McCarthy.) has obviously decided to go and sample the beer. Perhaps colleagues could pass on to him my response to the Hon. Members: Object. issues he raised about the north and the north-west. Leeds was the town I grew up in. The hon. Gentleman said that Leeds needs an arena, but wants Sheffield PETITIONS MPs to keep out of the debate. I should perhaps remind Surface Mining (Shropshire) him about a casino in Manchester, in respect of which Leeds got heavily involved. It seems that, over there in 10.1 pm Leeds, they need to take their own advice. I believe that I have touched on most of the issues Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): I wish to raise raised in the debate. If I have missed any out, I will an important issue in my constituency— make the necessary representations on behalf of hon. Mr. Speaker: Order. While I realise that there is a Members. certain joie de vivre among Members—which is much As we reflect on spending some 68 days working in to be appreciated—may I gently ask them to leave our constituencies, as well as having the odd fortnight quietly? May I also say, by way of a gentle request to the for a summer holiday, I would like to end by thanking Deputy Chief Whip, that it is a little unkind to intervene all House staff, particularly the Hansard writers who from a sedentary position, wittering to a colleague, make sense of our contributions. If they can make some when the hon. Member for The Wrekin (Mark Pritchard) sense of the debate that we have had tonight, that is addressing the House? clearly shows their talent. I also thank the staff of the Tea Room, who keep us all going— Mark Pritchard: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to raise a matter that is of great importance to my constituents in The Wrekin in Shropshire. I am 10 pm presenting this petition now because this is my last Motion lapsed (Standing Order No 9(3). opportunity to do so before the Secretary of State is likely to make a decision. The petition, signed by 500 people, reads as follows: Business without Debate The Petition of those opposed to UK Coal’s proposals for surface mining in Huntingdon Lane and New Works, Declares that the Petitioners oppose plans by UK Coal to re-open historic and new surface mining areas in and around New Works and Huntingdon Lane, believing that the proposals are ACCESS TO PARLIAMENT (UNITED KINGDOM contrary to current energy policies that are attempting to reduce MEMBERS OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT) climate change by moving towards more sustainable forms of Motion made, energy and which reduce CO2 and carbon emissions; and further declares that the local environment, ecology, highway network, That the Resolutions of the House of 30 January 1989 relating and the quality of life of local residents will be severely undermined to House of Commons Services and 6 December 1991 relating to should the proposal go ahead. Access (Former members and United Kingdom Members of the European Parliament) shall cease to have effect insofar as they The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons relate to United Kingdom members of the European Parliament.— urge the Government to put a stop to proposals for surface (Kerry McCarthy.) mining in Huntingdon Lane and New Works. And the Petitioners remain, etc. Hon. Members: Object. [P000400] 855 Business without Debate21 JULY 2009 Business without Debate 856

Decent Homes Programme (Funding) respect of people who have had life-saving medical treatment but, as a result, become infertile. However, 10.2 pm they have made provision to store embryos prior to the Mr. Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): Before treatment so that they are able to have biological children we break for the summer, I want to raise a matter that of their own. It cannot be right to force those in such requires action by the Government before the end of circumstances—those who have embryos stored under the recess. the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990—to I wish to present a petition on behalf of thousands of destroy those embryos because there is a gap between tenants in my constituency and that of my hon. Friend that Act and the 2008 Act. A statutory instrument the Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake), before the House at the moment will, I hope, be debated and, indeed, thousands of tenants well beyond the in October. It would be tragic if embryos were destroyed confines of the London borough of Sutton. It relates to in September and therefore the House did not have a the shocking news that decent housing funding, which chance to bring its judgment to bear on the matter. I is there to pay for major renovation and other works, is hope therefore that, at the very least, Ministers will act to be redirected to the construction of new buildings, to prevent that destruction prior to the House returning including new homes. in October. I believe that there should be no destruction at all. There should not be a choice between renovation and new build. In the case of Sutton, where £112 million The petition states: was expected to be available to pay for the replacement of more than 800 antiquated box bathrooms, insulation The Petition of people who have embryos stored and other energy efficiency work, and much-needed under the terms of the 1990 Human Fertilisation and improvements to plumbing and electricity in many Embryology Act and the regulations made there under developments, it is really disturbing to learn that the and others, money is to be siphoned off. It comes as a blow to the morale of staff in Sutton Housing Partnership who have Declares that the Human Fertilisation and Embryology been working hard to draw up the plans and prepare for (Statutory Storage Period for Embryos and Gametes) the Audit Commission’s inspection this autumn, and Regulations 2009 (S.I., 2009, No. 1582), dated 25 July has caused a sense of betrayal among the tenants. 2009, a copy of which was laid before this House on 1 July, does not provide for the preservation of embryos The petition reads as follows: whose statutory storage period has expired; is concerned To the House of Commons, that in circumstances where people have stored embryos The Petition of the tenants of Sutton Housing Partnership and under 1991 regulations ahead of medical treatment that others, renders one or the other of them infertile that the lack Declares that the decision to postpone and cut back funding to of transitional regulations in S.I., 2009, No. 1582 will support home improvement works to meet the Government’s result in embryos being destroyed against the express decent homes standard will condemn thousands of tenants to a wishes of the donor. future in poor and inadequate housing while continuing to pay millions of pounds in rent as a negative subsidy to the Treasury. Further declares that the Human Fertilisation and Further declares that the decision to switch funds from improvement Embryology Authority supported the case for allowing to new build is misjudged and was made without consultation with local authorities, Arms Length Management Organisations people in such cases to have access to further extensions or tenants. to the storage period. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons The Petitioners therefore request that the House of calls upon Her Majesty’s Government not to renege on its promises and stand by their pledge to tenants by fully funding the decent Commons calls upon Her Majesty’s Government to home programme. bring forward further regulations to allow for the continued And the Petitioners remain, etc. storage of embryos for those who actively desire it in order that they might use them to have a family by [P000401] means of surrogacy and act immediately to suspend the Storage of Embryos destruction of such embryos where the donors so wish. 10.4 pm And the Petitioners remain, etc. Mr. Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): My [P000402] second petition relates to an issue of human rights in 857 21 JULY 2009 Gurkha Pensions 858

Gurkha Pensions living in Nepal, and that the process of moving from the old to the new scheme has been relatively painless. They Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House believe that it is only right and proper that the differential do now adjourn.—(Kerry McCarthy.) is upheld. 10.7 pm I met the Gurkha Welfare Society, and Major Tikendradal Dewan in particular said to me that although Mr. David Drew (Stroud) (Lab/Co-op): I am delighted they do not want any particular special favours, they to have this debate, the last act of the Session. I welcome want justice, and they feel that the pensions are not you to the Chair, Mr. Speaker, and wish you and your right. They refer back to the tripartite agreement between family a happy recess. I also welcome the Minister, the Britain, India and Nepal and the fact that Gurkhas who Whip and my hon. Friend the Member for Hayes and retired before 1997 are considerably worse off. The crux Harlington (John McDonnell). of the questions I have put to the Government are This is an important debate and one that has reverberated about the £1.5 billion cost of not only the pensions but for some months since the settlement issue was resolved. of the settlement, and its repercussions for pensions. I have taken an active part in the matter, as the Minister That figure has been questioned. It is not a cheap will know. I have asked a number of parliamentary option, and now we have gone along the settlement questions and I feature in the accompanying paper from route, we must get the pensions right. I welcome this the Library, which is a good backcloth to the issue. opportunity to debate the issue. The Gurkha Welfare Surprisingly, in some respects, I supported the Society asked me to put in some questions, which I have Government over the settlement issue. I did so because I done, and to seek an Adjournment debate, which I have felt that the motion moved by the Liberal Democrats also now achieved. was opportunistic and did not take account of the full The notion is that there is still unfairness because of consequences of settlement, principally Gurkha pensions. the 1997 break. Those Gurkhas who received a pension I did not go gooey-eyed at the thought of having my before 1997 receive a much lower pension than those photo taken with Joanna Lumley, but I took some stick awarded one post 1997, and they feel that that has got in my local press from people who thought I was to be put right. At present, these 36,000 Gurkhas receive unwilling to take the side of the Gurkhas. I am trying to a monthly pension supplement of as little as a sixth, or reverse that now by taking forward the argument on even as low as an eighth, of that of a UK soldier whom Gurkha pensions. they serve alongside. A Gurkha pension received today This is an issue that leads to considerable emotion as by those who retired prior 1997 is about £172 per I found when I met the Gurkha Welfare Society. I month for a rank below corporal, and £351 for a thought it was a useful meeting. I also went to see the lieutenant, which is way below the figures for someone Nepalese chargé d’affaires in London. There is another on the armed forces pension scheme. reason why I voted as I did. It involves a Member whom I know that the argument that the Government advance I shall not name as he is a good friend of mine who sits is that, in the main, Gurkhas have served for less time on the Opposition Benches. He is a former Gurkha and have retired earlier, even though these are very officer and some years ago he expressed the concern to brave people who have served this country immeasurably me that if we got this wrong by arbitrarily changing the in so many different ways. However, this sore has to be conditions of service and Gurkha pensions, we could recognised and remedied. Gurkhas feel that it is a form end up doing the very thing we did not want to do: of discrimination and make the point that one of the undermine, and possibly destroy, the Gurkha relationship reasons why they retired earlier and served less time was with the British armed forces, rather than sustain it. It because that was the expectation. The 15-year limitation was therefore important to find out whether that was was not of their making; it was what the scheme demanded. likely, and what the repercussions were of the settlement Many Gurkhas would have liked to have served for vote. longer, but the scheme did not allow them to do so. In Things have moved on and some sores have healed, addition, many served much shorter times than that but there is an ongoing worry and growing anger. It is and so are particularly disadvantaged. felt that the pay and conditions, and principally the pensions, have to be resolved as a matter of urgency. Contrary to what the Minister has said—I know that That was the sentiment of the Nepalese Government he has been to Nepal and I am sure that he will talk representatives and the Gurkha Welfare Society. about that—former Gurkhas who have retired to Nepal do not have a life of luxury and many face deprivations. I welcome the fact that my hon. Friend the Minister As they say—this point has been made clearly to me—one has, in a sense, got his retaliation in first as a letter has strong reason why so many have to seek alternative been sent to the Members who signed early-day motion employment and take on dangerous jobs in Iraq and 1726, which basically sets out the Government’s position—I Afghanistan is that they do not see themselves having a am not going to pursue that argument now because I well paid future in Nepal. They have, thus, sought to use am sure the Minister will use his own opportunity to their military expertise in some of the most dangerous respond to my points. The Government position, if I parts of the world. have got this right, is that the arrangement whereby, pre-1997, the Gurkha pension scheme is the extant My final point on this element of my submission is method by which people are paid, and post-1997, people that a penalty is implicitly involved for those who have move on to the regular armed forces pension scheme, converted from the Gurkha pension scheme to the should not be subject to retrospection. The Government armed forces pension scheme: a transfer rate of three to feel that legal judgments support their view. They also one; for every 15 years on the GPS someone gets only feel that the pre-1997 rewards to those 36,000 Gurkha five years on the AFPS. That penalty is discriminatory pensioners are sufficient because many of them are and is where much of the hurt comes from. 859 Gurkha Pensions21 JULY 2009 Gurkha Pensions 860

I know that complex arguments are involved here, The Gurkhas are a key part of the British armed including those about where the Gurkhas were based. forces, and we wish that to remain the case. But there is The Gurkha regiment was not necessarily based in this an ongoing feeling of unfairness. This will not go away country, although at times in the 1960s there was a even if the settlement issue has been resolved. I ask my regiment here. There was a regiment in Hong Kong hon. Friend to look carefully at what is being said, how until July 1997, and so making comparisons is difficult. this can be funded, to talk directly both to the Gurkha However, if we believe in justice and fairness—we have Welfare Society, which is the advocate for the Gurkhas, now accepted the settlement issue—we must move on and to the Nepalese Government—who support Gurkhas the pension issue. If we do not, we will be penalising the who choose to live in this country and those who very people who may wish to come to this country and choose to live in Nepal—and to provide the wherewithal who we are now encouraging to come to this country. so that we can resolve this situation once and for all. They will be coming here on a pension that will not allow them to live in this country on anything other 10.22 pm than poverty wages. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Kevan Jones): I congratulate my hon. Friend the John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): My Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on securing tonight’s constituency contains a large Gurkha community; the Adjournment debate on Gurkha pensions, which gives Hayes Nepalese association has now been formed and it me an opportunity to explain what the Government are contains at least 500 people. The old patterns of pension doing for Gurkha pension arrangements and explode payment no longer reflect the pattern of settlement of some of the myths that surround them. Unfortunately, Gurkhas, as families now want to reunite, even in this my hon. Friend has repeated some of those myths country. As a result, some are living on very low incomes. tonight. Mr. Drew: That is the case, which is why I am pleased The Government recognise the debt of honour that to have secured this debate, even if it is at this late hour, we owe the Gurkhas, their bravery and the contribution at the very last moment of this Session. We have examined that they have made not only in current operations but the settlements issue in terms of the closeness of ties, in the first and second world wars, as well as their proud and we have now identified that that closeness is a tradition of contributing to the security and safety of strong reason why the settlement is allowed, but we our country. We need to recognise that the issue of must move further on the equality of treatment, particularly Gurkha pensions cannot be taken in isolation from pension treatment. The comparison with India and other pension arrangements for either the British armed those troops from the Indian part of the tripartite forces or other public servants. Gurkha pensions are agreement is also worth dwelling on for a moment. The part of a wider package of terms and conditions of Gorkhas—the Indian equivalent of the Gurkhas—were service that were designed to recognise and reward the similarly disadvantaged because there was, again, a dedication to which I have just referred. Many high-quality break pre-1997. Interestingly, India has recognised that recruits come forward every year to enter the Gurkha that break is wrong and I understand that it now treats regiment—typically 17,000 for 2,000 places. A place in those who retired before that date in the same way as it the Gurkha regiment is highly prized by families in treats those who retired thereafter. That makes a significant Nepal. difference, and there has always been an understanding In general, pension schemes need to recognise the that that is right in that case, so I ask the Minister why service given by individuals in their occupations, and that does not apply to the Gurkhas. It is causing hurt that is what the Gurkha pension scheme has done for among those who have retired as well as later generations, successive generations of Gurkhas. I want to dispel one because Gurkha servicemen do not think, “Oh, we’re all myth. I was in Nepal earlier this year, and I know that right and our predecessors do not matter.” This matters the pension provides a comfortable retirement income. to one and all in the Gurkha community and to many To describe Gurkha pensioners as living in poverty or others in Nepal. deprivation could not be further from the truth. I met I ask the Minister to look again at this issue. I am many of them when I was in the country, and I can tell sure that he will say that the law is clear, and there have my hon. Friend that their standard of living is very high been judgments that would allow the Government to compared with that of many of their fellow citizens. I feel that the 1997 break is the right place for the shall say more about that later. differential to be imposed. But that is not the view of Before I explain the position of Gurkha veterans, it is the Gurkha community, and it is certainly not the view important to dispel some myths surrounding the GPS. of the Gurkha Welfare Society, which has raised this It cannot be separated from other pension schemes, with me and other hon. Members. including the current and previous schemes for our It is not only a question of money. There is an armed forces. It has been the policy of this and previous argument about what this would cost. If many Gurkhas Governments that the terms and conditions of pension came to settle in this country, fewer resources would be arrangements cannot be changed retrospectively after available for Nepal. The Nepalese Government people leave public service. That is true for the GPS and representatives have made it clear that it is up to the for the pension schemes covering the armed forces and individuals to make their minds up where they wish to the public sector as a whole. The GPS cannot be treated reside. As long as they receive support when they are separately so I shall deal with it in detail because, when living in Nepal, the Nepalese Government will be we talk about “equalisation”, we must understand what satisfied, but if people choose to resettle in this country, that means in practice. they have to be compensated for the higher cost of Let us be clear—under the GPS, all Gurkhas with living, and that can only be done if they have a decent service after 1997 now enjoy the same terms and conditions pension. as their British equivalents. We are therefore talking 861 Gurkha Pensions21 JULY 2009 Gurkha Pensions 862

[Mr. Kevan Jones] explained last week when I met the British Gurkha Welfare Society. The society has put out some about veterans who retired before 1997 and comparing misinformation about costs and I asked for clarification. their scheme with that of their contemporaries with the same period of service. Mr. Drew: That argument presupposes that most Gurkhas want to stay in Nepal. The settlement issue The GPS pays a pension after a rifleman has completed now implies that many Gurkhas will want to relocate to 15 years’ service, so a man who joins at the age of 18 can the UK, which is where the problems start. retire at 33. In contrast, the armed forces pension scheme 1975 does not pay a pension until age 60 for Mr. Jones: I shall return to that point, as I want to other ranks with fewer than 22 years’ service. That talk about equalisation. covers the majority of British veterans, and means that Our estimates are that it would cost about £1.5 billion most Gurkhas receive a significant pension value before over 20 years to equalise pensions, yet only 10 per cent. equivalent British soldiers receive anything at all. of Gurkhas would be beneficiaries. The British Gurkha My hon. Friend was right to say that, by the time Welfare Society says that we have been scaremongering they reach 60, Gurkhas receive lower monthly pension and that our figures are wrong, but its figures are payments than their British counterparts. However, Gurkhas higher. I pointed out that its briefing notes for Members soldiers will have received some 27 years’ of annual of Parliament showed that the figure would be £126 million, payments by that point, whereas their British equivalents but failed to indicate that that was per year. Actually, will have received none. the figure would be considerably higher than the £1.5 billion that we estimate and, as I said, only 10 per In any scheme, the earlier pensions are drawn, the cent.—mainly in the officer class—would benefit. lower the annual payments will be. Nevertheless, the reality is that a Gurkha who reaches 60 will generally It has been said that we are not talking about have received at least as much pension value as a British retrospection, but we are. We are being asked to change soldier with an identical period of service, if not more. the agreements and conditions under which individuals joined the scheme. We have never operated pension For example, a Gurkha rifleman who retired in 1994 schemes in that way in this country and it could open up at age 33 will have received some £61,000 in pension other schemes to such an approach. payments so far, at 2009 prices. In comparison, a member To return to my hon. Friend’s point about settlement, of the armed forces pension scheme 1975 who is the I was concerned about the suggestion that we were same age will not have received any pension yet. When changing the pension arrangements to stop people coming both turn 60 in 2021, the Gurkha will receive an annual to the UK. In the debate, I made the argument from the payment of £2,900, whereas his British equivalent will Dispatch Box that when I visited Nepal earlier this year, start getting £5,700 a year. That is assuming that the it was apparent that most Gurkhas did not want to retail prices index in both countries is the same, although come to the UK. What they wanted was pensions. I am in fact the rate in Nepal is, at 14 per cent., much higher sorry, but people cannot have it both ways. They cannot than here. As I announced earlier this year, we have argue that they want to settle in this country and then increased Gurkha pensions in line with that rate so, argue that if increased pensions were paid, they would based on those figures, the British soldier would never stay in Nepal. catch up with his Gurkha equivalent. I know that my hon. Friend has had talks with the The crossover point, when a British veteran’s pension Nepalese Government, as I have. My concern is that we is significantly better than that of a Gurkha, is generally would be taking about £56 million out of the Nepalese at senior NCO level. If we agreed to equalisation, the economy if we changed the arrangements in any way. I only significant improvement would be for a relatively still think that that would be a consequence of large small group—about 10 per cent.—of officers. It is not numbers of Gurkhas settling in this country. It is not the case that equalisation of the pension would benefit consistent to argue that we should introduce changes to the majority of Gurkhas. stop people coming to the UK, when only a few weeks The Gurkha pension provides a good standard of ago it was argued that we should give them rights of living in Nepal. The figures look low in comparison settlement in this country. We are working with welfare with Britain, but £172 a month is equivalent to the organisations to make sure that the settlement process salary of a doctor or chief of police in Nepal, and more is put in place. I am pleased that that work is being than is paid to a Member of Parliament there. A British carried out with the Gurkha Welfare Society and others. soldier who served less than 22 years before 1975 receives If there is a message that should go from the Dispatch no pension at all. Many Members have championed the Box tonight to Nepal, it is that I want people who cause of people who served 21 years before 1975 and decide to come and settle in the UK to make that received no pension. decision on the basis of the full facts. They should not On my hon. Friend’s point about a special case for come here thinking that the existing pension that they the Gurkhas, yes, we are making a special case, in terms have secured will buy a good standard of living here. of the UK equivalent: whereas a Gurkha on the GPS is What appals me is that certain organisations—not eligible for an immediate pension after only 15 years, his the Gurkha Welfare Society, which is a responsible UK equivalent is not. When we talk of equalisation, we organisation—are taking money and encouraging people need to be very clear about the fact that in most to come to this country on the basis of false information. circumstances a Gurkha veteran’s pension is at least as That is very worrying. good, if not better, over the whole life of the pension, In conclusion, the issue has been before the High than his British counterpart’s. If we transferred the Court on a number of occasions and has been legally Gurkhas to the equivalent of the 1975 or the 2005 challenged. In the debate a few weeks ago, the previous scheme, they would not be significantly better off, as I Home Secretary, the Home Affairs Committee and the 863 Gurkha Pensions21 JULY 2009 Gurkha Pensions 864 chair of the all-party Gurkha group all made it clear 10.37 pm that immigration rights and pensions are two separate issues. We continue to argue that the arrangements that House adjourned without Question put (Standing Order we have put in place for Gurkhas are fair and give a No. 9(7)). good standard of living to Gurkhas in Nepal. When I was there—

193WH 21 JULY 2009 Israeli Settlements 194WH

The Israeli wall, which is illegal according to the Westminster Hall International Court of Justice, will extend to 725 km. About 60 per cent. of it has been built and—surprise, surprise— parts of it are not along historic boundaries, Tuesday 21 July but nick more Palestinian land. The west bank has about 121 settlements and dozens of outposts, which [MR.DAVID AMESS in the Chair] could be described as nascent settlements. The World Bank estimates that about one third of settlement land is on private Palestinian land, the remainder being on Israeli Settlements communal land under Ottoman law. It is agreed by the Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting Palestinians that built-up settlements constitute 1.7 per be now adjourned.—[Mr. Watts.] cent. of the west bank, but the municipal boundaries into which those settlements have expanded historically 9.30 am constitute 9 per cent. of the west bank. As we all know, we have ended up with fragmentation of Palestinian Rob Marris (Wolverhampton, South-West) (Lab): It towns and villages in the west bank with around 227 is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr. Amess. separate Palestinian areas, which the Israeli Government I want to put on the record my thanks to the Palestine are connecting with tunnels, which—surprise, surprise—are Solidarity Campaign for its briefing, to the Library for also subject to closures and checkpoints. its excellent debate pack, to Oxfam, with which I had a brief telephone conversation, and to the excellent Chris All those factors—the military areas, the nature Doyle from the Council for Arab-British Understanding. reserves and so on—have resulted in about 12 per cent. I also pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for of historic Palestine being left with the Palestinians and Battersea (Martin Linton) who had the previous 88 per cent., one way or another, with the Israelis. That Westminster Hall debate on this subject on 17 December is down from 1948 when the Israelis had 54 per cent. last year, and has been a tireless advocate for the rights and the Palestinians had 48 per cent., and that makes it of Palestinians in the middle east. is extremely difficult to have peace in the middle east. Successive Israeli Governments promised seriatim to When the United Kingdom was an imperial power, free settlements and to remove outposts, including, in we went to places such as Canada, Australia and Rhodesia, March 2001, in phase 1 of the road map, in April and occupied them militarily. We stole the land, and 2001 following the Mitchell report, in November 2007 people went to live there. Those countries, under UK following the Annapolis conference, and recently in control, were called colonies. “Settlement” is a cosy discussions between Prime Minister Netanyahu and word, and I will use it because it is the common word, President Barack Obama of the USA. but the west bank, the Golan heights, Gaza and East Jerusalem are colonies, and we should not lose sight of We must examine the situation on the ground. In that. 1972, there were about 10,500 settlers in the west bank, Gaza, East Jerusalem and the Golan heights. The latest I have no quarrel with the people of Israel, but I do figures that I have, for 2007, show that there are about have a quarrel with the successive Israeli Governments 474,000 settlers in the west bank, East Jerusalem and whom some Israeli people chose to elect, and it is sad the Golan heights. They are no longer in Gaza because that the bright ambition for a better future of many in 2005 the settlements there were evacuated. The Golan Jews who move to Palestine has been tarnished by a heights are often overlooked, but in 1972 there were state that is, although in many ways successful, in some 77 settlers, and in 2006 there were more than 18,000 in ways a failed state. It has fallen out with most of its 32 settlements, so in the west bank and the Golan neighbours, so it cannot guarantee the security of its heights in the past six years the number of settlers has citizens, which is sad. I emphasise that I support the risen from 211,500 to 289,500—a 37 per cent. increase right of Israel to exist, and I also support a two-state in six years. That trend is deeply disturbing and continues solution, but how is that to be achieved, given the apace. fragmentation of land, particularly in the west bank? In 2008, the population of the state of Israel increased What would be the size and shape of a Palestinian by 1.8 per cent., but the population of the settlements state? Gaza, East Jerusalem and the west bank extend increased by 5.6 per cent., a threefold greater increase in to about 5,600 sq km, which is much smaller than the settler population than in the overall population of historically was the case. When the mandate expired in the state of Israel. Successive Israeli Governments have 1948, 54 per cent. of historic Palestine was ceded to the been totally complicit in encouraging settlements. Pinchas Israelis and 48 per cent. to the Palestinians. After the Wallerstein, Director-General of the Yesha Council of six-day war in 1967, which I am old enough to remember Settlements, a leading figure in the settlement movement, vividly, the figures were 78 per cent. for the Israelis and said: 22 per cent. for the Palestinians. Let us consider what that 22 per cent. constitutes. It includes 48 closed military “I’m not familiar with any” areas in the west bank. It includes nature reserves, building which too often become settlements years later. It includes “plans that were not the initiative of the Israeli government.” roads for the use only of settlers, and they are not just little roads, but are 125 m wide. There are many of Successive Israeli Governments have provided settlers them, and they take up a lot of land. There are innumerable with grants and tax breaks, although they have now closures in the west bank—my latest count is 614, been stopped, but preferential loan arrangements are including checkpoints, partial checkpoints, road gates, still available. roadblocks, earth mounds, trenches, road barriers and It is clear that settlements are not simply about earth walls. population or military security. Uzi Arad, national 195WH Israeli Settlements21 JULY 2009 Israeli Settlements 196WH

[Rob Marris] “We have made very clear that we oppose the expansion of settlements. Settlements are illegal and their expansion is an security adviser to Benjamin Netanyahu, was reported obstacle to the peace process.” in the Financial Times on 11 July to have said: I wrote back about the E1 area, which is a large area “Damacus should know that neither this government nor the just east of East Jerusalem, which is where, arguably, majority of Israelis would agree a complete withdrawal” the Government of Israel are trying to create what they are pleased to call “facts on the ground”. The same from the Golan heights Minister wrote to me on 20 May, saying: “since that would compromise national security, water and settlement “We agree that activity in the E1 area is of great needs.” concern...Continued settlement activity is contrary to Israel’s Part of the problem concerns water. commitments under the Road Map...We, and our EU partners, continue to condemn illegal Israeli settlements...On 20 February I will discuss the legal position, but I will not discuss the EU issued a statement condemning Israeli settlement activity”. the many attacks by settlers on Palestinians, most of which, as far as one can tell, are not punished. I will not That condemnation is fine. It should be there. Let us talk about the intricacies of labelling goods and products consider what the Harvard programme on humanitarian from the settlements, but I will talk about the legality of policy and conflict research said in January 2004 about some of those issues. I will not talk about the labour the status of occupied land and what an occupying standards suffered by the estimated 20,000 to 30,000 power could use it for: Palestinians who work on settlement land now controlled “The Hague regulations…require that the Occupying Power by Israelis, and who do not often get minimum labour administer public lands, but only under the rules of usufruct, i.e. standards such as the minimum wage. title to the public land is not transferred to the Occupying Power. The Occupying Power only acquires control over the ‘fruits’ of The legal position is clear. There have been successive the land, and may engage in profitable use of public lands only for UN Security Council resolutions—for example, resolution the benefit of the local population, as well as to cover the cost of 465 from 1980, which stated that the occupation itself…Further, an Occupying Power cannot requisition or seize private property on grounds other than security, unless “all measures taken by Israel to change the physical character, such action is undertaken in accordance with local legislation in demographic composition, institutional structure or status of the the occupied territory”. Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Jerusalem, or any part thereof have no legal validity and…Israel’s There have been clear cases of seizures of private property policy and practices of settling parts of its population and new in the occupied territories leading to settlements on that immigrants in those territories constitute a flagrant violation of seized land. As I said, the World Bank estimates that the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian one third of settlement land is on private land. Persons in Time of War and also constitute a serious obstruction to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the We therefore have the background legal position. For Middle East”. those who are not lawyers—I am fortunate enough to That is one of several Security Council resolutions on be a lawyer by training, although I do not moonlight, so the issue. I have not practised in the eight years for which I have been a Member of Parliament—let me say that under In the advisory opinion by the International Court of that legal doctrine, public authorities are under an Justice in 2004 on the legal consequences of the construction obligation not to take any action that would imply of a wall in the occupied Palestinian territory, it recognition for the consequences of an internationally unanimously ruled that settlements were illegal. It stated criminal act. For example, collecting customs duties for that goods from settlements could imply recognition. There “since 1977, Israel has conducted a policy and developed practices is a strong argument that the United Kingdom Government involving the establishment of settlements in the Occupied Palestinian are in breach of that and have, de facto, recognised Territory, contrary to the terms of article 49, paragraph 6, of the those settlements and the produce that comes from Fourth Geneva Convention which provides: ‘The Occupying Power them. shall not deport or transfer parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies.’” On 22 July 2008, my hon. Friend the Member for High Peak (Tom Levitt) asked the Government about The opinion continued: customs duties. He asked, “The Court concludes that the Israeli settlements in the Occupied “how much in duties has been collected from companies importing Palestinian Territory (including East Jerusalem) have been established produce into the UK from Israeli settlements in the occupied in breach of international law.” Palestinian territory”. There are important legal issues for our Governments. The then Treasury Minister, my right hon. Friend the There is a strong argument that Israeli settlements are Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Jane Kennedy), replied: explicitly a war crime, because when one occupies territory, “Between 1 February 2005 and 31 January 2008, HM Revenue there is, under international law, a limit to what one can and Customs have issued demands for approximately £338,000 do there. The allegation that the settlements are a war customs duty on products imported into the UK from Israeli crime was re-emphasised in the Rome statute, and it was settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory under the provisions incorporated in English law in the International Criminal of the EC-Israel Association agreement.”—[Official Report,22 Court Act 2001—section 55 in particular. The UK’s July 2008; Vol. 479, c. 1393W.] Geneva Conventions Act 1957 criminalises those who When my hon. Friend the Member for Milton Keynes, aid and abet violations. South-West (Dr. Starkey) asked a similar question less The UK Government position has been very clear. than a week ago, on 16 July 2009, the successor Treasury For example, the then Foreign Office Minister, who is Minister, my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary now the Minister of State, Ministry of Defence, my to the Treasury, replied: hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Bill Rammell), “In the 12 months ending 31 March 2009, HM Revenue and wrote to me on 12 March 2009, saying: Customs have issued demands for £21,494 customs duty on 197WH Israeli Settlements21 JULY 2009 Israeli Settlements 198WH products imported into the UK from Israeli settlements in the when nobody is looking, and the settlements continue occupied Palestinian territory under the provisions of the EC-Israel to expand, even though they breach several UN Security Association Agreement.”—[Official Report, 16 July 2009; Vol. Council resolutions and international conventions. 496, c. 689W.] The Government have raised the issue of settlements Products are coming into the United Kingdom from with successive Israeli Governments, but to no avail, what many of us believe to be illegal settlements—there and the settlements continue to expand. Having repeatedly are strong legal arguments at international level that tried diplomatic pressure on successive Israeli Governments, they are illegal settlements—yet we are accepting them they should now ban not only imports from settlements, into our country quite openly, to the point at which we but all imports from Israel, as well as introducing a are collecting customs duties on them. There may be defence embargo, until Israel abides by its international other products being sneaked in, but we are collecting legal obligations. If, surprisingly, the Minister does not customs duties on them. agree with a total ban on imports, I would be grateful if Understandably, therefore, my hon. Friend the Member he could explain why. for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Lynne Jones) asked: “for what reasons the Government is not seeking a prohibition on Several hon. Members rose— the importation of goods from illegal Israeli settlements other than under the Preferential Trade Agreement.” Mr. David Amess (in the Chair): Order. The winding-up The Minister who is with us today replied: speeches will start at 10.30 am, and eight hon. Members “The Government believe that the best way forward is to seek wish to speak. I certainly want to call everyone, but that ways to offer consumers better advice on whether goods have means, mathematically, that hon. Members should take been produced in illegal Israeli settlements.”—[Official Report,8 no more than five minutes. July 2009; Vol. 495, c. 856W.] We certainly need much more consumer information. There will be several hon. Members present who, like 9.53 am me, search on supermarket shelves to try to find the Dr. Evan Harris (Oxford, West and Abingdon) (LD): origin of this stuff, to ensure that we are not buying I will certainly keep within that time limit, Mr. Amess. I stuff that would make us complicit in what is going on apologise in advance for the fact that I must shortly in the occupied territories in terms of production and attend a Select Committee that the House eventually set export from settlements. up last night, so I will not be able to stay for some of the The then Foreign Office Minister, now the Minister winding-up speeches. of State, Ministry of Defence, wrote to me on 12 I want to make two brief observations as someone March, saying: who recognises Israel’s security needs. One, which the “We are…looking at what practical steps we can take to hon. Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Rob discourage settlement expansion, such as ensuring that goods Marris) clearly and expertly made early on, is that produced in illegal settlements do not benefit from EU trading although Israel has security issues, the settlements make agreements with Israel.” them worse. Not only are the settlements unlawful by I have to say, however, that I am deeply disturbed about any judgment of international law, and not only are the position on such products. they unacceptable, a provocation and a barrier to the Commendably, the Government agree that there should peace process, but they make the task of providing be a freeze on settlements, and that is to be encouraged, security for Israel—I recognise the need to do that—more but I would like it to go further. I therefore have some difficult. Not only can the settlements not be justified, questions for the Minister. First, do the Government therefore, but they are totally counter-productive in agree that there should not only be a freeze, but that all terms of Israeli security. That leads many of those, such existing settlements should be evacuated? If not, why as myself, who are more receptive to Israel’s security not? Secondly, will the Minister confirm that UK-based needs to question whether Israel’s settlements policy is charities should not donate money to settlements? That an adequate motive for many of the other things that is certainly the pattern in the USA, and I would appreciate Israel does. some clarity about the legal position of charities in the The same applies to the Golan heights. The military UK. occupation, which is argued for on the basis of security Thirdly, will the Minister confirm that the EU-Israel needs in the absence of a long-term peace with Syria, is association agreement, which gives tariff breaks, does something we can debate—whether or not we agree not apply to goods exported from settlements to the with it or understand it, we can at least see the basis on EU, including the UK? Fourthly, why do the Government which Israel takes its view. However, placing civilians allow any products from Israeli settlements in the occupied somewhere where they are essentially in harm’s way and Palestinian territories to be imported into the UK? putting extra burdens on the Israeli security services Fifthly, why do they condone such imports by allowing that must protect those civilians is entirely unfathomable them in and then levying customs duties on them? Have from a logical or rational point of view, and it cannot be they obtained a legal opinion on the legality or otherwise defended. of such imports? If not, why not? If they have, when did The same goes for the west bank, where the civilian they obtain it? Will the Minister or one of his ministerial occupation of another people’s land makes peace more colleagues release the conclusions—not the entirety—of difficult to obtain in the long run. It also engenders that legal advice? extremism among the Israeli population, because settlers The position in international law is clear: the settlements are likely to be extremely defensive and perhaps more and the wall are illegal, but the settlements continue to zealous in their opinions about the historical boundaries expand. Every now and then, there is the fig leaf of a of the biblical country, which is not a good basis on freeze on settlement building, but the freeze is lifted which to move forward to peace. The occupation also 199WH Israeli Settlements21 JULY 2009 Israeli Settlements 200WH

[Dr. Evan Harris] Palestinian citizens of that village? The home in question was owned by a black family—I think the only black places extra burdens on the security services and raises family in the village—who had left their original home the security stakes. Whatever one believes, therefore, and fled from Israeli violence in 1948, and had built the about Israel’s right to exist, which I support, and however home that was now being destroyed by an occupying sympathetic one is, as I am, to some of the measures power. that it takes to protect itself, one simply cannot defend Many other consequences flow from the settlements, the settlement policy, which, in terms of Israel, is the such as the settler roads, checkpoints and other security single biggest barrier to progress in the middle east. measures, and the barrier that has been extensively The other point that I want to make is that it is documented by B’Tselem and other organisations. That unacceptable for British consumers not to know which is primarily there to protect settlements, and not to products come from illegal Israeli settlements in the protect Israel’s security; it can, clearly, be accessed, but west bank. We have all sorts of labelling requirements it is built into Palestinian territory to achieve that aim. that are not justified scientifically—on genetic modification, As I think has been established, the consequence and for example—but there is no provision to introduce the actuality is that 227 separate Palestinian enclaves—one labelling on a human rights issue that it is critical for cannot call them more than that—now make up the people to understand if they are to make an informed west bank. They make up no more than 12 per cent. of choice and show where their support lies. I therefore the territory of historic Palestine. That “Bantustanisation” urge the Minister rapidly to give further thought to how is increasingly making a two-state solution impossible. labelling can be introduced. From a human rights, an international law and a Ms Karen Buck (Regent’s Park and Kensington, North) security point of view, the settlements are unacceptable, (Lab): Does my hon. Friend agree that the access roads and I strongly support the approach taken by the hon. issue is a concern not just because of the impact on Gentleman, who has done us the favour of bringing this Palestinian lives, and the day-to-day humiliations that issue before us. so many people must undergo, but because the economic recovery of the west bank is made almost impossible by the way Palestinian land is subdivided and people are 9.58 am prevented from going about their business? Mr. Andy Slaughter (Ealing, Acton and Shepherd’s Bush) (Lab): I, too, will try to keep within my time, Mr. Slaughter: Yes, that is true. Reports to this House Mr. Amess. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member have shown that, and if I had more time I would go into for Wolverhampton, South-West (Rob Marris) on securing more detail about the overall crippling effects on Palestinian the debate and on his excellent contribution. I hope that civil society and life that arise from the settlements, the Minister will be able to answer his many pertinent which go way beyond that. questions. We can see the intention that was set out by the There can be no doubt that settlements are the test Israeli Government. There are famous quotations, mainly issue in the middle east peace process, and the new US from Ariel Sharon, because he had perhaps a nicer turn Administration have rightly made them so. President of phrase. Back in 1973 he said: Obama famously said: “We’ll make a pastrami sandwich of them, we’ll insert a strip “The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued of Jewish settlements in between the Palestinians, and then another Israeli settlements. This construction violates previous agreements strip of Jewish settlements right across the west Bank, so that in and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these 25 years, neither the United Nations, nor the USA, nobody, will settlements to stop.” be able to tear it apart.” More recently, the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, A prescient comment, perhaps, but of course he was the said of President Obama: architect of much of that carving up. In 1998 he went on to say, addressing a meeting of right-wing militants: “He wants to see a stop to settlements—not some settlements, not outposts, not ‘natural growth’ exceptions.” “Everybody has to move, run and grab as many hilltops as they can to enlarge the settlements because everything we take now It is obvious why settlements are the issue. My hon. will stay ours...Everything we don’t grab will go to them.” Friend mentioned international law, and settlements are I am afraid that that is not history or extremism: it is clear breaches of it. They are also an easy issue for the what we now see with the current extremist Israeli general public to understand. They are, quite literally, Government. concrete proposals and they are an act of occupation. For most people who look at the issue in a fair and At the beginning of this month the Housing Minister objective manner, that is clearly an injustice that cries Ariel Atias, according to Haaretz, out to be corrected. “warned against the spread of Arab population into various parts of Israel, saying that preventing this phenomenon was no less There is inequity in a situation in which the demolition than a national responsibility.” of Palestinian homes goes side by side with massive settlement-building. I was on the west bank in 2007 and To the credit of the Israeli population—and I am a I spent a harrowing morning with parliamentary colleagues supporter of the state of Israel—most of the 150 comments watching the Israeli security services knocking down on the article described that as exactly what it was: the upper floor of a Palestinian home, with bulldozers apartheid and racism, which should have no place in the and cranes that had been brought to the village. Less state of Israel. However, that is what is seen as possible than a kilometre away, across the valley, construction in the west bank. could be seen going on apace on a large Israeli settlement. The sad thing, on which I shall end, is the fact that at If that seemed to us, as parliamentarians, an injustice present the response of the Israelis is not to engage with crying out for vengeance, what did it seem to be to the the Obama Administration, but to throw into action 201WH Israeli Settlements21 JULY 2009 Israeli Settlements 202WH the formidable propaganda machine that we last saw now been classed as absentees, and their land was being during the invasion of Gaza, with reports in the past confiscated. That is just one example of the way in few days to show that the US condones the continued which the legal framework can be manipulated to achieve development of settlements and that private US money certain ends. is going into settlements. That, and Olmert writing in More successful have been the confiscations on so-called the Washington Post last Friday that settlements were administrative grounds. As we have heard, under the not the issue—which is, ironically, exactly what he told fourth Geneva convention an occupying power is entitled the Prime Minister a year ago today when he visited to make changes only if those are necessary for its Israel—are attempts to deflect the issue and make it go security, or if they benefit the local occupied population. away. Often, the Israeli response is, as now, to continue That provision should have forestalled any plans on and accelerate building, and accelerate the recognition Israel’s part to confiscate land for settlement. Shortly of settlements. after the 1967 war, however, Israel’s chief adviser on My hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, international law advised that confiscations could occur South-West has raised some very pertinent points and on one condition, saying: questions. The central question for the Minister is this: “it is vital that it”— yes, we would like a reaffirmation of the promise of a that is, the expropriation of land— total freeze on settlement development, but despite strong statements from the Government in the past, “be done by military bodies and not civilian ones...in the framework of bases”— that has not worked; so what steps—I do not ask for a specific step—will be taken now to ensure that, in that is, in the framework of establishing bases. The chief relation to trade, construction and dismantling, the adviser went on to warn that those bases should be British Government, through the EU or other partners, temporary in nature. In the first years of the occupation, or directly, can deal with the issue of settlements, without therefore, Israel was careful to cite security as the reason which there will be no peace in the middle east? for taking Palestinian land, to establish what it claimed were military camps or outposts. Those people who 10.6 am have visited the occupied territories have seen those outposts, which were ostensibly set up for security purposes. Mr. Colin Breed (South-East Cornwall) (LD): I, too, We know that in the early 1970s the number of those will observe the time. I am grateful to the hon. Member bases grew dramatically, with additional land confiscated for Wolverhampton, South-West (Rob Marris) for securing to provide them with the services they required, such as the debate. roads, electricity and water. Other land was requisitioned No one can go to the occupied territories for long for firing ranges and training grounds, as the occupation without history rearing its head in some way. Of course, was entrenched in that land. we get different versions and views of history. A quotation We have seen a complete misuse of legal frameworks in a letter of February 1914, from Israel’s first Foreign to justify the actions by the Israeli Administrations. The Minister—and its second Prime Minister—is instructive: Likud Government who promised they would no longer “We have forgotten that we have not come to an empty land to colonise Palestinian private land faced the ruin of a inherit it, but we have come to conquer a country from a people greater Israel project, unless new grounds for confiscating inhabiting it, that governs it by virtue of its language and savage culture…If we cease to look upon our land, the Land of Israel, as Palestinian land could be found. Up popped a senior ours alone and we allow a partner into our estate—all content legal official in the Justice Ministry to come to the and meaning will be lost to our enterprise.” rescue. That official was entrusted with surveying the Those are words to cause a shudder, when we think west bank to find out how much of it could be classified where we are nearly 100 years later. The gradual erosion as “state land”, so that it could be claimed as Israeli of Palestinian residence rights was designed to pass by territory that was ripe for settlement. stealth, unnoticed by the international community. According to international law, Israel had to abide by In the early days of occupation the civil Administration the laws that were already in force when the territories could simply have taken possession by force of the land were occupied. In the case of the west bank, that meant in the west bank and Gaza that it wanted for colonisation, Ottoman laws, along with the minor modifications made but it preferred to devise “legal” manoeuvres to justify by the British and Jordanians to those laws. However, its actions and avoid the obvious bad publicity. It is Israel hijacked those existing laws, mischievously worth examining—we could if we had time—the careful reinterpreting them so as to define much of the occupied manipulation of the legal framework relating to land territories as so-called “state land”, a category all but ownership in the west bank, to understand how that unheard of in Palestine. large-scale theft of Palestinian land was hidden behind In a way, in the last few decades we have seen a a façade of legality. We all encounter that in our own gradual confiscation, theft and misuse of legal framework way when we visit. to carry out those original objectives outlined in the In 2004 Israel tried to resurrect the 1950 law on letter from nearly 100 years ago that I quoted from at absentees’ property for use against west bank Palestinians the start of my contribution to this debate. The international who owned land in East Jerusalem. Even today we see community has, in many respects, stood by and allowed the attempt to continue that process by taking advantage that to happen. There is an opportunity now in this of the building of the 800 km separation wall, which is moment of time—I am grateful for the opportunity justified on the ground that it will prevent suicide attacks. that this debate presents—for the international community The steel and concrete wall dividing the sections of East to put something of that right, after all these years. Jerusalem has sealed a large area of the city off from the Anyone going to the occupied territories or to Israel west bank. Landowners in the west bank, cut off from cannot fail to identify what would be seen as injustice in their lands by the wall, were informed that they had the way that people have lost their homes, their livelihoods 203WH Israeli Settlements21 JULY 2009 Israeli Settlements 204WH

[Mr. Colin Breed] was giving up Gaza so that he could get a better grip on the west bank. Now we have nearly 500,000—my figure and indeed almost any hope. And yet, we stand by and is 482,000—settlers in the west bank. we almost allow that process to continue. As we have Two years ago, Ehud Olmert promised that he would heard, the Israelis continue to exploit that opportunity not expand the settlement boundaries. I was taken in; I and that space, to continue the building of settlements. thought that sounded good. However, I was hoodwinked. I want to finish with another quote, this time from a That is because for every acre of built-up land in a Palestinian lawyer in Ramallah, and I hope that it will settlement, that settlement has four acres earmarked for run counter to the first quote that I read out at the start expansion within its municipal boundaries. A promise of my contribution to this debate: not to expand the boundaries was totally meaningless. “We now moved in our own country surreptitiously, like unwanted The Israelis do not seem to care that it is illegal, strangers, constantly harassed, never feeling safe. We had become under the fourth Geneva convention, to transfer a civilian temporary residents of Greater Israel, living on Israel’s sufferance, subject to the most abusive treatment at the hands of young male population to an occupied territory; that it is illegal to and female soldiers controlling the checkpoints, deciding on a expropriate land from the occupied population; that it whim whether to keep us waiting for hours or allowing us is illegal to destroy their property; that it is illegal to passage. But worse than that was the nagging feeling that our discriminate against them by building settler-only roads; days in Palestine were numbered and one day we were going to be that it is illegal to fail to ensure public order— victims of another mass expulsion.” That mass expulsion must never be allowed to happen Mr. David Drew (Stroud) (Lab/Co-op): Would my and it is up to us and the rest of the western world, who hon. Friend like to pay due regard to those people, have stood by for far too long, to ensure that it does not many of whom are from this country, who go on behalf happen. of the Quaker peace and justice movement to report on the issues that he has referred to, before coming back to 10.13 am this country and other countries to tell us what is really happening? Those are very brave people, are they not? Martin Linton (Battersea) (Lab): Like my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Rob Marris), I respect the desire of Israelis and Palestinians to have a Martin Linton: Indeed. I join my hon. Friend in his state of their own and I support the two-state solution. tribute to the many people who take great risks to bring However, let us dispose of illusions from the start. The to the world’s attention what is going on in Israel and Israelis took 78 per cent. of historic Palestine by military the occupied territories. force, leaving the Palestinians with 22 per cent. After As I was saying, it is illegal to fail to ensure public the 1967 war, some Israeli politicians adopted a strategy order, for instance by allowing settler violence. However, aimed at taking as much of the remaining 22 per cent. even the author of the official report of the Israeli of historic Palestine as they could. They did not admit Government on settlement outposts said: so publicly and, fortunately for them, many western “The attitude towards law breaking settlers is mostly forgiving. politicians were either complicit with them or were The result is a large increase in law violations.” hoodwinked by their denials. However, they did admit It is also illegal to build the wall inside the west bank. It privately that they were doing it. My hon. Friend the is okay to do so on the green line, but 87 per cent. of the Member for Ealing, Acton and Shepherd’s Bush wall will be in the west bank and it will not be there to (Mr. Slaughter) has already quoted the letter written by enhance Israel’s security but to enhance the security of Ariel Sharon in 1973—the “pastrami sandwich”letter—in the settlements themselves. which Sharon described precisely what had happened in the previous 25 years. Then, 25 years later in 1998, there If it is legal for the Israeli courts to transfer ownership was another quote from Ariel Sharon, after all the of Palestinian homes in Sheikh Jarrah to Israelis who settlement had happened, when he encouraged militants owned them in the 1920s or 1930s, as the Israeli courts in an extreme right-wing party, by saying: did yesterday, most of the Israelis in Israel should be “Everybody has to grab as many hilltops as they can”. forced to hand their homes back to the original Palestinian In those intervening 25 years—between 1973 and owners. 1998—growth of the settlements was continuous and The wall is strangling the Palestinian economy and relentless, despite Oslo, the road map and Annapolis. imprisoning many Palestinians in their own villages. The settler population has doubled since Oslo. Some Already, 10,000 people live in areas enclosed by walls on settlements have quintupled in size. For example, the all sides; 125,000 people will be surrounded by walls on population of Betar Illit rose from 5,000 in 1994 to three sides. In total, 70 gates, 43 tunnels and underpasses, 25,000 in 2004. As my hon. Friend the Member for and 614 checkpoints have been constructed, as my hon. Wolverhampton, South-West said, population growth Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, South-West in the settlements has been three times as fast as population pointed out. growth in Israel. Two thirds of that growth in the Our Government’s response has been to protest to settlements has been the result of “natural growth”, the Israeli ambassador, but protesting to the Israeli which of course is very high among settlers, and the ambassador is a pointless exercise; it is like shouting at other third has been the result of Israelis and people a fish. All the evidence is that, when we protest, the from outside Israel moving in. Israelis build the settlements even faster. Even since The settler population has grown every year. Even in Obama’s speech, they have approved 300 new homes the year that the Gaza settlements were given up, growth north of Ramallah and a new settlement in the Jordan in the west bank settlements more than made up for it. valley.The only thing that will have any effect is international Indeed, that is what Sharon told his friends—that he action to impose an economic penalty on Israel. 205WH Israeli Settlements21 JULY 2009 Israeli Settlements 206WH

I thank the Minister for rejecting the upgrade of the abstraction from the River Jordan, mostly by Israel—and EU-Israel trade agreement, but I ask him to go further to some extent by Jordan—means that the Dead sea is and suspend it, because the Israelis are in breach of its disappearing at a rate of between1mand3mevery human rights clauses. I am glad that he has taken a firm year. In our lifetime, the Dead sea will be gone—it will line on settlements and encouraged President Obama to be finished. do the same, but what action will be taken against Israel What do we do about this? Do we stand back and if it refuses to stop building illegal settlements? Given treat Israel as a normal country, or do we take sanctions that it is illegal under the Geneva convention to build against it? If any other country in the world behaved settlements on occupied land, what action will be taken like Israel—in a wholly illegal and abusive manner against the Israeli Government? towards the people whom it occupies—it would face I have many other questions, but my time is up. international sanction. I support the point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea, therefore, that we should not be buying goods produced in the settlements. 10.20 am We should be imposing economic and military sanctions Jeremy Corbyn (Islington, North) (Lab): I congratulate against Israel. I am not arguing for military action, but my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, South- for military sanctions, such as the non-supply of weapons West (Rob Marris) on securing this debate. and parts for those weapons, a boycott of Israeli trade and, in the European setting, a suspension of the EU-Israel I shall be brief. Like many in the Chamber, I have had trade agreement—not just the non-extension to elevated the good fortune to visit Israel, the west bank and Gaza status, but suspension of the existing agreement, because and see for myself the effects of the settlements. It is Israeli is clearly in breach of the human rights clauses in humbling to stand on the Mount of Olives and look that agreement. down at what ought to be the famous, historic road to Jericho, with the hills and the descending road all the It is up to us, as a Security Council member, a very way to the Dead sea. Now all that can be seen are important member of the United Nations and a very settlements—massive settlements with all the arrogance significant past trading partner of Israel, to say, “Enough of an occupying power—of huge, red-roofed, red buildings is enough. We are not prepared to tolerate this. You and special settler roads leading from one to the other. behave illegally. You illegally occupy land and flout As my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea (Martin international law—consequences follow!” I would love Linton) pointed out, around each settlement are preserved to hear a British Minister send the message, once and areas of land for them to expand further into. for all and loud and clear, that that is this country’s position on this illegal activity. Then one looks across to the Palestinian towns and villages. Many of the buildings have been destroyed by Israeli military action or physically depopulated, the 10.25 am people having been moved away. Unemployment and poverty are rife—and anger very rife—in those remaining Mr. Eric Joyce (Falkirk) (Lab): I congratulate my Palestinian villages. An apartheid state is developing on hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, South-West the west bank with the settlements, specialist roads (Rob Marris) on securing this debate. The debate is between them and checkpoints for Palestinians travelling timely in the light of President Obama’s intention to around—to the extent that a journey that I made from achieve a freeze on settlement development, which has Jericho to Jerusalem took six hours, by a series of buses been referred to already, and Netanyahu’s recent comments, and taxis, because of the number of roadblocks, closed which have been heavily caveated, but which are a crossings and all the rest of it. And I am relatively well general step in the right direction. treated, because I am not a Palestinian. Then one It is clear that settlement construction is not supported observes the daily abuse and humiliation of ordinary by anyone here—I concur—but I want to make a few Palestinian people—workers tired after a whole day’s remarks about some details that perhaps we have not work in the field or somewhere else being made to wait heard about today. More often than not, we talk about for hours at checkpoints, because a settlement has been settlements and settlement growth in terms of the number built alongside and Israel claims that its “security” is at of people living in them. For instance, the Israeli risk without this process. Information Centre for Human Rights in the Occupied The world cannot stand by and treat Israel as a Territories points to the fact that 2008 saw the settler normal state and say that it is a normal participant in population, excluding East Jerusalem, grow by 4.7 per international affairs. It is not! It illegally occupies a cent. We all hope to see the west bank form the basis of large amount of Palestinian land, holds nuclear weapons a Palestinian state, and we all accept that many of but has not signed up to any relevant convention, and is Israel’s settlements sit on land that will be within that flouting the 2004 International Court of Justice judgment Palestinian state, but it is also important to discuss the concerning the legality of those settlements. Goods are location and geographical size of settlements. produced on those settlements that masquerade as Israeli In an interview with the Jordanian newspaper Al-Dustour goods and are sold on the international market. Water on 25 June, senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat is taken from Palestinian farmers by the presence of discussed the two-state deal that former Israeli Prime those Israeli settlements, which obviously creates poverty Minister Ehud Olmert had offered Palestinian President and problems for Palestinian farmers and causes massive Mahmoud Abbas last September. Their lengthy discussions ecological damage. The beautiful plain area outside focused unsurprisingly on the issue of land and the Jericho, just north of the Dead sea, is now covered in proportion of the west bank taken up by Israel’s settlements. glasshouses built by Israeli settlers to produce goods, According to Erekat, Abbas calculated this to be 1.2 per such as tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables, which cent. Others put the figure, when one includes empty are then sold on the international market. The water land around the settlements where Palestinian construction 207WH Israeli Settlements21 JULY 2009 Israeli Settlements 208WH

[Mr. Eric Joyce] 10.30 am is restricted, at about 3 per cent. Either way, although Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): I congratulate we all accept that the current system of settler-only the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Rob roads that surround the settlements unjustly restricts Marris) on securing this interesting debate. It is always the movement of Palestinians, and so increases the pleasing when there is a good turnout of hon. Members effective size of the settlements, if we are talking about because we get a wide range of contributions, even if drawing the borders of a two-state solution, 3 per cent. that means that those contributions are fairly brief. No is a relatively small number that can be compensated for doubt we could have debated this issue for many hours in land-swap deals. and still found interesting points of discussion. It has been widely accepted, since the Oslo accords I should like to preface my remarks by putting it on were signed in 1993, that some settlements will remain the record that I support the two-state solution in Israel in Israel in exchange for ceding Israeli land to the and Palestine. I should also like to remind hon. Members Palestinians. Although we know that Olmert and Abbas that over the many years of this conflict there have been failed to come to a final agreement over a two-state crimes, abuses and breaches of trust on both sides. solution, it is useful to see how the issue of land swaps There are other debates, motions and opportunities in was dealt with. Olmert reportedly offered Abbas territory this House for us to discuss the rocket attacks and the equal in size to 100 per cent. of the land occupied in suicide bombings against Israel or the continuing detention 1967 by means of a land swap. Olmert proposed that of the hostage Gilad Shalit. Today, however, we are the Palestinians establish their state on 93.5 per cent. of debating settlements, which is a central aspect of the the west bank, receiving another 5.8 per cent. through a conflict and could be the key to unlocking a peace deal. land-exchange deal with Israel. The rest was offered in We have heard about the massive growth in the the form of a safe-passage corridor from the west bank numbers of settlers. In 1972 there were 10,500 settlers to the Gaza strip. Olmert’s plan left the major settlement and now there are some 480,000. The hon. Member for blocs of Ma’ale Adumim, Ariel and Gush Etzion in Battersea (Martin Linton) said that since the Oslo Israel’s control, in exchange for the southern Hebron accords in 1993, the number has more than doubled. hills—colleagues will be aware of this—the Judean hills The hon. Member for Wolverhampton, South-West and the Beit She’an valley. I understand that that was interestingly pointed out that we use the pleasant and turned down—Saeb Erekat appears to confirm this—on homely word “settlements”, but that the word “colonies” the basis that previous offers, made at Camp David for is perhaps a more accurate description of the dwellings example, had been much better. They thought, “Why and towns. take this deal now?” I am not here to pass judgment on what is essentially history, but I think that that is The whole House will have welcomed the movement significant. in the US position towards engaging with the middle east and putting the region at the heart of its foreign The Annapolis process was certainly not perfect, but policy. I welcome the robust line on the settlement through it, as it turns out, Olmert and Abbas made a lot freeze that we have been hearing from President Obama of progress, although they did, of course, fail to sign a and Hillary Clinton. However, a freeze on settlements deal. Israel and the Palestinians cannot be allowed to has to be the absolute minimum for starting the negotiations. come this close and fail again. The international community Let us be clear: the settlements are illegal, and if we are therefore needs to be much clearer about what it expects to have any prospect of peace in the middle east, they to see from negotiations. In my view, a deal that allows have to go. A freeze is just the starting point; ultimately, Israel to keep major settlement blocs, situated just beyond the settlements will have to be dismantled. the 1967 green line and that compensates the Palestinians with land swaps is a good deal. It would reduce the My hon. Friend the Member for Oxford, West and disruption to normal life that any major settlement Abingdon (Dr. Harris) was very prescient when he said evacuation would cause and give the Palestinians the that the settlements are not in Israel’s interests. He said quantity of land that they deserve. that they were counter-productive and made security more difficult, which is an important point for us to Accepting that position, however, calls into question remember in this debate. some of the more rigid approaches to Israeli settlements. A freeze in settlement construction, which we and the Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent speech was disappointing. US Government want, is a good way of engendering Although he spoke through gritted teeth about the need trust. At the moment, Netanyahu is offering a freeze on for a two-state solution, he also talked about the natural all settlement activity, bar that in Jerusalem and that growth in settlements. Last month, we heard that Israel which is based on natural growth—by that I mean plans to build dozens of new homes in Adam, which is activity which occurs within the natural parameters of deeply worrying. In recognising the importance of Israel existing settlements. No one here doubts that Netanyahu and Palestine living side by side in peace, security and, has to go a great deal further. If he does not, the in his words, prosperity, Netanyahu totally fails to see international community will continue to believe that the huge negative impact on economic development the expansion of Jewish communities in East Jerusalem and prosperity that such settlements have on the west counts as settlement construction. This is an issue on bank. In fact, they threaten the very viability of a which we must continue to press him. Palestinian state. In conclusion, I agree with the Government’s position on pushing for a freeze on settlement activity. However, Dr. Brian Iddon (Bolton, South-East) (Lab): Does the we should also call for a temporary freeze on natural hon. Lady not think that the Prime Minister of Israel is growth, because that would go some way towards enabling in a very difficult position when his own Foreign Minister the peace talks to restart. is an illegal settler on the west bank? 209WH Israeli Settlements21 JULY 2009 Israeli Settlements 210WH

Jo Swinson: The hon. Gentleman makes a very good urge the Minister and the Government to use all the point. Of course, he is in a difficult position because tools at their disposal—not just words with the there are many differing views and constituencies of ambassador—to help Israel recognise that removing opinion that he has to balance. However, dealing with the settlements is in its own self-interest. the settlements has to be in Israel’s self-interest, and that political reality cannot be lost on the Prime Minister. 10.39 am The west bank has been sliced, diced and carved up as part of a deliberate strategy, and the settlements have Mr. David Lidington (Aylesbury) (Con): Let me been part of the tactic. We have heard about the numbers congratulate the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, of settlements, the roads, the checkpoints, the roadblocks South-West (Rob Marris) on securing this debate; it is and the security wall. When they are overlaid on the one of those topics on which there will be a large degree land, we can see how impossible it is for ordinary of bipartisan agreement between members of different Palestinians to go about their everyday lives in this political parties. The Opposition support the Government’s Swiss-cheese patchwork. Settlements impact on the fabric approach, and endorse the view of successive British of civil society, making trade, education and visiting Governments that the Israeli settlements are illegal. As family and friends incredibly difficult, and that is why the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, South-West they are so damaging to future peace in the region. reminded us, that verdict applies whether we are talking Natural resources are also key. The hon. Member for about settlements in what is commonly referred to as Wolverhampton, South-West was right to talk about the west bank, or those on the Golan heights or in those the issue of water in relation to the Golan heights. areas of East Jerusalem that have been annexed by When I visited Israel, I thought that the problem was all Israel, which the Israeli Government regard as part of about land and ideology, but practicalities are also key. the Israeli state. I come from the west of Scotland where access to water Let us look at the history. The settlements have been is not quite the same issue. However, in an arid climate declared illegal by successive resolutions of the UN such as that in the middle east, water is a key issue, and Security Council, by the International Court of Justice with rapidly increasing climate change, the problem will and by contracting states to the Geneva convention. It only become worse. Water is also a problem on the west is worth noting that when one gets into a debate with bank. As the hon. Member for Islington, North (Jeremy Israeli officials about the legal position, they assert that Corbyn) pointed out, most of the water is going to the the settlements are not illegal in the absence of a treaty Israeli settlers’ farms, which makes that land very fertile to govern arrangements for the administration of those but causes havoc elsewhere in the region. territories, following the end of the British mandate. Let me turn to the products that come from the The Israelis with whom I have discussed the matter settlements. The hon. Member for Wolverhampton, would argue that there was no definitive peace treaty in South-West raised an interesting issue about the legality 1948, and that therefore they are not acting illegally. of collecting customs duties on the products from the Against that, as long ago as 1967, the legal counsel to illegal settlements. Unlike him, I am not a lawyer, so I the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised that await the Minister’s reply to those remarks. Before the civilian settlements in the administered territories election, I was a marketing manager, so perhaps I am contravened the explicit provisions of the fourth Geneva better placed to comment on the marketing of such convention. products. I agree with my hon. Friend the Member for When one looks at how Israeli Governments have Oxford, West and Abingdon that we should have consumer operated in practice, one can see that they have regarded information clearly marked on the products so that the settlements as a political, rather than a legal, issue at people know what they are buying. I know that the root. After Oslo, the then Israeli Government agreed to Government, through the EU, have made some efforts a United States request to limit expansion to the so-called on that issue, which I support. It is very important that natural growth of existing settlements. In April 2003, consumers know what they are buying and whether it they agreed to freeze settlements, including natural has been produced by the Palestinians or produced growth, as part of the road map. In recent months, the illegally on the settlements. current Israeli Foreign Minister—who, as the hon. Member We have debated whether there should be preferential for Bolton, South-East (Dr. Iddon) reminded us, is a trade tariffs for such products. The settlements are settler—has talked about the political conditions under illegal so there should not be any preferential trade which he would be willing to give up his home and agreements. The debate must now move on to considering recommend to his neighbours that they do the same. whether we should allow the sale of any products from The argument that we have heard recently from some the illegal settlements. There is a case for looking at Israeli spokesmen, which is that the settlements are whether a ban on those particular products might be needed to cope with population expansion, simply does considered. I am interested to hear whether the Minister not wash if one looks at the demographic reality. Israel’s has considered such a ban. I do not agree with the hon. central bureau of statistics states that the population of Member for Wolverhampton, South-West that we should settlements grew by 4.7 per cent. in 2008, compared boycott all Israeli goods. To say the least, that would be with 1.6 per cent. in Israel. Forty per cent. of settlement an overreaction at this point. growth was from new immigration—certainly assisted In conclusion, we have debated settlements many by the sort of incentives described by the hon. Member times in the House. It is right that we should do so, but for Wolverhampton, South-West—rather than through it is very sad that we have to continue to do so. I hope the birth of children to families already living there. that the new US President’s push for peace will persuade The key to this lies in the politics rather than the law. Israel to freeze and then dismantle the settlements, so I think everyone has recognised that no peace agreement that we can move towards a viable two-state solution. I will be possible if it fails to include Israeli withdrawal 211WH Israeli Settlements21 JULY 2009 Israeli Settlements 212WH

[Mr. David Lidington] Mr. Lidington: The hon. Gentleman anticipates what I was coming on to. The policy of the British Government from the settlements. In my view, it is almost certain has to be set in the context of overall international that if an agreement can be reached, it will allow some efforts to bring about an enduring peace in the middle settlements to remain under Israeli sovereignty as part east. We must start by asking ourselves what is going to of an overall package that also involves land swaps. work. For example, I do not believe that a general That was an element of the draft agreement being boycott of Israeli goods and services will somehow lead negotiated between the Olmert Government and the to an Israeli Government who are more amenable to Palestinian Authority. peace initiatives, and I ask the Minister to state clearly In debates such as this, we must recognise that there the Government’s position on the question of food are genuine political problems for any Israeli Government labelling, and whether that needs to be addressed at EU handling this issue. First, there is the sheer number of or national level. Will further development of the EU-Israel people that we are talking about, and if we recall how association agreement, and trade agreements between traumatic and demanding of the Israel Defence Forces the EU and Israel, be related to progress on the issue of it was to insist on the removal of settlements from self-government for the Palestinians, in particular progress Gaza, that should remind us of the scale of the challenge on the issue of settlements? involved in requiring the evacuation of many thousands Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield) (Lab): Will of people from settlements in the west bank. the hon. Gentleman give way? Secondly, there is the Israeli experience of Gaza. The fact that withdrawal from the settlements led not to an Mr. Lidington: If the hon. Gentleman will forgive me, enduring peace in the south but to rocket attacks from I will not. I want to give the Minister time to respond to the Gaza strip, has led not only traditional hawks, but the debate. many people in the Knesset and among the Israeli The key starting point now would be to persuade the electorate who still think of themselves as advocates for Israeli Government to initiate another freeze on further peace, to be sceptical about the value of early withdrawal expansion of existing settlements. That would give the from existing Israeli settlements. United Nations resolutions Palestinians a reason to return to serious talks, no and the various peace agreements that have been reached matter how difficult it might be given the state of play in the past, insist on Israeli withdrawal from settlements. among the Israeli and Palestinian authorities at the However, that is seen as one element in a broader moment. It is very much in our national interest for package including, most obviously, the cessation of all those talks to resume. violent attacks on Israel, and the recognition of Israel by its neighbours. 10.50 am The key message from any British Government to The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Israeli leaders should be that they should not underestimate Office (Mr. Ivan Lewis): I congratulate my hon. Friend the damage—the severe damage—that their settlement the Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Rob Marris) policy is doing to the standing of those Palestinian on securing this important debate. As he and other hon. leaders who genuinely want a negotiated peace. I was Members are perfectly well aware, the middle east peace struck by one passage in President Obama’s Cairo speech, process remains a top priority for this Government. We where he drew an analogy between the Palestinian remain committed to a comprehensive peace in the experience and that of African Americans during the middle east, based on a two-state solution and a secure era of segregation. As several hon. Members have pointed Israel alongside a viable Palestinian state. out, the experience not only of settlements, but of the Hon. Members will also be aware that the central expropriation of property, segregated roadways, checkpoints tenet of the UK Government’s policy towards settlement and security arrangements that are in place to protect building in the occupied Palestinian territories has long Israeli settlements, can only add to a sense of grievance been clear. Settlements are illegal and construction should and alienation among ordinary Palestinians and, above be frozen as a matter of urgency, in line with Israel’s all, among young Palestinians who make up 60 per cent. commitments to do so in the 2003 road map. That is or more of the population of the occupied territories. why we strongly welcomed President Obama’s Cairo Unless the Israeli Government face up to that reality, speech and strongly support the new, clear US policy on they will find that more and more young Palestinians freezing all settlement activity. give up on the idea of a two-state solution. I speak from I welcome this opportunity to expand on the anecdotal evidence, but I have been alarmed by the Government’s policy. It is important to set out why I number of Palestinians who say openly that they will believe that continued settlement construction remains give up on a two-state solution and wait, as they believe, an impediment to peace. By changing the physical facts for demographic trends to do the work until the day on the ground, Israeli settlement construction unilaterally when there is an Arab majority in the territories now prejudices the outcome of any final peace solution. occupied by Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Moreover, continued construction threatens the geographic possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state. The UK Mr. Slaughter: The subject of the debate is Government Government remain firmly of the view that a two-state policy. No doubt the hon. Gentleman aspires to be in solution provides the greatest prospect of peace and the Government. Given the failure of Government policy, security for Israelis and Palestinians, so the damage and that of previous Governments, which has seen an done to that prospect by settlements causes us grave almost 40 per cent. expansion in the number of settlers concern. in the west bank over the last six years, what would he As hon. Members have said, the day-to-day physical like to see the Government do in order to address the impact of settlement building has a heavy cost on the problem? Palestinian people. Elements of the Israeli settler movement 213WH Israeli Settlements21 JULY 2009 Israeli Settlements 214WH exacerbate tension. Road and security infrastructure to Majesty’s Government believe, based on the legal protect settlements carves through the west bank and assessment, that such imports are not actually prohibited severely restricts Palestinians’ movement and access. in UK law. He and other hon. Members suggested that Although we welcome recent positive Israeli steps to there should be a ban on all Israeli imports, and he alleviate some of the restrictions, much further progress suggested in addition that this country should embark is required. The symbolic impact of settlements is arguably on an arms embargo. We disagree strongly with those as damaging as the physical impact. Continued settlement two positions. The Government’s position is to oppose expansion sends an extremely negative message to the a trade boycott or any other form of boycott against the Palestinians that resonates around the wider Arab world. state of Israel, and we are opposed to an arms embargo. It continues to raise question marks about the feasibility We do not believe that either of those measures would of a successful and lasting peace. progress the course of peace in any way at this stage. The UK has long made our opposition to settlements I believe that I have dealt comprehensively with the clear. We have pressed the Israeli Government continually crucial questions raised during this debate, but it is only at the highest level on the importance of fulfilling road right that we place this debate about settlements in the map commitments: Israel should freeze all settlement context of the overall situation. Other issues must be activity, including the natural growth of existing settlements, dealt with. It is essential that the Palestinian Authority and dismantle all outposts erected since March 2001. develop their capacity to govern, with institutions that Our Prime Minister made the UK policy on settlement serve the needs of their people. Hamas must put an end activity clear in his historic speech to the Knesset in July to violence, recognise past agreements and recognise 2008, and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary Israel. Its behaviour—firing rockets at Israel, attacking has reiterated that position frequently. rival political parties, smuggling arms, holding Gilad A number of questions have been asked during this Shalit in captivity—demonstrates, sadly, that it is neither debate. My hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, a partner in peace nor a constructive force in building a South-West raised the question of the barrier. The first Palestinian state. At the same time, we make it clear that point to make about the barrier is that we recognise the Israeli Government must ease restrictions on the Israel’s right to self-defence and to protect its citizens by Gaza border and allow an immediate increase in the constructing the barrier. However, the barrier must be flow of essential aid and reconstruction materials into built exclusively on Israeli territory. As Israeli courts Gaza, as well as the legitimate flow of trade, goods and have ruled frequently, any part of the barrier that is not people. on Israeli territory is simply illegal. We encourage partners from the Arab world to My hon. Friend not only discussed advocating a demonstrate readiness to increase recognition of Israel freeze on settlements but believes that our policy should and move towards a normalisation of relations as envisaged be to evacuate all settlements. We feel that that pre-judges in the very welcome Arab peace initiative. On that basis, what we believe will be at the heart of final status I welcome the views of His Highness the Crown Prince negotiations: an agreement on the respective borders of of Bahrain on taking the Arab peace initiative forward, both states. That is why we confine our policy at the which he articulated in the Washington Post on 16 July. moment to the freezing of all settlement activities. He That is exactly the sort of positive engagement that we also asked about the lower tariffs under the EU-Israel believe will help lead to peace in the middle east. It is Association agreement and wants to ensure that they do vital that all Arab states demonstrate both their commitment not apply to goods exported from the settlements. I to dialogue and peaceful relations and their willingness assure him that they most definitely do not. Moreover, to respond positively to significant Israeli action to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs is proactive in freeze settlement activity. ensuring that tariffs are applied correctly in accordance As His Highness noted, now is the time to take with the agreement. “simultaneous, good-faith action”. The point will come My hon. Friend asked why this country does not ban when the Israeli Government respond positively to the all goods from the settlements. We believe that that clear statement of policy articulated by this Government would raise a number of significant legal issues in and, for the first time, by the US in President Obama’s relation to our European Community and international speech in Cairo. It is our intention to continue to work law obligations. Therefore, we do not believe that that is with regional partners and with the US and EU to make viable at the present time. progress and move from rhetoric to reality. I will be visiting the occupied Palestinian territories Jeremy Corbyn: Will the Minister give way? and Israel during the parliamentary recess. I want to learn at first hand about the realities facing the Israeli Mr. Lewis: No, I do not have enough time. Government, the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli My hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, and Palestinian people, and I want to ensure that the South-West also asked whether the UK has obtained a United Kingdom plays a crucial role in pushing forward legal position on the legality or otherwise of such the peace process that is so crucial to peace and stability imports. Although we cannot disclose legal advice, Her throughout the world. 215WH 21 JULY 2009 European Union 216WH

European Union Let me finish my important point about Mr. Blair. We must only look at what he did in this Parliament to see why he is the wrong choice for that position. He 10.59 am neutered this place by using the Whips to railroad Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury and Atcham) (Con): through huge, poorly thought out constitutional legislation, I was deeply concerned when Baroness Kinnock was and he used his position to go to war against the express appointed Minister for Europe, because I feel passionately wish of millions of British citizens. In my view, he is about our relationship with the European Union. It is quite simply the wrong person to bring greater transparency pivotal to that relationship that there is more accountability and accountability to Europe. to parliamentarians in the House of Commons on this My hon. Friend the Member for Rayleigh (Mr. Francois) issue. It is deeply regrettable that Baroness Kinnock was is a brilliant negotiator, whom I have seen in action in made a peer and that she sits in the other House. Europe. I hope that he will guarantee that when he One of Baroness Kinnock’s first acts on being appointed becomes a Foreign Office Minister—that will be sooner was to state that the Government would support Mr. Blair’s than the Minister thinks—the Conservative Government candidature for the European Union presidency, should will veto Mr. Blair’s candidature to be President of the the new constitution and that position come into being. European Union. Mr. Blair’s father lives in my constituency, so I had a good relationship with Mr. Blair and gained a certain Mr.EdwardDavey(Kingston and Surbiton) (LD): I amount of access to him, which cannot be said of the have a question to make the hon. Gentleman feel relaxed, current Prime Minister. However, he is the wrong man comfortable and content. Does he think that any other for the job. member states would support the candidature of Tony Blair and, if so, will he name them? David Taylor (North-West Leicestershire) (Lab/Co-op): I know the hon. Gentleman well from our days on the Daniel Kawczynski: The honest answer is that I do Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee and not know. As somebody who feels passionately about respect him greatly. He criticises our promotion of this country and its position in Europe, it pains me matters European in the Houses of Parliament, but greatly that I would prefer somebody from another does he not think that the group that his party has country to be President than a former British Prime joined in Europe is the most extraordinary mix of Minister. However, I believe that Mr. Blair’s outrageous oddballs, malcontents, misfits, flat-earthers and unregenerate conduct in Parliament and his lack of regard for democracy nationalist bigots? Is that not a fair and even-tempered should prevent him from becoming President. description? Perhaps he should justify what his party has been doing in Europe since 4 June. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Daniel Kawczynski: I wondered when that matter and Commonwealth Affairs (Chris Bryant): Who is the would be raised. That comment crystallises for me the hon. Gentleman’s preferred candidate? sheer arrogance of this new Labour Government and the Prime Minister; it is the arrogance of power. The Daniel Kawczynski: We do not yet know who the hon. Gentleman must not forget that the oddballs to candidates will be. whom he refers are people who represent parties that Our relationship with the European Union is under have been elected democratically by the people of sovereign threat from the Prime Minister’s conduct towards other nation states. If any political party dares to have even a Heads of State. I hope that the Foreign Office officials scintilla of thought or opinion that differs from the are listening carefully. I have spoken to many foreign great Labour policies, it is described as containing officials who say that he looks bored at European oddballs and nutters. That is bad for the democratic Union meetings, treats Heads of State with disdain and process. does not follow basic diplomatic protocol. David Taylor: The hon. Gentleman has talked about I will take as an example Iceland, which is not yet a democracy and accountability, but is not Labour the member of the European Union, but which has expressed only party that has ever provided such things on European a desire to join in its Parliament. During the Icelandic matters? At about the time of the hon. Gentleman’s banking crisis, the Prime Minister and the Government third birthday on 24 June 1975, Harold Wilson gave us used counter-terrorism legislation to seize the assets of a referendum on how Ted Heath had bulldozed us into Icelandic banks. I will never forget his language during Europe. I voted against at that time and have remained an interview on Sky News because it was the most sceptical ever since. Is it not the Labour party to which undiplomatic that I have ever heard. The rudeness, people should look if they wish to embrace accountability disdain and contempt with which he treated Iceland and democracy? and the Icelandic people were disgraceful. I will not go into detail, but I have a copy of that interview if hon. Daniel Kawczynski: It was good of the hon. Gentleman Members wish to see it. I hope that people will look at it to try to find out when my birthday is. I was actually again, because it was unacceptable. born on 24 January. Following the interview, I had discussions with the David Taylor: I said the 24th. Icelandic ambassador and friends of mine who are Icelandic politicians and leading members of Icelandic Daniel Kawczynski: The hon. Gentleman said June, society. They were traumatised by our Prime Minister’s but let us not get into a debate about when my birthday conduct towards them. Nothing has done more damage is. I was born on 24 January 1972, which is the day on to our relationship with Iceland. I hope that the Minister which Ted Heath signed the document to take us into will apologise for the Prime Minister’s behaviour and Europe. I will come on to that later. that he will do everything possible to support Iceland as 217WH European Union21 JULY 2009 European Union 218WH it tries to enter the European Union. We must show been consulted on not just the relationship, but the support to this vital NATO ally and neighbour and be ever-changing relationship that this country has been its champion, so that we can repair that relationship. through with the European Community, the then European From the perspective of the British people and my Economic Community and now the European Union. constituents in Shrewsbury, the Labour Government There has been no consultation at all for the British have put our relationship with the European Union into people. the deep freeze by refusing to give the British people a referendum on the constitution. In this Chamber, we Mr. Davey: I am following the hon. Gentleman’s have debated many times the necessity for our citizens comments with great interest. If there were a referendum to be granted an opportunity to cast their vote on this on whether Britain should be a member of the European vital issue. The French and the Dutch people have had Union, how would he vote? their opportunity to reject the treaty. The treaty of Lisbon, which has come into being as a result of that Daniel Kawczynski: I personally would vote for continued rejection, is, by the way, a carbon copy of the original membership of the European Union, which I will come constitution, according to Monsieur Valéry Giscard on to later in my speech. It is very important that we d’Estaing and many other prominent European politicians have a referendum to give the British people their say and former politicians. It is interesting that every time and to give me the opportunity to campaign in favour the people of any European country have been given an of our continued membership of the EU. As my hon. opportunity to have their say on the constitution in a Friend the Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire (Mr. Crabb) referendum they have rejected it—for example, the French, has said, however, the Government’s broken promises the Dutch and the Irish. and the lack of a referendum mean it is very difficult to sell European Union membership to our constituents. Chris Bryant: The hon. Gentleman is simply wrong. I find it staggering that the Home Secretary, who is The Spaniards were the first to have a referendum and obviously a very busy man at the moment, has time to there was an overwhelming majority in favour. He write articles in newspapers demanding that a referendum should get his facts right. on a new voting system is held at the same time as the next general election. He wants a form of proportional Daniel Kawczynski rose— representation and is demanding a referendum on that at the next election. However, he refuses to allow the Mr. Mark Francois (Rayleigh) (Con): What about the British people a referendum on this vital issue. What is other three? more—the Minister may contradict me on this point—the Home Secretary said in his article in The Independent Daniel Kawczynski: Yes, what about the other three? that the Prime Minister has given him an assurance that The Minister is saying that only one country out of 27 he has not discounted such a referendum on a change to has had a referendum in which the people have been in the voting system being held on the same day as the next favour. general election. When I think of all the problems facing this country at the moment, I find that absolutely scandalous. I must declare an interest because I am Mr. Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley) (Con): My hon. chairman of the all-party group on the continuation of Friend clearly does not get it. The Spanish got it right; first past the post, about which I feel passionately. I find the other three countries got it wrong. When is he going it absolutely staggering that the Government are talking to understand that? about a change to the voting system and yet refusing to allow the British people to have a referendum on this Daniel Kawczynski: A point very well made—I thank constitution. my hon. Friend. In the recent EU elections, we have seen the challenges that we face in our relationship with the EU. As we in Mr. Stephen Crabb (Preseli Pembrokeshire) (Con): this Chamber all know, across the whole of the country, Surely the central point is that the promise of a referendum the UK Independence party did much better than the that was given to the British people was a Labour party Labour party and, in my own neck of woods in Shropshire, manifesto commitment. What does that say about the UKIP outstripped the Labour vote by even more. UKIP Government’s attitude to their manifesto commitments, is a party that wants to pull out of the European Union, and how should the British people respond to their which I am passionately against. It worries me greatly manifesto at the next general election? that so many British people want to vote for a party that will pull us out of the entire thing. I am making the Daniel Kawczynski: I totally agree with my hon. point that it is so important to have a referendum on the Friend: what has happened is a huge snub to the British constitution, because it adds a huge amount of power people and is a trashing of the Government’s policy and succour to UKIP if the British people are refused statements that were made in the run-up to the last that referendum. election. That is part of the reason why there is so much cynicism towards politicians in this country. Mr. Nigel Dodds (Belfast, North) (DUP): I congratulate Getting back to my date of birth, I do not know how the hon. Gentleman on securing this important debate. old the Minister is, but I am 37, so, as the hon. Member He makes a good point about the necessity of having a for North-West Leicestershire (David Taylor) has rightly referendum; I totally agree with him on that. Will he go identified, I was three years old when we had the further and say that if second time around, in October, referendum in 1975. This issue is extremely important the Irish vote in favour of the Lisbon treaty, this country to me, because millions of people in the United Kingdom should still have a referendum on whether it should who are in their 20s, 30s and 40s have, like me, never subscribe to the treaty? 219WH European Union21 JULY 2009 European Union 220WH

Daniel Kawczynski: There are hypothetical— Member for Rayleigh will also discuss this issue. We [Interruption.] Let me answer the question. There are need them to hold out until we get into office and can hypothetical things that we could consider—[Interruption.] hold a referendum. They are hypothetical, because they have not occurred Returning to the point that the hon. Member for yet. As I will discuss in a second, the Polish President Kingston and Surbiton (Mr. Davey) made, the reason has not ratified the treaty and neither has the Czech why UKIP is wrong is because we have a golden opportunity President. Of course, if all those ratifications take place, to change the European Union, whereas it simply wants there will be people like me in the Conservative party to pull us out of the entire thing. What a squandered who will try to encourage my party to have a referendum. opportunity that would be. I do not want to pull out of I cannot give the hon. Gentleman a guarantee that that the European Union; I want to change it and to challenge will happen because I am a Back Bencher and do not the Franco-German hegemony that has been prevalent make such decisions. However, I feel passionately about in the past 40 years. The Franco-German axis has come the matter, and others and I will, of course, try to lobby up with all the strategies and direction of the European the Conservative Government on that point. Union, but that will be challenged for the first time in I will just talk a little bit about the Members of the our lifetimes, because so many central and eastern European Parliament, because they are a very important European countries are looking to the United Kingdom direct link with British citizens and our relationship for leadership. If I were to take you to Warsaw, Mr. Amess, with the European Union. Over the past four years, I or to Prague, Bucharest or downtown Vilnius, you have repeatedly spoken to organisations throughout my would see that they look not to Germany for leadership constituency. I have addressed rooms of 300, 400 or but to the United Kingdom. The British nature is to 500 people and said, “I will give anyone here £100 if you hide our strength under a bushel, because we are modest can name me two of our Members of the European people, but the people of eastern and central Europe Parliament.” I have not lost a penny to date. Why? feel passionately about Britain and the role that it Because no one knows who the Members of the European should play in the EU. They want us to form a coalition Parliament are in Shropshire. Why is that? Because of support and they want a new European Union that is none of them live, work or have offices in Shropshire. not federalist, that works closely on counter-terrorism, There is no accountability. I consider it to be very tackling poverty abroad and illegal immigration, but important that I live in the county that I represent, that that nevertheless focuses on ensuring that each country my office is in Shrewsbury, that my child goes to the has its own sovereignty. local school, that I am part of the community and that We must make countries adhere to the rules of the people can stop me in the street or the supermarket and EU. That is another bone of contention for our constituents, talk to me. It is so important for there to be that as we gold-plate everything that comes out of Brussels. accountability. As chairman of the all-party group on dairy farmers, which is one of the largest all-party groups in the House If we are going to have a better relationship with of Commons—I am getting through all my all-party the European Union, we have to make Members of the groups today—I must say that the rules on nitrates and European Parliament more directly accountable to the other things that are being brought to bear are destroying people whom they represent. However, that should not our dairy sector in the UK. We are gold-plating those be done through a proportional representation system rules, whereas some other countries simply ignore them. whereby Members of the European Parliament represent A specific case in point is the Italian Government’s a vast area. From an economic perspective, the west announcement that they will give $250 million per midlands is larger than the whole of Wales. That is a annum in aid to Libya for the next 20 years. That huge area. How on earth can someone represent an area aid is for road, railway and other major infrastructure of that size and yet still be accountable to the people of construction projects in Libya. Shropshire? I want to mention my hon. Friend the Member for David Taylor: It seems that some of the flaws that the Ribble Valley, who I think will also make speech, because hon. Gentleman is discussing can be addressed only by he is an assiduous member of the Council of Europe. renegotiating our membership of the European Union. On the record, I thank him for the tremendous work On 2 June, the fabled Jeremy Paxman asked the right that he does for that organisation. He has asked me—he hon. Member for Richmond, Yorks (Mr. Hague), who is pushing against an open door on this, because I was in the studio with him, “Would you renegotiate our totally agree with him—to formally thank the Czech membership of the European Union?” to which he President for not signing the treaty into existence. I have replied, “No.” Is the hon. Gentleman encouraged by written an open letter in Polish to the Polish President that comment from someone whom he hopes will be the asking him not to sign the document. For the record, I future Foreign Secretary? wish to state that those two politicians are being put under a huge amount of pressure by the Germans and Daniel Kawczynski: The whole nature of governance the French to ratify the constitution, because they are is through in-depth negotiations of the sort that take desperate for that to be done before a Conservative place all the time at regional conferences. I am sure that Government come into office and give a referendum to when my right hon. Friend becomes Foreign Secretary, the British people. So, on the record, and with all the he will want to negotiate with his counterparts in his sincerity that I can muster, I thank the Presidents of own brilliant way to get a European Union that is more the Czech Republic and the Republic of Poland for the akin to the thinking of the British people. I do not courage and integrity that they have shown under intense understand what the hon. Gentleman is saying, because pressure—almost blackmail—to ratify the treaty. I thank I know how passionately my right hon. Friend wants a them very much, and I am sure that my hon. Friend the change to the current situation in the European Union. 221WH European Union21 JULY 2009 European Union 222WH

To get back to my point, why can the Italians give Finally—because I vowed that I would not speak for $250 million a year to Libya in tied aid? That cannot be more than 30 minutes—let me discuss Turkey. It has right. I do not believe that European Union countries been in a crazy situation for decades regarding whether should do or are allowed to do that; it certainly goes it will join the EU. I want to ask the Minister about the against the spirit of the EU rules. I hope that the current status of its application to be a member of the Minister will write to me on that, and that he will EU. What is his understanding of the time frames challenge the Italian authorities about giving that money involved, and what is he doing specifically to support its to Libya in tied aid. As chairman of the all-party group joining the EU? Turkey is an important NATO ally, and on Libya, and as someone who is passionate about I, for one, feel uncomfortable about the lack of clarity helping British companies to secure infrastructure about its membership of the EU. construction projects, I strongly hope that the Minister I have friends in Ankara who say, “Frankly, we are will address that issue, because British companies are not actually interested any more. We’ve had enough. losing out on vital construction projects. We’re going to pull the plug on this and go our own way.”One can say what they like about Turkey’s membership Mr. Crabb: My hon. Friend makes a good point of the EU, but I worry about a situation in which about Italian practices on overseas aid. Does he share Turkey is pulled closer to Syria and Iran. I very much my concern about the Labour party’s great friend and hope that it will remain within the European sphere of ally in Italy, Silvio Berlusconi, reneging on his commitment influence, and that the Minister will give me an update to give 0.7 per cent. of gross domestic product in on what is happening with its membership of the EU. overseas development assistance by 2013? I thank you, Mr. Amess, for this opportunity, and I look forward to hearing what the Minister will say. Daniel Kawczynski: I do, very much. We are all under huge pressure because of the current economic crisis, but this country and all political parties have adhered to 11.31 am the targets, so I strongly regret that Signor Berlusconi Mr. Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley) (Con): This is a great finds it impossible to match such targets. opportunity for me to contribute to this important The EU relationship can be strengthened only if it debate on the last day before the recess, when—to get tackles issues of concern, one of which is illegal immigration the record straight—we go into 82 days of working in from Africa. I recently secured a debate in this Chamber our constituencies. on the Department for International Development’s I had rather hoped that, following my hon. Friend the support for north African countries. It transpired that Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham (Daniel Kawczynski), DFID gives not a penny piece to vitally strategic countries I would be able to tell him that I could name two of his in north Africa, who are neighbours of huge importance. MEPs and claim the £100. However, even by cheating Conversely, the Americans, who realise the importance and using the Blackberry to ask my researchers to come of Egypt, give them $1.5 billion a year in aid, but we up with the names, I cannot do so. Even using the give them nothing. Those countries are grappling with internet, we are hard pushed to name the MEPs from counter-terrorism issues—a British citizen was recently his area. I find it much the same when I ask people in shot dead by al-Qaeda in Mali—and they are dealing the north-west of England to name their MEPs. Many with illegal immigration and the tremendous suffering can name their MPs, but, going down a list of seven or that happens as a result. We see many times on our eight MEPs, they find it difficult to name just one of televisions and in our newspapers the tremendous human them. I appreciated his comments. suffering of people who cross the Mediterranean in boats to the Canary Islands, Italy, Lampedusa and Malta. The European Union needs to do more to help Mr. Mark Hendrick (Preston) (Lab/Co-op): Will the north African countries deal with the human tragedy hon. Gentleman give way? that is illegal immigration from north Africa. I hope to hear more from the Minister about what is happening Mr. Evans: I give way to my honourable neighbour. on that issue. The right to self-determination is something that I Mr. Hendrick: Can the hon. Gentleman name one of feel passionately about as someone who has Polish his former MEPs? ancestry. My grandfather’s country did not have self- determination for the whole of his life. Self-determination Mr. Evans: That is the kind of question that could, is one of the issues that drives me more than any other perhaps, rebound on the hon. Gentleman after the in politics, which is why I want to speak briefly about general election. If I were to ask him to name some Gibraltar. We want no more talk of Anglo-Spanish former MPs, the list would be somewhat longer than the co-operation over any changes to the status of Gibraltar. list he is asking me to choose from at this moment. I hope that when my hon. Friend the Member for Like my hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury Rayleigh becomes a Minister, we can give Gibraltar an and Atcham, I am a democrat, and I am concerned that assurance that it will always be British and that we are the turnout for the European elections we have just proud to have it as part of our family. I hope also that gone through was lower than the turnout for the previous the next Conservative Government will encourage more elections and the time before that. In 1979, the turnout visits and more royal visits to Gibraltar. I know that my was 63 per cent. for the whole of Europe; in 2009, it was hon. Friend campaigned in Gibraltar during the European 43 per cent. People say that it is just Britain that is Union elections; from what I hear, he went down extremely Eurosceptic and therefore not interested in what happens well there and they were grateful that he went. I wanted in the European Union, but those figures prove that the to get on the record my thanks to him for that, as well as whole of Europe feels somewhat remote from the my great love for the people of Gibraltar. institutions that act on its behalf. 223WH European Union21 JULY 2009 European Union 224WH

[Mr. Evans] not been ratified by then. And then, to have another unelected person—Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead, who In the United Kingdom, the turnout was even more was recently appointed to the House of Lords—say on worrying, at 34.3 per cent. Two thirds of the country behalf of the British people that we will support Tony had something more important to do on the day of the Blair as president of the EU when the position has not European elections, even though we have made it far yet been created is quite stunning. The lack of democracy easier for them to vote. In the UK, 11 million people in every stage of this is amazing. voted in the European elections. In 2002, 23 million As a member of the Council of Europe, I spend some voted in “Big Brother”. More people in Britain are of my time visiting some of the 47 member states to talk more interested in what happens on “Big Brother” than about democracy and observe their elections. I tell them in the Big Brother state in Brussels, which actually has how important the rule of law is, yet it seems that it more say on how they lead their lives. does not really matter for us. I feel incredibly uneasy I am a democrat; therefore, I am concerned about about that. what is happening in the EU and, indeed, in the UK. We all believed, when the French, the Dutch and the My hon. Friend mentioned the referendum on the Irish said “no”, that the treaty was dead, but the walking Lisbon treaty. Tony Blair said that we would have one, corpse has had some life breathed into it, and we may but, in his dying days as Prime Minister, he said, “By well see it become a reality for the whole of Europe—for the way, there will not be a referendum.” That is one of all 27 countries. I hope that that will not happen. the greatest denials of democracy that I have seen in The EU is an important institution, but many of my this country in the 51 years I have been alive. Everyone constituents say that it has been transformed into a knows that the Lisbon treaty is exactly the same as the creature that they did not wish to see. The hon. Member constitution, apart from one or two words. The French, for North-West Leicestershire (David Taylor) said that the Dutch and the Irish said no to it. I am staggered that in the 1975 referendum he voted against, as many did. the French were told that they could not have another The vast majority of people whom I speak to did not vote, and the Dutch “no” was also ignored. have an opportunity to vote in that referendum because Ireland keeps getting it wrong. I do not know what is they had not reached voting age. They have never had a wrong with it. It did the same in respect of the Nice referendum on Europe, yet over the years they have seen treaty, but, fortunately, had another go and got it right it transformed into something akin to a united states of that time—as far as Brussels was concerned. If I were Europe, which is what some, including Hans-Gert Pöttering, Irish, I would feel somewhat aggrieved that my voice in wish to see. a referendum is being ignored. We hear the great democrats Many of those who voted yes in 1975 voted for a of Europe ask, “Why should one country be able to Europe of independent sovereign nation states trading block this treaty when the other 26 wish it to go ahead?” together, but with their own sovereign Governments That is the system. They need unanimity of the 27 who would conduct the laws that pertained mostly to countries. They should not try to change the rules them from their own countries. However, year by year, simply because one country is deemed to have got it treaty by treaty, we have seen this ebb away and we now wrong. have a creature that few people, including Ted Heath, I must point out that I used a bit of irony when I would ever have recognised as the organisation that intervened on my hon. Friend earlier, just in case someone existed when he took us into Europe in 1973. Ted Heath thinks that I actually believed what I said about three fought the ’75 referendum by saying that it was a countries getting it wrong and one country getting it Europe of trading states, and that that was all it was. right. I actually think that the referendum in Ireland Clearly, it has turned into something far more than was poignant. I hope that when the Irish are forced to that. have another referendum—I believe that it will be on We have learned the word “subsidiarity”, which has 2 October—they will stand firm and vote as they did come into our parlance, but we are not acting on it. I last time. They will be doing not only themselves but hope that a future Conservative Government will take democracy a favour if they say “no” again. My great subsidiarity to heart and ensure that, in the ongoing set suspicion is that, if they do, the wonderful, nameless of negotiations that is the European Union, we return bureaucrats will take the Lisbon treaty to one side, vital powers back to the nation states and closer to the salami-slice it and then introduce it bit by bit through people—that is the sort of devolution I believe in—instead the back door, as if the vote had never mattered. It is of more power being attracted to the centre, which we appalling that parts of the Lisbon treaty are already have already proven is fairly remote from the vast being introduced, even though it does not have the majority of people in the country. unanimous vote that it requires. I shall end by talking, as my hon. Friend did, about As my hon. Friend said, the Czech President, the EU enlargement. The Council of Europe comprises Poles and, indeed, even the Germans—the treaty is 47 countries, many of which have had problems, such as going through their constitutional courts—are clearly Georgia, which has faced hostilities on its borders from showing greater care for democracy than has been another Council of Europe country—Russia. Many of shown by several other countries, and certainly by Europe those countries would dearly love to join the EU. generally. Fortunately, two of the more recent entrants to the EU, I feel uneasy, to say the least, that we have an unelected the Czech Republic and Poland, have shown that they Prime Minister who is trying to push a general election are no pushover when it comes to the rights of their in this country into the long grass so that the Lisbon countries and their peoples. I, too, want to see Europe treaty can be ratified by the 27 countries before Britain expanding. I want a wider Europe, not a deeper one. I has a general election. That is because the Conservative want many of the Balkan states neighbouring us to join party is committed to having a referendum on it if it has the EU as soon as possible, including Croatia, which 225WH European Union21 JULY 2009 European Union 226WH will hopefully be the next country to join, Montenegro, are not having the referendum on the Lisbon treaty is Serbia, Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo. I look forward that the Government have done their private polling to countries such as Turkey being able to join at the and know what the result would be. Polls on the Lisbon appropriate time. treaty referendum have said that up to 70 per cent. of It will not be the same Europe. It is almost impossible the British people would have voted no. Rather than the for us to talk about all the countries that will have British people having their democratic say and rejecting joined Europe having the same access to labour markets the Lisbon treaty, as has happened in three other countries, as is currently the case. When Romania and Bulgaria they have been denied the vote. That is an absolute joined we learned the lesson that we failed to learn when disgrace. the other 10 countries joined. Whereas France and If the Lisbon treaty is ratified, I will, like my hon. Germany protected their countries with derogations on Friend the Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham, press people being able to settle and work there, we did not, my party to consider giving a post-ratification referendum and—surprise, surprise—several hundred thousand people so that the British people will have their final say on from those 10 countries settled in the United Kingdom. whether they wished to have the Lisbon treaty foisted Many of those people did so positively and have contributed on them in this undemocratic fashion. If the British to our economy. people say no, as I suspect they will, that gives us a wonderful bargaining chip with the rest of the EU in Daniel Kawczynski: Roughly 500,000 Poles are living future negotiations to get the sort of Europe that is for in the United Kingdom as a result of Poland’s membership the benefit of the British people and for generations to of the EU. I welcome their contribution, but I have come in the United Kingdom. repeatedly asked the Polish Government to invest more The future is exciting for Europe if we get it right. At in consular and embassy staff to help those citizens, the moment, we are getting it wrong. because a lot of them have to ask for support from British Members of Parliament, whereas the responsibility for helping them really should still lie with Poland. The 11.48 am Polish authorities should do more to support them here. Mr.EdwardDavey(Kingston and Surbiton) (LD): I congratulate the hon. Member for Shrewsbury and Mr. Evans: That is spoken from the heart by a man Atcham (Daniel Kawczynski) on securing this debate. who probably gets a disproportionate amount of Although at times the debate so far suggests that hon. correspondence from Polish citizens in the UK—they Members may be a little bit demob happy, he made know he is fluent in the Polish language—and who, I some interesting points that I agree with. I strongly suspect, has become a sort of icon for the 500,000 Poles agree that Britain should be in the EU. He may be who live in the UK and are looking for help. I appreciate surprised to know that, as Liberal Democrat spokesman my hon. Friend’s point. Poland has to recognise the on foreign affairs, I believe that the EU should be extra work load created when so many people from reformed. I would enjoy a debate with the hon. Gentleman their country come to the UK. on all the different reforms that we might have. He may More importantly, we welcomed Poland and a number be interested to know that I believe that some powers of other countries into the EU to assist them to grow could potentially return, but that would have to be done and prosper and to lessen the magnet effect of other EU in renegotiations with our partners. I will come back to countries on their people, leading them to leave their that point in a second. I also agree that one problem is own. The French and the Germans got it right, because that we in this country have gold-plated EU legislation they ensured that there was a 10-year period during when directives come down to Whitehall. We are our which the cohesion funds going into Poland, for example, own worst enemy when it comes to many aspects of would at least have a chance to work. We just said, how European Union law works. “Open the doors”, and coaches full of young Poles It is incumbent on all Members of Parliament to try come to Victoria station, up the road, looking for to explain why there is so much European law. Parties opportunities in the UK. Yes, many of them have now such as UKIP—I know that the hon. Gentleman opposes returned to Poland, because they do not regard Britain its position—try to suggest that Europe is taking over as the golden place, as in the picture that was painted law-making. That is simply not true when one analyses for them. Still, a considerable number of people have not the numbers but the type of law. One reason why come here. At least we put the derogations in place in Europe has passed so many directives recently is that it respect of Bulgaria and Romania. If we went down the deals with trade issues in the internal market—the road of accepting the Balkan states and then included single market. Anyone who is familiar with the history Turkey, we would need to have safeguards to ensure of law development, whether in the European Union, that a fair chunk of people from Turkey, for instance, Britain, the United States or any other developed market did not uproot themselves and plant themselves in the economy knows that there are more laws, particularly rest of the EU. That is the great fear in Germany and detailed regulations, covering trade and economic issues France, which is why Sarkozy has been making some of than almost any other area. It is not surprising in a his pronouncements. single market that more laws have been passed at European The next general election will soon be upon us and, if Union level. That does not mean that Europe is highly the Lisbon treaty has not been ratified, that will give an regulated—on the contrary. enormous opportunity for the British people to have An example that I often use is the directive on their first say since 1975 on how they wish their country strawberries. Anti-Europeans say that it shows how to develop. When the Minister responds to the debate, mad the European Union is to pass a law on strawberries, he has an opportunity to reinforce my suspicion, which but before that there was a British law on strawberries, is that the real and only reason why the British people a Danish law on strawberries and a French law on 227WH European Union21 JULY 2009 European Union 228WH

[Mr. Edward Davey] Its head of European representation said that time will tell whether the new alliance will prove successful, but strawberries. There were 15 or 27 laws on strawberries—on at the moment it looks somewhat fragile. I shall talk what constitutes a strawberry, and what can be sold by about fragility in a moment. strawberry growers or retailers. Those laws have been stripped away, and there is one law, so that strawberry Daniel Kawczynski: During my speech, I tried not to growers of Kent and elsewhere do not have to have say anything derogatory about the Liberal Democrats, different punnets of strawberries going to Belgium, but the hon. Gentleman has started to criticise the Holland and France. They can have the same punnets, Conservative party. I want to raise two issues. First, why which is helpful to trade. did his party vote against giving the British people a European laws have inevitably been numerous because referendum? His party’s support for the Government they have dealt with trade, but they have also been prevented the British people from having that referendum. deregulatory because there has been a bonfire of member Not many people realise that. Secondly, why did so few states’ laws. That vital fact is rarely stated, and I am people—only 15 per cent.—vote for his party in the grateful to the hon. Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans) European Union elections? for providing the opportunity for me to air that argument. Mr. Davey: The hon. Gentleman should be careful [MR.ERIC MARTLEW in the Chair] about the latter point. He knows that all the major In raising the matter today, the hon. Member for parties saw their vote fall from what was predicted in Shrewsbury and Atcham inevitably focused our attention the polls. On the referendum, he should know—I believe on the Conservative party’s policy on the European that he attended many of the debates on the Lisbon Union and what it might be if the Conservatives ever treaty—that the Liberal Democrats supported a referendum came to power. He and the hon. Member for Ribble on whether we should be in or out of the European Valley talked about their support for a post-ratification Union, and we had an exchange on that. Our reason referendum if the Lisbon treaty is ratified before that was that that was closest to our 2005 manifesto event, and I look forward to the comments of the hon. commitment. The constitutional treaty, unlike what Member for Rayleigh (Mr. Francois). I am sure that he members of the Conservative party often say, is not the will make clear the Conservative party’s position, so I same as the Lisbon treaty on key constitutional issues. will not put words into his mouth. I am interested to The constitutional treaty contained the Maastricht know whether he will talk about its strategy to renegotiate treaty, the treaty of Amsterdam, the treaty of Nice, the Britain’s relationship with the European Union, and treaty of Rome and the Single European Act in one how it has been building influence in Europe in recent document. To vote on that is to vote on the whole weeks to make that more possible. European Union. The Lisbon treaty is minor. It is an When framing foreign policy, a Government must amending treaty, not a constitutional treaty. It is not consider their relationship with Europe’s capitals—Berlin, about whether one agrees with the whole of the European Rome, Madrid—and particularly with Washington. If Union’s rules as built up over decades; the constitutional the Conservative party believes that it will have more treaty, however, was. A referendum on being in or out of influence in the White House because it has less influence the EU was far closer to our pledge. in Berlin, Paris, Madrid and Rome, it must be stark, Goebbels was right in saying that propaganda is staring bonkers. The major stake to the heart of the repeating the same lie—[Interruption.] Misrepresentation Conservatives’ attitude to their whole foreign policy is —I was talking about the Conservative party, not their inability to put forward a coherent, consistent and individuals. credible policy with key Conservative European Governments and parties. Mr. Evans: The hon. Gentleman will know that when the former President of the European Parliament, Hans- Mr. Francois: How would the hon. Gentleman Gert Pöttering, gave a speech to the Council of Europe characterise the Liberal Democrats’ relationship with he said that the document was virtually the same as the Washington? one the French, Dutch and Irish rejected. Indeed, the vast majority of European politicians rather like the Mr. Davey: It is extremely good. If the hon. Gentleman Lisbon treaty, and when they talk about it in their own had joined me at the Democratic convention in Denver countries they reassure people that it is virtually the he would have seen that there were more Liberal Democrat same document. Only in the United Kingdom do we MPs there than Conservative and Labour MPs put carry on with the pretence that somehow the document together. before us is different. I turn to business’s view of the Conservative party’s position on leaving the European People’s party. Mr. Eric Martlew (in the Chair): Order. Interventions should be short. Daniel Kawczynski: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? Mr. Davey: Again, I refer the hon. Gentleman to our debates on the Lisbon treaty, because many people had a completely different view. Mr. Davey: In a moment. British Chambers of Commerce is alarmed and said Daniel Kawczynski: The realpolitik at the time was in the Financial Times on 24 June that that the Labour Government would never allow a “having so many UK MEPs outside the mainstream groupings is referendum on whether we should be members of the a worry for business.” European Union. By not voting with us, the hon. 229WH European Union21 JULY 2009 European Union 230WH

Gentleman’s party lost a golden opportunity to give the their voice has not got any bigger. However, they have British people a referendum on the constitution. Surely reduced voting strength on all the committees, so their he knew at the time that the Government would never voice cannot be heard when they are voting on legislation. allow such a referendum. Even the leader of their group, who was to be a Conservative MEP, has had to become a Polish MEP. The influence Mr. Davey: The hon. Gentleman should have backed of the Conservative MEPs has been reduced. our call. We would then have had a much stronger case, I would have liked to go on about all the different and the Government would have been on a much weaker members of the new grouping and their particular wicket. policy preferences, but I will not, because of time. They The key issue—I am sure the hon. Member for Rayleigh have already been rehearsed and I would like to give the will address it—is the Conservative party’s decision to Minister a chance to rehearse them, as I am sure he leave the European People’s party in the European would like to do. I shall therefore end on an issue of Parliament. Elected Conservative Members of Parliament policy that is relevant to how Britain is involved with and those in Brussels have described that as “stupid”, the European Union, and to future issues that will moving the Conservatives to the “wild fringes”, “crazy” challenge the next Government on both foreign policy and “head-banging”, the final description being that of and expenditure; we all know the expenditure problems. the right hon. and learned Member for Rushcliffe The issue relates to defence. (Mr. Clarke). I refer hon. Members not to Liberal Democrat policy, Let us be clear. A vast majority of respected but to an article by the right hon. and learned Member Conservatives believe that the party’s current position is for Kensington and Chelsea (Sir Malcolm Rifkind) in crazy. Why did it occur in the first place? The European the Financial Times last week entitled “Britain must Parliament does not have the power to change EU work with Europeans on defence.” In the article, the treaties, nor can it or MEPs make the EU more federalist. former Conservative Foreign Secretary talks about the That can be done only by negotiation, subject to the importance of European colleagues working together unanimity laws, between member states. Why it was so far more effectively on issues such as defence procurement, difficult for British Conservatives to sit on the same and in terms of ensuring that commonality is achieved benches as the MEPs of Chancellor Merkel and President in equipment, weaponry, armour and so on. He talks Sarkozy is beyond me, particularly as Chancellor Merkel’s about the huge savings that could be reaped. He also views are probably the closest of any German leader talks about making our own Army far more effective. since the second world war to those of the modern He talks about it being able to work more closely with British Conservative party. other armies, particularly that of France, which does take its defence policy seriously, but also with others as, The situation is even more bizarre because the European it is hoped, they begin to do so as well. People’s party, after quite a big victory for centre-right parties across the European Union, is at its strongest in That ought to go to the heart of political debate—the the European Parliament, and it is at this moment that security and the finance of our nation. We have to work the British Conservatives decided to leave, so they have with our European colleagues, and with rather more chosen isolationism over influence. That will hobble a enthusiasm and with some semblance of influence. I future Conservative Government. think that the British Conservatives are about to sell our country down the river. Any grouping in the European Parliament must have 25 MEPs from seven member states. Following the decision of the Finnish MEP who had been recruited to 12.3 pm leave the new grouping after a few days, having met his Mr. Mark Francois (Rayleigh) (Con): It is a pleasure erstwhile colleagues, the new grouping has only seven to serve under your chairmanship, Mr. Martlew. I begin member states represented and four of those seven have by congratulating my hon. Friend the Member for only one MEP. Shrewsbury and Atcham (Daniel Kawczynski) on securing this important debate. He criticised the possible appointment Mr. Francois: The hon. Gentleman is incorrect: there of Tony Blair as President of the EU, and I will certainly are eight. want to return to that theme. I commend my hon. Friend for his assiduous membership of a number of Mr. Davey: Oh, there are eight—it changes day by all-party groups; he is clearly a very hard-working Member day. We can never quite tell. One day, we have former of Parliament. leaders of the Conservative group, people such as Edward My hon. Friend raised, among other things, Gibraltar. McMillan-Scott, who are members of the Tory party, I can tell him that one of the first all-party groups that I and then we do not. We have to keep track of it, and I joined when I came to this place in 2001 was the apologise for not being quite as up to date as I needed to all-party group on Gibraltar. Gibraltar and the desire be, but the key point remains that four members of the of the Gibraltarians to remain British will always be new group have a single MEP.It only needs two of them something that is close to my heart. I intend to fight to leave and then the group folds, so the instability—the very hard for that should I ever have the honour of fragility that the member of the British Chambers of becoming a Minister in the Foreign Office. I hope that Commerce referred to in the Financial Times last month—is my hon. Friend takes some reassurance from that. still there. That cannot be a sensible way of going on. I also commend my hon. Friend the Member for The Conservatives told us that the new grouping Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans), who made a typically passionate would mean a big voice for the British Conservatives, so contribution. He raised several issues, including what have they gained since the elections? They still enlargement. He made the point that a number of have only one chair of a committee. That is all that they countries look forward to the possibility of joining the had in the past. They have not gained any new chairs; European Union—of having an EU prospective, as it is 231WH European Union21 JULY 2009 European Union 232WH

[Mr. Mark Francois] The post of EU President, were it ever to come about, would, particularly in the hands of a well known often put. He also raised what happened in Bulgaria and ambitious politician such as Mr. Blair, have the and Romania. People in all parties in this country and potential to become a very powerful yet, importantly, in many other countries in the EU have learned lessons unelected office. That raises real concerns. I would from that. In essence, the lesson is that if we attempt to therefore like, as part of this debate on how we might bring in countries to meet an arbitrary timetable, the interrelate with the rest of the EU, to consider his risk is that we bring those countries in before the record and what he might do were he ever able to process of reform has been fully completed. That lesson assume that office. has been learned across the EU, and we now talk about The former Prime Minister will be remembered for conditionality rather than arbitrary timetables. In simple many things. One thing that he will be remembered for terms, if further reform has to take place, it is better is the surrender of £7.2 billion of the British rebate—that that it takes place before a country is admitted to the was British taxpayers’ money—for very little in return. EU rather than afterwards, because there is still a That surrender followed a now familiar pattern from degree of leverage to argue for reform before it comes in Labour of initially defiant rhetoric for media consumption, and it is difficult to get that reform once it has been followed by surrender and subsequent spin to try to admitted. It is fair to say that that lesson has been make up for it. To summarise, Downing street assured learned by many countries of the EU. It is hoped that a us in 2005 that the rebate was not up for negotiation. number of the countries mentioned by my hon. Friend The former Prime Minister promised Parliament: can undertake the reform that might be necessary to allow them one day to join the EU. “The UK rebate will remain and we will not negotiate it away. Period.”—[Official Report, 8 June 2005; Vol. 434, c. 1234.] Mr. Evans: Will my hon. Friend give way? When asked whether the rebate was justified and non- negotiable, the current Prime Minister replied, “Yes”. Mr. Francois: I have a lot to say, but I will give way. He went on to say: Mr. Evans: Will my hon. Friend also accept that it is “there will have to be the rebate and the reason is that even if you important to take the peoples of those countries with us decided to negotiate down the Common Agricultural Policy...there as well? If it is ever gleaned by the people that they are would still be that period where we were paying far more because being dragged by the nose in a certain direction but the other people were getting the benefit—not just of the Common Agricultural Policy but of Structural and Cohesion Funds.” chances of them ever joining are remote—Turkey is a perfect example of that—we run the risk of those However, that rhetoric soon turned into the reality of peoples turning against the European Union and against a Labour EU climbdown. On 21 June 2005, the former the whole concept of what we are trying to create. Prime Minister said: “we have made it clear all the way through that we are prepared, Mr. Francois: My hon. Friend’s point is well made. It not just to discuss and negotiate upon, but to recognise that the remains the Conservative party’s position that we support, rebate is an anomaly that has to go, but it has got to go in the in principle, Turkish membership of the European Union. context of the other anomaly being changed as well.” He is right to raise the prospect of some frustration in Turkey about what I think people there perceive as However, that did not happen. In his statement attempting problems being put in their way by certain other countries to justify the new deal, the former Prime Minister in the European Union. We run the risk that if those claimed success, saying: problems pertain for any length of time, people in “we also agreed on a fundamental review of all aspects of the EU Turkey will begin to lose faith in the possibility of budget, including the common agricultural policy…it is then membership. My hon. Friend therefore sounds an important possible for changes to be made to this budget structure in the warning in the debate, and I hope that the Minister will course of this financing period.”—[Official Report, 19 December take that warning on board. 2005; Vol. 440, c. 1564.] I want to follow the remarks by my hon. Friend the In practice, however, that so-called fundamental review Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham about the possibility of the CAP, which was promised to Parliament, was of the former Prime Minister, Tony Blair, becoming the downgraded to a non-binding health check, which has President of the European Union. That really came to not led to genuine reform. We were sorely let down, and light last Thursday following an extraordinarily candid £7.2 billion of our money was given away with virtually admission by Lady Kinnock, the new Minister for nothing in return. If the former Prime Minister became Europe: the EU President, therefore, Britain would be left facing “The UK government is supporting Tony Blair’s candidature a powerful President with a track record of failing to for president of the Council.” stand up for Britain’s interests in Europe. The post of EU President does not exist at present, but The former Prime Minister’s record should also be the creation of the post by the Lisbon treaty and now examined with regard to his role in forcing the Lisbon the former Prime Minister’s candidature have huge treaty on the British people without the referendum potential consequences for the way in which the EU is that he had promised them. As we know, the treaty run, for our relationship with the EU and, given Tony represents a significant transfer of power from member Blair’s relationship with the present Prime Minister, for states to the EU’s central institutions. That includes the British domestic politics as well. Of course, we are loss of 60 vetoes and the creation of a European diplomatic opposed to the Lisbon treaty, so we do not want the service, a Foreign Minister in all but name, a charter of post to be created at all. It is particularly presumptuous fundamental rights and an EU President. The treaty is of the Labour party to raise the prospect of his having nearly identical to the EU constitution that Blair promised the job before the treaty is even ratified. would be put to the British people in a referendum. 233WH European Union21 JULY 2009 European Union 234WH

Let me pick up the point that the Liberal Democrat whatever happens to the Lisbon treaty, there will have spokesman, the hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton to be a new Commission. As the Minister knows, I have (Mr. Davey), made about the Lisbon treaty. He attempted raised this issue with him before. The UK’s opt-out to argue that the treaty and the constitution are markedly from the working time directive—the opt-out is now different, but they are not, and he does not need to take used by 15 different EU countries—affects the jobs of 3 that from me. He can take it from the former Irish million people in this country. This is not, therefore, Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, who said that they are 90 per some esoteric debate, because the issue matters to the cent. the same. He can take it from the Spanish Foreign employment of millions of people in the UK. In the Minister, who said that they are 98 per cent. the same. crunch vote a year ago, most Labour MEPs, including He can take it from the Spanish Prime Minister, who the woman who now leads them in the European literally went one better, saying that they are 99 per Parliament, voted to get rid of the opt-out, although a cent. the same. He can take it from Chancellor Merkel, few voted to retain it. It is likely that we will return to who has been mentioned several times today. She said: the issue, so it is important to press the Minister on “The substance of the Constitution has been maintained.” exactly where Labour MEPs stand. He can even take it from the Prime Minister. Shortly When my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney after taking up his new post, the Prime Minister had a (Mr. Cameron) became the leader of the Conservative meeting with the Taoiseach. At the subsequent press party, he said that we would form a new grouping in the conference, he was asked what they had been talking European Parliament. In effect, he gave three years’ about. He replied: notice that we would do that, so it is not something that we decided to do overnight. Many people, including “the European constitution and how that can move forward over the next few months.” several Ministers, the Liberal Democrats and several commentators in the media, said that we would never Even the Prime Minister therefore knows that the treaty do that, but we have. We have established a new grouping, and the constitution are essentially the same. It is—I which has 54 Members of the European Parliament choose my words carefully—disingenuous of the Liberal representing eight EU countries. If we look at the Democrats to pretend that they are materially different, balance of power in the Parliament—I know that the so that they can get out of the referendum that they Minister studies these things—we can see that that solemnly promised the British people in their 2005 grouping will have quite significant influence and could general election manifesto. be a swing voting grouping on particularly important Hon. Members: Hear, hear. votes. I will conclude now, so the Minister has a chance to Mr. Eric Martlew (in the Chair): Order. Hon. Members make a contribution—[Interruption.] Well, I want to need to be quiet. give him at least 13 minutes. I leave him with this thought. A GfK NOP poll at the weekend asked people Mr. Francois: I am sorry, Mr. Martlew, I appear to be whether they wanted Tony Blair to be the EU President. enthusing my hon. Friends that bit too much. Nevertheless, Some 25 per cent. said yes, but 54 per cent. said no. If the Liberal Democrats have tried to wriggle out of their the Government intend to take any notice of the slaughter promise. They tried to make the same case on the inflicted on them in the European elections by the Lisbon treaty in the European elections, and they were people of this country, they should pay some heed to ritually slaughtered for their trouble, so we will take no those figures and change course. lectures from them about the treaty. Tony Blair’s possible candidature was not really an issue in the European elections, and I do not remember 12.17 pm it cropping up very much. However, the elections were The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign one example of the British people having at least some and Commonwealth Affairs (Chris Bryant): It is a delight say over the European policies of this country’s different to sit under your chairmanship, Mr. Martlew. I am parties. Although the elections saw socialist party policies afraid that I will have to rather rush through things across Europe being rejected, the people’s rejection of because so many different matters have been raised. the Labour party in Britain was particularly decisive. The Labour party did worse than its socialist brethren I congratulate the hon. Member for Shrewsbury and in France or Spain; it got just over half the MEPs that Atcham (Daniel Kawczynski) on securing the debate. I the Italian socialists did; and it achieved a similar result should tell him that I do know who the Welsh MEPs to that of the German Social Democrats, the SPD, are; indeed, I know two of them—Derek Vaughan and despite the fact that the SPD had its worst election Jill Evans—personally, although I do not know John result since the second world war. In the new European Bufton and Kay Swinburne. I also happen to know who Parliament, the British Labour delegation will rank as the hon. Gentleman’s MEPs are: Mike Nattrass, Malcolm only the sixth-largest party in the Socialist group, only Harbour, Philip Bradbourn, Nikki Sinclaire, Liz Lynne just ahead of the Romanian Socialists, who have 10 seats. and Michael Cashman. As I understand it, although the Minister may correct me, the Labour party will have no committee chairmanships Mr. Evans: The Minister asked a friend. in the European Parliament. Given that my party has at least one, therefore, it is rich for the Government to Chris Bryant: The hon. Gentleman suggests that I criticise us. have a better researcher than he does, and he is quite On our relationship with the EU, we would like to right. hear from the Minister what the position of Labour It is good formally to confirm on behalf of those of MEPs will be on the working time directive in the new us in the Chamber that the hon. Member for Shrewsbury Parliament and perhaps under a new Commission— and Atcham is a Polish icon. He is much respected in 235WH European Union21 JULY 2009 European Union 236WH

[Chris Bryant] The hon. Gentleman raised the issue of ratification, and so did other hon. Members. That is, of course, an the House—I mean this seriously—for many of the issue in Germany: in the Bundestag on 26 August there issues that he raises and for his relationship with Poland. will be the First Reading of the changes to the law that There are not many fluent Polish speakers in the House, it believes it needs to proceed with ratification. The and I know that the hon. Gentleman also speaks Swedish. Second and Third Readings will be on 8 September in Hon. Members who come here from many different the Bundestag and on 18 September in the Bundesrat. parts of the world with their own family history often We hope that the Czech Republic and Poland will add something to the way in which we do our business. proceed to ratification, notwithstanding the charming The hon. Gentleman will know that our relationship letter that the hon. Gentleman sent to the Polish President. with Poland is a strong and historic one. That is particularly The hon. Gentleman raised the matter of Gibraltar, true as regards the second world war, but it was also the as did the hon. Member for Rayleigh (Mr. Francois). I case before. As he will know, we have just opened a new do not know whether he is aware that there are trilateral embassy in Warsaw at a cost of £35 million, and we are meetings today between the Spanish Government, the very much committed to our strong relationship with UK Foreign Ministers and Peter Caruana, on behalf of Poland. Polish and British troops often fight together, Gibraltar. There are several issues, and the process is a in places around the world, and there is a strong link. It serious one, which can only redound to the benefit of is a delight to see that shopping habits in Britain have the people of Gibraltar. We are engaging on issues to do changed—that there are Polish sausages on our supermarket with financial services and taxation, customs, police shelves. In 2007, Poland imported £47 million of British co-operation, education and so on. The self-determination food—an increase of 54 per cent. I am told that a large of the people in Gibraltar must obviously be at the amount of that is Marmite. heart of the trilateral relationship. The British Government One thing rather let down the hon. Gentleman’s have no intention of changing that. speech. He accused the Labour Government of arrogance, but he presumed on the British public on about five occasions, talking about when someone would be the Mr. Francois: Will the hon. Gentleman assure us that Minister, and when there would be a Conservative in those meetings Her Majesty’s Government will raise Government. That shows the arrogance lying beneath. the important issue of Spanish vessels making incursions He may not want to own up, but it is a matter of motes into Gibraltar’s territorial waters? and beams. The hon. Gentleman raised the issue of Department Chris Bryant: Those issues have already been raised, for International Development aid to north Africa, and and we shall continue to raise them, as well as environmental said that it is wrong that we do not provide aid in the issues that have come up in the past few months, on way that Italy is providing it to Libya. We do not agree which we believe the Spanish Government have not with tied aid of that kind. It is inappropriate, and we acted appropriately, and on which we disagree with shall lobby throughout the European Union to ensure them. We can have disagreements with strong allies. that that does not happen. Likewise, one of the things of which I am most proud is that when Labour came to The hon. Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham raised power we said we would not tie the aid that we provided the issue of renegotiation of Britain’s membership of to other countries to contracts secured by British companies. the European Union. I want to say to him and the hon. Instead we would tie it to two things, and the first of Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans), who is immensely those was good governance; we would not simply put charming but always wrong—on these issues anyway—that money into the pockets of corrupt Governments, even renegotiation can happen only if we persuade all the though they might represent very poor areas. Secondly, other members of the European Union that they want we said that we would target our aid at the poorest to renegotiate. Talks of bargaining chips, referendums, countries in the world. If anything, one of our criticisms post-ratification referendums and the rest of it are of other European countries has been that they have cloud cuckoo land unless another single country, to tended merely to provide aid to countries with which start with, and, in the end, all the other countries in the they have a historic link. That is inappropriate because EU, can be persuaded that they want to go through the if we are to meet the millennium development goals we process of treaty renegotiation. In my view, the European must target our money at the poorest countries. Union has been too obsessed in the past five or 10 years with treaties and institutional arrangements and it would The hon. Gentleman referred to Iceland and its be better if it were more focused on the real needs of the continuing process of trying to join the European Union. peoples of our countries. That means an appropriate Obviously, we are delighted that Iceland will submit an level of subsidiarity so that member states can make the application for membership. We do not think that it decisions that are important for them. However, it also should be linked, directly or indirectly, to banking and means that on key areas of co-operation we must all the crisis earlier in the year. The Government are working bind together. to try to overcome the difficulties that charities and individuals have had because of the collapse of Icelandic The hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton banks. (Mr. Davey) referred to work that was done by the former Conservative Foreign Secretary, the right Daniel Kawczynski: Will the Minister give way? hon. and learned Member for Kensington and Chelsea Chris Bryant: I am very hesitant to, because I have a (Sir Malcolm Rifkind), and he is right that there are very short time. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman can major areas in which we still have to develop further raise things with me after the debate; I have to deal levels of co-operation. In defence areas the basis of that with about 20 other things that he has already raised would always be unanimity—it would have to mean with me. member states taking clear decisions about whether 237WH European Union21 JULY 2009 European Union 238WH they wanted to take part in military intervention. However, the European Parliament, with whom they might have there must surely be a greater opportunity for us in had historic associations, in France, Germany, Italy and greater, enhanced co-operation. Spain, and decided instead, out of an ideological obsession, The hon. Members for Shrewsbury and Atcham and to work not in the British interest but in that of their for Rayleigh raised the issue of Turkey. We are fully ideology, and to stitch up a new grouping on the sidelines committed to Turkey’s membership of the European of the European Parliament? Fascinatingly, of course, Union; it is important. Of course, many issues must be we now know that part of that stitch-up was making resolved. The hon. Member for Ribble Valley referred sure that Mr. Kaminski would be one of the vice-presidents to migration. He is right that one of the focuses of the of the European Parliament. Unfortunately, so incompetent concept of the European Union was the freedom for was the negotiation waged by the hon. Member for people to live and work where they chose within it. That Rayleigh that those involved knew Mr. Kaminski would is essential to a free, open and single market. However, not get anywhere near the vice-presidency; consequently, we must ensure that migration patterns across the European Mr. Edward McMillan-Scott, one of the wisest members Union are not so intense that any one country feels of the Conservative party, decided he had to stand. He overburdened, or, for that matter, over-denuded, with secured the vice-presidency, in the British interest, I respect to the working population. Of course that is would suggest. That meant greater influence, because right. One of the many reasons for our support for a the vice-presidents play an important role in the way the very important round of talks in Copenhagen, at which European Parliament does its business. we must get a clear resolution on climate change issues, There are major issues about Mr. Kaminski. Only is that the danger of climate change, in particular if sea this weekend, Rabbi Barry Marcus, of the Central levels rise because of the increased temperature of the synagogue in London, condemned the Conservatives’ globe, is that because some of the poorest people in the association with Mr. Kaminski, who is now, of course, world live in the lowest-lying areas, they may be pushed their leader in the European Parliament. They organise into patterns of significant migration. We do not believe a new group and cannot even sort out making sure that that that would be sustainable, and that is why we want one of their own Members is the leader. What does that to fight climate change. suggest about what a future Conservative Government The hon. Member for Ribble Valley raised issues might get up to? about enlargement and Croatia, Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia, and I do not know that I can cover all of those Mr. Francois: Will the Minister give way? now, but I want to return, as the Liberal Democrat spokesman thought I might, to the question of the Chris Bryant: No; there are barely seconds left. Rabbi Conservative grouping in the European Parliament. Is Barry Marcus of the Central synagogue— it not fascinating that the Conservatives decided to eschew the most important and significant Members of Mr. Eric Martlew (in the Chair): Order. 239WH 21 JULY 2009 Gloucester (Regeneration Funding) 240WH

Gloucester (Regeneration Funding) In May this year, unemployment actually went down in the city of Gloucester. It was up again slightly in June, but the work that has taken place in and around 12.30 pm the regeneration area, including a new Sainsbury’s store that has opened on the other side of the Sharpness Mr. Parmjit Dhanda (Gloucester) (Lab): Thank you canal, has created, as I said, a very significant number for calling me to speak, Mr. Martlew; I was just beginning of jobs. The designer outlet centre was opened, as I am to enjoy the exchanges at the end of the previous sure my right hon. Friend the Minister will know, by debate. It is a real pleasure to serve under your chairmanship Gok Wan. She will be very aware of his talents, as I am for the last time in this Session, before we all retreat to sure you are, Mr. Martlew; I can see that you are what the newspapers say will be an 82-day holiday. I wearing one of your finer suits today, which I am sure know that it will not be an 82-day holiday for you, that Gok Wan would approve of. Mr. Martlew, nor will it be for the Minister or myself. In On the downside, however, we know that RDA budgets my case, that will be not least because of some of the have been raided by the Government. I understand why issues that I will outline in the coming minutes. I am that has happened. At a time of recession, it is only pleased to say, though, that I will not have to go at this right and proper that Governments want to keep people debate with as much gusto as I thought I might have to in their homes and want to keep people in work. So we a few weeks ago, when I requested it, because some have seen tens of millions of pounds taken from RDA good progress has been made since then. I am very budgets and used in projects based around housing and pleased about that progress and I will talk about it in a employment. We in Gloucester have benefited from moment. some of those projects too, so I entirely understand why In the past eight years, since I have been the Member that has happened. of Parliament for Gloucester, there has been a very We have been through a process with the South West good story to tell about regeneration in the city of of England Regional Development Agency in which it Gloucester. Since I was elected as the MP for Gloucester wanted us, with our urban regeneration company, to in 2001, we have seen £35 million spent on a new make a pitch for the key projects that we need to keep Gloucester Royal hospital and about £20 million spent money coming into. Today’s debate is actually the second on a university campus at Oxstalls in my constituency, part of a debate that I initiated in Westminster Hall on with the university of Gloucestershire being given university 13 May, which was with the Under-Secretary of State status for the first time. In addition, we have seen about for Justice, my hon. Friend the Member for Watford £20 million spent on creating a state-of-the-art new (Claire Ward), who was acting as the Minister then. I police headquarters in Quedgeley in my constituency. offer my congratulations to her; she did so well that she As part of the urban regeneration in Gloucester, we is now a Minister in her own right. I am sure that the have seen a £35 million further education college— Minister for Regional Economic Development and Gloucestershire college—built on the shores of the Co-ordination, my right hon. Friend the Member for Sharpness canal, which was a project that I was intimately Doncaster, Central (Ms Winterton), who is here today, involved in. I think that that project has been one of the and I will work so well together, not least with officials catalysts for the wider regeneration of the Gloucester at the central project review group within the Department docks. for Business, Innovation and Skills, that it will only Since 2001, we have also had a very good relationship mean good news for her, and she will be in the Cabinet with the regional development agency. In the past in no time at all after this debate, if the precedent of my 10 years, we have had about £35 million in capital and hon. Friend the Member for Watford is anything to go revenue expenditure, which certainly would not have by. happened if we had had a Conservative Government. We made the case in that debate on 13 May and to the The Conservatives do not believe in RDAs. That sum of RDA a few months ago for keeping four key projects £35 million has made a huge difference, not only because going, because we know that, especially in the midst of of what one can do with £35 million but because it has a recession, they will make a huge difference. One of acted as a stimulus, working alongside an urban them, which I will come back to and speak about in regeneration company that has been set up in recent some detail, is the linkages project, which deals with years to lever in other moneys, not least private sector linkages between the Gloucester docks and the conventional finance, of which we have had about £300 million. In and well-known town centre of Gloucester, which includes total, as a consequence of all that investment, we are the cathedral and the shopping centres. It is also where looking towards a £1 billion regeneration of Gloucester. the Four Gates meet; it is the actual town centre. It is We have had our ups and downs in recent years. At a important to have a strong linkage between those two time when the Government are talking about a fiscal areas—the docks and the town centre—because there stimulus, I would urge my right hon. Friend the Minister has always been a fear factor in the town centre, to see what we have done in Gloucester. That is one of understandably, among small and medium-sized businesses the biggest ups. The Minister may bring the Secretary that we would lose jobs and businesses if we regenerate of State for Communities and Local Government with the docks and leave the town centre as it is. Those her, by all means. I think he would be delighted to see linkages are absolutely crucial and we made a case for the work that has gone on in Gloucester, in terms of them. I am pleased to say that the RDA board liked the keeping jobs in the construction industry, by building a case that we made and approved the linkages project. £140 million designer outlet centre, with 100 new designer We also made a case for Kings square, a 1960s outlet shops, in the Gloucester docks. The jobs in that monolith or “carbuncle”, as I think I described it in the centre and those associated with it probably equate to debate on 13 May. That project was approved and I am about 1,000 jobs in total. glad that the Department for Communities and Local 241WH Gloucester (Regeneration Funding)21 JULY 2009 Gloucester (Regeneration Funding) 242WH

Government approved of that too. The same was true I am very confident that, within six weeks, we can of a heritage quarter in the town centre, known as clear up the detail between the CPRG and the RDA so Blackfriars. It houses the Dominican priory, which I am that the former can formulate the detailed criteria and told is the most historic Dominican priory anywhere in tell the latter what else needs to be done locally to secure the country. the money. We then need a quick decision. Ministers are right when they talk about fiscal stimuli and bringing I also made a case for the Four Gates centre in the forward funding and projects, and I do not believe for a deprived Westgate ward, but I was less successful in that second that they want to be held back by officials. We respect. The Four Gates centre was important to me understand the need to go through due process, but if and to many of my constituents, because I think that we can get through this in six weeks, we can ensure that regeneration should not only be about steel and glass the money is spent, that the work on the ground is done, but about social regeneration; it needs to be about child that the construction jobs are in place and that the town care, community facilities and health provision. centre remains confident that the project will make a Unfortunately, the RDA board did not approve the sum difference, not in isolation in the docks area, but in that we were looking for—I think it was a sum of about perpetuity in the rest of the town centre. £2 million—in that particular case. I am still hopeful This is a very important project for us, and I am that that project can go ahead with the support of the pleased with the way in which my right hon. Friend has primary care trust and I will be working with local engaged her Department since my initial concerns were community groups to try to ensure that it does happen. raised. I know that she will not be having an 82-day So we heard good news from the RDA board. We break or anything like that, although I hope that she had not thought that we would get absolutely everything gets away and recharges her batteries over the summer—we that we hoped for; we accepted that. We also accept the all need to do that. However, it is really important that issue around the Four Gates centre and we will try to her officials, the RDA, the urban regeneration company, find other ways of funding that project. However, we myself and her Department continue to engage on this had some bad news when the central policy review matter. I hope that we can secure a positive solution and group of the DCLG did not approve the linkages scheme. return, certainly before October but hopefully quite a That scheme was No. 1 on my priority list, as it was on bit earlier, so that we can get on with delivering the the priority list of the urban regeneration company and project and returns and with demonstrating not only the city council. that we have started a decade-long regeneration project, but that we are here for the long term, and that we will I know that my right hon. Friend the Minister and complete what was started in my constituency by this the Secretary of State are concerned about this process, Labour Government, the RDA and the urban regeneration because we have talked about it, and I know that other company. Ministers in the DCLG are interested in it, but I am really pleased, especially at a time of recession, that my 12.43 pm right hon. Friend the Minister has got hands-on involved with it and engaged her officials with the RDA to take a The Minister for Regional Economic Development and closer look at these linkages. I hope that we are now Co-ordination (Ms Rosie Winterton): It is a pleasure to making some good progress. From what I have heard, serve under your chairmanship, Mr. Martlew. I congratulate there is a much better level of dialogue between the my hon. Friend the Member for Gloucester (Mr. Dhanda) local urban regeneration company, the RDA and the on securing this debate. He has raised this issue before Department on getting this money in and doing the in Westminster Hall, and Parliament more widely, and work. Especially during a recession, we need those has made a number of representations to Ministers in linkages and to complete the public realm work done the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in between the Gloucester docks and the town centre. recent weeks. He has also worked very hard to secure Many businesses—not to mention shopping centres regeneration projects in his constituency. such as the Eastgate and Kings Walk shopping centres—and My hon. Friend set out very clearly some of the the Federation of Small Businesses are lobbying very investment made over the past 12 years to regenerate his hard for this money, because they think that we will lose area. I would certainly like to take up his offer of a visit a lot of jobs. We already have an issue, as do many town to his constituency. I shall be touring the regions in my centres, with boarded-up shops, but that will get much new role, and it would be a pleasure to return to worse if we cannot find the resource to do the public Gloucester. I think that I am looking to visit at the realm work. beginning of September, so if he is around then, which I am sure he will be, perhaps we can find a suitable date. I understand that part of that work has involved an I well remember his area, because of the floods. I was a evaluation by the Department of what can be achieved Transport Minister at the time of those severe problems over three years. I say to my right hon. Friend and in his area, and I know that a lot of work was done to departmental officials that, especially during a recession, try to ensure that the Government could provide assistance. we need to be more flexible and sometimes look at a Gloucester has had more than its fair share of challenges longer period. The public realm work will make a over the years, some of which have their root cause in difference over a much longer period than three years. the current recession. However, it is also true, in terms During a recession, the RDA, which feels very strongly of regeneration over the past 12 years, that the Government about this, thinks that we have to be more flexible. A have made a deliberate effort to address some of those decision approved by its board has never been overturned problems. There are prosperous areas in my hon. Friend’s before, and it has made it clear to all of us locally that constituency, but also areas of quite severe deprivation this is an important scheme for it and one that it wishes problems. That is why the Government have tried to use to continue to support. public investment to ensure that so many of the projects 243WH Gloucester (Regeneration Funding)21 JULY 2009 Gloucester (Regeneration Funding) 244WH

[Ms Rosie Winterton] anxious to ensure that projects offer value for money so that local people can benefit from the best case to secure to which he referred lead to increased employment and regeneration. improved services and are effective in regenerating the The South West of England Regional Development area. Agency made an initial submission to the CPRG in The current recession has had a major impact on November 2008. A number of key issues were identified Gloucester’s strong economic base, especially in advanced as areas that needed further work. A revised business engineering and manufacturing. I pay tribute to much case was submitted in June 2009 following interactions of the work done—my hon. Friend has been involved in between my Department’s economists and policy officials it too—in bringing together local partners in the city, to with the South West of England Regional Development develop plans to combat the recession and to look at Agency. I understand that a site visit also took place to some of the longer-term problems. One of the issues understand fully the context and project objectives. that comes to mind is around skills and how, over the Currently, the business case is much improved. There years, there has been a loss of skilled work in the area. are still some concerns that more work needs to be Local partners have been considering how to build up done, particularly where there are uncertainties about that skills base, so that when the upturn comes, costs and benefits. We want to ensure that the appraisal manufacturing and engineering can take advantage of fully reflects some of the uncertainties and risks inherent the opportunities that come with it. in the current property market. Some of the decisions made—for example, on the completion of the Gloucester south-west bypass—have Mr. Dhanda: If the Minister is to pay a visit in the not only opened up an opportunity for economic first week of September, it would be terrific to resolve development and growth but, as my hon. Friend said, the issues before then. If the issues are not resolved and created a very different environment for the renewal of a decision still has to be made, may I suggest that she the city centre. I am glad that he paid tribute to the brings with her an official or two from the CPRG? In work of the RDA, especially its championing of the that way RDA representatives and urban regeneration Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company, company representatives can show them the need for which has pioneered regeneration investment in the city the work. It is all very well listening to me, but if the area and the area around the Gloucester docks. About Minister can see the issues physically it may help to £17.7 million has already been invested in bringing make the difference on the day. parts of the area back into productive use. My hon. Friend was right to draw our attention to Ms Winterton: That is an extremely good idea, which the work of the RDAs, and point out that the Conservative I will take forward. In the meantime, I will make some party would do away with them. Both before and during inquiries about the point that my hon. Friend raised on the recession, the RDAs have been one of the delivery the three-year evaluation. Again, that is something that agents that have made a real difference to people on the we will want to discuss at any future meeting. ground. To imagine that Whitehall and Westminster I want to assure my hon. Friend that officials in the could deliver the type of changes that we have seen Department are continuing to liaise with the RDA. We without organisations such as the RDAs is living in hope to be able to take a decision on the matter as fantasy land, so it is important that we invest in them. quickly as we can. I understand that the RDA is itself My hon. Friend was right to say that as part of the reviewing the appraisal, taking into account some of fiscal stimulus in which the Government have been the points that have been raised by the CPRG. I am involved, we asked the RDAs to accelerate projects that anxious that any appraisals or reviews of projects take could deliver a short-term boost to the economy.Gloucester account of the changed economic circumstances. I need docks was one such project that the South West of to be certain that we are getting good value for money England Regional Development Agency put forward as and that we have asked RDAs to bring forward projects part of that stimulus. that will provide the fiscal stimulus that we need at the In the current economic climate, it is right to ask moment. Therefore, it is a question of ensuring that RDAs to use their funds to maximum effect to help those two matters are brought together so that we can regional economies. My hon. Friend referred to the be clear—and I know that my hon. Friend will want to CPRG, which examines the economic robustness of see this as the local Member of Parliament—that any RDA project proposals. If there are questions over project in which we invest will provide maximum value value for money or any other aspect, it is right that for local people. This project has been identified as a officials within my Department work closely with the fiscal stimulus project, but before we can take a final RDAs to examine the issues that have been raised to decision on it, we need to identify and consider carefully ensure that where a case can be taken forward, we work information on the short-term boost to the economy. closely together to do so. As I have said, we must get the balance right and ensure My hon. Friend also referred to a number of issues that we get good value for money and that we achieve that are perhaps seen as blockages to taking a project the fiscal stimulus to the economy that I have talked forward and ensuring that a case is robust. After about. representations from my hon. Friend, I have been making Once again, I want to congratulate my hon. Friend inquiries to see that everything possible is being done to on the way in which he has ensured that the voices of his ensure that officials work closely with the RDA to iron local constituents, the RDA and the urban regeneration out some of the concerns about value for money and company are heard in this House. I can assure him that the robustness of a case. We must do that to ensure that Ministers take very seriously the points that he has public funds are being well targeted. We are always raised, and that I look forward to visiting Gloucester. 245WH 21 JULY 2009 School Buildings (Alnwick) 246WH

School Buildings (Alnwick) system is old and inefficient, which adds massively to school running costs, particularly when fuel prices go up. It would be an expensive system to replace, and that 1pm might not be a sensible use of money when we are all Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): In March hoping to see the school housed in completely new 2004, when he was Chancellor, the Prime Minister buildings. made an important promise. I heard him say: As I said, the school is on a split site, which creates “Our capital investment allocations will ensure for every enormous problems. Many things, such as caretaking constituency in the country that by 2015 every secondary school and cleaning provision, have to be duplicated. There are can be refurbished or rebuilt with world class technology in every two boilers, both of which are ancient and in need of school and the best state of the art learning support in every replacement. Much time is lost by staff and students in classroom.” moving between buildings; pupils lose about an hour a He has not forgotten that promise. Indeed, he repeated week of teaching time in transferring between the two it at the Labour party conference last year when he said sites. There are great difficulties in timetabling across that the two sites. There are safety problems because students “over the next decade” have to cross two streets when going between the two —that sounds as if the timetable was slipping— sites. In bad weather, students who change sites twice a “we will rebuild or refurbish not some but all secondary schools”. day might spend a large part of the day in wet clothing, which is not conducive to learning or to maintaining a I have raised this issue previously in Adjournment good environment in the school. The Bailiffgate building debates and questions, but today I want to draw the is a four-storey Georgian building built as a domestic Minister’s attention again to the fact that there is no residence, which is in poor condition. The music rooms, sign whatsoever that that rebuilding is happening, or one of which is a cupboard, are not soundproofed or will happen, in my constituency. In particular, there is suitable for teaching. The building is not compliant no sign that it will happen in Alnwick, where the with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995—it is a buildings of the Duchess’s community high school are profoundly unsatisfactory location in which to be carrying in a deplorable state, despite the school’s great achievements out education. in the standard of education that it provides. Of the other schools in Alnwick, some have serious problems Land has been identified for a replacement school. with their buildings—Alnwick South first school, in Within the local community, there is a clear understanding particular. I understand that the lease for the Dukes that that is where the school needs to be—not just the middle school has expired, and it is operating on a Duchess’s high school, but an education campus that year-to-year basis. accommodates a number of the other schools on the same site. There have been discussions with the biggest Let me provide some background. Northumberland landowner in the town, the Duke’s estate—Northumberland is the sixth largest county in England, but with 310,000 Estates—but those have not reached a conclusion or people it has one of the smallest populations. Nearly brought about an alternative solution to the normal half the population live in 3 per cent. of the land area, ways of solving the problem of replacing a school. in the urban corner. That distribution of population Ironically, the school’s academic success is a handicap and those small numbers make it a difficult authority in to getting its buildings replaced. Teachers and pupils which to provide a full range of schools for every part achieve remarkable results in an unconducive environment, of the county. but that success tends to mean that the school does not For some time, the education authority has been appear in the right column in the figures that are seeking to change the basic structure, which is a three-tier necessary to get on the various schemes. system with transfer at ages nine and 13. That system Ofsted describes the Duchess’s high school and specialist was originally devised to suit the buildings of the time college as a and the post-war secondary modern schools, which in “good and improving school with outstanding features. Students most cases formed the middle schools within that system. make good progress in their studies, and the care, guidance and There are sharply divided views about whether that is a support they receive is excellent…Personal development is excellent good or bad system. My experience is that although the and the school has other strengths such as the partnerships with middle schools worked well, 13 is not a good age for parents and links with other schools. There are many examples of transfer to high school, and a number of problems tend students making very strong contributions to the community, for to flow from that. The county has been looking to example through music, drama, and vocational course activities. restructure the system, but that is not really the reason Leadership and management are good. Senior managers are why we have problems in replacing the Duchess’s school steering the school well and capacity to improve is very good. The in Alnwick, and the other schools in the town. governing body monitors the school’s performance and makes sure it continues to move forward. Resources are effectively Let me explain the problems in more detail. The main deployed to achieve good value for money. Parents, staff, and site of the Duchess’s high school—which incidentally students are highly concerned about the accommodation and say is one of only three secondary schools in my constituency— many aspects are no longer fit for purpose.”. is made up of buildings from the 1950s and 1960s. It is In the last month or two, the school has been badly on a split site, which I will talk about in more detail in a affected by the loss of teachers who died suddenly—one moment. The school was built for 900 pupils but now used to teach with my wife and it was a sudden and has 1,131. The dining hall seats 200 people, but over unexpected death. Two former students, both teenagers 1,000 have to use it in the space of a lunchtime. The fire who had recently left school, were killed in separate certificate for the hall gives 300 as the maximum number, road accidents. That has been a very sad experience for but that will not even accommodate the entire sixth the school, and the school’s management team have form for an assembly. There are 13 mobile classrooms; been praised for the way that they have handled that 13 science teachers share eight science labs. The heating difficult situation. 247WH School Buildings (Alnwick)21 JULY 2009 School Buildings (Alnwick) 248WH

[Sir Alan Beith] need to make significant revenue savings in the medium term, so it is less able to provide revenue funding to There is enormous community concern about the support significant borrowing in its capital programme. state of the school, and support for new buildings at the That has affected any financing of Alnwick schools Greensfield site, which adjoins excellent sports facilities directly from the county’s programme and land sales. alongside the cricket, football and rugby clubs. There is The authority has taken no decisions about the future a recognised way forward with a site that has been structure of Alnwick schools. It has said that it will identified, and community support. reconsider its reorganisation programme, Putting the So what do we do? There are a number of possible Learner First, for the Alnwick pyramid, but it will not schemes through which the school could be taken forward. spend money on doing so or raise expectations of Building Schools for the Future is the centrepiece of the progress unless it can identify the money for building Government’s programme for replacing schools. However, the new school on which any reorganisation would the Duchess’s high school tends to do badly in that depend. Again, however, I insist that that need not be a programme, as it is predicated on results and the school barrier to progress on the building of a new school. receives good results. That scheme is also predicated on That can go ahead regardless of the future structure, deprivation, and although the school sits alongside the because the age range would be on the same site in most deprived area in the Alnwick district, the overall either form of solution. catchment area is not deprived enough to rate highly on The previous Schools Minister promised that he would the scales that are used. visit the Duchess’s school, but was unable to meet that What is the situation with Building Schools for the promise before completing his period in office. He has Future? Northumberland county council submitted an now been moved to other duties. We need a ministerial expression of interest to Partnerships for Schools in visit, and I am hopeful that the Minister will agree to November 2008. Since then, it has been told that it one, so that Ministers can see for themselves how difficult comes 31st in the ranking order for future waves, but the situation is. I am glad that the Minister of State is apparently it has not heard anything further about how here to reply to this debate. Will she identify how we can it should start to engage with the BSF programme. We make progress in securing the implementation of the are not even at stage zero of the BSF process, and Prime Minister’s promise? The Prime Minister clearly stages zero and one take between two and three years to believes that every secondary school in the country carry out. should be rebuilt or refurbished within a period that The Duchess’s high school is part of what is requires a decision to be made now if Alnwick is to fall called a hard federation. The Duchess’s high school, within it. Unless we make a decision soon, we shall Lindisfarne middle school, the Dukes middle school reach the end of the period that he identified only last and Alnwick South first school have one governing year without doing so. body. Theoretically, that should make it easier to move Can either Building Schools for the Future or the to one site, and whether that happens in the existing academy scheme be interpreted so as to accommodate a three-tier structure or a reorganised structure, such a situation that clearly requires action? A school in as decision is not an impediment to going ahead. Building poor a physical condition as the Duchess’s high school can proceed on the site whether or not reorganisation cannot be expected to continue in that way, and it has been agreed on. would be negligent in the extreme if clear plans were If we cannot act through Building Schools for the not made to replace it with a school that serves its Future, what are the alternatives? The national challenge purpose, is efficient to run and does not involve unnecessary programme is similarly restricted, and once again, the maintenance costs, which will mount greatly the longer Alnwick schools do too well academically to qualify. the school stays on its present site. How will that be What about the academy system? Again, that possibility achieved? That is the question that the Minister must has been explored locally, but when a possible academy answer for us. We are running out of time to get an solution was explored, it turned out that the locality answer. was not deprived enough. Although academy schools went ahead in the south-east of the county—where they 1.13 pm were quite controversial, and there was considerable opposition to the scheme—that route was also closed The Minister for Children, Young People and Families to us. (Dawn Primarolo): It gives me pleasure to reply to this The education authority then considered alternative debate on behalf of my hon. Friend the Minister for ways to find the capital necessary to carry out the Schools and Learners. rebuilding. Its medium-term capital programme for 2008-09 I will return to the point about a visit to the constituency to 2011-12 included £33 million for investment in schools of the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed in Alnwick town. The inclusion of the scheme in the (Sir Alan Beith). I congratulate him on securing this capital programme was based on the assumption that it debate and on raising this important topic again. I have could be financed through a combination of land sales no quibble with him. As he has rightly said, and as I and county council borrowing, but the current financial know from his speeches in the House, he is absolutely and economic situation has had a significant impact on committed to ensuring the highest standards for the the scheme. The downturn in the housing and land schools in his constituency. The Government share that markets means that developers are not acquiring sites, ambition. Like him, we believe that all pupils should which has had a serious effect on the value of the have access to a truly world-class education in truly county’s asset portfolio. It would not be sensible for the world-class schools, and I shall return to the points that county to dispose of land assets when prices are at an he has raised. As he acknowledged, that is why the historic low. At the same time, the council is facing the Government have undertaken an unprecedented 249WH School Buildings (Alnwick)21 JULY 2009 School Buildings (Alnwick) 250WH programme of investment in our schools through, for Catholic high school were prioritised by the local authority example, Building Schools for the Future, the biggest on the basis of local deprivation and educational Government investment in school buildings for five achievement. decades. As he has said, one of the schools in his As with all BSF projects, Northumberland’s first constituency was built during the previous period. We priority project has been assessed against social and are now trying to catch up after that time of no action. educational need. That is done to prevent the most Last year, tens of thousands of pupils started term in vulnerable children from falling behind their peers, and new buildings or new schools. The number of new or I know that the right hon. Gentleman supports that refurbished schools is at its highest in at least 30 years. aspiration. Unfortunately, not all schools can benefit at More than 20 of those schools came through Building the same time. However, I am pleased to say that three Schools for the Future. In total, 78 BSF schools are schools in his constituency—Berwick high school, Coquet now open. Local authorities have reached a financial high school and the Duchess’s school—have been chosen close on a further 35 deals covering BSF projects, and to form Northumberland’s next BSF project. He will be contracts have been signed to a value of more than able to discuss that with those who are responsible £3.5 billion. locally and with the Minister for Schools and Learners In addition, almost 1,000 secondary schools are during his visit. developing plans for modernisation, with around 115 new There has already been significant capital investment or remodelled schools anticipated to open in 2009-10 in Northumberland’s schools that is not linked to BSF, and 200 in 2011-12. After decades of under-investment and more is being provided. The county will receive in school buildings, we are saying to children that their more than £65 million in capital grants and supported learning environment matters and that their future is borrowing between the past financial year and 2010-11. worth investing in. Over the next 15 to 20 years, BSF More than £16 million of that money is being invested will help to improve the life chances of more than in the modernisation of school buildings and the primary 3 million young people. I know that the right hon. capital programme. A further £23 million will be invested Gentleman recognises that it is not just important to in the devolved capital formula, which is allocated to make finance available, because it takes time to move schools for investment in their own capital priorities. As through every single school and piece of estate in this an unmodernised secondary school, the Duchess’s school country. will receive £18,500 plus £94 per pupil per year. The right hon. Gentleman mentioned the Duchess’s The level of per pupil funding in the right hon. community high school. It has some temporary classrooms, Gentleman’s constituency should be compared with the and many of its buildings date back to the ’60s or even national average. The latest figures for this year show before. Suitability data for the school show some that Northumberland receives £3,850 per pupil, which shortcomings, to which he has referred, but they also is a significant increase in real terms compared with suggest that the classrooms are in fair condition. Maybe 1997, although it is slightly below the national average they are not in the condition to which all of us would of £4,218. As he has suggested, the main reason for that aspire, but they are certainly in fair condition. Likewise, difference is that finance is targeted at areas with more Berwick high school’s buildings are generally in fair to disadvantaged pupils or a more sparsely distributed good condition, and no significant shortcomings were population. We must ensure that smaller rural primary identified in that school through the suitability study. schools, which are more expensive to run, are supported. Most of the right hon. Gentleman’s comments concerned Northumberland receives £3.3 million through that grant the Duchess’s school, which remains strong, has good allocation. GCSE results and has successfully introduced post-16 provision. The school was also a pilot for the extended Sir Alan Beith: Northumberland has both those problems. schools programme, which helps place schools at the It has high levels of deprivation, particularly in the heart of their communities. Again, as he has said, that is south-eastern corner, and as sparse a rural distribution supported by the local community. as is possible over the rest of the county. The funding Although the previous Minister for Schools and Learners system seems to work in such a way that the county hoped to visit the right hon. Gentleman’s constituency, qualifies as neither one nor the other. It does not get the he moved to another post in government before that maximum benefit from the funding formula that it was possible. However, the new Minister for Schools would get if it consisted of entirely the one problem or and Learners is enthusiastically planning a visit as soon the other. I hope that the Minister will address that as his diary allows. I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman point. will want to accompany him, so it will be necessary to bring the diaries together. As he has said, the school has Dawn Primarolo: I understand the right hon. Gentleman’s enormous strengths. Sadly, it will have to draw on those point. In Northumberland, 9.6 per cent. of the dedicated over the coming months, because it has recently been schools grant is for disadvantaged pupils, compared struck by tragic events. with a national average of 12.1 per cent. He has As the right hon. Gentleman knows, it is for the local acknowledged that the pockets of deprivation in authority to set the priorities for BSF funding in Northumberland are fairly small compared with the Northumberland. The Government cannot and should rest of the country. The Government must decide how not dictate those priorities from Whitehall. I know that to weight such funding. He may wish to discuss that he is a passionate supporter of such devolved responsibility. matter with the Minister for Schools and Learners. As Northumberland has revised its expression of interest the Minister with responsibility for children’s centres, I in BSF funding. Bedlingtonshire community high school, find that deprivation is often felt more strongly within Ashington high school and St. Benet Biscop Roman communities than is demonstrated when compared with 251WH School Buildings (Alnwick) 21 JULY 2009 252WH

[Dawn Primarolo] European Court of Justice Judgments deprivation across the country. Such pressure points inevitably emerge when weighted formulas are used. 1.30 pm The right hon. Gentleman asked about the programme Colin Burgon (Elmet) (Lab): It is good to see you in date for the next phase of Building Schools for the the Chair, Mr. Martlew, and to see that the Minister is Future. I cannot give the assurances that he seeks this present. I would like to use our last day before the recess afternoon, but the Minister for Schools and Learners to discuss an issue I have raised in the past: the free will discuss those matters with him. I have mentioned movement of labour and the impact of that policy on the capital moneys that are available to the local community, working people in this country as enshrined in the EU, and I am sure that he is pressing the local authority on which, as we all know, is dominated by neo-liberal further investment in the schools that he has identified. ideas. More specifically, I want to look at the economic The right hon. Gentleman went on to discuss the and political infrastructures and the political attitudes desire for the development of an academy in his that allow and promote the free movement of labour constituency and said that strong partners are waiting without proper safeguards for working people in their in the wings until consideration of such a project comes respective countries. forward. As he knows, the criteria that usually trigger In particular, I would like to talk about the posted academies are the national challenge and being near the workers directive and four European Court of Justice threshold for poor performance, neither of which exist rulings that give clear precedence to freedom for big in the schools that he has identified. In one sense, that is business in the EU over fundamental collective and a matter for celebration, because the schools have good trade union rights. I shall discuss the wider impact that achievement. However, I understand his frustration, those rulings can have on ordinary working people and because of the enthusiasm of local parents and partners will, in effect, argue that the four rulings construct for an academy programme. He will be able to discuss serious obstacles to trade unions in exercising their that matter in detail with the Minister for Schools and right to freedom of association, collective bargaining Learners during his visit. and collective action. As a quick preface, before I talk in some depth about Sir Alan Beith: The Minister has mentioned the decisions the ECJ cases, I would like to make it crystal clear that that the local authority can take. However, the local my concerns are both for our own workers, who as we education authority finds that it has to tick the boxes to have seen are having their already low wages held down qualify for such programmes. In making decisions about by the status quo, and for migrant workers, whose work the limited capital available to it, it must take account of in this country is often very low paid and is undertaken how a viable project can be unlocked. Such projects in what can only be described as disgusting conditions. depend on precisely the factors that she has described. In short, I do not want any group of workers to be How can the Prime Minister’s pledge be met in areas exploited, and I am sure the Minister would agree with that do not tick the boxes for academies or Building me on that. Schools for the Future? Everyone talks about the posted workers directive, but no one seems to be analysing it. The directive’s Dawn Primarolo: The Prime Minister’s pledge is being preamble makes it clear that it was introduced in met because the Government are investing. We are contemplation of starting with the schools that need to make the greatest progress. As the right hon. Gentleman knows, all decisions “the transnational provision of services, prompting a growing number of undertakings to post employees abroad temporarily to are accountable locally or nationally and are made perform work in the territory of a Member State other than the against clear, transparent criteria. We must all accept State in which they are habitually employed”. that we should start with the schools that need the Effectively, that relates to employers moving workers greatest investment. None the less, we must not leave into other countries. In those circumstances, it recognises other schools behind. that “any such promotion of the transnational provision of services requires a climate of fair competition and measures guaranteeing respect for the rights of workers”. On reading further through the posted workers directive, the tone becomes even more positive. The directive’s net effect is to protect workers against what we call social dumping and a race to the bottom, and the requirement that standards should be levelled up rather than levelled down. Unfortunately, the unelected, unaccountable, unreformable European Court of Justice chose to interpret the directive in a different way and, in its view, the PWD provisions had a maximum rather than a minimum standard. So, once again, neo-liberal ideas have permeated the very institutions of the EU. The posted workers directive has become a politically volatile issue following the well-publicised disputes at the Lindsey oil refinery and other such sites. The directive does not necessarily apply to all terms of employment, but it does apply to the area of pay. Any employer 253WH European Court of Justice Judgments21 JULY 2009 European Court of Justice Judgments 254WH posting or, let us get the language straight, sending—as The negative interpretations of the PWD are made someone would post a letter, they would post a worker— even worse by the four European Court of Justice workers to the UK must observe at the very least the rulings that I have referred to and will now look at. national minimum wage, although many of us argue Generally, those rulings sanction social dumping—in that that falls some way short of a living wage, let alone other words, temporary or transitory movements of the established collectively bargained wage that might labour whereby employers use workers from one country be applicable in any particular sector of the labour and send them to another country where labour costs market. are usually more expensive. Doing so undercuts those It is worth looking at the Lindsey dispute for two costs, thus saving money and increasing profits, but it reasons: first, we will see more actions of that kind in also undermines collective agreements and prevents the future and, secondly, much nonsense was talked trade unions from taking industrial action to protect about the dispute by many in my own party, who could their members’ terms and conditions. Any politician not face up to the real issues involved and who retreated worth his salt would also recognise that such a situation behind cheap and inaccurate descriptions of the workers creates a toxic mix of racial tensions, as we have seen in being motivated solely by xenophobia. In late January/early this country. February 2009, construction workers walked out in Although unions are restricted, businesses are free to protest at the use of posted workers by the Italian restructure and create a cross-border element, so that company IREM, which was a subcontractor to a UK they can take advantage of freedom for them to move company that, in turn, had a broader subcontract to a goods and services, capital and even workers in the EU. US company that was the holder of the original primary I would like to consider the Viking judgment—I am construction contract. sure you will know about that, Mr. Martlew, but I will Workers on that site rightly expected that those working go over the facts again. That Finnish company wanted there would be paid in accordance with the national to re-flag its ship and replace its Finnish crew with an agreement for the engineering construction industry. Estonian crew, which was, surprisingly, on much lower The unions were concerned that although the posted wages. The Finnish Seamen’s Union threatened industrial workers were being paid the minimum wage, it was action in protest at that, so the company went to the below the terms of the national agreement. That is an European Court of Justice. The court decided that it important point, and is absolutely central to this issue. can review whether industrial action is justifiable and, Such a situation gave the Italian company an unfair in that specific case, it determined that industrial action advantage and also undermined the national agreements was not proportionate. Of course, that brings serious in place in that workplace. The concern of the union uncertainty into what view a court might take of the related to hours of work, travel allowances, auditing of merits or otherwise of industrial action. wages and the wage levels themselves. We all know that That ruling is a crushing blow to trade unions, in that ACAS was brought in and that a muffled silence ensued. it holds that the right of business to the freedom of There was confusion among all parties. However, it is establishment and the freedom to operate must take worth noting that ACAS was unable to establish in fact priority over the right of trade unions to take industrial what rates were being paid to the posted workers. action to safeguard the interests of their members. It is The problem of the PWD arises where there are an explosive judgment. It has also raised the prospect of convoluted clauses that allow varying interpretations of employers being able to claim for unlimited damages whether collective agreements are declared universally against a union even where industrial action is legal applicable. In the United Kingdom’s case, there is no under its own domestic law. To those who know labour system for declaring that collective agreements are history, that is the European equivalent of the Taff Vale universally applicable. That is something we should be judgment. looking at. However, it is an option for member states, One week after the Viking case, we got the Laval such as the United Kingdom, to base themselves either judgment, which effectively ruled that trade unions on collective agreements that are generally applicable to could not take industrial action to compel a Latvian all similar undertakings in a geographical area or an company operating in Sweden to observe the terms and industry concerned, or on agreements that have been conditions of collective agreements in Sweden. Laval concluded by the most representative employers’ involved a Latvian company that posted, or sent, workers organisations and trade unions at national level. It is into Sweden on Latvian terms and conditions, seriously therefore clear that nation states can act to protect their undercutting Swedish collectively bargained terms and work force from that undermining of their terms and conditions. The Swedish unions responded by taking conditions. However, the UK Government have not industrial action that was lawful under Swedish law. done so. Laval claimed, through the ECJ, that the unions’ Professor Keith Ewing, an esteemed expert on such arrangement of a boycott of supplies to the Vaxholm matters, recently stated: school site restricted their freedom of business. The “The British government has not taken the power in legislation Court took the view that where the posted workers to use collective agreements for this purpose, even where appropriate directive applies, it is unlawful for unions to organise agreements do exist”. industrial action to agitate for terms and conditions So in reality, in terms we can all understand, the national above the legal minimum available in that country. minimum wage, which, as we know, is itself very difficult The Ruffert ruling—I hope that I am pronouncing it to enforce and is well below a living wage rate, remains right, Mr. Martlew; I will take your guidance on that— the only binding reference point for companies posting— concerned a public contract for building a prison, which sending—workers to Britain. So the protection and was awarded to a German company and then subcontracted support that could ultimately be offered to workers is to a Polish company. The tender required that the not being given by the Government. relevant companies, including any companies that were 255WH European Court of Justice Judgments21 JULY 2009 European Court of Justice Judgments 256WH

[Colin Burgon] an urgent change in domestic law to guarantee that the posted workers directive is implemented to the fullest subcontracted to do the work, should pay the rates in extent possible in order to require the minimum wage the collective agreements for that region on building payable by contractors to be higher than the minimum and public works contracts. The Polish company was set down under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998? paying a lower rate and was fined for doing so. The I am told that that could be done easily by requiring posted workers directive states that minimum rates may posting employers—to use the correct legislative be set by collective agreements that are either universally terminology, or bosses who send workers to this country—to applicable, or that apply to the whole sector or region. comply with wage agreements set by appropriate collective However, the ECJ found that the collective agreement agreements that apply to particular sectors in given in this case did not meet either of those criteria, and geographical areas. The Minister will be aware, because that the directive therefore prevents public contracts he will have done his research, that I asked the Prime from requiring compliance with collective agreements Minister about precisely this point on 4 February 2009, of that kind. In reaching that judgment, the Court when I asked what measures were being taken to interpreted the directive extremely narrowly and ignored improve the posted workers directive. The Prime Minister the procurement directive, which allows for social clauses. said that some work was being done, but I have not been updated about it since; perhaps the Minister can The Luxembourg case demonstrates another measure update me. that could have only a negative effect on working people. The European Commission took Luxembourg to court Secondly, does the Minister agree that in relation to for making its own domestic legislation applicable to the posted workers directive, we should introduce a workers from other member states who were posted system of declaring collective agreements as universally there. Nearly 40 per cent. of workers in Luxembourg applicable? Thirdly, is he supportive of the European come from outside the country, but the ECJ ruled in TUC’s draft social protocol as a way of moving forward favour of the Commission, and decided that Luxembourg on protecting working people? had gone too far in implementing the posted workers Fourthly, the Minister will be aware that the Government directive in relation to requirements for maximum work will submit to the International Labour Organisation, periods and minimum rest periods. Luxembourg must by 1 September, their report on ILO conventions 87 and now change its law to enable the use of foreign workers 98. Will they express concern that the ECJ rulings mean to undermine the conditions of indigenous workers. that it sees trade unions as regulatory bodies that are equivalent to an arm of state, which is in direct contradiction People might be forgiven for thinking that those four to the underlying purposes of the freedom of association? cases are detached from or peripheral to us in the UK, Will they also say that the right of trade unions to take but they are not. Those decisions send a clear, green, industrial action is being subordinated to overriding empowering signal to employers to resist any compulsion commercial interests so that the trade unions will always to comply with any undertakings other than those have to be justified as permitted restrictions to those relating to the base minimum wage. However, as a story freedoms? What will they say in their report to the ILO about fruit pickers in last week’s Independent showed, about compliance with ILO conventions 87 and 98 by even compliance with the minimum wage is undercut by reference to the impact of the four ECJ judgments on large suppliers to the major supermarkets. In essence, the UK? If the Minister is not in a position to respond this discussion is about the direction of travel and what to those points today, I am sure he will write to me. our Government are prepared to do to protect some of the most vulnerable workers in our labour markets from Let me draw my remarks to a close and allow the exploitation and from the systematic low pay that the Minister to respond. The ECJ decisions come at time machinations I have talked about not only allow but that is crucial to the European unification process. We positively encourage. It can be only a matter of time have increased economic integration together with reduced before large employers that post EU workers in the UK social protection; that is a highly explosive combination. attempt to undercut and freeze the lowest possible wage Radical steps have to be taken by those who support the it is legal to pay to British and migrant working people. European project. The support of European citizens Too much of what comes out of such rulings allow that and workers will be secured only if the fundamental to happen. importance of social progress is at the forefront of all policies. Working people want a social Europe, and they The Labour Government, who, to the howls of big will reject a market Europe. business and the Conservative party, gave us the national minimum wage as a means of protecting low-paid workers, must reconsider this issue. The ever-changing, flexible 1.48 pm labour markets with which some people are so enamoured The Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills (Mr. Pat leave working people vulnerable to exploitation and low McFadden): It is good to see you in the Chair, Mr. Martlew. pay, so we have to consider what continuing measures Like my hon. Friend the Member for Elmet (Colin we can and must take to offer protection to the people Burgon), I, too, welcome you. I should also like to who need us most—those whom we used to describe as express my gratitude to him for securing this debate, our core vote. We must look at the EU and its myriad because the European Court of Justice rulings that he legislative mechanisms, and check constantly that they has discussed have generated much discussion in recent are consistent with our values of social justice and months. I am glad to take the opportunity to set out the rights for workers—at least, I hope we have those values. position and perhaps even to shed a little light on what I know that the Minister wants to spring into the can be a complicated area of legislation. debate and answer some of the questions I am throwing As my hon. Friend said, the underlying context for up, so I shall put some specific questions to him. First, the Court’s judgments is the posted workers directive, will he make the bold and responsible move of considering which came into force some 10 years ago. It operates 257WH European Court of Justice Judgments21 JULY 2009 European Court of Justice Judgments 258WH throughout the EU and allows companies to post their course become more urgent when people are losing workers to another member state on a temporary basis their jobs. We saw some of the effects of that in the in any sector of the economy. Its intention was to industrial unrest earlier this year, to which my hon. protect the posted worker and to ensure that he or she Friend referred, which took place after the loss of had access to at least the minimum conditions applying several thousand jobs in the construction engineering in the host country, rather than carrying what may be sector. significantly poorer employment rights and standards I do not want to get too side-tracked by those disputes, from the country of origin. but the contention was that the Italian posted workers The directive clearly states that companies must abide were being paid less than the UK workers. The Government by the minimum worker protections in the host country, asked ACAS to step in. We wanted to try to get to the whether defined by national law or a universally applicable bottom of the matter, and to use the good offices of collective agreement. In the UK, that means that people ACAS to help resolve a situation that involved a heated are entitled to a range of universal protections that this industrial dispute. I quote from ACAS’s conclusions: Government have worked to develop: the national minimum “Acas’ inquiry has found no evidence that Total”— wage, default limits on working hours, annual holidays, health and safety legislation and equality legislation. the principal employer on the site— My hon. Friend went through the judgments in some “Jacobs Engineering”— detail. I hope that I will not be too repetitive if I touch the principal subcontractor— on several of them. As he said, the Viking case related to a Finnish operator that wanted to register its vessel “or IREM”— to sail under the Estonian flag. The Finnish unions the Italian company— opposed that because the Estonian-Finnish crew would “have broken the law in relation to the use of posted workers or not need to be covered by the provisions of the Finnish entered into unlawful recruitment practices. We have also received collective agreement, and Viking sought an injunction assurances from management that they will abide by NAECI against the unions’ action. The Court ruled that the agreement”— right to strike is a fundamental one, as recognised by the which is the collective agreement governing workers in charter of fundamental rights, and that exercising the the construction engineering industry. What was contested right can, as a matter of principle, legitimately interfere was whether the collective agreement had been broken with single-market principles. But it also concluded in the circumstances, and ACAS found that it had not that, in this instance, the extent of such interference been. went beyond what could be considered appropriate or proportionate. The judgments have given rise to concerns, as I said, particularly among trade unions. Through significant As my hon. Friend said, the Laval ruling relates to a improvements to the position of people at work, we Latvian company that won a contract to refurbish a have over the years enhanced the protection to which school. The company declined to sign the Swedish posted workers in the UK are entitled. They are entitled collective agreement, and the Swedish trade unions to the protections in legislation on the national minimum blockaded the school site. Laval’s application to the wage, working hours, health and safety and so on. Swedish court was referred to the ECJ, which reaffirmed its conclusion that the right to strike was a fundamental one but also concluded that, in this instance, the unions Colin Burgon: I am conscious of the time, and I do could not insist on Laval’s participating in or being not want to go over ground that has already been bound by the Swedish collective agreement because it covered. I asked the Minister several specific questions had not been declared as being of universal application. to which, given the time, he obviously will not be able to My hon. Friend referred to that in his speech. respond verbally. Could I have his assurance that he will The Ruffert case was not so much about the right to come back to me with written replies to the questions strike as about the application of collective agreements. that I put to him? In that case, the Court found in favour of the company, again on the grounds that the collective agreement was not of universal application because it applied only to Mr. McFadden: I am, of course, happy to write to my public sector contracts and only in one part of Germany. hon. Friend. The principal question that he asked, in several ways, was whether the Government would declare All those cases deal with the balance that the directive collective agreements universally applicable. The issue is seeks to strike between the freedom to provide services important, because the existence of such a system will and the protection of workers’ rights. The issue then is affect whether the rulings have a particular effect in the real interpretation of the judgments, and how we individual countries. should respond. Many trade unions, parts of the European Parliament and my hon. Friend have expressed concern We do not have a tradition of universally applicable about the rulings. The contention is that they have collective agreements. The tradition supported up until altered the balance of industrial relations, tipping it now by trade unions has been for a voluntarist approach away from the right to strike and towards the freedom on collective agreements, which means that they are not to provide services. As a result, some people have called applicable to those who do not sign them. I counsel for a review of the directive and demanded that the EU some caution in this debate on posted workers, because look again at the balance between workers’ protection that would be true of contractors from another country and the freedom to provide services. and also contractors from within the UK. Demands around the directive have also been fuelled Therefore, I am glad that my hon. Friend said that he by the recession, in which job competition is inevitably did not want this to be a debate about migrant workers. much tougher than during better times. Such issues of The interpretation of our collective bargaining law is 259WH European Court of Justice Judgments21 JULY 2009 European Court of Justice Judgments 260WH

[Mr. McFadden] outlined in his speech. Again, I believe that a couple of meetings have taken place. We have supported dialogue not concerned with migrant workers but with the parties at the European level on both those fronts. to individual agreements. I hope that gives him some What we want to see going forward is, of course, guidance on the issue. workers being treated fairly in the workplace, but we What else has happened in Europe on this matter? I also want to keep the open, outward-looking trading was present at the Employment and Social Affairs stance that has benefited the UK and workers in the Council—my hon. Friend referred to his question on UK. There are more British posted workers abroad this to the Prime Minister some months ago—at which than there are posted workers in Britain, according to the UK Government supported the Commission’s proposal information from the EU. In conclusion, we absolutely to establish a high-level expert group to look at the want fairness at work, but we also want openness operation of the posted workers directive. The group in trade and the free movement of people that has has been established and has begun to meet—I believe benefited our economy and many other countries’ that it has met twice—and research has been commissioned economies, too. into the operation of the directive. At the same meeting, we also supported the suggestion that social partners at 2pm a European level should enter into dialogue on the Sitting adjourned without Question put (Standing Order effect of the Court’s judgments that my hon. Friend No. 10(11)). 111WS Written Ministerial Statements21 JULY 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 112WS

the affairs of the failed institution are wound up in the Written Ministerial interests of creditors as a whole. The bank administration procedure is designed to support a partial transfer, Statements which is an important tool available to the authorities under the SRR to enable them to split up a failing bank by transferring part of its property to a commercial Tuesday 21 July 2009 purchaser or a Bank of England-controlled bridge bank. Applying these procedures to building societies will ensure that building societies, their members and creditors are treated in the appropriate way corresponding to the BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS treatment of banks, their depositors and other creditors in the event of insolvency or administration. Learning and Skills Council for England The second aspect of the consultation deals with the provision of financial assistance to building societies. Section 9B of the Building Societies Act prohibits building The Minister for Further Education, Skills, Apprenticeships societies from creating floating charges on the whole or and Consumer Affairs (Kevin Brennan): I would inform part of their undertaking or property. This may make it the House that the Learning and Skills Council for difficult for societies to offer appropriate security to the England has today published its annual report and Bank of England, or any other provider of necessary accounts for the period to 31 March 2009. Copies will financial assistance. An interim measure, made under be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. the Banking (Special Provisions) Act 2008, enables societies to grant floating charges to the Bank of England in connection with the provision of financial assistance. TREASURY The Government are now consulting on legislation to replace this interim measure and on a further measure Banking Act 2009 that would make it easier for building societies to convert financial assistance given in the form of Treasury bills or other securities into cash. The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Sarah McCarthy-Fry): The Government are today publishing The second document is entitled “Consultation on two consultation documents on implementation of aspects the FSMA 2000 (Contribution to Costs of Special of the Banking Act 2009, as part of their programme to Resolution Regime) Regulations 2009”. A principle of protect depositors and maintain financial stability. the SRR is that the FSCS should contribute to the costs of the operation of the SRR. This contribution is The Banking Act established a permanent special capped at the amount of compensation the FSCS would resolution regime (SRR) to provide the authorities with have paid, less the recoveries it would have made if the the tools to deal with banks and building societies that institution were in default and the FSCS were engaged fail. Many of the detailed provisions are set out in in the normal way under FSMA. The regulations were statutory instruments, and the Government have committed made on 29 March 2009 in order to enable the Treasury to consulting on a number of these. The consultation to require the FSCS to make payments in connection documents that have been published today are: with the resolution of the Dunfermline Building Society. Consultation on the Building Societies (Insolvency and Special The consultation document seeks views on the regulations. Administration) Order 2009 and related insolvency rules, and on financial assistance to building societies; and Consultation on the FSMA 2000 (Contribution to Costs of Special Resolution Regime) Regulations 2009. Debt Relief for Poor Countries Some of the secondary legislation included in these two documents has already been made on an urgent basis to enable the effective resolution of the Dunfermline The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Ian Pearson): Building Society. For these statutory instruments, the The Government remain determined to lead global Government will consider whether to bring forward efforts to tackle poverty in the world’s poorest countries. amending instruments in the light of consultation responses. As part of that, they are fully committed to delivering The other instruments will be revised as appropriate in on their international debt relief commitments to ensure the light of consultation responses before being made. the poorest countries are not faced with an unsustainable The first document, “Consultation on the Building debt burden. Societies (Insolvency and Special Administration) Order To support these efforts, I am today publishing a 2009 and related insolvency rules, and on financial consultation on legislation designed to tackle creditor assistance to building societies”, sets out detailed proposals non-participation in the “Heavily Indebted Poor Countries for supporting building societies and protecting their Initiative”. By opting out of international debt relief customers in the event of failure. efforts, and pursuing the full value of claims through The first part of the consultation concerns applying the courts, this minority of private creditors can negate the bank insolvency procedure and the bank administration the benefits of debt relief. This is at the expense of poor procedure to building societies UK-wide. The bank countries and British taxpayers. The proposed legislation insolvency procedure is designed to ensure that in the would limit the scope for creditors to recover their debts event of a bank failure depositors eligible for compensation above a set level, unless the courts consider it just and under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme equitable for them to do otherwise. (FSCS) receive their payments quickly, or have their Copies of the consultation have been deposited in the accounts transferred to another institution, and that Libraries of both Houses. 113WS Written Ministerial Statements21 JULY 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 114WS

Anti-Avoidance: Capital Allowances Sir John intends to publish a further document in August. This interim report will contain a definitive statement of his approach for determining relative losses The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Stephen and a definitive list of the specific issues he will address. Timms): The Government are taking action today to counter tax avoidance schemes involving capital allowances on plant or machinery. Legislation will be introduced in COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT the 2010 Finance Bill, to prevent tax avoidance through the transfer of an entitlement to benefit from capital allowances on plant or machinery, used for the purpose Local Democratic Renewal of a trade, where the tax written down value of the plant or machinery exceeds its balance sheet value (“latent capital allowances”). The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Mr. John Denham): I am today announcing The proposed legislation will apply where there is a a consultation on local democratic renewal. This follows change of ownership of a company as part of arrangements, the commitment set out in “Building Britain’s Future” one of the main purposes of which, is to transfer to the to explore ways of increasing both the powers and the purchasing group an entitlement to benefit from the accountability of councils and city regions. Local democratic latent capital allowances available to the company which renewal forms a major part of the Government’s proposals is purchased. for constitutional reform, alongside other strands for The proposed legislation will also apply where there debate including reforming the House of Lords; considering is a change in ownership or profit-shares of a consortium a written constitution; reviewing the electoral system; company, or partnership involving companies, as part and increasing public engagement in politics. of arrangements where one of the main purposes is to The founding principle of local government is that transfer the entitlement to benefit from the latent capital citizens have the right to influence the decisions that allowances. Draft legislation, which will take effect from affect their lives and their communities. A key way in today, 21 July 2009, will be published as soon as practicable. which local citizens are able to exercise that right is their A technical note explaining the material that will be ability to elect a strong local council which can lead and contained in Finance Bill 2010 will be published on shape their area. That is why the role of councillors and HMRC’s website today. councils, with their unique democratic mandate, is critical Copies of today’s HMRC technical note have been to making sure that local services are responsive to the deposited in the Libraries of both Houses and are accessible needs of their local communities. Citizens have a right on the HMRC website at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk. to have their voices heard, and to expect those delivering services to care what they think. Citizens rightly expect that councils should be the Equitable Life centre of local decision making, and the one place that they can go in order to influence and challenge what local services are doing. In order to do this, councils must be fully equipped to act on behalf of local residents, The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Liam Byrne): with the powers to scrutinise and shape local public I can today provide an update to the House on the services, and respond to local need. continuing progress of Sir John Chadwick’s work in relation to Equitable Life. There is a large and untapped pool of people who would like more say in what happens in their area, and On 16 June 2009, Sir John Chadwick issued a document it is right that both central and local government do that set out his proposed approach and issues to be more to give them greater direct control over the decisions addressed, alongside announcing his formal appointment that affect their lives and their community. But we must of Towers Perrin as actuarial advisers and establishing a also recognise that in today’s time-poor society, citizens website, through which interested parties can keep informed have only limited time to give. of his work as it progresses and make representations to his Office. There are other imperatives driving the need for stronger local government. First, it is to increase democratic The document intended to give interested parties an accountability, since councils, uniquely among local opportunity to comment on Sir John’s proposed approach services, have a direct democratic mandate from residents. and Sir John requested that comments be returned in Secondly, it is a way of promoting greater value for written form to his Office by 17 July 2009. I am pleased money. Local government has already saved £4.5 billion therefore to inform the House that Sir John has received through efficiency measures since 2004. By giving them a range of representations on his proposals, including greater powers to oversee and co-ordinate all the money from Equitable Life and an Equitable Life members coming into their area, they will better be able to drive group, a range of policyholders, and the Government. change and improvement, cutting out duplication and Sir John is in talks with these interested parties and he is waste. Thirdly, councils have a vital role to play in now reviewing all representations with a view to identifying promoting economic development. They are best placed the next stages of his work. to bring together partners from across their area to Running concurrently with this work I can also support residents and prepare for future prosperity. inform the House that Towers Perrin, the appointed And finally, delivering personalised services. As the actuaries to Sir John, have already begun to thoroughly drive continues to deliver personalised services and review and analyse the many hundreds of thousands of enforceable entitlements it will become ever more important extensive policyholder records that have been provided to ensure that local services are delivered flexibly and in by Equitable Life. response to local needs. 115WS Written Ministerial Statements21 JULY 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 116WS

Recent reform has gone some way to giving councils Reform of Council Housing Finance the powers they need to play this stronger role. The three year financial settlement means that councils have much greater certainty to plan ahead. They have powers The Minister for Housing (John Healey): On 30 June I to promote the economic, social, and environmental announced my intention to publish a consultation document wellbeing of their area. And they have powers of scrutiny on reform of council housing finance before the summer to challenge and hold to account some of those who recess. I said that this would contain proposals to provide public services and serve their local communities. dismantle the housing revenue account subsidy system and replace it with a devolved system of responsibility This consultation sets out proposals to radically reform and funding which would devolve control from central and strengthen local government so that it is even more to local government and increase local responsibility able to take on a new role in serving residents by and accountability. strengthening public service delivery. I am publishing the consultation document “Reform It contains proposals to: of Council Housing Finance” today. I am placing copies Put local authorities at the centre of local decision of this in the Library of the House. The document can making. Our aspiration is that they should be the one also be downloaded from the consultations section of place where citizens, through their councillors, can hold my Department’s website at: www.communities.gov.uk local services to account. This would mean that when and I am seeking responses by 27 October 2009. citizens go to vote, they are electing someone who can A fully self-financing locally devolved system cannot act on their behalf in relation to every aspect of public be implemented in a single step, but I want to move as spending in their area. We propose to achieve this by rapidly as possible to put these reforms in place. I will enhancing local authorities’ power to scrutinise other work with all those with an interest in improving council bodies, and extending the range of bodies that these housing to deliver this major devolution of responsibility powers can be applied to. This builds on the concept of and accountability. the total place initiative, which gives councils a unique role in scrutinising all the money that comes into their area. Business Growth Incentives Scheme Strengthen local government’s ability to act in the local interest. We ask whether councils have the powers that The Minister for Regional Economic Development and they need to respond effectively to local challenges, or Co-ordination (Ms Rosie Winterton): I am today announcing whether there are barriers which prevent them using the the publication of the Government’s response to our powers they already have. This will be essential to public consultation on “Reforming the Local Authority enable local authorities to deliver the minimum entitlements Business Growth Incentives Scheme”, which sets out set out in Building Britain’s Future. We also set out our that we will distribute a total of £100 million to local response to the recent LAML judgement: proposing to authorities in 2009-10 and 2010-11. introduce a specific power enabling councils to engage The Government launched the consultation on in mutual insurance and exploring what other arrangements 25 August 2008 and invited comments to help refine councils may want to engage in but which may fall their thinking before a new scheme was introduced beyond the existing power to promote well being. We for 2009-10 and 2010-11. The consultation closed on also ask whether more could be done to do further 20 November 2008. reduce the burden of inspection and clarify when and where central Government should intervene in local Given the broad support the Government’s proposals government. have received, the revised scheme will largely be as proposed in the consultation, although with two significant Strengthen local authorities’ ability to tackle climate changes made in response to the representations we change. We propose to give councils more direct received. responsibility for fighting climate change, perhaps through (a) Instead of the mapping of local authorities into 28 sub-regions introducing local carbon budgets. plus London as originally proposed for the purposes of the Support sub-regional working. We set out a range of scheme, we have decided to recognise 55 smaller sub-regions options to make sure that the greater powers being including London. We believe this will go a long way towards devolved to city-regions and other sub-regional partnerships reflecting local views about the economic relationships that are matched by greater transparency and accountability actually exist; for local residents. (b) Instead of the proposed split of rewards between district councils and county councils in two tier areas (which would Achieve a clearer relationship between central and have favoured the upper tier), we have decided to divide local government. We set out the principles in which rewards equally between them. central and local government broadly operate and ask The decision on sub-regional mapping follows further whether these should be more formally articulated, in consultation, in February 2009, further to which we order to give citizens greater clarity and certainty about invited all local authorities, including those that did not our respective roles and functions. We also explore respond to the consultation, to enter into discussions the possibilities for overseeing these more formal with nearby authorities in an effort to reach a local arrangements—potentially through an ombudsman or consensus about the sub-regional mapping they wished a joint select committee, subject to the outcomes of the the Government to consider. consultation and the views of Parliament. In the consultation responses, the balance of opinion The consultation seeks views on these proposals and was that we should publish a provisional list of sub-regions will run from 21 July until 2 October 2009. Copies of for comment first rather than proceed directly to publish the consultation document have been placed in the a final list, which we have done at annex A of our Library of both Houses. consultation response. 117WS Written Ministerial Statements21 JULY 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 118WS

Here we are also setting out the proposed allocation need to achieve that well governed city, with high quality of the £50 million available in 2009-10. public services, successful economic regeneration, and A period of two weeks will now be available to improved quality of life, which they deserve. authorities to make any final representations on both the provisional list of sub-regions and on the provisional allocations for 2009-10, before those allocations are Departmental Hospitality made. The Government’s response to the consultation, along with the provisional list of sub-regions and provisional The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for allocations for 2009-10, is available on the Communities Communities and Local Government (Mr. Shahid Malik): and Local Government website at: http://www.communities. I am today publishing a list of receptions hosted by gov.uk/localgovernment/localgovernmentfinance/labgi/ Ministers at the Department for Communities and Local labgischeme2/ Government in 2008-09. Copies of these documents are available in the Libraries The total cost of these receptions was £23,500. of both Houses. Number of Date Host Event Venue Attendees

Stoke-on-Trent Council 03-07-08 Secretary of CLG Joint Windsor 120 State-the Reception for Hall, right hon. Beacon Bournemouth The Minister for Regional Economic Development and Hazel Blears Awards International Co-ordination (Ms Rosie Winterton):Onthe8Maymy MP Winners and Conference Empowerment Centre right hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth (John White Paper Healey) (Mr.Phil Woolas), the then Minister for Local at LGA Government, announced to the House that, as part of a Conference 2008 programme of action to help the people of Stoke-on-Trent 09-07-08 Secretary of CLG Summer Eland House 50 restore to the city good city governance, the Government State-the Press were minded to make an Order under section 86 of the right hon. Reception Local Government Act 2000 specifying a scheme of Hazel Blears MP whole council elections from 2011. He also announced 10-07-08 Secretary of Local Eland House 120 that to enable the focus of all to be on this 2011 new State-the Priorities: start, and while an electoral review is being undertaken, right hon. Local Area the Government were minded to include in the Order Hazel Blears Agreements MP Stakeholder provision to cancel the 2010 elections for the city council. Reception He explained that before taking final decisions there 15-07-08 Secretary of Thames Marble Hall, 50 would be a short ‘soundings’ period until the 18 June to State-the Gateway One Birdcage right hon. Investor Walk, provide an opportunity for interested parties to make Hazel Blears Reception Westminster representations to us. MP That soundings period is now complete and I am 07-10-08 Secretary of Eid Ul-Fitr Foreign and 400 today announcing that, having regard to the representations State-the Reception Commonwealth right hon. (co-hosted Office we have received, we have decided to go ahead with a Hazel Blears with Foreign scheme of whole council elections for Stoke-on-Trent MP Secretary and city council from 2011. We intend to lay the necessary Home Order before Parliament as soon as practicable. Secretary) 15-12-08 Secretary of CLG Jubilee 50 We have, however, concluded that there is not a State-the Christmas Room, House sufficiently strong case for cancelling the 2010 elections right hon. Press of Commons Hazel Blears Reception for the city council, and hence the Order will not MP include provision to cancel these elections. 04-02-09 Parliamentary HCA Portcullis 25 We reached these conclusions having regard to the Under- Transition House 11 representations we received during the soundings Secretary of Reception for State-Iain Chairs and period. There was broad support for whole council Wright MP Chief Execs of elections, but a number of concerns were raised about housing cancelling the 2010 elections to the city council, including growth areas and Local from the Electoral Commission which considered that Delivery on the available evidence, a clear case for cancelling the Boards elections had not been made. In his 8 May announcement my right hon. Friend also indicated that he was asking the Electoral Commission Tackling Race Inequalities Fund to undertake an electoral review of Stoke-on-Trent which would consider the size of the council and the warding arrangements for the City. The Electoral The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Commission has now directed the Boundary Committee Government (Mr. John Denham): In February, the to undertake this review, which we understand will Government announced proposals to support third sector begin shortly. organisations through the Tackling Race Inequalities We are confident that these measures to reform the Fund. Today, I am pleased to announce to the House electoral arrangements of Stoke-on-Trent will help provide that 27 national and regional organisations will receive for the people of Stoke-on-Trent the opportunity they grants totalling £8.8 million over two years. 119WS Written Ministerial Statements21 JULY 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 120WS

The third sector organisations are: In those theatres and others, British forces have made, 1990 Trust and continue to make, an enormous contribution to Age UK (Age Concern and Help the Aged) international security. Recent sad events have highlighted the commitment of all those involved, not just the men Association for Real Change (ARC) and women of the armed forces and the civilians Black Environment Network who support them, but also those family members who Black Training and Enterprise Group (BTEG) remain at home and provide vital support to those who Business in the Community (Race for Opportunity) serve their country. The success of defence is dependent Clinks on them—they continue to do an exceptional job—and Council for Ethnic Minority Communities, Northamptonshire the Government remain committed to providing the (Limited) support that they need and rightly deserve. Excell3 Limited Friends, Families and Travellers Armed Forces Pay Review Body Humber All Nations Alliance MENTER (Minority Ethnic Network Eastern Region) Network for Black Professionals The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Bob Ainsworth): North of England Refugee Service I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Ms Judy Olmec McKnight as a member of the Armed Forces Pay Operation Black Vote Review Body, for a three year term of office commencing PATH Yorkshire on 1 September 2009. This appointment has been conducted in accordance with the guidance of the Office of the Race Equality Foundation Commissioner for Public Appointments. Race on the Agenda (ROTA) Runnymede Trust Show Racism the Red Card BVT (Terms of Business Agreement) Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust The Afiya Trust The Interlink Foundation The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Quentin Davies): The Defence Industrial Strategy The Monitoring Group (DIS) highlighted the need for restructuring in the The Rural Media Company maritime industry to reduce overcapacity in the UK Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) warship build and support industry after the Queen Funding is subject to agreeing detailed work programmes Elizabeth class aircraft carriers (QE Class) have been and monitoring and reporting arrangements. Organisations built, and to ensure in the future a sustainable world-class will be expected to show how they make effective use of industrial base. It is paramount that we balance supply the financial assistance to deliver real impact. and demand in the future, primarily to sustain key The fund will support a range of organisations working maritime skills and jobs that will, in turn, ensure our to tackle race inequalities and promote equality of key industrial capabilities (KICs) are preserved. opportunity for people of all ethnic groups. It will As part of the response to the DIS, the shipbuilding enable organisations to contribute to policy making. and support activities of BAE Systems and VT Shipbuilding came together last year to form a new single company— BVT Surface Fleet Limited (BVT). The company, which DEFENCE is integral to the QE Class and Type 45 programmes, was established as MOD’s strategic complex warship design and build partner, and to work collaboratively MOD Annual Report and Accounts with Babcock on surface warship support. Our joint aim is to deliver, in time, a world-class capability for the UK and global markets. In order to The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Bob Ainsworth): achieve this, we have been negotiating a long-term I am pleased to announce that I am today publishing business agreement with BVT. Known as the terms of the Ministry of Defence’s annual report and accounts business agreement (TOBA), I am pleased to announce 2008-09. It combines the Department’s annual performance to the House today that we have now concluded these report and departmental resource accounts in a single discussions and signed a 15 year commercial deal with document that provides a comprehensive overview of the company. Worth around £230 million per year to the MOD’s financial and non-financial performance for BVT to sustain KICs required for essential operational the year, including the Departments contribution towards sovereignty, the TOBA gives an unambiguous commitment public service agreements and departmental strategic to the company for a certain minimum level of workload objective targets. Copies have been placed in the Library in the areas of warship design and build work, and of the House. It is also available online from the elements of warship support covering all surface warships. Department’s website at: www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/ In return, BVT has committed to the transformation of DefenceFor/Researchers/. the sector into a sustainable entity for the future. This This last year has been a challenging one for defence. will generate major financial benefits to the Ministry of Operational tempos remained high, with operations in Defence (MOD) and the Royal Navy worth a minimum Afghanistan and Iraq continuing, although now in Iraq of £350 million over the duration of the contract, with we have seen the end of our combat role and the return an aim to double this figure over the duration of the of the majority of our personnel. contract. 121WS Written Ministerial Statements21 JULY 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 122WS

The MOD expects this new commercial agreement, the written answer given to Sir Nicholas Winterton on 4 November which is being progressed within the strategic framework 2008, Official Report, column 378W; of the maritime change programme (MCP), to provide the written answer given to Mr. Mike Penning in 22 October a strong foundation for BVT to compete for non-MOD 2008, Official Report, column 270W; work, both in the UK and throughout the world. It will the written answer given to Sir Peter Soulsby on 15 July 2008, be for BVT to retain the capacity it deems necessary to Official Report, column 359W; meet the demands made of it and to transform the the written answer given to Mr. Mark Hoban on 3 April 2008, sector. Official Report, column 288 W; This new arrangement is also intended to provide the written answer given to Mr. David Simpson on 25 February MOD with the confidence that BVT can deliver significant 2008, Official, Report column 1196W; improvements in efficiency and performance needed to the written answer given to Mr. Norman Lamb on 5 February underpin the future naval shipbuilding programme, while 2008, Official Report, column 1071W; providing the company with the certainty to enable the written answer given to Sandra Gidley on 25 January 2008, investment and long term planning. Finally, it demonstrates Official Report, column 17MC; that we continue to make best use of UK taxpayers’ the written answer given to Mr. Mark Simmonds on 3 December money in seeking opportunities for transformation and 2007, Official Report, column 1002W; the delivery of efficiencies. the written answer given to Sandra Gidley on 19 July 2007, Official Report, column 641W; Defence Advisory Forum the written answer given to Mrs. Theresa May on 25 June 2007, Official Report, column 23 8W; the written answer given to Mr. Lansley on 4 June 2007, The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Bob Ainsworth): Official Report, column 302W; In my written statement to the House on 7 July I the written answer given to Mr. Mike Penning on 17 April announced plans for a Defence Green Paper to be 2007, Official Report, column 576W; published early in 2010, as part of a process that will the written answer given to Mr. Lansley on 15 January 2007, enable a strategic defence review early in the next Parliament. Official Report, column 908W; I intend to appoint a defence advisory forum of the written answer given to Mr. Swire on 6 December 2006, independent experts to support the preparation of the Official Report, column 568W; Green Paper. The forum will be established for a limited the written answer given to Mr. Lansley on 8 November 2006, period, covering the preparation and publication of the Official Report, column 1871W; Green Paper. the written answer given to Mr. Hayes on 19 July 2006, Official The defence advisory forum will be affiliated to the Report, column 507W; Prime Minister’s national security forum and will work the written answer given to Justine Greening on 5 June 2006, in concert with it. Official Report, column 382W; I will inform the House of the membership of the the written answer given to Mr. David T.C. Davies on 28 March forum once this has been confirmed. 2006, Official Report, column 947W; the written answer given to Mr. Weir on 28 March 2006, Official Report, column 947W; FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE the written answer given to Anne Milton on 20 March 2006, Official Report, column 138W; British Council the written answer given to Mr. Andrew Turner on 7 July 2005, Official Report, column 570W; the written answer given to Mr. Burstow on 7 July 2005, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Official Report, column 576W; and Commonwealth Affairs (Chris Bryant): Copies of These answers all related to Department of Health the British Council’s annual report and accounts for the advertising spend between 2004-05 and 2008-09. The 2008-2009 financial year have been placed in the Library incorrect information was a result of some non-advertising of the House. expenditure being included within the figures. There During the period the British Council received was also evidence that provisional figures rather than £200,963,000 grant-in-aid from the Foreign and the final discounted totals had been used. In order to Commonwealth Office. prevent this issue from recurring, improvements have been made in record keeping and processes in answering PQs on advertising spend. HEALTH The following table shows the correct departmental advertising expenditure over the last five completed Correction to Written Answers financial years. A further breakdown of these figures has been placed in the Library. Department of Health Advertising Spend in £ millions1 The Minister of State, Department of Health (Phil (2004-05 – 2008-09) Hope): I regret that the following written answers contained Campaign 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-092 information which was incorrect: the written answer given to Ann Coffey on 23 June 2009; Alcohol (from 06/07 0.00 0.00 0.56 0.61 4.77 DH contribution to the written answer given to Mr. Stephen O’Brien on 21 April campaign run jointly 2009, Official Report, column 587W; with HO) the written answer given to Mr. Don Foster on 5 November Antibiotics 0.00 0.38 0.00 0.39 1.15 2008, Official Report, column 521W; Change4Life 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 7.69 123WS Written Ministerial Statements21 JULY 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 124WS

Department of Health Advertising Spend in £ millions1 there has been some progress, but there is much more to (2004-05 – 2008-09) do. Its analysis echoes the concerns that Ministers have 2 Campaign 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 heard from members of the local community. Drugs (DH 0.91 0.18 1.34 0.67 1.45 contribution to Having listened carefully to these concerns, I have campaign run jointly resolved that further action is necessary. Today I am with HO) announcing a package of measures to lead to a step Flu (Immunisation) 1.45 1.83 1.11 0.98 1.42 change in improving local services and to help heal the Hepatitis C 0.00 0.00 0.52 1.34 1.30 wounds of the past, so the trust and their local community HPV Vaccination 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.80 can face the future together with renewed confidence Immunisation 0.00 0.00 1.66 0.00 0.32 and optimism. National Health 5.96 0.22 0.00 0.00 0.00 Service including I have worked closely with Monitor, the Foundation nurse recruitment Trust regulator, to ensure a new leadership team with NHS Injury Benefits 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.40 0.00 the skills and experience to transform services at the Scheme hospital is appointed as a matter of urgency. I am NHS Choices 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.55 pleased to welcome Sir Stephen Moss, the new Chair, Patient Choice 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.53 and Antony Sumara, the new chief executive, to their Respiratory & Hand 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.32 1.53 Hygiene roles. Monitor and the Care Quality Commission will Sexual health/teenage 1.40 0.00 2.88 3.11 2.83 continue to oversee their progress, with a further review pregnancy due in October. Social care/worker 1.80 2.42 2.31 2.22 2.03 recruitment Fundamental to the trust’s success will be listening to Smoking - Tobacco 20.05 20.80 13.17 10.79 23.38 patients, to ensure their voice counts and that they are Control an integral part of shaping and influencing the future of Stroke 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4.52 the hospital. That is why I have asked Dr. David Colin- Tobacco Legislation 0.00 0.00 0.32 5.38 0.00 Thomé to support and advise South Staffordshire Primary Winter (Get the right 0.54 0.59 0.00 0.00 0.00 Care Trust to play their full part alongside the trust in treatment/ ask about reaching out and involving people locally. medicines day 5 a Day 0.06 0.05 0.05 0.00 0.00 It is clear from listening to those affected that rebuilding Elll/EHIC 0.24 1.00 0.00 0.00 0.16 local confidence and restoring trust will take time. The DH outdoor 0.32 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 full impact of what happened at Mid Staffordshire is campaign revealed through the personal stories of those affected TOTALS (£ millions) 32.73 27.47 23.92 26.24 56.43 and it is clear to me that these experiences need to be 1Advertising spend is defined as covering only media spend (inclusive of properly aired if the local NHS is to learn and, in time, agency commissions but excluding production costs, COI commission and move on. VAT). All figures are rounded to the nearest £10,000. These figures do not include DH recruitment/classified advertising costs and ad hoc spend under I have therefore decided, following detailed discussions £10,000. These figures may include occasional minor spend through COI by NHS organisations, to supplement national campaigns in their area. While between my Department and the new management of this expenditure has been excluded as far as possible so that this chart reflects the trust, that it would be appropriate to set up a further central DH spend, it would incur disproportionate cost to validate that every item of NHS expenditure has been removed. independent inquiry. I do not believe it is necessary for 2Provisional figures this to be a full public inquiry, given the thoroughness of the reports already produced by the Healthcare Commission, Professor Sir George Alberti and David Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Colin-Thomé, as well as the availability of an independent clinical review to those who have concerns about the care they or a loved one received at the hospital. The Secretary of State for Health (Andy Burnham): On 17 March 2009, the Healthcare Commission, the This inquiry’s focus will be on ensuring that patients independent health regulator, published a damning report or their families have an opportunity to raise their into the failings of emergency care provided by concerns. It is important, given the events of the past, MidStaffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. Since then, for those who depend upon the care provided by the the Government and the local NHS have had two trust to be confident that they have been listened to and priorities: first to ensure services at the trust improve as that any further lessons not already identified by the soon as possible to the level that patients and the public thorough inquiries that have already occurred be learned. have a right to expect; and second to ensure the right Robert Francis QC has agreed to chair the inquiry. lessons are learned both locally and nationally, so the The terms of reference (a full copy has been placed in events of Mid Staffordshire cannot be repeated. the Library) will be: The previous Secretary of State commissioned two rapid to investigate any individual case relating to the care provided reviews from Professor Sir George Alberti the National by Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust between 2005 Clinical Director for Emergency Care, on the present and 2008 that, in its opinion, causes concern and to the extent state of emergency services at the trust and Dr. David that it considers appropriate; Colin-Thomé on how the broader system was not able in the light of such investigation, to consider whether any to detect the failings sooner. All their recommendations additional lessons are to be learned beyond those identified by were accepted and the reports were published, alongside the inquiries conducted by the Healthcare Commission, Professor the Government’s response on 30 April 2009. Alberti and Dr Colin-Thomé; and, if so, The new independent regulator for health and social to consider what additional action is necessary for the new care, the Care Quality Commission, has today published hospital management to ensure the Trust is delivering a sustainably their three month stock-take report. In short, it concludes good service to its local population; and 125WS Written Ministerial Statements21 JULY 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 126WS

to prepare and deliver to the Secretary of State a report of its HOME DEPARTMENT findings.

It is important that this is swift so as not to unduly Olympics (Safety and Security) distract the new management and staff at the hospital from improving services for patients today. The inquiry is therefore planned to report to me by the end of 2009. The Secretary of State for the Home Department Should the chair of the inquiry consider that it is (Alan Johnson): I would like to inform the House that necessary to have the power to require witnesses to on the 20 July 2009 Ministers agreed that material on attend, as Secretary of State I have the power to our planning for the safety and security of the London convert the inquiry into an inquiry under the Inquiries 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games should be made Act 2005. available to the public. In doing so we have to ensure There are also national lessons to learn from the that the public are kept fully informed of progress and investigation at Mid Staffordshire. Dr. David Colin-Thomé’s of practical impacts, but also that sensitive material is report contained some important recommendations not inappropriately placed in the public domain. In my on this. statement to the House on 26 February I announced that the Government had agreed a strategy and developing Many of these are already being addressed, for example concept of operations (CONOPS) for Olympic security through the implementation of Lord Darzi’s vision planning, and promised that appropriate material would High Quality Care for All and our World Class be put before Parliament and the public as soon as Commissioning programme. In addition, the new National practical. Quality Board will report to me by the end of the year with recommendations on how best to ensure any early This follows a period of hard work by all stakeholders, signs that something is going wrong in the NHS are including the police and emergency services, to ensure picked up immediately, that the right organisations are that a comprehensive and effective programme can be alerted, and action is taken quickly. delivered on time and within appropriate boundaries for additional spending. The Mid Staffordshire case has also illustrated that The Home Office, in consultation with the main the current regulatory framework for foundation trusts stakeholders in Olympic security planning, is publishing (FTs) needs updating. The FT model is a key plank of two documents today: reform in the NHS, successfully rewarding high performance with greater freedom and autonomy. The policy is based An unclassified version of our safety and security strategy. This sets out our planning work in detail and in the context of on the premise that FT status is a privilege to be earned our wider counter-terrorism strategy; and and valued—an incentive to drive up quality, innovation, A shorter leaflet setting out the main points of our security productivity and local accountability. However, it is planning of wider interest to the public. clear that in some exceptional circumstances, where an Copies of these publications are being placed in the FT has failed to live up to this standard and public Vote Office and the Libraries of both Houses. confidence has been damaged, it may be right for the privileges of FT status to be withdrawn. This is why I intend to consult on legislative proposals Newspapers (Surveillance Methods/Update) to enable Monitor to “de-authorise” a foundation trust, subject to agreement by the Secretary of State, where it is clear an organisation has forfeited its right to the The Minister for Policing, Crime and Counter-Terrorism freedoms and flexibilities afforded by FT status. It is (Mr. David Hanson): In my written statement on 14 July also important that where there is public concern, the 2009 I gave an undertaking that the House would be Secretary of State is able to express his views and updated on any substantive development. request that Monitor considers intervention in a particular On 16 July 2009, the Director of Public Prosecutions way. I will also consult on legislative proposals so that, made a statement following the conclusion of the review in these circumstances, if Monitor disagrees with the he announced on 9 July 2009. He had concluded that in approach suggested by Ministers, they should be obliged the light of the findings, set out in the statement, it to justify this position publicly. The Government will would not be appropriate to re-open the cases against issue a consultation on both these issues in the next Goodman and Mulcaire, or to re-visit the decisions few days. taken in the course of investigating and prosecuting them. A copy of the full statement by the Director of By focusing on the powers and actions of Monitor to Public Prosecutions will be made available in the Library intervene, I believe we achieve the appropriate balance of the House. between ensuring fundamental failure is addressed and maintaining the significant benefits of the FT model, The Metropolitan Police Service has also written in which gives FTs greater freedom in return for high response to detailed questions about the police investigation quality. to both the Home Affairs and Culture, Media and Sport Select Committees. All of us who care passionately about the health In my statement on 14 July, I also reported that the service were appalled by the events at Mid Staffordshire, Independent Police Complaints Commission had received which are in stark contrast to the dedication and a complaint from the hon. Member for Eastleigh (Chris professionalism shown by NHS staff every day up and Huhne) about police action in this case and was considering down the country. The measures I have announced whether there were any issues raised that might fall today, building on those already taken, demonstrate the within its remit. That complaint has been passed to the collective commitment in all parts of the system, to Metropolitan Police Service for their consideration with ensure there will be no repeat. the hon. Member’s consent. 127WS Written Ministerial Statements21 JULY 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 128WS

The MPS will now make a decision as to whether the of Kingsnorth Climate Camp would be identified and complaint is recordable under the Police Reform Act shared across the police service and more widely with 2002 and whether they should refer any matter to the Parliament. IPCC. The MPS will update the hon. Member for The National Policing Improvement Agency and the Eastleigh directly. Association of Chief Police Officers have overseen a review that has been commissioned by the Chief Constable of Kent into the policing of the “Climate Camp for Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report: 10 Years On Change”at Kingsnorth. Given my previous commitments on Kingsnorth, I am accordingly notifying the House that the report will be published on the Kent Police The Secretary of State for the Home Department website on Wednesday 22 July, and that I will place a (Alan Johnson): On 24 February the Home Office and copy of the report in the House Library on that date. Ministry of Justice, supported by the National Policing The Government are committed to working with the Improvement Agency (NPIA), held a conference to police and public to ensure the report’s recommendations mark the 10th anniversary of the publication of the are acted upon in order to facilitate peaceful protest Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report. The conference, with whilst upholding and protecting the rights of wider an opening speech by Doreen Lawrence, OBE, reviewed communities and other individuals. The findings from the progress that has been made over the last 10 years, the report will be picked up by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate shared good practice, and helped to set out a focus for of Constabulary in its wider review of policing and future work. protest which is due to report in the autumn. On or around this anniversary three reports were published: “Stephen Lawrence Review” an independent commentary by Dr. Richard Stone; “Police and racism: Alcohol Disorder Zones what has been achieved 10 years after the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report” by the EHRC and “The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry 10 Years On” an analysis of The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the the literature by the Runnymede Trust. Home Department (Mr. Alan Campbell): This statement I am today publishing a report of the 10 anniversary follows the undertaking by the Government on 13 May conference and a Government response to Dr. Stone’s, 2008 to report back to Parliament one year after the the EHRC and Runnymede Trust reports. commencement of the Alcohol Disorder Zone (ADZ) legislation. The conference and the reports acknowledge that the police service and other criminal justice agencies have ADZs came into force on 5 June 2008 and are designed made progress since the publication of the Stephen to help local authorities and the police tackle high levels Lawrence Inquiry Report, in 1999. There have been of alcohol related nuisance, crime and disorder that many positive changes in relation to race equality and cannot be directly attributable to individual licensed the fact that the overwhelming majority of the premises. Guidance published by the Home Office both recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry at the time of commencement and in December 2008 Report have been addressed is a measure of this. However, emphasised the point that ADZs should be used only in we must, as the conference proceedings and the reports tightly defined areas and as a last resort, when all other also demonstrate, not become complacent. Much has tools and measures have failed to solve the problem. been achieved, but there is still considerably more to do. Our discussions with local authorities have confirmed That is why we have published an action plan with the that no local authority has as yet implemented an ADZ. conference report, setting out areas for particular focus, The principal reason highlighted as to why this is was building on existing work, as we move forward from that local authorities and enforcement agencies already the anniversary. This work includes: increasing the have a wide range of powers and tools to tackle many of recruitment, retention and progression of minority ethnic the problems that they encounter and no local authority police officers and police staff; reducing unjustified felt that it had as yet reached the point of “last resort”. disproportionality in the use of stop and search powers; However, the Government remain concerned about and continuing to improve the reporting and recording the effect that a number of licensed premises acting of racist incidents. irresponsibly together may have on an area. For that Copies of the conference report and the government reason, in addition to this legislation we have introduced response to Dr. Stone’s, the EHRC and the Runnymede new provisions in the Policing and Crime Bill, currently Trust reports will be placed in the Library of the House before Parliament, that will allow a licensing authority later today. to take action against two or more premises if they are contributing to alcohol related crime or disorder.

Kingsnorth Report Animal Procedures

The Minister for Policing, Crime and Counter-Terrorism (Mr. David Hanson): There has been considerable The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the parliamentary and public interest in the policing of the Home Department (Mr. Alan Campbell): I wish to respond Kingsnorth Climate Camp which took place between to the publication entitled: “Statistics of Scientific 3 and 9 August 2008. The Government have given Procedures on Living Animals—Great Britain—2008”, repeated assurances that the lessons from the policing which was laid before Parliament today. 129WS Written Ministerial Statements21 JULY 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 130WS

This annual statistical report meets the requirement The statistical report and supplementary information in the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to can be found at: inform Parliament about the licensed use of animals for http://scienceandresearch.homeoffice.gov.uk/animal- experimental or other scientific purposes. It also forms research/publications-and-reference/statistics/ the basis for meeting periodic reporting requirements at EU level. A hard copy is available and supplementary Animal Procedures (Annual Report 2008) information with additional tables is also available on the Home Office website. The statistical report shows an overall increase over The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the the previous year of 14 per cent. in the number of Home Department (Mr. Alan Campbell): I am pleased procedures undertaken. The total number of procedures to inform the House that I have today placed in the was just under 3.7 million, an increase of 454,000 over Library the annual report of the Home Office Animals the previous year. There has now been an increase for Scientific Procedures Division and Inspectorate for the the seventh year running and is the highest total since year 2008. 1992. A number of factors, such as investment in research Publication of the report honours a commitment and development and strategic funding priorities, determine given by the Government in response to a recommendation the overall level of scientific procedures. of the House of Lords Select Committee on Animals in Non-toxicological procedures accounted for about Scientific Procedures in July 2002 that more information 87 per cent. of the procedures carried out. These included should be made available about the implementation of fundamental research in human and veterinary medicine the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. to improve understanding of disease mechanisms and Earlier annual reports have focused on the work of possible therapeutic options, and development of vaccines. the Animals Scientific Procedures Inspectorate. The report for 2008 has been expanded to include the work Most toxicological studies (79 per cent.) were for the of the Animals Scientific Procedures Division licensing safety and efficacy testing of new drugs and medicines and policy teams. and the majority of all toxicological procedures (71 per cent.) were performed in order to carry out legal or As in previous years, the report explains what Home statutory requirements. Office Inspectors do and how they do it and the inspectorate’s role in assessing and advising on applications In line with previous years, those procedures that for personal and project licences and certificates of used mice or rats (or other rodents) were the great designation under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) majority at 77 per cent. Those using fish amounted to Act 1986. 17 per cent. and those using birds, 3 per cent. The total of all procedures using dogs, cats, horses and non-human The report also explains the work we have been doing primates, that is those species offered special protection to deliver our better regulation programme and new by the Act, was less than 1 per cent. of the total. IT systems to improve our regulation of animal experimentation and provides background to the Genetically normal animals were used in about 1.9 million publication by the European Commission of a proposal regulated procedures, (up 160,000 (9 per cent.) on 2007 for a new European Directive to replace Directive 86/609/ figures, largely as a result of the use offish and mice in EEC on which the 1986 Act is based. fundamental biological research and applied studies. Genetically modified animals and those with a harmful I commend the report to the House. genetic mutation (nearly all were rodents, fish or amphibians) were used in 1.76 million regulated procedures Citizenship Consultation representing, 48 per cent. of all procedures for 2008 (compared with 46 per cent in 2007 and 16 per cent. The Minister for Borders and Immigration (Mr. Phil in 1995). Woolas): Following the successful passage of the Borders, Advances in the opportunities to use genetically altered Citizenship and Immigration Bill through both Houses animals for new areas of biomedical research means of Parliament, Royal Assent is expected to be granted that the trend of increased production and use of genetically today. The Bill includes changes to the routes used to altered animals has continued. It allows a more precise achieve citizenship. In consideration of this the UK and often less invasive study of physiological studies Border Agency will be publishing, during the summer and disease mechanisms that was previously possible. recess, a consultation paper entitled “Earning the right Most of the animals concerned are mice, which appear to stay: A new points test for citizenship”. This document and live as normal. Many are only used in breeding will seek views on proposals to build on the system of programmes. In fact nearly two fifths of all procedures earned citizenship set out in the Bill and fulfils one of in 2008 were accounted for by breeding procedures the commitments made by the Prime Minister in the (38 per cent.) for the production of harmful mutant and document “Building Britain’s Future”. genetically modified animals. Mice (89 per cent.) and Copies will be made available in the Libraries of both fish (9 per cent.) were used in most of these procedures. Houses, as well as on the UKBA website. I should point out in relation to the statistics, that the Home Office, as regulatory authority under the 1986 Youth Crime Action Plan - One Year On Act, does have an effect on the overall amount of animal research and testing that takes place. This is done by ensuring, as part of our licensing function, that The Secretary of State for the Home Department the provisions of the Act are rigorously applied in each (Alan Johnson): In conjunction with the Secretary of programme of work and that only work that is scientifically State for Justice and Secretary of State for Children, justified, minimises the numbers of animals used and Schools and Families, I will tomorrow publish the “Youth animal suffering that may be caused, is authorised. Crime Action Plan - One Year On”. 131WS Written Ministerial Statements21 JULY 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 132WS

This document sets out progress made since we published prosecution decisions. A new protocol published today has been the “Youth Crime Action Plan” in 2008, and describes agreed with the three prosecuting departments which sets out how the action we will take over the next year. the relationship is to work in practice, to safeguard the independence of the prosecutors while enabling the Attorney to be properly Copies of the document will be placed in the Library accountable to Parliament and the public. Copies of the protocol of the House. have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. In addition a strategic board has been set up, chaired by the Attorney and including the prosecuting departments, to provide JUSTICE strategic direction to the Law Officers’ Departments and secure greater efficiency and effectiveness. The strategic board agreed at the beginning of April 2009 that the Crown Prosecution Service England and Wales Prison Service Pay Review Body should be merged with the Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Report Office to create a strengthened prosecution service. It is intended to amend the Attorney-General’s oath of office to include a specific reference to respect for the rule of law. The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor Furthermore, the Attorney-General now only attends Cabinet (Mr. Jack Straw): The eighth report of the Prison when matters affecting her responsibilities are on the agenda. Service Pay Review Body (PSPRB) (Cm 7678) has been These significant reforms, which have not required legislation, laid before Parliament today. The report makes give effect to the aims of the review of the role, which were to recommendations on the pay of governing governors enhance public confidence and respect for the rule of law and to and other operational managers, prison officers and provide greater clarity and transparency. related support grades in public sector prisons in England and Wales in 2009. Copies of the report are available at: Attorney-General’s Office Annual Review http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm76/ 7678/7678.pdf The Solicitor-General (Vera Baird): My noble Friend I am grateful to the Chairman and members of the the Attorney-General has made the following written Review Body for their hard work in producing these ministerial statement: recommendations. I am today publishing an Annual Review of the Attorney-General’s The recommendations include: Office, to help improve understanding of the role of the Attorney- A 1.8 per cent. consolidated increase to the maximum of the General and the collective workings of the Law Officers’Departments, OSG, Prison Officer and Principal Officer pay scales and the to increase public confidence in the criminal justice system, Senior Officer single pay point; and protect the public interest and uphold the rule of law. A 1.5 per cent. consolidated increase to the maximum of As in past years, the Law Officers’ Departments have also each Manager and Senior Manager pay ranges and compression of separately produced their individual Annual Reports and Accounts. pay ranges. Copies of the Annual Review have been placed in the Libraries This award is consistent with the Government’s policy of both Houses. on public sector pay that awards should reflect the individual labour market position of work forces, particularly their recruitment and retention position; PRIME MINISTER be consistent with the Bank of England inflation target; be affordable for Departments; and Cabinet Committees represent value for money for taxpayers. I am pleased to confirm that the PSPRB’s The Prime Minister (Mr. Gordon Brown): Today I am recommendations will be implemented in full, effective publishing an updated Cabinet Committee list. This from 1 April 2009. The cost of the award will be met provides details of new Cabinet Committees which have from within the delegated budget allocation for the been created since the last publication. I have placed a National Offender Management Service. copy of the new list in the Libraries of both Houses. The details are also available on the Cabinet Office website. ATTORNEY-GENERAL

Reform of the Role of the Attorney-General TRANSPORT

UK Domestic Drivers Hours Rules The Solicitor-General (Vera Baird): My noble Friend the Attorney-General has made the following written ministerial statement: The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Following a thorough review of the role of the Attorney-General, (Paul Clark): I am today publishing a consultation the Government have reached the settled conclusion that the document seeking views on the current UK domestic Attorney should retain the roles of chief legal adviser to the drivers’ hours rules. These rules prescribe driving and Government, Criminal Justice Minister with responsibility for duty limits along with some break and rest requirements superintending the main prosecuting authorities (the Crown for drivers of goods and passenger vehicles that are not Prosecution Service, the Serious Fraud Office and the Revenue covered by the EU drivers’ hours rules. This includes and Customs Prosecutions Office), and independent guardian of the public interest. most drivers of vans, and bus drivers on routes no more than 50 kilometre in length. However, significant reforms to the role have been, and are being, implemented. In particular, measures have been taken to The domestic rules were introduced to support road clarify the Attorney-General’s role of superintending the prosecuting safety by ensuring that drivers of commercial vehicles authorities and the nature of the Attorney’s involvement in had sufficient breaks and rest. 133WS Written Ministerial Statements21 JULY 2009 Written Ministerial Statements 134WS

The Department is now reviewing these rules and as were laid before Parliament has now ended. I am therefore part of this process needs to better understand the pleased to announce that the Government will now be views and experiences of those that are affected by them taking the final steps to formally ratify the optional in their working lives. Although the consultation document protocol as soon as we are able. proposes no legislative changes at this stage, the responses As my previous statements of 3 and 27 February, and received during the consultation will inform the initial 22 June, indicated, the optional protocol builds on the consideration of potential policy options, which will convention by establishing two additional procedures in then be the subject of further consultation. respect of implementation and monitoring of the Copies of the consultation will be made available in convention itself. the Libraries of both Houses. The first is a procedural avenue that, subject to meeting conditions set out in the optional protocol, will enable individuals or groups of individuals to bring petitions to the UN Committee that has been established to WORK AND PENSIONS monitor implementation of the disability convention if they believe that their rights under that convention have UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with been breached. The second is an inquiry procedure Disabilities (Optional Protocol) giving the Committee authority to undertake inquiries when reliable information is received into allegations of grave or systematic violations of convention rights. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work Having ratified the convention itself on 8 June, and in and Pensions (Jonathan Shaw): The period during which now moving to the final step in ratifying the optional the explanatory memorandum and Command Paper protocol, the Government have demonstrated the for ratification of the optional protocol to the UN importance that it places on respect for the human convention on the rights of persons with disabilities rights of disabled people. 15P Petitions21 JULY 2009 Petitions 16P

And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Petition Mr. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Official Report, 9 June 2009; Vol. 493, c. 764 .] Tuesday 21 July 2009 [P000379] Observations from the Secretary of State for Environment, OBSERVATIONS Food and Rural Affairs: The Government takes flooding in residential areas very seriously and regrets the flooding incidents to the ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS town and people of Moreton in Marsh in summer 2007. The Environment Agency advise that these events were Flooding (Cotswolds) caused by a combination of high levels of surface water The Petition of Moreton in Marsh Resilience Group, run-off, overflowing drains and the River Evenlode and others, overtopping its banks. Since the floods the Agency have been working closely with Gloucestershire County Council, Declares that Moreton in Marsh is at risk from Cotswold District Council and Thames Water to reduce further serious flooding; further declares that following flood risk for the town. This has included for example severe flooding in July 2007 when 260 homes and premises work on new trash screens at the upstream end of the were flooded, minimal action has been taken to repair River Evenlode, culvert clearance and maintenance, flood relief channels and also gullies, drains and culverts and improvements to the flood warning service. remain blocked after almost two years; considers that The Government accepts that it has not always been another flood in December 2008, although not so severe, clear who had responsibility for responding to flood illustrated the threat of more floods into the homes of events in urban areas. That is why we announced, in our people in the town; and believes that urgent action must response to Sir Michael Pitt’s report into the major be taken, and quickly, to prevent the town becoming flooding events in summer 2007, that the Environment flooded again. Agency will have a new national strategic overview role The Petitioners therefore request that the House of for all forms of flood risk. Local authorities (identified Commons urges the Secretary of State for Environment, as County Councils or Unitary authorities) will be Food and Rural Affairs to do all in his power to taking responsibility for local groundwater and surface persuade Cotswold District Council, Gloucester County water management for which nobody has previously Council, the Environment Agency, and Thames Water been clearly responsible. The Agency will work closely to fulfil their responsibilities to the town and people of with local authorities on their on-the ground management Moreton in Marsh and to act swiftly to avoid further of surface water flooding so that comprehensive assessments flooding. of local flood risk will be possible for the first time.

965W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 966W

The information requested falls within the responsibility Written Answers to of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Questions Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your Monday 20 July 2009 question about what the percentage change in rates of birth to (a) UK born mothers and (b) foreign born mothers has been in the Shropshire County Primary Care Trust area since 2001. [Continued from Column 964W] (288431) In order to calculate the requested birth rates, population estimates for UK born and foreign born females by five-year age group for Shropshire County PCT are required. These estimates HEALTH are only available at the national level. Accident and Emergency Departments: Young People Estimated birth rates for UK born and foreign born women in England and Wales have been published for 2004-2007 (Table 1). These rates show that fertility among UK born women has risen Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for since 2004 while fertility among foreign born women, although Health how many stomach pumps were administered higher, has remained relatively unchanged. in accident and emergency departments (a) to under Table 1: Estimated total fertility rates for UK born and foreign born 16 year-olds, (b) to under 25 year olds and (c) in total women, England and Wales, 2004-07 in each of the last five years. [287369] Total fertility rate 2004 2005 2006 2007 Mr. Mike O’Brien: Data on the administration of stomach pumps in accident and emergency departments UK born women 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.8 is not collected centrally. Foreign born women 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.5 Source: Allergies: Consultants Birth registrations and Annual Population Survey. The number of live births to UK born and foreign born mothers are available from birth registration. Table 2 below shows Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the number of live births to UK born and foreign born mothers pursuant to the answer of 7 July 2009, Official Report, usually resident in Shropshire County PCT in 2001 and 2007 column 685W, on allergies, (1) if he will make it (latest year available). The final two columns show the percentage his policy to increase the number of (a) adult and change in live births to UK born and foreign born mothers (b) paediatric allergy consultants; [288306] between 2001 and 2007 in Shropshire County PCT and England and Wales. The percentage change in the number of births to UK (2) if he will make it his policy to increase the born and foreign born women will reflect both changes in the size number of specialist allergy training posts available. and age structure of the UK born and foreign born populations [288307] and any changes in birth rates. Table 2: Live births to UK and foreign born mothers and percentage Ann Keen: In 2007 the House of Lords Science and change, Shropshire county PCT, 2001-07 Technology Committee published a report on allergy. County of birth of mother The Government published a response to that report in Shropshire county PCT England and November 2007. An update on the current situation Wales regarding allergy services has recently been placed in Live Live Percentage Percentage the Library. births births change change As part of implementing the House of Lords 2001 2007 2001-07 2001-07 recommendations, in June 2007 the Department created UK born 2,510 2,676 7 7 five additional allergy and immunology training posts. Foreign 118 188 59 64 Workforce planning in the national health service is born managed locally and led by the strategic health authorities All 2,628 2,864 9 16 (SHAs) taking into account the national policy direction. Source: SHAs assess with local services and clinicians the need Birth registrations. for posts for allergists. The National Occupational Standards developed by Compulsorily Detained Mental Patients: Children Skills for Health, together with the development of care pathways and clinical guidance, will help enhance the Mr. Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Health knowledge and expertise of primary care staff caring how many children were detained under the Mental for patients with allergies Health Act 1983 in each of the last 12 months. [287531] Childbirth: Shropshire Phil Hope: This information is not centrally collected.

Mr. Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Dental Services: Morecambe what the percentage change in rates of birth to (a) UK-born mothers and (b) foreign-born mothers Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for has been in the Shropshire County Primary Care Trust Health (1) what the average waiting time for access to area since 2001. [288431] NHS dental services was in Morecambe and Lunesdale constituency in the latest period for which figures are Angela E. Smith: I have been asked to reply. available; [287978] 967W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 968W

(2) how many people were waiting for access to NHS Work is ongoing to verify and validate the complete dental services in Morecambe and Lunesdale breakdown 2008-09 management consultancy spend constituency on the latest date for which figures are information with this new level of detail. We will endeavour available. [287980] to place the results in the Library shortly.

Ann Keen: The information requested is not collected Departmental Contracts centrally. Departmental Accountancy Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many contracts let by his Department were awarded to businesses with fewer than 50 employees in Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health each of the last five years; and what the monetary value when he expects to publish his Department’s resource of such contracts was in each such year. [287801] accounts for 2008-09. [287333]

Mr. Mike O’Brien: The Department’s 2008-09 Resource Mr. Mike O’Brien: The requested information is not Accounts were laid before the House of Commons on collected centrally by the Department. the 14 July (HC456), and copies are available in the Vote Office. The Resource Accounts will be published by The Departmental Databases Stationery Office by the end of July. Jenny Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Consultants Health (1) which databases managed by his Department and its agencies hold personal information Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for on members of the public; on what date each such Health how much his Department has spent on database become operational; and if he will make a management consultants in each year since 1996-97. statement; [284905] [287692] (2) what categories of personal information about members of the public are contained on each relevant Phil Hope: Specific information detailing spend on database managed by his Department and its agencies; consultancy has been routinely collected by the Department on what date each category of information began to be since April 2005. Information on consultancy spend collected; and if he will make a statement; [285981] before April 2005 is not held by the Department. (3) what categories of personal information on The figures from April 2005 until March 2008 are members of the public will be held on each database shown as follows: expected to become operational in the next five years and which will be managed by his Department or one £ million of its agencies; what estimate he has made of the likely 2005-06 133 number of individuals details each such database will 2006-07 205 hold when fully operational; and if he will make a 2007-08 132 statement. [286153] In July 2008, the Department implemented a new Phil Hope: A list of the databases managed by the business management system which has given the Department and its agencies that hold personal information Department the scope to be more specific about the on members of the public has been placed in the Library. nature of each of the consultancy commissions. All such databases are managed in compliance with the Work is ongoing to verify and validate the complete Department’s responsibilities under the Data Protection breakdown 2008-09 consultancy spend information with Act 1998. Since the publication of the cross government this new level of detail. We will endeavour to place the data handling review in June 2008, new projects and results in the Library shortly. programmes that hold significant amounts of personal data are obliged to conduct privacy impact assessments. Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for The categories of personal information contained in Health how much his Department has spent on Department of Health databases are set out in the non-medical consultants in each year since 2005. Department’s entry in the Register of Data Controllers, [288451] the Information Commissioner’s record of the annual notifications of processing that all data controllers are Phil Hope: The figures from April 2005 until March obliged to provide. A copy of the Department’s current 2008 are as follows: entry has been placed in the Library. The categories listed in the Department’s entry are: personal details; £ million family, lifestyle and social circumstances; education and training details; employment details; financial details; 2005-06 133 good or services provided; racial or ethnic origin; religious 2006-07 205 or other beliefs; physical or mental health or condition; 2007-08 132 sexual life. To provide a more detailed analysis linking In July 2008, the Department implemented a new categories of personal data to each database and stating business management system which has given the when information in each category began to be collected Department the scope to be more specific about the would incur disproportionate cost. nature of each of the management consultancy A table which lists databases expected to go live in the commissions. next five years with brief descriptions of the categories 969W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 970W of information they will contain and estimates of number The Department also regularly takes on one year of individuals whose details they will hold, has been placement students and summer students within the placed in the Library. analytical community.In 2008-09 there were eight students on one year placements and four summer students. Departmental Hospitality They are paid a maximum of £19,662 per annum on a pro rata basis in London and £16,462 outside London. Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department has issued on Dermatology: Pharmacy the declaration of gifts and hospitality by (a) its staff, (b) staff of non-departmental public bodies which his Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Department sponsors and (c) NHS employees. Health when he expects work to start on developing a [286637] future curriculum for pharmacists so that an improvement in the level of dermatology education can Phil Hope: All staff in the Department are required be included; and if he will make a statement. [287877] to comply with the Civil Management Service Code guidance on gifts and hospitality. The Department also Mr. Mike O’Brien: In the White Paper, “Pharmacy in expects its non-departmental public bodies to abide by England: Building on strengths—delivering the future” the same principles. National health service staff are (Cm7341), we set out plans to ensure that the pharmacy required to comply with the guidance Standards of undergraduate degree course and pre-registration training Business Conduct for NHS Staff, issued in 1993. Foundation provides pharmacists with clinical competencies to deliver trusts are free to develop their own guidance for staff. the services of the future. Since February 2009, we have been working with the Modernising Pharmacy Careers Departmental Procurement Programme Board to develop a new model for undergraduate and pre-registration training and proposals Lorely Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for improving pharmacist postgraduate training, including what progress his Department has made in where this supports better patient access to more specialist implementing the recommendations of the Glover services. The Board, led by the Chief Pharmaceutical Report in its procurement processes. [287140] Officer, brings together wide-ranging pharmacy expertise and experience from schools of pharmacy, professional Mr. Mike O’Brien: Following the publication of the regulation, hospital and community pharmacy, research Glover report in November 2008 the Office of Government and the United Kingdom pharmaceutical industry. Commerce established its Access4All programme in April 2009. This was developed to co-ordinate the Dermatology: Training implementation of the Glover Committee recommendations across Government and the public sector. The Department Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for is represented in this initiative and will continue to Health if he require dermatology to be a mandatory participate fully as it develops. part of medical student and GP training. [287876]

Departmental Work Experience Ann Keen: The content of curriculum and quality and standard of training for medical students and general Mr. Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health practitioners is not the responsibility of the Department how many interns work in his Department; what terms but the responsibility of the appropriate professional of reference apply to their appointment; what regulatory body. remuneration they receive; and how long on average an However, the Department is committed to working intern appointment lasts. [286824] with the professional regulatory bodies, Royal colleges and others to promote high standards of education and Phil Hope: The Department has committed to five training to ensure that students and doctors are equipped places on the New Graduate Internships Programme with the up-to-date knowledge, skills and attitudes essential announced by the Department for Business, Innovation for professional practice. and Skills earlier this year. The detailed arrangements for these graduate internships, Diabetes: Health Services including specific terms of reference and remuneration are yet to be agreed. The placements will last a minimum Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for of 12 weeks and aim to offer new graduates project Health how many people were treated for a diabetic focused work that will build their employability, and ulcer in each of the last five years. [287376] help them make informed choices about future career paths. Ann Keen: The information requested is not collected The Department has also placed nine students on the in the requested format. Preventing the long-term Cabinet Office’s Ethnic Minority Summer Development complications of diabetes, including diabetic foot ulcers, Programme this summer. This offers training placements is a key part of the Diabetes National Service Framework. in Government Departments to high calibre candidates This is supplemented by guidance from the National from black and ethnic minority backgrounds or those Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence on the prevention with disabilities, with the aim of increasing representation and management of foot problems in people with diabetes. from those groups in the Fast Stream and Senior Civil This recommends that people with diabetes should have Service. Placements last eight weeks and those taking their feet examined by trained personnel as part of the part receive £350 per week in London and £300 per annual review process. We continue to work with NHS week outside London. Diabetes to support the national health service in the 971W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 972W provision and delivery of diabetes services. In June suppliers and on what dates, each contractor event of 2009, Diabetes UK in partnership with NHS Diabetes default was issued; and for what reason each such notice published Putting Feet First, which is guidance to support was issued. [286967] the management and prevention of diabetic foot disease in hospitals. A copy has already been placed in the Mr. Mike O’Brien: I refer the hon. Member to the Library. answers given on 12 January 2009, Official Report, columns 171-73W. Diamorphine “Contractor event of default” is defined in Local Service Provider contracts, and covers a wide range of Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for possible circumstances in which the supplier may fail or Health what his most recent assessment is of the adequacy cease to be compliant with the supplier’s obligations or of the stock of diamorphine for the treatment of patients duties as described in the contract. These include failure with serious or terminal conditions. [287775] to achieve key milestones, level or quality of service failures, breach of confidentiality, loss of patient data, Mr. Mike O’Brien: I refer the hon. Member to the or insolvency. written answer I gave the hon. Member for Torbay (Mr. Sanders) on 16 June 2009, Official Report, column 225W. Health Professions: Training

Drugs: Counterfeit Manufacturing Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many (a) nurse return to practice Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for course places and (b) health visitor return to practice Health what assessment he has made of the merits of course places were available in each of the last 10 years; the European Commission’s proposals on an amendment [287890] to Council Directive 2001/83/EC in relation to the (2) how many applications for places on (a) nurse prevention of the counterfeiting of medicinal products. return to practice courses and (b) health visitor return [287812] to practice courses were received in each of the last 10 years. [287891] Mr. Mike O’Brien: The Government strongly support the overall aims of these proposals to strengthen the Ann Keen: This information is not collected centrally. medicines supply chain from the growing threat from counterfeit medicines. In drawing up their position for Health Services: Buildings the European Union negotiations, the Government have consulted widely on the European Commission’s proposals and continue to discuss the implications of the detailed Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for provisions with the relevant sectors of the pharmaceutical Health what his policy is on the use of portable industry and other stakeholders. buildings for provision of medical and clinical services in acute hospitals. [287027] Epilepsy: Medical Treatments Mr. Mike O’Brien: The Department does not produce Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for policies on the use of portable buildings. Health how many NHS trusts have implemented the National health service organisations are locally clinical guidelines for the treatment of epilepsy set out responsible for the provision of facilities including by the National Institute for Health and Clinical temporary buildings. All clinical, cleanliness, safety and Excellence in 2004. [288309] quality, requirements that apply to permanent buildings will also apply to temporary ones. Ann Keen: Information on the number of national health service trusts acting on the National Institute for Health Services: Oxfordshire Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance for the treatment of epilepsy is not collected. Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health I will shortly be writing to all the strategic health pursuant to the Draft Legislative Programme 2009, authority long-term condition leads drawing their attention Cm 7654, page 70, who in Oxfordshire will have to the importance of implementing the NICE guidance responsibility for ensuring (a) that patients receive on epilepsy. (i) hospital treatment within 18 months and (ii) access Fujitsu to a cancer specialist within two weeks and (b) that people between the ages of 40 and 74 years of age receive free NHS health checks. [284937] Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) with reference to the answer of 5 November 2008, Official Report, columns 1199-1200W, Mr. Mike O’Brien: Proposals will be brought forward for what reason each breach of contract notice to in the autumn. Fujitsu under the Local Service Provider contract was issued; [286966] Health Services: Prisoners (2) with reference to the answer of 5 November 2008, Official Report, columns 1199-1200W,on NHS: information Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for and communication technology, what definition of the Health how many prisoners received treatment for self- term contractor event of default he uses; to which harm in each of the last five years. [287373] 973W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 974W

Phil Hope: The number of prisoners who have received NHS hospital and community health services: Health visitors in treatment for self harm in each of the last five years is England per 10,000 population by strategic health authority (SHA) area and by primary care trust (PCT) area as at 30 September each not collected centrally by the Department. specified year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many prisoners received treatment for Newcastle 5D7 2.46 2.47 2.47 2.25 2.56 2.37 (a) drug misuse and (b) alcohol misuse in each of the PCT last five years. [287374] North Tees 5E1 2.27 2.22 2.07 2.10 1.96 1.75 PCT Phil Hope: The Department does not centrally collect North 5D8 2.36 2.14 1.87 1.70 2.59 2.29 Tyneside PCT the information on the number of prisoners who have Northumberland TAC 2.60 2.69 2.56 2.54 2.67 1.22 received treatment for alcohol and drug misuse requested Care Trust for each of the last five years. Redcar and 5QR 1.63 1.74 1.94 1.92 1.95 3.27 However, mechanisms have been put in place as of Cleveland 1 April 2009 and prisons are now collecting baseline PCT data on the number of drug users in effective treatment. South 5KG 2.49 2.29 2.57 2.42 2.57 2.65 This will enable the Department to collect comparable Tyneside PCT data for the treatment of drug misuse from April 2010. Sunderland 5KL 2.57 2.19 2.50 2.45 2.41 2.04 Teaching PCT Health Visitors: Manpower North West 2.33 2.43 2.40 2.36 2.20 2.15 strategic Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Health health how many full-time equivalent health visitors were authority area employed per 1,000 of the population in each primary Ashton, Leigh 5HG 2.67 2.46 2.65 2.79 2.69 2.73 care trust area in England in each year since 2002. and Wigan PCT [286612] Blackburn 5CC 3.90 3.71 3.35 3.13 3.11 3.43 with Darwen Ann Keen: Figures are not collected per 1,000 population. PCT However, the following table outlines the number per Blackpool 5HP 2.88 3.03 3.20 3.14 3.37 3.81 10,000. PCT It is for individual primary care trusts (PCTs) to Bolton PCT 5HQ 2.41 2.42 2.38 2.38 2.56 2.44 determine how to use its funding to commission services Bury PCT 5JX 1.98 2.01 2.04 2.34 2.19 2.47 to meet the health needs of their local populations. Central and 5NP 1.91 1.86 1.78 1.70 1.51 1.51 However, to support the Child Health Strategy and the Eastern Lord Laming recommendations on safeguarding, an Cheshire PCT Central 5NG 2.44 2.61 2.56 2.55 2.12 1.88 ‘Action on Health Visiting’ programme was agreed at a Lancashire joint Department of Health/Community Practitioners’ PCT and Health Visitors’ Association (CPHVA) summit on Cumbria PCT 5NE 2.05 2.59 2.35 2.29 1.76 1.75 5 May 2009. East 5NH 2.75 2.74 2.65 2.47 2.30 2.12 This will be taken forward in partnership with the Lancashire CPHVAand other stakeholders. Action will be prioritised PCT to increase workforce capacity and capability and to Halton and 5NM 1.87 1.96 1.96 1.71 1.66 1.92 clarify the contribution of health visitors to the Healthy St. Helens Child Programme, to working with vulnerable children PCT and families and to safeguarding. Heywood, 5NQ 2.71 2.49 2.51 2.50 2.63 3.09 Middleton NHS hospital and community health services: Health visitors in and Rochdale England per 10,000 population by strategic health authority (SHA) PCT area and by primary care trust (PCT) area as at 30 September each Knowsley 5J4 3.26 3.23 3.65 3.78 3.87 3.04 specified year PCT 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Liverpool 5NL 2.36 2.28 2.31 1.96 2.14 2.02 PCT England 2.01 2.03 1.96 1.86 1.78 1.72 Manchester 5NT 2.23 2.16 2.40 2.55 2.56 2.23 PCT North East 2.50 2.50 2.43 2.28 2.25 2.03 North 5NF 1.51 1.53 1.41 1.47 1.50 2.19 strategic Lancashire health PCT authority area Oldham PCT 5J5 1.51 2.74 2.62 2.36 2.27 1.87 County 5ND 2.38 2.69 2.37 2.23 2.17 0.18 Salford PCT 5F5 2.75 2.60 2.63 2.45 2.12 1.49 Durham PCT Darlington 5J9 2.29 2.32 2.03 2.02 2.13 13.94 Sefton PCT 5NJ 1.82 1.92 2.04 1.94 1.91 1.66 PCT Stockport 5F7 3.35 3.96 3.72 4.04 2.17 1.95 Gateshead 5KF 2.11 2.06 2.11 2.23 2.07 1.91 PCT PCT Tameside and 5LH 2.45 2.35 2.08 2.49 2.35 2.13 Hartlepool 5D9 2.81 3.15 3.44 1.62 1.43 1.28 Glossop PCT PCT Trafford PCT 5NR 2.37 2.61 2.27 2.20 2.08 1.86 Middlesbrough 5KM 3.77 4.11 3.63 3.36 1.28 0.00 Warrington 5J2 2.06 1.80 1.87 1.84 1.75 1.96 PCT PCT 975W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 976W

NHS hospital and community health services: Health visitors in NHS hospital and community health services: Health visitors in England per 10,000 population by strategic health authority (SHA) England per 10,000 population by strategic health authority (SHA) area and by primary care trust (PCT) area as at 30 September each area and by primary care trust (PCT) area as at 30 September each specified year specified year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

West Cheshire 5NN 1.87 1.98 1.90 1.74 2.00 2.09 West 2.05 2.05 1.83 1.73 1.85 1.82 PCT Midlands Wirral PCT 5NK 1.80 2.10 2.21 2.05 2.15 2.11 strategic health authority area Yorkshire and 5JE 2.26 2.25 2.19 2.10 1.99 1.90 Birmingham 5PG 1.95 1.73 1.58 1.48 1.92 1.70 the Humber East and strategic North PCT health Coventry 5MD 1.72 1.57 1.51 1.41 1.22 1.15 authority Teaching PCT areas Dudley PCT 5PE 1.68 1.76 1.76 1.54 1.64 1.91 Barnsley PCT 5NY 2.43 2.44 2.36 2.19 1.97 2.17 Heart of 5MX 1.46 1.28 1.26 1.34 2.66 2.46 Bradford and 2.71 2.55 2.43 2.61 2.48 2.39 Birmingham Airedale Teaching PCT Teaching PCT Herefordshire 5CN 1.94 1.91 1.23 1.27 1.42 1.09 Calderdale 5J6 2.36 2.41 2.63 2.73 2.43 2.41 PCT PCT North 5PH 2.25 2.26 1.88 1.95 1.84 1.78 Doncaster 5N5 2.42 2.54 2.65 2.44 2.54 2.58 Staffordshire PCT PCT East Riding of 5NW 1.84 1.82 1.75 1.73 1.68 1.57 Sandwell PCT 5PF 2.13 2.47 2.46 2.15 2.24 2.22 Yorkshire Shropshire 5M2 2.06 2.10 2.02 1.79 1.61 1.47 PCT County PCT Hull Teaching 5NX 2.53 2.75 2.71 2.63 2.55 2.34 Solihull Care TAM 2.10 2.44 2.21 2.32 2.43 2.12 PCT Trust Kirklees PCT 5N2 2.33 2.10 1.98 1.93 1.61 1.63 South 5M1 1.73 1.63 1.60 1.80 1.58 1.75 Leeds PCT 5N1 1.95 2.09 2.07 1.82 1.74 1.67 Birmingham North East TAN 2.37 2.34 2.13 2.23 2.23 2.21 PCT Lincolnshire South 5PK 1.98 2.11 1.99 1.96 1.76 1.73 Care Trust Staffordshire North 5EF 1.96 2.26 2.04 2.32 2.36 1.91 PCT Lincolnshire Stoke on 5PJ 3.77 3.06 2.65 2.40 2.31 2.69 PCT Trent Teaching PCT North 5NV 2.16 2.06 1.99 1.71 1.57 1.32 Yorkshire and Telford and 5MK 2.70 2.63 2.43 2.26 1.94 2.09 York PCT Wrekin PCT Rotherham 5H8 2.40 2.24 2.34 2.16 2.14 1.98 Walsall 5M3 1.74 1.90 1.83 1.66 1.85 1.88 PCT Teaching PCT Sheffield PCT 5N4 2.13 2.01 1.95 1.87 1.75 1.70 Warwickshire 5PM 1.63 1.64 1.56 1.51 1.50 1.44 PCT Wakefield 5N3 2.39 2.30 2.25 2.25 2.25 2.24 District PCT Wolverhampton 5MV 2.10 2.34 0.60 0.30 2.03 2.04 City PCT Worcestershire 5PL 2.12 2.07 2.13 2.04 1.96 1.87 East Midlands 1.78 1.80 1.75 1.75 1.65 1.58 PCT strategic health authority area East of 1.64 1.75 1.73 1.64 1.51 1.47 England Bassetlaw 5ET 1.38 1.20 1.04 1.17 1.46 1.38 strategic PCT health Derby City 5N7 2.54 2.31 1.95 1.84 1.92 1.97 authority area PCT Bedfordshire 5P2 1.78 1.87 1.85 1.74 1.63 1.67 Derbyshire 5N6 1.87 1.93 1.98 1.89 1.93 1.86 PCT County PCT Cambridgeshire 5PP 1.12 1.41 1.28 1.14 1.03 0.75 Leicester City 5PC 1.89 2.28 2.64 2.34 2.38 1.94 PCT Teaching PCT East and 5P3 1.55 1.60 1.78 1.63 1.42 1.52 Leicestershire 5PA 1.21 1.30 1.21 1.20 1.13 1.09 North County and Hertfordshire Rutland PCT PCT Lincolnshire 5N9 1.71 1.69 1.60 1.57 1.55 1.62 Great 5PR 1.79 2.18 1.98 2.14 1.83 1.65 Teaching PCT Yarmouth Northamptonshire5PD 1.75 1.69 1.69 1.65 1.61 1.41 and Waveny Teaching PCT Teaching PCT Nottingham 5EM 2.62 2.53 2.36 2.34 2.19 2.38 Luton PCT 5GC 2.67 2.75 2.56 2.28 1.54 1.89 City PCT Mid Essex 5PX 1.29 1.41 1.43 1.36 1.26 1.18 Nottinghamshire 5N8 1.69 1.73 1.57 1.91 1.38 1.25 PCT5PX County Norfolk PCT 5PQ 1.39 1.52 1.76 1.53 1.44 1.41 Teaching PCT North East 5PW 1.32 1.27 1.36 1.41 1.22 1.14 Essex PCT 977W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 978W

NHS hospital and community health services: Health visitors in NHS hospital and community health services: Health visitors in England per 10,000 population by strategic health authority (SHA) England per 10,000 population by strategic health authority (SHA) area and by primary care trust (PCT) area as at 30 September each area and by primary care trust (PCT) area as at 30 September each specified year specified year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Peterborough 5PN 2.26 2.69 2.17 2.49 2.50 2.17 Tower 5C4 1.61 1.48 1.83 1.89 2.30 2.19 PCT Hamlets PCT South East 5P1 1.85 1.89 1.97 1.97 1.91 1.65 Waltham 5NC 1.83 2.05 1.97 1.87 1.65 1.89 Essex PCT Forest PCT South West 5PY 1.77 1.86 1.75 1.87 1.88 1.92 Wandsworth 5LG 2.41 2.32 2.59 2.11 1.87 1.68 Essex PCT Teaching PCT Westminster 5LC 2.03 2.60 2.52 2.47 2.48 1.97 Suffolk PCT 5PT 1.62 1.69 1.49 1.48 1.21 1.44 PCT West Essex 5PV 1.51 1.59 1.65 1.60 1.38 1.44 PCT South East 1.78 1.82 1.68 1.39 1.38 1.35 West 5P4 1.84 1.84 1.79 1.47 1.67 1.50 Coast Hertfordshire strategic PCT health authority area London 2.01 1.99 1.93 1.88 1.78 1.73 East Sussex 5P7 2.02 1.71 1.86 0.95 1.59 1.52 strategic Downs and health Weald PCT authority area Eastern and 5QA 1.61 1.55 1.61 1.61 1.55 1.62 Barking and 5C2 2.20 2.17 2.04 1.99 1.82 1.26 Coastal Kent Dagenham Teaching PCT PCT Hastings and 5P8 1.76 1.76 1.82 1.79 1.85 1.85 Barnet PCT 5A9 1.66 1.47 1.43 0.96 0.69 0.75 Rother PCT Bexley Care TAK 1.93 1.85 1.84 1.87 1.78 1.96 Medway PCT 5L3 2.08 2.43 2.29 2.15 2.10 1.84 Trust Surrey PCT 5P5 1.57 1.59 1.48 1.31 1.22 1.11 Brent 5K5 0.07 2.14 2.30 1.94 1.60 1.36 West Kent 5P9 1.81 1.76 1.56 0.54 0.59 1.06 Teaching PCT PCT Bromley PCT 5A7 2.03 2.21 2.14 2.09 1.97 1.91 West Sussex 5P6 1.50 1.89 1.47 1.58 1.37 1.08 Camden PCT 5K7 1.16 1.48 1.17 1.22 0.97 1.19 Teaching PCT City and 5C3 1.87 1.62 1.56 1.90 1.86 2.17 Hackney PCT South Central 2.05 1.86 1.82 1.67 1.57 1.40 Croydon PCT 5K9 1.71 1.72 1.76 1.74 1.69 1.63 strategic Ealing PCT 5HX 2.11 1.90 1.99 1.94 1.86 1.82 health authority area Enfield PCT 5C1 1.67 1.57 1.56 1.48 1.45 1.36 Greenwich 5A8 2.70 2.40 2.15 2.79 2.22 2.03 Berkshire East 5QG 1.92 1.76 1.77 1.73 1.72 1.44 Teaching PCT Teaching PCT Hammersmith 5H1 2.94 3.04 3.13 3.09 2.82 3.21 Berkshire 5QF 1.83 1.84 1.84 1.79 1.70 1.48 and Fulham West PCT PCT Buckinghamshire 5QD 2.60 2.36 2.07 1.54 1.64 1.59 Haringey 5C9 2.25 1.88 1.88 1.46 1.70 0.21 PCT Teaching PCT Hampshire 5QC 1.86 1.56 1.49 1.32 1.25 1.03 Harrow PCT 5K6 1.73 1.69 1.68 1.14 1.47 1.43 PCT Havering PCT 5A4 3.20 1.54 1.65 1.54 1.45 1.31 Isle of Wight 5QT 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.97 0.93 1.12 Healthcare Hillingdon 5AT 1.59 1.74 1.98 1.70 1.59 1.59 PCT PCT Milton 5CQ 2.63 2.07 2.34 2.43 2.32 2.14 Hounslow 5HY 1.69 1.63 1.28 1.24 1.25 1.45 Keynes PCT PCT Oxfordshire 5QE 2.21 2.15 2.13 1.94 1.79 1.79 Islington PCT 5K8 2.13 1.59 1.37 1.67 1.73 1.48 PCT Kensington 5LA 1.50 1.59 1.18 1.45 1.56 1.47 Portsmouth 5FE 1.79 1.91 1.76 1.88 1.81 1.57 and Chelsea City Teaching PCT PCT Kingston PCT 5A5 1.69 1.87 1.70 1.62 1.48 1.26 Southampton 5L1 2.08 2.61 2.27 2.36 1.47 1.10 Lambeth PCT 5LD 2.35 2.27 2.07 1.90 1.43 1.43 City PCT Lewisham 5LF 3.77 3.78 2.78 3.06 2.65 2.64 PCT South West 1.81 1.89 1.84 1.69 1.64 1.61 Newham PCT 5C5 1.88 1.46 1.61 1.63 1.68 1.36 strategic Redbridge 5NA 1.29 1.04 0.92 1.23 1.28 1.48 health PCT authority area Richmond 5M6 1.90 1.97 1.92 1.85 1.93 1.64 Bath and 5FL 2.00 2.15 1.97 1.89 1.87 1.71 and North East Twickenham Somerset PCT PCT Bournemouth 5QN 1.27 1.77 2.05 2.00 1.77 1.90 Southwark 5LE 3.07 2.94 2.76 2.96 2.71 3.20 and Poole PCT PCT Sutton and 5M7 2.00 2.22 2.13 2.09 2.12 1.92 Bristol 5QJ 1.76 2.81 2.53 2.45 2.16 2.22 Merton PCT Teaching PCT 979W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 980W

NHS hospital and community health services: Health visitors in Heart Diseases England per 10,000 population by strategic health authority (SHA) area and by primary care trust (PCT) area as at 30 September each specified year Mr. David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 for Health how many people each primary care trust had registered as having (a) chronic obstructive Cornwall and 5QP 1.78 1.72 1.77 1.76 1.66 1.67 pulmonary disease, (b) asthma, (c) tuberculosis and Isles of Scilly PCT (d) lung cancer on the latest date for which figures are Devon PCT 5QQ 1.51 1.45 1.42 1.49 1.30 1.19 available. [286913] Dorset PCT 5QM 2.47 1.75 1.91 1.68 1.59 1.57 Gloucestershire 5QH 2.07 2.12 1.93 1.09 1.70 1.73 Ann Keen: Figures for the number of people, in PCT England, registered with chronic obstructive pulmonary North 5M8 1.34 1.48 1.62 1.49 1.40 1.51 disease or asthma can be found in the 2007-08 Quality Somerset PCT and Outcomes Framework (QOF), a copy has already Plymouth 5F1 2.65 2.45 2.31 2.08 1.91 1.85 been placed in the Library. Teaching PCT The table in question, PCT level QOF tables 2007-08— Somerset PCT 5QL 0.87 1.55 1.84 1.81 1.60 1.41 prevalence.xls, can be viewed on the following link: South 5A3 2.46 2.32 1.42 1.29 1.48 1.49 www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/supporting- Gloucestershire PCT information/audits-and-performance/the-quality-and- outcomes-framework/qof-2007/08/data-tables Swindon PCT 5K3 2.17 1.95 1.66 1.90 1.87 1.48 Torbay Care TAL 1.80 0.00 1.76 1.69 1.50 1.60 A copy of the table has been placed in the Library. Trust We do not hold figures for the number of people Wiltshire PCT 5QK 1.78 1.62 1.63 1.48 1.44 1.45 registered with tuberculosis or lung cancer. Notes: 1. Figures are based on full-time equivalent health visitor figures. 2. PCT figures have been mapped to the current organisational structure. Hospital Wards: Gender 3. 2008 population figures are not yet available. Figures have been calculated using workforce figures and population estimates from Mr. Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the previous year, so 2008 figures are calculated using 2008 census figures and 2007 population estimates. pursuant to the answer of 11 March 2009, Official 4. A small number of health visitors are employed by NHS trusts for Report, column 511WA, on hospital wards, what local which population figures are not available. These staff are included improvements and changes (a) were planned to be in SHA area and England totals. implemented and (b) were implemented by the end of 5. Figures are at one decimal place per 1,000 and two decimal places June 2009; and how much was spent on each per 10,000. Sources: improvement and change which has been implemented. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care Non- [288570] Medical Workforce census. PCO Mid-Year Final Population Estimates, 2001 Population Census Based. ONS Population Ann Keen: Strategic health authority (SHA) plans for Estimates. the £100 million Privacy and Dignity Fund have already Health: Children been placed in the Library, detailing the planned improvements and changes. Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for The latest information from the SHAs confirms almost Health (1) what representations he has received on the 50 per cent. of the schemes were completed by the end usefulness of his Department’s guidance on the of June. Examples of the work undertaken include new maximum recommended amount of time infants aged and refurbished bathrooms and toilets, curtains and up to six months should spend in (a) pushchairs and partitions to improve the privacy of patients and a number of communication initiatives to raise awareness (b) car seats of categories 0 and 0+; [281704] with staff, the patients and the public. Regular monitoring (2) what guidance (a) his Department, (b) its of progress against SHA plans continues. agencies and (c) the NHS issue on the maximum safe length of time for an infant aged up to six months to Information is not available to confirm the funding spend in a car seat. [285820] for each individual project.

Ann Keen: No guidance has been issued by this Department on the length of time an infant aged up to Hospitals: Admissions six months should spend in either a pushchair or car seat. Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Our publication the “Pregnancy Book”provides general Health how many prisoners were admitted to hospital advice on the use of pushchairs and car seats. We advise due to (a) drug misuse, (b) alcohol misuse and that pushchairs are only suitable for babies if they have (c) self-harm in each of the last five years. [287372] fully reclining seats which allow the baby to lie flat. In a car, a safety restraint must be used. It is dangerous and Phil Hope: The Department does not centrally collect illegal for a baby to be carried in their parents’ arms in a data on the number of prisoners admitted to hospital car. Similar advice is given in “Birth to Five”; guidance due to alcohol or drug misuse. on parenthood and the first five years of life. The number of prisoners (both male and female) Copies of the relevant chapters have been placed in admitted to hospital due to self harm in each of the last the Library. five years is as follows. 981W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 982W

Self harm incidents—England and Wales (male and female) admitted as in-patient to hospital 2. Total bed days during the year—Bed days of finished episodes only include days of bed occupancy from episode start date or 1 April Number (whichever is later) to episode end date or 31 March (whichever is 2004 134 earlier). These do not include unfinished episodes which end in the subsequent year. 2005 153 3. Cause code W57—Bitten or stung by non-venomous insect and 2006 159 other non-venomous arthropods. The cause code is a supplementary 2007 122 code that indicates the nature of any external cause of injury, poisoning 2008 135 or other adverse effects. The field within HES counts only the first external cause code which is coded within the episode. 4. Ungrossed data—Figures have not been adjusted for shortfalls in data (i.e. the data are ungrossed). Incontinence Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for health and social care Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision is made for (a) pre- and (b) Kidneys: Health Education post-registration education and training for nurses on the provision of continence services. [288028] Mrs. Dean: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Ann Keen: This information is not collected centrally. pursuant to the answer of 8 July 2009, Official Report, Work force planning, including training, in the national column 868W, on kidneys: health education, (1) what health service is managed and led at a local level by the plans he has to consult (a) patients and (b) clinicians strategic health authorities taking into account the national prior to the publication of his Department’s information policy direction. leaflet on identifying unhealthy kidneys; and what plans Local NHS organisations are best placed determine he has to ensure the wide availability and distribution of the levels of service and resource required to meet the the leaflet; [288462] health needs of the local population. (2) when he plans to publish the patient information leaflet on identifying unhealthy kidneys; and what Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health plans he has to publicise its launch. [288463] whether the Government intends continence care to be part of its Carers Dignity and Respect agenda. [285586] Ann Keen: The patient information leaflet on proteinuria Phil Hope: Incontinence is a challenge to dignity and is being developed in partnership with clinicians and through the Dignity in Care campaign we are equipping patients. This is to be part of a pack of information on local people with the information, advice and support proteinuria testing already published on the Department’s necessary to drive up standards of care with respect to website for general practitioners and laboratories. dignity for the individual. This can be found at: www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Secondarycare/Pathology/ Insect Bites DH_096049 Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for We are in the process of determining how best to Health how many (a) hospital admissions and (b) bed promote the leaflet widely before publication by early days with a primary or secondary cause of insect bites autumn. were recorded in each of the last five years. [286983] Medic Alert: Organs Gillian Merron: The data requested are not available in precisely the form requested. From 2003-04 to 2007-08 the activity in English Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health national health service hospitals, and English NHS (1) if he will take steps to promote MedicAlert as a sole commissioned activity in the independent sector, for the central register for those with organ donation wishes number of admissions and bed days in hospital due to and advanced decision wishes; and if he will make a the patient being bitten or stung by a non-venomous statement; [287412] insect or other non-venomous arthropod (e.g. spider or (2) if he will take steps to ensure that, on tick), recorded in Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) as commencement of their roles, all emergency services cause code W57, is shown in the following table: personnel receive training in the life-saving services provided by the MedicAlert Foundation. [287429] Finished admission Total bed days episodes during the year Ann Keen: It is important that people wishing to be 2003-04 1,719 3,790 organ donors have flexibility in making that wish known, 2004-05 1,988 3,929 for example they can carry a donor card, register on the 2005-06 2,161 4,179 national organ donor register, make their wishes known 2006-07 2,738 4,655 to another organisation or simply tell family and friends. 2007-08 2,614 4,548 The important thing is that the information is readily Notes: available at the appropriate time. 1. Finished admission episodes—A finished admission episode is the The Government do not see a single national database first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one healthcare or central register for advance decisions as the best way provider. Finished admission episodes are counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent forward. The intention has always been to allow as the number of inpatients, as a person may have more than one much flexibility as possible for those making advance admission within the year. decisions. 983W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 984W

Ambulance trusts are responsible for providing The service is aimed at being sensitive to the rights appropriate training for staff, and information on whether and needs of parents and carers, and involves them in this includes training on MedicAlert is not available the intervention process where appropriate. It also adheres centrally. to the Heath Advisory Service requirements, the Children Acts 1989 and 2004 and the National Service Frameworks Mental Health Services for mental health and children and young people, and offers confidentiality in the context of safeguarding Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health children. what steps his Department is taking to provide treatment for (a) psychotic and (b) bipolar depressive Midwives: Recruitment conditions. [287499] Phil Hope: We have made very substantial resources Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if available to the national health service from which to he will take steps to increase the numbers of midwives provide mental health care treatments and services. employed by the NHS. [288013] However, the responsibility for providing all NHS services, including provision of treatments for bi-polar depressive Ann Keen: The Secretary of State announced a package conditions and psychosis, now rests with primary care of measures in February 2008 to recruit an extra 1,000 trusts. midwives by 2009, rising to around 4,000 by 2012, Since 2001-02, real terms investment in adult mental dependent on the birth rate continuing to rise. health services increased by 44 per cent. (or £1.7 billion) putting in place the services and staff needed to transform Mid-Yorkshire NHS Trust: Doctors mental health services. The NHS spent £5.53 billion on these services in 2007-08 (£3.844 billion in 2001-02). Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health There are 67 per cent. more consultant psychiatrists, how many doctors were employed by the Mid- 79 per cent. more clinical psychologists and at least Yorkshire NHS Trust (a) in 1997 and (b) at the latest 23 per cent. more mental health nurses than we had in date for which figures are available. [289118] 1997, providing better care and support for people with mental health problems. Ann Keen: The information is not available in the More than 740 new community mental health teams format requested. The information as is available is offer home treatment, early intervention, or intensive shown in the following table. support for people who might otherwise have been admitted to hospital. Number of doctors employed by the Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, 2002-08 Number Mental Health Services: Morecambe (headcount) Full-time equivalent Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for 2002 580 544 Health what steps he is taking to improve mental 2003 572 543 health provision for young people in Morecambe and 2004 626 597 Lunesdale constituency. [287838] 2005 665 641 2006 678 654 Ann Keen: The information requested is not held 2007 705 686 centrally. It is the responsibility of local national health 2008 705 686 service organisations to plan, develop and improve local Notes: health services according to the needs of the local 1. The structure of national health service trusts in the Wakefield area population. My hon. Friend may wish to approach the has changed over the period the data is requested for. In April 2002, North Lancashire primary care trust and the Lancashire the Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust was formed from the partial- Care NHS Foundation Trust for information relevant merger of the Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals NHS Trust and to the Morecambe and Lunesdale area. the Dewsbury Health Care NHS Trust. Data is shown for the Mid- Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, from 2002 onwards. 2. Work force statistics are compiled from data sent by more than 300 Mentally Incapacitated: Children NHS trusts and primary care trusts (PCTs) in England. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care liaises closely with these Mr. Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health organisations to encourage submission of complete and valid data at what locations in Bournemouth severely mentally and seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data. Processing methods and procedures are continually impaired children may be treated; and what choice being updated to improve data quality. Where this happens, any parents have about the location at which treatment is impact on figures already published will be assessed but unless this is provided. [287885] significant at national level they will not be changed. Where there is impact only at detailed or local level this will be footnoted in relevant Phil Hope: The South West strategic health authority analyses. has advised that there is a range of outreach support Source: and choice to young people who have a mental illness, NHS Information Centre for health and social care. learning disabilities and challenging behaviour, and their families, in a variety of local settings including the National Joint Registry Steering Committee individuals’ own home, schools and general practitioner surgeries. These services are backed up by specialist Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for intensive outreach and in-patient provision, and provide Health (1) what the annual salary was of each member support for young people across Bournemouth, Poole of the board of the National Joint Registry Steering and Dorset. Committee in each of the last five years; [288839] 985W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 986W

(2) how much the National Joint Registry Steering the implementation of the National Service Framework Committee spent on staffing in each of the last five for long-term neurological conditions (a) before and years; [288840] (b) after the devolution of responsibility for the framework (3) how many (a) full-time equivalent and (b) part- to the regional Long Term Conditions Delivery Support time staff are employed by the National Joint Registry Team. [288365] Steering Committee; [288841] (4) how much was spent on external consultancy by Ann Keen: We have made no recent assessment of the the National Joint Registry Steering Committee in each effectiveness of the implementation of the National of the last five years; [288842] Service Framework (NSF) for long-term neurological conditions. (5) what the cost of the office premises occupied by the National Joint Registry Steering Committee was in I will shortly be writing to all strategic health authority each of the last five years; [288965] long-term conditions leads outlining the importance of the recommendations made in the NSF for long-term (6) what the budget for the National Joint Registry conditions. Steering Committee was in each of the last five years; [288966] Mark Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for (7) on what dates Ministers in his Department last Health what recent assessment he has made of the met staff of the National Joint Registry Steering merits of appointing a full-time national lead officer Committee. [288967] for neurological conditions. [288455] Ann Keen: The National Joint Registry Steering Group is an advisory non-departmental public body. Members Ann Keen: We have made no recent assessment of the are unpaid but reimbursed for their travel and subsistence. merits of appointing a national lead officer for neurological The steering group does not employ staff and does not conditions. occupy any office premises. It does not have an annual budget, as it receives its funding through a levy on hip NHS: Finance and knee joint replacements supplied to the national health service and independent health care providers, Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State and it has not spent any money on external consultancy. for Health pursuant to the Answer of 1 July 2009, Neurology Official Report, columns 346-48W, on NHS: finance, when each loan was made; for what purpose each loan Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for was made; what the reasons are for differences in the Health what assessment he has made of the progress by interest rates charged; and which of the trusts listed in local NHS trusts in implementing the National Service the Answer are in the financially challenged trusts Framework for long-term neurological conditions since regime. [286926] the end of the framework planning period in 2008. [288308] Mr. Mike O’Brien: The information requested is provided in the table. The interest rate paid on loans is the Ann Keen: We have made no assessment of the progress National Loan Fund (NLF) Equal Instalment of Principle being made by primary care trusts in implementing the rate. The interest rate is updated daily and the actual long-term conditions National Service Framework (NSF) rate charged relates to the term of loan. The rate is since the end of the framework planning period. published daily by the Debt Management Office. Current I will shortly be writing to all strategic health authority and historic rates are available at: long-term conditions leads outlining the importance of www.dmo.gov.uk/index.aspx?page=PWLB/ the recommendations made in the NSF for long-term PWLB_Interest_Rates conditions. Of the organisations who have outstanding loans, Whipps Cross University Hospitals NHS trust is the Mark Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health only organisation currently designated as a financially what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of challenged trust.

Original loan value NHS trust name £000 Date loan made Loan purpose

Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust 3,000 12 November 2007 Capital investment Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn NHS Trust 3,480 12 November 2007 Capital investment Rob Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic NHS Trust 500 12 November 2007 Capital investment North East Ambulance Service NHS Trust 700 17 December 2007 Capital investment Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust 7,500 17 March 2008 Capital investment Oxford Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust 6,141 17 March 2008 Capital investment West Hertfordshire NHS Trust 13,500 15 July 2008 Capital investment West Hertfordshire NHS Trust 13,500 15 September 2008 Capital investment Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust 7,000 15 September 2008 Capital investment South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust 3,454 15 September 2008 Capital investment Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust 8,000 15 September 2008 Capital investment 987W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 988W

Original loan value NHS trust name £000 Date loan made Loan purpose

Great Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust 2,460 17 December 2008 Capital investment East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust 1,500 17 December 2008 Capital investment South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust 3,551 17 December 2008 Capital investment Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 12,300 16 March 2009 Capital investment Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust 800 16 March 2009 Capital investment Oxford Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust 7,900 16 March 2009 Capital investment Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust 7,000 16 March 2009 Capital investment North Cumbria Acute Hospital NHS Trust 400 15 September 2007 Working capital Scarborough And North East Yorks NHS Trust 765 15 September 2007 Working capital St. George’s Healthcare NHS Trust 250 15 September 2007 Working capital West Sussex NHS Trust 1,063 17 March 2008 Working capital North Cumbria Acute Hospital NHS Trust 400 17 March 2008 Working capital Scarborough And North East Yorks NHS Trust 764 17 March 2008 Working capital St. George’s Healthcare NHS Trust 4,550 17 March 2008 Working capital Barnet and Chase Farm NHS Trust 1,782 17 March 2008 Working capital West Sussex NHS Trust 1,063 17 March 2008 Working capital Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust 4,888 17 March 2008 Working capital Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 2,597 16 March 2009 Working capital Western Area NHS Trust 800 16 March 2009 Working capital East Cheshire NHS Trust 7,000 22 March 2007 Working capital Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust 1,700 22 March 2007 Working capital North Cumbria Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 12,000 22 March 2007 Working capital University Hospitals Of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust 6,500 22 March 2007 Working capital Scarborough And North East Yorks NHS Trust 7,646 22 March 2007 Working capital Hull And East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 10,896 22 March 2007 Working capital South Warwickshire Gen Hospitals NHS Trust 18,500 22 March 2007 Working capital Rob Jones And A Hunt Orthopaedic NHS Trust 3,400 22 March 2007 Working capital Hereford Hospitals NHS Trust 3,279 22 March 2007 Working capital George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust 6,800 22 March 2007 Working capital Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 25,000 22 March 2007 Working capital Shrewsbury And Telford Hospital NHS Trust 12,299 22 March 2007 Working capital Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn NHS Trust 6,300 22 March 2007 Working capital Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust 23,400 22 March 2007 Working capital West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust 1,950 22 March 2007 Working capital Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust 23,400 22 March 2007 Working capital Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust 13,650 22 March 2007 Working capital West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust 11,200 22 March 2007 Working capital East And North Hertfordshire NHS Trust 7,800 22 March 2007 Working capital North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust 15,000 22 March 2007 Working capital Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust 26,294 22 March 2007 Working capital Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust 11,000 22 March 2007 Working capital St. George’s Healthcare NHS Trust 34,000 22 March 2007 Working capital North West London Hospitals NHS Trust 23,830 22 March 2007 Working capital Barnet And Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust 17,500 22 March 2007 Working capital Epsom And St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust 14,000 22 March 2007 Working capital West Sussex NHS Trust 17,005 22 March 2007 Working capital West Sussex NHS Trust 23,000 22 March 2007 Working capital Ashford And St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Trust 14,700 22 March 2007 Working capital Surrey And Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust 56,000 22 March 2007 Working capital East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust 4,000 22 March 2007 Working capital Brighton And Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust 29,322 22 March 2007 Working capital Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust 25,000 22 March 2007 Working capital Winchester And Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust 5,000 22 March 2007 Working capital Oxford Radcliffe Hospital NHS Trust 19,986 22 March 2007 Working capital Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust 38,000 22 March 2007 Working capital North Bristol NHS Trust 52,000 22 March 2007 Working capital Avon And Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust 5,000 22 March 2007 Working capital Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust 3,000 17 March 2008 Working capital Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust 31,400 15 July 2008 Working capital University Hospitals Of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS 16,000 15 July 2008 Working capital Trust 989W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 990W

Original loan value NHS trust name £000 Date loan made Loan purpose

Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust 5,500 15 July 2008 Working capital Weston Area Health Authority 14,300 15 July 2008 Working capital Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust 46,125 15 July 2008 Working capital West Middlesex University NHS Trust 17,000 15 July 2008 Working capital West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust 5,000 15 September 2008 Working capital Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust 2,000 16 March 2009 Working capital East Cheshire NHS Trust 2,533 16 March 2009 Working capital

NHS: Management Consultants Data quality: Workforce statistics are compiled from data sent by more than 300 NHS trusts and primary care trusts in England. The NHS Information Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Centre for health and social care liaises closely with these organisations Health how much the NHS has spent on management to encourage submission of complete and valid data and seeks to consultants in each year since 1996-97. [287693] minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data. Processing methods and procedures are continually being updated to improve data quality. Where this happens any impact on figures Mr. Mike O’Brien: The Department does not collect already published will be assessed but unless this is significant at the specific information requested centrally. national level they will not be changed. Where there is impact only at detailed or local level this will be footnoted in relevant analyses. Source: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care Medical and NHS: Manpower Dental Workforce Census.

Mr. Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Mr. Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many public health workers have been employed pursuant to the answer of 1 July 2009, Official Report, in the NHS in the East of England region in each year columns 348-49W, on NHS: manpower, if he will place since 1997. [286273] in the Library a copy of each of the National Framework Agreements; what pay rates are used Ann Keen: Information is not available in the format under each agreement; and what estimate he has made requested. The following table, however, shows the number of the proportion of such pay that (a) agencies and of medical and dental staff within the public health (b) employees receive under each such contract. medicine (PHM) and community health services (CHS) [286311] group of specialists in the East of England strategic health authority (SHA) area since 1997. Ann Keen: The national framework agreements for these contracts and the rates of pay included in them It is worth noting, that there are increasing numbers are confidential and commercially sensitive. The framework of non-medical public health workers, following the agreement has only recently been awarded and to release introduction of an MSc in public health for non-medical its full provisions would not be in the commercial staff, which would not be picked up in the medical and interests of the companies concerned nor of the national dental workforce census. There have also been a number health service as a whole. of reorganisations within the national health service Although there is an interest in releasing this data to since 1997, which may account for fluctuation in figures. ensure that the public sector’s procurement practices NHS hospital and community health services (HCHS): Medical and are as transparent as possible, we must set this against dental staff within the PHM and CHS group of specialties in East of the risk that the release of the information would prejudice England SHA, England, at 30 September each year fair competition between the current suppliers of temporary Headcount staff and their competitors both in this framework 1997 394 agreement and in future tenders. 1998 326 It would be extremely difficult to estimate the proportion 1999 331 of pay that agencies and employees receive and present 2000 296 it in a meaningful form. This is because every supplier 2001 271 tenders a unique pay and charge rate for each type of 2002 293 temporary worker supplied. For doctors alone there are 2003 275 140 different grades and specialties each with an individual 2004 291 pay and charge rate. On top of that there are 19 different 2005 294 discount options and both a long and a short-term 2006 280 booking version from each of the 53 agencies giving 2007 310 nearly 300,000 prices on this contract alone. 2008 276 NHS: Meat Notes: The data in the table shows only medical and dental staff specifically working within the PHM and CHS specialty group. The public health David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for medicine area is a large, somewhat complex area and it is not possible Health what guidance his Department provides to the to separately identify staff in this area using the available census data breakdowns. Data has therefore been provided for those staff we can NHS on the procurement of halal meat; and whether identify as working in this area. Figures exclude all non-medical staff, that guidance differentiates between stunned and such as nursing and allied health professionals. pre-stunned meat. [287720] 991W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 992W

Mr. Mike O’Brien: The Department does not provide £ million advice to national health service trusts on the purchase of halal meat. Local authority 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 South Tyneside 0.127 0.126 0.126 NHS: Public Consultation St. Helens 0.132 0.132 0.132 Stockport 0.149 0.149 0.148 Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State Sunderland 0.176 0.175 0.174 for Health what host has been appointed to each local Tameside 0.146 0.146 0.146 involvement network; and how much funding his Trafford 0.13 0.13 0.129 Department provided to each such network in 2008-09. Wakefield 0.182 0.182 0.182 [287997] Walsall 0.17 0.169 0.169 Wigan 0.175 0.175 0.175 Ann Keen: Local authorities with social services Wirral 0.2 0.199 0.199 responsibilities are under a statutory duty to make Wolverhampton 0.169 0.168 0.167 arrangements for local involvement network (LINk) Sub-total 4.833 4.824 4.814 activities to be carried on in their area. They do this by contracting with what is known as a host organisation. Inner London Neither local authorities nor hosts are required to inform City of London 0.063 0.063 0.064 the Department of which host has been contracted for Camden 0.176 0.177 0.179 which LINk. Greenwich 0.188 0.188 0.188 However, the National Centre for Involvement maintains Hackney 0.207 0.207 0.206 a contact list of host organisations on an informal basis Hammersmith and 0.143 0.143 0.143 which is available as a .pdf document. The latest version Fulham has been placed in the Library. Islington 0.17 0.17 0.169 The Department provides funds to local authorities Kensington and 0.14 0.142 0.143 to support LINk activities as part of the annual area-based Chelsea grant. The grant is not ring-fenced. The allocations to Lambeth 0.207 0.206 0.205 each local authority for 2008-09 to 2010-11 are given in Lewisham 0.197 0.195 0.194 the following table. Southwark 0.211 0.21 0.209 Tower Hamlets 0.208 0.208 0.208 £ million Wandsworth 0.169 0.169 0.168 Local authority 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Westminster 0.174 0.176 0.178 Sub-total 2.254 2.254 2.253 Principal metropolitan cities Birmingham 0.558 0.556 0.554 Outer London Leeds 0.308 0.307 0.306 Barking and 0.147 0.146 0.146 Liverpool 0.291 0.288 0.286 Dagenham Manchester 0.288 0.287 0.287 Barnet 0.182 0.182 0.182 Newcastle upon 0.171 0.17 0.168 Bexley 0.131 0.131 0.131 Tyne Brent 0.185 0.185 0.184 Sheffield 0.263 0.263 0.262 Bromley 0.151 0.151 0.15 Sub-total 1.879 1.871 1.863 Croydon 0.188 0.188 0.187 Ealing 0.183 0.182 0.182 Other metropolitan Enfield 0.179 0.179 0.178 districts Haringey 0.172 0.171 0.171 Barnsley 0.152 0.152 0.152 Harrow 0.138 0.138 0.138 Bolton 0.166 0.166 0.165 Havering 0.133 0.132 0.132 Bradford 0.259 0.259 0.26 Hillingdon 0.147 0.147 0.146 Bury 0.122 0.122 0.122 Hounslow 0.142 0.141 0.141 Calderdale 0.13 0.13 0.13 Kingston upon 0.102 0.102 0.102 Coventry 0.178 0.177 0.177 Thames Doncaster 0.172 0.172 0.172 Merton 0.123 0.123 0.123 Dudley 0.173 0.173 0.172 Newham 0.214 0.213 0.212 Gateshead 0.14 0.139 0.138 Redbridge 0.156 0.156 0.156 Kirklees 0.202 0.202 0.202 Richmond upon 0.107 0.107 0.107 Thames Knowsley 0.14 0.139 0.139 Sutton 0.118 0.117 0.117 North Tyneside 0.134 0.134 0.134 Waltham Forest 0.164 0.163 0.162 Oldham 0.151 0.151 0.151 Sub-total 3.062 3.054 3.047 Rochdale 0.147 0.146 0.146 Rotherham 0.16 0.16 0.16 Salford 0.159 0.158 0.157 Shire counties Sandwell 0.202 0.202 0.201 Bedfordshire 0.171 0.172 0.172 Sefton 0.172 0.171 0.17 Buckinghamshire 0.182 0.182 0.182 Solihull 0.119 0.119 0.119 Cambridgeshire 0.219 0.22 0.222 993W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 994W

£ million £ million Local authority 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Local authority 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Cheshire 0.257 0.257 0.258 North East 0.12 0.12 0.12 Cornwall 0.252 0.253 0.255 Lincolnshire Cumbria 0.232 0.232 0.232 North Lincolnshire 0.114 0.114 0.114 Derbyshire 0.314 0.315 0.316 North Somerset 0.121 0.122 0.123 Devon 0.298 0.299 0.301 Nottingham 0.184 0.183 0.182 Dorset 0.183 0.184 0.184 Peterborough 0.122 0.122 0.123 Durham 0.256 0.255 0.255 Plymouth 0.151 0.151 0.151 East Sussex 0.236 0.237 0.237 Poole 0.103 0.102 0.102 Essex 0.48 0.482 0.484 Portsmouth 0.125 0.125 0.125 Gloucestershire 0.231 0.231 0.231 Reading 0.104 0.104 0.103 Hampshire 0.378 0.379 0.381 Redcar and 0.116 0.116 0.116 Cleveland Hertfordshire 0.361 0.361 0.361 Rutland 0.069 0.069 0.069 Kent 0.492 0.493 0.495 Slough 0.104 0.103 0.103 Lancashire 0.454 0.455 0.456 South 0.124 0.124 0.125 Leicestershire 0.219 0.22 0.221 Gloucestershire Lincolnshire 0.285 0.287 0.29 Southampton 0.141 0.141 0.141 Norfolk 0.342 0.344 0.345 Southend-on-Sea 0.123 0.123 0.123 North Yorkshire 0.222 0.222 0.223 Stockton-on-Tees 0.126 0.126 0.126 Northamptonshire 0.253 0.254 0.256 Stoke-on-Trent 0.163 0.162 0.161 Northumberland 0.165 0.165 0.165 Swindon 0.112 0.112 0.112 Nottinghamshire 0.304 0.305 0.306 Telford and The 0.119 0.12 0.12 Oxfordshire 0.222 0.223 0.223 Wrekin Shropshire 0.15 0.15 0.151 Thurrock 0.111 0.112 0.112 Somerset 0.226 0.227 0.228 Torbay 0.119 0.12 0.12 Staffordshire 0.301 0.302 0.303 Warrington 0.117 0.117 0.117 Suffolk 0.28 0.281 0.283 West Berkshire 0.095 0.095 0.095 Surrey 0.333 0.333 0.333 Windsor and 0.093 0.093 0.093 Warwickshire 0.212 0.213 0.214 Maidenhead West Sussex 0.281 0.281 0.282 Wokingham 0.087 0.088 0.088 Wiltshire 0.181 0.182 0.183 York 0.108 0.108 0.108 Worcestershire 0.222 0.223 0.223 Sub-total 5.778 5.774 5.771 Sub-total 9.194 9.224 9.252 Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State Shire unitary for Health what recent assessment he has made of the authorities effectiveness of (a) local involvement networks and Bath and North 0.109 0.109 0.109 (b) the hosts contracted to set up and run those East Somerset networks. [288019] Blackburn with 0.123 0.123 0.123 Darwen Blackpool 0.126 0.126 0.126 Ann Keen: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given Bournemouth 0.119 0.118 0.118 to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside (Mrs. Ellman) Bracknell Forest 0.086 0.086 0.086 on 11 June 2009, Official Report, column 964W. Brighton and Hove 0.148 0.147 0.147 Local authorities hold the contracts with host Bristol 0.21 0.209 0.208 organisations and are responsible for the management Darlington 0.096 0.096 0.096 of those contracts. Derby 0.15 0.149 0.149 East Riding of 0.158 0.159 0.159 Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State Yorkshire for Health whether all host organisations contracted to Halton 0.111 0.11 0.11 set up and run local involvement networks have taken Hartlepool 0.099 0.099 0.099 out indemnity cover for members of those networks; Herefordshire 0.119 0.119 0.119 and if he will make a statement. [288020] Isle of Wight 0.115 0.115 0.116 Council Ann Keen: The information requested is not collected Isles of Scilly 0.061 0.061 0.061 centrally. Kingston upon 0.173 0.172 0.171 Hull Nurses: Training Leicester 0.186 0.185 0.184 Luton 0.131 0.131 0.131 Medway 0.136 0.136 0.136 Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State Middlesbrough 0.122 0.121 0.121 for Health whether continence education and training Milton Keynes 0.129 0.13 0.131 is included in the national curriculum for pre- and post-registration training for nurses. [286925] 995W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 996W

Ann Keen: The responsibility for setting standards service to manage services in a way which best meets the required for professional registration sits with the needs of their local population. The Department’s role professional regulators, and the training curricula is is to set national strategic direction, as it has done by designed to meet these standards by the higher education providing guidance on eligibility and administration of institutes in partnership with national health service the scheme. providers and the regulators. The Department, along with local NHS bodies that commission professional Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for training, continues to work with the regulators and Health what steps his Department takes to monitor the higher education institutes to ensure that their standards effectiveness of the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme. and curricula reflect the changing needs of patients and [287854] service delivery. Mr. Mike O’Brien: The Department does not routinely Organs: Research monitor the operation of the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme. An evaluation will begin in autumn 2009, to Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health assess the impact of revisions made in April 2008 which what assessment his Department has made of the extended the scope of the scheme to include patients merits of including in its National Organ Recovery travelling to treatment following direct referral by a scheme provisions for making organs which are not doctor or dentist, as well as those people under the care suitable for transplant available for research purposes. of a hospital consultant. [288302] Ann Keen: The Human Tissue Act 2004 allows organs Prescriptions: Fees and Charges donated for transplant but not used for transplant to be used for research where appropriate consent is in place. Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for It is routine practice when seeking consent to donation Health pursuant to the answer of 25 June 2009, Official for transplantation for donor transplant coordinators Report, columns 1121-22W, on prescriptions: fees and to also seek consent for research should the organs not charges, which organisations responded to the written be suitable for transplant. consultation; which stakeholders contributed to the oral evidence sessions; which GPs attended the Pain: Health Services workshops; and at what locations the workshops were Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health held. [286912] how many NHS specialist pain management services there were in (a) Essex and (b) Castle Point in the Mr. Mike O’Brien: A list of respondents to oral and latest period for which figures are available. [287497] written evidence is provided in the following list. For confidentiality reasons the names of individuals submitting Ann Keen: This information is not held centrally. evidence is withheld and we have included instead the organisations that they work for. For written submissions, Palliative Care in most cases but not all, the responses were on behalf of the listed organisation rather than the individual. We Laura Moffatt: To ask the Secretary of State for are unable to provide details of the general practitioners Health what progress has been made on the who participated in the workshops, because they did so preparation of the interim reports on the on an anonymised basis. Workshops were held in London, implementation of the National Institute for Health Newton Abbot, Northampton, Manchester, Newcastle and Clinical Excellence Supportive and Palliative Care and Croydon. Guidance. [288210] The following organisations or individuals provided Ann Keen: The National Institute for Health and written evidence: Clinical Excellence published guidance on supportive Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and palliative care for adults with cancer in March Addison’s Disease Self Help Group 2004. The National Cancer Action Team is working All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia closely with cancer networks to monitor and support The Association of Cancer Physicians the implementation of this guidance by the end of December 2009. Plans for the implementation of this Asthma UK guidance are now in place in every cancer network, and British Heart Foundation it is expected to be fully implemented by the December British Medical Association 2009 deadline. British Society for Rheumatology British Thoracic Society Patients: Travel Coeliac UK Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Cystic Fibrosis Trust Health how many patients in each primary care trust Diabetes UK area have accessed funding through the Healthcare East Birmingham and Solihull GP Vocational training scheme— Travel Costs Scheme in each of the last five years. West Midlands Deanery [287852] Epilepsy Action Gorlin Syndrome Group Mr. Mike O’Brien: The Department does not collect information on the number of patients who have accessed HEART UK funding through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme. Highcliffe Medical Centre Patient Participation Group Our policy is to empower the local national health Jubilee Medical Centre 997W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 998W

MRC Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Southampton General Ann Keen: The data requested was provided by the Hospital NHS Litigation Authority in the following table. MIND Number of clinical negligence claims closed 2008-09 where pressure Motor Neurone Disease sore was one of the injury codes Parkinson’s Disease Society Closed—nil Settled— Prescriptions Coalition damages damages paid Total Royal College of General Practitioners Number of 15 49 64 Royal College of Ophthalmologists claims Royal College of Physicians, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Damages 0 1,197,324 1,197,324 Joint Specialty Committee paid (£) Defence costs 10,918 296,134 307,052 Royal College of Physicians, Ethical Issues in Medicine Committee paid (£) Royal College of Physicians GP Network Claimant 0 896,561 896,561 Royal College of Physicians, Palliative Medicine Joint Specialty costs paid (£) Committee Total paid (£) 10,918 2,390,020 2,400,938 Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability Sickle Cell Society Damages also cover other injuries that formed part of the claim. Socialist Health Association Society for Endocrinology Number of clinical negligence claims closed in 2008-09 where damages were paid South Bank University Number/£ million Spinal Injuries Association Submissions from individuals (three) Number of claims closed with 3,113 damages UK Thalassaemia Society. Damages paid (£ million) 312.4 Oral evidence was given by the following organisations: Defence costs paid (£ million) 103.6 Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances Claimant costs paid (£ million) 39.6 British Medical Association Total paid (£ million) 455.6 Citizen’s Advice Bureaux Preventive Technology Grant Dispensing Doctors’ Association Kings Fund Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State MIND for Health whether he plans to extend the provisions of National Pharmacy Association the Preventative Technology Grant to apply in respect National Association of Primary Care of the 2008-09 financial year. [288029] National Voices Patients’ Association Phil Hope: The Preventative Technology Grant funding Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee ended in March 2008, although any remaining monies Prescriptions Pricing Division of the NHS Business Services were allowed to be carried over into 2008-09 to sustain Authority the momentum. It is now the responsibility of local Prescriptions Coalition of charities (including Asthma UK; authorities to ensure that they are able to provide Diabetes UK; Behcet’s Syndrome Society; Parkinson’s Disease mainstreamed telecare services. Society) Primary Care Trusts: Dorset Royal College of General Practitioners Royal College of Nursing Mr. Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain what changes to the funding allocations to primary A Strategic Health Authority prescribing adviser care trusts in Dorset there have been in financial year University of Manchester. 2009-10; and what such changes he anticipates in financial year 2010-11. [287553] Pressure Sores: Compensation Mr. Mike O’Brien: The Department announced the Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for primary care trust (PCT) revenue allocations for 2009-10 Health how many cases were dealt with by the NHS and 2010-11 on 8 December 2008. The allocations Litigation Authority in 2008-09 in which pressure represent an investment of £164 billion in the national ulcers were the ground for the claim; how many of health service: £80 billion in 2009-10 and £84 billion in them were settled in the claimant’s favour; what the 2010-11. administrative cost was of dealing with such cases; and The revenue allocations made to the two PCTs serving how much was paid in settlements and compensation in communities in the Dorset area are provided in the such cases. [287684] following table:

2009-10 2009-10 increase 2010-11 allocation 2010-11 increase allocation £000 £000 Percentage £000 £000 Percentage

Dorset PCT 580,964 30,287 5.5 613,261 32,296 5.6 Bournemouth and 509,400 29,100 5.5 535,600 26,200 5.1 Poole PCT Source: Department of Health Resource Allocation, Efficiency and Income Generation. 999W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1000W

Primary Care Trusts: Greater Manchester Queen Mary’s Hospital Sidcup

Mr. Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations his Department has Health which primary care trusts in the Greater received on the future of Queen Mary’s Hospital, Manchester area have a financial deficit against their Sidcup. [282753] budget for 2009-10; and how much the deficit is in each such case. [287730] Mr. Mike O’Brien: In relation to the future of Queen Mary’s hospital Sidcup between 1 September 2008 Ann Keen: There are no primary care trusts within the and 29 June 2009, the Department’s correspondence Greater Manchester area that are forecasting a deficit in and parliamentary questions database shows approximately the 2009-10 financial year. 400 letters, of which, approximately 150 are about the future of services. There were 22 parliamentary questions found but there were no ministerial meetings or debates.

Primary Care Trusts: Wakefield Sexual Offences: Health Professionals

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Mr. Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what revenue allocations were made to each primary what funding his Department has allocated for care trust in Wakefield in each year since 2003-04. specialist support and remedial treatment services for [288665] patients who have been sexually abused by health workers for the period 2007-2012. [286730]

Ann Keen: The revenue allocations made to primary Ann Keen: No specific allocation is made for this care trusts (PCTs) in Wakefield for the period 2003-04 purpose. to 2010-11 are shown in the following tables. Smoking Table 1: 2003-04 to 2005-06 primary care trust revenue allocations Allocation (£000) Three-year increase Primary Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for care trust 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 £000 Percentage Health what estimate he has made of the proportion of (1) deaths which were attributable to smoking in each Eastern 171,930 189,117 208,492 51,104 32.5 of the last 10 years; [284737] Wakefield PCT (2) adults who were smokers in each of the last five Wakefield 131,156 143,375 156,303 35,519 29.4 years. [284748] West PCT Gillian Merron: The prevalence of smoking and the Table 2: 2006-07 to 2007-08 primary care trust revenue allocations numbers of deaths from smoking have both significantly Allocation (£000) Two-year increase reduced over the past 10 years (from the latest data Primary available). In England there are around 2.5 million care trust 2006-07 2007-08 £000 Percentage fewer smokers since 1998 and the number of deaths Eastern 255,393 283,337 53,962 23.5 from smoking has been reduced to around 82,000 per Wakefield year. PCT The information requested is available at: Wakefield 189,155 205,849 32,182 18.5 West PCT www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_compendia/GHS07/ GHSSmokingandDrinkingAmongAdults2007.pdf Table 3: 2008-09 primary care trust revenue allocations Social Services Allocation Cash increase Primary care trust £000 £000 Percentage Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have received care packages Wakefield 515,905 26,719 5.5 following an assessment by social services in each local District PCT authority in each of the last five years; and if he will Table 4: 2009-10 to 2010-11 primary care trust revenue allocations make a statement. [286988] Allocation (£000) Two-year increase Primary Phil Hope: The NHS Health and Social Care Information care trust 2009-10 2010-11 £000 Percentage Centre has provided data on all adults aged 18 and over who received social care services as a result of a community Wakefield 564,093 595,118 66,463 12.6 care assessment by councils with adult social services District responsibilities in each of the last five years. The information PCT has been placed in the Library. Notes: 1. On 1 October 2006, the number of PCTs reduced from 303 to 152. The Eastern Wakefield PCT and the Wakefield West PCT merged to Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for become the Wakefield District PCT. Allocations were made to the Health what the cost of (a) continuing care assessments Wakefield District PCT from 2008-09. and (b) core assessments by social services in each local 2. Comparisons between allocations should be made with caution authority was in each of the last five years; and if he because of changes to PCT baseline funding between rounds. will make a statement. [286990] 1001W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1002W

Phil Hope: The costs of continuing care assessments This is information is derived from data collected are not collected centrally. annually on social services expenditure from councils The following table shows the total gross current with social services responsibilities. expenditure by each local authority in England on Data on local authority expenditure on state funded assessment and care management for adults aged 18 adult social care are collected and published by the and over. NHS Information Centre for health and social care.

Gross current expenditure on assessment and care management by local authority, 2003-04 to 2007-08, England £000 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-081

England total 1,433,031 1,633,962 1,746,677 1,806,207 1,791,712

Metropolitan districts 204 Barnsley 6,033 6,449 7,553 9,088 7,653 406 Birmingham 17,654 31,740 31,644 38,924 34,977 304 Bolton 5,597 6,095 7,535 8,217 8,903 209 Bradford 11,486 13,085 13,499 12,879 13,365 305 Bury 6,338 6,702 6,886 6,852 6,367 210 Calderdale 4,053 4,379 4,670 4,955 4,943 407 Coventry 7,729 8,554 10,571 10,005 8,382 205 Doncaster 7,612 10,878 8,278 10,191 8,764 408 Dudley 10,349 10,690 11,808 12,340 12,707 106 Gateshead 5,101 5,482 5,624 5,098 2,115 211 Kirklees 13,949 15,431 15,936 17,403 18,854 315 Knowsley 4,155 4,182 4,290 3,691 3,747 212 Leeds 15,456 15,321 16,416 19,978 20,659 316 Liverpool 8,167 9,615 8,874 9,700 10,468 306 Manchester 34,423 37,925 40,701 27,989 28,900 107 Newcastle upon Tyne 6,123 6,597 8,453 8,341 8,666 108 North Tyneside 6,405 4,461 8,263 9,278 8,319 307 Oldham 5,185 5,480 6,547 6,285 8,458 308 Rochdale 5,607 5,799 6,920 8,226 6,956 206 Rotherham 7,748 9,237 9,991 10,493 9,336 309 Salford 5,449 6,640 5,748 6,247 6,482 409 Sandwell 10,698 10,194 12,715 13,636 13,816 317 Sefton 6,241 6,934 7,625 7,679 7,656 207 Sheffield 12,151 12,926 14,800 15,872 15,660 410 Solihull 3,442 3,997 4,511 4,102 4,357 109 South Tyneside 2,489 7,308 6,965 6,223 5,962 318 St. Helens 3,752 3,590 4,904 4,762 4,772 310 Stockport 8,290 9,117 9,564 14,129 13,885 110 Sunderland 9,500 12,063 11,128 8,202 10,003 311 Tameside 7,748 9,072 9,991 11,271 11,449 312 Trafford 4,487 4,979 7,117 6,569 7,168 213 Wakefield 7,592 11,773 11,174 10,544 10,683 411 Walsall 6,565 11,641 13,745 11,805 12,010 313 Wigan 7,446 6,596 6,851 8,384 7,997 319 Wirral 8,638 8,962 9,791 7,485 5,658 412 Wolverhampton 8,157 9,819 10,076 9,974 10,776

Shire counties 610 Bedfordshire 10,513 9,124 9,484 15,321 14,946 612 Buckinghamshire 15,123 14,922 15,816 16,365 14,401 623 Cambridgeshire 8,565 20,516 24,427 20,737 22,266 320 Cheshire 13,403 15,264 16,823 20,504 21,375 902 Cornwall 15,667 21,229 16,871 21,887 15,133 102 Cumbria 9,959 13,014 23,494 24,814 23,250 506 Derbyshire 5,531 11,291 11,979 12,392 13,541 912 Devon 15,885 20,115 19,831 20,207 22,927 809 Dorset 9,683 10,416 11,123 12,911 12,320 116 Durham 11,716 14,075 14,374 14,510 19,434 815 East Sussex 15,771 16,957 17,613 19,493 20,377 620 Essex 33,541 38,201 35,503 32,898 29,670 1003W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1004W

Gross current expenditure on assessment and care management by local authority, 2003-04 to 2007-08, England £000 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-081

904 Gloucestershire 13,798 14,679 13,624 15,054 16,385 812 Hampshire 20,893 28,906 30,136 30,744 33,477 606 Hertfordshire 24,412 25,472 25,845 27,275 23,717 906 Isles of Scilly 86 25 30 48 92 820 Kent 34,135 30,217 34,661 37,001 43,816 323 Lancashire 25,062 28,558 31,626 31,630 31,653 508 Leicestershire 9,978 10,522 12,339 12,701 13,659 503 Lincolnshire 15,104 15,945 11,559 15,386 13,608 607 Norfolk 14,706 15,308 28,800 1,913 - 833 218 North Yorkshire 10,276 11,573 13,167 15,314 15,962 504 Northamptonshire 9,917 9,655 9,200 8,986 9,185 104 Northumberland 10,660 11,794 13,805 14,086 13,092 511 Nottinghamshire 26,875 28,569 30,578 32,847 30,605 608 Oxfordshire 19,414 21,850 23,250 29,656 29,165 417 Shropshire 9,032 8,967 7,732 9,874 11,955 905 Somerset 18,130 18,592 21,709 18,755 21,448 413 Staffordshire 17,797 25,109 37,063 29,079 29,694 609 Suffolk 12,957 14,908 16,282 17,079 21,059 805 Surrey 33,954 35,957 38,478 45,269 45,674 404 Warwickshire 14,109 14,020 12,628 14,017 13,662 807 West Sussex 27,162 28,780 27,772 29,777 26,104 817 Wiltshire 17,632 17,206 16,988 18,298 20,097 416 Worcestershire 10,579 11,076 12,609 13,760 13,787

Unitary authorities 908 Bath and North East Somerset 4,696 6,188 5,138 8,055 8,636 324 Blackburn with Darwen 3,582 3,339 4,108 5,117 4,275 325 Blackpool 3,509 3,908 4,318 4,561 4,391 810 Bournemouth 8,319 9,708 10,358 10,376 10,505 614 Bracknell Forest 2,503 3,113 2,868 3,428 4,388 816 Brighton and Hove 12,751 13,654 10,214 12,180 11,327 909 Bristol 10,246 11,089 11,170 12,900 11,100 117 Darlington 3,997 5,263 6,439 5,281 5,958 507 Derby 7,060 7,832 8,749 9,246 9,066 214 East Riding of Yorkshire 4,393 4,828 4,412 4,360 5,513 321 Halton 3,539 3,571 4,803 6,580 7,051 111 Hartlepool 3,384 3,908 4,354 4,649 5,277 415 Herefordshire 3,009 4,088 4,525 4,529 4,780 803 Isle of Wight 3,483 5,391 5,554 5,470 6,005 215 Kingston upon Hull 5,743 5,903 6,070 5,467 4,229 509 Leicester 8,405 10,768 9,838 9,790 10,805 611 Luton 6,388 7,321 8,023 8,496 7,933 821 Medway Towns 5,285 5,756 4,947 9,462 6,032 112 Middlesbrough 4,147 4,038 4,592 5,200 5,457 613 Milton Keynes 9,029 13,947 10,074 14,006 12,362 216 North East Lincolnshire 2,963 3,167 4,161 4,709 5,279 217 North Lincolnshire 3,564 3,712 4,012 4,670 4,346 910 North Somerset 3,134 3,746 4,120 4,335 4,378 512 Nottingham 10,408 10,104 9,922 9,750 11,406 624 Peterborough 6,994 7,646 6,940 7,422 7,403 913 Plymouth 7,463 7,886 8,497 9,718 10,663 811 Poole 3,115 3,757 4,267 4,372 4,363 813 Portsmouth 6,409 8,059 8,421 8,466 10,327 616 Reading 4,476 5,430 5,758 5,997 5,807 113 Redcar and Cleveland 2,076 2,998 2,420 2,883 2,943 510 Rutland 724 824 1,366 1,694 2,339 617 Slough 9,424 7,238 7,921 9,078 8,590 911 South Gloucestershire 4,315 5,437 6,742 6,214 6,443 814 Southampton 6,885 7,387 7,888 8,776 9,911 621 Southend-on-Sea 4,413 4,663 4,989 4,191 4,821 1005W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1006W

Gross current expenditure on assessment and care management by local authority, 2003-04 to 2007-08, England £000 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-081

114 Stockton-on-Tees 3,698 3,916 4,550 4,770 5,101 414 Stoke-on-Trent 5,172 4,872 5,399 5,137 5,902 819 Swindon 4,668 4,917 6,042 6,582 5,526 418 Telford and the Wrekin 4,101 5,220 6,096 6,713 6,649 622 Thurrock 4,896 5,261 283 5,115 4,397 914 Torbay 4,612 6,696 7,804 6,951 7,599 322 Warrington 5,876 6,227 7,543 9,419 9,209 615 West Berkshire 5,089 5,700 5,653 6,073 6,120 618 Windsor and Maidenhead 3,612 3,537 4,275 4,656 5,606 619 Wokingham 3,411 3,759 4,509 6,015 5,507 219 York 2,920 3,497 4,246 4,604 5,324

Inner London 702 Camden 14,289 16,610 18,780 19,989 18,877 714 City of London 1,129 1,399 1,448 1,659 1,072 703 Greenwich 8,845 9,390 11,350 10,087 10,750 704 Hackney 14,782 10,306 10,834 11,772 11,058 705 Hammersmith and Fulham 7,271 7,953 10,590 10,311 8,329 706 Islington 9,619 11,540 15,241 14,373 13,426 707 Kensington and Chelsea 11,447 11,590 12,152 11,126 9,818 708 Lambeth 16,273 18,235 23,606 13,743 15,011 709 Lewisham 9,081 11,988 10,355 12,524 13,047 710 Southwark 8,927 12,401 15,565 16,908 15,173 711 Tower Hamlets 13,821 15,503 19,702 19,765 18,545 712 Wandsworth 12,691 14,193 14,889 16,463 9,967 713 Westminster 15,238 17,840 17,391 14,383 14,966

Outer London 716 Barking and Dagenham 8,389 9,426 9,419 8,586 8,203 717 Barnet 9,821 14,090 13,656 11,818 10,525 718 Bexley 7,885 6,653 6,998 6,990 6,529 719 Brent 14,580 15,965 14,817 16,243 17,605 720 Bromley 9,975 11,256 11,270 12,889 10,181 721 Croydon 15,547 15,092 15,849 23,962 21,755 722 Ealing 13,105 13,432 11,508 8,102 17,484 723 Enfield 8,086 9,213 10,286 8,530 9,346 724 Haringey 12,324 11,477 10,841 16,324 12,199 725 Harrow 6,652 9,861 12,001 10,503 9,780 726 Havering 5,115 9,359 7,777 9,214 10,306 727 Hillingdon 11,411 14,380 15,778 15,217 11,673 728 Hounslow 8,012 9,955 10,449 12,349 10,623 729 Kingston upon Thames 6,591 8,547 8,969 9,220 8,585 730 Merton 7,794 7,996 7,916 8,564 10,403 731 Newham 10,843 16,481 16,204 19,806 18,972 732 Redbridge 6,870 8,193 8,621 8,895 8,734 733 Richmond upon Thames 9,115 10,161 10,834 11,126 9,070 734 Sutton 4,818 5,598 5,977 6,682 7,284 735 Waltham Forest 10,958 12,088 12,841 13,218 13,792 1 2003-04 to 2006-07 figures include assessment and care management for all asylum seekers including children and families. In 2007-08 this information was collected separately and only adults’ expenditure has been included.

Stepping Hill Hospital: Parking running and maintaining a car park. All trusts should have exemption and concessionary schemes in place to Mark Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for ensure that patients and carers who visit hospital regularly Health what the (a) revenue income and (b) estimated are not disadvantaged. They should also have sustainable overhead cost of the parking charges scheme at public transport plans in place for staff and visitors. Stepping Hill Hospital has been in each year since the introduction of such charges. [288454] Data on the gross income that national health service trusts receive from car parking charges paid by staff Ann Keen: Hospital car parking charges are decided and visitors have been collected since 2000. These data locally by individual trusts to help cover the cost of are provided by the NHS on a voluntary basis and have 1007W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1008W not been amended following their collection, nor have plans are being continuously reviewed and, where necessary, they been actively checked by the Department and updated informed by the latest expert scientific and therefore cannot be confirmed to be accurate or complete. medical advice of the current swine flu pandemic. According to data collected through the Estates Related Publication of contingency plans by PCTs and hospital Information Collection (ERIC) system, Stepping Hill trusts will, therefore, not be requested. hospital1, Stockport NHS foundation trust, have received Local NHS communications efforts are now directed the following income: to providing local staff and communities with the latest 1 The site data also list a hospital with the same name at the information about the current pandemic, how it is Pennine Care NHS trust, but this does not have any car parking developing and what they can do to prepare and manage income and is therefore not the one under consideration. it. The Department has written to all NHS chief executives to make clear that this is core responsibility of all £ organisations. Income from Income from staff visitors Total income Teenage Pregnancy: Hampshire

2001-02 98,693 197,261 295,954 Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for 2002-03 88,939 192,509 281,448 Health how many pregnancies in girls under 16 years 2003-04 80,929 164,338 245,267 old were recorded in (a) Test Valley Borough and 2004-05 144,983 301,849 446,832 (b) Southampton in each of the last five years. 2005-06 218,899 489,518 708,417 [287768] 2006-07 223,533 467,105 690,638 2007-08 238,408 499,185 737,593 Angela E. Smith: I have been asked to reply. Note: Prior to 2001-02, car parking data were collected at trust level only The information requested falls within the responsibility and therefore Stepping Hill hospital’s specific income could not be of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority identified. to reply. Source: Estates Related Information Collection System, Department of Health. Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Surgery: Greater Manchester recent question asking how many pregnancies of girls under 16 years old were recorded in (a) Test Valley Borough and Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) Southampton in each of the last five years. (287768) Health how many operations were performed at the Figures on conceptions are estimates based on the number of Greater Manchester Surgical Centre in (a) the live births, stillbirths or legal abortions. They do not include 12 month period from 18 May 2005 and (b) each miscarriages and illegal abortions. subsequent 12 month period starting 18 May. [287731] The table below provides the number of conceptions among girls under 16, for (a) Test Valley local authority district and (b) Southampton unitary authority for 2003 to 2007 (the most Mr. Mike O’Brien: The Department does not hold recent year for which figures are available). information about the number of operations performed at the Greater Manchester Surgical Centre but does Table 1: Number of conceptions among girls aged under 16l, for (a) Test Valley local authority district and (b) Southampton unitary hold data for finished consultant episodes. authority 2003 to 2007 The following table shows finished consultant episodes Numbers performed at the Greater Manchester Surgical Centre Conceptions 2003 2004 2005 2006 20072 where there was a procedure or intervention. There is no clear definition of the term ’operation’ used in Test Valley LAD 7 11 19 10 17 hospital episode statistics (HES). HES have provided Southampton UA 39 36 35 43 37 data for financial years (1 April to 31 March) 2005-06, 1 Under 16 years at estimated date of conception. 2006-07 and 2007-08 (the most recent year for which 2 Figures for 2007 are provisional. data is available). Tranquillisers Finished consultant episodes Number Jim Dobbin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which (a) policy advisers, (b) special advisers, 2007-08 4,770 (c) other individuals and (d) other groups have 2006-07 5,574 provided advice to his Department on the subject of 2005-06 3,649 tranquillisers in the last two years; and what expertise each has to advise on that subject. [264896] Swine Flu Gillian Merron: The Department is not aware of any Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if advice given by policy advisers, special advisers, other he will direct each (a) primary care trust and (b) individuals or advisory groups specifically in relation to hospital trust to publish its contingency plan to deal tranquilisers. The Commission on Human Medicines, with swine flu. [284944] the UK Health Ministers’ independent safety experts and advisers, provides scientific advice on all medicines Gillian Merron: Primary care trusts (PCTs) and national for human use before a product is given a marketing health service trusts flu pandemic plans are already in authorisation or if any post marketing safety issue arise. action and are working well. It would not be the best Over the coming months the Department will be use of NHS resources at this time to direct PCTs and reviewing its policy on addiction to prescriptions and NHS trusts to publish these plans. In addition, these over the counter (OTC) drugs, including tranquilisers. 1009W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1010W

This review will identify where and how policy should efficient equipment with enhanced tax relief. DECC has be advanced, so that those addicted to prescription or also established voluntary agreements with the major OTC drugs receive high quality, effective services. energy suppliers to promote energy efficiency and energy services to small and medium-sized businesses. Wakefield NHS Trust: Expenditure

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Carbon Emissions: Housing what the capital expenditure of Wakefield NHS Trust was in each year since 1996-97. [288658] Mr. Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many grants have been made Ann Keen: The information is not available in the through the Low Carbon Buildings programme to format requested. (a) schools, (b) hospitals and (c) other public The following table shows data for 2001-02 for the buildings in (i) West Chelmsford constituency, Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals NHS Trust and (ii) Essex and (iii) England in each year since the for 2002-03 to 2007-08 for the Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals inception of the programme. [278397] NHS Trust, which are the only years for which information is available for these organisations. Mr. Kidney: The following number of grants have Charge against the capital resource limit (CRL) been made through the Low Carbon Buildings programme £000 to (a) schools, (b) hospitals and (c) other public buildings in (i) West Chelmsford constituency, (ii) Essex 2007-08 10,647 and (iii) England in each year since the inception of the 2006-07 20,876 programme. 2005-06 12,936 Low carbon buildings programme Phase 1—grants awarded 2004-05 15,222 West 2003-04 12,300 England Essex Chelmsford 2002-03 10,031 2001-02 10,687 Communities stream Notes: 2006-07 1. The data provided in 2001-02 is for the Pinderfields and Pontefract Schools 14 0 0 Hospitals NHS Trust which merged with the Dewsbury Health Care NHS Trust in 2002-03 to form the Mid-Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Other public 610 Trust. buildings 2. The term ‘capital expenditure’ has been interpreted to mean the charge against the CRL for the year. This charge is calculated as 2007-08 follows: a. Gross capital expenditure in accruals terms for the period Schools 1 0 0 b. Less the net book value of assets disposed of Other public 500 c. Plus any loss on disposal of donated assets buildings d. Less capital grants received e. Less donations Source: Stream 2A (below NHS audited summarisation schedules. £100,00) 2006-07 Schools 4 0 0 Hospitals 0 0 0 ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Other public 100 buildings Carbon Emissions: Business 2007-08 Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Schools 10 1 0 for Energy and Climate Change what assistance his Hospitals 0 0 0 Department provides to small and medium-sized Other public 1410 businesses to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. buildings [288073] Stream 2B (above Joan Ruddock: KBCC provides funding for the provision £100,000) of support, advice and information on reducing greenhouse 2006-07 gas emissions to small and medium-sized businesses, in Schools 1 0 0 particular through the Carbon Trust. Advice and Hospitals 0 0 0 information is provided through a dedicated phone line Other public 000 and website. Financial support is provided through buildings interest-free loans to small and medium-sized businesses for energy saving investments. Up to £83.9 million of additional funding for this scheme is being provided for 2007-08 firms in England over the next two years. Schools 1 0 0 The Carbon Trust also administers the Enhanced Hospitals 0 0 0 Other public 500 Capital Allowance scheme for energy-saving technologies, buildings which provides businesses that invest in designated energy 1011W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1012W

Low carbon buildings programme Phase 2—grants awarded Joan Ruddock: The Department and its agencies hold Type of Financial West a large number of databases ranging in size. These organisation year England Essex Chelmsford range from corporate databases to small local databases Schools 2006-07 1 0 0 with just a few users held by units within the Department 2007-08 162 2 0 and its agencies, in addition to a large number of spreadsheets containing data, of which, the larger and 2008-09 333 4 0 more sophisticated could be described as fulfilling a 2009-10 85 1 0 database function. Some of these databases and systems can be expected to hold information on members of the Hospitals 2006-07 0 Q 0 public gathered in support of a wide range of departmental 2007-08 0 0 0 initiatives and activities. It is not possible due to disproportionate costs to identify which of the many 2008-09 2 0 0 databases contain personal data on members of the 2009-10 1 0 0 public and the date each one became operational. All databases containing personal data maintained Other 2006-07 0 1 0 by DECC are managed in accordance with the Data public Protection Act and following the publication of the buildings cross government data handling review in June 2008, 2007-08 95 2 1 new projects and programmes that hold significant 2008-09 144 2 0 amounts of personal data are obliged to conduct privacy 2009-10 57 1 0 impact assessments.

Total — 879 13 1 Departmental Internet (Phase 2) Mr. Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Departmental Advertising and Climate Change when his Department plans to update its web browsers from Internet Explorer 6. Mr. Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for [285017] Energy and Climate Change what his Department’s advertising budget is for 2009-10. [284847] Joan Ruddock: The Department is currently reviewing its options for the technology refresh of software such Joan Ruddock: Between April 2009 and July 2009, as Internet Explorer 6, as part of a PFI Agreement for DECC is expected to spend approximately £370,000 on the provision of IT Services. Act on CO2 campaign advertising media and production. We are considering our advertising plans for the rest of 2009-10. Energy Saving Trust: Finance

Departmental Data Protection Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) what the Energy Saving Jenny Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Trust’s budget is for (a) advertising, (b) consultancy Energy and Climate Change how many (a) attempts fees and (c) administration in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11, and (b) successful attempts were made to gain (iii) 2011-12 and (iv) 2012-13; [286859] unauthorised access to each (i) database and (ii) ICT (2) what expenditure the Energy Saving Trust system run by his Department; and if he will make a incurred on (a) advertising, (b) consultancy fees and statement. [286547] (c) administration in (i) 2007-08 and (ii) 2008-09. [286860] Joan Ruddock: It is not in the interests of the UK’s national security for Departments to confirm information Joan Ruddock: The Energy Saving Trust is a not-for-profit on the number of attempts, successful or otherwise, to private company limited by guarantee. As part of the gain unauthorised access to departmental systems or terms and conditions of the grant funding DECC provides databases. Such disclosure could undermine the integrity to the Energy Saving Trust, the trust is required to and security of departmental systems and thereby expose provide DECC with audited annual accounts within them to potential threats. five months of the end of the financial year. DECC complies with the mandatory requirements of The Energy Saving Trust statutory accounts for the the Security Policy Framework in relation to information financial years ending 2008 and 2009 are deposited with security including managing the risk of unauthorised Companies House and are in the public domain. access to ICT systems.

Departmental Databases Environmental Transformation Fund: Finance

Jenny Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change which databases managed Energy and Climate Change (1) how much in public by his Department and its agencies hold personal funding for the Environmental Transformation Fund information on members of the public; on what date (a) was provided in (i) 2007-08 and (ii) 2008-09 each such database become operational; and if he will and (b) is planned to be provided in (i) 2009-10, make a statement. [284907] (ii) 2010-11, (iii) 2011-12 and (iv) 2012-13; [285079] 1013W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1014W

(2) what proportion of expenditure under the The National ETF total budget for the CSR period Environmental Transformation Fund was spent on was £400 million with up to £133 million available in UK-based projects in (a) 2007-08 and (b) 2008-09; financial year 2008-09, up to £118 million in financial [285084] year 2009-10 and up to £149 million in financial year 2010-11. In its first year of operation National ETF (3) what proportion of expenditure under the 1 Environmental Transformation Fund he expects to be spent £91m on UK-based projects. spent on UK-based projects in (a) 2009-10, (b) 2010-11, 1 Figure is provisional and subject to finalisation of accounts for (c) 2011-12 and (d) 2012-13. [285085] the year. It also includes up to £7 million which has been, or will be, handed back by recipients of Offshore Wind Grants who would prefer to claim Renewables Obligation Certificates instead, Joan Ruddock: The Environmental Transformation now that the regime has changed. In addition, the figure includes Fund (ETF) began operation in April 2008—therefore £24,000 which has been received back from a hydrogen and fuel there was no ETF expenditure in the financial year cell company that went into receivership. 2007-08. The ETF budgets are for the current CSR Industrial Diseases: Compensation period, so no budgets have yet been agreed for financial year 2011-12 or beyond. John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy The ETF has international and national components, and Climate Change to which 100 firms of solicitors which are managed separately. The International ETF his Department and its predecessors has paid the most is jointly controlled by my Department and by the in costs in respect of the coal health compensation Department for International Development; its total scheme. [286399] budget for the CSR period was £800 million with £100 million available in financial year 2008-09, £200 million Mr. Kidney: The top 100 claimants’ representatives in financial year 2009-10 and £500 million in financial who the Department has paid the most in fees broken year 2010-11. None of the international component is down by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), spent in the UK, whereas the national component is vibration white finger (VWF) and miscellaneous claims spent exclusively in the UK. is shown in the following table.

£ Misc. claims Claimants’ representatives COPD costs VWF costs costs1 Total costs

Thompsons Solicitors 121,758,445 31,518,213 3,084,589 156,361,247 Beresfords Solicitors 133,359,135 7,924,924 3,054,869 144,338,929 Hugh James 102,057,162 12,326,792 964,859 115,348,813 Raleys Solicitors 80,412,876 14,907,685 1,607,660 96,928,221 Browell Smith and Co. 56,340,495 14,385,298 1,980,467 72,706,260 Mark Gilbert Morse 58,622,804 45,800 0 58,668,604 Avalon Solicitors 40,794,782 117,574 419,161 41,331,518 Graysons Solicitors 25,536,505 12,455,640 2,794,482 40,786,626 Union of Democratic Mineworkers 23,241,215 10,611,889 6,373,980 40,227,084 Watson Burton LLP 26,656,881 8,652,776 1,436,195 36,745,853 Barber and Co. 24,176,610 0 0 24,176,610 Randell Lloyd Jenkins and Martin 18,374,906 1,408,675 109,690 19,893,271 Moss Solicitors 12,669,621 5,656,411 1,457,882 19,783,914 Towells Solicitors 12,721,460 6,043,282 689,742 19,454,485 TLW Solicitors 16,049,983 1,010,621 293,075 17,353,679 Ashton Morton Slack LLP 13,496,315 2,938,629 621,810 17,056,753 Irwin Mitchell Solicitors 11,968,470 3,668,584 878,263 16,515,317 Kidd and Spoor Harper Solicitors 10,200,466 3,793,094 520,617 14,514,177 Ingrams Solicitors 13,944,643 206,197 60,567 14,211,408 Corries Solicitors 11,067,799 2,401,321 434,963 13,904,083 Delta Legal 13,161,798 0 2,250 13,164,048 Atteys 7,853,621 4,705,066 102,189 12,660,876 Gorman Hamilton Solicitors 9,229,890 1,364,849 85,498 10,680,238 BRM Solicitors 9,670,748 28,101 406,055 10,104,904 O. H. Parsons and Partners Solicitors 6,720,948 2,442,110 735,079 9,898,138 Birchall Blackburn 9,337,769 0 31,850 9,369,619 Wake Smith and Tofields Solicitors 8,619,831 328,134 413,793 9,361,757 Shaw and Co. Solicitors 5,342,004 3,689,957 85,831 9,117,793 Corries York 8,193,817 726,550 108,690 9,029,056 Latham and Co. Solicitors 3,032,594 2,732,151 333,047 6,097,791 Thompson and Co. Solicitors 3,668,998 2,261,047 98,718 6,028,763 Hopkins 2,991,668 1,537,681 1,339,464 5,868,813 Hilary Meredith Solicitors 5,684,279 0 4,500 5,688,779 Mortons Solicitors 3,741,391 1,332,065 253,916 5,327,372 1015W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1016W

£ Misc. claims Claimants’ representatives COPD costs VWF costs costs1 Total costs

Furley Page 4,468,987 764,177 5,500 5,238,664 Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers 5,080,886 1,471 0 5,082,357 Morisons Solicitors 3,424,732 1,304,639 265,941 4,995,313 T. S. Edwards and Son Solicitors 3,477,301 1,359,833 49,241 4,886,375 Marrons Solicitors 3,683,066 897,278 165,504 4,745,848 Saffmans Solicitors 2,126,217 2,362,908 131,201 4,620,326 Kingslegal 2,787,644 1,747,752 81,556 4,616,952 Simpson Millar Solicitors 4,249,960 178,857 75,514 4,504,332 Oxley and Coward Solicitors 2,157,868 2,058,286 159,232 4,375,386 Meloy Whittle Robinson 3,089,796 692,109 241,309 4,023,214 Hickmotts Solicitors 2,521,283 968,109 359,335 3,848,727 Onyems and Partners 3,514,197 0 47,550 3,561,747 1 Legal Solicitors 3,399,776 0 0 3,399,776 Keeble Hawson Moorhouse 2,158,034 935,501 121,125 3,214,659 Proddow and Mackay Solicitors 3,024,181 0 24,450 3,048,631 Bailey Bravo Jobling 2,833,561 0 0 2,833,561 BHP Law 2,099,365 519,348 18,513 2,637,225 McLeish Carswell 1,202,557 1,322,450 37,954 2,562,961 McConville O’Neill Solicitors 2,276,802 200,294 61,773 2,538,869 Cordner Lewis Solicitors 2,420,770 870 0 2,421,640 Gorvin Smith Fort Solicitors 1,918,814 353,339 122,178 2,394,330 Recompense Limited 2,305,351 0 8,050 2,313,401 Gabb and Co. 1,409,116 739,254 84,378 2,232,748 Pannone and Partners Solicitors 1,880,922 194,200 80,097 2,155,220 Hindle Campbell Solicitors 2,083,824 0 0 2,083,824 Morgan Cole 1,838,925 0 169,880 2,008,805 Heptonstalls Solicitors LLP 0 0 1,920,153 1,920,153 J. M. Skinner Solicitors 1,708,177 43,995 0 1,752,172 Pinto Potts Solicitors 613,819 46,782 1,040,575 1,701,176 Keeble Hawson 885,661 680,137 68,827 1,634,625 DMH Stallard 1,125,517 108,796 299,172 1,533,485 Wheelers Solicitors 1,477,049 0 0 1,477,049 Farleys Solicitors 1,149,479 276,673. 2,643 1,428,794 Emsleys Solicitors 1,306,846 49,932 69,153 1,425,931 Canter Levin and Berg Solicitors 1,151,162 227,178 0 1,378,341 J. Keith Park and Co. Solicitors 1,162,414 196,862 18,414 1,377,690 MLM Solicitors 1,223,487 17,828 4,000 1,245,315 Endlars Solicitors 447,524 602,611 152,222 1,202,357 Colemans Solicitors 903,171 139,433 150,043 1,192,646 Campbell Smith W.S. 917,934 181,637 37,637 1,137,208 Mincoffs Solicitors 550,842 474,583 49,535 1,074,960 Ben Hoare Bell and Co. Solicitors 791,353 196,986 40,967 1,029,305 Lopian Wagner Solicitors 865,973 76,478 27,188 969,638 Elliot Mather Solicitors 800,607 10,701 157,324 968,631 SIS Law 923,635 0 0 923,635 Branton Bridge 480,827 319,241 66,698 866,765 Holmes and Hills Solicitors 469,093 160,905 225,827 855,825 Morrish and Co. Solicitors 531,487 162,256 101,942 795,685 Browns 13,603 928 724,566 739,098 Russell Jones and Walker Solicitors 529,492 138,382 41,688 709,562 Stripes Solicitors 632,696 49,160 12,800 694,656 Foys Solicitors 542,389 120,205 5,995 668,588 Treanors Solicitors 250,370 398,860 5,763 654,993 BBH Solicitors 389,115 233,510 4,011 626,636 Robinson King Solicitors—ceased trading 301,962 293,028 26,261 621,250 Mills Donkin and Co. 535,417 30,280 10,481 576,177 Housemans Solicitors 458,578 73,997 18,769 551,344 Stuart Bell and Associates 392,553 139,043 18,333 549,930 Peace Revitt Solicitors 331,468 187,850 10,552 529,870 Robinson and Murphy Solicitors 237,069 229,729 56,640 523,437 1017W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1018W

£ Misc. claims Claimants’ representatives COPD costs VWF costs costs1 Total costs

MK Legal LLP Solicitors 508,244 0 0 508,244 Oakley and Davies 506,434 0 0 506,434 Richard J. Knaggs and Co. 275,658 181,445 21,168 478,271 Adam F. Greenhalgh and Co. Solicitors 61,268 44,616 356,000 461,884 Lloyd Green Solicitors 391,165 10,044 4,000 405,210 St. Davids Solicitors 382,117 0 0 382,117 1 Includes costs for Noise Induced Hearing Loss and other Miscellaneous Diseases.

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Mr. Kidney: The top 100 claimants’ representatives and Climate Change which 100 firms of solicitors have who have submitted the most claims under the coal submitted the most claims under the coal health health compensation schemes is broken down by chronic compensation scheme; and how many claims each such obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), vibration white firm has submitted. [286400] finger (VWF) and other miscellaneous claims shown in the following table.

£ Claimants’ representatives COPD costs VWF costs Misc. claims1 costs Total costs

Thompsons Solicitors 121,758,445 31,518,213 3,084,589 156.361,247 Beresfords Solicitors 133,359,135 7,924,924 3,054,869 144.338,929 Hugh James 102,057,162 12,326,792 964,859 116,348,813 Raleys Solicitors 80,412,876 14,907,685 1,607,660 96,928.221 Browell Smith and Co 56,340,495 14,385,298 1,980,467 72,706,260 Mark Gilbert Morse 58,622,804 45,800 0 58,668,604 Avalon Solicitors 40,794,782 117,574 419,161 41,331,518 Graysons Solicitors 25,536,505 12,455,640 2,794,482 40,786,626 Union of Democratic Mineworkers 23,241,215 10,611,889 6,373,980 40,227,084 Watson Burton LLP 26,656,881 8,652,776 1,436,195 36,745,853 Barber and Co 24,176,610 0 0 24,176,610 Randell Lloyd Jenkins and Martin 18,374,906 1,408,675 109,690 19,893,271 Moss Solicitors 12,669,621 5,656,411 1,457,882 19,783,914 Towells Solicitors 12,721,460 6,043,282 689,742 19,454,485 TLW Solicitors 16,049,983 1,010,621 293,075 17,353,679 Ashton Morton Slack LLP 13,496,315 2,938,629 621,810 17,056,753 Irwin Mitchell Solicitors 11,968,470 3,668,584 878,263 16,515,317 Kidd and Spoor Harper Solicitors 10,200,466 3,793,094 520,617 14,514,177 Ingrams Solicitors 13,944,643 206,197 60,567 14,211,408 Corries Solicitors 11,067,799 2,401,321 434,963 13,904,083 Delta Legal 13,161,798 0 2,250 13,164,048 Atteys 7,853,621 4,705,066 102,189 12,660,876 Gorman Hamilton Solicitors 9,229,890 1,364,849 85,498 10,680,238 BRM Solicitors 9,670,748 28,101 406,055 10,104,904 0 H Parsons and Partners Solicitors 6,720,948 2,442,110 735,079 9,898,138 Birchall Blackburn 9,337,769 0 31,850 9,369,619 Wake Smith and Tofields Solicitors 8,619,831 328,134 413,793 9,361,757 Shaw and Co Solicitors 5,342,004 3,689,957 85,831 9,117,793 Corries York 8,193,817 726,550 208,690 9,029,056 Latham and Co Solicitors 3,032,594 2,732,151 333,047 6,097,791 Thompson and Co Solicitors 3,668,998 2,261,047 98,718 6,028,763 Hopkins 2,991,668 1,537,681 1,339,464 5,868,813 Hilary Meredith Solicitors 5,684,279 0 4,500 5,688,779 Mortons Solicitors 3,741,391 1,332,065 253.916 5,327,372 Furley Page 4,468,987 764,177 5,500 5,238,664 Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers 5,080,886 1,471 0 5,082,357 Morisons Solicitors 3,424,732 1,304,639 265,941 4,995,313 T S Edwards and Son Solicitors 3,477,301 1,359,833 49,241 4,886,375 Marrons Solicitors 3,683,066 897,278 165,504 4,745,848 Saffmans Solicitors 2,126,217 2,362,908 131,201 4,620,326 Kingslegal 2,787,644 1,747,752 81,556 4,616,952 Simpson Millar Solicitors 4,249,960 178,857 75,514 4,504,332 1019W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1020W

£ Claimants’ representatives COPD costs VWF costs Misc. claims1 costs Total costs

Oxley and Coward Solicitors 2,157,868 2,058,286 159,232 4,375,386 Meloy Whittle Robinson 3,089,796 692,109 241,309 4,023,214 Hickmotts Solicitors 2,521,283 968,109 359,335 3,848,727 Onyems and Partners 3,514,197 0 47,550 3,561,747 1 Legal Solicitors 3,399,776 0 0 3,399,776 Keeble Hawson Moorhouse 2,158,034 935,501 121,125 3,214,659 Proddow and Mackay Solicitors 3,024,181 0 24,450 3,048,631 Bailey Bravo Jobling 2,833,561 0 0 2,833,561 BHPLAW 2,099,365 519,348 18,513 2,637,225 McLeish Carswell 1,202,557 1,322,450 37,954 2,562,961 McConville O’Neill Solicitors 2,276,802 200,294 61,773 2,538,869 Cordner Lewis Solicitors 2,420,770 870 0 2,421,640 Gorvin Smith Fort Solicitors 1,918,814 353,339 122,178 2,394,330 Recompense Limited 2,305,351 0 8,050 2,313,401 Gabb and Co 1,409,116 739,254 84,378 2,232,748 Pannone and Partners Solicitors 1,880,922 194,200 80,097 2,155,220 Hindle Campbell Solicitors 2,083,824 0 0 2,083,824 Morgan Cole 1,838,925 0 169,880 2,008,805 Heptonstalls Solicitors LLP 0 0 1,920,153 1,920,153 J M Skinner Solicitors 1,708,177 43,995 0 1,752,172 Pinto Potts Solicitors 613,819 46,782 1,040,575 1,701.176 Keeble Hawson 885,661 680,137 68,827 1,634,625 DMH Stallard 1,125,517 108,796 299,172 1,533,485 Wheelers Solicitors 1,477,049 0 0 1,477,049 Farleys Solicitors 1,149,479 276,673 2,643 1,428,794 Emsleys Solicitors 1,306,846 49,932 69,153 1,425,931 Canter Levin and Berg Solicitors 1,151,162 227,178 0 1,378,341 J Keith Park and Co Solicitors 1,162,414 196,862 18,414 1,377,690 MLM Solicitors 1,223,487 17,828 4,000 1,245,315 Endlars Solicitors 447,524 602,611 152,222 1,202,357 Colemans Solicitors 903,171 139,433 150,043 1,192,646 Campbell Smith W.S. 917,934 181,637 37,637 1,137,208 Mincoffs Solicitors 550,842 474,583 49,535 1,074,960 Ben Hoare Bell and Co Solicitors 791,353 196,986 40,967 1,029,305 Lopian Wagner Solicitors 865,973 76,478 27,188 969,638 Elliot Mather Solicitors 800,607 10,701 157,324 968,631 SIS Law 923,635 0 0 923,635 Branton Bridge 480,827 319,241 66,698 866,765 Holmes and Hills Solicitors 469,093 160,905 225,827 855,825 Morrish and Co Solicitors 531,487 162,256 101,942 795,685 Browns 13,603 928 724,566 739,098 Russell Jones and Walker Solicitors 529,492 138,382 41,688 709,562 Stripes Solicitors 632,696 49,160 12,800 694,656 Foys Solicitors 542,389 120,205 5,995 668,588 Treanors Solicitors 250,370 398,860 5,763 654,993 BBH Solicitors 389,115 233,510 4,011 626,636 Robinson King Solicitors—ceased 301,962 293,028 26,261 621,260 trading Mills Donkin and Co 535,417 30,280 10,481 576,177 Housemans Solicitors 458,578 73,997 18,769 551,344 Stuart Bell and Associates 392,553 139,043 18,333 549,930 Peace Revitt Solicitors 331,468 187,8$0 10,552 529,870 Robinson and Murphy Solicitors 237,069 229,729 56,640 523,437 MK Legal LLP Solicitors 508,244 0 0 508,244 Oakley and Davies 506,434 0 0 506,434 Richard J. Knaggs and Co 275,658 181,445 21,168 478,271 Adam F Greenhaigh and Co Solicitors 61,268 44,616 356,000 461,884 Lloyd Green Solicitors 391,165 10,044 4,000 405,210 St. Davids Solicitors 382,117 0 0 382,117 1 Includes costs for noise induced hearing loss and other miscellaneous diseases. 1021W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1022W

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy LCBP Householder Stream: Installed Capacity and Climate Change how many persons with active Number Power claims under the Coal Health Compensation Scheme of output Thermal Collector his Department has informed of the findings of paid kW or output area Technology grants kWp kW M2 solicitors’ disciplinary tribunals in respect of the solicitors (a) Beresfords, (b) Avalon and (c) Raleys. Small Scale Hydro 3 22.0 — — [287017] Solar Photovoltaic 488 1,267.6 — — Solar Thermal Hot Water 1,855 — — 6,826.5 Mr. Kidney: The Department has not taken any such Wind Turbine 431 1,484.9 — — steps. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) findings Wood Fuelled Boiler 88 — 2,278.0 — on Beresfords have been published but Beresfords have System lodged an appeal against the SDT’s findings and it Total 3,070 2,774.5 4,703.7 6,826.5 would be inappropriate to comment before the appeal process has been completed. The formal SDT findings 2007-08 on Raleys and Avalon have not yet been published. Biomass Room Heater/ 4 — 36.0 — The Department has written to the Claimants Group Stove (Automated Wood (CG) who represent claimants’ solicitors asking them Pellet Feed) what steps they are taking to make their clients aware of Ground Source Heat Pump 152 — 1,928.7 — the SDT findings. To date, the CG have confirmed that Small Scale Hydro 1 3.0 — — they have not received any request from Beresfords Solar Photovoltaic 314 644.2 — — clients on this matter. Solar Thermal Hot Water 1,119 — — 8,890.7 Wind Turbine 100 455.9 — — Lighting: Government Departments Wood Fuelled Boiler 118 — 3,213.4 — System Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Total 1,808 1,103.1 5,178.1 8,890.7 for Energy and Climate Change what his most recent estimate is of the number of light bulbs used by (a) his 2008-09 Department and (b) other Government departments Air Source Heat Pump 42 — 474.9 — which are energy efficient. [285386] Biomass Room Heater/ 2 — 16.0 — Stove (Automated Wood Joan Ruddock [holding answer 9 July 2009]: As at Pellet Feed) Friday 17 July 2009, there are 2,643 energy efficient Ground Source Heat Pump 142 — 1,677.3 — light bulbs in use in DECC’s estate. The Department Small Scale Hydro 1 8.5 — — does not hold records on light bulbs used in other Solar Photovoltaic 701 1,346.8 — — Government Departments. Solar Thermal Hot Water 1,986 — — 14,261.9 Wind Turbine 110 588.8 — — Low Carbon Buildings Programme Wood Fuelled Boiler 170 — 5,631.8 — System Jenny Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 3,154 1,944.1 7,800.0 14,261.9 Energy and Climate Change what the estimated total capacity is of microgeneration units of each type of 2009-101 technology installed under the household stream of the Low Carbon Building Programme in each year since it Air Source Heat Pump 6 — 57.5 — began operating; and if he will make a statement. Solar Photovoltaic 52 100.0 — — [286483] Solar Thermal Hot Water 99 — — 341.3 Wind Turbine 5 30.0 — — Mr. Kidney: The estimated total capacity of Total 162 130.0 57.5 341.3 microgeneration units of each type of technology installed 1 There are currently no installed/paid Biomass technologies. under the household stream of the Low Carbon Building Programme in each year since the commencement of Low Carbon Technologies the Low Carbon Buildings Programme is as shown in the table. Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for LCBP Householder Stream—Installed Capacity Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has Statistics reflect paid grants as these are the only ones made of the implications for his Department’s policies that The Energy Saving Trust has data for and have of the recent report of the Carbon Trust on confirmation that technologies have been installed. commercialising low carbon technologies. [286771] LCBP Householder Stream: Installed Capacity Number Power Joan Ruddock: The Carbon Trust report ‘Focus for of output Thermal Collector success—A new approach to commercialising tow carbon paid kW or output area technologies’ is an important contribution to the debate Technology grants kWp kW M2 on how to ensure the UK maximises the economic 2006-07 benefit of the move to a low carbon economy. DECC Biomass Room Heater/ 5 — 33.2 — worked closely with the Carbon Trust as it developed Stove (Automated Wood the report. We welcome its publication and broadly Pellet Feed) support its conclusions. The report is part of the evidence Ground Source Heat Pump 200 — 2,392.5 — base and wider considerations that have informed the 1023W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1024W prioritisation decisions being made on the allocation of Coolant leaks to environment the low carbon investment funding announced in Budget Site Incident 2009, as set out in the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan 26 June Hunterston B Leak of carbon dioxide from and UK Low Carbon Industrial Strategy published on gas bypass plant 15 July. 26 November Hunterston B Condenser leak on turbo generator 7 Members: Correspondence 18 December Hinkley point B Leak of tritiated water from break tank Sir Michael Spicer: To ask the Secretary of State for 25 December Dungeness B Steam leak on reactor Energy and Climate Change when the Minister of State plans to reply to the email from the hon. Member for West Worcestershire, dated 1 May 2009, on Vesta’s Isle 2003 of Wight plant. [279387] 31 January Heysham 2 Steam leak on boiler half unit valve Mr. Kidney: My noble colleague, Lord Hunt, responded 19 February Heysham 1 Release of cooling water from buffer store tube vent to the hon. Member on 30 June 2009. valve Nuclear Power Stations: Accidents 1 March Dungeness B Carbon dioxide leak from flange on clean side of reactor gas pressurising unit Mr. Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy 16 March Hunterston B Steam leak in the supply and Climate Change what (a) coolant leaks and pipe work to Unit 7 main (b) fires have been recorded at each UK nuclear boiler feed pump installation in each of the last 10 years. [280802] 3 April Hunterston B Clean carbon dioxide leak from failed bursting disc on gas bypass plant on Reactor Mr. Kidney: ND screens incident reports made by 3 licensees to identify those which have had the potential 13 May Dungeness A Leak from LP feed water to challenge a nuclear safety system. A search of the pipe to R1 boilers raw input data for such screening from January 2001 to 15 July Heysham 1 Carbon dioxide leak from June 2009 has been undertaken for details of leaks and pressure transducer on fires at nuclear installations. This identifies the relevant refuelling machine information in the tables. Such data are not available for 27 July Dungeness B Leak of water from base of the period before January 2001. flask E97 Notes: 14 August Wylfa Leak from a Boiler 1 feed 1. A ‘coolant leak’ has been interpreted as being a loss of coolant, water line flange including clean coolant, from an item of plant into the working 29 September Dungeness A Clean carbon dioxide leak environment of the licensed site. Coolant itself has been interpreted from pipe work in R1 ponds as being water, carbon dioxide or hydrogen on a power station, area and water elsewhere. 7 December Heysham 1 Leak of water from two 2. A ‘fire’ has been interpreted as being a situation where ignition failed joints in fuel route of material has taken place on the licensed site or instances of emergency cooling water ‘A’ main smouldering there where such ignition could not reasonably be ruled out given the information in the record. Coolant leaks to environment 2004 Site Incident 2 February Oldbury Leak from LF feed main stub pipe 2001 30 March Sizewell A Carbon dioxide release 14 March Dungeness A Carbon dioxide leak from through failed vacuum high pressure pump on pump oil separator carbon dioxide plant 31 March Hunterston B Leak from auxiliary cooling 26 October Hinkley Point B Cooling water leak from water pipe flange turbine alternator 7 excitor 7 April Hunterston B Carbon dioxide release from 3 November Heysham 1 Cooling water leak to the gas bypass plant turbine generator autoclave room vacuum 3 December Rosyth Loss of coolant from pump primary circuit clean-up 14 April Hartlepool Leak through crack in heat resin column exchanger flange 19 April Heysham 1 Carbon dioxide leak from 2002 west storage plant 6 February Oldbury Reactor 2 cooling water pipe 5 May Hunterston B Cooling water leak from failure generator yellow phase enclosure 27 February Hinkley point B Leak of tritiated water from reactor bypass gas plant 11 May Hinkley Point B Carbon dioxide leak from storage tank 31 March Torness Carbon dioxide leak from refuelling machine 16 May Hinkley Point B Leak from Reactor 4 14 May Sizewell B Indication of historic leak of condensate system primary coolant from 9 June Hartlepool Leak of tritiated water from control rod drive mechanism radioactive effluent housing treatment plant 1025W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1026W

Coolant leaks to environment Coolant leaks to environment Site Incident Site Incident

13 June Torness Carbon dioxide leak from storage tank 2007 14 July Sellafield Leaking water from flask nappy in B205 7 January Sizewell A Fracture of pond recirculating water system 14 July Hunterston B Carbon dioxide leak from pipe work storage tank bursting disc 18 January Sellafield Waste Vitrification Plant 21 July Hinkley Point B Carbon Dioxide leak from electrical inductor cooling blowdown route water leak 25 July Heysham 1 Carbon Dioxide found in 1 March Hinkley Point B Carbon dioxide leak outside pressure vessel tendon box plant room 3 August Heysham 2 Carbon Dioxide leak from 26 March Dungeness B Carbon dioxide leak in ring main reactor basement 9 September Hartlepool Leak in low pressure back 1 June Hunterston B Leak from condensate up cooling system pipe work booster pump 18 November Heysham 1 Alternator hydrogen coolant 2 June Heysham 2 Leak in low pressure feed leak heater pipe work 26 November Heysham 2 Oil leak from transformer 18 July Dungeness B Leak of tritiated water Identified 19 September Hartlepool Leak of pressure vessel 2005 cooling water identified on 1 January Heysham 2 Steam leak on Turbine boiler closure unit Generator 7 28 September Hunterston B Steam leaks in high pressure 5 February Hinkley Point B Carbon dioxide leak from gland pipe work tank 26 September Dungeness B Carbon dioxide leak from 19 February Hinkley Point B Carbon dioxide leak from storage tank tank 27 October Oldbury Carbon dioxide leak from 25 February Torness Carbon dioxide leak through fuelling machine in-service inspection penetration 2008 15 March Torness Carbon dioxide leak from ring main 19 February Oldbury Carbon dioxide leak from storage tank 25 June Dungeness A Carbon dioxide leak from main CO plant 20 February Torness Carbon dioxide leak from 2 gas bypass plant 4 July Sellafield Damp patch discovered adjacent to B30 pond wall 26 June Heysham 2 Steam leak in gland steam drain line 25 July Oldbury Steam leak through 26 July Heysham 1 Carbon dioxide leak from thermocouple pocket of storage tank Boiler 4 on Reactor 1 7 October Wylfa Carbon dioxide leak from 4 August Hinkley Point B Carbon dioxide leak from storage tank vaporiser valve 23 December Torness Carbon dioxide leak from 30 October Dungeness A Carbon dioxide leak through valve in the fuel machine failed isolation valve to standby CO2 coolant pressure gauge supplys

2006 2009 30 January Sellafield Leak of dosed cooling water 24 April Hartlepool Hydrogen leak from Unit 2 from B832 cooling tower alternator frame 18 February Sellafield Leak of pond water through 26 May Heysham 1 Turbine cooling water leak expansion joint above the 28 May Hinkley Point B Pressure vessel cooling water stainless steel seal in B310 leak from Reactor 4 sump AGR storage pond 24 March Hunterston B Carbon dioxide leak in pipe trench Fire 11 September Hinkley point B Carbon dioxide leak from Site Incident supply pump 2001 23 September Hartlepool Alternator hydrogen coolant leak 18 January Hunterston B Control transformer fire in gas circulator 26 September Hartlepool Fracture of emergency workshop cooling water main 14 February Hunterston A Fire in pit in charge 2 October Dungeness B Auxiliary cooling water pipe machine maintenance work leak building 15 October Sizewell A Steam leak from Turbine 18 February Dungeness A Fire near No. 1 bearing Alternator 1 14 March Sellafield Fire during sawing of 18 November Heysham 2 Steam leak from Reactor 7 camera frame 1027W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1028W

Fire Fire Site Incident Site Incident

19 May Dungeness A Fire in region of slip ring 11 July Dungeness B Boiler feed pump primary and alternator on turbo- oil pump fire alternator 2 14 June Hunterston B Fire in lagging below 15 July Harwell Fire in B220 Laboratory pump main bearing GB38 fume cupboard 16 June Harwell Fire in fan assembly in 17 July Wylfa Light fitting fire above electrical trunking on TA1 Helios 1 linear 30 July Rolls Royce Swarf fire during accelerator facility Manufacturing machining in Clean Shop 20 June Dounreay Sodium/potassium fire in 28 August Barrow Smouldering plastic Dounreay Fast Reactor during burning-off sphere operation 4 July Sellafield Fire in portable beta-in- air activity monitor 2 October Hinkley Point B Debris fire in R3 Circulator Hall 11 July Amersham Fire in administration building 4 October Heysham 2 Lagging fire between bearings 4 and 5 of 18 July Dounreay Fire in sodium/potassium turbine 8 heating loop on Dounreay Fast Reactor 24 October Devonport Welding fire in sonar 27 July Berkeley Centre Sodium and natural transducer space uranium fire in fume 16 December BNFL Fire in pit beneath cupboard Capenhurst smelter 30 August Harwell Fire in building 424 27 September Hunterston B Air circulation fan motor fire in electrical switch 2004 room 13 January Sellafield Two Magnox fuel 23 October Dungeness B Fire in canteen deep fat decanning fires in Fuel fryer Handling Plant 24 October Heysham 2 Fire in incinerator fire 22 January Hunterston B Fire in reactor building box lift motor room 30 October Dounreay Uranium residue fire in a 5 February Bradwell Fire in portable water D1202 glovebox pump to showers in 14 November Wylfa Fire in services turbine hall switchboard transformer 7 March Hunterston A Vacuum cleaner motor 1 December Heysham 1 Fire on scaffolding in fire turbine hall basement 27 May Hunterston B Electric motor fire in low 3 December Hunterston B Light fitting fire in outage level waste building annex planning building 13 June Heysham 2 Power supply cubicle fire 17 June Hinkley Point B Smouldering wash water 2002 pump drive belt 9 March Hinkley Point B Lagging fire on Turbine 8 20 July Berkeley Fire in building C24 steam drain lines 11 April Dungeness B Smouldering lagging on 4 October Hunterston B Main boiler feed pump turbine (1) lagging fire 11 April Dungeness B Smouldering lagging on 13 October Sizewell A Inboard pump bearing turbine (2) fire 29 May Dounreay Fire in D1207 roof void 28 October Drigg Combustion of loose 12 July Oldbury Circulator lagging fire waste material 13 August Berkeley Centre Fire in multiplexor unit 17 November Bradwell Fire in reactor building electrical socket 27 November Hunterston B Fire in light fitting 21 December Heysham 1 Fire in turbine electrical terminal box 2005 4 February Heysham 1 Smouldering lagging on 2003 turbine 10 January Hunterston B Bearing fire in Main 8 March Heysham 2 Fire on reactor basement Control Building air sump pump conditioning compressor 22 April Harwell Capacitor fire in building 27 January Heysham 1 Ignition of expansion 459 joint on pile cap 22 June Torness Variable frequency 15 February Dounreay Waste drum fire in output transformer fire DN026 waste store 25 April Heysham 2 Bearing fire in Turbine 8 30 June Barrow Portacabin fire 8 June Hunterston B Fire in 415 V electrical 14 July Heysham 2 Fire in bearing of fuel supply board handling plant extract fan 8 July Heysham 2 Lagging fire on main 16 September Torness Fire in purge air boiler feed pump compressor No. 2 1029W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1030W

Fire UDM-Vendside Site Incident

31 October Dungeness A Fire in bulk group 4 LF John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy power supply and Climate Change on how many occasions (a) officials and (b) lawyers from his Department have 2006 visited UDM-Vendside headquarters in Mansfield since 1997. [286708] 23 January Sellafield Smoking bitumen seal around pipe on Combined Heat and Mr. Kidney: Officials and Department’s legal advisers Power Plant turbine have had formal business meetings with UDM/Vendside 24 March Dounreay Hydrogen ignition during on a number of occasions but we don’t have comprehensive waste cutting operation in records of these, and an accurate number is not, therefore, Prototype Fast Reactor available. I should also add that similar business meetings 21 April Springfields Uranium shredder fire in have also taken place with the Claimants’ Solicitors building 338 Group. 23 October Heysham 2 Smouldering leak management tray beside hot turbine reheat John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy pipework and Climate Change how many meetings (a) his 23 December Burghfieid Smouldering cable in Department and (b) solicitors acting on his plant room Department’s behalf have had with UDM-Vendside in each year since 2005. [286867] 2007 Mr. Kidney: Officials have had formal business meetings 1 February Hinkley Point B Fire in bund of gas circulator lube system with UDM-Vendside but we do not have comprehensive 2 June Hunterston B Bearing fire on records of these, and an accurate number is not, therefore, turbogenerator 7 available. I should also add that similar business meetings 12 August Heysham 2 Bearing fire in cooling have also taken place with the Claimants’ Solicitors water pump Group. Warm Front Scheme 2008 7 January Dounreay Fire in office suite of Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for D1208 Energy and Climate Change how many complaints 13 March GE Healthcare Fire in inactive recycling plant were (a) received and (b) upheld about the 10 Warm Front contractors who received the most work under 15 June Rolls Royce Fire in glove box Manufacturing the scheme (i) in the UK and (ii) in Wandsworth in 2 December Hartlepool Aerosol can fire (A) 2006, (B) 2007, (C) 2008 and (D) 2009. [285191] 3 December Trawsfynydd Convector heater fire in ponds office Mr. Kidney: The following table details the number of complaints (a) received and (b) upheld about 10 Warm Front contractors who received the most work under 2009 the scheme (i) in England and (ii) in Wandsworth in 12 March Heysham 1 Lagging smoke/fire years 2006-07 to 2008-09 and from 1 March to 19 May 15 March GE Healthcare Fire in services spine duct in 2009-10 (the latest period for which figures are available). 31 March Barrow Fire on the casing of Astute Boat 2 during England Wandsworth welding/grinding operations Complaints Upheld Complaints Upheld 18 April Barrow Fire on the bridge fin of received complaints received complaints Astute Boat 1 2006-07 532 276 7 3 29 April Oldbury Smoking air circuit 2007-08 813 261 3 1 breaker 2008-09 435 190 4 2 18 May Wylfa Fire in Turbine alternator 2009-101 198 87 3 2 Total 1,978 814 17 8 1 Up to 19 May 2009 Renewable Energy Wind Power

Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Cash: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Energy and Climate Change what meetings have been and Climate Change what criteria are used in the held between officials of his Department and the hon. selection of sites for the construction of wind Member for Nottingham South in his capacity as turbines; what assessment is made of the potential adviser on the implementation of the feed-in tariff environmental effects on the local area of the siting of programme. [287541] such turbines; and if he will make a statement. [287702]

Mr. Kidney: No meetings have been held between Mr. Kidney: It is for the market to bring forward DECC officials and the hon. Member for Nottingham, proposals for sites for onshore or offshore wind farms South (Alan Simpson) on feed-in tariffs. and these are then considered through the planning 1031W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1032W system by the relevant planning authority as to whether Mr. Kidney: I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I it is appropriate to grant development consent. gave on 15 July 2009, Official Report, columns 420-21W. Environmental licences may also be required, for example, under the Food and Environmental Protection Act (FEPA). Offshore, following a Strategic Environmental Assessment CABINET OFFICE by DECC or the relevant Devolved Administration in Alcoholic Drinks: Death Scotland and Northern Ireland, The Crown Estate is responsible for awarding site leases for offshore wind development to the market through a competitive process. Sandra Gidley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Any subsequent proposals are considered through the Office how many deaths in which alcohol was an planning process. underlying cause were recorded in each health trust area within the ceremonial county of Hampshire in The Government have made clear that wind farms each of the last five years. [287764] should be located in appropriate places and that local concerns should be listened to in this process. Planning 1 Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls Policy Statement (PPS) 22 on renewable energy makes within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. clear the need to ensure that all renewable energy I have asked the authority to reply. developments take place within the formal planning procedure, which allows all relevant stakeholders, including Letter from Karen Dunnell, July 2009: members of the public, to put forward their views on As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your the likely impact of any proposal on the environment recent question asking how many deaths in which alcohol was an and the local community. Similar policies are in place in underlying cause were recorded in each health trust within the Ceremonial County of Hampshire in each of the last five years. Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. (287764) We set out in the Renewable Energy Strategy published The table attached provides the number of deaths with an 2 this week steps to improve the planning process for alcohol-related underlying cause in Hampshire, Portsmouth City renewable and low carbon energy while protecting legitimate Teaching and Southampton City primary care organisations, environmental and local concerns. from 2004 to 2008 (the latest year available). These primary care organisations are located within the area covered by Hampshire Planning applications should be accompanied by an county, Portsmouth unitary authority and Southampton unitary environmental statement based on an Environmental authority, which together comprised the County of Hampshire Impact Assessment (EIA). This includes details of the prior to local government reorganisation. likely impact of the project in question on the environment Table 1: Number of deaths with an alcohol-related underlying cause1 and wildlife, among other things. In considering an in primary care organisations in Hampshire county, Portsmouth application, the planning authority will consult with a unitary authority and Southampton unitary authority2, 2004-083, 4 range of stakeholders, including the statutory advisers Primary care on nature conservation as well as others with an interest organisation 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 in the project. This ensures that decisions on whether to grant consent for a wind farm are considered in the Hampshire 118 128 142 100 120 light of the best available information about its likely Portsmouth 23 31 26 27 32 City Teaching environmental impacts. Any development of renewable Southampton 25 35 32 32 27 energy must also be seen within the wider context of City reducing carbon emissions and improving security of 1 Cause of death was defined using the International Classification of the energy supply. Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). The specific causes of death Where relevant, an Appropriate Assessment will be categorised as alcohol-related, and their corresponding ICD-10 codes, 3 are shown in box 1. undertaken to meet the requirements of the Birds and 2 4 Based on boundaries as of 2009. Habitats Directives . 3 Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year. 1 http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/ 4 Figures for 2008 are provisional. planmngandbuilding/pps22 Box 1. Alcohol-related causes of death—International Classification 2 http://decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/uk_supply/ of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) energy_mix/renewable/res/res.aspx Cause of death ICD-10 code(s) 3 Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds: Mental and behavioural F10 disorders due to use of alcohol http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/ birdsdirective/index_en.htm Degeneration of nervous G31.2 system due to alcohol 4 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation Alcoholic polyneuropathy G62.1 of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora: Alcoholic cardiomyopathy 142.6 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/ Alcoholic gastritis K29.2 habitatsdirective/index_en.htm Alcoholic liver disease K70 Chronic hepatitis, not elsewhere K73 Written Questions: Government Responses classified Fibrosis and cirrhosis of liver K74 (excl. K74.3-K74.5) Mr. Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (excl. Biliary cirrhosis) and Climate Change when he plans to answer Alcohol induced chronic K86.0 questions (a) 285519 and (b) 285520, tabled on 6 July pancreatitis Accidental poisoning by and X45 2009 on the proposed national deep-level geographical exposure to alcohol repository for radioactive waste. [287738] 1033W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1034W

Box 1. Alcohol-related causes of death—International Classification Civil Servants: Manpower of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) Cause of death ICD-10 code(s) Graham Stringer: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Intentional self-poisoning by X65 Office with reference to box 2.6 of the White Paper, and exposure to alcohol Your region your choice, Cm 5511, how many civil Poisoning by and exposure to YI5 servants were employed in each region in each year alcohol, undetermined intent from 2003. [287729]

Census: Fines Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. Robert Neill: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet I have asked the authority to reply. Office how many people were fined for not supplying Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: information in their 2001 Census return. [288260] As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question, with reference to box 2.6 of the Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls White Paper, Your region your choice, Cm 5511, how many civil within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. servants were employed in each region in each year from 2003. I have asked the authority to reply. (287729) Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: The requested statistics are attached at Annex A. As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your Annex A: Regional distribution of Civil Service employment 2003– recent question asking how many people were fined for not 20081—Permanent employees supplying information in their 2001 Census return. (288260) Full-time equivalents Of the 38 people that were successfully prosecuted for non- 20032 20042 20052 20063,4 20073 20085 completion of 2001 Census returns, fines were imposed in 32 cases. Prosecutions were carried out in a Magistrate’s Court and London and the imposition and amount of the fine was at the discretion of the South East Magistrate within the limits of the standard scale under the London 90,730 86,840 89,550 64,340 81,840 80,410 Criminal Justice Act. South East 58,300 57,360 57,630 47,200 48,990 49,840 Census: Travelling People South 48,810 52,630 52,360 48,230 50,760 49,990 Robert Neill: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet West Office what steps are planned to collect information West 33,620 34,800 34,550 29,130 31,540 31,580 Midlands from Travellers in the 2011 Census. [288261] North 60,530 61,580 59,720 52,400 58,600 58,560 West Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls North 33,250 35,710 34,460 30,870 32.640 31,670 within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. East I have asked the authority to reply. Yorkshire 35,570 39,140 38,670 34,500 36,330 36,370 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: and the As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your Humber recent question asking what steps are planned to collect information East 22,110 23,180 22,870 20,100 23,310 23,080 from Travellers in the 2011 Census. (288261) Midlands We are making special preparations to enumerate the Gypsy East of 31,490 31,100 30,600 23,790 27,900 27,820 and Traveller community and these will be trialled in the Census England Rehearsal which takes place on 11 October 2009 in areas within Wales 31,520 33,540 32,680 29,250 31,290 32,140 Newham, Lancaster and Isle of Anglesey. In developing the plans Scotland 46,580 48,670 48,130 39,600 45,620 45,090 we are working closely with local authorities’ Gypsy and Traveller Northern 5,940 6,210 6,250 4,910 5,140 4,720 Liaison Officers, and are liaising with Gypsy and Traveller community Ireland groups. Not 13,960 12,810 10,960 9,880 14,980 11,630 Advance information about traveller sites will be gathered reported including any requirements for help with literacy or sight or and hearing impairment issues. Authorised sites will be visited as elsewhere pre-arranged with the site manager to hand deliver questionnaires. Transit sites and any temporary roving caravans, travelling fairs All 512,400 523,580 518,430 434,210 488,930 482,920 and circuses will also be visited on Rehearsal day to complete permanent both delivery and collection of questionnaires. employees Following face-to-face meetings with a number of Roma and 1 Numbers are rounded to the nearest ten, and numbers less than Romani community leaders and support organisations, plus direct five are represented by ‘*’. meetings with representations of Travellers and Gypsy communities, 2 Survey reference date 1 April. we are planning to recruit directly from those communities to 3 Survey reference date 30 September. help overcome issues of literacy, language and concerns about 4 Data available from Mandate collection only, providing around confidentiality. The community leaders themselves have also offered 85% coverage of Government departments. A comparable total for to support our Census awareness campaign. 2006, compiled by using a combination of the Mandate Collection Following the Rehearsal the procedures will be evaluated and and Departmental Returns is 508,570. Further details can be found adapted as necessary prior to the 2011 Census. We are continuing at to improve contact with Gypsy and Traveller groups through the http://www.ons.gov.uk/about-statistics/methodology-and-quality/ quality/qual-info-economic-social-and-bus-stats/quality-reports-for- community liaison programme. business-statistics/annual-civil-service-employment-survey.pdf The proposed 2011 Census ethnic group question includes for 5 Survey reference date 31 March. the first time a specific category for ’Gypsy or Irish Traveller’. A Source: write-in option is also available for those Travellers who may wish Mandate Collection (Cabinet Office 2003-2005; ONS 2006) and to identify themselves in any other way. Annual Civil Service Employment Survey (ONS 2007-2008) 1035W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1036W

Civil Servants: Pay Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. Mr. Maude: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet I have asked the authority to reply. Office what information the Office for National Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: Statistics holds on the (a) non-ministerial departments, As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your (b) non-departmental public bodies and (c) public recent Parliamentary Question, concerning how many civil servants corporations which pay a salary of more than (i) £100,000, in (a) departments, (b) executive agencies and (c) non-departmental (ii) £150,000 and (iii) £200,000 to one or more individual public bodies receive an annual salary of over £150,000. (287257) civil servants. [287242] The Office for National Statistics (ONS) collects the annual salaries of civil servants, as part of the Annual Civil Service Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls Employment Survey (ACSES). within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. The requested data are attached at Annex A. I have asked the authority to reply. Annex A: Number of individual civil servants paid more than £150,000 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: in departments, executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies (NDPB)1 permanent employees As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question, concerning what information the Headcount Office for National Statistics holds on the (a) non-ministerial 31 March 2008 Greater than £150,000 departments, (b) non-departmental public bodies and (c) public Departments2 80 corporations which pay a salary of more than (i) £100,000, (ii) £150,000 and (iii) £200,000 to one or more individual civil servants. Executive agencies 10 (287242) Non-departmental public bodies — The Office for National Statistics (ONS) collects a range of 1 Numbers are rounded to the nearest ten and numbers less than five information, including the annual salaries of civil servants, as are represented by “—”. part of the Annual Civil Service Employment Survey (ACSES). 2 Includes ministerial and non-ministerial Departments. The ACSES provides regional analyses, diversity and earnings Source: statistics for the Civil Service population. The survey’s content is Annual Civil Service Employment Survey (ACSES). outlined in the table at Annex A. The ACSES is a complete census Civil Service of the Civil Service and includes all non-ministerial departments and a number of non-departmental public bodies and public corporations that are staffed by civil servants. Mr. Maude: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Further detail on the content of the ACSES is available from Office whether employees in public corporations are the ONS website at: reckoned to be Civil Service employees for headcount http://www.ons.gov.uk/about-statistics/methodology-and- purposes. [287347] quality/quality/qual-info-economic-social-and-bus-stats/ quality-reports-for-business-statistics/annual-civil-service- Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls employment-survey.pdf within the responsibility of the UK statistics Authority. Annex A I have asked the authority to reply. Required Fields for the Annual Civil Service Employment Survey Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: 2009 Variable Name As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning whether the number of Date of birth employees in public corporations are reckoned to be Civil Service Gender employees for headcount purposes. (287347) Part-time hours If the employees of public corporations have civil service Full-time equivalent (FTE) status they will be included in the civil service headcount statistics. Civil service—date of entry At Quarter 1 2009, there were 525,000 Civil Service employees Civil service—grade on entry and 568,000 employees of public corporations. Of those employed by public corporations, 31,493 were included in Civil Service Department headcount estimates (all not seasonally adjusted). Current grade Current grade—date of entry Civil Service: Languages Location National identity Mr. Boswell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Ethnic background Office what information the Cabinet Office collates on Date of leaving the competences of domestic civil servants in modern Cause of leaving foreign languages; and what steps she is taking to Record key improve such competence levels. [278929] Profession of post Disability indicator Kevin Brennan: I have been asked to reply. Appointment status Information on the competencies of domestic civil Gross salary servants in modern foreign languages is not held centrally. Department—date of entry Departments may hold this information where it is Post code relevant to the post. The UK Inter-Departmental Standing Committee Mr. Maude: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet on Languages (UKIDSCOL), a cross-governmental Office how many civil servants in (a) departments, languages group has identified a lack of higher education (b) executive agencies and (c) non-departmental provision in certain languages operationally important public bodies receive an annual salary of over (notably Pashtu, Farsi, Dari, Kurdish and Somali). In £150,000. [287257] response, UKIDSCOL recently began working with 1037W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1038W

Government Skills (the skills council for central government) Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls to encourage the higher education sector to provide within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. teaching in these languages. Progress on this work is I have asked the authority to reply. expected by the end of the year. Letter from Karen Dunnell, July 2009: As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Civil Service: Pensions recent question asking how many people under the age of 18 years have died of cardiovascular failure in each of the last 10 years. (288388) Mr. Philip Hammond: To ask the Minister for the The table attached provides the number of deaths of persons Cabinet Office what the cost was of administering aged under 18 years, where cardiovascular disease was the underlying the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme in each of cause of death in England and Wales, from 1999 to 2008 (the the last five years. [289128] latest year available). Table 1. Number of deaths where cardiovascular disease was the Angela E. Smith: I refer the hon. Member to the reply underlying cause of death1,’ persons aged under 18 years, England and given to the hon. Member for Northavon (Steve Webb) Wales2, 1999 to 20083, 4’ on 15 May 2009, Official Report, column 1048W. Number

1999 173 Death: Cannabis 2000 172 2001 159 Bob Spink: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office 2002 139 how many cannabis-related deaths there were in (a) 2003 163 Essex and (b) Castle Point in each of the last five 2004 143 years. [288112] 2005 145 2006 177 Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls 2007 171 within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. 2008 155 I have asked the authority to reply. 1 Cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes 390-459 for the years 1999 and 2000, and Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes 100-199 from 2001 As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your onwards. recent question asking how many cannabis-related deaths there 2 Figures for England and Wales include deaths of non-residents. were in (a) Essex and (b) Castle Point in each of the last five years. 3 Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year. (288112) 4 Figures for deaths registered in 2008 are provisional. There were no deaths where the underlying cause was drug 1 poisoning and cannabis was mentioned alone or with other Death: Seas and Oceans substances on the death certificate, in (a) Essex county,2 including Castle Point local authority,3 from 2003 to 20074 (the latest year available). Mr. Brazier: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 1 Cause of death was defined using the International Classification Office how many people died in marine accidents in of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). Deaths were included British territorial waters in each year from 2002 to where the underlying cause was due to drug poisoning (shown in 2008; and how many of those deaths in each such year the box below), and where cannabis was mentioned on the death were suicides. [286617] certificate. 2 In addition, there were no deaths from this cause in Southend-on-Sea Paul Clark: I have been asked to reply. and Thurrock unitary authorities, which were part of the former County of Essex, in any of these years. The number of people that have died in maritime 3 Based on boundaries as of 2009. related accidents or committed suicide in the maritime 4 environment in each year from 2002 to 2008 in the Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year. United Kingdom Search and Rescue Region is given in the following table: Cause of death ICD-10 code(s) Suicides in the Mental and behavioural disorders due to drug use F11-F16, Maritime related maritime (excluding alcohol and tobacco) F18-F19 accidents environment Accidental poisoning by drugs, medicaments and X40-X44 2002 110 71 biological substances 2003 105 55 Intentional self-poisoning by drugs, medicaments X60-X64 and biological substances 2004 100 115 Assault by drugs, medicaments and biological substances X85 2005 101 113 Poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological Y10-Y14 2006 124 105 substances, undetermined intent 2007 127 71 2008 93 92 Death: Heart Diseases Departmental Accountancy Mr. Sheerman: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people under the age of 18 years have Steve Webb: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet died of cardiovascular failure in each of the last Office when she expects to publish her Department’s 10 years. [288388] resource accounts for 2008-09. [287323] 1039W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1040W

Angela E. Smith: The Cabinet Office’s Annual Report Act. In addition, following the publication of the cross and Accounts 2008-09 were published on 16 July and government data handling review, new projects and are available in the Libraries of the House for the programmes that hold significant amounts of personal reference of Members. data will be obliged to conduct privacy impact assessments. All of our databases containing personal information Departmental Databases are stored on secure networks and have limited access. Cabinet Office policy does not permit uncontrolled Jenny Willott: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet transfer of these data to unsecured media. Office (1) what categories of personal information on Departmental Expenditure members of the public are contained on each database which contains such data managed by her Department and its agencies; when each category of information Mr. Maude: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet was first collected; and if she will make a statement; Office what the planned real terms change in (a) cash [284893] and (b) percentage terms in her Department’s expenditure is in each of the next three years. [287249] (2) what databases managed by her Department and its agencies hold personal information on members of Angela E. Smith: Details of the Cabinet Office’s the public; on what date each such database became planned expenditure to the end of the current operational; and if she will make a statement; [285982] comprehensive spending review period are available in (3) which of the planned databases that will be the Department’s Annual Report and Accounts 2008-09 managed by her Department or its agency and which which were published on 16 July and are available in the will hold personal information on members of the Libraries of the House for the reference of Members. public are expected to become operational in each of the next five years; and if she will make a statement; Departmental Personnel [286142] (4) what categories of personal information on Mr. Maude: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet members of the public will be held on each of her Office with reference to the answer of 4 November Department’s and its agency’s databases expected to 2008, Official Report, column 335W, on departmental become operational in the next five years; what personnel, how many staff in the Cabinet Office have estimate she has made of the likely number of no post; how many such staff without posts were individuals’ details each such database will hold when classified as being without post upon return from fully operational; and if she will make a statement. maternity leave; and how many of the staff without [286493] posts have been classified as such for at least (a) six months and (b) 12 months. [249947] Angela E. Smith: Of the databases owned by the Cabinet Office, there are six that contain information Angela E. Smith: As at 30 June 2009 there were 32 about members of the public. The personal information Cabinet Office employees without a permanent role. All held is name and contact details, unless otherwise stated. staff are allocated short-term critical projects to allow (1) The Office of the Third Sector (OTS) stakeholder database flexibility and effective use of Cabinet Office resources. has been operational since 2006, when OTS was established in the None of these staff are returnees from maternity leave. Cabinet Office. There are some members of the public on this database. Departmental Publications (2) The Queen’s Award nominations database has been operational since 2002. Most of the nominees are members of the public. Mr. Maude: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Additional category of information held is the reason for the Office (1) with reference to the answer to the right hon. award nomination. Member for Tatton of 22 February 2005, Official (3) The Departmental Correspondence database has been Report, column 525W, on departmental publications, operational since 1997. It includes members of the public who what the title is of the Cabinet Office’s current staff have corresponded with the department. newsletter; how much it costs to produce; and with (4) The Prime Minister’s Office stakeholder database has existed what frequency is it published; [241640] in electronic form since 1999. There are some members of the public on this database. (2) if she will place in the Library a copy of each edition of the Cabinet Office’s staff magazine from the (5) The Emergency Planning College database has been operational since 2006. It includes information on members of the public who last three months redacting (a) personally identifiable attend the college. Additional categories of information held are: names and photographs of junior civil servants and vehicle registration and dietary preference for students; and research (b) information necessary to safeguard national interests of visiting lecturers and researchers. security. [287262] (6) The Fast Stream Recruitment database has been operational since 2004. It includes information on members of the public who Mr. Hurd: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office have applied to the Fast Stream graduate recruitment scheme. if she will place in the Library a copy of each edition of Additional categories of information held are: employment and her Department’s internal staff journal, with sensitive education history; equality and diversity information; disclosure personal information redacted. [250299] certificates and references. There are no current plans to store any new data or Tessa Jowell: The Cabinet Office no longer has a categories of personal information on members of the weekly staff publication. Instead, it runs an online news public within the Cabinet Office as a whole. service for its staff on its departmental intranet, which All databases which we hold which contain personal is updated daily. Costs for maintaining the news service data adhere to the provisions of the Data Protection are covered by the Department’s existing staff budget. 1041W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1042W

Employment: Hemsworth Employment: Hertfordshire

Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mike Penning: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many (a) men and (b) women were in Office (1) how many people were self-employed in employment in the Hemsworth constituency in May in (a) Hemel Hempstead constituency, (b) Dacorum and each year since 1997. [288662] (c) Hertfordshire in each year since 1997; [287860] (2) how many people have claimed jobseeker’s allowance in (a) Hemel Hempstead constituency, Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls (b) Dacorum and (c) Hertfordshire in each year since within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. 1997. [287857] I have asked the authority to reply. Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. Parliamentary Question asking how many (a) men and (b) women I have asked the authority to reply were in employment in the Hemsworth constituency in (i) May 1997 and (ii) May of each year since 1997. (288662) Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles employment As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your statistics for local areas from the Annual Population Survey and Parliamentary Questions asking how may people were self-employed its predecessor the annual Labour Force Survey (LFS) following in (a) Hemel Hempstead, (b) Dacorum and (c) Hertfordshire in International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions. Estimates each year since 1997; and how many people have claimed jobseeker’s for local areas are only available on an annual basis. allowance in (a) Hemel Hempstead, (b) Dacorum and (c) Hertfordshire Table 1, attached, shows the number of people in employment in each year since 1997. (287860, 287857) aged 16 and over by gender, resident in the Hemsworth constituency. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles labour Estimates are provided for the 12 months ending in February market statistics for local areas from the Annual Population from 1998 to 2004 from the annual LFS, and for the 12 months Survey (APS) and its predecessor the Annual Labour Force ending in December from 2004 to 2008, from the APS. Survey (LFS). The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance As these estimates are for a subset of the population in small is compiled from Jobcentre Plus administrative data. geographical areas, they are based on small sample sizes, and are Table 1 shows the number of self-employed people resident in therefore subject to large margins of uncertainty. Hertfordshire in each year. Estimates for self-employed people for Table 1: Men and women in employment1 in Hemsworth parliamentary Hemel Hempstead and Dacorum are not available. constituency Thousand Table 2 shows the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s 12 months ending Men Women Allowance resident in the requested areas for June of each year since 1997. February 1998 18 15 National and local area estimates for many labour market February 1999 20 15 statistics, including employment and unemployment, are available February 2000 18 15 from the NOMIS website at: February 2001 20 18 February 2002 21 16 http://www.nomisweb.co.uk February 2003 26 16 Table 1: Number of self-employed1 people resident in Hertfordshire in February 2004 25 18 each year since 1997 December 2004 22 18 Thousand December 2005 20 18 12 months ending: Hertfordshire December 2006 25 20 December 2007 22 20 February 1998 69 December 20082 ***22 ***17 February 1999 75 1 Levels of employment are provided for persons aged 16 and over. February 2000 68 2 Coefficients of Variation have been calculated for the latest period as an indication of the quality of the estimates. See Guide to Quality February 2001 68 below. February 2002 69 Guide to Quality: The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, February 2003 72 the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely February 2004 80 to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5 per cent. we would expect the population total to be December 2004 79 within the range 180-220 December 2005 76 Key Coefficient of Variation (CV) (%) Statistical Robustness December 2006 78 *0≤ CV<5 Estimates are considered precise December 2007 86 ** 5 ≤CV <10 Estimates are considered reasonably precise *** 10 ≤CV <20 Estimates are considered acceptable December 20082 **91 **** CV ≥20 Estimates are considered too unreliable for 1 People in employment who are self employed aged 16 and over. practical purposes 2 Source: Coefficients of Variation have been calculated for the latest period Annual Labour Force Survey and Annual Population Survey. as an indication of the quality of the estimates. See Guide to Quality following. 1043W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1044W

Guide to Quality: have access to banking services. We would have serious concern if The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an a charity were not able to operate for lack of a bank account, estimate, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true because of the harm that could result to its charitable work and value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an its ability to operate transparently. estimate of 200 with a CV of 5 per cent. we would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220 The Commission does on occasion engage with the banking Key Coefficient of Variation (CV) (%) Statistical Robustness industry generally in the course of its business, and has held *0≤ CV <5 Estimates are considered precise discussions with the banking industry in relation to a number of ** 5 ≤ CV <10 Estimates are considered reasonably precise issues affecting charities including the impact of overseas countries *** 10 ≤ CV <20 Estimates are considered acceptable designation lists. **** CV ≥ 20 Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical I hope this is helpful. purposes Source: Annual Labour Force Survey and Annual Population Survey Jobseeker’s Allowance: Chelmsford

Table 2: Number of people claiming jobseeker’s allowance resident in Mr. Burns: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office Hemel Hempstead, Dacorum and Hertfordshire how many and what proportion of young people aged Thousand between 18 and 24 years old resident in the Chelmsford As at June Hemel local authority area claimed jobseeker’s allowance in each year Hempstead Dacorum Hertfordshire (a) each of the last five years and (b) 2009 to date. 1997 1 2 14 [287045] 1998 1 1 10 1999 1 1 9 Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls 2000 1 1 8 within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. 2001 1 1 7 I have asked the authority to reply. 2002 1 1 8 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: 2003 1 1 9 As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your 2004 1 1 8 Parliamentary Question asking how many and what proportion of young people aged between 18 and 24 years old resident in the 2005 1 1 9 Chelmsford local authority area claimed jobseeker’s allowance in 2006 1 2 10 (a) each of the last five years and (b) 2009 to date. (287045) 2007 1 1 9 The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles the number 2008 1 1 8 of claimants of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) from the Jobcentre 2009 2 3 19 Plus administrative system. Table 1 shows the number and percentage Source: of persons aged 18-24 claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in each Jobcentre Plus administrative system month since January 2004. National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at: Islamic Bank of Britain http://www.nomisweb.co.uk Table 1: number of persons aged 18-24 resident in Chelmsford claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance Chelmsford Jo Swinson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Date Number1 Percentage2 Office whether the Charity Commission has had recent discussions with representatives of Lloyds Banking January 2004 295 2.2 Group on the Group’s decision to order the Islamic February 2004 315 2.4 Bank of Britain to cease processing payments for March 2004 325 2.5 Interpal. [288312] April 2004 290 2.2 May 2004 245 1.8 June 2004 220 1.7 Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls July 2004 235 1.8 within the responsibility of the Charity Commission. I August 2004 280 2.1 have asked the Commission to reply. September 2004 275 2.1 October 2004 265 2.0 Letter from Andrew Hind, July 2009: November 2004 240 1.8 As the Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, I have December 2004 255 1.9 been asked to respond to your written Parliamentary Question on January 2005 305 2.3 whether the Charity Commission has had any recent discussions February 2005 320 2.4 with representatives of Lloyds Banking Group on the Group’s March 2005 300 2.2 decision to order the Islamic Bank of Britain to cease processing April 2005 315 2.4 payments for Interpal. May 2005 315 2.3 In response to your question, the Commission has not had any June 2005 310 2.3 recent discussions relating to this decision. The decision made by July 2005 325 2.4 Lloyds Banking Group is not one in which the Commission can August 2005 365 2.7 become directly involved or seek to influence, as it is a business September 2005 355 2.7 decision for any bank as a supplier of financial services as to whom they offer those services. However, the Commission as October 2005 345 2.6 regulator is clear that in order to operate effectively and transparently November 2005 340 2.5 when delivering aid or other charitable work, every charity must December 2005 355 2.7 1045W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1046W

Table 1: number of persons aged 18-24 resident in Chelmsford claiming Table 1: number of persons aged 18-24 resident in Chelmsford claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance Jobseeker’s Allowance Chelmsford Chelmsford Date Number1 Percentage2 Date Number1 Percentage2

January 2006 400 3.0 February 2009 770 5.6 February 2006 430 3.2 March 2009 785 5.7 March 2006 410 3.0 April 2009 825 6.0 April 2006 435 3.2 May 2009 835 6.1 May 2006 380 2.8 June 2009 785 5.7 June 2006 340 2.5 1 Data rounded to nearest 5 July 2006 400 3.0 2 Percentage of 18-24 years olds claiming jobseeker’s allowance Source: August 2006 400 3.0 Jobcentre Plus administrative system September 2006 405 3.0 October 2006 375 2.8 Jobseeker’s Allowance: Ethnic Groups November 2006 385 2.8 December 2006 365 2.7 January 2007 395 2.9 Steve Webb: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many and what proportion of jobseeker’s February 2007 425 3.1 allowance claimants were from each ethnic minority in March 2007 425 3.1 each of the last 24 months. [287340] April 2007 430 3.1 May 2007 400 2.9 Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls June 2007 375 2.7 within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. July 2007 380 2.8 I have asked the authority to reply. August 2007 380 2.8 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: September 2007 370 2.7 October 2007 350 2.6 As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many and what proportion November 2007 335 2.4 of jobseeker’s allowance claimants were from each ethnic minority December 2007 325 2.4 in each of the last 24 months.(287340) January 2008 345 2.5 The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles the number February 2008 350 2.6 of claimants of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) from the Jobcentre March 2008 325 2.4 Plus administrative system. The ethnicity of claimants is not April 2008 300 2.2 available for the United Kingdom and has been provided for May 2008 305 2.2 Great Britain. Ethnicity is also not available for non-computerised claims. June 2008 295 2.2 Tables la-c show the number of computerised claims of Jobseeker’s July 2008 340 2.5 Allowance for each recorded ethnic group for each of the last 24 August 2008 385 2.8 months. Tables 2a-c show the proportion of all computerised September 2008 415 3.0 claims by each ethnic group for the same time periods. October 2008 430 3.2 National and local area estimates for many labour market November 2008 515 3.8 statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant December 2008 530 3.9 count are available on the NOMIS website at: January 2009 625 4.6 http://www.nomisweb.co.uk

Table 1a: Number of persons claiming jobseeker’s allowance by ethnicity Great Britain Mixed - White and Mixed - White - Black White and Total British White - Irish White - Other Caribbean Black African

2007 May 861,240 610,545 6,355 16,705 6,215 1,975 June 828,550 584,555 6,110 15,720 6,015 1,875 July 826,415 582,550 5,945 15,390 6,030 1,885 August 828,875 583,900 5,865 15,135 6,080 1,860 September 801,970 561,740 5,745 14,980 6,045 1,825 October 775,735 544,890 5,540 14,835 5,775 1,730 November 760,560 537,015 5,370 14,615 5,590 1,655 December 764,890 545,335 5,490 14,775 5,735 1,650

2008 January 803,845 578,760 5,625 14,910 5,890 1,725 February 821,360 592,190 5,705 15,770 6,155 1,785 March 815,345 586,930 5,620 15,980 6,240 1,810 April 807,850 582,525 5,475 15,800 6,230 1,820 May 804,350 579,525 5,445 15,940 6,230 1,845 1047W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1048W

Table 1a: Number of persons claiming jobseeker’s allowance by ethnicity Great Britain Mixed - White and Mixed - White - Black White and Total British White - Irish White - Other Caribbean Black African

June 805,680 581,085 5,485 15,905 6,390 1,830 July 840,595 610,000 5,615 16,325 6,590 1,880 August 891,830 653,375 5,925 16,840 6,955 1,995 September 911,965 669,270 6,035 17,545 7,090 2,000 October 936,940 694,600 6,240 18,620 7,160 2,040 November 1,019,540 765,160 6,865 20,890 7,500 2,080 December 1,114,135 846,670 7,575 23,035 8,085 2,230

2009 January 1,239,610 951,995 8,175 25,075 8,515 2,320 February 1,412,355 1,087,495 9,235 32,270 9,570 2,600 March 1,473,655 1,133,345 9,590 35,390 10,130 2,735 April 1,506,420 1,157,055 9,865 35,830 10,495 2,810 May 1,512,440 1,158,350 10,025 35,425 10,745 2,855 Note: Data rounded to nearest 5 Source: Jobcentre Plus administrative system

Table 1b: Number of persons claiming jobseeker’s allowance by ethnicity Great Britain Mixed - Asian or Asian or Asian or Asian or White and Mixed - Other Asian British - Asian British - Asian British - Asian British - Asian Mixed Indian Pakistani Bangladeshi Other Asian

2007 May 1,540 3,730 15,675 20,060 9,560 6,370 June 1,530 3,590 15,250 19,910 9,440 6,205 July 1,505 3,510 15,225 20,025 9,350 6,115 August 1,550 3,455 15,695 20,115 9,320 6,085 September 1,540 3,490 14,955 19,880 9,465 6,045 October 1,455 3,320 14,115 19,035 9,200 5,810 November 1,385 3,255 13,430 18,330 9,030 5,735 December 1,415 3,235 13,005 17,950 8,525 5,530

2008 January 1,435 3,285 13,345 18,255 8,540 5,605 February 1,455 3,360 13,160 18,440 8,650 5,750 March 1,490 3,420 13,315 18,320 8,620 5,710 April 1,495 3,435 13,380 18,200 8,480 5,630 May 1,525 3,450 13,755 18,740 8,510 5,725 June 1,530 3,410 14,000 19,150 8,610 5,800 July 1,615 3,600 14,945 19,675 8,725 5,930 August 1,700 3,730 15,710 20,425 9,025 6,265 September 1,750 3,810 15,985 21,035 9,280 6,370 October 1,720 3,880 15,825 20,615 9,290 6,365 November 1,780 4,140 16,200 21,015 9,395 6,530 December 1,870 4,425 17,385 21,625 9,255 6,800

2009 January 2,025 4,735 19,350 23,100 9,640 7,265 February 2,265 5,420 21,800 24,985 10,290 8,110 March 2,475 5,785 23,115 25,720 10,780 8,610 April 2,560 6,045 24,335 26,365 10,910 8,865 May 2,540 6,180 25,460 27,230 11,395 9,125 Note: Data rounded to nearest 5 Source: Jobcentre Plus administrative system 1049W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1050W

Table 1c: Number of persons claiming jobseeker’s allowance by ethnicity Great Britain Chinese or Other Chinese or Ethnic Black or Black or Black or Other Group - Black Black Black Ethnic Other British - British - British - Group - Ethnic Prefer Not Caribbean African Other Black Chinese Group To Say Unknown

2007 May 26,550 23,790 6,250 2,070 19,610 71,410 12,835 June 25,785 23,300 6,060 1,975 18,840 70,005 12,385 July 25,555 23,195 6,060 2,015 18,315 71,520 12,230 August 25,620 23,240 6,045 2,045 17,950 73,045 11,870 September 25,255 22,960 5,950 2,025 17,750 70,685 11,630 October 24,340 22,015 5,765 1,915 17,235 67,630 11,125 November 23,710 21,280 5,555 1,860 16,750 65,410 10,590 December 23,600 20,845 5,500 1,755 16,515 63,290 10,740

2008 January 23,750 20,950 5,530 1,735 16,610 66,600 11,295 February 23,990 21,485 5,715 1,695 16,800 67,520 11,730 March 24,145 21,650 5,755 1,680 16,710 66,000 11,950 April 23,940 21,415 5,735 1,655 16,525 64,025 12,085 May 24,125 21,840 5,780 1,685 16,455 62,075 11,705 June 24,475 22,255 5,845 1,680 16,215 59,970 12,050 July 25,080 22,770 5,970 1,745 16,230 61,495 12,395 August 26,005 23,475 6,185 1,835 16,335 63,310 12,745 September 26,450 23,965 6,320 1,895 16,770 63,505 12,900 October 26,385 23,660 6,240 1,920 16,935 63,205 12,245 November 27,205 24,015 6,415 1,915 17,525 66,845 14,065 December 28,570 24,695 6,775 2,025 18,320 70,460 14,345

2009 January 29,570 25,675 7,040 2,170 19,200 78,535 15,225 February 32,260 27,845 7,730 2,295 21,055 88,960 18,165 March 33,840 29,525 8,285 2,500 21,965 91,175 18,685 April 34,995 30,570 8,630 2,645 22,285 92,575 19,580 May 35,880 31,755 8,880 2,775 22,460 91,575 19,775 Note: Data rounded to nearest 5 Source: Jobcentre Plus administrative system

Table 2a: Percentage of jobseeker’s allowance claimants by ethnicity Great Britain Mixed - White and Mixed - White and White - British White - Irish White - Other Black Caribbean Black African

2007 May 70.9 0.7 1.9 0.7 0.2 June 70.6 0.7 1.9 0.7 0.2 July 70.5 0.7 1.9 0.7 0.2 August 70.4 0.7 1.8 0.7 0.2 September 70.0 0.7 1.9 0.8 0.2 October 70.2 0.7 1.9 0.7 0.2 November 70.6 0.7 1.9 0.7 0.2 December 71.3 0.7 1.9 0.7 0.2

2008 January 72.0 0.7 1.9 0.7 0.2 February 72.1 0.7 1.9 0.7 0.2 March 72.0 0.7 2.0 0.8 0.2 April 72.1 0.7 2.0 0.8 0.2 May 72.0 0.7 2.0 0.8 0.2 June 72.1 0.7 2.0 0.8 0.2 1051W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1052W

Table 2a: Percentage of jobseeker’s allowance claimants by ethnicity Great Britain Mixed - White and Mixed - White and White - British White - Irish White - Other Black Caribbean Black African

July 72.6 0.7 1.9 0.8 0.2 August 73.3 0.7 1.9 0.8 0.2 September 73.4 0.7 1.9 0.8 0.2 October 74.1 0.7 2.0 0.8 0.2 November 75.0 0.7 2.0 0.7 0.2 December 76.0 0.7 2.1 0.7 0.2

2009 January 76.8 0.7 2.0 0.7 0.2 February 77.0 0.7 2.3 0.7 0.2 March 76.9 0.7 2.4 0.7 0.2 April 76.8 0.7 2.4 0.7 0.2 May 76.6 0.7 2.3 0.7 0.2 Note: Data rounded to nearest 5. Source: Jobcentre Plus administrative system

Table 2b: Percentage of jobseeker’s allowance claimants by ethnicity Great Britain Asian or Asian Asian or Asian Asian or Asian Mixed - White Mixed - Other Asian or Asian British - British - British - Other and Asian Mixed British - Indian Pakistani Bangladeshi Asian

2007 May 0.2 0.4 1.8 2.3 1.1 0.7 June 0.2 0.4 1.8 2.4 1.1 0.7 July 0.2 0.4 1.8 2.4 1.1 0.7 August 0.2 0.4 1.9 2.4 1.1 0.7 September 0.2 0.4 1.9 2.5 1.2 0.8 October 0.2 0.4 1.8 2.5 1.2 0.7 November 0.2 0.4 1.8 2.4 1.2 0.8 December 0.2 0.4 1.7 2.3 1.1 0.7

2008 January 0.2 0.4 1.7 2.3 1.1 0.7 February 0.2 0.4 1.6 2.2 1.1 0.7 March 0.2 0.4 1.6 2.2 1.1 0.7 April 0.2 0.4 1.7 2.3 1.0 0.7 May 0.2 0.4 1.7 2.3 1.1 0.7 June 0.2 0.4 1.7 2.4 1.1 0.7 July 0.2 0.4 1.8 2.3 1.0 0.7 August 0.2 0.4 1.8 2.3 1.0 0.7 September 0.2 0.4 1.8 2.3 1.0 0.7 October 0.2 0.4 1.7 2.2 1.0 0.7 November 0.2 0.4 1.6 2.1 0.9 0.6 December 0.2 0.4 1.6 1.9 0.8 0.6

2009 January 0.2 0.4 1.6 1.9 0.8 0.6 February 0.2 0.4 1.5 1.8 0.7 0.6 March 0.2 0.4 1.6 1.7 0.7 0.6 April 0.2 0.4 1.6 1.8 0.7 0.6 May 0.2 0.4 1.7 1.8 0.8 0.6 Note: Data rounded to nearest 5. Source: Jobcentre Plus administrative system 1053W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1054W

Table 2c: Percentage of jobseeker’s allowance claimants by ethnicity Great Britain Chinese or Other Chinese or Ethnic Black or Black or Black or Other Group - Black Black Black Ethnic Other British - British - British - Group - Ethnic Prefer Not Caribbean African Other Black Chinese Group To Say Unknown

2007 May 3.1 2.8 0.7 0.2 2.3 8.3 1.5 June 3.1 2.8 0.7 0.2 2.3 8.4 1.5 July 3.1 2.8 0.7 0.2 2.2 8.7 1.5 August 3.1 2.8 0.7 0.2 2.2 8.8 1.4 September 3.1 2.9 0.7 0.3 2.2 8.8 1.5 October 3.1 2.8 0.7 0.2 2.2 8.7 1.4 November 3.1 2.8 0.7 0.2 2.2 8.6 1.4 December 3.1 2.7 0.7 0.2 2.2 8.3 1.4

2008 January 3.0 2.6 0.7 0.2 2.1 8.3 1.4 February 2.9 2.6 0.7 0.2 2.0 8.2 1.4 March 3.0 2.7 0.7 0.2 2.0 8.1 1.5 April 3.0 2.7 0.7 0.2 2.0 7.9 1.5 May 3.0 2.7 0.7 0.2 2.0 7.7 1.5 June 3.0 2.8 0.7 0.2 2.0 7.4 1.5 July 3.0 2.7 0.7 0.2 1.9 7.3 1.5 August 2.9 2.6 0.7 0.2 1.8 7.1 1.4 September 2.9 2.6 0.7 0.2 1.8 7.0 1.4 October 2.8 2.5 0.7 0.2 1.8 6.7 1.3 November 2.7 2.4 0.6 0.2 1.7 6.6 1.4 December 2.6 2.2 0.6 0.2 1.6 6.3 1.3

2009 January 2.4 2.1 0.6 0.2 1.5 6.3 1.2 February 2.3 2.0 0.5 0.2 1.5 6.3 1.3 March 2.3 2.0 0.6 0.2 1.5 6.2 1.3 April 2.3 2.0 0.6 0.2 1.5 6.1 1.3 May 2.4 2.1 0.6 0.2 1.5 6.1 1.3 Note: Data rounded to nearest 5. Source: Jobcentre Plus administrative system

Jobseeker’s Allowance: Lancashire National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and the claimant count, are available on the NOMIS website at: Geraldine Smith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet http://www.nomisweb.co.uk Office how many people have been claiming jobseeker’s allowance in Morecambe and Lunesdale for over two years. [288360] Lobbying: Charities

Norman Lamb: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls Office how many investigations by the Charity within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. Commission for breaches of rules relating to political I have asked the authority to reply. lobbying by registered charities (a) were initiated, Letter from Karen Dunnell, July 2009: (b) were completed and (c) resulted in the application As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your of sanctions in each of the last three years. [286675] Parliamentary Question asking how many people have been claiming jobseekers allowance in Morecambe and Lunesdale for Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls over two years. (288360) within the responsibility of the Charity Commission. I have asked the Commission to reply. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles the number of claimants of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) from the Jobcentre Letter from Andrew Hind, dated July 2009: Plus administrative system. There were 10 people in Morecambe As the Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, I have and Lunesdale claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for two years or been asked to respond to your written Parliamentary Question on more in June 2009. how many investigations by the Charity Commission for breaches 1055W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1056W of rules relating to political lobbying by registered charities The publication of these reports can, in itself, be a form of (a) were initiated, (b) were completed and (c) resulted in the sanction as the findings of the investigations are put into the application of sanctions in each of the last three years. public domain. Nonetheless the main aim of publication is to It may be useful if I start by explaining the framework which enable other charities to better understand the work we do and to the Charity Commission applies to charities and campaigning learn general lessons from the way we have dealt with particular and political activity. Charity law on campaigning and political cases. Copies of both these types of reports, if they are less than activity is set out in our published guidance “Speaking Out—Guidance six months old, are available on the Commission’s website. Older on Campaigning and Political Activity by Charities (CC9)” which reports are available by request. If you would like a copy of any of is available on our website at www.charitycommission.gov.uk. All the reports which contain issues relating to political activity we charities must be established for exclusively charitable purposes are happy to provide these to you. and, as a general principle, charities may undertake campaigning In terms of more formal sanctions, in most cases issues have and political activity, subject to the law and the terms of their been resolved through providing supervision, regulatory advice governing document, in as much as it is a positive way of and guidance to trustees without the need to intervene by using furthering or supporting their purposes. However, in doing so, our statutory powers. However, there has been one occasion in charities must be mindful of their independence and must not the last three years when we have used our statutory powers to engage in any form of party political activity. ensure compliance in this area. We used section 19A of the Your question is in three parts and I will deal with each part Charities Act 1993 (introduced by section 20 of the Charities Act separately. 2006) to direct the charity to carry out a governance review. Turning to part (a) of your question, the Charity Commission’s In general, it would be unusual in this type of case for the Assessment Unit considers those complaints where it is evident Commission to need to use the interventionist and remedial that they cannot be dealt with by advice and support and which measures which are available only in statutory inquiries, such as appear serious enough for us to look at more closely. The Assessment the freezing of bank accounts, the suspension and removal of Unit determines the appropriate way to deal with complaints trustees, or the appointment of interim managers. based on issues of risk and proportionality, and whether the issue I hope this is helpful. If you have any further questions please raised falls within our regulatory remit. The following table shows do not hesitate to get in touch. how many of the cases we assessed in each of the last three financial years included issues that we categorised as “political activities” (issues of “political lobbying” would be categorised in this way): Pay: Hertfordshire Political activity cases identified at compliance assessment stage

2006-07 22 Mike Penning: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 2007-08 30 Office (1) what the average annual earnings of people of working age was in (a) Hemel Hempstead 2008-09 8 constituency, (b) Dacorum and (c) Hertfordshire in Turning to part (b) of your question regarding completed each year since 1997; [287858] investigations the Commission undertakes two types of investigations into concerns of non-compliance including breaches of rules (2) what the rate of average earnings growth was in around charities and campaigning and political activity. Firstly (a) Hemel Hempstead constituency, (b) Dacorum and we undertake non-statutory “regulatory compliance cases”. These (c) Hertfordshire in each year since 1997. [287859] are cases where risk to the charity is limited and where it is likely that issues can be resolved through providing supervision, regulatory advice and guidance to trustees, and without the need to intervene Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls by using our statutory powers. Secondly, in the few cases of within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. significant risk and more serious regulatory concern, we may I have asked the authority to reply. open a statutory inquiry under section 8 of the Charities Act 1993. Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: The following table sets out the number of regulatory compliance As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your cases and statutory inquiries that the Commission completed recent Parliamentary Questions asking what the average earnings during that year which involved concerns about “political activities”. of people of working age was in (a) Hemel Hempstead constituency, (b) Dacorum and (c) Hertfordshire in each year since 1997 Investigations—Regulatory (287858) and what the rate of average earnings growth was in Compliance Cases Investigations—Statutory (a) Hemel Hempstead constituency, (b) Dacorum and (c) Hertfordshire completed which included Inquiries completed which in each year since 1997. (287859) concerns about “political included concerns about Average levels of earnings are estimated from the Annual activity” “political activity” Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), and are provided for all employees on adult rates of pay whose pay for the survey period 2006-07 10 0 was not affected by absence. 2007-08 5 0 2008-09 11 1 ONS’s primary indicator of average earnings growth is the Average Earnings Index. As this does not produce regional estimates, Finally, turning to part (c) of your question regarding sanctions, the ASHE has been used. The ASHE, carried out in April each it is important to explain that our objective in such cases is to year, is the most comprehensive source of earnings information in protect charitable assets and our actions are designed to protect the United Kingdom. It is a sample of all employees who are these assets rather than as punitive measures. members of pay-as-you-earn (PA YE) schemes. When we close a statutory inquiry we publish a “statement of The sample sizes for more detailed geographies can be small results of inquiry” (SORI) on our website. We also publish and this affects the quality of the resulting estimates, which are reports for those regulatory compliance case investigations which subject to a margin of uncertainty. meet certain criteria relating to the public interest—the criteria Estimates for people of working age would only be available at are published on our website at: disproportionate cost, but we have provided median gross weekly www.charitycommission.gov.uk/investigations/inquiryreports/ earnings estimates and annual percentage changes for the specified ingreps.asp geographies for full-time and part-time employees. 1057W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1058W

Median gross weekly pay (£) for full-time employee jobsa Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls Hemel Hempstead Dacorum local Hertfordshire within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. parliamentary authority constituency I have asked the authority to reply. Annual Annual Annual Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: percentage percentage percentage As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Median change Median change Median change recent Parliamentary Question asking what the average wage for 1997 *364.0 n/a *358.1 n/a 352.7 n/a (a) full-time and (b) part-time (i) male and (ii) female employees 1998 *385.5 5.9 *377.6 5.4 374.3 6.1 is; and what the average household income of working age 1999 *384.3 -0.3 *377.8 0.0 385.8 3.0 households was in the Wakefield local authority area in (A) cash and (B) real terms in (1) 1997 and (2) 2008. (288664) 2000 *438,7 14.2 *399.3 5.7 395.5 2.5 2001 *457.2 4.2 *448.1 12.2 429.1 8.5 Average levels of earnings are estimated from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), and are provided for all 2002 *475.6 4.0 *471.7 5.3 445.5 3.8 employees on adult rates of pay whose pay for the survey period 2003 *492.1 3.5 *479.9 1.7 457.9 2.8 was not affected by absence. I attach a table showing the median 2004b *499.5 1.5 *479.4 -0.1 478.2 8.3 gross weekly earnings for full-time, male full-time, female full-time, 2004c *487.4 n/a *475.2 n/a 469.1 n/a part-time, male part-time and female part-time employees for the 2005 *478.4 -1.8 *479.0 0.8 483.3 3.0 Wakefield local authority area in years 1997 and 2008. 2006d *516.3 7.9 *502.5 4.9 490.6 1.5 Information regarding the average household income of working 2008e *512.0 n/a *499.3 n/a 486.6 n/a age households is not available for the Wakefield local authority 2007 *543.9 6.2 *535.6 7.3 488.7 0.4 area. 2008 *553.9 1.8 *524.1 -2.1 514.7 5.3 Median gross weekly pay—for employee jobsa: Wakefield local authority, 1997 and 2008 Median gross weekly pay (£) for part-time employee jobsa £ Hemel Hempstead Dacorum local Hertfordshire 1997 2008 parliamentary authority constituency Full-time 317 *450 Annual Annual Annual Male full-time 342 501 percentage percentage percentage Median change Median change Median change Female full-time *248 *334 Part-time **72 *143 1997 **101.3 n/a **92.9 n/a *96.9 n/a Male part-time **50 x 1998 **117.8 16.3 **114.9 23.7 *107.8 11.2 Female part-time **72 *144 1999 **125.0 6.1 **114.0 -0.9 *115.4 7.1 a Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was 2000 **126.1 0.9 *126.2 10.7 117.2 1.6 not affected by absence. 2001 **123.4 -2.2 **128.8 2.1 *116.6 -0.6 Guide to quality 2002 **135.0 9.4 *137.7 6.9 128.4 10.2 The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure, the 2003 **139.5 3.3 **146.0 6.1 124.3 -3.2 smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an average of 200 with a 2004b **148.8 6.7 **148.1 1.4 134.7 11.2 CV of 5% we would expect the population average to be within the 2004c **151.7 n/a *149.6 n/a *133.5 n/a range 180 to 220. 2005 **129.3 -14.8 **130.8 -12.6 130.3 -2.4 Key CV <= 5% * CV >5% and <=10% ** CV > 10% and <=20% x 2006d **146.9 13.7 **154.3 18.0 148.3 13.8 CV >20% 2006e **147.7 n/a **154.6 n/a 148.5 n/a Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National 2007 **160.0 8.3 155.8 0.8 145.5 -2.0 Statistics. 1997and 2008 2008 **144.8 -9.5 **143.9 -7.7 143.7 -1.2 Notes: Population a Employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence. b 2004 results excluding supplementary survey for comparison with 2003 c 2004 results including supplementary surveys designed to improve coverage of Mr. Clappison: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet the survey (for more information see National Statistics website www.statistics.gov.uk). Office what the most recent projections made by the d 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2005 Office for National Statistics are of population e 2006 results with methodology consistent with 2007 Guide to quality: densities in (a) the UK, (b) England, (c) Scotland, The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure, the smaller (d) Wales and (e) Northern Ireland for (i) the earliest the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice date for which such projections have been made the CV - for example, for an average of 200 with a CV of 5%, we would expect the population average to be within the range 180 to 220. (ii) 2031, (iii) 2056 and (iv) the most distant date for Key which such projections have been made; what estimate CV <= 5% has been made of the population density of each such * CV >5% and <=l0% ** CV > 10% and <=20% area in 2009; and what information the Office for xCV>20% National Statistics holds on the population density of Source: other EU member states for the purposes of Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Statistics. 1997 - 2008 comparison with its projections for the UK. [288409] Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls Personal Income: Wakefield within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: Office what the average wage for (a) full-time and As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your (b) part-time (i) male and (ii) female employees is; and question asking what most recent projections made by the Office what the average household income of working age for National Statistics are of population densities in (a) the UK, households was in the Wakefield local authority area in (b) England, (c) Scotland, (d) Wales and (e) Northern Ireland for (A) 1997 and (B) 2008. [288664] (i) the earliest date for which such projections have been made 1059W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1060W

(ii) 2031, (iii) 2056 and (iv) the latest date for which such projections Annex A have been made; what estimate has been made of the population Public Corporations deemed to be part of the Civil Service in 1996 density of each such area in 2009; what information the Office for National Statistics holds on the population density of other EU 1. Central Office of Information; Member States for the purposes of comparison with its projections 2. Companies House; for the UK. (288409) 3. Driving Standards Agency; Projected population densities can be calculated for any year 4. Fire Service College; from the published projected total population for that year and 5. Land Registry; the relevant land area. The estimated population density for mid-2006 and projected population densities derived from the 6. Meteorological Office; 2006 population base are given in the table below for the years 7. Patent Office; 2009, 2031, 2056, 2081 and 2106. 8. Registers of Scotland; The next set of national population projections, based on the 9. Royal Mint; mid-2008 population estimates, are due for publication by the Office for National Statistics on 21 October 2009. 10. UK Hydrographic Office. Public Corporations deemed to be part of the Civil Service in 2008 Projected population density of UK and constituent countries for selected years 2006 to 2106 1. Central Office of Information; Persons/sq km 2. Companies House; 2006 2009 2031 2056 2081 2106 3. Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory; 4. Defence Support Group; United 250 255 293 324 352 379 Kingdom 5. Driving Standards Agency; England 390 398 464 521 574 626 6. Export Credit Guarantee Department; Wales 143 145 159 165 168 171 7. Fire Service College; Scotland 66 66 69 67 64 61 8. Land Registry; Northern 128 132 147 153 152 150 9. Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency; Ireland 10. Meteorological Office; Note: Population densities for 2006 are derived from mid-year population 11. OGC Buying Solutions; estimates, whilst those for 2009 onwards are derived from the 2006-based 12. Ordnance Survey; population projections. All densities have been calculated assuming 13. Registers of Scotland; constant land area for the UK and its constituent countries into the future. 14. Royal Mint; Source: 15. The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre; Office for National Statistics, General Register Office for Scotland and Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency 16. UK Hydrographic Office; National population projections are produced for up to 100 17. UK Intellectual Property Office; previously the Patent years ahead, but only published for up to 75 years ahead, and are Office; available from the National Statistics website at: 18. Vehicle and Operator Services Agency. http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=8519 However, long-term projections should be treated with great Trade Unions caution. Population projections become increasingly uncertain the further they are carried forward, particularly for smaller geographic areas. Mr. Maude: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Eurostat publishes estimates of population densities for all EU Office pursuant to the answer of 20 May 2009, Official countries up to 2007—see table tps0003 under main demographic Report, column 1479W, on trades union, what checks indicators at: are undertaken by the Cabinet Office on whether office http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/ working space provided to trade union representatives population/data/main_tables is used for political activities. [287281]

Public Bodies Angela E. Smith: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given on 20 May 2009, Official Report, column Mr. Maude: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 1479W. Office pursuant to the answer of 5 May 2009, Official Report, columns 93-99W, on public bodies, which of Ulcers: Death the bodies classified as public corporations in (a) 1996 and (b) 2008 were deemed to be part of the Civil Service. [287279] Mr. Burstow: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many deaths there were in respect of which Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls pressure ulcers were listed on the death certificate as a within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. contributory cause of death in each region in each of I have asked the authority to reply. the last five years. [287683] Letter from Karen Dunnell, July 2009: Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. recent Parliamentary Question pursuant to the Answer of 5 May I have asked the authority to reply. 2009, Official Report, columns 93-99W, on public bodies, which of the bodies classified as public corporations in (a) 1996 and Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: (b) 2008 were deemed to be part of the Civil Service. (287279) As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your The requested information is attached at Annex A. The list for recent question asking how many deaths there were where pressure 1996 comprises public corporations not included in the Answer of ulcers were listed on the death certificate as a contributory cause 5 May 2009, as further information has recently become available. of death in each region in each of the last five years. (287683) 1061W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1062W

The attached table provides the number of deaths where pressure The figures in the table are derived from the LFS microdata ulcer was mentioned anywhere on the death certificate, for government which are weighted using the official population estimates published office regions in England, for 2004 to 2008 (the latest year in autumn 2007. They are not entirely consistent with the figures available). published in the monthly Labour Market Statistics Statistical Bulletin, which are weighted using more up-to-date population Table 1: Number of deaths with any mention of pressure ulcer on the death certificate1, Government office regions2, England, 2004-083,4 estimates. Deaths (persons) Unemployed people aged 16 and over by occupation in last job and Region 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 duration of unemployment, three month periods ending September, 1992-95, Great Britain, 1992-94; United Kingdom, 1995, not NorthEast5068517144 seasonally adjusted North West 138 160 139 143 160 Thousand Yorkshire 69 79 78 69 64 Long-term 1 2 3 and the Occupation in last job Unemployed unemployed Humber 1992 Managers and senior 195 63 East 75 85 74 95 86 officials Midlands Professional 79 18 West 127 141 122 125 107 occupations Midlands Associate professional 123 37 East of 122 122 128 136 102 and technical England Administrative and 288 91 London 103 114 142 140 126 technical South East 132 137 133 148 155 Skilled trades 491 194 South West 59 75 68 69 73 occupations England 875 981 935 996 917 Personal service 204 65 1 Cause of death was defined using the International Classification occupations of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code L89 (Decubitus ulcer, Sales and customer 185 54 bedsore, plaster ulcer or pressure ulcer) where it appeared anywhere service occupations on the death certificate. 2 Process, plant and 328 129 Based on boundaries as of 2009. machine operatives 3 Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year. 4 Figures for deaths registered in 2008 are provisional. Elementary 358 166 occupations Unemployment Total4 2,808 1,039

Mrs. May: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office 1993 Managers and senior 204 84 (1) what information her Department holds on the officials number of people who were (a) unemployed and (b) Professional 93 28 long-term unemployed between (i) 1980 and 1985 and occupations (ii) 1990 and 1995, by (A) qualification and (B) Associate professional 132 37 and technical previous occupation; [286748] Administrative and 297 101 (2) how many people were (a) unemployed and (b) technical long-term unemployed in each year between (i) 1980 Skilled trades 497 239 and 1985 and (ii) 1990 and 1995, by (A) qualification occupations and (B) previous occupation. [286749] Personal service 213 79 occupations Angela E. Smith: The information requested falls Sales and customer 196 68 within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. service occupations I have asked the authority to reply. Process, plant and 350 160 machine operatives Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: Elementary 339 159 As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your occupations Parliamentary Questions asking: Total4 2,887 1,205 what information her Department hold on the number of people who were (a) unemployed and (b) long-term unemployed between (i) 1980-1985 and (ii) 1990-1995, by (A) qualification and 1994 Managers and senior 182 75 (B) occupation. (286747) officials what information her Department holds on the number of Professional 87 25 people who were (a) unemployed and (b) long-term unemployed occupations between (i) 1980-1985 and (ii) 1990-1995, by (A) qualification and Associate professional 121 41 (B) previous occupation. (286748) and technical how many people were (a) unemployed and (b) long-term Administrative and 249 93 unemployed in each year between (i) 1980-85 and (ii) 1990-95, by technical (A) qualification and (B) occupation. (286749) Skilled trades 386 192 occupations Estimates on the number of people who were unemployed by qualification are not available for 1980 to 1985 and 1990 to 1995. Personal service 207 78 Estimates for unemployed people by occupation in last job are occupations available for 1992 to 1995 and are provided in the attached table. Sales and customer 171 58 The estimates are derived from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). service occupations As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to Process, plant and 305 146 a margin of uncertainty. This is assessed in a footnote to the table. machine operatives 1063W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1064W

Unemployed people aged 16 and over by occupation in last job and in aggregate form only. NOMS also has a policy not to duration of unemployment, three month periods ending September, provide breakdowns of data, particularly of prison-level 1992-95, Great Britain, 1992-94; United Kingdom, 1995, not seasonally adjusted data, to the extent where the anonymity of individuals may be compromised. Thousand Long-term The National Offender Management Service has a Occupation in last job1 Unemployed2 unemployed3 broad integrated and evidence-based prisoner suicide prevention and self harm management strategy that Elementary 341 170 seeks to reduce the distress of all those in prison. This occupations 4 encompasses a wide spectrum of prison and Department Total 2,644 1,123 of Health work around such issues as mental health, substance misuse and resettlement. Any prisoner identified 19955 Managers and senior 165 68 as at risk of suicide or self-harm is cared for using the officials assessment, care in custody and teamwork (ACCT) Professional 86 28 procedures. Most self harm is not directly life threatening, occupations but nevertheless can be extremely distressing for those Associate professional 109 37 who have to deal with it. A prisoner focussed care and technical planning system for those at risk has helped prisons Administrative and 251 79 technical manage self harm. There are no easy answers to managing self harming behaviour but we remain committed to Skilled trades 332 171 occupations finding ways to manage it. Personal service 197 72 occupations Sales and customer 183 56 Bail Accommodation and Support Service service occupations Process, plant and 310 151 Mr. Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for machine operatives Justice in which parliamentary constituency each Bail Elementary 303 132 occupations Accommodation and Support Service property (a) opened and (b) closed since 12 January 2009 is Total4 2,535 1,028 located. [286829] 1 Standard Occupational Classification 1990. 2 Includes those whose duration of unemployment was not known. 3 Includes those unemployed for 12 months or more. Mr. Straw: As at 10 July there have been 28 bail 4 Includes those whose occupation was not known. accommodation and support service properties opened 5 Coefficients of Variation have been calculated for the latest period as and 10 properties closed since 12 January 2009. an indication of the quality of the estimates, as described below: Guide to Quality: (a) Bail accommodation and support service properties opened since The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, 12 January 2009 the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely Constituency Date opened to lie within +/- twice the CV - for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population total to be within Bedford 14 January 2009 the range 180-220. Southampton Test 16 January 2009 Key Coefficient of Variation (CV) (%) Statistical Robustness Southend West 20 January 2009 *0≤ CV<5 Estimates are considered precise ** 5 ≤ CV <10 Estimates are considered reasonably precise Rochford and Southend East 20 January 2009 *** 10 ≤ CV <20 Estimates are considered acceptable Ipswich 29 January 2009 **** CV ≥ 20 Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical Luton South 4 February 2009 purposes Reading West 9 February 2009 It should be noted that the above estimates exclude people in most types of communal establishment (e.g. hotels, boarding houses, hostels Portsmouth South 9 February 2009 mobile home sites etc.) Hazel Grove 12 February 2009 Poplar and Canning Town 16 February 2009 North East Milton Keynes 16 February 2009 JUSTICE Erith and Thamesmead 26 February 2009 Aylesbury Prison: Injuries Bracknell 19 March 2009 Nottingham South 20 March 2009 Dr. Vis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how Cardiff South and Penarth 20 March 2009 many incidents of self-injury have been recorded in Folkestone and Hythe 27 March 2009 Aylesbury prison in each month since January 2009; Slough 30 March 2009 and how many such injuries have required hospital North Thanet 30 March 2009 treatment. [286788] Stretford and Urmston 8 April 2009 Newport East 9 April 2009 Maria Eagle: The latest recorded self-harm figures Cardiff West 21 April 2009 available are for 2008. NOMS records data across a Northampton North 30 April 2009 diverse range of incident types. These data are subject Slough 2 June 2009 to reporting lags and other issues inherent in any large Swansea East 17 June 2009 scale administrative database. Therefore NOMS policy Carlisle 23 June 2009 is not to provide current year-to-date figures. Carlisle 23 June 2009 In 2008, there were 265 incidents of self-harm at Worcester 24 June 2009 HMYOI Aylesbury. Of these incidents, six required Truro and St. Austell 8 July 2009 treatment in external hospital. These figures are given 1065W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1066W

(b) Bail accommodation and support service properties closed since 12 Juror Summoning Bureau January 2009 eXchanging Hearing Information By Internet Technology Constituency Date opened Date closed ProbateMan Lewisham East 20 September 2007 28 February 2009 ARIA (Asylum and Immigration system) Reading East 31 August 2007 12 March 2009 Service Upgrade Project (pilot) Portsmouth South 27 June 2007 15 March 2009 Funds Accounting System Luton North 28 September 2007 19 March 2009 Receivership Accounting System Cardiff West 2 February 2007 24 April 2009 Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal system Lewisham East 30 March 2009 13 May 2009 Generic Appeals Processing System 2 Newport West 29 August 2007 20 May 2009 Mental Health Tribunal Swansea East 8 July 2008 7 June 2009 Northampton North 25 October 2007 12 June 2009 ETHOS (Employment Tribunal system) Nottingham East 11 October 2007 13 June 2009 CLAIMS (Criminal Injuries and Compensation Panel system) MERIS (Office of the Public Guardian system) Damian McBride ORACLE financials (General Ledger, Supplier database, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets) Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Local Fees database on what date he last met Mr. Damian McBride in the CHRIMSON (HR system) course of his official duties. [287398] Occupational Health, Counselling and Screening Services Business Management System Mr. Straw: We can find no record of any meeting Magistrates Courts databases with Mr. McBride connected with my official duties. Libra application Departmental Data Protection Trust Accounting and Banking System BACCHUS (Bankruptcy case management system) Jenny Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Centralised Attachment of Earnings Justice how many (a) attempts and (b) successful County Court Bulk Centre attempts were made to gain unauthorised access to Commercial Court each (i) database and (ii) ICT system run by his Electronic Records Management Department in each of the last five years; and if he will Judicial Database make a statement. [286543] Management Information System Mr. Straw: The Ministry of Justice was established in Tax Tribunal Remuneration May 2007. The Ministry has robust security measures Decree Absolute System in place to protect the information held on its computer Parental Responsibility systems. One unsuccessful attempt was made to gain Supreme Court Costs Office System unauthorised access to the Money Claim On Line System Wardship System in 2008. The integrity of the system and information Crown Office Information Network System held on it was not compromised. Life Imprisonment Minimum Term Departmental Databases Payment of Legal Aid Remuneration Case Recording System Mr. Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice RECAP (Civil Appeals Case Management) what information databases his Department (a) CASREC (Public Guardian Office Case Recording) maintain and (b) uses which do not contain personal CACTUS (Criminal Appeals Case Recording) information. [284389] LIDS (Local Inmate Database System) IIS (Inmate Information System) Jenny Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for P-NOMIS Justice which databases managed by his Department and its agencies hold personal information on members OASYS of the public; on what date each such database become SIS (Security Intelligence System) operational; and if he will make a statement. [284903] Phoenix National Intelligence Unit Mr. Straw: The Ministry of Justice maintains a large APVU (Assisted Prison Visitors Unit) number of major databases covering different aspects Prisoner Location Service of the justice system, as well as smaller database systems which support local business areas. Pin Phone The main databases, which are maintained centrally, PSIMON are as follows: Lifers Service CaseMan Branston Staff Files FamilyMan Branston IRMS Service e-Diary ROWD MIS Money Claim On Line Construction Unit Service Crest E&SS Textile Service Juror DGCU Service 1067W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1068W

Accommodation and Occupancy Drugs Registered Intermediaries database Court Appearance Database Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice PROGRESS how much (a) his Department and (b) its agencies XHIBIT Portal spent on the implementation of drugs policies in each CJS Exchange Links category in each of the last 10 years. [286734] CJ MIS Maria Eagle: The Ministry of Justice delivers a broad FOI database range of work in relation to drugs, primarily through Sharepoint the National Offender Management Service (NOMS). Mandatory Drugs Testing Database Most of the expenditure for this work is part of Accommodation and Occupancy Database prison and probation services general funding and therefore, 4Projects Database it is not possible to accurately disaggregate the costs. Delius NOMS is currently undertaking a specification, ICMS Case Management System benchmarking and costing exercise which will provide CRAM Case Management System more accurate costing of the interventions delivered. IAPS Elections Bill HR Data warehouse Most of the databases contain some personal Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice information. what assessment has been made of whether the new The Ministry is committed to ensuring the confidentiality, provisions in the Political Parties and Elections Bill on integrity and security (in accordance with HMG policy) non-resident donors are compatible with (a) European of personal information held within the Department’s Union law and (b) the European Convention on systems. Because of the potential security threat, it Human Rights. [288090] would not be appropriate to disclose the detailed information requested. Mr. Straw: When legislating, the Government are Jenny Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for always mindful of the requirements of EU law and the Justice (1) what categories of personal information rights enshrined in the European Convention on Human about members of the public are contained on each Rights. Having considered those requirements, as we relevant database managed by his Department and its are obliged to do, the Government are satisfied that the agencies; on what date each category of information provisions of the Political Parties and Elections Bill are was first collected; and if he will make a statement; compatible with all relevant rights and freedoms. [285974] Elections: Campaigns (2) what categories of personal information on members of the public will be held on each database expected to become operational in the next five years Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice and which will be managed by his Department or one whether candidate freepost election mailings in of its agencies; what estimate he has made of the likely European and Parliamentary elections are delivered to number of individuals’ details each such database will households who have registered with the Mailing hold when fully operational; and if he will make a Preference Service a desire not to receive unsolicited statement; [286150] mailings. [287349] (3) what databases which will be managed by his Department or one of its agencies and which will Mr. Wills: Candidate freepost election mailings can contain personal information are (a) under be delivered to all households for European and construction and (b) expected to go live in each of the Parliamentary elections. Registering with the Mailing next five years; and if he will make a statement. Preference Service does not apply to election mailings. [286506] This provides for a level playing field for all candidates and ensures that those standing for election have an Mr. Straw: Ministry of Justice maintains 82 major opportunity to make their policies known to the electorate. databases which support different aspects of the justice system. These databases are of varying size and complexity Electorate and cover a wide range of activities, for example, enabling processing and tracking of cases through the court Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice system, scheduling appointments, and tracking systems what estimate he has made of the proportion of for monitoring departmental correspondence. Any personal (a) armed forces personnel and (b) members of the data stored on databases are subject to the Data Protection public who are registered to vote. [287358] Act. Following publication of the cross Government Data Mr. Wills: No assessment has been made of the Handling Review in June 2008, new projects and proportion of (a) armed forces personnel and (b) members programmes that hold significant amounts of personal of the public who are registered to vote. This is because data are obliged to conduct privacy impact assessments. the Office for National Statistics (ONS) does not have Detailed information relating to individual databases information on the proportion of the public who are is held within individual projects and business areas and registered to vote, as not everyone who is usually resident not available centrally.This information could be compiled is entitled to vote. The total number of full-time armed only at disproportionate cost. forces personnel at 1 May 2009 was 194,280. 1069W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1070W

ONS figures reveal that as of 1 December 2008 the ONS figures on total population do not show whether number of armed forces personnel who registered by those people are eligible electors. ONS reports that the way of a service declaration was 21,928. Not all armed total number of local government electors registered in forces electors, however, register as service voters. They the UK on 1 December 2008 stood at 46,147,877. may either register as an ordinary elector, an overseas elector or a service elector. The Ministry of Defence Firearms: Sentencing Service Voting Survey 2008 indicates that 75 per cent. of respondents were registered as ordinary voters. Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many and what percentage of people in each age The Government are keen to support armed forces group who were convicted of carrying an illegal personnel in registering to vote. In order to increase firearm under the Criminal Justice Act 2003 received service registration rates, the Government have recently the mandatory sentence provided for by that Act in announced that we will increase the service voter declaration each of the last five years; and what the average length period from three years to five years, which we hope will of sentence was of those convicted of carrying an encourage more service personnel to register. We aim to illegal firearm under the Criminal Justice Act 2003 in bring forward this change in secondary legislation as each of the last four years. [285759] soon as possible. The statistics for the proportion of members of the Mr. Straw: The requested information is found in the public registered are similarly difficult to calculate because following table.

Persons sentenced for firearms offences liable for mandatory minimum custodial sentence as prescribed by the Criminal Justice Act 20031 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Juveniles5 Total sentenced 69 60 36 17 16 Immediatecustody 1012987 Received mandatory minimum3 at least three years n/a2 n/a2 452 Percentage of offenders sentenced receiving mandatory n/a n/a 11.1 29.4 12.5 minimum ACSL4 11.2 22.7 26.0 29.8 30.6

Young adults Total sentenced 121 122 59 46 40 Immediate custody 23 35 34 31 32 Received mandatory minimum—at least three years6 n/a2 n/a2 71415 Received mandatory minimum—at least five years6 n/a2 n/a2 18 10 9 Percentage of offenders sentenced receiving mandatory n/a n/a 42.4 52.2 60.0 minimum ACSL4 18.6 39.5 45.5 43.6 42.1

Adults Total sentenced 713 565 294 220 208 Immediate custody 183 206 199 173 171 Received mandatory minimum7—at least five years n/a2 n/a2 124 126 132 Percentage of offenders sentenced receiving mandatory n/a n/a 42.2 57.3 63.5 minimum ACSL4 29.3 35.3 48.6 54.0 56.3 1 Offences under Firearms Act 1968 of: Possessing or distributing prohibited weapons or ammunition, or Possessing or distributing firearm disguised as other object. 2 The mandatory is only applicable for offences that occurred on or after 26 January 2004. 3 Mandatory minimum for persons aged under 18 at time of offence and for offences taking place after 26 January 2004 is three years. 4 Average custodial sentence length (months) excludes life and indeterminate sentences. 5 Not all of those in this age bracket would have been eligible for the mandatory minimum as they may have been under 16 at the time of the offence. 6 Mandatory minimum is dependant on age at the time of the offence data held by the Ministry of Justice only shows age at time of sentence so offenders in this age group could have been liable for three or five years, offenders have not been double counted. 7 Mandatory minimum for persons aged over 18 at time of offence and for offences taking place after 26 January 2004 is five years. Notes: These figures have been drawn from administrative data systems. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system. Source: OMS Analytical Services, Ministry of Justice. Ref: PQ(OMSAS) 722 (8/07/2009).

These figures may also be found in the answer given The Criminal Justice Act 2003 prescribed mandatory minimum to Dominic Grieve on 18 December 2008, Official Report, custodial sentences for the offences of: Possessing or distributing column 1014W.Data for 2008 will not be available until prohibited firearms or ammunition and Possessing or distributing ‘Sentencing Statistics 2008’ is published later in the firearm disguised as other object where the offences were committed on or after 26 January 2004. year. 1071W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1072W

The minimum sentence it set was three years where the offender Mr. Straw: Non-consolidated performance payments was aged between 16 and 18 at the time of the offence and five are available for all staff in Her Majesty’s Court Service years for offenders aged over 18 at the time of the offence. (HMCS), as they are for all staff across the Ministry of Data held by the Ministry of Justice cannot determine the date Justice. the offence took place or the age of the offender at the time of the offence rather it is the date the sentence was passed and the age of HMCS was created on the 1 April 2005 and the first the offender at the time of sentencing that is held. reporting year ended on 31 March 2006. Non-consolidated Data provided in this answer shows all offenders given the performance payments are paid following the conclusion mandatory minimum from 2005-07, while all offenders sentenced of the reporting year and the first non-consolidated in 2005 may not have been eligible for the mandatory minimum it performance payments for staff in HMCS were paid in is not possible to separately identify those cases that occurred the financial year 2006-07. prior to 26 January 2004. HMCS does not categorise its staff as asked in the Those offenders in the juvenile (10-17 years old) age band are question and to extract the data from Ministry of all assumed to be eligible for the three year mandatory minimum, Justice records in relation to HMCS staff below the similarly those in the adult age band (21+) are all assumed to be eligible for the five year mandatory minimum, those offenders in Senior Civil Service would involve disproportionate the young adult age band (18-20) could potentially have been cost. eligible for either minimum sentence so the numbers given between We have included all Senior Civil Servants within three and five years and over five years have been shown separately. HMCS in providing the answer for the category ’Directors’. The figures for the last three years are as set out in the Freedom of Information table:

Mr. Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for £ Justice what representations he has received on the time taken by the Information Commissioner’s office to 2006-07 Senior Civil Servants 358,250 investigate complaints relating to refusals by bodies to 2007-08 Senior Civil Servants 389,000 provide information requested by applicants under the 2008-09 Senior Civil Servants 345,500 Freedom of Information Act 2000. [286816] Mr. Wills: I have received correspondence from members Homicide: Rape of the public and from hon. and right hon. Members on this matter. I have also responded to Parliamentary Mr. Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Questions on this subject. In addition, the Justice and how many (a) murders and (b) rapes were committed Constitution Select Committees have commented on by offenders subject to Multi-Agency Public Protection the timeliness of the Information Commissioner’s Office’s Arrangements (MAPPA) in each of the last five years handling of freedom of information cases. for which figures are available, broken down by For this financial year, the Government have identified MAPPA level. [287887] additional funding of £500,000 for the Information Commissioner’s Office’s freedom of information work, Mr. Straw: The following table shows the total number over and above the baseline funding of £5 million. We of offenders living in the community in England and are discussing with the Office how it can use this additional Wales who were charged during the period in question funding most effectively to reduce the number of with a serious further offence (SFO) allegedly committed outstanding cases. In addition, seven secondees from by them at a time when their management was overseen central government departments are working for the via multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) ICO to help clear the freedom of information cases at meetings. This will include all charges of (a) murder their home departments’ expense. and (b) rape but also those for other serious sexual and violent offences. The data is aggregated from the MAPPA Mrs. Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice annual reports produced in each of the 42 areas of which organisations have responded to his England and Wales and it is not possible, except at Department’s consultation on extending the Freedom disproportionate cost, to identify retrospectively which of Information Act 2000 to cover additional bodies. relate to murder and rape charges only. [287189] The table relates to those offenders managed at MAPPA Mr. Wills: On 16 July, the Government published levels 2 and 3 at the point of charge. Offenders at level 1 their response to the consultation on extending the are those who are eligible for MAPPA meeting oversight Freedom of Information Act 2000 to cover additional but whose risk management plan does not currently bodies through a section 5 order. Copies have been require it; offenders move between levels depending on made available in the Libraries of both Houses, the the requirements of the risk management plan. Vote Office and Printed Paper Office and on the Ministry Over the years in question, between 0.4 per cent. and of Justice website. Annex B of the report lists all of the 0.6 per cent. of offenders subject to active multi-agency respondents to the consultation. management have been charged with serious further HM Courts Service: Pay offences.

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice England and Wales 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 how much was paid in bonuses to (a) directors, (b) Total MAPPA managed 12,152 12,766 13,688 15,291 12,806 senior managers, (c) specialist and delivery managers offenders (i.e. level 2 and 3) and (d) executive support and administration staff in SFOs at level 2 n/a 47 50 69 72 HM Courts Service in each of the last five years. SFOs at level 3 26 32 12 13 7 [280673] 1 Reflects only level 3 total. Data at level 2 not collected. 1073W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1074W

Judicial Appointments Commission: Newspaper Press or £100,000. However, we will be introducing means testing in Crown courts from January 2010 and rolling Mrs. Laing: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice it out across England and Wales by June 2010. how many newspaper advertisements the Judicial No awards have been made to applicants in civil Appointments Commission placed in the last proceedings as there is a gross income cap of £31,884. 12 months; and at what cost. [287186] Legal Services Commission: Finance Mr. Straw: In the 12 month period from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009, the judicial appointments commission placed 35 newspaper advertisements which cost £81,674.57 Mr. Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice excluding VAT. with reference to page 78 of the Legal Services Commission’s Annual Report 2008-09, what the Judiciary: Pensions expenditure was which was reported as miscellaneous; and if he will make a statement. [286909] Mr. Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he has made of the cost of the Judicial Mr. Straw: The Legal Services Commission’s annual Pensions Scheme in each of the next 10 years. [287129] report for 2008-09 has not yet been laid before Parliament. Mr. Straw: No estimate of costs over that period have In 2007-08, the miscellaneous expenditure reported been made. Forecasts of actual costs of pension benefits on page 78 of the annual report was £460,000. The vast payable and lump sums based on current assumptions majority of this (£457,000) related to an exercise carried of inflation and salary costs for the next five years are out to catch up on certain payments to solicitors which shown in the following table. should have been made but had not. These payments were against costs orders, awarded by the judge at the Salary costs (£) end of a case, which included costs incurred prior to the grant of legal aid. These costs are only payable when 2009-10 75,685,000 recovered from the opponent of the legally aided person. 2010-11 76,028,000 2011-12 77,928,000 Offensive Weapons: Convictions 2012-13 80,829,000 2013-14 83,445,000 Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Forecasts of costings on an accruals basis are only how many and what percentage of people aged (a) available for the next two years and are shown in the under 16, (b) between 16 and 18 and (c) over 18 years following table. old who were convicted of possession of a knife in 2007 received a fine; and what the (i) average, (ii) smallest Forecast of costings (£) and (iii) largest such fine was in that year. [285760] Current service cost Interest cost Mr. Straw: The requested information is shown in the 2009-10 108,000,000 110,000,000 following tables. 2010-11 111,000,000 119,000,000 Table 1: Offences involving the possession of a knife or offensive To obtain figures for further years would require weapon resulting in a fine1,2 by offender age group, assessments to be made on assumptions and calculations England and Wales, 2007 made by the scheme actuary and the costs to do so Total number of would be disproportionate. offences Percentage Number of receiving a offences Legal Aid offences caution or a receiving a Age band receiving a fine sentence fine

Mr. Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 10 to 15 year 9 3,128 * how many legal aid awards were made available to olds defendants with incomes of over (a) £50,000 and (b) 16 and 17 56 3,860 1 £100,000 per annum in the last year for which figures 18 and over3 1,187 21,350 6 are available. [285300] 1 As recorded by the police on the police national computer. 2 The figures are a count of offences rather than offenders. Where an Mr. Straw: In 2008-09, two defendants in the magistrates offender has been sentenced for several possession offences each courts with earnings over £50,000 and one defendant sentence has been counted. with earnings over £100,000 were awarded legal aid. All 3 Adults are classed as offenders aged 18 and over, juveniles are those three were awarded under hardship review which provides aged 10-17. * Indicates that one or more of the comparative numbers are less than a safety net for those with high incomes who are genuinely 50. For small numbers this could give misleading percentage changes. unable to pay their defence costs. In most circumstances applicants with an income in excess of £22,325 will not Table 2: Minimum, maximum and average fine amounts1 for the be granted legal aid in the magistrates courts. possession of a knife or offensive weapon, England and Wales, 2007 The Legal Services Commission is unable to answer £ the question in respect of defendants in the Crown Minimum fine amount 10 court. In the Crown court, provided applicants pass the Maximum fine amount 2,000 Interests of Justice test, they are currently entitled to Average2 fine amount 156 legal aid regardless of income, and since no income test 1 As recorded by the police on the police national computer. is applied to applicants, it is not known how many 2 There were six offences that were given a fine but without a recorded applicants (defendants) have incomes in excess of £50,000 fine amount, these were removed from the average. 1075W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1076W

These figures have been drawn from the police’s year from an individual who is not resident, ordinarily administrative IT system, the police national computer resident and domiciled in the United Kingdom for (PNC), which, as with any large scale recording system, income tax purposes. is subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. Section 52(l)(g) of the Political Parties, Elections and The figures are provisional and subject to change as Referendums Act 2000 states that more information is recorded by the police. “the provision by any individual of his own services which he PNC data have been used here rather than court data, provides voluntarily in his own time and free of charge” which is the usual source of published sentencing statistics. should not be regarded as a donation. Therefore a The PNC data provide more up to date figures ahead of non-resident individual who campaigns on behalf of a the finalised annual court data and was used for the party voluntarily, in his own free time and free of Ministry of Justice’s publication ‘Knife Crime Sentencing: charge would not be required to be resident, ordinarily Quarterly Brief’ published on 12 March 2009 and available resident and domiciled in the United Kingdom for from: income tax purposes. http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/knife-crime- Section 50(2)(f) of the 2000 Act states that sentencing.htm “the provision otherwise than on commercial terms of any Operation Safeguard: Billing property, services or facilities for the use or benefit of the party (including the services of any person)” Jenny Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for should be regarded as a donation. Justice how much his Department has been invoiced by Political Parties: Finance each police force in respect of costs incurred under Operation Safeguard in each month of 2009; and if he will make a statement. [286490] Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate his Department has made of the cost to Mr. Straw: Police cells have not been used since the public purse of implementing the recommendation 22 September 2008 and no police cells have been on on introducing tax relief for small donations to stand by since the end of October 2008. political parties made in the Sixth Report of the Committee for Standards in Public Life. [287353] Political Parties Mr. Wills: The Fifth Report of the Committee on Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Standards in Public Life (CSPL), entitled “The Funding whether an impact assessment, including a small firms of Political Parties in the United Kingdom”, recommended impact assessment, will be made in relation to the new that tax relief should be introduced on donations to provisions in the Political Parties and Elections Bill on political parties, capped at a level of £500 per donor per non-resident donors. [288088] year. The Government’s response to the CSPL’s Fifth Report Mr. Straw: Impact assessments for all substantive said provisions in the Political Parties and Elections Bill, “Tax relief would amount to general state aid by another including the new provisions requiring a declaration as route. A tax-relief scheme would be expensive for the Inland to taxation status of individual donors, will be published Revenue and political parties to administer relative to the likely at Royal Assent. The new provisions relating to taxation level of take-up. Furthermore, the Government has to balance the status relate only to donations made by individuals and loss of revenue (likely to be upwards of £4 or £5 million a year against other spending priorities.” do not impose or reduce costs on business. There is thus no requirement for a small firms impact assessment to (The funding of political parties in the United Kingdom: be conducted in relation to these provisions. The Government’s proposals for legislation in response to the Fifth Report of the Committee on Standards in Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Public Life, page 33, paragraph 6.3). what his timetable is for consultation with other The Government have not made any further estimate political parties on the scope for further amendments of the likely cost of introducing tax relief for small to the provisions in the Political Parties and Elections donations to political parties. Under the legislative Bill on non-resident donors. [288091] framework set out in the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, recipients of donations are not Mr. Straw: The Government have circulated revised required to record details of any donations received versions of the amendments to the taxation status provisions below the level of £200. It is therefore difficult to know in the Political Parties and Elections Bill to Opposition with any accuracy how many such donations occur in a spokespeople and others with an interest ahead of given year and thus what the cost of providing tax relief further parliamentary consideration. on such donations would be likely to be.

Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Prisoner Escapes whether the provisions of the Political Parties and Elections Bill on non-resident donors will place Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice restrictions on overseas residents campaigning in UK how many inmates who escaped from prison in each elections. [288092] year since 1979 remain at large. [285791]

Mr. Straw: The amendments tabled by the Government Mr. Straw: Escapes from prison have been falling for to the Political Parties and Elections Bill on taxation over a decade and 2008-09 saw the lowest level of prison status will restrict donations above £7,500 in a calendar escapes since centralised recording of these incidents 1077W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1078W began. The data in the table show the number of prisoners Notes: who have escaped from prisons in England and Wales in 1. There has not been an escape of a category A prisoner since 1995. 2. Figures on those unlawfully at large following an escape are not each of the last 12 years and those who remain unlawfully available centrally prior to 1997 and could not be provided without at large. Figures on prisoners unlawfully at large following incurring disproportionate cost. an escape are not available centrally before this period 3. These figures have been drawn from administrative data systems. and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large Escapes of prisoners by year from prisons in England and Wales scale recording system. showing those remaining unlawfully at large Figures on escapes and a range of other prison Number performance statistics are available at: Offender remaining http://www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/assets/documents/ Escaped prisoners at large 10004423prison_escapes_jan09.pdf

1997-98 23 0 Prisoners 1998-99 28 2 Jenny Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for 1999-2000 30 1 Justice how many prisoners held in a cell designed for 2000-01 11 0 two people shared their cell with two or more other 2001-02 15 0 prisoners in each prison in (a) 2007-08 and (b) 2008-09; and if he will make a statement. [286488] 2002-03 5 1 2003-04 10 1 Maria Eagle: The figures requested are shown in the 2004-05 12 0 following table. Since 1997, the Government have increased 2005-06 3 0 prison capacity by over 24,000 places (not all of them new build). The Government increased capacity by over 2006-07 2 0 3,300 places last year, aim to increase it by around 1,750 2007-08 4 1 this year and are committed to increase net capacity to 2008-09 1 0 96,000 by 2014.

Average number of Percentage of prisoners in Average number of Percentage of prisoners in prisoners in trebled trebled accommodation prisoners in trebled trebled accommodation accommodation accommodation Establishment name 2007-08 2007-08 2008-09 2008-09

Acklington0000 Albany0000 Aldington1, 2 ———— Altcourse3 1,717 11.8 1,612.0 10.6 Ashfield3 0000 Ashwell0000 AskhamGrange0000 Aylesbury 0000 Bedford 117 2.0 210.0 3.8 Belmarsh 4,467 40.6 4,579.0 42.5 Birmingham0000 Blakenhurst2 0 0—— Blantyre House 0000 Blundeston 0000 Brinsford0000 Bristol 0000 Brixton0000 Brockhill2 0 0—— Bronzefield3 0.0000 BuckleyHall0000 Bullingdon 60 0.5 0 0 BullwoodHall0000 CampHill0000 Canterbury 0000 Cardiff0000 Castington 0000 ChanningsWood0000 Chelmsford0000 Colchester1, 2 ———— Coldingley0000 Cookham Wood 0000 Dartmoor 0000 Deerbolt0000 1079W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1080W

Average number of Percentage of prisoners in Average number of Percentage of prisoners in prisoners in trebled trebled accommodation prisoners in trebled trebled accommodation accommodation accommodation Establishment name 2007-08 2007-08 2008-09 2008-09

Doncaster3 201 1.5 271.0 2.0 Dorchester 0000 Dovegate3 0000 Dover0000 Downview0000 DrakeHall0000 Durham0000 EastSuttonPark0000 Eastwood Park 0000 Edmunds Hill 0000 Elmley 3,606 30.5 4,051.0 34.7 Erlestoke 0000 Everthorpe0000 Exeter 0000 Featherstone 0000 Feltham0000 Ford0000 Forest Bank3 0000 FostonHall0000 Frankland0000 FullSutton0000 Garth 0000 Gartree 0000 GlenParva0000 Gloucester 0000 Grendon 0000 Guys Marsh 0000 Haslar 0000 Hatfield 0 0.0 0 0.0 Haverigg 0000 Hewell1 ——00 Hewell Grange2 0 0—— High Down 3,531 36.2 3,123.0 23.9 Highpoint 0000 Hindley0000 Hollesley Bay 0000 Holloway0000 Holme House 0000 Hull0000 Huntercombe 0000 Kennet0000 Kingston 0000 Kirkham0000 Kirklevington0000 Lancaster 0000 Lancaster Farms 0000 Latchmere House 0000 Leeds0000 Leicester 0000 Lewes0000 Leyhill0000 Lincoln0000 Lindholme 0000 Littlehey 0000 Liverpool 0000 Long Lartin 0000 LowNewton0000 Lowdham Grange3 0000 Maidstone0000 Manchester 0000 1081W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1082W

Average number of Percentage of prisoners in Average number of Percentage of prisoners in prisoners in trebled trebled accommodation prisoners in trebled trebled accommodation accommodation accommodation Establishment name 2007-08 2007-08 2008-09 2008-09

Moorland 0000 MortonHall0000 Mount 0000 NewHall0000 NorthSeaCamp0000 Northallerton 0000 Norwich 45 0.7 90.0 1.4 Nottingham 0000 Onley0000 Parc3 0000 Parkhurst0000 Pentonville 0000 Peterborough3 0.0000 Portland 0000 Preston 0000 Ranby0000 Reading0000 Risley 0000 Rochester 0000 Rye Hill3 0000 Send0000 Shepton Mallet 0000 Shrewsbury0000 Stafford0000 StandfordHill0000 Stocken0000 StokeHeath0000 Styal0000 Sudbury 0000 Swaleside 0000 Swansea 126 2.5 225.0 4.4 SwinfenHall0000 Thorn Cross 0000 Usk\Prescoed 63 1.3 69.0 1.4 Verne0000 Wakefield 0000 Wandsworth0000 WarrenHill0000 Wayland 0000 Wealstun 0000 Weare———— Wellingborough 0000 Werrington 0000 Wetherby0000 Whatton0000 Whitemoor 0000 Winchester 0 0.0 3.0 0.0 Wolds3 0000 Woodhill 0000 WormwoodScrubs0000 Wymott0000 Service Total 1,161 1.4 1,186.1 1.4 Key: 1 Not operational in 1007-08 2 Not operational in 1008-09 3 Contracted out

Jenny Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for prisoners in each prison in (a) 2007-08 and (b) 2008-09; Justice how many prisoners held in a cell designed for and if he will make a statement. [286489] one inmate shared their cell with one or more other 1083W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1084W

Maria Eagle: The figures requested are shown in the 3,300 places last year, aim to increase it by around 1,750 following table. Since 1997, the Government have increased this year and are committed to increase net capacity to prison capacity by over 24,000 places (not all of them 96,000 by 2014. new build). The Government increased capacity by over

Average number of Percentage of prisoners in Average number of Percentage of prisoners in prisoners in doubled doubled accommodation prisoners in doubled doubled accommodation accommodation accommodation Establishment name 2007-08 2007-08 2008-09 2008-09

Acklington 0 0 0 0 Albany 0 0 0 0 Aldington2, 3 ———— Altcourse 825.4 68.2 825.7 65.3 Ashfield1 0000 Ashwell 9.7 1.8 24.5 4.2 Askham Grange 0 0 0 0 Aylesbury 0 0 0 0 Bedford 299.3 62.0 257.3 56.2 Belmarsh 0 0 0 0 Birmingham 652.8 45.0 640.7 44.8 Blakenhurst3 480.0 45.1 — — Blantyre House 0 0 0 0 Blundeston 32.7 7.1 32.7 6.3 Brinsford 44.3 9.7 30.3 5.7 Bristol 156.0 25.9 158.3 26.3 Brixton 249.0 31.0 226.7 29.2 Brockhill3 00—— Bronzefield1 0000 Buckley Hall 53.0 13.9 70.0 18.5 Bullingdon 400.0 41.7 424.3 41.2 Bullwood Hall 0 0 0 0 Camp Hill 129.7 22.0 146.3 25.0 Canterbury 154.2 55.1 203.5 67.2 Cardiff 478.5 63.7 520.8 66.9 Castington 7.7 2.0 5.7 1.5 Channings Wood 46.0 6.6 32.0 4.4 Chelmsford 303.8 43.5 257.2 37.5 Colchester2, 3 ———— Coldingley 38.5 9.9 39.3 9.0 Cookham Wood 15.5 23.3 0 0.0 Dartmoor 44.3 7.0 42.2 6.6 Deerbolt 0 0 0 0 Doncaster1 725.9 64.0 704.4 63.3 Dorchester 171.5 74.1 172.0 75.3 Dovegate1 73.8 8.8 120.3 14.3 Dover0000 Downview 0 0 0 0 Drake Hall 0 0 0 0 Durham 715.0 75.6 676.5 73.4 East Sutton Park 0 0 0 0 Eastwood Park 59.2 17.8 51.3 16.2 Edmunds Hill 0 0 0 0 Elmley 204.8 20.8 176.5 18.1 Erlestoke 8.0 1.9 0 0 Everthorpe 153.2 22.6 152.7 22.6 Exeter 351.2 73.3 400.2 79.8 Featherstone 16.5 2.5 25.8 3.8 Feltham 0 0 0 0 Ford0000 Forest Bank1 593.8 54.3 626.8 56.2 Foston Hall 0 0 0 0 Frankland 0 0 0 0 Full Sutton 0 0 0 0 1085W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1086W

Average number of Percentage of prisoners in Average number of Percentage of prisoners in prisoners in doubled doubled accommodation prisoners in doubled doubled accommodation accommodation accommodation Establishment name 2007-08 2007-08 2008-09 2008-09

Garth 12.0 1.8 30.7 3.7 Gartree 0 0 0 0 Glen Parva 294.8 36.6 286.3 36.5 Gloucester 151.8 52.7 153.0 50.7 Grendon 0 0 0 0 Guys Marsh 85.5 15.1 89.2 15.6 Haslar 0 0 0 0 Hatfield 0 0 0 0 Haverigg 11.2 1.9 21.0 3.4 Hewell2 — — 414.2 29.6 Hewell Grange3 00—— High Down 0 0 19.0 1.7 Highpoint 38.8 4.8 38.5 4.7 Hindley 0 0 0 0 Hollesley Bay 0 0 0 0 Holloway 0 0 0 0 Holme House 271.9 27.6 240.7 25.2 Hull 560.5 54.3 567.3 55.8 Huntercombe 0 0 0 0 Kennet 188.3 91.5 326.3 96.7 Kingston 0 0 0 0 Kirkham 0 0 0 0 Kirklevington 0 0 0 0 Lancaster 143.0 71.0 152.7 65.9 Lancaster Farms 58.8 11.8 61.8 13.5 Latchmere House 0 0 0 0 Leeds 739.5 73.2 601.8 59.5 Leicester 287.7 82.7 300.2 83.8 Lewes 148.7 28.3 145.5 21.8 Leyhill 0 0 0 0 Lincoln 493.5 73.5 508.3 73.4 Lindholme 88.5 8.6 106.0 9.6 Littlehey 89.2 12.8 124.0 17.2 Liverpool 408.2 30.0 388.0 29.4 Long Lartin 0 0 0 0 Low Newton 54.7 19.5 62.5 20.7 Lowdham Grange1 64.5 9.7 89.5 13.1 Maidstone 53.8 10.5 55.3 11.8 Manchester 629.5 51.2 606.5 50.7 Moorland 69.0 6.8 73.3 7.2 Morton Hall 0 0 0 0 Mount 24.8 3.4 30.5 4.0 New Hall 49.3 12.4 55.3 13.8 North Sea Camp 0 0 0 0 Northallerton 188.8 78.6 179.7 78.4 Norwich 187.5 33.8 172.5 33.2 Nottingham 337.8 61.7 329.8 60.9 Onley 0 0 0 0 Parc1 267.3 23.7 315.7 26.5 Parkhurst 60.0 11.8 58.8 12.1 Pentonville 733.2 64.1 676.5 60.7 Peterborough1 123.7 12.9 246.3 25.5 Portland 0 0 0 0 Preston 661.8 90.9 650.2 90.2 Ranby 234.8 22.8 238.2 22.1 Reading 157.8 60.9 124.2 51.2 Risley 82.3 7.6 79.5 7.3 Rochester 0 0 0 0 Rye Hill1 16.8 2.7 0 0 Send 0 0 0 0 1087W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1088W

Average number of Percentage of prisoners in Average number of Percentage of prisoners in prisoners in doubled doubled accommodation prisoners in doubled doubled accommodation accommodation accommodation Establishment name 2007-08 2007-08 2008-09 2008-09

Shepton Mallet 43.7 23.4 45.8 24.7 Shrewsbury 301.8 92.6 241.3 80.1 Stafford 0 0 0 0 Standford Hill 0 0 0 0 Stocken 50.0 7.5 60.0 7.5 Stoke Heath 184.5 29.3 132.3 22.1 Styal 18.2 4.1 20.0 4.5 Sudbury 0.7 0.1 0 0 Swaleside 30.2 3.9 28.0 3.6 Swansea 325.3 77.4 333.5 79.0 Swinfen Hall 7.8 1.3 29.0 4.7 Thorn Cross 0 0 0 0 Usk\Prescoed 209.3 52.6 220.8 54.1 Verne 66.2 11.2 65.2 11.1 Wakefield 0 0 0 0 Wandsworth 1168.8 79.2 1141.5 70.4 Warren Hill 0 0 0 0 Wayland 79.3 11.2 85.3 8.7 Wealstun 31.3 4.0 36.2 6.8 Weare2, 3 ———— Wellingborough 2.0 0.3 2.5 0.4 Werrington 0 0 0 0 Wetherby 20.0 5.7 10.2 3.0 Whatton 63.7 8.2 56.5 6.8 Whitemoor 0 0 0 0 Winchester 333.7 61.1 359.5 59.6 Wolds1 84.7 22.8 96.0 25.2 Woodhill 256.2 31.5 298.0 36.4 Wormwood Scrubs 124.0 9.8 124.0 9.9 Wymott 90.0 8.5 104.0 9.5 Service total 19,054.3 23.6 19,152.6 23.1 Key: 1 Contracted out. 2 Not operational in 2007-08. 3 Not operational in 2008-09.

Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Maria Eagle: The following table gives the number of how many people (a) of each sex and (b) in each age people received into prison under an immediate custodial group have been admitted to prison in each year since sentence by age group and sex. This excludes those 1997. [286732] received on remand that did not subsequently enter prison under sentence in the same year, fine defaulters and non-criminals.

Receptions into prison establishments1 under an immediate custodial sentence by age and sex, England and Wales Number of persons 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Male All ages 75,985 80,059 83,422 84,189 83,292 85,895 84,252 85,062 82,390 80,436 82,205 15-17 5,365 5,283 5,523 5,530 5,598 5,392 4,729 4,986 4,971 5,127 5,165 18-20 12,525 13,245 14,264 14,567 14,101 13,512 12.345 12,252 11,770 11,845 12,778 21-24 15,794 15,608 15,905 16,621 16,866 17,754 17,147 16,527 15,138 14,520 14,535 25-29 16,180 17,086 17,133 17,085 16,113 16,642 16,146 16,038 15,105 14,801 15,146 30-39 17,431 19,365 20,596 20,567 20,525 22,202 22,704 22,612 22,136 20.771 20,346 40-49 5,935 6,422 6,772 6,726 6,993 7,356 7.985 9,108 9,623 9,647 10,258 50-59 2,160 2,408 2,505 2,319 2,376 2,347 2.448 2,708 2,791 2,805 2,950 60 and over 595 642 724 774 720 690 748 831 856 920 1,027

Female All ages 4,847 5,849 6,816 7,006 7,231 7,720 7,993 8,264 8,024 7,698 8,056 15-17 252 302 354 304 305 346 189 186 204 164 191 18-20 601 769 879 932 965 986 916 840 874 849 888 21-24 973 1,113 1,368 1,450 1,520 1,667 1,781 1,674 1,502 1,375 1,326 1089W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1090W

Receptions into prison establishments1 under an immediate custodial sentence by age and sex, England and Wales Number of persons 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

25-29 1,071 1,311 1,516 1,477 1,606 1,694 1,786 1,825 1,695 1,596 1,720 30-39 1,325 1,618 1,909 2,041 2,042 2,157 2.352 2,519 2,422 2,403 2,485 40-49 480 582 584 602 605 725 773 986 1,072 1,043 1,135 50-59 125 135 184 166 162 122 173 200 214 216 258 60andover2019223426232334415253 1 Excludes police cells.

The table is taken from table 6.6 in the Offender drugs on arrival in each of the last 10 years; and which Management Caseload Statistics 2007, a copy of which drug or drugs they tested positive for. [286736] can be found in the Libraries of the House and which can be found at the following website: Maria Eagle: Prisoners can be subject to mandatory http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/ and clinical drug tests on reception. Clinical drug test prisonandprobation.htm results are not held centrally and can be obtained only These figures have been drawn from administrative by surveying 138 establishments, which would be at IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording disproportionate cost. system, are subject to possible errors with data entry Not all prisons operate reception mandatory testing, and processing. and of those that do, not all are on new receptions into Prisoners: Drugs custody. However, the number of positive samples by gender Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice under the mandatory drug testing (MDT) programme how many people (a) of each sex and (b) in each age on reception is given in the following table. It is not group admitted to prison have tested positive for illegal possible to provide figures by age group.

MDT conducted on reception Number of positive samples for each drug Total Cannabis Opiates Cocaine Benzodiazepines Methadone Amphetamines Barbiturates LSD Buprenorphine number of positive samples

Female prisoners 1999- 3121 10 0000 2000 2000-01 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2001-02 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2002-03 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2003-04 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2004-05 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2005-06 3 1 2 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 2006-07 41 14 25 27 27 6 0 4 0 0 2007-08 13 1 10 8 11 1 0 0 0 2 2008-09 36 15 16 12 17 4 0 0 0 5

Male prisoners 1999- 776 534 282 72 140 18 19 3 0 2 2000 2000-01 1,024 640 476 156 299 30 26 3 0 10 2001-02 508 313 220 86 140 13 19 2 0 7 2002-03 485 300 195 90 160 12 9 3 0 8 2003-04 491 330 154 84 138 12 10 9 0 23 2004-05 687 488 175 91 164 11 25 8 0 66 2005-06 860 555 254 91 177 27 19 16 0 82 2006-07 1,087 643 350 120 263 47 24 9 0 74 2007-08 1,456 860 489 149 391 109 34 9 0 128 2008-09 1,302 782 365 142 342 120 15 5 0 183 1091W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1092W

Notes: 1. MDT results are recorded anonymously. It is possible therefore that some positive samples relate to the same prisoner. 2. The sum of the number of positive samples for each drug is greater than the total number of positive samples. This is due to some samples testing positive for more than one drug. 3. These figures have been drawn from administrative data systems. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system. The data are not subject to audit.

Chris Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice drug test results are not held centrally and can be how many prisoners (a) of each sex and (b) in each obtained only by surveying 138 establishments, which age group tested positive for illegal drugs in each of the would be at disproportionate cost. last 10 years; and which drug or drugs they tested positive for. [286737] The number of positive results under all types of mandatory drug testing (MDT) is given in the following Maria Eagle: Prisoners can be subject to mandatory, tables. It is not possible to provide figures by age group. voluntary and clinical drug testing. Voluntary and clinical

MDT conducted on female prisoners Number of positive samples for each drug Total number of positive samples Cannabis Opiates Cocaine Benzodiazepines Methadone Amphetamines Barbiturates LSD Buprenorphine

1999- 780 181 441 37 275 16 17 7 0 2 20000 2000-01 812 168 504 35 215 14 7 3 0 6 2001-02 681 126 402 49 194 23 11 2 0 9 2002-03 578 109 265 32 232 31 7 0 0 22 2003-04 688 122 240 39 331 89 5 3 0 34 2004-05 900 147 415 57 306 98 7 3 0 117 2005-06 1,009 169 480 60 280 104 6 8 0 166 2006-07 1,054 122 505 79 310 112 7 10 0 164 2007-08 925 91 338 61 236 112 9 2 0 295 2008-09 688 116 231 44 178 72 0 1 0 200

MDT conducted on male prisoners Number of positive samples for each drug Total number of positive samples Cannabis Opiates Cocaine Benzodiazepines Methadone Amphetamines Barbiturates LSD Buprenorphine

1999- 17,098 11,814 6,458 369 1,374 67 103 21 1 74 2000 2000-01 15,990 9,284 7,437 437 1,631 60 81 14 0 264 2001-02 13,689 7,518 6,560 391 1,353 40 72 21 0 346 2002-03 12,304 8,086 4,439 354 1,212 33 56 17 0 347 2003-04 14,059 10,035 4,166 343 1,354 49 101 44 0 568 2004-05 14,903 9,491 5,341 346 1,235 116 129 57 0 1,033 2005-06 14,714 8,476 5,746 339 1,180 159 108 90 0 1,388 2006-07 13,123 6,116 6,170 328 1,228 219 125 94 0 1,293 2007-08 14,243 6,199 6,949 438 1,411 402 121 27 0 1,564 2008-09 13,212 5,852 5,066 357 1,398 514 55 31 0 2,928 Notes: 1. MDT results are recorded anonymously. It is possible therefore that some positive samples relate to the same prisoner. 2. The sum of the number of positive samples for each drug is greater than the total number of positive samples. This is due to some samples testing positive for more than one drug. 3. These figures have been drawn from administrative data systems. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system. The data are not subject to audit.

Prisoners: Financial Provision Maria Eagle: The only information systematically held is from the assessment of offending related factors Mr. Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice made through the Offender Assessment System (OASys) what information his Department holds on the which is only applied to young prisoners and to adult financial circumstances of adult male and female prisoners serving sentences of more than 12 months. prisoners at the time of imprisonment; what research During the period 1 April 2008 until 31 March 2009, he has commissioned on the subject; and if he will 7,844 adult male offenders and 825 adult female offenders make a statement. [284848] 1093W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1094W were assessed at the start of a custodial sentence as prisoners that the estate can readily hold taking into having an offending linked factor related to ‘financial account control, security and the proper operation of management and income’. regimes including single cell risk assessments. It allows Pilots are under way regarding extending assessment for the fact that prisoners are managed separately by to all prisoners and Surveying Prisoner Crime Reduction sex, risk category and conviction status and that the (SPCR) is a longitudinal study aiming to provide an population will not exactly match the distribution of overview of prisoners’ needs, interventions received and places available across the country. Useable operational related outcomes. capacity is currently set at 2,000 places (the “operating margin”) below the overall capacity of the prison estate. Prisons Our analysis suggests we need to increase the capacity of the prison estate to around 96,000 places by 2014, Mr. Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice and we are on course to achieve this through the current pursuant to his answer of 1 June 2009, Official Report, building programme. No decisions have been made on columns 80-81W, on prison accommodation, (1) what the provision of further capacity once the programme proportion of his Department’s expenditure of £60 to increase the estate to 96,000 places is complete. million at the former RAF Coltishall he expects to be The following table shows the prison population incurred on (a) structural changes, (b) refurbishment, originating from each region as of September 2008. (c) construction of new buildings, (d) security measures, (e) hygiene and other services and (f) other Population by region of origin1, September 2008 data works; [286759] Region Originating population (2) what estimate he has made of the lifetime of (a) East Midlands 5,900 the new prison development at RAF Coltishall and (b) Eastern 5,700 the capital construction cost per prison place per year London 17,200 of that lifespan. [286761] North East 3,900 Mr. Straw: It is estimated that approximately £1.8 North West 13,100 million will be spent on structural changes, £31.4 million South East 8,600 will be spent on refurbishment, £13.6 million will be South West 4,700 spent on construction of new buildings, £2.8 million Wales 4,200 will be spent on security measures, £7.2 million will be West Midlands 8,900 spent on hygiene and other services and £3 million will Yorkshire and the Humber 8,700 be spent on other works. Grand total2 80,900 The estimated lifespan of the new prison development 1 Region of origin is derived from a prisoner’s home address. If this at Coltishall is 60 years. The capital construction cost is home address is not recorded centrally the prisoner’s court of committal is used as a proxy for home area. £60 million or approximately £2,000 per prison place 2 This total excludes around 2,400 prisoners who do not have a per year during this time. centrally recorded home or court address. Note: Mr. Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Data are rounded to the nearest 100. what the (a) current and (b) certified normal capacity of the prison estate in each region is; what estimate he Prisons: Drugs has made of the estate’s capacity in 2016; and what proportion of the current prison population originated Mr. Pelling: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice in each region is. [286762] what assessment he has made of the cost effectiveness of the use of (a) random and (b) non-random Maria Eagle: The following table shows the certified mandatory drugs testing in prisons between 2002-03 normal accommodation (CNA) of prisons in each region and 2008-09; and what plans he has for the future use against the corresponding operational capacity as of of mandatory drugs testing in prisons. [285885] May 2009. Maria Eagle: There is no research directly into the Capacity by region, May 2009 data cost-effectiveness of mandatory drug testing. (a) Operational Independent research carried out by the Office for Region Capacity (b) In use CNA National Statistics East Midlands 10,373 9,197 http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs05/rdsolr0305.pdf Eastern 8,355 7,486 concluded that the mandatory drug testing programme London 7,736 6,421 met its key objectives. Mandatory drug testing continues North East 5,217 4,623 to be an integral part of the strategy to reduce the North West 13,167 10,777 supply of drugs in prisons. South East 14,220 12,760 The success of the strategy overall is reflected in a South West 6,830 5,954 reduction in drug misuse in prisons of 63 per cent. since Wales 2,860 1,936 1996-07. West Midlands 8,322 7,307 Yorkshire and the 9,725 8,223 Probation: Hemel Hempstead Humber Mike Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Operational capacity in the table does not take into Justice how many high risk (a) male and (b) female account the prison estate’s “operating margin”. This is offenders in each age group there were in the Hemel reflected in the useable operational capacity of the Hempstead probation area in each of the last five estate and is the best estimate of the total number of years. [284320] 1095W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1096W

Maria Eagle: The total number of male offenders, by Maria Eagle: Local reoffending data was published age group and the total number of female offenders in for the first time on 12 February 2009, covering the Hertfordshire probation area who were categorised as period 1 October 2007 to 30 September 2008. Tier 4 (high risk) as at 31 March in each of the last three The National Offender Management Service holds years is provided in the following table. Information is information on the number of offenders charged with available at probation area level only and has not been serious further (violent) offences while under probation provided for women by age group because of the small supervision for the years 2006-07 and 2007-08. However, numbers of cases involved. this does not include all types of violent offence and the data are collected at probation area level. The information 2006 2007 2008 in relation solely to Milton Keynes is not held centrally Age and would involve checking the local records for the group Males Females Males Females Males Females Thames Valley probation area at a disproportionate 18-20 32 1—581—501— cost. 21-24 37 1—491—461— 25-29 53 1—681—531— Voting Methods 30-39 78 1— 104 1—701— 40-49 39 1—531—541— Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 50 and 20 1—181—161— what progress has been made on his Department’s over review of weekend voting; and what timetable has been All 259 32 350 24 289 9 set for the Government’s response to the consultation. 1 Data not provided because of the small numbers involved. [287356] Information on tier prior to 1 April 2005 was not recorded. Mr. Wills: The “Election Day: Weekend Voting” consultation attracted nearly 1,000 responses. It has These figures have been drawn from administrative taken time to analyse, in detail, the views and evidence IT systems which, as with any large scale recording provided. The Government’s response to the consultation system, are subject to possible errors with data entry will be published in due course. and processing. Young Offender Institutions: Per Capita Costs Probation Service Mr. Grieve: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Rob Marris: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice with reference to the answer of 17 November 2008, how much the Probation Service spent on (a) consultants, Official Report, column 24W, on young offender (b) monitoring of performance, (c) IT systems which institutions: per capita costs, what the average cost of were abandoned as unsuccessful, (d) IT systems which providing a place in (a) a young offender institution were retained as successful and (e) management in for 18 to 21 year olds, (b) a young offender institution (i) 2003-04, (ii) 2004-05, (iii) 2005-06, (iv) 2006-07 and for 15 to 17 year olds and (c) a secure training centre (v) 2007-08. [282472] for under 15 year olds was in 2008-09. [285491]

Maria Eagle: It is not possible to answer the questions, Mr. Straw: The average cost per year of a place at a except for the C-NOMIS project and the Delius case young offender institution (YOI) for 2008-09 is not yet management system, without incurring disproportionate available. The figures will be calculated after completion cost as it would be necessary to request information of the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) from each of the 42 local area probation boards that Annual Report and Accounts, due to be issued at the comprised the National Probation Service (NPS) in end of July, and published on the NOMS website. I will England and Wales up to 31 March 2008. write to the hon. Member when the figures are available. However, some elements of IT provision are managed The average cost per year of a place at a secure centrally, within which Delius, a case management system training centre (STC) for 2008-09, as provided by the already in use by some probation areas, has been Youth Justice Board, was £179,972. The age range of implemented where existing NPS case management systems young people held in STCs is 12-17 years. are in urgent need of replacement. This replacement began in 2007-08 and for that financial year, expenditure was £367,000. The National Audit Office (in its report on the National BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Offender Management Information System, HC292, 2008-09) estimated that the National Offender Management Adult Education Service had spent around £15 million on the probation element of C-NOMIS which is no longer required. Mr. Willetts: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the Reoffenders: Crimes of Violence answer of 14 May 2009, Official Report, column 993W, on basic skills, how many Learning and Skills Council-funded Mr. Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for adult learners aged between 16 and 19 years old were Justice how many offenders from Milton Keynes were eligible for inclusion in statistics used to measure progress charged with each category of violent offence while against the Skills for Life Public Service Agreement under supervision by the Probation Service in each of target in (a) 2002-03, (b) 2003-04, (c) 2004-05, the last five years. [283651] (d) 2005-06 and (e) 2006-07. [278871] 1097W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1098W

Kevin Brennan: Table 1 shows Skills for Life achievement which is to improve the basic skill levels of 2.25 million figures for working age 16 to 19 year-olds between adults between the launch of Skills for Life in 2001 and 2002-03 and 2007-08. The table shows only those 2010. This target was achieved in 2008. achievements which count towards the 2010 PSA target

Table 1: Skills for Life 2010 target-bearing achievements (annual discounted achievements) 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

16 year-old 50,100 70,200 86,900 99,000 105,500 111,400 17 year-old 30,200 43,200 58,200 78,300 81,600 84,300 18 year-old 13,000 22,900 33,200 47,500 52,200 51,800 19 year-old 6,400 12,200 19,500 28,000 32,000 32,400 16 to 19 year-olds 99,600 148,400 197,700 252,900 271,200 279,900 Notes: 1. Volumes are rounded to the nearest hundred. 2. Achievements are “discounted” to take into account learners that may have previously contributed to the target. For example, if a learner had previously achieved a level 1 literacy qualification in 2005-06 but subsequently achieved a level 1 numeracy qualification in 2006-07, we “discount” the number of learners to ensure we do not double-count learners achieving the target. Source: Individualised Learner Record Student data.

Apprentices Kevin Brennan [holding answer 14 July 2009]: Table 1 shows apprenticeship starts for 16 to 24 year-olds in Mr. Willetts: To ask the Minister of State, each quarter since August 2007. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how many people aged 16 to 24 started an apprenticeship in each quarter since August 2007. [283991]

Table 1: Apprenticeship starts by age 1 August 2007 1 November 1 February 1 May2008 to 1 August 2008 1 November 1 February to 31 October 2007 to 2008 to 31 July 2008 to 31 October 2008 to 2009 to 2007 31 January 30 April 2008 2008 31 January 30 April 2009 2008 2009

16-18 year-olds 54,500 17,800 16,800 18,000 52,200 16,100 13,400 19-24 year-olds 28,700 17,200 23,600 20,600 31,500 18,100 18,300 Notes: 1. Volumes are rounded to the nearest hundred. 2. Age is calculated based on age at the start of the course. Source: WBL ILR

The National Apprenticeship Service has developed approximately 1,500 new places, by inviting bids from a 16-18 Apprenticeships Action Plan and is taking larger manufacturers to train additional apprentices, forward a range of actions to increase the number of including for their supply chains. young people starting an apprenticeship. These include: On 1 December 2008 the Apprenticeship Expansion an £11 million investment to provide 3,000 additional Programme Prospectus was launched, inviting Expressions places with large businesses that have a track record in of Interest from employers or groups of employers who offering high-quality apprenticeships, with 1,800 places are already delivering high-quality Apprenticeship for 16 to 18 year-olds; a £7 million investment in Group programmes. Training Associations which can help attract new and On 13 May the majority of the successful bids were hard to reach employers and new individuals to become announced. Out of the approximately 3,000 additional apprentices; a focus on increasing the number of Apprenticeships created under the Expansion Programme, apprenticeship places available in the public sector by at least 1,400 will be in the Engineering and Manufacturing 21,000 this year with a specific focus on health, education, sector. The first additional apprentices will be taken on central and local government; and the publication of in September 2009. OGC guidance to enable Central and Local Government to utilise the £175 billion spent each year on procurement Stephen Williams: To ask the Minister of State, contracts to increase apprenticeship numbers and investment Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how in training. much his Department has spent on level four Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Minister of State, apprenticeships in each year since 2001. [286798] Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what Kevin Brennan: Our records show that in 2006-07, progress has been made towards provision of the proposed £115,000 was spent on funding level four apprenticeship 1,500 apprenticeships under the New Opportunities, places. This rose to £202,000 in 2007-08, as more learners New Challenges strategy. [286188] started apprenticeships and we continued to fund the Kevin Brennan: In the Manufacturing: New Opportunities, programmes of those who had started in the previous New Challenges strategy, the Government committed year. In previous academic years, level four apprenticeships to extend and expand high quality Apprenticeships by were not available. 1099W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1100W

Apprentices: Females have seen tremendous growth in the adult (25 plus) Apprenticeship programme from just 300 starts in 2006/07, Mr. Laws: To ask the Minister of State, Department to over 27,000 in 2007/08 in England. We are delighted for Business, Innovation and Skills how many and what that this trend has continued and demand from employers proportion of apprenticeships were completed by for adult apprenticeships remains very high. This women in each of the last 10 years. [284282] demonstrates that apprenticeships provide a high-quality, all-age offer for businesses and that employers recognise Kevin Brennan: The table shows the volume and the benefits of continuing to train in the current economic proportion of apprenticeships completed by women in climate. The Government’s Skills Investment Strategy each year from 2003/04 to 2007/08. 2010-11 (due in autumn 2009) will set out national projections for apprenticeship starts for 2009/10 and Apprenticeships completed by women 2010/11 academic years. Proportion Volume (percentage) Apprentices: Thames Valley 2003/04 25,200 51 Tony Baldry: To ask the Minister of State, 2004/05 32,200 48 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what 2005/06 45,700 46 estimate he has made of the number of apprenticeships 2006/07 50,900 45 which will be taken up by those over the age of 24 years 2007/08 50,800 45 resident in (a) the Thames Valley and (b) Oxfordshire Note: in the next 12 months. [285595] Figures have been rounded to the nearest hundred, and percentages to the nearest per cent. Kevin Brennan: The following table shows apprenticeship Source: WBL ILR starts in Oxfordshire in 2007-08, the latest year for In many areas the take up of apprenticeships reflects which we have full-year information. Information is the gender divide in the workplace. For example 1 per also provided for all of the local authorities covered by cent. of construction apprentices are women but in the the Thames Valley Local Learning and Skills Council. care sector women comprise 97 per cent. of apprentices. Apprenticeship starts in 2007-08 We do not accept this and we have asked that the new Age at start of programme All starts National Apprenticeship Service to take action to address Local authority Under 19 19-24 25+ inequalities within the Apprenticeship programme. Bracknell Forest 200 200 100 400 Apprentices: Hertfordshire Buckinghamshire 800 700 100 1,600 Milton Keynes 400 500 100 1,000 Mr. Pelling: To ask the Minister of State, Oxfordshire 1,000 800 200 2,000 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what Reading 200 200 100 500 estimate he has made of the number of apprenticeships Slough 200 200 100 400 to be taken up by those over the age of 24 years in (a) West Berkshire 300 300 100 700 Hemel Hempstead constituency, (b) Dacorum and (c) Windsor and 200 200 — 400 Hertfordshire in the next five years. [285889] Maidenhead Wokingham 900 900 300 2,000 Kevin Brennan: The table shows apprenticeship starts Total 4,100 3,900 1,100 9,100 in Hemel Hempstead parliamentary constituency and Notes: Hertfordshire local authority in 2007/08, the latest year 1. Area is based on home postcode of learner. for which we have full-year information. Information is 2. Figures have been rounded to the nearest hundred and may not sum to the total due to rounding. not available at local authority district level and hence 3. ‘—’ indicates a value of less than 50. figures for Dacorum, which is part of Hertfordshire 4. Age is calculated based on age at start of programme. local authority, are not shown. Source: WBL ILR Apprenticeship starts in 2007/08 Area Nationally, in 2008-09 we anticipate that more adults Age at start of Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire local than ever before will start an Apprenticeship. As part of programme constituency authority our unprecedented investment in Apprenticeships we have seen tremendous growth in the adult (25+) Under 19 140 1,300 Apprenticeship programme from just 300 starts in 2006-07, 19-24 160 1,200 to over 27,000 in 2007/08 in England. We are delighted 25 plus 50 300 that this trend has continued and demand from employers All starts 350 2,800 for adult Apprenticeships remains very high. This Notes demonstrates that Apprenticeships provide a high-quality, 1. Area is based on home postcode of learner. all-age offer for businesses and that employers recognise 2. Figures for parliamentary constituency have been rounded to the nearest ten and figures for local authority have been rounded to the the benefits of continuing to train in the current economic nearest hundred. Therefore figures may not sum to the total due to climate. rounding. 3. Age is calculated based on age at start of programme. Better Regulation Executive Source: WBL ILR Tim Loughton: To ask the Minister of State, Nationally, in 2008/09 we anticipate that more adults Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what than ever before will start an apprenticeship. As part of the projected expenditure by the Better Regulation our unprecedented investment in apprenticeships we Executive is for each of the next five years. [283431] 1101W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1102W

Ian Lucas: The Better Regulation Executive has a Ms Rosie Winterton: Support is available to established formal budget for 2009-10 and an indicative budget for businesses, new businesses and those wanting to start a 2010-11 as set out: business throughout England, including in seaside resorts, via Business Link. Business Link is the Government’s £ million multi-channel business support service providing access 2009-10 2010-11 to information and advice and directing clients to private (formal) (indicative) and public sector support. Programme budget 4.7 4.7 This Department sponsors the nine English RDAs. of which: The RDAs are the delivery vehicle for business development Local Better Regulation 4.4 4.4 at a sub-national level and are responsible for the day-to-day offices management of Business Link. The RDAs have an Communications 0.3 0.3 important role to play, with other partners, in helping Administration budget 6.4 6.4 coastal areas in their regions to achieve their full economic Total budget 11.1 11.1 potential, as part of wider regional strategies to deliver sustainable growth. These budgets were set out in the comprehensive Business: Empty Property spending review (CSR) 2007, covering the financial years 2008-09, 2009-10, and 2010-11. Budgets for future Mr. Binley: To ask the Minister of State, Department years will be decided as part of the next spending for Business, Innovation and Skills what his most round, which has not yet been announced by HM recent estimate is of the number of empty business Treasury. properties there are in each constituency in England. [286596] Business: Billing Mrs. McGuire: To ask the Minister of State, Ms Rosie Winterton: These data are not available at Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how constituency level. many times cases under (a) the Late Payment of Business: Government Assistance Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 2002 and (b) other late payment legislation have been brought in UK Mr. Newmark: To ask the Minister of State, courts in the last four years. [286711] Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how Ms Rosie Winterton: The Ministry of Justice does not many businesses have received assistance from the hold any statistical information about court applications Working Capital Guarantee Scheme; and how much (including Scotland) relating specifically to (a) the Late funding has been committed to date. [259010] Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 2002 and (b) other late payment legislation. Ms Rosie Winterton [holding answer 26 February This is because the administrative computer systems 2009]: The Working Capital Scheme (WCS) is not used in the courts do not presently identify these specific available directly to businesses. The scheme enables application types. While the relevant cases will be logged participating banks to increase the amount of working on the system, they cannot be distinguished from other capital they can make available to businesses. types of claims issued. Changing the administrative By guaranteeing portfolios of working capital facilities, systems to create specific case types for these types of this will release regulatory capital held by the banks cases would incur disproportionate cost. against these portfolios. The banks have agreed they will make commitments to re-deploy this capital in Mrs. McGuire: To ask the Minister of State, order to increase all types of lending to small and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) and mid-sized corporates research has been carried out into the size of above their current base line. companies bringing court cases under late payment We have signed £1 billion of guarantees with RBS legislation. [286712] and Lloyds for portfolios of £2 billion. The financing Ms Rosie Winterton: The Ministry of Justice does not for businesses it releases has already started from 1 hold any statistical information about court applications March as a result of the lending agreements based on (including Scotland) relating specifically to late payment the Asset Protection Scheme and WCS. We will be legislation. allocating from the £10 billion WCS, guarantees for This is because the administrative computer systems trade credit insurance in response to the constraint to used in the courts do not presently identify these specific working capital arising from withdrawal of trade credit application types. While the relevant cases will be logged insurance. We will also be consulting on the viability of on the system, they cannot be distinguished from other using some of these guarantees for letters of credit and types of claims issued. Changing the administrative other forms of export finance which are also possible systems to create specific case types for these types of areas of constraint for working capital. cases would incur disproportionate cost. Mr. Amess: To ask the Minister of State, Department Business: Coastal Areas for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the number of companies which will apply Mr. Sanders: To ask the Minister of State, for assistance under the Working Capital Scheme; how Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what much has been allocated by his Department to the steps he is taking to encourage business growth in scheme; what criteria are used by his Department on seaside resorts in England. [284759] deciding suitability under the scheme; under what 1103W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1104W circumstances assistance would be refused; whether the (i) Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme and interest is charged under the scheme; and if he will (ii) Capital for Enterprise Fund in 2009; and how much make a statement. [259065] funding has been provided to businesses in Southwark under each scheme. [279301] Anne Main: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how Ms Rosie Winterton [holding answer 15 June 2009]: many businesses have received funding under the The Department records information on the Enterprise Working Capital Scheme. [260556] Finance Guarantee and Capital for Enterprise Fund on a regional basis, including London. It does not hold the Ms Rosie Winterton: The Working Capital Scheme information requested at borough level and it could be (WCS) is not available directly to businesses. The scheme provided only at disproportionate cost. enables participating banks to increase the amount of Set out in the following tables is the information for working capital they can make available to businesses London since the launch of the Enterprise Finance By guaranteeing portfolios of working capital facilities, Guarantee and Capital for Enterprise Fund on 14 January: this will release regulatory capital held by the banks against these portfolios. The banks have agreed they Enterprise Finance Guarantee will make commitments to re-deploy this capital in Number order to increase all types of lending to small and Number of eligible applications 395 medium sized enterprise (SMEs) and mid-sized corporates Number of loans offered 354 above their current base line. Number of loans drawn 212 We have signed £1 billion of guarantees with RBS and Lloyds for portfolios of £2 billion. The financing £ million for businesses it releases has already started from 1 March as a result of the lending agreements based on Value of eligible applications 43.9 the Asset Protection Scheme and WCS. We will be Value of loans offered 37.2 allocating from the £10 billion WCS guarantees for Value of loans drawn 22.4 trade credit insurance in response to the constraint to Capital Enterprise Fund working capital arising from withdrawal of trade credit Number insurance. We will also be consulting on the viability of using some of these guarantees for letters of credit and Number of inquiries 91 other forms of export finance which are also possible Number of inquires under 11 areas of constraint for working capital. consideration

Helen Southworth: To ask the Minister of State, £ million Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what business support measures from his Department are Investment required 108.2 Value of inquires under 16.7 available to small and medium-sized businesses in consideration Warrington. [276518] The fund managers are continuing due diligence on Ms Rosie Winterton: The Government fully appreciate the proposals that have been put forward. the challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses, especially during these difficult economic times, and we Simon Hughes: To ask the Minister of State, provide real help to businesses in the Warrington area Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what through a wide range of business support. Details are sources of support are available to raise finance for set out in our ‘Real Help’ publication for the north-west small businesses which apply for assistance under the which can be found at: Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme and meet the eligibility criteria but are not accepted on the scheme http://realhelpnow.hmg.gov.uk/pdf/northwest.pdf by commercial lenders; and if he will make a statement. The Northwest Regional Development Agency also [279444] provide a broad range of business support in areas such as small business loans (from £3,000 to £50,000), grants, Ms Rosie Winterton [holding answer 15 June 2009]: venture capital (ranging from £50,000 to £250,000), EFG is only available to viable businesses which are at start-up, innovation and efficiency, high growth, the margins of commercial lending because they have international trade, training and development, and specific insufficient security or their proposal involves a higher sector-based initiatives in areas such as manufacturing, risk of loss in case of default. digital and creative, business and professional services—full Businesses that have been unable to secure funding details can be found at: from a lender under EFG may be eligible for a loan or http://www.nwda.co.uk/publications/business/support-for- other assistance from their Regional Development Agency. northwest-business.aspx Business Link can advise on what additional finance Any business looking for support can access it through help is available in the English regions on 0845 600 9 Business Link Northwest by visiting: 006 or via: www.businesslink.gov.uk www.businesslink.gov.uk In addition Business Link offers businesses a free Simon Hughes: To ask the Minister of State, review of their business by a professional business adviser. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how As at 11 June 2009, over 57,800 businesses have benefited many businesses in the London Borough of Southwark from these reviews. An average of 1,865 per week since have (a) applied for and (b) received assistance from the service began in October 2008. 1105W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1106W

Mr. Evennett: To ask the Minister of State, Business: York Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent steps his Department has taken to assist Hugh Bayley: To ask the Minister of State, (a) small and (b) medium-sized businesses in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how London Borough of Bexley. [281657] many businesses were registered for value added tax in (a) City of York constituency and (b) the York Ms Rosie Winterton: Through Business Link, small unitary authority area in each year since 1992. [285872] and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Bexley can access a wide range of mainstream Government business Ms Rosie Winterton: The total numbers of businesses support products and services. Recent additional support registered for VAT at the start of each year from 1992 to has been made available to help SMEs during these 2008 for the city of York constituency and York local tough economic times, including business health checks unitary authority are shown as follows: and a rapid response service to help SMEs hit hardest City of York by the recession. parliamentary York local unitary The Government are further assisting SMEs with Year1 constituency authority area ‘real help now for businesses’ which consists of targeted products and initiatives to help SMEs, including those 1994 2,110 4,070 in Bexley, during the downturn. 1995 2,115 4,075 The full suite of business support services is routinely 1996 2,115 4,100 delivered in Bexley, including: advice, guidance and 1997 2,090 4,130 practical financial support with business start-ups, support 1998 2,145 4,235 for entrepreneurs and innovators with information on 1999 2,180 4,335 how to develop and explore their ideas, from inspiration 2000 2,220 4,425 to planning, to research, marketing, launch, business 2001 2,270 4,560 growth and exporting. Community development finance 2002 2,315 4,665 institutions (CDFIs) provide loans and other financial 2003 2,330 4,790 services to SMEs experiencing difficulty in accessing 2004 2,425 4,965 mainstream finance. This support complements that 2005 2,505 5,105 offered to SMEs by other departments: 2006 2,565 5,200 Jobcentre Plus assists local businesses with recruitment 2007 2,635 5,270 and training and the LSC provides Train to Gain and 2008 2,765 5,435 apprenticeship funding. 1 Large increases in the compulsory VAT registration threshold in Alongside support targeted at specific businesses the 1991 and 1993 mean that figures before and after these dates are not directly comparable to data from 1994 onwards. The VAT series London Development Agency continues to support between 1980 and 1993 is available from the following link: development of the local business infrastructure in Bexley. http://stats.berr.gov.uk/ed/vat/vat8093.xls Examples include: Between 1994 and 2008, the number of VAT registered Estates Excellence South London/Soloman Ltd. (supporting businesses in the city of York constituency and the York 480 SMEs), local authority area increased by 31 and 34 per cent. Building Futures/Trust Thamesmead (employment support to respectively. 200 SME employees), Community Leaders Development (58 businesses supported, Constructing Excellence: Finance 11 new businesses created), Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Minister of State, East London Business Place (6 Bexley SMEs supported) Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what funding (a) his Department and (b) each regional Business: Insurance development agency has given to (i) the Centre for Constructing Excellence and (ii) each regional centre Peter Luff: To ask the Minister of State, Department for constructing excellence since its inception. [278541] for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent representations he has received from (a) representative Ms Rosie Winterton: The table shows funding provided business organisations and (b) individual businesses by my Department to Centre for Constructing Excellence. on the availability of trade credit insurance; and if he BIS funding to Constructing Excellence will make a statement. [278604] £ million

Ms Rosie Winterton [holding answer 8 June 2009]: 2003-04 6 The Government have had regular discussions with the 2004-05 4.6 CBI and a range of businesses on the availability of 2005-06 3.4 trade credit insurance. 2006-07 1.5 In response, the Government launched a trade credit 2007-08 0.1 insurance scheme to help those businesses who have 2008-09 0.2 suffered reductions in their level of cover. This top-up Notes: scheme will help mitigate disruption to trade and cash 1. These figures include core funding for specific projects flows. 2. The RDAs did not provide any funding to the Centre for Constructing Excellence since its inception. Following further engagement, the Government 3. My Department has not provided any core funding to regional announced on 9 June that eligibility for the scheme will Centres for Constructing Excellence. be backdated to include suppliers who had their cover The following table shows RDA funding to regional reduced since 1 October 2008. Centres for Constructing Excellence. 1107W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1108W

RDA funding to regional Centres for Constructing Excellence £000 RDA 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09

AWM00007121,393 1,420 1,193 EEDA000002350 EMDA 0 0 0 78 402 0 299 304 LDA000000030 ONE 1— 1— 54 54 54 100 130 2— SEEDA 0 17 38 44 0 0 15 0 SWRDA 0000047127128 1 To identify the funding that has been provided would incur disproportionate cost. 2 ONE’s funding for 2007/08 was re-profiled to include 2008/09. Currently the regional centre has an application in for further funding.

Debts of health food products which contain illegal ingredients or are marketed using illegal claims; and if he will make Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Minister of a statement. [288016] State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how many companies with registered addresses in Kevin Brennan: This Department has made no such (a) England and Wales and (b) Gloucestershire are assessment. The Food Standards Agency is the Government registered to execute debt relief orders; what recent organisation responsible for the legislation that governs assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the debt health food products. relief scheme; and if he will make a statement. [286013] Mr. Drew: To ask the Minister of State, Department Ian Lucas [holding answer 13 July 2009]: The Secretary for Business, Innovation and Skills when officials of his of State has designated six organisations as competent Department last met representatives of the health food authorities. Those organisations in turn can approve industry to discuss the effect of the trade in health food individual advisers to act as intermediaries, that is to products from the Channel Islands on (a) UK confirm that the entry criteria appear to be met and to businesses and (b) UK consumers. [288017] assist with applications for debt relief orders. On receipt of the completed application and payment of the fee, the official receiver can make the order. Kevin Brennan: My officials have not met with representatives of the health food industry to discuss None of the registered addresses of those six the effect of the trade in health food products from the organisations is in Gloucestershire. Anyone in Channel Islands although they have been in written Gloucestershire wishing to apply for a debt relief order communication. However, officials from the Food Standards will be able to seek advice from one of the three designated Agency (who have responsibility for the legislation in organisations that offer telephone advice, or will be able this area) are in regular discussion with them. to contact the other organisations to inquire about Gloucestershire-based advisers. The organisations are listed in a leaflet available online at: East of England Development Agency: Land http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/bankruptcy/DRO/debtors.htm or in hard copy from the Insolvency Service. Bob Spink: To ask the Minister of State, Department It is too early to be able to properly assess the for Business, Innovation and Skills what (a) land and effectiveness of the scheme. Formal evaluation will take (b) buildings owned by the East of England place in approximately three years but as this is a new Development Agency are unused. [279339] process, the Insolvency Service, which delivers DROs in partnership with the advice sector, is actively monitoring the effectiveness of the new procedures to ensure they Ms Rosie Winterton: All land and property held by are working as envisaged. EEDA has been acquired with the intention of eventual disposal for appropriate use in support of regional and Departmental Manpower local economic strategies. The process prior to disposal depends on the condition Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Minister of State, and status of the sites on acquisition and the extent of Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how planning and or access/services provision required to many members of staff will be employed in his make the sites fit for purpose. Department’s Manufacturing Insight office; and when the office will start operations. [285350] Sites cannot be developed until these issues have been suitably addressed. However, once addressed, these will Ian Lucas: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I be disposed of for productive use at the earliest opportunity. gave to him on 9 July 2009, Official Report, column However, some sites are currently vacant due to them 988W. being at different stages in the remediation and development Dietary Supplements: Channel Islands process. On this basis, EEDA has provided the following table Mr. Drew: To ask the Minister of State, Department of those sites in its ownership which are neither the for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment subject of a binding legal agreement with a developer or he has made of the effect on UK (a) businesses and potential purchaser at the date of the question, nor (b) consumers of the import from the Channel Islands forms part of an approved plan with any other party. 1109W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1110W

Land and buildings currently vacant comprise: £ million Land only Land and buildings 2008-09 2009-10 Total Northwick Road Peterborough (South Bank) North (Canvey, Essex) (Peterborough, Cambridgeshire) 1 Large Facilities Capital Fund —5050 (projects managed by the research Wyboston (Wyboston, Saul’s Wharf (Great Yarmouth, Norfolk) councils) Bedfordshire) 2 Total 167 275 442 South Denes (Great Yarmouth, Norfolk) The £50 million of capital that was accelerated to 1 one short term tenant higher education institutions (HEIs) from 2010-11 into 2 empty buildings pending demolition 2008-09 was spent in full in that financial year, having Education (Student Support) Regulations 2009 been allocated to institutions in January 2009 under the standard Capital Investment Formula. This amount, therefore, formed part of larger payments to HEIs and Mr. Willetts: To ask the Minister of State, is not readily distinguishable from them in each month Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what of spend. The £200 million brought forward to 2009-10 assessment he has made of the likely effects of has been committed to specific projects, delivering application of the provisions of the Education (Student throughout the year. That money will support 144 Support) Regulations 2009 on each type of funding different projects, in 107 HEIs, and including additional support his Department provides for students in capital leveraged by the initial investment, will deliver 2009-10. [286993] more than £370 million of capital activity. Payments will be made to higher education institutions on a Mr. Lammy: None. The Education (Student Support) quarterly basis, and the first instalment of £25 million Regulations 2009 set out funding support for students was paid by HEFCE in May 2009. Examples of the studying in the academic year starting 1 September projects accepted include: £6.4 million for a new arts 2010: they do not affect the student support available in building at Sussex; £3 million for a new building for the the 2009-10 academic year. Centre for Immunology and Infection at York; £2.7 million The Government remain committed to investing in for new mechanical engineering facilities at Imperial; higher education and are increasing funding for student and £2.6 million for chemical engineering and life sciences support in 2009-10 financial year by 4 per cent. compared facilities at Sheffield. Over two-thirds of these projects with 2008-09. In cash terms, we are planning to spend are already under way. over £5 billion on student support in 2009-10, and even The further education capital programme has seen more in 2010-11. nearly 330 colleges and 700 projects benefit since 2001. Only 42 colleges have yet to benefit from investment. In Education: Finance 2008-09, more than 100 further education building projects were completed, as a result of nearly £550 million of investment, including the £110 million accelerated from Justine Greening: To ask the Minister of State, future budgets. This money was spent to bring forward Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what building work, benefiting learners and regenerating assessment he has made of the effect on accelerated communities. Recent National Audit Office and Public support for (a) capital projects to improve further Accounts Committee reports have acknowledged the education infrastructure and (b) accelerated support success of the further education capital programme, for projects to improve facilities at higher education and its value for money. institutions of bringing forward capital expenditure from 2010-11 to 2009-10 and 2008-09; and how much Education: Prisons of the funding has been spent in each month since it was announced. [286656] Stephen Williams: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how Kevin Brennan: As announced in the pre-Budget report many people in prison received (a) a student 2008, the former Department for Innovation Universities maintenance loan and (b) a student grant in each of and Skills accelerated £442 million from 2010-11 budgets the last five years. [282730] into 2008-09 and 2009-10. That capital was accelerated as set out in the following table: Kevin Brennan: In his written statement on 7 February 2008, Official Report, columns 85-86WS, on the Education £ million (Student Support) Regulations the Secretary of State 2008-09 2009-10 Total announced that he was amending the student support regulations to disallow prisoners who were also full-time Higher Education Funding 50 200 250 Council for England (HEFCE) students from receiving financial support for maintenance, capital funding for higher thereby removing the long-standing provision which education institutions had allowed prisoners to claim such support. Learning and Skills Council (LSC) 110 — 110 In a further written statement on 25 March 2008, capital funding for further education institutions Official Report, column 6WS, he announced that an investigation showed that 154 individual prisoners had Student Loans infrastructure 2 — 2 received some form of maintenance payment whilst a Research Capital Investment Fund — 25 25 full time student since 1998. In total, prisoners received Natural Environment Research 5— 5 Council facilities £570,000 in maintenance loans and £160,000 in maintenance grants over that period. The investigation also showed 1111W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1112W that assessments for student support were carried out in Breakdown of foreign direct investments since April 2003 accordance with the rules that applied at the time. There Yorkshire and the York was also evidence of some maintenance payments made Humber to prisoners between 1990 and 1998. 2003-04 24 2 According to records held by the Student Loans 2004-05 43 3 Company no prisoners have applied for or received a 2005-06 29 6 maintenance loan toward their living costs in the academic 2006-07 41 2 year 2008/09. 2007-08 76 3 The following table gives a breakdown of the number 2008-09 82 11 of prisoners receiving maintenance loans and grants by Total 295 27 academic year.

1 Since 2003, the total number of new jobs created in Prisoners receiving maintenance loans and grants the region as a result of the foreign direct investment Academic year Number totals 9,766. Of this total, 560.5 were in the city of 2003/04 18 York. The total number of jobs saved in the region as a 2004/05 21 result of foreign direct investment since 2003 totals 2005/06 32 9,967. Of these, 23 were located in York. 2006/07 48 Y&H York 2007/08 44 Y&H new safeguarded York new safeguarded 1 The figures reflect the number of prisoners in each year who jobs jobs jobs jobs received a payment. In some cases, prisoners will have received payments in more than one year. 2003-04 2,356 460 53 0 2004-05 2,596 1,207 10 3 Exports: Yorkshire and the Humber 2005-06 1,700 1,021 21.5 0 2006-07 699 1,034 85 0 Hugh Bayley: To ask the Minister of State, 2007-08 1,141 2,562 87 0 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how 2008-09 1,274 3,683 304 20 many companies in Yorkshire and the Humber Total 9,766 9,967 560.5 23 exported goods and services in each year since 1997. [285750] Further Education: Energy Ms Rosie Winterton: HM Revenue and Customs publishes a regional breakdown for trade in goods. The Mr. Evennett: To ask the Minister of State, number of companies in Yorkshire and the Humber Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what region exporting in each year from 1997 is: support his Department provides to further education colleges to improve their energy efficiency. [285528] Exporters to Exporters-non Total exporter EU EU count Kevin Brennan: We provide support through the Learning 1997 1,545 4,124 4,359 and Skills Council (LSC) to enable further education 1998 1,490 4,447 4,653 colleges to benchmark their performance against the 1999 1,395 4,380 4,609 most efficient providers. These toolkits enable colleges 2000 1,352 4,370 4,581 to draw comparisons between their estates running 2001 1,381 4,599 4,837 costs, including energy costs. In the last spending review, colleges realised £48 million of efficiency savings from 2002 1,497 4,717 4,998 the more effective running and maintenance of its estate— 2003 1,540 5,000 5,273 which included lowered energy costs. 2004 1,595 5,132 5,407 2005 1,726 5,180 5,534 The standards of environmental sustainability are 2006 1,723 5,222 5,591 increasing through a requirement for new college capital projects to meet BREEAM (the building research 2007 1,596 5,133 5,434 establishment environment assessment method) ‘excellent’ 2008 1,655 5,288 5,582 criteria introduced by the LSC in March 2008. The LSC also ran a pilot scheme with SALIX, which Foreign Investment in UK: Yorkshire and the Humber made available energy efficiency grants for small projects. The pilot showed that, in cash terms, colleges would be Hugh Bayley: To ask the Minister of State, able to recoup their investment within 3.5 years through Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how energy savings. We shall be working in partnership with much foreign investment there has been in (a) colleges to examine the scope for them to make further Yorkshire and the Humber and (b) the City of York in efficiency gains in the future, including improving their each year since 2003; and what estimate he has made of energy efficiency. the number of jobs generated. [285751] Further Education: Finance Ms Rosie Winterton: A total of 295 foreign direct Mr. Andrew Smith: To ask the Minister of State, investments have been recorded in the Yorkshire and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what Humber (Y&H) region since 2003, of which 27 were in the timetable for the next phase of decisions on the city of York. These are the foreign direct investments colleges’ capital programmes is; and if he will make a that Yorkshire Forward has been directly involved in. statement. [284022] 1113W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1114W

Kevin Brennan [holding answer 6 July 2009]: After an Mr. Lammy: The Government are committed to helping open and transparent prioritisation exercise in consultation new graduates improve their prospects for work in these with the sector the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) challenging economic times. The key message is there announced which projects would proceed to the next are still jobs out there—but graduates will need to do stage of the process—a tough value for money challenge their research thoroughly and take every opportunity to to reduce the cost of projects—on 26 June. The LSC gain experience and build their CV. Graduates should have subsequently invited the 13 successful colleges to take advantage of the professional support available submit revised proposals by 22 July. As soon as credible from university careers services and look at all, job cost reductions can be secured, final approvals will be opportunities—including non-graduate jobs which can accelerated in order for building to begin as soon as provide a route to their chosen careers. possible. We are putting in place a range of options for graduates For colleges which have not been selected to proceed to build their employability skills and boost their CV—the this year, the next steps start this autumn when the LSC Graduate Talent Pool which will allow graduates to will further consult with the sector to agree a robust, match themselves to thousands of internships from a fair and transparent process for prioritising the capital range of employers; more postgraduate study options; investment programme ready for the next spending support through Professional and Career Development review period. Loans (PCDLs); volunteering places and help with business start up or entrepreneurship training. Andrew Selous: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what Graduates: Unemployment theageisof(a) the main site and (b) any rebuilding or extension of each of the further education colleges Mr. Willetts: To ask the Minister of State, (i) which received provision to proceed with their Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how capital projects on 26 June 2009 and (ii) whose capital many and what percentage of graduates were building programmes remain frozen. [286091] unemployed three months after obtaining their degree Kevin Brennan [holding answer 13 July 2009]: As in each year since 1997. [287756] independent institutions, further education colleges are Mr. Lammy: Information on destinations of graduates responsible for the upkeep and development of their after three months is not available centrally. However, own estates. As such, the Government, via the Learning data are collected after six months and these form the and Skills Council (LSC), makes available capital grant basis of the response in the following table. support to enable further education colleges to undertake such renewal and modernisation. Over this current spending From 1997 to 2002, leavers were asked to fill out the review period, we will invest a record £2.6 billion in the First Destination of Leavers survey. This changed to further education sector. the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey in 2003. The wording of the questionnaire While in the provision of such grant, the LSC requires changed in this year, as did the coverage to include the respective college to provide details about its capital part-time graduates as well as full-time. Therefore numbers proposal—it does not require the college to state the age before and after 2003 are not directly comparable. of its buildings. I am therefore unable to provide the hon. Member with the information requested as we, nor UK domiciled first degree graduates assumed to be unemployed six the LSC, collect it. months after leaving higher education 1997 no 2008 Year graduated Number Total Percentage Mr. Cox: To ask the Minister of State, Department unemployed respondents unemployed for Business, Innovation and Skills whether Ministers 1997 11,905 171,280 6.9 played a role in decisions on which further education 1998 9,920 172,660 5.7 college building projects for which funding was frozen would be approved; and if he will make a statement. 1999 9,715 176,205 5.5 2000 9,335 170,735 5.5 [286705] 2001 11,050 176,405 6.3 Kevin Brennan: Under the Learning and Skills Act 2002 12,110 176,375 6.9 2000, Ministers may not direct the LSC in its decision making regards individual capital approvals. Ministers Change in coverage have discussed with the LSC the overall approach, and questionnaire consistent with their responsibility for determining the 2003 13,135 196,155 6.7 strategic direction that the LSC should follow. 2004 12,450 200,740 6.2 Recent decisions made by the LSC regarding which 2005 12,795 202,655 6.3 further education college building projects would proceed 2006 12,555 204,105 6.2 to the next stage of the approvals process followed a 2007 11,450 203,225 5.6 robust and transparent assessment by independent 2008 17,360 213,270 8.1 consultants against prioritisation criteria that was agreed Note: with the sector and that built upon the recommendations Numbers are rounded to the nearest five. made by Sir Andrew Foster. Source: Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA) Graduates: Employment Higher Education: Admissions Dr. Kumar: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Mr. Willetts: To ask the Minister of State, Department is taking to improve the employment Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how prospects of those graduating in 2009. [285335] many people (a) applied and (b) were accepted through 1115W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1116W the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service for a The Health and Safety Executive does not collect place on a higher education institution undergraduate data on the effects of work-related stress on the profitability course in each year since the service was established. of British industry. However, HSE estimates the economic [287776] costs to society of work-related stress in the order of £4 billion a year (2009). Mr. Lammy: The information is in the following HSE recognise that stress is a major cause of occupational table: ill health, leading to poor productivity and potential Applicants and accepted applicants to full-time undergraduate courses human error. Given the prevalence of work-related via Universities and Colleges Admissions Service 1994 to 2008 stress in Britain, HSE developed the Management Academic year of Standards for Work-related stress in 2004. This approach entry Applicants Accepted applicants is designed to address the key causes of stress at work 1994 405,117 270,898 and help employers, employees and their representatives manage the issue sensibly and minimise the impact on 1995 419,442 290,596 their business. 1996 418,400 295,807 1997 458,781 336,338 Innovation Fund 1998 446,457 329,788 1999 442,931 334,594 Tony Baldry: To ask the Minister of State, 2000 442,028 339,747 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills whether 2001 453,833 358,041 funding from the new Innovation Fund will be available to (a) public and (b) private sector companies. [284956] 2002 461,365 368,115 2003 476,467 374,307 Mr. Lammy: The UK Innovation Investment Fund 2004 486,028 377,544 will invest in a small number of specialist technology 2005 522,155 405,369 funds. These funds will invest in strategically-important 2006 506,304 390,890 companies in life sciences, clean technologies, digital 2007 534,495 413,430 and advanced manufacturing. Investments in individual 2008 588,689 456,627 companies will ultimately be a commercial decision for Source: the fund manager based on the investment opportunity, UCAS the potential risk and the current investment portfolio. In 2008 the nursing and midwifery admissions system These companies may be publicly or privately owned. (NMAS) was subsumed in to the UCAS application system and part of the increase from 2007 to 2008 can Insolvency be attributed this factor. In 2008 there were 13,487 applicants who applied via UCAS to ex-NMAS courses Miss McIntosh: To ask the Minister of State, only and 14,184 applicants who were accepted to former Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how (a) NMAS courses, the majority of whom were English many companies were declared insolvent in Vale of (b) domiciled (and NMAS was only for English institutions). York constituency and England and Wales in Industry: Stress (i) 2005, (ii) 2006, (iii) 2007 and (iv) 2008. [285899] Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister of State, Ian Lucas: It is not possible to answer part (a) of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what question asked because statistics covering corporate recent assessment he has made of the effects of levels of insolvencies are not currently available at sub-national work-related stress on the profitability of British level within England and Wales. The following table gives the number of corporate insolvencies by insolvency industry; and if he will make a statement. [285817] procedure type in England and Wales for the period Jonathan Shaw: I have been asked to reply. requested.

Number Creditors’ voluntary Company voluntary Compulsory liquidations Receivership arrangements liquidations (CVLs)1 appointments Administrations3 (CVAs)

2005 5,233 8,341 590 2,261 604 2006 5,418 8,633 588 3,560 534 2007 5,165 8,437 337 2,512 418 2008 5,494 11,034 867 4,822 587 1 Includes CVLs following administration. 2 Includes Law of Property Act receiverships. Receivership figures from 2007 are not consistent with those for the earlier period. 3 Includes administrator appointments prior to Enterprise Act 2002 and administrations under Enterprise Act 2002.

Miss McIntosh: To ask the Minister of State, Ian Lucas: It is not possible to answer part (a) of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how question asked because statistics covering corporate many companies went into administration in (a) Vale insolvencies are not currently available at sub-national of York constituency and (b) England and Wales in level within England and Wales. The following table (i) 2005, (ii) 2006, (iii) 2007 and (iv) 2008. [285900] gives the number of administrations in England and Wales for the period requested: 1117W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1118W

Administrations1 age of 18, with the Department for Children, Families Number and Schools having responsibility for 15 to 17-year-olds. As both sets of data have been supplied by the LSC, 2005 2,261 they are included for completeness. 2006 3,560 2007 2,512 Age group 2008 4,822 15 to 17 18 to 21 1 Includes administrator appointments prior to Enterprise Act 2002 and administrations under Enterprise Act 2002. Literacy enrolments for the 6,186 8,366 Insolvency Service: Marketing 2006-07 academic year Literacy achievements for 1,303 2,336 the 2006-07 academic year John Penrose: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how much the Insolvency Service spent on advertising and Literacy enrolments for the 6,386 10,567 2007-08 academic year marketing in each of the last five years. [285442] Literacy achievements for 1,660 3,357 the 2007-08 academic year Ian Lucas: The Insolvency Service on has not spent anything on advertising and marketing in the last five The information for the 2006/07 academic year may years, therefore, the answer is nil. include a small number of enrolments by young offenders Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 2002 serving community sentences because the LSC started recording the custody and community provision separately from the 2007/08 academic year onwards. There is no Peter Luff: To ask the Minister of State, Department comparable data prior to 2006 before the LSC became for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) whether his responsible for capturing and recording the information. Department has conducted research on the size of companies bringing forward cases under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 2002; and Mail Order Selling if he will make a statement; [286230] (2) how many cases brought under the Late Payment Mr. Drew: To ask the Minister of State, Department of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 2002 have been for Business, Innovation and Skills what heard in court in each of the last five years; and if he representations he has received on enforcement action will make a statement. [286231] by the Office of Fair Trading in circumstances where companies repeatedly distribute mail order catalogues Ms Rosie Winterton: The Ministry of Justice does not containing illegal claims about health products. hold any statistical information about court applications [288018] (including Scotland) relating specifically to the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 2002. Kevin Brennan: This Department has received no This is because the administrative computer systems such representations. used in the courts do not presently identify these specific application types. While the relevant cases will be logged Members: Correspondence on the system, they cannot be distinguished from other types of claims issued. Changing the administrative Mike Penning: To ask the Minister of State, systems to create specific case types for these types of Department for Business, Innovation and Skills when cases would incur disproportionate cost. he plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Literacy: Young Offenders Hemel Hempstead, on the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme, dated 13 April 2009, transferred to his Department from HM Treasury. [285826] Mr. Grieve: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how many young Ms Rosie Winterton: I apologise for the delay in offenders in prison have been recorded as improving responding to the hon. Member. My noble Friend, the their standard of literacy during their sentence in each Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Economics of the last five years. [285263] Competitiveness, Small Business and Enterprise will respond shortly. Kevin Brennan: The data provided is from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) showing the number of literacy enrolments and achievements by young offenders aged Migrant Workers: Burnley 15 to 17 and 18 to 21 for the academic years August 2006 to July 2007 and August 2007 to July 2008. The Kitty Ussher: To ask the Minister of State, data collected records the number of literacy enrolments Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how in a year rather than individual learners. As learners many employers in Burnley have had enforcement may enrol on more than one literacy course in any year, action taken against them for employing illegal migrant and may achieve at one level and progress to the next workers in each of the last five years. [286455] level, the number of enrolments and achievements does not represent individual learners. Mr. Woolas: I have been asked to reply. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills No illegal working enforcement operations were is responsible for the provision of education in prison conducted in Burnley during the period from 1 April and young offender institutions for learners over the 2006 to 31 March 2007. 1119W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1120W

Two illegal working enforcement operations were Mr. Watson: To ask the Minister of State, conducted in Burnley during the period from 1 April Department for Business, Innovation and Skills who is 2007 to 31 March 2008. responsible for making appointments to the Board of Four illegal working enforcement operations were Trustees of the National Endowment for Science, conducted in Burnley during the period from 1 April Technology and the Arts. [285858] 2008 to 31 March 2009. Mr. Lammy [holding answer 13 July 2009]: The No employers in Burnley have been subject to criminal appointment of the chair of the Board of Trustees and prosecution under section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration the Arts Trustee are made jointly by the Secretaries of Act 1996 or section 21 of the Immigration, Asylum and State for the Department for Business Innovation and Nationality Act 2006 for employing illegal migrant Skills and the Department for Culture, Media and workers in each of the last five years. Sport. All other appointments are made by my noble One employer was served with a civil penalty under Friend the Secretary of State for Business Innovation section 15 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality and Skills. Act 2006 in August 2008. No information relating to enforcement action taken Mr. Watson: To ask the Minister of State, against employers in Burnley for employing illegal migrant Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how workers is available for the period prior to 1 April 2006. many people are employed by the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA); what Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries the annual salary cost is of (a) all NESTA employees and (b) its senior management team. [285859] Mr. Oaten: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what the average Mr. Lammy [holding answer 13 July 2009]: At 31 undiscounted retail price has been to date of cars sold March 2009, NESTA employed 92 people, covering the under the car scrappage scheme; [278769] equivalent of 88 full-time posts. (2) how many sales of cars of each make have In the year to 31 March 2009, salaries for all NESTA attracted support from the car scrappage scheme to staff totalled £4,150,960, and salaries for the senior date. [278770] management team totalled £584,639.

Ian Lucas [holding answer 9 June 2009]: 38 National Vocational Qualifications: Construction manufacturers including makers of the UK best selling cars have signed up to the scheme. Motorists are being Justine Greening: To ask the Minister of State, offered £2,000 towards a new car or van (up to 3.5 tonnes) Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how if they trade in vehicles they have owned for much his Department spent on Government-funded 12 month plus and which are older than 10 years for National Vocational Qualification courses in the scrappage. The £2,000 grant is made up of £1,000 from construction industry in each of the last five years. government with matched funding from industry. [281187] Figures are not available on how many sales of each brand have been supported by the scheme. However, Kevin Brennan: Funding for further education and The Prime Minister and my noble Friend the Secretary skills is administered by the Learning and Skills Council of State for Business, Innovation and Skills announced (LSC). on 29 May 2009 that 60,000 scrappage orders had been The LSC agrees indicative budgets with colleges and placed since the scheme was announced. Government providers prior to the start of the academic year based do not routinely collect figures on the average retail on the expected delivery of an overall volume of learning. price of vehicles sold with or without support from the The actual funding paid will depend on the choice of scheme. learning area made by employers and learners. As funding is not allocated at an individual course level, details of National Endowment for Science Technology and the the amount made available to support specific qualifications Arts in this sector are not held centrally in the Department. Training in the construction industry is also part- Mr. Watson: To ask the Minister of State, funded through a levy raised on employers by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to finance discussions the Secretary of State and his predecessor their activities and share the cost of training more had with representatives from the National evenly between companies. In 2008 the amount of levy Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts in income was £181 million. the last two years; and if he will make a statement. We have agreed a Train to Gain Sector Compact with [285857] the construction sector which will make available £133 million over three years to meet the identified Mr. Lammy [holding answer 13 July 2009]: My noble priority skills needs of the industry focused on economic Friend the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities renewal and future growth. and Skills met the chair of the National Endowment for Non-domestic Rates Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) on 2 June 2008. Mr. Binley: To ask the Minister of State, Department In addition, the Minister for Science and Innovation for Business, Innovation and Skills what his most has met regularly with NESTA representatives in the recent estimate is of the percentage of businesses which last two years. claim small business rate relief. [286595] 1121W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1122W

Ms Rosie Winterton: I refer the hon. Member to the Chiltern answer I gave to the hon. Member for Peterborough Colchester (Mr. Jackson) on 8 July 2009, Official Report, columns Congleton 909-10W. Copeland Cotswold Non-domestic Rates: Rural Areas Craven Crewe and Nantwich Mr. Binley: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) which local Daventry authorities in rural areas are providing more than Derbyshire Dales 50 per cent. rural rate relief to small businesses; Derwentside [286569] Doncaster (2) which local authorities in rural areas are Dover providing 100 per cent. rural rate relief to small Durham businesses. [286570] Easington East Cambridgeshire Ms Rosie Winterton: Following is a list of authorities East Devon in England that are regarded as being rural under the DEFRA “Classification of local authorities in England East Dorset for 2007-08” that reported awarding rural rate relief in East Hampshire 2007-08. East Hertfordshire Mandatory rural rate relief is awarded at 50 per cent. East Lindsey of a property’s non-domestic rates bill. In addition, East Northamptonshire local authorities can awarded discretionary rural rate East Riding of Yorkshire relief that tops up the relief granted to up to 100 per East Staffordshire cent. of the property’s rates bill. It is not possible to Eden award more than 100 per cent. relief. Fenland List of authorities in England that are regarded as being Forest Heath rural under the DEFRA “Classification of local authorities Forest of Dean in England for 2007-08” that reported awarding rural rate relief in 2007-08 Great Yarmouth Guildford Allerdale Hambleton Alnwick Harborough Amber Valley Harrogate Ashford Hart Aylesbury Vale Herefordshire Babergh High Peak Barnsley Hinckley and Bosworth Basingstoke and Deane Horsham Bassetlaw Huntingdonshire Bath and North East Somerset Isle of Wight Bedford Isles of Scilly Berwick-upon-Tweed Kennet Blyth Valley Kerrier Bolsover Kettering Boston Kings Lynn and West Norfolk Braintree Lancaster Breckland Lewes Brentwood Lichfield Bridgnorth Macclesfield Broadland Maidstone Bromsgrove Maldon Calderdale Caradon Malvern Hills Carlisle Melton Carrick Mendip Castle Morpeth Mid Bedfordshire Charnwood Mid Devon Chelmsford Mid Suffolk Cherwell Mid Sussex Chester New Forest Chichester Newark and Sherwood 1123W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1124W

North Cornwall Tonbridge and Malling North Devon Torridge North Dorset Tunbridge Wells North East Derbyshire Tynedale North Hertfordshire Uttlesford North Kesteven Vale of White Horse North Lincolnshire Vale Royal North Norfolk Warwick North Shropshire Waveney North Somerset Waverley North Warwickshire Wealden North West Leicestershire Wear Valley North Wiltshire Wellingborough Oswestry West Berkshire Penwith West Devon Purbeck West Dorset Restormel West Lancashire Ribble Valley West Lindsey Richmondshire West Oxfordshire Rother West Somerset Rugby West Wiltshire Rushcliffe Winchester Rutland Wychavon Ryedale Wycombe Salisbury Wyre Forest Scarborough Data are as reported on audited national non-domestic Sedgefield rates (NNDR) 3 forms completed by all billing authorities Sedgemoor in England. Selby Rural authorities were defined as those authorities Sevenoaks that fell into the Significant Rural, Rural-50 or Rural-80 Shepway categories of the DEFRA “Classification of Local Authorities in England 2007-08”. Shrewsbury and Atcham South Bucks North West Development Agency: Public Appointments South Cambridgeshire South Derbyshire South Hams Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills when the Secretary South Holland of State expects to appoint a new Chair of the North South Kesteven West Development Agency. [280994] South Lakeland South Norfolk Ms Rosie Winterton: Before long. South Northamptonshire South Oxfordshire Office of Fair Trading: Freedom of Information South Shropshire South Somerset Dan Rogerson: To ask the Minister of State, South Staffordshire Department for Business, Innovation and Skills which St. Edmundsbury requests for information received by the Office of Fair Stafford Trading under the provisions of the Freedom of Staffordshire Moorlands Information Act 2000 in 2008 were (a) classified as not Stratford-on-Avon resolvable and (b) refused in full. [286133] Stroud Kevin Brennan: In 2008, of the requests for information Suffolk Coastal received by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) under the Swale provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Tandridge (a) three were appealed to the Information Commissioner Taunton Deane after an Internal Review and (b) 152 were refused in Teesdale full. The OFT receives a significant number of requests relating to complaints received by the OFT; the disclosure Teignbridge of this information is prohibited under the Enterprise Tendring Act 2002 and as a consequence is subject to the absolute Test Valley exemption from disclosure under section 44 of the Tewkesbury Freedom of Information Act. Where the OFT is unable 1125W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1126W to provide the information requested, it seeks to provide Number any advice or information that would be helpful to the requester. 2007 16

Prisoners: Higher Education Information on degree qualifications awarded by other higher education institutions is not collected centrally. Mr. Galloway: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how Public Houses: Closures many of those who were released from prison in each year from 2000 to 2006 (a) did and (b) did not achieve Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Minister of State, a degree while in prison. [282235] Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how many public houses have closed in each region in each Kevin Brennan [holding answer 29 June 2009]: The of the last three years; and how many of these were National Offender Management Service, or any other (a) managed houses, (b) tenanted or leased houses agency, does not collect educational attainment data of and (c) freehouses. [288776] prisoners on release. The following table records details of those discharged from prison (excluding those deported Angela E. Smith: I have been asked to reply. without sentence): The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority England and Wales 2003 2004 2005 2006 to reply. Males and Females Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: Prisoners discharged from determinate 69,500 71,500 69,800 65,900 As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your sentences on completion of sentence recent Parliamentary Question concerning what estimate has or on licence—adults been made of how many public houses have closed in each region Prisoners discharged from determinate 15,500 14,800 14,500 12,500 in each of the last three years; and how many of these were (a) sentences on completion of sentence managed houses, (b) tenanted or leased houses and (c) freehouses. or on licence—young offenders (288776). First releases from prison on life licence 223 205 200 135 Annual statistics on business births, deaths and survival are available from the ONS release on Business Demography. The The following table details the number of OU degrees attached table contains the count of enterprise deaths for each of achieved by prisoners while serving their sentence. these categories, for the latest three years available. Information on degrees awarded by other higher education Count of enterprise deaths by SIC 55402,55403 and 55404 for institutions is not collected centrally. 2005-07 55402— 55403— 55404— Number of prisoners achieving Independent Tenanted Managed OU degrees Public Houses Public Houses Public Houses and Bars and Bars and Bars 2000 11 2001 17 2005 2002 13 North East 315 85 5 2003 16 Northwest 585 565 50 2004 17 Yorkshire 790 175 25 2005 22 and the 2006 25 Humber East 700 160 25 It is not possible to say whether prisoners achieving a Midlands degree were released in the same year of achieving it. West 445 495 40 Midlands Mr. Galloway: To ask the Minister of State, East of 510 240 30 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how England many prisoners gained a degree while in prison in (a) London 320 135 40 2000, (b) 2001, (c) 2002, (d) 2003, (e) 2004, (f) 2005, South East 695 335 45 (g) 2006 and (h) 2007. [282237] Southwest 670 245 30 Wales 480 105 15 Kevin Brennan [holding answer 29 June 2009]: The Scotland 570 45 10 number of offenders gaining Open University degrees Northern 100 0 0 while in prison, broken down by year, is as follows: Ireland

Number 2006 North East 255 75 5 2000 11 Northwest 525 475 75 2001 17 Yorkshire 675 175 15 2002 13 and Humber 2003 16 East 540 155 30 2004 17 Midlands 2005 22 West 395 405 45 2006 25 Midlands 1127W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1128W

Count of enterprise deaths by SIC 55402,55403 and 55404 for Redundancy: Females 2005-07 55402— 55403— 55404— Independent Tenanted Managed Public Houses Public Houses Public Houses Steve Webb: To ask the Minister of State, and Bars and Bars and Bars Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what East 515 210 35 proportion of those made redundant in each of the last Midlands 12 months were women by (a) region and (b) age. London 295 105 30 [287328] South East 585 325 60 South West 565 215 35 Wales 400 120 10 Angela E. Smith: I have been asked to reply. Scotland 460 45 5 Northern 9055The information requested falls within the responsibility Ireland of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. 2007 North East 260 80 0 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated July 2009: North West 530 490 80 As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Yorkshire 680 150 15 Parliamentary Question asking what proportion of those made and Humber redundant in each of the last 12 months were women by (a) East 570 190 25 region and (b) age. (287328) Midlands West 370 375 55 The attached tables provide estimates for the information Midlands requested for the latest four quarters from the Labour Force East 450 210 40 Survey (LFS). Monthly data are not available. Midlands As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject London 290 110 40 to a margin of uncertainty. South East 585 350 55 South West 595 225 30 The figures in the tables are derived from the LFS microdata Wales 380 110 5 which are weighted using the official population estimates published in autumn 2007. They are not entirely consistent with the figures Scotland 475 40 5 published in the monthly Labour Market Statistics Statistical Northern 8050Bulletin which are weighted using more up-to-date population Ireland estimates.

Proportion of people aged 16 and over made redundant1 who were women by region, three-month periods ending June, September, December and March: 2008 to 2009, United Kingdom, not seasonally adjusted Percentage Region Yorkshire and North East North West Humberside East Midlands West Midlands Eastern London

2008 Q2 40 37 42 46 50 39 33 Q3 47 35 36 39 46 43 63 Q4 25 35 28 32 27 26 55

2009 Q1 28 36 38 32 37 39 34

Percentage Region South East South West Wales Scotland Northern Ireland Total

2008 Q2 39 30 38 60 53 42 Q3 33 38 40 60 2—42 Q4 40 26 2—24 2—31

2009 Q1 41 36 22 26 27 34

Proportion of people aged 16 and over made redundant1 who were women by age, three-month periods ending June, September, December and March: 2008 to 2009, United Kingdom, not seasonally adjusted Percentage Age 16-24 25-34 35-49 50-59 60 and over Total

2008 Q2 50 37 43 41 30 42 Q3 32 29 52 49 44 42 1129W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1130W

Proportion of people aged 16 and over made redundant1 who were women by age, three-month periods ending June, September, December and March: 2008 to 2009, United Kingdom, not seasonally adjusted Percentage Age 16-24 25-34 35-49 50-59 60 and over Total

Q4 23 26 39 32 34 31

2009 Q1 32 34 35 43 25 34 1 Includes those who have been made redundant in the three months prior to their LFS interview. 2 Sample size too small for reliable estimates. Note: It should be noted that the above estimates exclude people in most types of communal establishment (e.g. hotels, boarding houses, hostels, mobile home sites etc.) Source: Labour Force Survey.

Regional Development Agencies: Expenditure AWM

CEX Chair Mr. Ellwood: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions the Secretary of State has had with 2005/06 29,773 18,911 the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on levels 2006/07 17,574 19,995 of funding allocated by regional development agencies for expenditure on support for the tourism industry. 2007/08 36,676 20,127 [287908] EEDA Ms Rosie Winterton: The Department for Culture, CEX Chair Media and Sport (DCMS) contributes towards the 2005/06 26,000 18,991 regional development agencies’ (RDAs) single programme 2006/07 28,000 19,881 budget. The single programme budget, once allocated, 2007/08 29,000 20,127 is available to the RDAs to deliver regional priorities identified in their regional economic strategies and the emda challenging targets set by them in the corporate plans. CEX Chair RDAs are currently revising their corporate plans and 2005/06 27,084 18,991 DCMS are involved in this process. 2006/07 27,693 18,329 2007/08 28,764 17,258 Regional Development Agencies: Finance NWDA CEX Chair Bill Wiggin: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what 2005/06 19,245 8,849 provisional budget his Department has set for regional 2006/07 27,693 16,615 development agencies in each of the next five years; 2007/08 28,764 28,000 and if he will make a statement. [285690] ONE CEX Chair Ms Rosie Winterton: The regional development agencies have an indicative budget of £1.8 billion for 2010-11, 2005/06 25,250 18,911 and no budgets have been indicated to them beyond 2006/07 32,729 19,881 that period. 2007/08 33,187 20,127

SEEDA Regional Development Agencies: Pensions CEX Chair1

Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Minister of State, 2005/06 37,303 0 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how 2006/07 39,535 0 much was paid in employer pension contributions to 2007/08 40,182 0 (a) the Chief Executive and (b) each board member of 1 The chair has been in post since December 2002 and is the only board member eligible to receive pension contributions. Employer each regional development agency in each of the last contributions of £104,344, based on the civil service pension scheme three years. [277993] rates, were paid to the chair’s personal pension scheme in December 2008 to cover contributions from December 2002 to December 2008 Ms Rosie Winterton [holding answer 4 June 2009]: when he was due to retire. The financial value of the employer pension contribution South West RDA made to both RDA chief executives and RDA chairs CEX Chair are detailed in the tables. RDA board members do not 2005/06 25,978 18,911 receive a pension from the RDA. The data have been 2006/07 29,666 19,881 rounded up/down, as appropriate and exclude London, 2007/08 28,764 20,127 which is the responsibility of the Mayor. 1131W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1132W

Yorkshire Forward work closely with Sector Skills Councils and employers CEX Chair in order to identify skills needs in more defined geographical areas. 2005/06 32,000 20,739 2006/07 128,000 19,881 2007/08 129,000 20,127 South East England Development Agency: Redundancy 1 During this period there was a time of overlap where YF had two Pay CEOs. In 2005/06 the outgoing CEX claimed £28,000 while the incoming CEX claimed £4,000 and in 2006/07 the incoming CEX Robert Neill: To ask the Minister of State, claimed £27,000 while the outgoing claimed £1,000. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how Retail Trade: Kent much the South East England Development Agency has paid out in redundancy payments in the last 24 months; and how much each individual payment was. Mr. Whittingdale: To ask the Minister of State, [286677] Department for Business, Innovation and Skills when his Department intends to consult on the wider Ms Rosie Winterton: SEEDA has made 33 individual application of the Kent County Council Act 2001 and redundancy payments, totalling £663,659.54, between the Medway Council Act 2001 for the regulation of July 2007 and June 2009. These payments have been markets and occasional sales. [280890] made as a result of the completion of projects and programmes and the need to restructure teams to focus Kevin Brennan: A consultation on measures to tighten on new goals requiring different skill sets. Individual the regulation of markets and occasional sales was payments are listed as follows: recommended in the Gower Review of intellectual property. £80,891.90 However, the Department’s resources are limited and current efforts are focused on providing targeted help £49,897.34 and protection for consumers struggling to make ends £46,174.15 meet as a result of the global downturn. It is therefore £43,601.33 not possible to give a specific timeframe for implementing £36,038.14 this recommendation. £34,285.07 £27,194.50 Skilled Workers £24,787.31 £24,539.85 Mr. Sanders: To ask the Minister of State, £23,977.98 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what £23,545.60 steps his Department is taking to increase levels of £23,497.64 management skills among employers. [284621] £23,489.37 £19,481.68 Kevin Brennan: The Train To Gain Leadership and Management programme provides support and funding £17,620.82 for senior managers of small and medium-sized enterprises £16,893.12 (SMEs) to access personalised training that meets their £16,023.72 development needs. Specialist advisers work with individuals £12,844.43 to understand their needs and recommend suitable £12,119.94 opportunities. A grant of up to £1,000 can be allocated for employers to spend on any leadership and management £11,180.73 development activity deemed appropriate. As part of £10,121.15 the Government’s package of support developed for £8,699.71 SMEs in the economic downturn, the leadership and £8,638.16 management programme is now available to all employers £8,469.91 with between five and 249 employees. £8,445.29 The Government are increasing investment in Train £8,132.01 to Gain. This will rise to over £1 billion by 2010-11. £7,718.75 £7,462.54 Skilled Workers: Milton Keynes £7,318.59 £7,292.02 Mr. Lancaster: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what £6,541.63 recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the £3,968.45 skills base in Milton Keynes. [279737] £2,766.71

Kevin Brennan: The Department utilises data and Robert Neill: To ask the Minister of State, advice from the UKCES and the National Employer Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Skills Survey to provide a national level picture of skills whether the South East England Development Agency needs. Information is also available on a regional basis. takes account of service in previous public sector However, the Department would look to our key partners, employment when calculating redundancy payments regional development agencies and local authorities to for individuals. [286680] 1133W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1134W

Ms Rosie Winterton: SEEDA is bound by the Civil The figures are not directly comparable. The HESA Service Compensation Scheme for calculating redundancy figures cover students who enrolled in their first degree payments and SEEDA includes service in previous public and include part-time students whereas the SLC figures sector employment in calculating redundancy payments cover students who also enrolled in their sub-degree and where such service satisfies the rules of the scheme. only cover a small proportion of part-time students i.e. Initial Teacher Training students. Students: Fees and Charges Stephen Williams: To ask the Minister of State, Stephen Williams: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what many EU-domiciled students have received a tuition estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of fee loan in each year since 2006. [286836] ending tuition fees for first degree (a) full-time and (b) part-time undergraduates. [286229] Mr. Lammy [holding answer 14 July 2009]: The information requested is published in the Statistical Mr. Lammy: There are no plans to end tuition fees for First Release entitled Student Support for Higher Education either full-time or part-time undergraduate students in England, Academic Year 2008/09 (provisional) which studying at English Higher Education institutions. Such is available at: fees generate an income of around £3 billion annually http://www.slc.co.uk/pdf/slcsfr052008.pdf for Higher Education institutions and it helps them A copy has been placed in the House Library. to tackle the challenges Government identified when Tuition fee loans were first introduced in academic introducing the new fee and student support arrangements year 2006/07. Each academic year the new cohort of to maintain and improve high standards, to expand and students becomes eligible to apply for this loan, thereby widen access to meet rising skills needs, and to compete increasing the total number of EU-domiciled students globally. Both the number of overall entrants to higher who have a tuition fee loan. education and those from low participation neighbourhoods has increased since the introduction of tuition fees in Mr. Willetts: To ask the Minister of State, 2006. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of eligible students took out (a) a Students: Loans maintenance loan only, (b) a tuition fees loan only and (c) loans for both for maintenance and tuition from Stephen Williams: To ask the Minister of State, the Student Loans Company in the most recent Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how academic year for which figures are available. [286985] many live accounts the Student Loans Company holds in respect of which no repayment is being received; Mr. Lammy: In 2006/07 the estimated proportion of what the reasons are for which no repayments are being eligible English domiciled students studying in the UK made; and how many live accounts are not receiving who took out a maintenance loan is 80 per cent. The repayments for each such reason. [286833] information is available at table 4A of the Statistical First Release by the Student Loans Company entitled Mr. Lammy [holding answer 14 July 2009]: The Student Support for Higher Education in England, information requested is published in table 2(ii) for Academic Year 2008/09 (Provisional) which is available mortgage-style loans and in table 2(iii) for income contingent at: loans of the Statistical First Release entitled Student http://www.slc.co.uk/pdf/slcsfr052008.pdf Loans for Higher Education in England, Financial Year 2008-09 (provisional) which is available at: A copy is available in the House Library. http://www.slc.co.uk/pdf/slcsfr022009.pdf It is not possible for us to determine the proportions for the further two categories because the population A copy has been placed in the House Library. eligible for tuition fee loans, as opposed to tuition fee grants, cannot be estimated in a robust manner. Stephen Williams: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how As at 31 March 2009, the number of English domiciled many and what proportion of students enrolled on borrowers studying in the UK and EU domiciled borrowers their first degree course have received a tuition fee loan studying in England in 2007/08 who had taken out in each year since 2006. [286834] loans is as follows: 52,100 tuition fee loans only; Mr. Lammy [holding answer 14 July 2009]: The latest 237,000 maintenance loans only figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency 514,000 tuition and maintenance loans. (HESA) show that 981,500 English-domiciled students studying in UK and EU students studying in England Tuition fee loans were introduced in 2006/07 so these enrolled on their first degree in academic year 2006-07 figures represent an early stage in the process. and 1,000,000 in 2007-08. Figures for the 2008-09 academic year will be available in January 2010. Train to Gain Programme The latest figures published by the Student Loans Company show that 397,300 of English-domiciled students Dr. Kumar: To ask the Minister of State, Department studying in UK and EU students studying in England for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he received a tuition fee loan in academic year 2006-07, has made of the number of people from the North East 553,600 in 2007-08 and 713,700 in 2008-09 (provisional registered for Train to Gain courses but who have not figures). yet commenced their training. [280703] 1135W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1136W

Kevin Brennan: The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) on unemployment, how many and what percentage of delivers the Train to Gain programme on behalf of the persons in each category not in education, employment Department. It counts the number of learners who or training in the first quarter of 2009 were (a) male register for Train to Gain at the point where they and (b) female. [283993] formally start on programmes. However, there is no formal registration process before a learner starts and Kevin Brennan [holding answer 14 July 2009]: The therefore no central mechanism is in place to measure following table shows the number and proportion of the number of people registering an interest. people aged1 16 to 18 and 19 to 24 not in education, The LSC is working closely with providers to support employment or training in England, split by male and ongoing new starts for the remainder of the 2008/09 female. These estimates are from the Quarter 1 2009 academic year where providers are within their maximum Labour Force Survey. contract value. Maximum contract values for 2009/10 Numbers not in education, employment or training, Q1 2009 academic year will be finalised during June. Male Female Train to Gain Programme: Hertfordshire Age group NEET Percentage NEET Percentage 16-18 123,000 12.3 97,000 10.2 Mike Penning: To ask the Minister of State, 19-24 314,000 15.3 401,000 20.0 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how 1 Age used is academic age, which is the age of the respondent as at many people resident in (a) Hemel Hempstead and the preceding 31 August. (b) Hertfordshire have successfully completed a Train Base: England only to Gain course in each year of its operation. [284564] Source: Labour Force Survey Q1 2009 Kevin Brennan: The table shows the number of Train to Gain achievements by people living in Hemel Hempstead Mr. Willetts: To ask the Minister of State, parliamentary constituency and Hertfordshire local Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how authority. many and what percentage of people aged between 18 Train to Gain achievements and 24 years were not in education, employment or Hemel Hempstead training in the first quarter of each year since 2000. Hertfordshire local parliamentary [284312] authority constituency

2005/06 100 — Kevin Brennan [holding answer 14 July 2009]: The 2006/07 800 70 following table shows the number and percentage of 1 2007/08 2,800 330 people aged 18 to 24 not in education, employment or Notes: training (NEET) in England. These estimates are from 1. Geographic area is based on learner’s home postcode. the Quarter 1 Labour Force Survey (LFS). 2. Numbers within a local authority have been rounded to the nearest NEET estimates are not available from LFS datasets hundred. Numbers within a parliamentary constituency have been rounded to the nearest 10. prior to Quarter 2 2000 due to incomplete data. Source: 18 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training TtG ILR Quarter 1 NEET Percentage UK Trade and Investment: Manpower 2001 574,000 14.4 Mr. Clifton-Brown: To ask the Minister of State, 2002 592,000 14.7 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how 2003 612,000 14.9 many UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) staff had at 2004 572,000 13.4 least one year’s experience in the commercial sector 2005 618,000 14.2 prior to joining UKTI. [281706] 2006 674,000 15.2 2007 711,000 15.6 Ian Lucas: Neither the Department nor UK Trade 2008 707,000 15.2 and Investment (UKTI) holds centrally the information 2009 827,000 17.6 requested and it could be provided only at disproportionate 1 Age used is academic age, which is the respondents’ age at the costs. preceding 31 August. However, people working for UK Trade and Investment Base: do have considerable commercial and business experience. 18 to 24-year-olds, England Source: Five out of six members of the UKTI Executive Team Q1 Labour Force Survey and all three of its non-executive directors have business experience as do most of the local staff based in Foreign Mr. Willetts: To ask the Minister of State, and Commonwealth Office Posts overseas (some 1,100) Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how and nearly all the International Trade Advisors (just many and what percentage of 16 to 24 year olds were under 300) based in the nine English Regions. UKTI not in education, employment or training in the second also has a programme of secondments both to and quarter of each year since 1997. [284954] from the private sector. Unemployment Kevin Brennan [holding answer 16 July 2009]: The following table shows the number and percentage of Mr. Willetts: To ask the Minister of State, Department people aged1 16 to 24 not in education, employment or for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the training (NEET) in England. These estimates are from answer of 17 June 2009, Official Report, column 420W, the Quarter 2 Labour Force Survey (LFS). 1137W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1138W

NEET estimates are not available from LFS datasets Kevin Brennan: It is not possible to build a meaningful prior to Quarter 2 2000 due to incomplete data. Quarter 2 estimate of the long-term costs of this goal, given the 2009 data are due to be published by DCSF on 18 time span in question and the fact that we do not know August. the outcome of the 2009 Fees Commission. 16 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training Latest labour force survey data shows that just over Quarter 2 NEET Percentage 31 per cent. of the working age population are qualified to level 4 or above—a generally upward trend from 2000 655,000 12.8 about 25 per cent. eight years ago. We are on target to 2001 644,000 12.4 achieve 40 per cent. by 2020. 2002 703,000 13.3 2003 708,000 13.1 Vocational Training: Finance 2004 697,000 12.6 2005 771,000 13.5 Mrs. Gillan: To ask the Minister of State, 2006 851,000 14.8 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how 2007 833,000 14.2 much his Department plans to spend on skills funding 2008 840,000 14.0 in (a) England and (b) Wales in 2009-10. [285561] 1 Age used is academic age, which is the respondents’ age at the preceding 31 August. Base: 16 to 24-year-olds, England Kevin Brennan: Planned expenditure by the Department Source: for Business Innovation and Skills on adult further Q2 Labour Force Survey education (FE) and skills for 2009-10 in England is £5.2 billion. The Department is not responsible for Vocational Training further education and skills in Wales, which is devolved to the Welsh Assembly Government. Mr. Sanders: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what Vocational Training: Trade Unions steps his Department is taking to encourage employers to increase skills levels among their employees. [284623] Mr. Sanders: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what Kevin Brennan: It is now even more important that we steps his Department is taking to involve trade unions give employers the real help they need to invest in in initiatives to increase skills levels. [284622] training for their staff so that they can survive the economic downturn and emerge to take advantage of Kevin Brennan: Trade unions are making a key new opportunities when the upturn comes. contribution to our efforts to raise skill levels in the Train to Gain is a service for employers which gives workplace. Unions and their union learning representatives them access to a wider range of opportunities for (ULRs) are uniquely placed to engage with those hard improving the skills of their employees and the productivity to reach workers with few skills or low confidence in of their business. Through Train to Gain employers can their own ability who employers find it so difficult to access: reach. To help them do this, we introduced the Union A brokerage service to help identify the business’ skills needs at Learning Fund (ULF) in 1998 and will be providing all levels and source high quality, vocational skills training, including £21.5 million to support this budget in 2009-10. apprenticeships, delivered at a time and place to suit the business. With the help of ULF, unions and their ULRs have Government funding for skills training to sit alongside their now helped over 800,000 people into learning through a own financial contribution. This includes a subsidy of up to 100 per cent. for literacy and numeracy and first full level 2 qualifications, wide range of innovative partnership projects with and a fully funded offer for 19 to 25-year-olds up to level 3. employers to tackle both organisational and individual skill needs. In 2006, with the Government’s support, the A flexible offer, responsive to and tailored to sector-based variations through sector compacts, and with relaxed funding TUC established ‘unionlearn’ to provide additional support rules for small and medium-sized enterprises. and training for ULRs and to maximise the trade union The Government are increasing investment in Train contribution to our efforts to improve work force skills to Gain to over £1 billion by 2010-11. Since its launch in at all levels. 2006, Train to Gain has engaged with 143,000 employers Over 22,000 union learning reps have now been trained and helped 1.25 million people to start training. and are playing a vital role in helping to combat the Funding for apprenticeships has increased by almost economic downturn by providing workers at risk of or a quarter since 2007/08 with just over £1 billion available facing redundancy with advice and guidance about the in 2009-10. In January this year, the Prime Minister wide range of support available to help them improve announced a package for an additional 35,000 their skills and employment prospects. apprenticeship places in 2009-10. The number of people starting apprenticeships has increased from 65,000 in Voluntary Work 1996/97 to 225,000 in 2007/08. Mr. Sanders: To ask the Minister of State, Mr. Sanders: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills if he Department for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will assess (a) the prevalence of unpaid work in the will make an estimate of the cost to the public purse of public and private sectors and (b) the effect of such providing 40 per cent. of the workforce with the work on the economy. [285426] opportunity to attain a level 4 qualification by 2020. [284625] Angela E. Smith: I have been asked to reply. 1139W Written Answers20 JULY 2009 Written Answers 1140W

The information requested falls within the responsibility provides detail on unpaid work in the public and private sector in of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority terms of number of people, and hours worked, for the latest data to reply. available relating to Quarter 1 2009. Estimates of the effect of unpaid work on the economy are not Letter from Karen Dunnell, July 2009: available. However, the proportion of these unpaid workers and the hours worked as a percentage of total employment are included As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your to give an indication of the prevalence of this in the labour Parliamentary Question asking (a) the prevalence of unpaid market. work in the public and private sectors and (b) the effect of such work on the economy. (285426) The estimates are derived from the LFS microdata which are weighted using the official population estimates published in Estimates of the number of people doing unpaid work and the autumn 2007. They are not entirely consistent with the figures amount of unpaid work they do are available from the Labour published in the monthly Labour Market Statistics Statistical Force Survey (LFS). They relate to the number of people in paid Bulletin, which are weighted using more up-to-date population employment whose working week includes unpaid overtime, and estimates. As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are those people who are unpaid family workers. The attached table subject to a margin of uncertainty.

Unpaid work in the public and private sector1, 2: Quarter 1, 2009 United Kingdom: Not seasonally adjusted Private sector Public sector Total1 Average Average Average Total usual Total usual Total usual usual weekly usual weekly usual weekly weekly hours weekly hours weekly hours Number hours (per Number hours (per Number hours (per (thousand) (million) person (thousand) (million) person (thousand) (million) person

People who 3,593 26.3 7 1,803 13.0 7 *5,400 39.3 7 usually work unpaid overtime Unpaid family 87 1.3 16 n/a n/a n/a *87 1.3 16 workers Total 3,679 27.6 8 1,803 13.0 7 *5,487 40.8 8 As percentage 17 4 n/a 25 5 n/a 19 4 n/a of the total for all in employment n/a = Not applicable. 1 Includes those who did not state whether they worked in the public or private sector. 2 Coefficients of Variation have been calculated for the latest period as an indication of the quality of the estimates. See Guide to Quality below. Guide to Quality: The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5 per cent. we would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220 Key Coefficient of Variation (CV) (%) Statistical Robustness *0≤ CV<5 Estimates are considered precise ** 5 ≤ CV <10 Estimates are considered reasonably precise *** 10 ≤ CV <20 Estimates are considered acceptable **** CV ≥ 20 Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes Source: Annual Population Survey and Annual Labour Force Survey

It should be noted that the above estimates exclude allocated to York College by the LSC, for both young people In most types of communal establishment (e.g. people and adults, in each of the years requested, hotels, boarding houses, hostels mobile home sites etc.) alongside the corresponding real terms value of these allocations: York College: Finance £ Hugh Bayley: To ask the Minister of State, Cash allocation1 Real terms2 Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what budget his Department has provided for York College 2004-05 16,570,839 18,252,637 in (a) cash and (b) real terms in each year since 2004. 2005-06 18,599,637 20,112,064 [285699] 2006-07 19,195,411 20,159,859 2007-08 19,592,068 20,020,916 Kevin Brennan: Funding for post-16 further education 2008-09 20,515,652 20,515,652 (FE) and skills in England is allocated to FE colleges 1 LSC allocations data and providers by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). 2 These figures have been calculated using the Gross Domestic The following table shows the funding that has been Product deflators correct as at 30 June 2009 7MC Ministerial Corrections21 JULY 2009 Ministerial Corrections 8MC

In the annex Operation Sycamore was listed as being an Ministerial Corrections investigation into prostitution project, this was in fact incorrect. Operation Sycamore is a project to fund Tuesday 21 July 2009 clearance of the backlog of 27,000 European Conviction notifications. £700,000 was given for this in 2006-07, with a further £31,339 given in 2008-09. The correct answer should have been: HOME DEPARTMENT Association of Chief Police Officers Mr. Coaker: The Home Office has provided funding for the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) since 1997. Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much her Department has paid In addition to an annual grant in aid payment, the to the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) in Home Office has made regular payments to ACPO to each year since 2000; for what purpose; what restrictions fund a number of specific projects or in support of apply to the use of the money; what discussions she has initiatives that are best delivered by those with professional had since January 2008 with the President of ACPO; police experience. All the grants are prescribed only for and if she will make a statement. [259061 the project or use specified. From the information currently [Official Report, 20 April 2009, Vol. 491, c. 146-48W.] held by the Department, the payments made to ACPO since 2006/07 have been listed as an annex to this response. Letter of correction from David Hanson: The Home Secretary and I meet with the President of An error has been identified in the table that was ACPO, regularly to discuss a range of issues, including presented by my predecessor in the written answer given the projects in which ACPO are involved. This is in to the hon. Member for Southend, West (Mr. Amess) addition to frequent telephone conversations and joint on 20 April 2009. attendance at conferences and events. Formal notes of In my predecessor’s response to your question he these meetings are not available to place in the House referred to a list of projects as an annex to the answer. Library.

Home Office payments to ACPO Financial year Project 2006-07 (£) 2007-08 (£) 2008-09 (£) Detail1

Grant Aid 836,232 836,232 836,232 To meet the costs of the ACPO president and part of the ACPO office costs

ACIST 2,988,115 — — To fund the ACPO Change and Implementation Support Team

Criminal Records project 110,000 110,000 110,000 UK Central Authority for exchange of criminal records

Operation Sycamore 700,000 — 31,339 To fund clearance of the backlog of 27,000 European Conviction notifications

Community Tensions 60,000 60,000 82,172 To fund the ACPO National Community Tensions Team project

Domestic Extremism 2,000,000, 2,000,000, 2,000,000, To fund the ACPO Domestic Extremism Team project

Disaster Victims 253,128 314,296 216,060 To fund the ACPO UK DIVI Management Team Identification

Stockwell project — 230,000 — Learning lessons of the Stockwell incident

Drugs Conference — — 10,000 Contribution to ACPO conference

Cannabis cultivation — — 40,000 Funding part of the costs of a co-ordinator

Wildlife crime 15,367 15,367 150,000 Funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit

Vehicle Intelligence — — 100,000 Funding for ACPO Vehicle Intelligence Service

Car Parking 200,000 185,000 130,000 Funding for ACPO Safer Car parking Scheme

Co-ordination of — 5,300,664 4,000,000 Funds the national co-ordination functions: the National Coordinator Counter-Terrorism of Special Branch, media liaison work, CT training needs analysis and policing the police contribution to the Border Management programme. 9MC Ministerial Corrections21 JULY 2009 Ministerial Corrections 10MC

Home Office payments to ACPO Financial year Project 2006-07 (£) 2007-08 (£) 2008-09 (£) Detail1

Prevent — 355,586 1,159,500 Prevent Channel project

Prevent — — 4,705,810 Prevent policing

Protective Services — 60,600 189,400 Co-ordination costs

Level 2 — 2,000,000 — Level 2 project

Operation Overt — 268,581 — PNICC work on the air terrorist action

RIUs 8,000,000 8,000,000 — Setting up regional intelligence units

Policing the Olympics — — 220,000 Co-ordinating work

Prisoner Intelligence 948,665 3,841,899 4,598,961 Support funding for programme Network

AVCIS (ACPO vehicle — 420,000 — Organised vehicle crime investigation crime intelligence service)

AVCIS—TruckPol — 50,000 — Freight crime intelligence service

ACPO Drugs CBA 10,000 10,000 — Contribution to ACPO organised drugs conference

Operation Cube (ACRO) 450,000 0 0 DNA analysis

Operation Element — 200,000 170,000 NCTT—Operation Element (2007-08 funding) (National Community Tension Team)

Knife Crime 0 0 81,250 Knife Crime £100,000 funding approximately agreed for 8 months (mid- September 2008 to mid-May 2009)

Domestic violence posters 0 0 4,690 Domestic violence awareness campaign. Grant agreement signed— funding awaited

Total 14,571,507 22,258,225 16,804,075 — 1 Funding allocated for these purposes only.

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State of 27,000 European Conviction notifications. £700,000 for the Home Department what (a) budgetary support was given for this in 2006-07, with a further £31,339 and (b) other funding her Department has given to given in 2008-09. the Association of Chief Police Officers in the last The correct answer should have been: 12 months. [276791 Mr. Coaker: The Home Office has provided funding [Official Report, 3 June 2009, Vol. 493, c. 553W.] for the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) since 1997. Letter of correction from David Hanson: In addition to an annual grant in aid payment, the With reference to the answer given by my predecessor Home Office has made regular payments to ACPO to to the hon. Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham (Daniel fund a number of specific projects or in support of Kawczynski) on 3 June 2009 in which he refers him to initiatives that are best delivered by those with professional the answer given previously to the hon. Member for police experience. All the grants are prescribed only for Southend, West (Mr. Amess) on 20 April 2009, Official the project or use specified. From the information currently Report, columns 146-48W, unfortunately an error has held by the Department, the payments made to ACPO been identified in the table that was presented by my since 2006/07 have been listed as an annex to this response. predecessor in the written answer of 20 April 2009. The Home Secretary and I meet with the President of ACPO, regularly to discuss a range of issues, including In my predecessor’s response he referred to a list of the projects in which ACPO are involved. This is in projects as an annex to the answer. In the annex Operation addition to frequent telephone conversations and joint Sycamore was listed as being an investigation into attendance at conferences and events. Formal notes of prostitution project, this was in fact incorrect. Operation these meetings are not available to place in the House Sycamore is a project to fund clearance of the backlog Library. 11MC Ministerial Corrections21 JULY 2009 Ministerial Corrections 12MC

Home Office payments to ACPO Financial year Project 2006-07 (£) 2007-08 (£) 2008-09 (£) Detail1

Grant Aid 836,232 836,232 836,232 To meet the costs of the ACPO president and part of the ACPO office costs

ACIST 2,988,115 — — To fund the ACPO Change and Implementation Support Team

Criminal Records project 110,000 110,000 110,000 UK Central Authority for exchange of criminal records

Operation Sycamore 700,000 — 31,339 To fund clearance of the backlog of 27,000 European Conviction notifications

Community Tensions 60,000 60,000 82,172 To fund the ACPO National Community Tensions Team project

Domestic Extremism 2,000,000, 2,000,000, 2,000,000, To fund the ACPO Domestic Extremism Team project

Disaster Victims 253,128 314,296 216,060 To fund the ACPO UK DIVI Management Team Identification

Stockwell project — 230,000 — Learning lessons of the Stockwell incident

Drugs Conference — — 10,000 Contribution to ACPO conference

Cannabis cultivation — — 40,000 Funding part of the costs of a co-ordinator

Wildlife crime 15,367 15,367 150,000 Funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit

Vehicle Intelligence — — 100,000 Funding for ACPO Vehicle Intelligence Service

Car Parking 200,000 185,000 130,000 Funding for ACPO Safer Car parking Scheme

Co-ordination of — 5,300,664 4,000,000 Funds the national co-ordination functions: the National Counter-Terrorism Coordinator of Special Branch, media liaison work, CT policing training needs analysis and the police contribution to the Border Management programme.

Prevent — 355,586 1,159,500 Prevent Channel project

Prevent — — 4,705,810 Prevent policing

Protective Services — 60,600 189,400 Co-ordination costs

Level 2 — 2,000,000 — Level 2 project

Operation Overt — 268,581 — PNICC work on the air terrorist action

RIUs 8,000,000 8,000,000 — Setting up regional intelligence units

Policing the Olympics — — 220,000 Co-ordinating work

Prisoner Intelligence 948,665 3,841,899 4,598,961 Support funding for programme Network

AVCIS (ACPO vehicle — 420,000 — Organised vehicle crime investigation crime intelligence service)

AVCIS—TruckPol — 50,000 — Freight crime intelligence service

ACPO Drugs CBA 10,000 10,000 — Contribution to ACPO organised drugs conference

Operation Cube (ACRO) 450,000 0 0 DNA analysis 13MC Ministerial Corrections21 JULY 2009 Ministerial Corrections 14MC

Home Office payments to ACPO Financial year Project 2006-07 (£) 2007-08 (£) 2008-09 (£) Detail1

Operation Element — 200,000 170,000 NCTT—Operation Element (2007-08 funding) (National Community Tension Team)

Knife Crime 0 0 81,250 Knife Crime £100,000 funding approximately agreed for 8 months (mid-September 2008 to mid-May 2009)

Domestic violence posters 0 0 4,690 Domestic violence awareness campaign. Grant agreement signed—funding awaited

Total 14,571,507 22,258,225 16,804,075 — 1 Funding allocated for these purposes only. ORAL ANSWERS

Tuesday 21 July 2009

Col. No. Col. No. JUSTICE...... 731 JUSTICE—continued Diversity (Judiciary)...... 731 Pleural Plaques ...... 741 Drugs (Prisons)...... 745 Prisons ...... 740 Electoral Reform...... 738 Probation Service...... 733 Foreign National Prisoners ...... 743 Shoplifting ...... 744 International Criminal Jurisdiction...... 743 Topical Questions ...... 745 Licence Breaches...... 736 Young Offenders ...... 735 Magistrates Courts...... 732 Youth Justice...... 740 National Security and Intelligence Services...... 742 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Tuesday 21 July 2009

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 131WS HOME DEPARTMENT—continued Attorney-General’s Office Annual Review ...... 132WS Animal Procedures...... 128WS Reform of the Role of the Attorney-General ...... 131WS Animal Procedures (Annual Report 2008) ...... 130WS Citizenship Consultation...... 130WS BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 111WS Kingsnorth Report...... 127WS Learning and Skills Council for England ...... 111WS Newspapers (Surveillance Methods/Update)...... 126WS Olympics (Safety and Security) ...... 126WS COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 114WS Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report: 10 Years On .... 127WS Business Growth Incentives Scheme...... 116WS Youth Crime Action Plan - One Year On ...... 130WS Departmental Hospitality ...... 118WS Local Democratic Renewal ...... 114WS JUSTICE...... 131WS Reform of Council Housing Finance ...... 116WS England and Wales Prison Service Pay Review Stoke-on-Trent Council...... 117WS Body Report ...... 131WS Tackling Race Inequalities Fund...... 118WS PRIME MINISTER ...... 132WS DEFENCE...... 119WS Cabinet Committees...... 132WS Armed Forces Pay Review Body ...... 120WS BVT (Terms of Business Agreement)...... 120WS Defence Advisory Forum...... 121WS TRANSPORT ...... 132WS MOD Annual Report and Accounts ...... 119WS UK Domestic Drivers Hours Rules...... 132WS

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 121WS TREASURY ...... 111WS British Council...... 121WS Anti-Avoidance: Capital Allowances...... 113WS Banking Act 2009 ...... 111WS HEALTH...... 121WS Debt Relief for Poor Countries ...... 112WS Correction to Written Answers ...... 121WS Equitable Life ...... 113WS Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust ...... 123WS WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 133WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 126WS UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Alcohol Disorder Zones...... 128WS Disabilities (Optional Protocol) ...... 133WS PETITION

Tuesday 21 July 2009

Col. No. Col. No. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS...... 15P Flooding (Cotswolds)...... 15P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 20 July 2009—[Continued.]

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 1096W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Adult Education ...... 1096W Apprentices...... 1097W Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued CABINET OFFICE—continued Apprentices: Females ...... 1099W Census: Fines ...... 1033W Apprentices: Hertfordshire...... 1099W Census: Travelling People...... 1033W Apprentices: Thames Valley...... 1100W Civil Servants: Manpower...... 1034W Better Regulation Executive...... 1100W Civil Servants: Pay ...... 1035W Business: Billing...... 1101W Civil Service ...... 1036W Business: Coastal Areas ...... 1101W Civil Service: Languages ...... 1036W Business: Empty Property ...... 1102W Civil Service: Pensions ...... 1037W Business: Government Assistance ...... 1102W Death: Cannabis ...... 1037W Business: Insurance...... 1105W Death: Heart Diseases...... 1037W Business: York...... 1106W Death: Seas and Oceans ...... 1038W Constructing Excellence: Finance ...... 1106W Departmental Accountancy ...... 1038W Debts ...... 1107W Departmental Databases...... 1039W Departmental Manpower...... 1107W Departmental Expenditure ...... 1040W Dietary Supplements: Channel Islands ...... 1107W Departmental Personnel ...... 1040W East of England Development Agency: Land ...... 1108W Departmental Publications ...... 1040W Education: Finance...... 1109W Employment: Hemsworth ...... 1041W Education: Prisons...... 1110W Employment: Hertfordshire ...... 1042W Education (Student Support) Regulations 2009 ..... 1109W Islamic Bank of Britain...... 1043W Exports: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 1111W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Chelmsford...... 1044W Foreign Investment in UK: Yorkshire and the Jobseeker’s Allowance: Ethnic Groups...... 1046W Humber ...... 1111W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Lancashire...... 1053W Further Education: Energy ...... 1112W Lobbying: Charities ...... 1054W Further Education: Finance...... 1112W Pay: Hertfordshire...... 1056W Graduates: Employment ...... 1113W Personal Income: Wakefield...... 1057W Graduates: Unemployment...... 1114W Population ...... 1058W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 1114W Public Bodies ...... 1059W Industry: Stress ...... 1115W Trade Unions ...... 1060W Innovation Fund...... 1116W Ulcers: Death...... 1060W Insolvency...... 1116W Unemployment ...... 1061W Insolvency Service: Marketing ...... 1117W Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 1009W 2002 ...... 1117W Carbon Emissions: Business...... 1009W Literacy: Young Offenders ...... 1117W Carbon Emissions: Housing...... 1010W Mail Order Selling ...... 1118W Departmental Advertising...... 1011W Members: Correspondence ...... 1118W Departmental Data Protection...... 1011W Migrant Workers: Burnley ...... 1118W Departmental Databases...... 1011W Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries...... 1119W Departmental Internet ...... 1012W National Endowment for Science Technology and Energy Saving Trust: Finance...... 1012W the Arts...... 1119W Environmental Transformation Fund: Finance...... 1012W National Vocational Qualifications: Construction . 1120W Industrial Diseases: Compensation ...... 1014W Non-domestic Rates...... 1120W Lighting: Government Departments ...... 1021W Non-domestic Rates: Rural Areas...... 1121W Low Carbon Buildings Programme...... 1021W North West Development Agency: Public Low Carbon Technologies ...... 1022W Appointments ...... 1124W Members: Correspondence ...... 1023W Office of Fair Trading: Freedom of Information ... 1124W Nuclear Power Stations: Accidents...... 1023W Prisoners: Higher Education ...... 1125W Renewable Energy...... 1029W Public Houses: Closures...... 1126W UDM-Vendside...... 1030W Redundancy: Females ...... 1128W Warm Front Scheme ...... 1030W Regional Development Agencies: Expenditure...... 1129W Wind Power ...... 1030W Regional Development Agencies: Finance ...... 1129W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 1031W Regional Development Agencies: Pensions ...... 1129W Retail Trade: Kent...... 1131W Skilled Workers...... 1131W HEALTH...... 965W Skilled Workers: Milton Keynes...... 1131W Accident and Emergency Departments: Young South East England Development Agency: People ...... 965W Redundancy Pay ...... 1132W Allergies: Consultants ...... 965W Students: Fees and Charges...... 1133W Childbirth: Shropshire ...... 965W Students: Loans ...... 1133W Compulsorily Detained Mental Patients: Children. 966W Train to Gain Programme ...... 1134W Dental Services: Morecambe...... 966W Train to Gain Programme: Hertfordshire...... 1135W Departmental Accountancy ...... 967W UK Trade and Investment: Manpower ...... 1135W Departmental Consultants...... 967W Unemployment ...... 1135W Departmental Contracts ...... 968W Vocational Training...... 1137W Departmental Databases...... 968W Vocational Training: Finance ...... 1138W Departmental Hospitality ...... 969W Vocational Training: Trade Unions ...... 1138W Departmental Procurement...... 969W Voluntary Work ...... 1138W Departmental Work Experience...... 969W York College: Finance...... 1139W Dermatology: Pharmacy...... 970W Dermatology: Training...... 970W Diabetes: Health Services...... 970W CABINET OFFICE...... 1032W Diamorphine...... 971W Alcoholic Drinks: Death ...... 1032W Drugs: Counterfeit Manufacturing ...... 971W Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH—continued HEALTH—continued Epilepsy: Medical Treatments ...... 971W Stepping Hill Hospital: Parking ...... 1005W Fujitsu ...... 971W Surgery: Greater Manchester ...... 1007W Health: Children ...... 979W Swine Flu...... 1007W Health Professions: Training ...... 972W Teenage Pregnancy: Hampshire ...... 1008W Health Services: Buildings...... 972W Tranquillisers ...... 1008W Health Services: Oxfordshire...... 972W Wakefield NHS Trust: Expenditure...... 1009W Health Services: Prisoners...... 972W Health Visitors: Manpower...... 973W Heart Diseases ...... 980W JUSTICE...... 1063W Hospital Wards: Gender ...... 980W Aylesbury Prison: Injuries...... 1063W Hospitals: Admissions ...... 980W Bail Accommodation and Support Service ...... 1064W Incontinence ...... 981W Damian McBride ...... 1065W Insect Bites...... 981W Departmental Data Protection...... 1065W Kidneys: Health Education...... 982W Departmental Databases...... 1065W Medic Alert: Organs ...... 982W Drugs...... 1068W Mental Health Services ...... 983W Elections Bill...... 1068W Mental Health Services: Morecambe ...... 983W Elections: Campaigns...... 1068W Mentally Incapacitated: Children...... 983W Electorate...... 1068W Midwives: Recruitment ...... 984W Firearms: Sentencing ...... 1070W Mid-Yorkshire NHS Trust: Doctors...... 984W Freedom of Information ...... 1071W National Joint Registry Steering Committee ...... 984W HM Courts Service: Pay...... 1071W Neurology ...... 985W Homicide: Rape ...... 1072W NHS: Finance ...... 986W Judicial Appointments Commission: Newspaper NHS: Management Consultants ...... 989W Press ...... 1073W NHS: Manpower ...... 989W Judiciary: Pensions...... 1073W NHS: Meat ...... 990W Legal Aid ...... 1073W NHS: Public Consultation ...... 991W Legal Services Commission: Finance ...... 1074W Nurses: Training ...... 994W Offensive Weapons: Convictions ...... 1074W Organs: Research ...... 995W Operation Safeguard: Billing...... 1075W Pain: Health Services ...... 995W Political Parties ...... 1075W Palliative Care...... 995W Political Parties: Finance...... 1076W Patients: Travel...... 995W Prisoner Escapes ...... 1076W Prescriptions: Fees and Charges...... 996W Prisoners ...... 1078W Pressure Sores: Compensation ...... 997W Prisoners: Drugs ...... 1089W Preventive Technology Grant...... 998W Prisoners: Financial Provision...... 1091W Primary Care Trusts: Dorset ...... 998W Prisons ...... 1093W Primary Care Trusts: Greater Manchester ...... 999W Prisons: Drugs ...... 1094W Primary Care Trusts: Wakefield ...... 999W Probation: Hemel Hempstead ...... 1094W Queen Mary’s Hospital Sidcup ...... 1000W Probation Service...... 1095W Sexual Offences: Health Professionals...... 1000W Reoffenders: Crimes of Violence...... 1095W Smoking...... 1000W Voting Methods ...... 1096W Social Services...... 1000W Young Offender Institutions: Per Capita Costs ...... 1096W MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS

Tuesday 21 July 2009

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CONTENTS

Tuesday 21 July 2009

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 731] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Justice

Equitable Life [Col. 751] Answer to urgent question—(Mr. Byrne)

Issue of Writ [Col. 757] Motion—(Stewart Hosie)—negatived

Public Buildings (Publication of Energy Performance Certificates) Public Transport (Reward Scheme and Concessionary Fares) [Col. 766] Bills presented, and read the First time

Parliamentary Standards Bill (Programme) (No. 2) [Col. 766] Programme motion—(Steve McCabe)—on a Division, agreed to Parliamentary Standards Bill [Col. 770] Lords amendments considered

Summer Recess Adjournment [Col. 789] Debate on motion for Adjournment Motion lapsed

Royal Assent to Acts passed [Col. 801]

Petitions [Col. 854]

Gurkha Pensions [Col. 857] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Israeli Settlements [Col. 193WH] European Union [Col. 215WH] Gloucester (Regeneration Funding) [Col. 239WH] School Buildings (Alnwick) [Col. 245WH] European Court of Justice Judgments [Col. 252WH] Debates on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 111WS]

Petition [Col. 15P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 965W]

Ministerial Corrections [Col. 7MC]