Tuesday Volume 550 18 September 2012 No. 46

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 18 September 2012

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2012 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 763 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 764

managed and assisted so that they give up on crime, and House of Commons that we use prison for those for whom it is necessary, but use other means to get other people away from Tuesday 18 September 2012 crime? Chris Grayling: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock for his kind words of welcome. I look forward to having many dealings with his Committee, and no doubt some PRAYERS sharp questioning. Let me assure him that I view rehabilitation very much as a significant element of our criminal justice system. It will be a major theme of the [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] work I do at the Ministry of Justice. Although people may have to go to prison in recognition of the offences they have committed, it is absolutely right and proper that we should do everything we possibly can to ensure Oral Answers to Questions that they do not go back.

Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): I am JUSTICE pleased to see the Minister in his new role. Will he take a look at the “Choose change” project, which has been running in Manchester for a number of years, working The Secretary of State was asked— with offenders in prison to prepare for all aspects of their lives on release? It has been an extremely interesting Integrated Offender Management Framework exercise in dealing with all the things that may lead prisoners back into crime on release, and practitioners 1. Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): What steps he in Manchester would very much welcome it if the new plans to take to ensure the future effectiveness of the Minister would like to make a visit. integrated offender management framework through the funding of key partners. [121177] Chris Grayling: The hon. Lady is making an early bid. I can assure her that I have every intention of The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice spending as much time as I can away from Westminster, (Chris Grayling): Integrated offender management looking at the work being done in the public sector, as arrangements are helping to reduce crime and reoffending well as by those working with the public sector, to try to in local areas through effective partnership working understand where we can improve and build on existing and multi-agency co-ordination. A key strength of the successes. I am sure that if I am in Manchester and the approach is that it makes best use of the resources opportunity arises, I shall do as she suggests. available locally. Many probation trusts and prisons are following an IOM approach. We hope that local partners Jenny Chapman (Darlington) (Lab): Let me take this will continue to invest in such approaches where they opportunity to welcome the Justice Secretary to his are delivering strong outcomes and offering best value place—and, indeed, the Prisons Minister and the other for money. Ministers to their places. They say a new broom sweeps clean, so let us have a go. The last Justice Secretary Nic Dakin: I spent a day looking at IOM in Scunthorpe thought that indeterminate sentences were a scandal. recently and was impressed by what I saw. Will the We are all hoping that the new Justice Secretary, given Secretary of State work with colleagues from the his comments in the past, is looking at how to introduce Department for Work and Pensions to give probation some form of risk-based release. However, given the services using IOM the flexibility to provide intensive ruling by the European Court of Human Rights this support to get offenders into jobs through projects such morning, how long are we likely to have to wait? as Empower in north Lincolnshire, rather than allowing them to languish on an unresponsive Work programme? Chris Grayling: The ECHR ruling this morning was very much about rehabilitation, which is something that Chris Grayling: Given my last job and my current job, I feel strongly about and which needs to be clear and I am probably pretty well positioned to ensure that the present in prisons, as well as after prison. However, I am two Departments work closely together. I strongly believe very disappointed by the ECHR decision this morning. in the linkage between the rehabilitation of offenders This is not an area where I welcome the Court seeking and work to try to get former offenders into employment, to make rulings, and we intend to appeal this morning’s and I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the two decision. Departments will work closely together to achieve that goal. No Win, No Fee Agreements

Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): On behalf 2. Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con): What of the Select Committee on Justice, may I welcome the recent progress he has made on changes to the Secretary of State and Lord Chancellor to his office arrangements for no win, no fee agreements. [121178] and wish him well? Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that he The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice is responsible for spending a lot of public money to (Mrs Helen Grant): The Government have made it a ensure that people who come out of prison are effectively priority to reform the costs of civil litigation and, in 765 Oral Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 766 particular, the no win, no fee conditional fee agreements. Damian Green: Central Government currently spend A package of major reforms is being implemented in about £66 million a year on supporting witnesses and April 2013, under the provisions of the Legal Aid, victims of crime, and we aim to raise up to an additional Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012. I £50 million a year from offenders, through the victims’ would also refer my hon. Friend to two written ministerial surcharge and other financial impositions, to be used statements, dated 24 May and 17 July. for support services for victims and witnesses. The police and crime commissioners will therefore have Iain Stewart: I warmly welcome the Minister to her sufficient budget to enable them to make their own new role. Will she give the House an estimate of the cost judgments on how best to support victims in their area. of the current no win, no fee arrangements to the NHS, and of the savings that might consequently be achieved Nigel Mills: Many victims feel let down by the whole by the changes? process. Does the Minister agree that the police and crime commissioners, with their local knowledge, will Mrs Grant: Defendants such as the NHS were required be able to ensure that victims get a fair deal throughout to pay inflated success fees under the old regime, as well the investigation and sentencing processes? as after-the-event insurance premiums. In 2010-11, the NHS Litigation Authority paid £200 million to claimant Damian Green: My hon. Friend is right. Individual lawyers. Under the new reforms, those costs will be PCCs in specific areas will be the best placed to understand reduced, allowing more money to be spent on patient the needs of the local community and to commission care. the services to meet those needs, as they will be taking those decisions closer to the people who will be most Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): I, too, warmly affected by them. That is the whole thrust of this congratulate the hon. Lady on her new job. I am sure important reform. that she will be an absolute star. May I urge her, however, to think carefully about no win, no fee agreements? Alun Michael (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op): Last week, scurrilous and despicable low-lifes in France May I first declare an interest, as I am standing as the invaded the privacy of a young woman who is able to Labour and Co-operative candidate for police and crime take legal action because she is very wealthy, but many commissioner in south Wales? people in this country, including the Dowler family, would never have been able to take legal action in a Does the Minister agree that the treatment of victims privacy case had it not been for no win, no fee arrangements. and witnesses remains deeply unsatisfactory in many Can we please, please ensure that we do not chuck the areas of the court system and in the criminal justice baby out with the bathwater? system generally? In providing resources to police and crime commissioners, will he ensure that attrition does not occur along the way and that those resources will be Mrs Grant: I hear what the hon. Gentleman says, but adequate to allow proper, enhanced attention to be paid we firmly believe that, while meritorious claims will to the needs of victims? continue to be made, unnecessary and avoidable claims have to be deterred. Legal aid will, of course, be available for those who need it most, and for the most serious Damian Green: I am enchanted to hear a pre-bid for cases, under the exceptional funding rules. additional public spending from a candidate, even before the election. The right hon. Gentleman is demonstrating his experience there. As I have just explained to the hon. Police and Crime Commissioners (Victims’ Services) Member for Easington (Grahame M. Morris), we are seeking to increase the amount of money that the 3. Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): What perpetrators of crime pass directly to the victims, through assessment he has made of the effect on victims’ the victims’ surcharge, but it will be a matter for the services of the work of police and crime commissioners. individual police and crime commissioner—whether that [121179] will be the right hon. Gentleman or one of his opponents—to decide how best to spend that money in 13. Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con): What their local area. I am sure that he would agree that such assessment he has made of the effect on victims’ decisions are better made locally than centrally. services of the work of police and crime commissioners. [121193] Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): People are concerned that funding for Victim Support might be The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Damian lost following the introduction of the new services, and Green): We expect that the needs of victims will be one that funding for mediation and conciliation might not of the key priorities for police and crime commissioners come forward. Does the Minister agree that those are and that the effect on victims’ services will be a positive important services that save the police a lot of time and one. PCCs will be ideally placed to commission the resources? most appropriate services to support victims in their area. Damian Green: I agree with my hon. Friend that mediation services do a very good job. He mentions Grahame M. Morris: Will the Minister explain how Victim Support, which has, of course, asked all PCC the necessary funding will be provided to the police and candidates to sign up to five pledges. Many candidates crime commissioners so that they can protect those of all parties—and, indeed, independent candidates—have services for witnesses and victims of crime? signed up to those pledges. With the range of services 767 Oral Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 768 involved, I repeat that it will be for the PCCs to make a article 8 of the ECHR, but he will be pleased to know decision, and they are best placed to do so in their that this Government have changed the immigration individual areas. rules. New rules came into force in July this year so that only in exceptional circumstances will family life, the Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): Victims best interests of a child or private life outweigh criminality will almost certainly be adversely affected when PCCs and the public interest in seeing foreign national offenders are elected in November, but the Government’s plans deported where they have received a substantial sentence. for the criminal injuries compensation scheme could That is a better balance between the interests of foreign make that even worse. After we forced last week’s dramatic criminals and the interests of the British public in being eleventh-hour retreat, victims rightly want to know the protected from them, which have been neglected for far Government’s next steps. Will the Minister confirm too long. whether the Government propose to try once again to shove this deeply unpopular proposal through, rewrite Sadiq Khan (Tooting) (Lab): May I, too, congratulate it, apply cosmetic changes in the hope of dampening and welcome the entire Justice team on their elevation, down the opposition on their own side or, as we hope, and wish well those right hon. and hon. Members who to scrap it altogether? have been relieved of their duties? Damian Green: In the first instance, I find it extraordinary The Prime Minister said in 2010 that he would that the hon. Gentleman should attack all PCC candidates, “personally intervene to send back thousands of foreign prisoners” including his own right hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff South and Penarth (Alun Michael) who has just and alleviate the strain on our overcrowded and announced that he is a PCC candidate, and that the overstretched prisons. The last Government negotiated hon. Gentleman is telling the people of south Wales prisoner transfer agreements with more than 75 countries. that his right hon. Friend would spend the money less I know that the Justice team and the Prime Minister well than I would. That is an extraordinary assertion. believe in taking personal responsibility, so will the As for the second half of the hon. Gentleman’s Minister tell us with how many countries this Government extraordinary question, we will, of course, look at what have finalised a prisoner transfer agreement over the best to do, and we will want to bring back the scheme, last 28 months, and how many thousands of prisoners but in a better form so that individual cases can be have been transferred during that period? treated in a more individual and sensitive way. I assure him that if he condemns every PCC candidate as being Jeremy Wright: I think that the right hon. Gentleman unable to deal with public money before they are even knows how difficult this exercise is. He knows perfectly elected, he really does not understand democracy. well that prisoner transfer agreements are a matter of negotiation, and he also knows that compulsory transfer Prisons (Foreign Nationals) agreements are much more valuable than voluntary ones. Most of the agreements that he has described his 4. Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con): Government as having achieved are voluntary, not What steps he plans to take to reduce the number of compulsory. This Government will attempt to negotiate foreign nationals in prisons. [121181] more compulsory agreements, so that we can continue to send home foreign offenders whom we do not want The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice in our prisons. (Jeremy Wright): The UK Border Agency removed 4,649 foreign national offenders from this country in 2011, but there is, of course, much more to do, so we are Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Now that we seeking to negotiate more compulsory prisoner transfer have a fresh, dynamic new regime at the Ministry of agreements and to improve administrative processes so Justice, can we please move the subject of foreign national that foreign national offenders are removed at the earliest offenders to the top of the Ministry’s agenda? There are opportunity. We also hope to reduce the flow into the more than 10,000 foreign nationals in our jails, and that criminal justice system through conditional cautions is far too many. Jamaica, Poland and Ireland are the and to reduce the number already serving prison sentences three countries that send most foreign nationals to our through the early removal scheme and the tariff-expired jails, but we have compulsory transfer agreements with removal scheme. none of them. Please will the Ministry get on with negotiating compulsory transfer agreements, so that Gavin Williamson: We would all like to welcome my these people can be sent back to their countries of hon. Friend to his new position and wish him the very origin? best. Over the last decade, we have seen a dramatic increase Jeremy Wright: Let me say again that I entirely in the number of foreign prisoners detained in our understand my hon. Friend’s concern. He has spoken prisons. Many people in South Staffordshire feel that out about this a number of times. However, I have at we are having greater trouble deporting these prisoners least some good news for him. European Union nationals because of the European convention on human rights. account for about a third of foreign national prisoners. What my constituents want to know is: what is my hon. A European Union prisoner transfer agreement came Friend going to do to reverse that trend? into force in December last year, and EU countries are implementing it this year. I hope that that will not only Jeremy Wright: My hon. Friend and his constituents help to remove foreign national offenders, but rank as are right to be worried. It is true that foreign national one of the very few measures coming out of Brussels of offenders will continue to challenge deportation under which my hon. Friend wholly approves. 769 Oral Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 770

Prison Population Chris Grayling: I have had several bids from the Manchester area, and I am sure that I shall be in the city in the not-too-distant future. I shall happily consider 5. Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): What steps whether I can look at the best projects there. Clearly he plans to take to reduce the size of the prison there is good experience showing how it is possible to population. [121182] increase the likelihood of offenders’ returning to a life of non-offending, and any lessons that we can learn will The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice be welcome. (Chris Grayling): I have no plans to reduce the prison population. The only changes that I want to see in it will Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): I welcome the result from our returning more foreign national prisoners Secretary of State and his team to their posts. Does he to their countries of origin, and—crucially—doing a agree that, with the annual cost per prisoner standing at much better job in rehabilitating offenders, so that far about £40,000 and that figure rising to about £100,000 fewer people come back to prison. for young people, it is very sensible, partly in order to save money, to look for alternatives, in particular with Paul Flynn: I am not grateful for that cynical, backward- regard to short-term schemes? Will he at least look at looking answer, which did not recognise the fact that saving money in that way, which would also enable us to not one of the fresh, dynamic teams that have been deal better with these people and help make sure welcomed to the House for the past 42 years has reduced rehabilitation happens? recidivism by one iota. People are still committing crime, and the same percentage of them are returning to Chris Grayling: My two initial thoughts are that the prison. Can we say a word of regret for the loss of one cost of prisons is too high but, alongside that, that the of our few civilised, vintage politicians, the right hon. best way for us to save money is to break the cycle of and learned Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke), who reoffending that has people going back to prison, and demonstrated that he had a working brain and that he back to prison, and back to prison. We release young understood the benefits of remedial work in prison? people on to our streets with £46 in their pocket, to go Have we not, sadly, exchanged old lace for arsenic? back to the same places where they offended before and where the same people are, and we are surprised when Chris Grayling: The hon. Gentleman can go on thinking they return to prison. That is what has got to change. what he likes, but as I have made absolutely clear, I also Courts (Applied Language Solutions) see it as a priority to ensure that this time we tackle the rehabilitation challenge, and that we stop people going back to prison again and again. 6. Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the language services for courts provided by Applied Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): Has the new Language Solutions. [121183] Secretary of State, whom I warmly welcome to his post, had a chance to look at a report from the National The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice Audit Office which was published today? It says that the (Mrs Helen Grant): The hon. Lady may be aware of dropping of the previous Secretary of State’s proposal problems that occurred when the contract started in to let prisoners out early if they pleaded guilty, or to January, but the National Audit Office’s recent report, reduce their sentences, would lead to an increase in published on 12 September, showed that ALS was filling prison numbers, and that we therefore need to maintain 95% of its bookings and complaints had fallen. The our full prison estate. Department continues to monitor the performance of ALS against the key performance indicators. We published Chris Grayling: I would have been very uncomfortable a statistical report in May and plan to publish an about inheriting a policy that allowed people to escape updated report later in the year. prison sentences by pleading guilty early. The National Audit Office report suggests that financial issues might Valerie Vaz: I thank the Minister for her response and be created for us. I can say that in the two weeks for welcome her to her post. She brings a unique expertise which I have been in the Department, I have looked at to the team. May I also pay tribute to the right hon. and the financial position, and I am comfortable that it is on learned Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke)? He was a track to achieve the savings that it should achieve good Lord Chancellor. during the spending review period. However, I want to The Minister will be aware that there is a legal duty ensure that that happens while also ensuring that the under the Human Rights Act to provide interpreters, right people are still in our prisons. and a judge last month said ALS was dreadful—a plague on the courts and incompetent. What steps will Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): the Minister take to ensure there is no waste of public One way of reducing the number of short-sentence money in delayed and adjourned cases? prisoners would be to extend the intensive alternative to custody programme, which has been pioneered in Greater Mrs Grant: The Ministry of Justice acted quickly to Manchester. When the Secretary of State makes his put a plan in place when it became obvious that there early visit to Manchester following the invitation issued were performance problems. We are not being complacent earlier by my hon. Friend the Member for Stretford and and we will continue to monitor performance, but we Urmston (Kate Green), will he take a look for himself are seeing some substantial improvements. The framework at how that programme is reducing reoffending, and with ALS is intended to provide better value for money. how it could be rolled out still further? It also provides an opportunity to reduce a great deal of 771 Oral Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 772 the administrative burdens that were placed on the Probation Service (Staffing) justice agencies under the old system. The contract is also expected to save the Ministry of Justice in the 8. Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): What region of £15 million a year. assessment he has made of the adequacy of staffing levels in the probation service. [121185] Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): The Minister must be irritated to be spending her first few days in The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice office reading NAO reports detailing her predecessor’s (Jeremy Wright): Individual probation trusts determine cock-ups. Does she agree with the Chair of the Public their staffing requirements. The contracts negotiated Accounts Committee that the NAO inquiry into the and agreed with the trusts take account of the need to language service contract has uncovered some shocking ensure that services are delivered effectively, efficiently failings which have had a dreadful impact on clients of and economically within the resources available. The the Court Service and people who work in the interpretation performance data we collect indicate that probation service? If she does, will she now suspend the contract trusts are making effective use of their resources to with Applied Language Solutions, or is she happy to see protect the public. interpreters with no experience, qualifications or criminal records checks being used in serious and sensitive criminal Steve Rotheram: Many will recall that the Deputy cases? Prime Minister said before the last election that he wanted to stop prisons turning into “colleges of crime”. Mrs Grant: I do not agree with that. We are seeing Last week, the Minister revealed in a written answer to significant improvements— me that 4,175 offenders in England and Wales had been recalled to prison in the first three months of 2012 and that the rate is actually rising under this coalition, to Sadiq Khan (Tooting) (Lab): Really? more than 16,000 a year. Is that happening because the Government are failing on reoffending or because the Mrs Grant: Yes we are, and the Opposition also need probation service is totally understaffed? to accept that the NAO report accepted that the Government had good reasons for making changes Jeremy Wright: I do not think it is either of those two from the old system. things. It is right to be concerned about the rate of recall to prison; the hon. Gentleman is perfectly right to say Youth Offending Teams that. It is also right that I put on the record, because this is my first opportunity to do so, that the probation service comes in for a great deal of criticism but does 7. Lindsay Roy (Glenrothes) (Lab): How many staff excellent work. It looks very hard at risk when it releases posts have been abolished in youth offending teams in prisoners from custody and it does its very best to the last 12 months. [121184] minimise that risk. Where we find that reoffending or breaches of licence resulting in returns to custody occur, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice we will work hard with the probation service to learn (Jeremy Wright): Staffing of youth offending teams is the necessary lessons. decided by local authorities and their partner agencies, Chancel Repair Liability but I can tell the hon. Gentleman that between 2009-10 and 2010-11 there were 835 fewer posts, which includes volunteers, part-time and temporary staff. That amounts 9. Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire) (Con): What to a 4% reduction. Over the same period, the number of assessment he has made of the need to review the law young people supervised by youth offending teams dropped on chancel repair liability; and if he will make a by 20% statement. [121186] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice Lindsay Roy: I thank the Minister for his answer. (Mrs Helen Grant): Chancel repair liability is a long-standing Over the last 10 years we have seen a 25% reduction in interest in land under the law of England and Wales, the number of young people on the secure estate or in and the Government have no plans to review the law prison, and over the same period youth crime dropped relating to it. by almost a third. The Youth Justice Board’s focus on young people has been a remarkable success and, thankfully, Peter Luff: I welcome my hon. Friend to her richly the board has been retained. Can the Minister explain deserved appointment, but I am rather disappointed by why his predecessor tried to abolish it? her answer. As the October 2013 deadline for the registration of liabilities under this archaic law approaches, more Jeremy Wright: I entirely agree with what the hon. and more parochial church councils will face the kind Gentleman says about the success of youth offending of acute dilemmas faced by my constituents in Broadway. teams. It is the people on those teams—a mix from I urge her to bear in mind that this law does need different agencies and organisations, working together—who fundamental reform, for the sake of fairness and justice. are delivering the improvements he describes. It is not the case that the Government tried to abolish the youth Mrs Grant: I am aware that my hon. Friend has an offending teams. The Youth Justice Board is something ongoing interest in this area, and I thank him for different, but in any event, the Youth Justice Board will drawing it to my attention. However, chancel repair stay, and we hope to work very closely with it to ensure liability is a valid property right, which has been upheld that all the good things he has described continue. by the House of Lords. Properties have been sold subject 773 Oral Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 774 to the liability, and insurance can be made available. Damian Green: The hon. Gentleman should never The requirement for registration will help greatly in apologise for his characteristic courtesy, which is welcome dealing with the problem of discoverability, but I will, on both sides of the House. I will tell him what we hope of course, keep the matter under consideration and to achieve through the commission: we hope to move to monitor developments carefully. a position in which human rights are once again completely accepted. In this country, “human rights” has become Court Proceedings (Televising) almost a boo-phrase, which is ridiculous. They are the basic rights to which we and all democracies adhere, but 10. Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op): What progress in various actions inside the courts and outside, human he has made on televising court proceedings. [121188] rights have been abused and this Government will put an end to that. The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Damian Green): Legislation to amend the current prohibition on Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): May I congratulate televising court proceedings is included in the Crime the Minister on his appointment? Is not an important and Courts Bill, which is currently being debated in the right the British people’s right to a final say, and, with other place. Initially, we plan to allow broadcasting of 80% saying in opinion polls that they want the Supreme judgments and advocates’ arguments from the Court of Court to have the final decision, is it not right that we Appeal. should consider how that can be done?

Chris Evans: I thank the Minister for that response. Damian Green: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for Will he give a cast-iron guarantee that when the legislation his kind remarks. It is precisely because of the strong comes before the House, safeguards will in place to feelings that we have set up the commission, which will ensure that we do not see a repeat of what happened report in a few months’ time. I hope that then we can with sensational trials such as those of O.J. Simpson have a well-informed debate about how we will take and Conrad Murray in the United States? Will the forward human rights in this country, preserving what Minister assure us that if such things do occur, the is essential while avoiding the terrible abuses that have judge will be able to stop televised proceedings? grown over the past few years.

Damian Green: Absolutely, and I think that the hon. Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): Will the Gentleman’s concerns will be shared across the House Minister take this opportunity to say something positive and, indeed, across the judiciary and the courts system about the European Court of Human Rights and the more widely. I am very clear that although this reform is European convention on human rights, which have in the interests of transparency, which we hold to be done so much to improve the human rights of minorities very important, it must not give offenders opportunities and individuals all over Europe, and stop listening to for theatrical public displays. Victims, witnesses, offenders the neanderthal voices behind him of those who think and jurors will not be filmed, so I hope that we will be there is some salvation in walking away from what was a able to avoid the problems that we all want to avoid. very important step forward in European human rights after the second world war? Mr Virendra Sharma (Ealing, Southall) (Lab): Let me first congratulate the justice— Damian Green: As I hope I made clear in my answer to the hon. Member for Ealing, Southall (Mr Sharma), Mr Speaker: Order. I shall let you first say “Number I want to restore human rights and the basic ideas 11.” behind them to their place as not only a central part of our political debate but something that is unquestioned Bill of Rights Commission on either side of this House or anywhere outside it. That is what we should think about human rights; the 11. Mr Sharma: What recent assessment he has made problem is that they have been abused in both the of the work of the commission on a Bill of Rights; and European Courts and our domestic courts and in other if he will make a statement. [121189] parts of the system. We need a proper balance and, once the commission has come up with recommendations The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Damian on that, that is what this Government will achieve. Green): The commission published its second consultation in July 2012; this is due to close on 30 September. In Prisons (Female Domestic Violence Victims) accordance with its terms of reference, the commission should aim to report no later than the end of 2012, 12. Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): What estimate taking into consideration responses from both consultations. he has made of the number of women in prison who have been victims of domestic violence; and if he will Mr Sharma: I apologise, Mr Speaker, for that rush; I make a statement. [121190] was so excited to be asking the question. Let me first congratulate the whole Justice team and The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice thank the Minister for his response. Will he inform the (Mrs Helen Grant): Estimating the number of women in House as to where he stands on the future of the prison who have been victims of domestic violence is Human Rights Act 1998? Is he with his predecessor in difficult, as the information is not recorded centrally. wanting it to be retained or would he prefer it to be However, surveys tell us that half of female prisoners abolished and replaced by a Bill of Rights? If the latter, report having been the victims of abuse of some kind. which of the rights currently protected by the Act does That includes abuse at any age, and is not necessarily he believe are no longer worthy of protection? domestic violence. The figures could also be a significant 775 Oral Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 776 underestimate, as the hon. Lady knows, because admissions The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice from victims of domestic violence are not always (Mrs Helen Grant): The Ministry of Justice often receives forthcoming. representations regarding coroners.

Fiona Mactaggart: I warmly welcome the Minister to Andrew Gwynne: I add my welcome to the Minister in her responsibility; she is a rare creature who cares taking up her new role and also welcome the new chief seriously about this issue in her bones and not just in coroner, who of course takes up his role this week. Will her words. If it is right that half or more of women in she take the opportunity to disassociate herself with the prison have been victims of domestic violence, sexual actions of her predecessor, the hon. Member for abuse and other kinds of violence, should not those Huntingdon (Mr Djanogly), who did much to obstruct victims be diverted from the criminal justice system the role of chief coroner, and will she welcome the extra rather than incarcerated in it? accountability the role will bring to the coroner service, particularly in assisting bereaved families? Mrs Grant: The hon. Lady is very knowledgeable on such matters, having worked hard and effectively for a Mrs Grant: The chief coroner will take up his role number of years, campaigning for both victims of domestic either tomorrow or the day after, and the Secretary of violence and female offenders. It was to my absolute State and I look forward to meeting him shortly thereafter. delight that I was given this brief as a new Minister by The first of his new powers will come into force next the Secretary of State and I hope to draw on some of week. The Government are determined to improve the my experience before I came to this place while I undertake coroner system. There needs to be much more focus on the role. Tackling domestic violence and women’s offending the bereaved and we must ensure that we minimise are priorities for the Government and me, and I am delays. delighted to note that the National Offender Management Service has been working very closely with Women’s Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): In Aid to develop policies, strategies and training to support welcoming my hon. Friend to her new post, may I ask women who are in prison and to identify domestic her what is the average length of time for an inquest and violence. Considerable work needs to be done and I whether there is anything she can do to speed up the look forward to working closely with the hon. Lady and process? Will she meet me to discuss the case of a young other Labour Members to drive through change and boy who died on the A64 and the trauma suffered by his make a difference in this area. family during the course of the inquest?

Victims Commissioner Mrs Grant: The average inquest lasts for approximately 27 weeks. On the matter my hon. Friend refers to, I will be happy to meet her to discuss it in more detail. 14. Mr Richard Bacon (South Norfolk) (Con): What plans he has for the future of the role of the victims Sentencing Policy commissioner; and if he will make a statement. [121194] 16. Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): If he will take steps The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice to ensure that time served in prison by a prisoner (Chris Grayling): As a former chairman of Epsom and reflects the sentence handed down to that prisoner by District Victim Support, I well understand the importance the court. [121196] of the support we provide to victims. I am making an early assessment of how to take forward the role of the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice victims commissioner. (Jeremy Wright): Prisoners must be released in accordance with the legislation laid down by Parliament. Parliament Mr Bacon: I thank my right hon. Friend for that very has consistently maintained the view that custodial welcome answer. Does he agree that when those whose sentences should be served in part in custody and in job it is to help victims of crime turn out to make things part in the community. Sentencers take that into account worse, so that a victim has to complain, the subsequent when determining the appropriate sentence in each inertia can make them a victim all over again? When a case. new victims commissioner is appointed, will my right hon. Friend ensure that their remit is expanded, so that Philip Davies: I warmly welcome the Minister and the such examples can be taken into account, which are in Secretary of State to their roles, particularly given that I effect in the civil rather than criminal area? tried over the past couple of years to get their predecessors sacked. The Labour Government left us with a situation Chris Grayling: I am aware of the circumstances that in which prisoners now have to be released halfway prompt my hon. Friend’s question. He makes a valuable through their sentences, irrespective of how they behave point and I would like to discuss the issue with him in prison. Does the Minister think that is an acceptable further. I am open to providing appropriate and more state of affairs and, if not, what does he intend to do broadly based support to victims if that proves necessary. about it? Jeremy Wright: I am grateful to be in line for the Coroners same kind of treatment as my predecessor. My hon. Friend will find that I agree with him on many things, 15. Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): but I do not entirely agree with him on this. I think that What recent representations he has received on coroners. there is merit in having a period, after a custodial [121195] sentence has been served in custody, when we can 777 Oral Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 778 supervise and monitor offenders and send them back if The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice they misbehave, so I am not in favour, as I know he is, of (Chris Grayling): Delivering an effective justice system an entire sentence being served in custody. However, I is a key priority of this Government, so I am delighted think that there is scope for reform in sentencing, and to have been appointed Secretary of State for Justice we shall certainly look at those opportunities carefully. and I am grateful to all hon. Members who have welcomed the new team. I am pleased to have such an experienced Homeowners (Protection) team who bring a wealth of legal knowledge to their portfolios, building on the excellent work of their 17. Priti Patel (Witham) (Con): What steps he plans predecessors. I should also tell the House that I have to take to ensure that home owners have the right to agreed with the Chief Whip that, on occasions, when necessary, the Lord Commissioner of Her Majesty’s protect their property from intruders. [121198] Treasury, my hon. Friend the Member for Bexleyheath The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice and Crayford (Mr Evennett) will provide support to the (Chris Grayling): My hon. Friend knows well that I feel team and the House. Our shared goal is to focus relentlessly strongly about this issue. The Government and my on a rehabilitation revolution, improving our system so predecessor have already made changes to the law, and I that it both punishes and reforms offenders. am now examining whether they go far enough. Amber Rudd: There are British girls at risk of being Priti Patel: I thank my right hon. Friend for that taken abroad to be subjected to horrific, permanent response and welcome him and his ministerial colleagues violence. I know that the Ministry of Justice has been to their new positions. Will he consider introducing working with the Home Office on a draft declaration legislative changes to give certainty to home owners on against female genital mutilation for at-risk girls to the level of force they can use to protect their families carry in their passports. Will my right hon. and hon. and properties from intruders? Friends ensure that the most robust legal language possible is used to maximise the document’s deterrent Chris Grayling: I absolutely believe that a householder effect and better protect British girls? who finds themselves in the unbelievably stressful situation of facing a violent intruder should believe that the law is The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice on their side. I give my hon. Friend an assurance that I (Mrs Helen Grant): I know that my hon. Friend has will make sure that that happens. worked long and hard for many years to stamp out this abhorrent practice and that it affects a large number of women and girls in Britain today. I assure her that I will Prison Officers (Fitness Tests) look very carefully at the language of the declaration to make sure prior to its being signed off that we will 18. Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): If he achieve optimum effect. will assess the effectiveness of the fitness tests that prisoner officers are required to take. [121201] Sadiq Khan (Tooting) (Lab): The new Justice Secretary has already said this morning that he does not believe in The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice reducing the size of the prison population. Will he tell (Jeremy Wright): Prison Service fitness assessments test the House how else his approach and policies will differ whether prison officers are capable of safely and from those of his predecessor? competently carrying out control and restraint procedures on prisoners when necessary. The assessment has been Chris Grayling: I look forward to many months of validated by academic study. As with all Prison Service debate with the right hon. Gentleman. I believe absolutely policies, it will be kept under review. that the rehabilitation revolution should be at the top of the agenda. We want to deliver a system whereby we no Helen Goodman: I am sure that the Minister has not longer send young people inadequately supported back yet had time to do the test, but it already means that a out on to the streets, to reoffend and then go back to large number of prison officers are retired every year. prison. I believe in having the right number of people in Does he think that it is realistic for people to pass the prison. We need our courts to send to prison people test when he is raising the retirement age to 68? who need a prison sentence, but I also believe in doing everything we can to prevent them from going back. Jeremy Wright: The hon. Lady is right; I have not yet had the chance to do the test, but I have to tell her that I Sadiq Khan: We will wait and see whether the right fancy my chances, because I understand that the pass hon. Gentleman keeps his brief, but I hope we will be rate is something like 99%. For her reassurance, the pass debating for more than a few months; we could do with rate for those prison officers who are over 60 is something more certainty in the Justice Department. As the hon. like 98%. It is worth making the point that most of our Member for Wellingborough (Mr Bone) has pointed constituents would regard it as sensible that prison out, the National Audit Office has said today that, as a officers, who have to do difficult, challenging and sometimes result of this Government’s botched policies over the very physical work, are fit enough to do it. past 28 months, there is now a £130 million black hole in the MOJ budget. We also know that our prisons and Topical Questions probation services are overstretched. Will the Justice Secretary reassure the House and the British public T1. [121202] Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): that, unlike the previous Justice Secretary, he will not If he will make a statement on his departmental risk public safety or let victims down in his attempts to responsibilities. fill the black hole? 779 Oral Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 780

Chris Grayling: I can absolutely give that assurance. T6. [121207] Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): Does As I said earlier, I have looked at the Department’s the Minister agree that it is perverse that someone who finances and it is on track to deliver the savings that it was on probation and had funding for a course, so that needs to deliver. My view is that reform is about delivering he could get the qualifications to get a job, has had that more for less, not about endangering public safety. funding withdrawn halfway through the course because he has been taken off probation for complying with T2. [121203] Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) everything that the probation service asked of him? (Con): What steps are the Government taking to ensure that those who sit on jury service are not in the country Jeremy Wright: I am sure that hon. Gentleman will illegally? That point was raised with me by a member accept that I do not know the details of the case that he of the judiciary. is raising. If he lets me have them, I will look into the matter and come back to him. Mrs Grant: My hon. Friend makes a very good point. The Crown court carries out checks on jurors on their John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): Further to first day. Passports, national identity cards or Home Question 6, is there any indication that any prisoner has Office documentation confirming their immigration status received an inappropriate sentence because of the failings must be produced. of Applied Language Solutions, given that, as the Under- Secretary of State for Justice, the hon. Member for T5. [121206] Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): Maidstone and The Weald (Mrs Grant) said, it has Her Majesty’s inspectorate of prisons recently said of failed to fulfil 5% of its bookings even after the HMP Liverpool that improvements that she talked about? “resettlement resources were not adequate to meet the needs of the population held, with backlogs of the reviews necessary to Chris Grayling: We have seen no such evidence. If the address offending behaviour and little planning for short-term hon. Gentleman has a constituency case that he wants prisoners.” to bring to us, he should feel free to do so. Given that HMIP report, what comfort can the Minister provide to my constituents that he is taking seriously T7. [121208] John Pugh (Southport) (LD): What the important issue of an overstretched service? progress has been made on the disposal of core buildings that are surplus to requirements and, in some The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice cases, unsellable? (Jeremy Wright): I hope that the hon. Gentleman will forgive me, but I have not had a chance to look at that Chris Grayling: There is an ongoing programme to report yet. I will look at it and come back to him. rationalise the estate across the MOJ, as there is across Generally, resettlement is hugely important. We are Government. We should always look to maximise the keen to see offenders get back into the community and utilisation of public sector office space, and we will straight into productive work, which is one reason we continue to do so. want offenders to be admitted quickly on to the Work Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): programme, which my right hon. Friend the Secretary Will the Secretary of State shed more light on reports in of State introduced so successfully in his last job. the press today that the Government are seeking to change the definition of domestic violence? T4. [121205] Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): In welcoming the Secretary of State to his role, may I Chris Grayling: That matter is being dealt with by the ask what are his initial impressions of how his Home Office and the Government Equalities Office. We Department’s relationship with the European Court of are continuing to review it. We regard domestic violence Human Rights will evolve? as a particularly serious offence. It does untold damage to the lives of women. The Government will continue to Chris Grayling: Although good work is being done to work to find ways of reducing the likelihood of people encourage initial reforms, decisions such as today’s in suffering from domestic violence. the European Court of Human Rights suggest that its focus is wrong. Through the work of our commission T8. [121209] Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): Does the and discussions across the coalition, we will put considerable Minister agree that the British people have lost effort into ensuring that the human rights framework in confidence in the Human Rights Act, with many seeing this country is something that we can all have confidence it as a charter for criminals? Will he consider bringing in, as the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice, my forward a British Bill of Rights and Responsibilities? right hon. Friend the Member for Ashford (Damian Green) said earlier. The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Damian Green): I am grateful to my hon. Friend for allowing me T10. [121211] Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): to repeat that we have set up a commission to look at What assessment has the Department made since the this important issue and that we want to get back to a riots last year of the initial lengths of the sentences that position where human rights are taken to be one of the were imposed, the extent to which those sentences were basic values of a democratic society, rather than having reduced on appeal, and the extent to which proper human rights abused in such a way that the whole pre-sentence reports were available at the initial concept has fallen into disrepute. hearings? Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): The Secretary of State Chris Grayling: I have not yet had a chance to look at will be aware of the problems facing the market testing the detail of the sentencing packages after the riots, but of eight of Her Majesty’s prisons. When will an it is clear that members of the judiciary responded in a announcement be made in the House about who the robust way to a set of circumstances that was wholly preferred bidder will be at the end of that market and utterly unacceptable, and I praise them for it. testing? 781 Oral Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 782

Chris Grayling: I accept the hon. Gentleman’s point. Damian Green: The Government support people’s When I took over as Secretary of State, I made a right to wear a cross, and the law requires employers to decision to take two weeks in which to get around the consider whether any provisions or criteria that they task and not make decisions about anything. That adopt would disadvantage employees of any religion. means that the Department will not announce the outcome We have discussed court actions in a previous Question of the tendering process until after the conference recess, Time, and common sense is important on behalf of but it is better for a new set of Ministers to ensure that both courts and employers, so as to allow the legitimate they know what they are talking about before they act. expression of religious views in the workplace.

Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): May I warmly and Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): The previous genuinely welcome the new Secretary of State to his ministerial team offered the astonishing innovation of post—unlike some Opposition Members—and may I drug-free wings in prisons. What progress is being made give him a heads up to keep a beady eye out later this to ensure that prisoners returning to society are not year for the report into youth justice by the Justice burdened with an addiction to illegal drugs? Committee of which I am a member? I encourage him to look seriously at any credible ideas that seek to divert Jeremy Wright: I understand my hon. Friend’s point, young people away from the criminal justice system in and of course the situation is worse than that because the first place. some prisoners actually gain a drug habit while in custody. There is a great deal of work to do, not only Chris Grayling: I assure my hon. Friend that I will do with drug-free wings but in reducing drug addiction that. I do not believe that any ministerial team or across the prison estate. We will continue to work on Department has a monopoly of wisdom, and we will that. look for best practice and good ideas that will help us to deliver a better level of support to offenders so that they Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ do not come back and reoffend. I particularly look Co-op): In his previous job, the Secretary of State forward to working with members of the Justice Committee. responded to a debate in Westminster Hall on work They will no doubt scrutinise our actions intensely, and capacity assessments, and one issue raised concerned I hope that we can have a constructive relationship. the long backlog in dealing with appeals against decisions made in the Department for Work and Pensions. In his new role, what is the Justice Secretary doing to deal with Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Further to his the backlog of cases in the Ministry of Justice? earlier answer, how will the Justice Secretary fill the £130 million black hole in the National Offender Management Service budget that has been highlighted Chris Grayling: Having done my previous job and today? given my current job, I will obviously examine that matter carefully. Of course, the hon. Gentleman should bear in mind that the backlog was not created under the Chris Grayling: As I have said, I will not give a current Government. We inherited it, on a much larger detailed accounting statement today, but I have looked scale, two years ago. at spending trends in the Department and I am satisfied that we are on course to meet our goals for the spending Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): Too review period. often, victims of crime get inadequate information about their case. What are the Government doing to ensure Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con): My constituent, Lorraine that better information technology is used so that victims Fraser, tragically lost her son who was brutally murdered are given the right information at the right time? by a gang of 30. Four of the murderers received life sentences, but two have been moved to an open prison Chris Grayling: I regard the provision of information under the Guittard arrangement, thereby depriving my to victims as one thing that we really need to focus on. I constituent of the opportunity to attend the parole have sat with many victims of crime and their families board, or present a victim impact statement. That has who have said that one of the biggest frustrations has obviously had a devastating impact. Will the Minister been not having information about what is going on. I agree to meet me and my constituent to discuss that assure my hon. Friend that, although it is early days in worrying development? the job, that is very much on my mind.

Jeremy Wright: Yes, I will happily meet my hon. Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/Co- Friend. What he describes sounds concerning, but we op): I understand why Ministers chose to withdraw will obviously need to look into the details of the case. proposals on criminal injuries compensation whereby innocent victims of crime would not have been able to Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): The recent decision make claims, but I do not understand why they also by the European Court of Human Rights ruled against chose not to press ahead with proposals on victims of Christians who were penalised for wearing a cross at overseas terrorism. Will the Secretary of State explain work or taking a stand for their religious beliefs. That that and say when those proposals will be brought back has caused great concern, and many people are asking to the House? where is the protection and religious freedom for Christians. What steps will be taken to prevent the erosion of Chris Grayling: The key issue related to last week’s justice for those with Christian beliefs, and to provide criminal injuries debate is that I want to ensure that we people with the protection that they should—and must— prepare for the unexpected. I do not see that there is a have? case for targeting resources at minor injuries that do not 783 Oral Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Oral Answers 784 have a significant effect on the lives of those affected. I Jeremy Wright: I am grateful to my hon. and learned want to concentrate resources on people who suffer Friend and congratulate him on receiving his knighthood. life-changing circumstances as a result of crime. However, I will certainly look into the matter that he raises. I want to ensure that we have enough flexibility to deal with unexpected lower-level cases that do not conform with the overall norms of the scheme. Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): I, too, welcome the Mr Edward Garnier (Harborough) (Con): My right new ministerial team, because I am ever hopeful that, hon. Friend will know that the Royal Society for the unlike his predecessor, the Secretary of State or a relevant Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a non-state organisation Minister will meet me to discuss the scandal of 10,000 that can bring prosecutions in its own name. Unlike the people driving legally with more than 12 points on their Crown Prosecution Service, however, when it loses cases licences. Will he do so? because it has got either the law or the facts wrong, costs orders are never made in favour of the successful defendant. Will he investigate why the courts never award costs orders against the RSPCA and in favour of Mrs Grant: I would be very happy to meet the hon. successful defendants? Lady. 785 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Afghanistan (NATO Strategy) 786

Afghanistan (NATO Strategy) consultation with the regional commander. We have a strategic plan that takes us to the end of combat operations in 2014 while strengthening the ANSF to take over 12.32 pm security responsibility from us. I have every confidence Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con) (Urgent in the way that Com ISAF is executing that plan. Question): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the change in NATO’s Mr Baron: May I thank you, Mr Speaker, for granting strategy in Afghanistan. the urgent question? The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): At the very least there is confusion with regard to this There has been no change of policy in Afghanistan. As issue. A NATO statement has made it clear that joint I told the House yesterday, the security of our deployed on-the-ground operations have been suspended until forces in Afghanistan or anywhere in the world remains further notice. The decision announced in Afghanistan a defence priority. The safety of our service personnel is by General Allen has appeared to take the UK Government an issue that all in government and in the military chain by surprise. Only yesterday, in Parliament, the Defence of command take extremely seriously. Secretary was rightly defending NATO’s continued work with Afghan troops on the ground. When did the In respect of the international security assistance Government know of this decision, and were they consulted force fragmentary order issued on Sunday, not for the on the matter? first time the media have become a little overexcited. It might help the House if I quote a press release issued by This announcement threatens to blow a hole in our the commander of ISAF forces in Kabul this morning. stated exit strategy, which is heavily reliant on these He stated that joint operations continuing until Afghan forces are able “recent media coverage regarding a change in ISAF’s model of to operate independently and provide their own security Security Force Assistance is not accurate. ISAF remains absolutely following ISAF’s withdrawal. As a soldier myself, I committed to partnering with, training, advising and assisting know the real value of mentoring—coaching and our ANSF”— training—at ground level, and there is no substitute for Afghan national security forces— that. Anything else above battalion level is very much “counterparts. The ISAF SFA model is focused at the battalion theory. If these operations are not going to take place at level and above, with exceptions approved by senior commanders. ground level, where does that leave our exit strategy? Partnering occurs at all levels, from Platoon to Corps. This has Will our soldiers be coming home early? The announcement not changed. adds to the uncertainty as to whether Afghan forces will In response to elevated threat levels resulting from the ‘Innocence have the ability to keep an undefeated Taliban at bay of Muslims’ video, ISAF has taken some prudent, but temporary, once NATO forces have left. measures to reduce our profile and vulnerability to civil disturbances or insider attacks…The SFA model is integral to the success of This, in a way, goes to the very heart of what our the ANSF, and ISAF will return to normal operations as soon as mission is in Afghanistan. For those of us who opposed conditions warrant.” our involvement in Afghanistan, there appears to have The commander of ISAF Joint Command has effectively been confusion from the start. Al-Qaeda was driven directed a change to the level at which partnering and from the country in the early stages. The mission has advising are scrutinised and authorised. Most partnering now morphed into one of nation building, human and advising was already at the kandak, or battalion, rights and democracy. Laudable though those aims are, level and above. The change does not mean that there they are very different from our original mission. I will be no partnering below that level. The need for that suggest that we need to be clear about this. Last week, will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and approved the International Development Secretary talked of nation by the regional commanders in theatre. building. At the same time, the Defence Secretary, when visiting troops in Afghanistan, talked, rightly in my The regional commander in Regional Command view, about it being wrong to risk the lives of our troops Southwest, where British forces are based, is Major for nation building when they should only protect our General Mark Gurganus, a US Marine Corps general. vital national security interests. The importance of that He has endorsed the approach currently being taken by distinction is that nation building requires defeat of the the UK-led Taskforce Helmand, including mentoring Taliban, whereas protecting our national security interests and partnering at below kandak level. That means that in preventing al-Qaeda from returning does not necessarily the UK partnering and mentoring operations will continue require their defeat, given their differences with al-Qaeda. substantially unchanged by this order. It is normal practice that all elements of our operations are subject What is our mission in Afghanistan? Clarity is required. to oversight by the chain of command, and operations If we are remaining true to our original mission of will continue to evolve and risk assessments will continue eliminating al-Qaeda from Afghanistan, should we not to be updated. The ANSF capability for independent now be doing more to encourage the Americans to operations is, in any case, steadily increasing, and our conduct non-conditional talks with the Taliban in order level of partnering activity on the ground has therefore to explore possible common ground? been steadily decreasing. The personal safety of our deployed personnel remains Mr Hammond: There were a lot of questions there. a defence priority, and we will take every step necessary First, my hon. Friend talks about consultation with to minimise the risk to them. We have always kept the Governments. This is not a strategic initiative; it is a level at which we mentor the ANSF under review and tactical initiative, taken by commanders in theatre, operating will continue to do so through the process of security within their delegated responsibility. We would not seek transition. British commanders on the ground retain to interfere with the military judgment of commanders the flexibility to mentor at the appropriate level in on the ground. 787 Afghanistan (NATO Strategy)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Afghanistan (NATO Strategy) 788

On information, I can tell my hon. Friend that this its assumptions on what can now be achieved by 2014? FRAGO was issued on Sunday evening. I was told Yesterday, the Secretary of State announced increased about that during a meeting on Monday, along with patrols outside the wire of Bastion. How, if at all, will information about several other measures that ISAF the ISAF announcement impact on his announcement? has taken. No particular significance was attached to it. To lose a loved one in Afghanistan is heartbreaking. My hon. Friend talks about partnering at below To do so in a cowardly insider attack multiplies that kandak level. I should stress to him that US forces have hurt. In dealing with that threat, we rightly seek continued not routinely partnered below kandak level. It has been consistency from the Government in their policy in the practice of the British-led Taskforce Helmand to Afghanistan. Our forces and our nation deserve nothing partner and mentor Afghan units at tolay—company—and less. even platoon level. That is not a practice used by the Americans, so the impact of the announcement will be far less significant than he suggests. As I made clear in Mr Hammond: I appreciate that the right hon. Gentleman my opening remarks, General Gurganus, Regional may not have seen General Allen’s press release, and Commander of RC Southwest, has this morning confirmed had to write his speech before he heard what I had to that he is happy for Taskforce Helmand to continue in say, but frankly he has completely ignored the information its current mode of operations. In other words, he has that I have given the House. I thank him for his support endorsed the risk assessment and management approach for the overall policy and strategy in Afghanistan, but I that we have been using. We will continue our operations repeat that this is not a significant change. There is no as we were carrying them out last week in Helmand. change of strategy.We will continue, in Taskforce Helmand, routinely to partner at tolay level. The United States has My hon. Friend asks, at the more strategic level, never, or not in recent years, routinely partnered at about our mission in Afghanistan. I touched on that levels below the battalion or kandak, so there is no yesterday, and he knows my position very well: we can practical impact on operations. [Interruption.] I will ask British forces to place themselves at risk for the answer the right hon. Gentleman’s chuntering question defence of Britain’s national interest, and legitimately in just a moment. This is not a different approach. for no other reason. I am clear that the mission we are carrying out in Afghanistan is to protect Britain’s national The right hon. Gentleman asked me specifically when security by denying Afghan space to international terrorists. I became aware that this approach had been implemented. That is our mission, and that is the mission we will It was during a routine meeting in the Ministry of complete. Defence on Monday afternoon, after I had made my statement, when I was in a video telephone conference Mr Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire) (Lab): The with the deputy commander of ISAF in theatre. We Government’s priority in Afghanistan is, rightly, to went through some of the measures that had been put achieve the mission while protecting our forces and in place. No significance was attached to this particular those of our ISAF allies. In that, as in Afghanistan measure at that time. It is a tactical measure, decided on policy more generally, our approach is to support and by commanders in theatre. UK commanders in theatre scrutinise the Government’s actions. While the details were aware of the measure and were involved in the of today’s announcement are still not clear, it appears to discussions, but we do not engage in debate with mark a significant change in the relationship between commanders about tactical military measures; it is not UK, ISAF and Afghan forces. appropriate. It is not a strategic change. May I ask questions about three areas? First, on the To answer the right hon. Gentleman’s last question, training of Afghan forces, if the approach is that we will there will be no impact whatever on the additional not automatically and routinely partner with smaller patrols that I mentioned yesterday around Camp Bastion. Afghan forces at company level, what impact will that This will not make any difference at all to them. have on the training of individual Afghan recruits by UK forces and on the safety of UK forces, which will increasingly be patrolling without Afghan partners? Several hon. Members rose— Secondly, on the ISAF announcement, the Secretary of State did not even refer to this new ISAF approach Mr Speaker: Order. There is notable interest in this yesterday when he made his statement. I know him, and urgent question, but I remind the House that there is a I know that he would not want to keep Parliament in motion on a ten-minute rule Bill to follow, and after the dark, so many are now assuming that the UK was that there is the pre-recess Adjournment debate, which not fully sighted yesterday on the ISAF announcement. is to take place under the auspices of the Backbench What changed between his making his Commons statement Business Committee; I can assure the House that that on the UK’s approach and ISAF announcing a different debate is heavily subscribed, which means that there is a approach just hours later? Did he discuss that with the premium on brevity. US Defence Secretary and the Secretary-General of NATO? Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): The reason The Secretary of State said in response to an earlier why, in opposition, the shadow Defence ministerial question that he knew about the new approach on team opposed naming an advance date for withdrawal Monday. Did he know about that before the statement was the fear that the Taliban would redouble their was made? If he did, why did he not share it with the efforts in the run-up to that date. Given that we are House? If he did not know before the statement, why where we are with such a date, is it not obvious that a was he not sighted on it? move towards a strategy of maintaining one or more Thirdly, on progress towards a 2014 timeline, today’s long-term strategic bases in Afghanistan would show announcement will undoubtedly have an impact on the Taliban the need to negotiate a solution and a combat operations and security, so how is ISAF adjusting settlement? Without that, it will not happen. 789 Afghanistan (NATO Strategy)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Afghanistan (NATO Strategy) 790

Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend makes reference to of our contacts with Afghans are on the basis of long-term the widely held view that US policy favours the retention partnering where relationships are built, and thus greater for the long term of a small number of US strategic safety is ensured. bases in Afghanistan. That will be an issue for the United States. I can tell the House that the UK Government Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): Now that it has have no appetite for a long-term combat role in Afghanistan, been revealed that the allies are unreliable, Karzai is and have made it very clear that we will be out of the useless and the Afghan forces are treacherous, it is time combat role by the end of 2014. to get out. Mr Hammond: I think what the hon. Gentleman Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): I do not meant was that it has been opined, not revealed, and his think that I have ever seen a Defence Secretary so opinions are noted. humiliated. Twice he has had to be dragged to the House, instead of having decided to make a statement—first Dr Liam Fox (North Somerset) (Con): Mentoring is to talk about the original problem, and now to discuss one of the most important ways in which we have the change of policy. Either his officials are informed increased the capability of Afghan forces, and the Secretary but do not tell him things, or he is not in charge of his of State has made it clear today that the instruction officials. It is time for this Government to get a grip, and from ISAF in Kabul will not alter the British relationship to start telling the generals what to do, instead of to partnering. Does he not recognise, however, that the re-reading generals’ press releases at the Dispatch Box. nuances between tactics and strategy can be lost on The fundamental problem remains the same: I do not insurgents, and that the timing of this is unfortunate, so believe that our country is willing to accept any more we must redouble our efforts to make it clear to the blood sacrifices, now that the strategy of fighting, training forces of terror that they cannot push our strategy off and patrolling with the Afghans has been blown away course? by Washington and the generals in the field. The Prime Minister announced today that the Cabinet will re-examine Mr Hammond: Of course my right hon. Friend is the policy. I say: the quicker the better. absolutely right: this is the crucial message that needs to be sent to the insurgents. As I said yesterday, the stepping up of these insider attacks is, in fact, a reflection of the Mr Speaker: We have got the gist. We will try to success of partnering and mentoring operations. The detect a question in there somewhere. insurgents’ key fear is that as we withdraw from combat operations we leave behind competent and capable Afghan Mr Hammond: On the humiliation of Defence Ministers, national security forces who will continue to contain the right hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr MacShane) their ambitions. That is what they fear, and that is what might want to have a look at the experience of many of they seek to attack in mounting those types of attack, his right hon. Friends under the previous Prime Minister and that is what we will continue to resist. who routinely humiliated his Defence Ministers by ignoring Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): I am afraid that the them and passing over them. It is very clear to me that muddled response to this fits in with the muddled politicians and the military have a role. I do not seek to strategy on Afghanistan. May I ask the Secretary of involve myself in the tactical decisions that military State a clear question? What advice has he received commanders make; it is wrong for us to do so. There from commanders on the ground and in this country has been no strategic change whatever. This is a tactical about whether the level of partnering should be reviewed, decision for a short period of time; it will be reviewed reduced or kept the same? and reversed, as General Allen made clear, as soon as the situation has stabilised. Mr Hammond: As I said in my statement, the amount of partnering will steadily reduce with the transition to Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): The Secretary Afghan lead, then Afghan sole control. As a matter of of State made the welcome comment that the international fact, it has been reducing. [Interruption.] I can tell the forces wished to lower their profile at a time of trouble, hon. Gentleman that over the past few days, before that but then he seemed to imply that that applied only to ISAF order was issued on Sunday, UK commanders American forces. What action has been taken to protect had already reviewed—I discussed this with them when British forces? What is the approach to their having to I was in theatre on Thursday—the activities of British co-operate with people who may intend their death, and forces to make sure that any unnecessary contact with would he not move more quickly to Afghans policing Afghans was withdrawn during this sensitive period. dangerous places in Afghanistan? We are flexible and cognisant of the broader atmosphere. We will take all steps necessary to minimise the risk to our forces consistent with maintaining the key strategy Mr Hammond: As I said yesterday, a number of of partnering and mentoring to build up ANSF capability. measures have been taken by ISAF and British commanders to improve our own force protection. I cannot go into Mr James Arbuthnot (North East Hampshire) (Con): all the details, but I shall give an example. There is much My right hon. Friend said that the new measures announced evidence that there is a much lower risk where long-term by ISAF were prudent but temporary. In what respect partnering arrangements are in place—in other words, are they temporary? In what respect can they be? where a group of troops are working with a group of Afghan troops on a daily basis—and much more risk Mr Hammond: General Allen has indicated that he where these partnering and mentoring activities are on intends to review the order in the light of the evolving an ad hoc basis, so that relationships are not built. We security environment, and to return to normal operations, have moved to make sure that the overwhelming majority as he described it, as soon as possible. 791 Afghanistan (NATO Strategy)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Afghanistan (NATO Strategy) 792

Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Many families in my Paul Flynn: I apologise to you, Mr Speaker, but I constituency in the Rhondda watch events in Afghanistan insist on retaining my accusation of lying. That is far closely because they have sons and daughters out there. more important than allowing a group of people to The Secretary of State would inspire a great deal more send our soldiers to die in vain in a war from which we confidence in the mission and in the work of his Department should withdraw and from which the country wants us if he had volunteered to come to the House and make a to withdraw. I accept the consequences of what I am full statement yesterday or, for that matter, a full statement saying. today, which would be printed and available to the Opposition before he appeared at the Dispatch Box, Mr Speaker: I am sorry to say that the hon. Gentleman rather than simply being dragged here to answer an is ignoring the ruling of the Chair, and in so doing he is urgent question. It just feels, hideously, as if he is not in behaving, whatever his motives, in a grossly disorderly control of his brief. manner. In those circumstances, I am obliged to name Mr Paul Flynn, the hon. Member for Newport West. Mr Hammond: What happened this morning was that Under the power given to me, I name him, and I ask the BBC picked up something that was issued on Sunday that the appropriate course is now taken by the Deputy and jumped to a wrong conclusion. I am very happy to Leader of the House. have had the opportunity to make the facts clear, both The hon. Member for Newport West (Paul Flynn), to the media earlier and now in the House. was named by the Speaker for grossly disorderly conduct (Standing Order No. 43). Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Will my right hon. Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Friend comment on the fact that American soldiers Order No. 44), That Paul Flynn be suspended from the who are mentoring seem to be slightly safer than our service of the House.—(Tom Brake.) junior NCOs, young officers and soldiers, because they Question agreed to. are not right on the front line? It worries me a great deal The Speaker directed Paul Flynn to withdraw from the that we continue to allow our solders to go right to the House, and the Member withdrew accordingly. front line, where they are seemingly in greater danger than their American colleagues. Mr Speaker: We now move on. I think that the Secretary of State had, if memory serves, responded, Mr Hammond: I do not accept that our soldiers are in but if not, he will now do so. greater danger, but it is the case that our model differs from the American model, in that it includes routinely Mr Hammond: My response was simply going to be mentoring at company, or tolay, level. That is the model to note that the hon. Gentleman’s accusation was that we have deemed most effective. We have in place scandalous. measures to minimise the risk to our forces, and those measures are continuously reviewed. As I said earlier, Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. there is clear evidence that where that partnering is on a I would point out that his response is to the House, continuing basis and relationships are built, risks are which is why it is perfectly proper for him to respond. minimised, and that is what we seek to do. Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire) (Con): The Secretary Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): The role of our of State has made it commendably clear that it is in our brave soldiers at the moment is to act as human shields vital national interest to stick to the strategy that has for Ministers’ reputations. The danger to our soldiers been set in Afghanistan. When it comes to the security has been prolonged by those on the Front Bench who of British troops, does he take comfort from the words have the power to stop it. Other countries have removed of Brigadier Bob Bruce, who will be leading the 4th their soldiers from this dangerous area, and they are not Mechanised Brigade in its forthcoming tour of Afghanistan, doing what we are doing, which is arming and training who has said that we are sending to Afghanistan our future enemy. Is this not similar to the end of the “the best prepared and the best equipped…Task Force” first world war, when it was said that politicians lied and soldiers died, and the reality was, as it is now, that our the United Kingdom has ever put into the field? brave soldier lions were being led by ministerial donkeys? Mr Hammond: I am most grateful to my hon. Friend, Mr Speaker: Order. I noted what the hon. Gentleman who has been a stalwart supporter of the policy and the said, but may I ask him to make it clear that he is not strategy, which, as I have emphasised this morning, has suggesting that any Minister is lying to the House of not changed. I am grateful to him for those words. It Commons? It would be helpful if he made that clear. seems to me that although the Opposition protest their support for our policy, they are desperate to try to read into this ISAF operational notice a strategic change Paul Flynn: That is precisely what I am saying. when there is no strategic change. It could not be I believe that we have had lies from the Minister, and I clearer. believe that our soldiers have been let down, and they— Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): Mr Speaker: Order. I am sorry. I asked the question Will the Secretary of State share with the House what because I wanted clarification, but I am afraid that it is his reaction was when, during a routine conversation, not acceptable for any hon. or right hon. Member to he was given this piece of information? Did he regard it accuse another Member of lying to the House. I must as no more than routine, or did it begin to dawn on him ask the hon. Gentleman to withdraw that allegation. that it might actually have been a major strategic decision? 793 Afghanistan (NATO Strategy)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Afghanistan (NATO Strategy) 794

Mr Hammond: As I have said to the House before, Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): The this is not a major strategic decision. I will answer the Secretary of State says that the operational model under hon. Lady’s question directly. I was given the information, which troops work with Afghani forces has not changed, along with quite a lot of other information, during a and he recognises that there are differences with the meeting yesterday. I did not remark upon it, and when American model. What reassurance can he give the the BBC reporting was brought to my notice this morning, House that our operational model is not placing our it was not immediately clear to me that the matter was troops in unreasonable danger? something we had discussed the previous day. I was reminded that it had been among the measures that was Mr Hammond: I can reassure the House again that mentioned to me during the course of the meeting everybody, both in the Government and in the military yesterday afternoon. We are talking about one of a chain of command, is focused on force protection—that number of measures. It is not a strategic change; it is an is, protecting the security of our service personnel. We operational matter being reported from theatre, alongside do indeed have a different model from the Americans, many others. and if I may say so, the British Army is very proud of the fact that it does things differently from our larger Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): I wish to place on American cousins. We pride ourselves on finding different record my support for the line being taken by the ways to tackle the problems we face, with different Defence team and say that I have not received a single levels of engagement. If I may make a generalisation in message from the military community of Colchester in characterising the way the British Army tries to do recent days to say that the Government should alter things, we try to get closer to the people and lower down their current strategy. the command structures, and we try to be more embedded than the Americans sometimes appear to be. That is our Mr Hammond: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. special niche approach and capability, and we have I think we might get further if we listened to the shown time and time again that it can be effective. military advice, and in this case that is exactly what we have done. General Allen has made a tactical decision, Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): which he is absolutely entitled and right to do, and we The Secretary of State mentioned earlier that a motive should allow military commanders in theatre to execute for the attacks was the despicable video that was published our strategic plan in the way that is best at the time and on the internet. Does he agree that another motive, that best protects the safety of our troops. which I have mentioned to both him and the Secretary of State for International Development, is the use of Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): Will the drone strikes, which have killed nearly 1,000 civilians in Secretary of State concede, hand on heart, that within Pakistan and a higher number in Afghanistan? Does two years he will have to bring the British troops home? the Secretary of State not agree that we urgently need to They cannot be expected to remain in that situation for look at reviewing the use of drone strikes, which is two years, under attack from the Taliban and completely considered on the front page of The Times today? unconfident of the loyalty of their supposed allies. Is he really going to allow more troops to die for a war that has not been won and cannot be won, and that will Mr Hammond: The use of unmanned aerial vehicles become increasingly unpopular with the public in this to carry out strikes is continuously reviewed, but I do country? not believe there is any need for a wholesale change to the current approach, which is that UAVs will be used Mr Hammond: I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman where they are the most appropriate way to execute a on many things, but I will say this. I recognise, as does particular operation. However, this question came up everybody in ISAF, along with President Karzai, that yesterday as well, and I would just say this to my hon. the incidence of insider attack is sapping public morale Friend. We all regret civilian casualties, and ISAF takes in the ISAF home countries. That is why we are determined huge steps to avoid or minimise them; but when we are to solve the problem—to nip this trend in the bud and talking about civilian casualties, the overwhelming majority ensure we get on top of it. Huge resources have been that are incurred in Afghanistan are inflicted by Taliban put in by both the Afghans and ISAF to address the insurgent action. It is defeating the insurgents that will problem, and I am confident that we will see a significant reduce the number of civilian casualties. improvement over the coming months. Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): Will my right Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): It has taken a hon. Friend confirm that troops from 3rd Battalion the long time to get on top of, and to minimise, the IED Yorkshire Regiment will be continuing their partnering threat to our forces in theatre, but it has been done, and joint operations with the Afghan police and Afghan often with some of the best ideas coming from the army this week, this weekend and over the next few squaddies on the ground. In minimising green-on-blue weeks, before they are returned to the United Kingdom attacks, will the Secretary of State ensure that every next month? squaddie, of whatever rank, is encouraged to come forward with ideas, so that it is not just left to the Mr Hammond: They will indeed be continuing partnering commanders? operations. However, in order not to mislead the House, I should say that at the patrol base where the incident Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend makes a helpful took place on Friday, the local Afghan police have been suggestion. In my next conversation with General Bradshaw disarmed as a precaution and the 3 Yorks troops are I shall ask him what specifically is being done to gather occupying the base on a sole occupation basis for the opinions and ideas from the ranks for implementation. time being. 795 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Points of Order 796

Points of Order information and to confirm potentially scurrilous—and, as it turned out, completely baseless—rumours, and that it knew that one of the executives at the News of the 1.8 pm World, Alex Marunchak, was directly involved in that. Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): On a That evidence, which has been given by an undercover point of order, Mr Speaker. Yesterday the Secretary of police officer, reveals that he knew then that “Ministers, State for Transport made a written statement of immense MPs and Home Secretaries” were the targets for those importance to the blind, the partially sighted and the burglaries, because they could be bribed or influenced. disabled, in which he gave the go-ahead to station You will know, Mr Speaker, that it is a fundamental closures and destaffing of stations in the London Midland principle of the House that we should be able to do our region. Together with Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson job on behalf of our constituents without fear or favour. and the organisations representing the disabled, we May I urge you to contact the Metropolitan police, have sought to ensure that they have access to public perhaps through the Serjeant at Arms, so as to ensure transport and are treated as equal citizens. However, it that all those MPs whom the Metropolitan police knew has been a sorry saga, which has taken an unprecedented to have been targeted in this way can be told that they amount of time. In the meantime, we have seen destaffing, were the targets of this criminal activity? some evidence of a deal being done behind the closed doors of the Department for Transport and, most recently, Mr Speaker: That could be said to be a point of Transport Ministers refusing to meet the organisations order, but I always view any paragraphs from the hon. representing the disabled. Has the Secretary of State Gentleman as a kind of treatise, and I think that it indicated his intention to come before this House? would be as well for me to reflect upon his treatise Yesterday’s written statement paid scant regard to the before I respond to him, and not to make any rash needs of the disabled. He should be held personally to commitment today. These are matters that he and the account to ensure that they have access to public transport. hon. Member for West Bromwich East (Mr Watson) are especially, and very properly, given to pursuing, on the basis of considerable research and knowledge. I will do Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. I him the courtesy of further reflection, and I will revert was already aware of yesterday’s written ministerial to him and, if necessary, to the House. statement on this extremely important matter. Having listened to him, I must say two things. First: no, I have Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op): On received no indication from the Secretary of State for a point of order, Mr Speaker. Human Rights Watch has Transport that he wishes to make an oral statement to recently published further evidence of failed Tamil asylum the House on the matter. Secondly, I am not currently seekers who have been deported from the UK by the able to identify a matter on which it would be proper for UK Border Agency being tortured on their return to Sri the Chair to rule in respect of the hon. Gentleman’s Lanka. The whole House wants to ensure that this point of order, but I shall continue my search. I shall let country has strong immigration policies in place, and him know if, upon reflection, I find a matter upon that they are adhered to, but it will surely also be which I can rule. He is an experienced hand, and he is concerned about those reports of torture. Have you certainly keen to air his concerns on this matter, and he heard of any possibility of a written statement from the might wish to develop his thoughts more fully in an Home Secretary, seeking to clarify her policy on the Adjournment debate. deportation of Tamil asylum seekers in the light of that new evidence? Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Today, it has been revealed that the Metropolitan police has known for 10 years that the Mr Speaker: I have not, but my hunch is that the hon. News of the World had commissioned a company called Gentleman will wish to pursue this matter further. The Southern Investigations to commit burglaries to secure House will doubtless wait expectantly for that. 797 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Regulation of Signage and 798 Ticketing Technology Regulation of Signage and Ticketing Since raising this issue in Parliament, I have been Technology (Publicly-available Car Parks) contacted by people from all over the country who have been hit by car park operators’ sharp practice. Their Motion for leave to bring in a Bill (Standing Order anger and frustration is backed up by statistics from the No. 23) DVLA. In 2011-12, the DVLA received 1.57 million electronic requests for driver information. Those requests give drivers’ personal details to car park operators, and 1.13 pm the information is used to chase up motorists for payment. The number of requests went up by one third in the past Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): I beg to move, year alone. When a driver allegedly breaks the rules, the That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision relating car park operator gets their personal details from the to signage and ticketing technology for parking charges used in DVLA and uses them to send them an instant penalty publicly-available car parks; and for connected purposes. charge notice. In short, the operators are milking the This is a straightforward Bill. It will get a better deal motorist. for the motorist and stop them being ripped off at car Now, following much consumer campaigning, the parks. Misleading and confusing signs are inexcusable; BPA is reducing the maximum charge, but it will still be it should be simple to get the signs and pay machines a hefty £100. If drivers do not pay the charge, it increases right. and a solicitor’s letter often follows. That aptly named “threatogram”can often frighten the motorist into paying Last autumn, angry constituents came to see me up. Such charges can cost the British motorist a staggering when a new operator took over a town centre car park £125 million a year. In Stockport, a gentlemen won his in Ebbw Vale. Within weeks, I had received a flood of case because the judge thought that the signage was complaints from blue badge holders. There were criticisms poor, and that people could have been forgiven for about signage, and about a complicated payment system thinking that they did not have to pay. It turned out that in which drivers had to enter their car registration more than 11,000 people in the previous three years had number into a fiddly key pad. I am fed up with poor not paid, but, yet again, the BPA thought that the signage in car parks that confuses and confounds the signage was fine. motorist. At that car park in my constituency, motorists were told, in micro-print: I am pressing for simple and fair signage. I want clear notices at the entrances to car parks, to let motorists “Do not leave the car park to retrieve change in order to know whether or not they have to pay. Drivers also need purchase a valid ticket”. to know how to pay, and how much. One idea is to have The fact that they are unable to read that instruction large signs painted on the tarmac as well. That is before entry makes it hard for the motorist to do the certainly a low-cost solution. The BPA tells me that it right thing; it also helps the operator to pocket fines. plans to improve signage, including through the use of However, the British Parking Association, which oversees larger font sizes. Let us hope that it takes inspiration the self-regulation of the private car parking industry, from the excellent Olympics signage that we have all told me that that sign was acceptable. seen in the past few months; it was first class. Perhaps the greatest grievance brought to my attention Above all, the BPA must get on with this; otherwise, was the extortionate parking charge notices. Like most motorists will continue to be a soft target. I was MPs, I bat for my constituents. I am a reasonable disappointed, but not surprised, to find that the BPA is person, and I think that motorists should pay to park giving its car park operators up to three years to change on private land. However, I expect parking operators to their signs, even though we all expect the operators to tell drivers how and what to pay. Signs should be clear make the changes quickly. That will mean another three and unambiguous, and when drivers do pay, but make a years of unfair fines for many. genuine mistake when entering their registration number I am also worried about a developing business model into a machine, they should not have to pay an additional for this sector, in which the landowner receives the parking charge of £40, as a constituent of mine was hourly charge from the motorist but the car park operator asked to do. They had already purchased a ticket and receives the income from any extra charges. So, from the paid for their parking space, so there was no loss car park operator’s point of view, the more confusing whatever to the operator. My constituent had done the the signage is, the better. When it is confusing for the right thing, but was still forced to cough up. That is just motorist, the car park operators make more money. wrong. That cannot be right. I have met representatives of the Driver and Vehicle This Bill will end the open season on motorists; it will Licensing Agency, which passes on vehicle registration deliver clear, easy-to-read signs in all car parks used by data to the so-called approved car park operators. I the public. Payment systems, too, must be as simple as have also met representatives of the British Parking possible. Motorists who pay should not face extra charges Association, the industry-funded body, which requires when they have done the right thing. its members to abide by its members’ club code of If we want shoppers to use our high streets, we need practice. The BPA told me that it would like statutory to make sure they can park at reasonable cost. Confusing regulation of the sector, but that that has been spiked by and misleading car park signs are quite literally driving the Government. When I met the Transport Minister, I consumers out of our town centres. They are going to was told that an independent appeals service for unfair out-of-town retail centres, where they can park for free. ticketing would be introduced under the Protection of Nobody is arguing for free car parking in our towns. Freedoms Act 2012. That safeguard is welcome, but it People should pay for parking and the landowner should fails to address the large-scale and deliberately exploitative get a reasonable return. Motorists should not be ripped ticketing operations of some in the sector. off, however. This Bill would mean that, in future, 799 Regulation of Signage and 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 800 Ticketing Technology motorists can use their local town centre without fear of being fleeced. Crucially, car park operators must clean Backbench Business up their act. Question put and agreed to. Conference Adjournment Ordered, Motion made, and Question proposed, That Nick Smith, Stephen Barclay, Nic Dakin, Chris That this House has considered matters to be raised before the Evans, Yvonne Fovargue, Diana Johnson, Barbara Keeley, forthcoming Adjournment.—(Jane Ellison.) Ian Lucas, Seema Malhotra, John Mann and Jim Shannon present the Bill. Nick Smith accordingly presented the Bill. HEALTH Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 25 January 2013, and to be printed (Bill 71). 1.22 pm Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con): One of my constituents, Mrs Collette Pridmore has three children, one of whom—her son, Jacob— suffers from a rare lung disease. Jacob is just eight years old. When Collette got in touch with me, she was extremely worried about her son’s future because she had discovered that the care Jacob receives at the Royal Brompton hospital in London was under threat. Because of the serious nature of his condition, little Jacob needs to spend many weeks each year at the Royal Brompton, where specialist clinical teams have the necessary skills to help him. Collette suggested I visit Jacob at Royal Brompton and during my visit she arranged for me to meet the doctors and nurses who care for her son. To say that I was impressed would be an understatement. I am sure that many right hon. and hon. Members will know of the good work done by the Royal Brompton, but for those who do not, let me explain something about the services they provide. The respiratory children’s unit at the Royal Brompton treats some of the most vulnerable children in our country—those with serious lung disease and breathing problems. The Royal Brompton is home to the country’s largest children’s cystic fibrosis unit and the hospital’s experts treat children with muscular dystrophies, severe drug-resistant asthma and a range of other respiratory conditions. These conditions are quite rare, but the concentration of clinical expertise in one place means that knowledge is accumulated and shared, creating the best possible conditions for the care of children such as Jacob. The hospital also carries out research with Imperial college constantly to improve the treatments available. My visit to the Royal Brompton was inspirational. I saw the very best that the NHS has to offer—the best specialist skills and an incredibly caring environment. These services provided by the Royal Brompton, however, are now at risk. Why? In one word—reorganisation. The threat to close the Royal Brompton’s children’s respiratory services is really not the finest hour for health service reorganisations. This is not an academic exercise; it is about the future welfare of some pretty sick and vulnerable children such as Jacob. Unfortunately, Jacob’s doctors do not think they will be able to carry on caring for him in the long term, because their intensive care unit is being closed. Without the back-up of intensive care, they will not be able to offer the expert services they do now, because they think it will be unsafe to do so. So why is the intensive care unit being closed? Is it to save money? Is it because it is not a very good unit? Is it because no one needs it? The answer is none of those. 801 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 802

[Gordon Henderson] 1.29 pm

On 4 July this year, a committee of primary care trust Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden) (Lab): chief executives, as part of the reorganisation of children’s My local NHS says that it needs to reconfigure services heart services in England, made the extraordinary decision because it has to end children’s heart surgery and intensive care at the “to deliver £370 million savings each year...a reduction of around Royal Brompton. As one of the best-performing and 24% in…costs.” largest centres in England, many Members will have As a result, it plans, through a programme ironically had constituents who have been treated there. The called “Better Services Better Value”, to close a wide proposed closure will have severe knock-on effects on range of services at my constituency’s local hospital, children’s respiratory medicine. St Helier. Most of the controversy has focused on the closure of our A and E and maternity units, but we also Although not all Royal Brompton’s young patients face losing our intensive care unit, neonatal ICU and need the intensive care unit, many do need it should renal unit, as well as about 50% of St Helier’s 390 in- they deteriorate very quickly. Sadly for Jacob, this has patient beds. happened to him on several occasions. Jacob’s doctor, Dr Claire Hogg, told me that without an intensive care Since I last raised this subject in the House in July, a unit on site, her only option, if Jacob became particularly number of interesting things have happened. First, the unwell, would be to try to get him to the specialist right hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Paul intensive care unit at another London hospital which, Burstow)—whose constituency, like mine, is on the depending on traffic, could be up to an hour away. To a borders of St Helier—lost his job as a Health Minister sick little boy or girl, this could be a lifetime away—quite and launched a withering attack on the plans, describing literally. them as “dangerous and flawed”. As a Minister in the Department for Health, he would know; although I A couple of weeks ago Collette Pridmore brought imagine that he wanted to stay and to continue to be some of the Royal Brompton’s doctors to visit me here. collectively responsible for St Heller’s demise. I was shocked by what I learned. Dr Duncan Macrae Then the right hon. Member for Carshalton and has discovered that new figures published after the Wallington (Tom Brake), whose constituency contains review of children’s heart services took place show that St Helier, decided that he was so upset about the plans the rate of population increase, particularly the child that he would take a principled stand by joining the population, is far greater than previously estimated, Government as deputy to the man who is responsible most specifically in London where the child population for what has happened in the NHS over the past two is increasing at almost twice the national average. years. Congratulations are due to him for showing his disapproval so strongly. This decision, leaving just two centres to offer children’s heart surgery for London and the south-east, was taken Ten days ago, Michelle Baker and Karen Russell, using 2006-based national population projections, which mums from my constituency and part of the Save have been shown greatly to underestimate the numbers. St Helier campaign, organised a picnic with a purpose Equally worrying is the recent data from the UK central outside the hospital. Thousands of local residents joined cardiac audit database, showing that the number of in, and although it was billed as a fun day, we were children having heart operations is increasing year on deadly serious. The leader of Merton council, Councillor year. How, then, did the review of children’s heart Stephen Alambritis, a former football referee, was cheered surgery, using out-of-date statistics on both population as he brandished a red card at the plans, while the growth and the number of children needing surgery, medical director of “Better Services Better Value” was come to the conclusion that London and the south-east booed as he was handed our petition, signed by more can manage with two rather than three children’s heart than 30,000 people. surgery centres? In other developments, it is becoming increasingly clear that, behind the scenes, the case for the closure is The review decided that the Royal Brompton should falling apart. NHS South West London was originally close its specialist centre and intensive care unit, despite due to rubber-stamp the proposals in July, but the the fact that the hospital is one of the biggest and best decision was unexpectedly postponed at the last minute. centres in the country. Scandalously, the intensive care Then, last month, the team proudly issued a press units and children’s heart units at the other two London release stating that a decision would be made on centres do not currently have enough beds for Royal 27 September and that Brompton patients, and at least one of them will have to spend large sums of money building new facilities. At a “the aim is tor it to go out to public consultation from 1 October”. time when the NHS is strapped for cash, that alone is a Dr Finch said that he was good reason for reversing the decision to close the “excited by the huge potential of the BSBV programme.” Royal Brompton hospital. Now even that decision has been put off for at least The proposed closure is not the result of Government another month. Perhaps the delay is connected to polls policy. That is not to say, however, that the new Health of GPs and patients that showed that a majority were team, now led by the Secretary of State for Health, my against the closure, but I suspect that that it is mainly right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey due to the publication of the National Clinical Advisory (Mr Hunt)cannot intervene. I very much hope that Team’s report on the plans. Ministers will agree to meet me and some of the medical NCAT reports represent a key step in any hospital staff from the Royal Brompton to discuss our concerns reconfiguration and need to be properly scrutinised, so and to see what can be done to reverse this crass on 17 July I requested a copy of the report under the decision. Freedom of Information Act. Under FOI rules, I should 803 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 804 have received a copy by 14 August, but it was not until a NCAT concludes: week later that I received one, along with a press release “Successful implementation…depends on a multitude of claiming that NCAT had supporting improvements in primary care, community services “given the Better Services Better Value review the green light to and professional practice that are not well defined in the proposals.” move forward”, Worse, it admits: and that “The reconfigurations are based on an optimistic view of capacity, recruitment, meeting increased demand in primary and “we are very pleased that the NCAT team have agreed that our community care and the challenges posed by the introduction of proposals should be supported”. new ways of working.” However, although the press release gave the impression I could go on and on. that everything was running smoothly, that impression On the basis of such optimism, 200,000 people will was extremely misleading. have to make longer journeys to hospital in an emergency. The most fundamental criticism of the closure plan is An A and E department will close, although the number that it is predicated on the assumption that 60%—yes, of A and E visits will rise by 20% in the next five years. 60%—of emergency patients can use primary care instead Tens of thousands of women will have to worry about of A and E services. Obviously, it is very much in GPs’ how they will give birth at hospitals further from home, interests for BSBV to succeed. It is led by local GPs, and and a maternity unit will close, although the number of they clearly have an interest in ensuring that more births will rise by 10%. Thanks to the combination of patients use primary care rather than hospitals, whether cuts and GP commissioning, a flawed decision to close or not that is what patients want, because the money St Helier is about to happen. It will not work, and it follows the patient. must be stopped. NCAT has looked at the 60% target and, ever so politely, has laughed it off. The report says: 1.36 pm “The assumption that 60% of ED”— Angie Bray (Ealing Central and Acton) (Con): I am emergency department— very pleased to have the chance to alert Ministers once “patients have conditions that can be managed by clinicians from again to the devastating plan, courtesy of NHS North primary care demands detailed… analysis. Elsewhere in the UK a West London, to close the A and E departments at the consistent finding is…far lower, usually in the order of 15-20%. four hospitals that are closest to my constituency and Reconfiguration based on the higher figure may not achieve the my constituents. Unsurprisingly, there seems to be very anticipated benefits.” little local support for the plan. As far as I am aware, no NCAT goes on to say: local GPs have spoken up in favour of it, other than the “The ED consultants interviewed suggested that the primary very few who are working alongside NHS North West care workload in their departments is in the order of 15-20%” London. I suspect that, like the rest of us, local GPs are and that highly doubtful about a plan that rests on the massive assumption that it is possible to dismantle four A and E “The estimate of 60% is often derived from coding data...patients who have no x-rays, no specific treatment, no follow up and are departments in a small, concentrated part of London not admitted are regarded as ‘minor’ and therefore it is assumed with little or no negative impact on the community that that they could be seen by primary care clinicians. It is recognised depends on them. throughout the NHS and particularly in emergency care, that The plan envisages a scaled-down but super-efficient such data lack reliability”. new system of care delivery. I think it fair to say that we The report also questions the assumptions behind the would like that new system to be in place, up and proposal that St Helier could be saved by becoming running and serving the needs of our constituents, South West London’s elective hospital. It is hard to see before supporting the dismantling of any of our A and E why any patient would choose to travel so many miles departments. There is cross-party agreement locally, in from Croydon, Wandsworth or Kingston to a hospital Hammersmith and Fulham as well as Ealing, that the that had lost so many services, to receive treatment that plan is reckless and extreme. Last weekend, we held a they could receive at their local hospitals, or why any rally on Ealing common at which all three parties spoke ambitious staff member would want to work there. out against it. NCAT says: Our main concern must be the increase in travel “The concept of a planned in-patient care or elective hospital times. The proposals attempt to demonstrate that, at serving the whole area was generally supported” the very worst, just a few minutes might be added to by clinicians. It continues: some journeys made to hospitals further afield. I think that anyone who knows that part of London will be “However there was no evidence that this would free enough aware that those timings must have been conducted at in-hospital capacity to absorb the additional acute workload for 2 am rather than 2 pm, and I think that most of us the remaining three hospitals.” would prefer slightly more realistic assessments to be The report adds: carried out. “There was concern that the links between acute medical There must be real concern about adding to A and E services and the community were not dependable.” queues at the hospitals that have been left to take up the NCAT admits that, although most experts consider it a patients who will no longer have access to A and E bad thing for maternity units to deliver more than 6,000 departments closer to home. Even if the new facilities babies a year, South West London’s three remaining work for some people—as I am sure that they will—many, maternity units would have to deliver 6,500 babies many people will still want to go to straightforward each—in addition to the 2,500 babies delivered in midwife A and E departments, particularly those that are familiar units and the 880 delivered at home. to them and that they know and love. 805 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 806

[Angie Bray] hospital are being drawn up, and many people believe that the trust might be trying to avoid providing maternity Those, obviously, are extremely important issues that services there. The trust has often assured me that that will need to be considered, but we should also bear in is not the case, but there is increasing suspicion. Meanwhile, mind that Ealing has one of the fastest-growing populations these services are absent, so mothers have to travel in the country. It seems strange to us that anyone should 50 miles to give birth. That is not the only issue. consider dismantling important parts of the health infrastructure at a time when we expect to see a much One mother told me she had been driven the 50 miles larger local population. to the Wansbeck hospital and examined there, but the hospital staff said, “No, you’ve come here too soon. Go The consultation will continue until 8 October, but, home.” She was then driven 50 miles home. Within an as I have said, the form is extremely long and tricky to hour or two of arriving back, she became convinced fill in, and rather off-putting as a result. It takes a lot of labour was about to start, so she was again driven by time; indeed, it took me an hour and a half to fill it in, car 50 miles to the Wansbeck, where she was examined and I have spent a considerable amount of time focusing and the staff said, “No, we think you should go home. on this issue. There’s no need for you to be here at present.” She dug Naturally and unsurprisingly, in common with all her heels in, however, and said, “No, I’m not going. other well-honed consultations, this consultation is designed I’m staying here.” Within the time it would have taken to draw participants to its own desired conclusions— for her to return home again—taking her total journey although with a bit of serious work and concentration, to 200 miles—the baby was born at the Wansbeck it is possible to avoid that. However, marching and infirmary. That story serves to illustrate that the issue is filling in petitions is all very well and fine, but we must about not births alone, but all the associated journeys remember that it is only the responses to the consultation that may be involved. That is one of the reasons why we that legally count. The Conservatives had a stall on generally try to provide maternity services reasonably Ealing common last Saturday, and we handed out more locally. than 500 consultation documents, because we felt that that was one way to help the campaign practically. We The review that is taking place should look at how we apologised to everybody in advance for the time that it can ensure that we have maternity services in Berwick was going to take to fill them in, of course. that have the full confidence of the trust and the clinical I understand that the consultation received an award staff. The majority of local mothers initially opt for for its clarity of language, but the intention behind it is births at Berwick, but by the time of delivery, the clear to us: to get its desired result, which is support for majority of them have accepted advice to have delivery closing the four A and E services that are closest to my at Wansbeck or the Borders. One has to ask why that is constituency. I hope that Ministers will resist any such the case. Any mother reading the NICE guidelines, recommendation. which are given to mothers, will say, “Oh, ambulance transfer might happen after labour has begun!” An 1.41 pm ambulance transfer takes two hours; that is the specified NHS time for an ambulance transfer from Berwick to Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): I am Wansbeck infirmary. It is clear that doctors often feel very glad to have this opportunity to raise the important that they do not want to take any risk at all, so they issue of the lack of maternity services in Berwick, and I recommend that delivery should take place at the distant hope that it will prove helpful that the Minister replying hospital. to the debate is a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology. Berwick is 50 miles from the district general hospital— Some of the problems and other characteristics of a although there is one that is slightly nearer on the small unit that might have led to this situation arising Scottish side of the border, the Borders general, which can be addressed. The experience issue can be dealt with we also use quite extensively. That is a long way to travel by staff rotation, so giving them time in a busier hospital for a birth, but on 6 August all deliveries at the Berwick to maintain their experience. Having consultants on midwife-led maternity unit were suspended. Along with call, and ensuring they can get to the local hospital that went all overnight recovery stays for people who more quickly than a transfer can take place, is another had given birth in the Wansbeck or Borders general necessary feature. Such matters need to be examined hospitals. There are now no facilities to support home much more carefully. Also, there is a role for telemedicine births in the area, which is contrary to National Institute and the practice of having a consultant at the larger for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines, and no centre make an early assessment of whether problems evening antenatal clinics because the unit is only open are arising that need to be dealt with. The number of during the day. births at our maternity unit have at times been very low Two reasons for the suspension of the services were because the majority of mothers have been advised to cited. One was that staff were not getting enough experience go elsewhere. There was an entire year in which there of deliveries. That has been a long-standing problem, were only 13 births, but the numbers have increased and a review was taking place to address it—and the again, and at the time when the closure took place, problem could have been addressed. Reference was later 40 women were booked in to have their births at Berwick. made to two incidents that were seen as a reason for My overriding concern is for the safety of mothers taking more urgent action. However, the details of and children, but it ought to be possible for most births those incidents have not been disclosed, probably because to be safely carried out locally. In our debates on this proceedings relating to them may still be taking place. topic, many Members have referred to problems in The announcement caused great distress to the midwives transfers to hospitals 10 or 15 miles away, but I am concerned, who are much-respected locally, and caused talking about a transfer of 50 miles for every birth to a fury in the local community. Plans for Berwick’s new Berwick mother. The majority of mothers in the Berwick 807 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 808 area want to have their babies born in Berwick, and pumps. They have also said that the Government are they should be able to do so and have confidence that committing funding of at least £1 million to help NHS the necessary skills and support are in place. boards deliver pumps to under-18s who need them, as At last week’s Prime Minister’s questions, the Prime well as tripling the amount of pumps available to all Minister set out that changes in clinical services should people with the condition in Scotland. That has been not be made without these four conditions being satisfied: followed by a further boost of £1.5 million this April in support from GP commissioners, strengthened public Scotland to provide more young people with insulin and patient engagement, clarity on the clinical evidence pumps. base and support for patient choice. Those conditions Type 1 diabetes is a very different, distinct condition are not satisfied in what is happening in my constituency, from type 2 diabetes, as it is not linked to lifestyle issues, and they certainly would not be satisfied by a total such as diet and exercise. People with the condition rely withdrawal of maternity services, including delivery, at on a programme of finger-prick blood sugar tests and Berwick. I seek the Minister’s assurance that those insulin pump infusions or injections up to 10 times a conditions remain relevant and that the attention of the day to stay alive. Although these prolong life, they are health care and primary care trusts involved in taking not the cure. A child diagnosed with type 1 diabetes decisions about maternity services in my area will be when they are five faces 19,000 injections by the time drawn to their significance. I hope that the Minister and they are 18. People with the condition are at risk of Department will assist the trusts in any way that they devastating complications, including blindness, heart can to work up a good scheme to ensure that people in disease, amputation, strokes and kidney failure, to name my constituency can have confidence in their future butafew. maternity services at Berwick. Type 1 diabetes reduces life expectancy by about 20 years and there is a small but very real chance of 1.48 pm sudden death. The short-term complications include Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con): May I take debilitating hypoglycaemia, which, if left untreated, can this opportunity to welcome the new Health Minister, lead to unconsciousness, coma and occasionally even my hon. Friend the Member for Central Suffolk and death. Children never escape the responsibility of checking North Ipswich (Dr Poulter), to his post and wish him their blood sugar level and parents never have a day off every success in his new role? from worrying about their children, even at night, as the I want to draw the attention of the House and, in blood sugar level has to be checked. Parents cannot particular, the Minister to two key issues in relation to relax because one of them must get up at night to check type 1 diabetes. Some Members may be aware that I that their child is okay—or even still alive. spoke on this issue last week in a Westminster Hall JDRF has told me that about 500 people in each debate, but today I want specifically to urge the new constituency have type 1 diabetes. Therefore, more than health ministerial team to support the artificial pancreas 26,000 children in the UK have type 1 diabetes, which is project that is being funded by the charity JDRF. If the as many as one in every 700. Some 98.6% of the Department can find any funding to assist the research, children and young people who have diabetes will have that would be very welcome. type 1. The incidence of type 1 diabetes is increasing by I wish to ask the Department of Health to end the about 5% year on year. postcode lottery that exists in the NHS on access to Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): The hon. Lady is insulin pumps. At present, there are no answers on what making an excellent and powerful speech. I declare my causes or how to cure type 1 diabetes. The only way to interest as a sufferer of type 2 diabetes. I wish to find a cure for type 1 is through greater investment in emphasise the importance of prevention work. She has medical research. If additional funding can be made talked about type 1, which is difficult to prevent; but in available to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes, it general, the more money that is spent on preventing will result in long-term cost efficiencies for the NHS. It diabetes, the less money that will need to be spent by the will also help the UK to retain its position as a world NHS in the future. leader in this type of medical research. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic, life-threatening condition Pauline Latham: I thank the right hon. Gentleman that has a life-long impact on those diagnosed and their for that intervention, because he is a big champion of families. It strikes children and adults, staying with tackling diabetes, particularly type 2, and he will speak them for the rest of their lives. It is usually diagnosed in up at every opportunity. Good care for not only the childhood between the ages of 10 and 14, but more and young with type 1, but for older people who can try to more children are being diagnosed much earlier, from prevent themselves from getting type 2 diabetes will, of 18 months onwards. It is an auto-immune condition; it course, save the health service a huge amount of money. causes the body’s own immune system to turn on itself As I mentioned, JDRF funds a large research programme and destroy the beta cells in the pancreas, leaving the to develop a closed-loop artificial pancreas, to help body unable to produce the life-essential hormone, insulin. children with type 1 diabetes to live a life without the Insulin pumps cost between £1,000 and £3,000. There constant need for painful finger-prick tests and multiple are additional costs for the consumable attachments, insulin injections every day just to stay alive. It would infusion sets, batteries and pump reservoirs, for which give people with type 1 diabetes the freedom from those patients might have to pay themselves. The cost of those injections every day and has the potential to prevent consumables could amount to between £1,000 and £2,000 some of the devastating complications that can arise per annum for each patient. from the condition. It would also give parents peace of By contrast, the Scottish Government announced in mind that their children are much more likely to have February 2012 that all eligible under-18s with type 1 stable blood sugar results, thus keeping them out of diabetes in Scotland will now have access to insulin hospital. 809 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 810

[Pauline Latham] Stone (Mr Cash) and for South Staffordshire (Gavin Williamson). These are their health services, which is The project involves two pieces of equipment that are why I have established a working group specifically to already available to people with type 1 diabetes: a look at Stafford hospital, so that my constituents can continuous glucose monitor that measures blood glucose make their proposals and views clear, both to Monitor levels regularly; and an insulin pump, such as the one I and to the commissioners. am holding, that painlessly administers insulin. The As hon. Members will know, there has been a public main task is to develop a computer that can talk to the inquiry into the failings of Stafford hospital, especially two components and calculate exactly how the insulin those in the period 2005 to 2009, although the failings pump should react and when to administer the insulin. go back much further. The Francis report in 2010 That would close the loop to make the device a functioning exposed shocking care, particularly of the elderly and artificial pancreas. This artificial pancreas is not yet vulnerable. The public inquiry, which looks at why the commercially available, although the research team have NHS and others failed to pick up these problems, is due already completed trials of the artificial pancreas in a to report later this year, so I will not comment on that. hospital setting and are now beginning trials where The time of publication will be the time for very careful children take the artificial pancreas home to see how and mature reflection on what happened and how the well it works in a real-life situation. NHS must change in response. As a senior member of Will the Minister please give an undertaking to monitor the Royal College of Physicians said to me, it is the most this research carefully and, if possible, lend his full important inquiry into the NHS in two or three decades. support to this piece of groundbreaking research, which Standards at Stafford Hospital have improved could improve the quality of life for so many young considerably in the past three years, although there is no people in my constituency and many thousands across room for complacency. The Care Quality Commission the country—it could do more than that; it could transform recently lifted all its remaining areas of concern and the their quality of life. accident and emergency waiting time target has been The second issue that I would like to raise briefly this met for the first time in a long time. There remains a afternoon is the inequality that exists in our NHS in substantial financial deficit, however, with an operating getting access to an insulin pump. The Minister may be deficit of some £16.5 million last year and one of aware that the Medical Technology Group recently £15 million predicted for this year. At this point, I carried out a freedom of information survey of every thank the previous Secretary of State for Health, my primary care trust in England, publishing its findings in right hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire “Pump Action—A Review of Insulin Pump Uptake (Mr Lansley), who is in his place as Leader of the and NICE Guidance in English Primary Care Trusts”. House, and the former Minister of State, my right hon. The report shows significant inequality in the provision Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Mr Burns), for of insulin pumps across England and a lack of adherence their steadfast support for the trust as it sought to to National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recover, as well as the staff of the hospital and those guidance, with low insulin pump usage compared to the from the Ministry of Defence who helped out at A and NICE benchmark. The average rate of insulin pump E for a few weeks. provision for people with type 1 diabetes is 3.9%, compared The financial problems facing the Mid Staffordshire with the 12% benchmark recommended by NICE; it is trust that Monitor wishes to tackle arise, in my analysis, nowhere near the 33% recommended for children younger from three sources. The first is underuse of the estate in than 12. Stafford and Cannock. It is essential in my view, and There is, without doubt, a postcode lottery on insulin that of my hon. Friend the Member for Cannock Chase, pump access. The percentage of people with type 1 that both hospitals remain open, but the estate must be diabetes using an insulin pump falls as low as 0.25% in used efficiently as money that is needed for services is Medway and 0.3% in Croydon. In my county of Derbyshire, being spent on empty property. the rate is 4.4%, with 120 people using an insulin pump Secondly, the consequences of the events at Stafford out of the 2,746 people with type 1 diabetes in the mean that patients who would normally attend Stafford area—that is well below the NICE guidelines. May I no longer do so. Confidence in the hospital needs to request that the Minister take urgent action as soon as return, and that confidence must be based on real possible to address this issue? It simply is not fair that progress. There are welcome signs that that is happening, people can be denied treatment just because they live in but it will take time. the wrong part of the country. Thirdly, and most importantly by far, endemic problems face medium-sized acute trusts across the country. Mid 1.58 pm Staffordshire is far from unique and that is where the Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): May I, too, welcome Monitor review is vital as it has the chance to establish a the Minister to his place? Last week, two decisions were sustainable model for district general hospitals around taken affecting the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation the country. There seems to be a view gaining currency Trust, which covers the Stafford and Cannock hospitals. that all medical care in the future will either be highly The first was the decision by Monitor to undertake a specialised or general, based in community hospitals, review of the trust’s finances. The second was the decision which will squeeze out the medium-sized acute hospitals. of the commissioners not to reopen the accident and Not only does that not accord with the evidence, it goes emergency department at night, although the trust had against the wishes of the public. said that it was in a position to do so. What is common I do not dispute the need to concentrate highly specialised to both decisions is that there has been no consultation care in larger hospitals where consultants in each specialty so far with my constituents or those of my hon. Friends are available around the clock. That has happened for the Members for Cannock Chase (Mr Burley), for some time. However, there is an increasing and substantial 811 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 812 need for emergency and acute care, particularly for the in a major specialist hospital, as the latter will cover elderly, which is much better given as locally as possible emergency and acute events that a district general hospital and in close co-ordination with social care services. cannot. District general hospitals such as Stafford remain the That brings me to the question of the accident and best place for that. emergency department at Stafford, which has been closed Monitor therefore has an excellent opportunity to between 10pm and 8am since 1 December last year. work together with the people of Stafford and Cannock Today a petition is being presented in Downing street to to show how a medium-sized acute trust can flourish in urge the reopening of the department at night. Up until the tough financial climate we face. Indeed, Monitor Sunday 16 September, 4,381 patients who would have has a duty to do so under section 62 of the Health and been treated at Stafford at night have gone to other Social Care Act 2012, which states that its main duty hospitals. To put that in perspective, the A and E “in exercising its functions is to protect and promote the interests department treated 51,000 people in 2011-2012. That is of people who use health care services by promoting provision of more than 4,000 patients who could not use their local health care services which…is economic, efficient and effective, acute hospital in an emergency when previously they and…maintains or improves the quality of the services.” could. We need to see them back at Stafford. It also states that: The reason given for closing the A and E department “In carrying out its main duty, Monitor must have regard to at night was that it was not safe for 24/7 reopening. the likely future demand for health care services.” Subsequent events have proved that to be the right decision as the department was close to breaking point. The last paragraph is very important as not only is the However, a set of criteria were given for reopening and population of the area predicted to rise substantially in the trust considers that, after much hard work, they the coming years, but there will be a greater demand for have now been met, although there are concerns about acute care. sustainability. The commissioners have decided not to It may be argued that none of Monitor’s duties go ahead with night-time reopening but instead to requires that services be provided locally. I reject that. pursue what they call a model of 24/7 emergency and To provide services locally is economic, efficient, effective urgent care. My constituents and I were very disappointed and an intrinsic part of their quality, so Monitor has a with that, because, nearly 10 months after night-time duty to promote health care services that are as local as closure, we still do not have an A and E 24/7 but also possible. We also need to be very careful in the definition because we do not have details of what that emergency of the word “services”. In the debate in Committee on and urgent care model might be. What are the similarities what was then clause 69, I said that and differences between emergency and urgent care and “it is extremely important to have clarity on what constitutes a A and E as traditionally understood? That needs to be service. Services can be salami-sliced down to very small items or, made clear, not just in Stafford and Cannock but everywhere as others have said, they can be an agglomeration. One could say such a model is proposed. that, in an acute hospital, a service is not only the accident and The commissioners’ statement made it clear that even emergency, but some—not necessarily all—of the other wards associated with it. That might constitute a block of service or, while A and E was closed, children, maternity and GP under other definitions, several services. How will Monitor interpret cases continued to be received at Stafford at night. They that word?”––[Official Report, Health and Social Care Public Bill are also working on how to bring back to Stafford the Committee, 22 March 2011; c. 943.] 15 or so patients who currently have to go elsewhere each night. That is welcome and sounds similar to the Gavin Williamson (South Staffordshire) (Con): Everyone service prior to closure. So what is different? Can we not in Staffordshire knows how hard my hon. Friend has return to an open-door 24/7 service with effective triaging fought on behalf of Stafford hospital. Does he agree to filter out the unnecessary attendances that place a that the closure of Stafford A and E at night will put an strain on emergency departments everywhere? increasing burden on many other local hospitals, including Mid Staffordshire trust may be exceptional in the New Cross hospital in Wolverhampton and the University long hard road it has to travel to regain the confidence hospital of North Staffordshire? of local people—and it has come a long way down that road—but it is not exceptional in the pressures it faces as a district general hospital. The Government have a Jeremy Lefroy: I entirely agree. Of course, the hon. chance to show how district general hospitals can thrive, Member for Walsall South (Valerie Vaz) has the Manor providing emergency, acute and elective services to their hospital in her constituency, too, and I pay tribute to people, working closely with social care and with the the work done by her hospital, by my hon. Friend’s specialist hospitals in their neighbourhood. hospital in New Cross and by Stoke and Burton hospitals. So, how will Monitor interpret the word “services”? To date, as far as I am aware, we do not know the 2.7 pm answer to that question. I want to make a very clear case that Monitor must, in the case of emergency and Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): I recently spent acute services, view the matter in the round and not the day out and about with the North West ambulance engage in accountancy-based salami slicing. One cannot service and want briefly to cover my experiences with separate an A and E from a medical admissions unit, a them. surgical admissions unit, a paediatric admissions unit, The North West ambulance service is England’s an intensive care unit and the related diagnostic and largest ambulance service, with more than 5,200 staff, therapeutic services. They must be considered as a 109 ambulance stations and three control centres. It service block. Of course, there will be a difference deals with more than 1 million emergency calls every between the block in a district general hospital and that year and although it also provides a non-emergency 813 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 814

[Andrew Stephenson] in their own home. I know that the Minister, given his background, will be acutely aware of not only the cost patient transport service, my day focused on the emergency of hospital admissions, but the stress and other medical response that it provides 24 hours a day, 365 days complications that such admissions can lead to. a year. Overall, I felt that the day gave me an invaluable On Thursday 30 August I joined local paramedic insight into the work of our local paramedics and the Andy Swinburn in a rapid response vehicle that was ambulance service. Although I have never needed to use responding to emergency calls across the Burnley and the ambulance service—thank God—it was hugely Pendle area. Although I am sure that many hon. Members reassuring to see the professionalism and dedication of would enjoy being in the passenger seat of an emergency those who work in it. I will conclude simply by extending services vehicle with the blue lights flashing, I wanted to my thanks to the North West ambulance service, to witness the challenges faced daily by staff from the Andy Swinburn, the senior paramedic I spent the day Barnoldswick, Nelson and Burnley ambulance stations. with, and to all our local paramedics for the remarkable During the shift, the vehicle I was in responded to job they do. nine blue-light emergencies, seven of which were in my constituency of Pendle. I am told that that was a quiet 2.11 pm day, and it certainly was compared with the day before, when the air ambulance was called out twice to east Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): I rise to Lancashire. For someone such as me, however, who had make a further contribution in this House on the deeply never spent any time with the ambulance service before, flawed decision by the Joint Committee of Primary it certainly seemed anything but quiet. Care Trusts, with regard to the Safe and Sustainable review of children’s heart services, to close the excellent During the day, the paramedic I was with dealt with Leeds children’s heart unit. I know that other colleagues everything from people having dizzy spells and epileptic will also speak about that today and that many across fits to suspected heart attacks and someone who had the House feel strongly about it. I welcome the new serious-looking head injuries after falling from a ladder. ministerial team to their posts and hope that they will In between calls and when I met other paramedics at now look at the matter. the Nelson ambulance station, we discussed a range of To be absolutely clear, neither we nor the campaigners issues from the classification of different emergency in Leeds challenge the premise of the national review, incidents and the value of the eight-minute response but the decision to close the Leeds unit is very questionable. time through to problems caused locally by alcohol and One of the questions that has not been adequately drug misuse. scrutinised is whether the decision even concurs with We also discussed the question of which hospital a the premise of the review, and I believe that it clearly patient is taken to, which has been an issue of much does not. That is most patently a matter for ministerial concern among people locally after Burnley general interest, because a flawed and wrong decision is indeed hospital’s A and E department was downgraded to an the business of Ministers, so I hope that the Minister urgent care centre in 2007. The people involved in the will take that away and reflect upon it. calls we responded to during the shift were taken to I will just update the Minister and the House on the Airedale, Burnley and Blackburn hospitals, depending current situation. A referral is being prepared by the on which was best placed to treat the individuals concerned. joint health overview and scrutiny committee for Yorkshire We also discussed something of which I was previously and the Humber, and that is part of the democratic unaware, which is that paramedics are currently unable process of scrutiny of our NHS, but it is being held up to prescribe drugs. I would appreciate the Minister’s by the obstructionism of the JCPCT, which has made thoughts on that—I, too, welcome him to his new role. the decision. The JCPCT is refusing to hand over all the It seems entirely logical to me that if a senior paramedic information requested, which is absolutely disgraceful. can diagnose a problem while in someone’s home, they At the same time, implementation is being forced through should be able to prescribe the required drugs rather as if there is an attempt to avoid the scrutiny that is than having to call out a GP or take the individual to essential in any major decision on the health service, hospital. and especially in so sensitive a case. Professor Deirdre Another issue worth considering is the basis of Kelly, who chairs the implementation advisory group, commissioning of ambulance services. When asked about has said: ambulance services, the public will invariably put the “Implementing the decision on the future of children’s heart speed of response above all other concerns, including services is a top priority and we need the work to start now so that the quality of care. The eight-minute response performance children can benefit during 2014.” indicator in part reflects what the public say they want. Sir Neil McKay, who chairs the JCPCT, has said—rather However, some of the paramedics I spoke to felt that if outrageously, considering the strength of feeling among they were commissioned on the basis of being able to children and families in Yorkshire and the Humber—that: treat people with certain conditions at the scene, usually “Children and their families have waited far too long for these the person’s home, there could be considerable savings vital services to be changed”. to the NHS. That links to my point about paramedics That is patently absurd when we consider that 600,000 being able to prescribe the required drugs. people from the region have said that they do not wish Although such a commissioning move would the service to be closed and changed in the way that he undoubtedly have a range of knock-on impacts, it was and his committee propose. clear from the day I spent with the ambulance service Let me go further and say that the JCPCT secretariat that many people did not want to be admitted to is denying access to key documents needed to challenge hospital and would have much preferred to have stayed the decision while at the same time releasing reams of 815 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 816 largely irrelevant material. We do not yet have enough force through the decision as if it is finalised. It is not information on the weighting methodology used or finalised, and the democratic body that is there to detailed scoring information and assessment forms for scrutinise the decision on behalf of us all has so far each surgical centre, something that is crucial for been denied the very documents it needs. If that is not determining whether the decision is as robust as Sir Neil sinister, I do not know what is. We must have full McKay seems so desperate to tell us it is while trying to disclosure, we must have an open and transparent process, force it through. Councillor John Illingworth, who chairs and we must have that now. the joint health overview and scrutiny committee, has said: 2.19 pm “This is completely unacceptable. JHOSC is the statutory body that should scrutinise the JCPCT decisions, but we cannot complete Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con): I cannot resist the this process without a full disclosure by JCPCT. The reluctance of opportunity in the time available to raise the same issue the JCPCT to release this non-confidential material is delaying as that which my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds the entire scrutiny process.” North West (Greg Mulholland) has just addressed, The simple and outrageous reality that I want the particularly given the fact that we now have a new Minister to take away—he is conferring with the former ministerial team. I am delighted to see the new Minister Secretary of State for Health, the right hon. Member on the Front Bench. for South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley), but I hope I realise that the safe and sustainable review is that he will listen to this point—is that the JCPCT is independent of Government, as the former Health Minister, deliberately denying the joint health overview and scrutiny my right hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford committee access to the documents in an effort to block (Mr Burns), told me on many occasions. It is clear, any real scrutiny of this flawed process. That is disgraceful, however, that there is a problem with the decision, because that is the proper process. We need full disclosure, particularly in the north-east of England, and I hope because this is a democratically referred renewal, as that we can try to find a solution today. Ministers have explained from the Dispatch Box previously. It is worth restating the issue. Despite claims by some, I must also bring into focus the rather unsavoury role right hon. and hon. Members on both sides of the being played by the Children’s Heart Federation. As a House, parents, the charity and clinicians are fully charity, it is being used to try to force the pace of supportive of the review’s objectives. It has never been implementation of a decision that has not yet been in doubt that safer and more sustainable units are the formally approved and ratified. Its chief executive, Anne way ahead, but we are concerned that the outcome does Keatley-Clarke, has said: not meet the review’s objectives. It goes against logical “Further possible delays in implementing the planned health planning, patient choice and clinical preferences. improvements to children’s heart services across England would The fact is that patients in Yorkshire, Humberside and be extremely worrying and would also cause a great deal of north Lincolnshire will simply be offered a poorer service. further uncertainty and distress for parents right across the country.” Patient choice has been totally disregarded. A survey That is a dishonest suggestion, frankly, considering the of patients showed that those in the major postcode distress that those parents and families across the country, areas would go not to Newcastle, but to Liverpool, and in our case in Yorkshire and the Humber, are Birmingham or, indeed, London instead. At the decision- already feeling as a result of the decision. To try to force making meeting, it was said that those patients would it through and undermine the Leeds unit before the be influenced by referring doctors. The assumption was decision has been finalised is something that a charity made that they would be pointed towards Newcastle, should simply not be doing. It is an arrogant and but no justification has been given for that assumption. insensitive thing to say and, in my opinion, brings the Indeed, all of the 20 referring clinicians in the Leeds charity into disrepute. The reality is, to quote my constituent network, whose views were never sought by the safe and Steph Ward, the mother of Lyall Cookward, who has sustainable review, have said that they would not refer relied on the Leeds unit: patients there for surgical treatment. “The Children’s Heart Federation have acted in a disgraceful manner. Anne Keatley-Clarke and her organisation think it is Greg Mulholland: It is a pleasure to carry on campaigning perfectly acceptable to completely ignore the views of 600,000 with my hon. Friend on this issue and we will continue people, so how dare they call themselves a national organisation to do so. Does he still agree with what we have said when they are prepared to ignore such a large section of the before, namely that the reason why the Leeds unit is to country?” be closed is the flawed assumption that that will allow Will the Minister give us a clear assurance today that Newcastle to reach the target of 400 operations, even implementation will not be forced through until the though it will not? The unit is being sacrificed for proper process has been followed and there has been something that will not even happen. full, proper and honest disclosure of all the material necessary to scrutinise the decision? We do not have Stuart Andrew: I am grateful for that intervention, that. I hope that he can at least give us that assurance which brings me on to exactly that point. The review’s today. In the end, we all accept that the review was decision said that 25% of Leeds, Wakefield, Doncaster commissioned. We can have an argument about the and Sheffield patients would go to Newcastle, when its number of operations that should be carried out— own evidence said that they simply would not. Funnily incidentally, we still have the ludicrous situation in enough, if 25% of those patients go to Newcastle, guess which Glasgow will be permitted to carry out only 300 what? Suddenly, 403 patients a year will have surgical operations a year but will be deemed safe and sustainable, operations in Newcastle, which is just three more than yet Leeds, which can carry out many more operations, the magic figure of 400. I do not believe that that 25% will not be. We have still had no word about that, but will exist, so Newcastle will miss the target of 400 operations, organisations, particularly the JCPCT, are trying to which is a key plank of the whole review. 817 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 818

[Stuart Andrew] right to patient choice and to determine which centre they wish to access. By the end of that period, each We have heard about how public opinion has been centre would have to demonstrate that they were fully discounted. A petition signed by more than 600,000 compliant with all the standards set by the safe and people was brought down to Downing street. That is an sustainable review. enormous number for one region, yet the review counted This solution would only amount to a one-year pause. it as just one response. On the other hand, 22,000 text Given that legal proceedings are likely to take place, messages received in support of Birmingham were counted there will be a one-year pause in any case. The as 22,000 separate responses, which is blatantly unfair. reconfiguration of all children’s heart surgery centres in One of the most important issues is the co-location of England is not due to commence until April 2014 and a services. What has impressed me about the Leeds unit is decision taken at that time on Leeds and Newcastle that it is part of the Leeds children’s hospital. All other could be implemented in 2015. The definition of a surgeons get there within minutes, if needed. We are centre that delivers a sustainable service is that it should asking our patients in our constituencies to go to Newcastle, have a minimum of four surgeons, so if, after the where all other services are some 3 miles away from the one-year pause, commissioners did not think that the heart surgery unit. That is simply not acceptable and Newcastle unit had a sufficient work load, the Leeds goes against the advice of the key recommendation of unit could explore how it could provide support in the Bristol inquiry, which was backed by the British conjunction with Newcastle. Congenital Cardiac Association. The inquiry said: If either of the centres did not meet the standards, it “For these services at each centre to remain sustainable in the would, frankly, let itself down. This solution gives them long term, co-location of key clinical services on one site is the opportunity to provide the services that families are essential.” so desperate to keep. There are many benefits to the It is important that we do not forget that. solution: it would avoid the risk of a costly judicial The fact is that, allowing for patient choice and action from supporters of either unit, which could sink without the flow of patients from the populous areas of the review in its entirety; it would give Leeds and Yorkshire, as evidenced by the PricewaterhouseCoopers Newcastle the opportunity to demonstrate their compliance research, Newcastle will not reach the target of 400 surgical with the safe and sustainable standards, which is what procedures. In 2010-11, Leeds delivered 336 procedures we all want; it would allow the less controversial decisions against Newcastle’s 271. made by the JCPCT to proceed elsewhere in the country; The impact assessment also showed that the options and it would show, frankly, that the Government are that included Leeds would have fewer negative impacts listening to the concerns of the 600,000 people who and that option B, which included Newcastle, would be signed our petition, and I am sure that the public would particularly damaging for paediatric intensive care in respond accordingly. Yorkshire and Humber. I know that this is not an easy decision, but there is a It is also important to ask why Birmingham was great deal of concern and anxiety in our region. I hope chosen because of its density of population and Leeds that the Government will not just give us the line that was not, given the fact that we have a high south Asian this is a review independent of Government, but population who, statistically, are more likely to need the acknowledge that there are serious concerns and great service. As we have said time and again, doctors should anxiety among our patients and families, and that it is go where the patients are, not the other way around. time to look at the issue in detail, to listen and to act. Sheffield parents whom I have met at the unit travel three times a day to visit their children in hospital, 2.29 pm because they have other children at home. We have to think about the impact this has on families. Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con): I am grateful for the opportunity to speak about community Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): I congratulate health services in Milton Keynes. Before I outline the my hon. Friend on his work on this issue. His point issue that is causing concern locally, I will set out the about distance is particularly relevant to my constituency. background. Cleethorpes is about 85 miles from Leeds and the parents will not travel to Newcastle, so it will not reach Milton Keynes council, the primary care trust and that figure of 403. Milton Keynes Community Health Services have a 12-year history of working collaboratively to deliver jointly Stuart Andrew: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for commissioned and provided services to the citizens of the support that he has given to the campaign by Milton Keynes. That has been possible because the meeting his own constituents who, he is right to say, will three organisations share a common vision and common not travel to Newcastle. His comments further highlight values, and are committed to the principle of local the ludicrous nature of the decision. services for local people. The collaboration has supported I have presented the problem, so what is the solution? a transformational approach, which has delivered financial I recognise that the review is independent of Government, efficiencies and good quality outcomes for people. There but we have to tackle the problem—it will not go away, is a single joint management structure, which manages because we as Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Humberside combined budgets and resources, and works to a single MPs will not let it. Our view is that the review could operational policy. happily be implemented elsewhere, that both Leeds and The collaboration covers mental health and learning Newcastle should be kept open and that a decision on disability services, intermediate care services for older their future should be delayed until April 2014. That people and community equipment. Additionally, there would provide an opportunity for patients and parents is an integrated pathway involving adult community who require the services to exercise their constitutional nursing, end-of-life care, community matrons and social 819 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 820 workers. I put on the record my deep appreciation of All that is happening at a time when the NHS landscape the invaluable role that those dedicated professionals is changing. The SHA and PCT will be wound up next play in our communities. They often go unsung, so I year, and there is an acute services review that may would like to take this opportunity to record my gratitude. change the configuration of the local hospitals. My call, To achieve such a locally tailored, integrated model is and that of my hon. Friend the Member for Milton one of the admirable aims of the Government’s health Keynes North and many local people, is quite simple: and social care reforms yet, oddly, our successful local the temporary hosting arrangement should continue for model may be at risk because of administrative factors. the time being, until the new NHS landscape is settled I hope that common sense can prevail. and a sensible permanent arrangement can be found. My hon. Friend and I have raised this matter with the Last year, it was hoped that there would be a managed Secretary of State. In welcoming the Minister to his new transfer of the community health services to Milton role, I hope that he will ask the Department to intervene Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. However, that in any way that it can to achieve the common-sense was not achievable within the required timetable and solution, for which there is much local appetite. the PCT enacted a temporary divestment to Bedford Hospital NHS Trust, in full agreement with the strategic health authority and in full knowledge of the anticipated 2.35 pm later divestment to the foundation trust. That is an acceptable hosting arrangement that will allow the integrated The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health model to continue. (Dr Daniel Poulter): I thank hon. Members for their On 14 December last year, the PCT wrote to the kind comments. A lot of ground has been covered in foundation trust, inviting it to submit a proposal for the this debate and many good points have been raised managed transfer of the community health services, about local NHS services. I hope that hon. Members which was to be considered by the PCT board at the end will forgive me if I cannot give comprehensive answers of February this year. However, on 22 February, the about everything that has been raised, but I will do my cluster PCT received e-mail communication from the best in the time that is available. head of provider development at NHS East Midlands, It was clear from all the points that were made in the which advised that it should follow an open tendering debate that every hon. Member sees the NHS through process. the prism of the patient. That is the right way to regard On 11 April, following strong representations from how NHS services are delivered. Patients are the priority the council and local health partners, a positive meeting for our NHS services and for the Government, and they was held with Bob Ricketts at the Department of Health, were the priority for the former Secretary of State, my where it was indicated that a managed transfer of the right hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire community health services to the hospital would be (Mr Lansley), in his decision to push ahead with the possible, subject to SHA assurance. However—the situation NHS reforms. The basis of the “No decision about me gets more complicated—a letter from Sir Neil McKay, without me”policy is that patients are the most important of NHS Midlands and East, advised that the transfer thing. They are the reason why doctors and nurses do was no longer possible and that the PCT should proceed their work and why all Governments endeavour to fight towards a competitive tendering process for NHS providers for a better NHS. only. I turn now to the concerns of individual Members. On 12 June, my hon. Friend the Member for Milton I believe that I am right to wish my hon. Friend the Keynes North (Mark Lancaster) and I raised questions Member for Milton Keynes South (Iain Stewart) a in the House on this issue. In response, the then Secretary happy birthday. A number of hon. Members have of State for Health urged the PCT and the SHA to concerns about the competitive procurement processes ensure that any decision was in the best clinical interests for community health services in Milton Keynes. He of patients. He stated that it must meet the views of mentioned the concerns of my hon. Friend the clinical commissioners of the future and those of the Member for Milton Keynes North (Mark Lancaster). public, not least as expressed through the local authority. Our policy is clear that it is for the local NHS, and the Following that, NHS Midlands and East met Milton primary care trust in particular, to look at the options Keynes council and its partners to discuss the position for different procurement procedures and to decide adopted by the SHA. It was agreed that a meeting what is best for local people. The local strategic health should be convened to assess the case for an integrated authority has played an important role in assuring the care organisation. However, it was also agreed that the PCT’s decisions. Whichever option is chosen, it must be cluster PCT should continue with a twin-track approach, possible to put it in place before 31 March 2013, to including an expressions-of-interest process. avoid the continuing and damaging uncertainty for staff. I am happy to meet my hon. Friend the Member Finally, on 11 September, NHS Milton Keynes and for Milton Keynes South and other hon. Friends to Northamptonshire cluster PCT received advice from discuss the matter further. the NHS Midlands and East SHA to progress with an NHS-only competitive procurement for the services My right hon. Friend the Member for Berwick-upon- currently provided by Milton Keynes Community Health Tweed (Sir Alan Beith) talked about maternity services, Services. There has, therefore, been a sequence of which is a matter close to my heart. This morning, I contradictory advice from different parts of the NHS, visited Newham university hospital, which faces different which has thwarted the ambitions of the council, local challenges in maternity care. I looked at the fantastic health partners and patients’ representatives to achieve new unit that has been opened at Newham, which will the best local solution for our citizens—an integrated meet those challenges and provide high-quality maternity care organisation in Milton Keynes. care to that part of London. 821 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 822

[Dr Daniel Poulter] Ealing hospital is part of the “Shaping a healthier future” scheme in north-west London. Proposals for My right hon. Friend was right to point out that the that scheme include centralising A and E units, and challenges for maternity services—indeed, for all health having maternity facilities on fewer sites. However, I care services—in more rural areas such as Berwick-upon- reassure my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing Central Tweed are different from those in more urban parts of and Acton that there are no plans to close any hospitals, the country, such as London. Women and families in and certainly not Ealing hospital. As she said, a full Berwick, like women and families everywhere, deserve public consultation began on 2 July this year and will maternity services that focus on improving the delivering finish no earlier than 8 October, and I encourage my of high-quality health care for women and babies, and hon. Friend and her constituents to continue engaging on improving women’s experience of care. with that process. She outlined the good campaign that she has been running to encourage local engagement, The decision temporarily to close the midwifery-led and I am sure she will continue with that so that local maternity unit and in-patient post-natal services at the voices can be heard when health care decisions are Berwick infirmary, to which my right hon. Friend alluded, made in the area. was difficult for the local trust to make. He is right to say that in making such decisions, there should be The issue of children’s congenital heart surgery was regard to the rurality of the area. He made good raised by a number of hon. Members, including my suggestions about the potential for rotating staff to hon. Friends the Members for Leeds North West (Greg support rural maternity units. I understand that the Mulholland) and for Pudsey (Stuart Andrew). My hon. decision was made to protect the quality and safety of Friend the Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey maternity services in the area and, in particular, to (Gordon Henderson) spoke passionately about Jacob, protect the quality of care and safety of women in the son of one of his constituents. labour. A number of hon. Members are concerned about the I have been assured that the trust is working closely “Safe and Sustainable” review of specialist paediatric with commissioners to look at the future of maternity services, and particularly its focus on the reconfiguration services in Berwick. The review will be completed in the of heart surgery services. However, as was made clear in coming months. My right hon. Friend may be aware of a number of contributions, its findings were based on the recent birthplace study, which discusses good and Professor Kennedy’s review of paediatric heart services bad practice in supporting smaller maternity units. I am at Bristol after the heart scandal there, and the “Safe sure that the commissioners will have regard to that and Sustainable”review is independent of the Government, study in making decisions about the future of the unit as it should be. In those circumstances, and given the in his area. He should be assured that I will take a close notice of legal proceedings and referrals to the Secretary interest in the matter and support his advocacy on of State, it is not appropriate for me to comment further behalf of his constituents. on that review or its outcome, and that stands for my My hon. Friend the Member for Ealing Central and statement on the Floor of the House as well as for my Acton (Angie Bray) made some points about the service correspondence with constituents. I know that my hon. reconfiguration of health care services in London. The Friend the Member for Leeds North West has written hon. Member for Mitcham and Morden (Siobhain to the Department on this matter, and the Under-Secretary McDonagh) also mentioned that issue, and I am sure of State for Health, my hon. Friend the Member for she would like to pay tribute—as I do—to my right hon. Broxtowe (Anna Soubry), replied with details of how Friends the Members for Carshalton and Wallington anyone who wishes to raise concerns about the review (Tom Brake) and for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow), can get their voices heard. for their work over the years campaigning for services at St Helier hospital. Greg Mulholland: I commend the Minister for his Key tests must be passed to ensure that clinical professionalism in both his previous career and his services are suitable for reconfiguration. First, there current role. Although I accept what he says, does he must be support from local clinicians, and secondly, agree that our statutory process must be allowed to look arrangements for public and patient engagement and at whether this review is, as we believe, a dodgy decision, consultation—including with local authorities—must or, as the Joint Committee of Primary Care Trusts be strengthened and put in place. Thirdly, we need contends, a fair one? Does the Minister at least agree greater clarity on the clinical evidence bases underpinning that such scrutiny should take place, and that the fact proposals, and finally, any proposals should take into that it is being prevented because documents have not account the need to develop and support patient choice. been released is wrong and must be rectified? That is all The reconfiguration of front-line health services is up I ask him to say today. to the local NHS, and no decisions will be taken until there has been a full public consultation. St Helier hospital is part of the south-west London reconfiguration Dr Poulter: As my hon. Friend is aware, there is a scheme “Better Services, Better Value”, which is in its process for scrutinising all decisions and, as I have pre-consultation stage and is led by local GPs, nurses, outlined, if the correct procedure has not been followed, acute clinicians, other health care professionals and decisions are open to judicial review. To reassure hon. patient representatives. Under “Better Services, Better Members, we have accepted, from a medical perspective, Value”, the number of accident and emergency and the principle that fewer units deliver better care for maternity units will be reduced from four to three, and patients and better surgical results for children. Therefore, the likely recommendation is for St Helier to become a this review is not about closing units in any particular local hospital with an urgent care centre. hospital, but about specialist surgical services. Day-to-day 823 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 824 care of patients and paediatric care for those who have to engage with, review and reflect on decisions at a local had surgery will continue locally even after this review, level. That came out clearly in comments by my hon. and that should reassure local patients. Friend the Member for Leeds North West, but some of those processes are under judicial review and I will not, Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): Will the Minister therefore, be able to comment further. I hope that my give way? hon. Friend the Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey will accept my reassurance that these reviews are carried Dr Poulter: I will give way again, but I am mindful of out on good clinical grounds that take into account the time. local factors such as whether local health care services are well designed. The important thing is that they are Mr Cash: On that point, and in the light of the way being led and developed by local doctors and nurses. this legislation has been redressed over the past year We need such clinical leaders in the NHS, because they and half, does the Minister accept that before the legislation are the best advocates of patients’ needs. was introduced, and now, ultimate responsibility and My hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Jeremy accountability for all matters affecting the health service Lefroy) has been a strong advocate of the needs of his turned on the duties, accountability and statutory constituents and the staff of Mid Staffordshire NHS responsibilities of the Secretary of State? That is why Foundation Trust. I know that we will be meeting the Minister is now at the Dispatch Box, just as the tomorrow to discuss his concerns further, and I will also Secretary of State would be in other circumstances. meet my hon. Friend the Member for Stone (Mr Cash), who has sadly now left the Chamber. We will talk about Dr Poulter: I accept that the Secretary of State has a number of issues, and I reassure my hon. Friend the always had responsibility for the health service, and that Member for Stafford in advance of that meeting that I was implicitly made clear in the Health and Social Care and other Ministers will continue to do all that we can, Act 2012. It is, however, important that we no longer as our predecessors did. He rightly paid a full tribute to have a system in this country that micro-manages the my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House for all the delivery of local health care services. We must listen to work that he did as Secretary of State for Health to local doctors and nurses, and put them in charge of the support staff of that trust and ensure that there are configuration of local services because they are often good outcomes for patients. On behalf of all members the best advocates for the needs of local patients. of the Health team, I commend my hon. Friend the Reconfiguring local services should be led—as per the Member for Stafford for his work as a strong advocate four tests I outlined previously—on good clinical grounds of the needs of local patients, and I look forward to where there is a clinical case for reconfiguration and meeting him tomorrow. where local communities have been consulted. That is something we should listen to and we must move away My hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Andrew from the Whitehall micro-management of local health Stephenson) rightly raised the issue of paramedic care delivery. prescribing. He talked about the need for more flexibility in urgent and emergency care services, on the basis that Gordon Henderson: Will the Minister give way? it is better to have prevention than cure. We know that paramedics do a great job every day of looking after people and providing essential care on the spot and in Dr Poulter: I will give way one more time, and then I the ambulance that saves lives before people get to will make some progress. hospital. The more we can do to support paramedics in providing preventive care in the community, the better Gordon Henderson: Does the Minister accept that for patients. local people wanted Royal Brompton hospital to be kept open, and that the decision to remove the intensive As well as allowing flexibility in urgent care services, care unit was not taken by local people? The Minister is paramedic prescribing would allow eligible paramedics arguing against himself. to deliver more treatment in the home and the community where appropriate. That should prevent hospital admissions Dr Poulter: The initial process for the reconfiguration and reduce demand on the system. At the moment, was started, I believe, by John Reid when he was Secretary paramedics can administer a range of medicines, but of State in 2002, after listening to evidence at the time. they cannot write prescriptions for patients. A new We should remind ourselves why we are discussing system of paramedic prescribing should benefit both congenital heart services. All speakers have accepted the patients and the NHS. Due to resource and capacity principle that there is good clinical evidence—acknowledged issues it has not been possible to take forward that work by doctors and specialists—that having fewer units yet, but it will be considered within the new architecture actually delivers better care for patients. That was accepted of the NHS Commissioning Board along with other by my hon. Friend the Member for Pudsey. I am not work programmes on resources and capacity. I shall going to go into the rights and wrongs of individual certainly raise the matter, and the good points that my units as that is under judicial review and I will not be hon. Friend made, with ministerial colleagues. drawn further on that point today. My hon. Friend the Member for Mid Derbyshire (Pauline Latham) talked about diabetes care, particularly Stuart Andrew: Will the Minister give way? for type 1 diabetes. It is commendable that a lot of her focus was on younger people with diabetes. The number Dr Poulter: I have been very generous and indulgent of patients with type 1 diabetes and known to be on but I must make some progress. The process was led by insulin pumps has increased. At the moment, at least doctors and nurses, and there is an ongoing consultation 3,700 children and more than 10,000 adults are on 825 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 826

[Dr Poulter] Finally, I wish to reflect on service reconfiguration and social care, which my hon. Friends the Members insulin pumps, and they are particularly important for for Pudsey and for Milton Keynes South raised. Social younger people who may find it more difficult to control care reform is important, and we need an integrated their diabetes. However, they are important for all people approach to health and social care. We must ensure that who have difficulty with their insulin and their diabetes we reflect the health care needs of local populations control. and do more to support people with long-term conditions. We want people to lead more independent lives, and That is a key driving force behind the vision for the we want to support people with long-term conditions to NHS that my right hon. Friend the Leader of the enjoy the same life as anybody else, so it is right that we House outlined in 2010 when he was Secretary of State do more to support people with type 1 diabetes. Those for Health. It drives what should happen, and what with difficult diabetes control have to be mindful of does happen, at local level every day as doctors and their disease on a daily basis, and if we can do more to nurses look after their patients. ensure that their diabetes is not a factor in how they live Decisions about integration and what it means to their lives, that has to be a good thing. have good joined-up care, particularly for older people The NHS operating framework for 2011-12 highlights and those with diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary the need to do more to make insulin pumps available. disease, asthma, dementia and other long-term conditions, The NHS Diabetes insulin pump network is promoting need to be made at local level, drawing on the best of good practice, but as we have discussed, pump therapy local health care provision. The Government will ensure is not suitable for everybody. We are waiting for the that the NHS Commissioning Board’s mandate includes conclusion of the first ever national insulin pump audit guidance on what is good commissioning. I am sure early next year, which will give us a clearer picture of that from 2013, when the Government’s reforms have the number of pumps provided and the services that are gone through and we have an NHS that is truly locally available. Importantly, it will also include the first led, there will be properly joined-up and integrated care investigation of how services are provided compared that better looks after people with long-term conditions, with the guidance issued by NICE in 2008 and updated focuses on prevention rather than cure and particularly in 2011, which my hon. Friend outlined. focuses on looking after older people better. My hon. Friend also raised the issue of artificial Several hon. Members rose— pancreases. There is small-scale use of them in children, but the clinical trials are not yet conclusive as to their Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. effectiveness and ease of use and there are currently no Before I call the first Back Bencher in the general NICE guidelines on the subject. We need to use the debate, I inform Members that the time limit is going to commissioning process to address the disparities in change to 12 minutes, as the number wanting to participate NHS care and better reflect good medical practice, and has reduced. May I ask that if you do not need 12 minutes, nowhere is that more true than in diabetes care. We need you do not take it? That time limit will probably enable to ensure that where there are NICE guidelines on good us to get everyone in in the time that we have. practice, that practice is carried out. 827 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 828

GENERAL MATTERS the Three Crowns pub, officers advised the planning committee that the proposed development would constitute an unacceptable development on green belt land. The 2.57 pm majority of residents were against the proposal, but the planning committee passed it anyway, even though Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): I am grateful to there were no special circumstances to outweigh building the Backbench Business Committee for granting this on the green belt. A substantial amount of time was debate. I wish the Deputy Leader of the House very spent arguing in favour of the proposed development, well in his new post, and I hope that will be able to while those who were against it were allowed only three understand what Members say and reply appropriately. minutes to make their case. Construction has not yet I had hoped that the relevant Minister would be here, started, apparently due not to planning but to financial but all good wishes to the Deputy Leader of the House. issues. Despite previous decisions that the Three Crowns I wish to set out why the Government’s recent statement school site should remain in the green belt because of on relaxing the planning laws was wrong and how it will its elevation and the trees, the council plans to build affect my constituents. In most societies, certain freedoms eight detached houses, after a short consultation period are restricted for the public or common good, and the that did not necessarily include all the residents. long-term use of land should be in the long-term interests of the whole community. I welcome the new Planning Walsall South already has land to build on for housing Minister, the hon. Member for Grantham and Stamford on the former Servis factory site in Darlaston. Outline (Nick Boles), to his post, but I have to say that sadly, he planning permission has already been given for housing has got it wrong. Hot on the heels of the statement development. The residents in the area want housing, made by the Secretary of State for Communities and but the owners of the site would like another retail Local Government on 6 September came a report by development. I have mentioned Woodside close in a the very organisation that Ministers had set up. Surprise, previous debate. The same application has been refused surprise, it said that the Government should allow six times by the Planning Inspectorate. The residents building on the green belt. association said that officers gave no weight to its views. The Secretary of State’s statement should have given How would repeat applications be covered under the us clarity, not ambiguity, but I will give some examples new regime? Would residents have to put up with multiple of how it will confuse a lot of people, including planning applications? Will section 43 of the Planning and lawyers. First, planning inspectors will be allowed to Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 apply to inspectors decide on applications, instead of the local authority. when they have to deal with the new work that might However, the problem is not the speed with which come their way? Another constituent of mine had to planning officers have to deal with applications, but the face the construction of a dormer bungalow on the lack of properly qualified staff. In most councils, cuts garden next door. Despite guidance that people are not are affecting the number of staff who can make proper supposed to build in gardens, this was still allowed. decisions on planning issues. Walsall South is at terrible risk from these proposals. Having worked for the Treasury Solicitor’s Department As other Members know, it is situated at the confluence and acted for the Planning Inspectorate, I know that the of many motorways; it is a key area. The Local Government people there are capable and committed public servants, Association has given us figures, which are well known, but the Minister is going to have to increase their showing that there are 400,000 plots across England numbers. There cannot be an increase in their work and Wales with planning permission for work to start. without an increase in the number of those who carry it The figure is about 25% higher than previously thought. out. Building work has only started at half those plots, so it The Government are looking for options to speed up would take developers three and a half years to clear planning appeals. Here is one easy remedy: more judges the backlog. I fear that because the Government have should be appointed to the High Court to deal with lost the argument on the planning reforms and have had judicial reviews and appeals. Having dealt with planning to rethink the national planning policy framework, litigation, I know that there was a pretty robust system they are trying to change the rules through a different between the judges’ clerks and the planning barristers’ route. clerks, and time estimates for cases were well adhered to. The problem is not about cases getting to court but With the greatest respect to the Minister, I do not the fact that we need more judges to deal with them. think that he has undertaken litigation in planning, as I have. I am no Luddite and the people of Walsall South What of the other controversial issues such as allowing are not Luddites. What they are concerned about—from extensions of up to 8 metres? My constituent, Mr Arnold the residents to the builders—is that the precious green Pate, has already had to suffer from this. A law-abiding belt in Walsall, particularly in the south of the town, citizen, who has worked hard all his life, is reduced to should not be eroded to the point where there is an sitting in his back garden with a large two-storey extension unbroken urban sprawl from Staffordshire in the north blocking his light. The officers recommended refusal, to Warwickshire in the south. As one of the planning but the planning committee allowed it. No weight was consultants, Malcolm Griffiths, told me, people already attached to Mr Pate’s views. Under the new planning suffer from large-scale extensions to properties in this statement proposals, the voice of the electorate—my part of Walsall, with little if any control over oversized constituents, such as Mr Pate, and other Members’ extensions and no enforcement by the council. constituents—will continue to be ignored. What of the flexibilities in the national planning I am reluctant to say this, but the Chancellor is right: policy framework to tailor the extent of the green belt? it is an economic problem. The economics are not There is already encroachment in Walsall. In the case of working; the lenders are not lending. A condition should 829 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 830

[Valerie Vaz] One needs to be seriously stupid not to spot the holes in IBM’s bid. IBM pledged to get Somerset wired up for be attached to any money that is given to the banks broadband within a year—impossible without the help under quantitative easing whereby some of that money of BT, and BT, quite rightly, was far too sensible to is given back to the people by, for example, relaxing the suggest it. In fact, Somerset is still negotiating with the need for them to have large deposits when they want to Government for a multi-million-pound grant to wire up purchase a house. both Devon and Somerset, which is moving along. I am If the Minister wants to build homes on existing sites, afraid that IBM was telling a huge porky. Councillors he needs to harness the imagination and creativity of have highly paid officials to help them to spot pitfalls, architects who propose interesting developments. Paris and they should have been doing so, but these councillors can have an innovative building such as the Pompidou were at best dim, if not reckless. The only other explanation centre that is in keeping with the skyline, but we have to is that palms were being greased. have the Shard, which dominates our skyline. I am So who recommended that Somerset should go with sorry; I had to get that in because I really do not like IBM? The project leader was appointed by the then that building. chief executive, Alan Jones, and she was a lady called There is no need further to relax the planning rules, Sue Barnes. Ms Barnes, as it happens, was married to but there is a need to protect the countryside. As Beatrix the chief constable of Avon and Somerset, Mr Colin Potter, the great protector of the countryside, might Port. Six months after the secret contract, the police have written: “This is the tale of the bad policy.” I hope joined the venture—dare I say it?—funnily enough, on that it ends happily. more favourable terms. The police received an enormous bung from Ms Barnes’s employers, Somerset county council. There is hard evidence that Somerset provided 3.6 pm a subsidy to the force. I have seen e-mails from the Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger (Bridgwater and West Somerset) assistant chief constable confirming it. Somerset’s former (Con): It gives me no pleasure to rise to talk about a director of resources, Roger Kershaw, was given executive failed procurement project that has cost every citizen in power to negotiate the arrangement. Apparently, no Somerset a great deal of wasted money and time. Southwest councillors were told. The payment to the police was One is a joint venture between Somerset county council, deliberately concealed in the county’s accounts 2008-09. Taunton Deane council, Avon and Somerset police and I am calling on the Secretary of State to reopen those IBM—one of the world’s biggest IT firms. It is a classic accounts for inspection, because I am afraid that there example of how not to do public procurement. is a can of worms in them. At 2 o’clock in the morning five years ago, an unlikely Funnily enough, Mr Kershaw once worked for cast of characters were gathered. The county councillors Warwickshire county council. Mr Port was a senior were red-eyed, the IBM executives passed round a pen, officer at Warwickshire constabulary. This is where the and everyone signed. It was done out of office hours IBM data centre for Somerset is, and where its records and in total secrecy, even though it involved hundreds are stored. Warwick—I do not need to tell anybody in of council staff and hundreds of millions of pounds of this honourable House—is in Warwickshire. Mr Port taxpayers’ money. Somerset’s chipper little chief executive, went on to join the board of Southwest One, an obvious Alan Jones, said afterwards: “In five years’ time, people conflict of interest if ever there was one. It took substantial will look back on this agreement and say it’s the best publicity before it dawned on the chief constable that thing we’ve ever done.” his position on the board was untenable. By then the I was, I admit, suspicious from the word go. IBM, as credibility of Southwest One was even more untenable. most people know, is no charity; it prides itself on fat It promised to save taxpayers £200 million over 10 years, profits. The joint venture was never equal anyway; IBM but the savings are minimal and the losses of Southwest owned 75% of the business. However, it has taken five One run close to £50 million. long years to get to the ghastly truth. I have now Somerset was forced to chuck out its own computer obtained a copy of the original IBM bid. There were systems and spend £30 million of taxpayers’ money on only two serious contenders: IBM and BT—British IBM kit and software called SAP. That dreadful system Telecom. They were asked to do some blue-sky thinking, refuses to pay clients, double pays others, mucks up and IBM came up with some bizarre extras: pure fairy police rotas and puts sensitive information at risk. I am dust; total fiction; a romantic dream of our county and afraid that it is Mickey Mouse software. IBM used its its wildly ambitious chief executive strutting the world Indian division to design the software to save money. stage hand in hand with IBM. Here are some of the When SAP ground to a halt, IBM flew in a contingent promises: “We will increase the economic wealth of of Indian IT workers who stayed in Taunton, the county Somerset by £600 million every year!”; “We will create town, for months trying to fix it. Guess what? They 400 new jobs—instantly!”; “We will build a new industry failed. of environmental science!”; “We will provide the infrastructure for a new university!”; “We will deliver Alan Jones claimed things were all going swimmingly. broadband to Somerset within a single year!”; “We will Roger Kershaw went to Canada at IBM’s expense to build an iconic headquarters!” I think that that is what address a conference entitled “Successful Outsourcing”. my Spanish friends would call a load of cojones. Yet Sam Crabb and Jill Shortland—both still councillors, Councillor Jill Shortland, the then leader of the Liberal both Liberal Democrats—tried to blame me and the Democrats, and her pea-brained sidekick, Councillor trade unions for rocking the boat. The trade unions—would Sam Crabb—once a banker, funnily enough, or so he you believe it? The truth was crystal clear: no other claims, but more likely a junior clerk—swallowed the local authority or police force has joined Southwest story hook, line and sinker. One, ever. It is a rubbish venture. 831 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 832

In May 2009, the voters removed the Liberal Democrats allowed to go on to the apprenticeship that they had from control of Somerset county. The new administration been promised, or who are worried about the future got rid of Alan Jones, the chief executive, and it cost the impact of having low grades when they might come to taxpayer £341,000 to do so, but at least he was gone. apply, for example, to selective universities. Roger Kershaw, the finance director, quit before he was Equally importantly, there are those students who, pushed. The new team started to renegotiate the awful from the beginning of their school career, needed deal with IBM. Many of the staff who transferred to considerable support, inspiration, nurturing, cajoling Southwest One are, I am glad to say, back at Somerset and confidence building just to stay the course. They county. Much of that work has returned to the county, left school in June confident that they would achieve a but the ghost of this ghastly contract haunts us. reasonable result, but they now feel so bitterly let down When the economic crisis arrived, public spending that they say they are turning their backs on education was cut, which meant less work for Southwest One. altogether. Unfortunately, there is a booby-trap in the contract that This is not the time for wider debate on education forces Somerset to compensate IBM if spending falls. standards; that will take place another time. I want to Last week, the county council had to take the decision focus on the marking of those exams this summer. I to take £2.7 million from contingency funds to pay the believe that those students are innocent victims, caught company off. If spending remains at the current level, in the crossfire of a wider and sometimes highly partisan which it probably will, Somerset will have to fork out debate about education. We need to focus on the position £2.7 million every year for the next five years. That is that they are in, but up to now Ministers—and, I am £13.5 million pounds, plus a £5 million subsidy to the afraid, the Secretary of State—do not seem to have Avon and Somerset force. That vastly outweighs any understood the injustice that has been done. The concerns mythical savings that Southwest One claims. of those students are being brushed off, like so much Just to rub salt into the wound, Southwest One is dandruff from the Secretary of State’s collar. trying to extract more money from Somerset by suing. The marriage is over—that reminds me of another Why am I so convinced that an injustice has been marriage that we are in at the moment—but there is no done? First, because those students, however we look at escape. On September 27, five years to the day since the it, fulfilled every expectation of their teachers and, in contract was signed, Somerset could legally terminate turn, of the exam boards. Students look to teachers to the whole mad thing, but the price of quitting is so high guide them on what they need to know—the skills and that we are stuck. the aptitude that they need to demonstrate—but there is simply no evidence that, peculiarly this year, those The blame lies fairly and squarely with Alan Jones, students were catastrophically let down by their teachers. Roger Kershaw, Sam Crabb and—dare I say it?—other second-rate councillors. Al Capone would be rather Let us look at the schools involved. It is not as proud of them in a bizarre way. They behaved as though this is poor performance concentrated in schools though they were working for IBM. that had traditionally been weak or had struggled to achieve decent results. As is very clear, the unexpectedly This is a national, not a local, scandal. The district poor results turned up in schools that had traditionally auditor gave Southwest One glowing reports. The Audit been among the best-performing in the country. It Commission whitewashed the lot. There is now defies belief that so many teachers in so many schools overwhelming evidence to prove that the auditors were should, collectively, turn into poor teachers in that one grossly negligent. Southwest One should be—must month of June this year. be—examined properly by the National Audit Office. Only then can I see a happy ending to this ghastly Those teachers were supported by the exam boards. fairytale. In the school that I visited, because the controlled assessment was new, there were regular checks with AQA on the way the work was being moderated and to 3.14 pm ensure that the approach to the teaching was in line Mr John Denham (Southampton, Itchen) (Lab): I with the exam boards’ expectation. The school was told wish to speak about the marking of the English and that it was in line with expectations—a school that had English language GCSEs this summer. been praised for the excellence of its moderation and the quality of its predictions. At the beginning of the school term, I was asked to visit one of my local secondary schools, which had been We got the Ofqual interim report, but it really does confidently predicting 58% A* to C grades in English not convince in any way that Ofqual has, clearly and and English language. The students have been marked transparently, got to the bottom of why the results down at 32%. At the same time, stories started to turned out the way they did in so many schools. appear in the local newspaper, the Daily Echo, about One reason for my participation in the debate is that I schools in neighbouring Hampshire. Some schools that am one of the architects of Ofqual. It was my joint have regularly had 84% to 90% A to C grades achieved decision with my right hon. Friend the Member for just 60%. It became clear to me, as it did across the Morley and Outwood (Ed Balls), when he was Secretary country, that something had gone enormously wrong in of State for Children, Schools and Families and I was the marking of GCSE exams this summer. Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, I wanted to speak in the debate because I believe that to establish Ofqual as an independent regulator. The a huge injustice has been done to that group of students truth is that the guarantee of independence that we who sat the exams this summer. It is an injustice that delivered has not turned out to be a guarantee of has a real effect on their lives: I have heard already of competence. Ofqual has failed to deliver the quality of students who have been denied access to the college or service that is needed to inspire confidence among the course that they wanted, or who have not been students and teachers. 833 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 834

[Mr John Denham] However, surely there has to be a limit to the amount of damage that we are prepared to do to innocent The interim report that Ofqual published failed to students just to promote a Secretary of State’s career provide a convincing explanation of what happened; and political stance. We are all in politics, and we all indeed, as the General Secretary of the Association of make partisan speeches at times, but none of us has the School and College Leaders said to the Select Committee right to make others the victim of our politics. on Education, in the one exam that we are talking I am convinced that an injustice has been done to about, there has been extraordinary variation: 26.7% of thousands of students; they worked hard and did what those sitting it gotaCgradeinJunelast year; 37% got a they were asked to do. I am convinced that many of C grade in January; and 10.2% gotaCgradeinJune them will suffer as regards their careers, academic 2012. As he said: qualifications and job opportunities. This situation cannot “there is no evidence that those papers had any difference in the be allowed to last, and the issue must not be lost in the level of challenge in those examinations”. wider, legitimate, debate about educational standards. I In other words, it is all down to the extraordinary way hope that the Government will, at this late stage, agree in which the exam was assessed. to an independent inquiry, so that we can get to the bottom of what went wrong and make sure that the Ofqual tried to say that the problem related to January, students concerned are treated fairly. but its figures do not tell a convincing story that gives a full explanation. In any case, students have the reasonable expectation that if they deliver what they were asked to 3.24 pm deliver by their teachers and the exam board, that will Mike Crockart (Edinburgh West) (LD): I wish to be reflected in their result. For them to fail their exam, tackle the important issue of nuisance calls. Like many as they will be seen to have done, is deeply unfair; it will Members, I am fed up with receiving nuisance calls on have a lasting impact on them. my mobile and home telephone, and unsolicited texts Last week, the Secretary of State said, or is reported sent to my mobile. It is a real problem for many of my to have said, the following to the Select Committee—the constituents, much as cold-calling in person was many transcript is not yet on the website—about the Welsh years ago. It was mainly energy companies who indulged decision to reopen the question: in cold-calling in person, but thanks to many local “the children who suffer are children from Wales who, when they campaigns across the country, most of the big six apply for jobs in England, will hand over certificates that profess energy companies have stopped the practice. It is time to be good passes, and English employers will now say, ‘I fear, to turn our attention to the issue of nuisance calls and through no fault of your own…that I cannot count your exam texts. pass as equivalent to this other exam pass.’” There were 650 million silent calls made in the UK As with many of the Secretary of State’s statements, last year, and 45 million spam texts sent in Europe last there is absolutely no evidence for that. Indeed, if it year and every year. Some 3 million UK adults will be were true, we would be seeing schools, colleges and scammed out of £800 each this year by fraudulent employers turning down children with the January marketing calls. It is clear that we have an industry in qualifications, on the grounds that those qualifications crisis and a country under siege. People should not have were not good enough. to put up with this menace, which puts many vulnerable Ofqual says—I have given a health warning about its and elderly people at just as much risk of fraud as if the report—that performance overall is down by just 1.4%. crook or pushy salesman turned up at their door Perhaps we should treat that statement with caution, unannounced. Yet the two Departments responsible for but if that is the case, it can hardly be claimed that various aspects of the industry—the Department for re-grading to around the expected levels would invalidate Culture, Media and Sport and the Ministry of Justice—do the whole set of qualifications this summer. It would, not seem to think that there is a need for any change in however, make a massive difference to the students legislation. affected. Allowing the injustice to remain uncorrected In response to a letter that I sent him, the Under-Secretary will do far more damage to the students than any of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, the possible consequences of allowing a re-grading consistent hon. Member for Wantage (Mr Vaizey) said that although with the January results to go ahead. the Government do not believe that sweeping changes are necessary to the regulatory framework, the Ministry Why did the Secretary of State not consider that of Justice continues to keep the Information Commissioner’s course of action, or, given the questions around the Office powers under review. Thousands of people disagree Ofqual report, set up an independent inquiry? I am and are backing my campaign to restrict this nuisance. convinced that a re-grading is the only fair way forward, They say that their experience shows that the current but I can understand that a necessary first step is an situation is simply not good enough. Many people have independent inquiry into what happened. I fear that the shared their horror stories with me. I would welcome real reasons do not reflect well on the Secretary of the chance to meet Ministers from DCMS and the State. He is highly political, highly partisan Minister Ministry of Justice to discuss the issue. who wishes to play every issue for his personal promotion and party advantage. When the issue came to light, he The Sunday Post in Scotland has helped to promote thought, I am sure, “This is a party opportunity.” After my campaign nationally, and a spokesman for the all, Labour had introduced controlled assessments, and newspaper recently told me: Labour—indeed, I, as Minister—had introduced Ofqual. “It’s clear from the overwhelming response we have had from He thought it was an opportunity to attack Labour’s our readers this problem plagues our daily lives. record and burnish his credentials as a defender of And yet regardless of asking for them to stop—and sometimes standards; that is what he set out to do. taking steps to halt them—the onslaught continues. 835 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 836

The will is there from people to put on an end to this once and ICO has done great work on fining companies that fail for all. Now is the time for the Government to act on that will and to look after their data properly, but the strongest strengthen existing legislation.” action so far on breaking of the legislation governing I could not agree more. unsolicited calls and texts was a strongly worded statement Since launching my campaign only four weeks ago, in July this year which talked of the ICO “baring its over 10,500 people have signed the campaign petition at teeth”. no2nuisancecalls.net—sorry for the plug. Like many All of that points to a huge problem that is on the others, I know that I have not had a fall in the last five increase—indeed, it is out of control. Some companies years and am not entitled to any more payment protection offer a service to help protect people from unwanted insurance compensation, and I certainly do not want a calls, but it can be costly—anything from £35 to £100—and payday loan. Nevertheless, I am continually contacted often those companies are not up front about the charges. by text and phone by companies offering me those To be frank, why should we have to pay for such a things. service anyway? I believe, as do the 10,000-plus people I am registered with the Telephone Preference Service who have signed up to my online campaign, that we for both home and mobile numbers, but even that does have the right to be free from such calls without having not stop the onslaught. According to Ofcom figures, to pay for the privilege. complaints to the TPS about unwanted marketing calls As I have said, the problem is out of control, and jumped to almost 10,000 for the month of July. That requires urgent action. The Information Commissioner compares with just over 3,000 in December last year. In desperately needs to have the power to end this menace. an online poll of 4,000 individuals for Which? magazine, I am therefore calling for the Information Commissioner’s 76% of respondents said that despite signing up to the powers to be strengthened to take in all forms of unsolicited TPS, they still receive many nuisance calls. Only 1% contact, and for a single point of contact for any rated the service as excellent and said that they no individual wishing to protect their privacy and block longer received nuisance calls. Once again, the Under- unwanted calls, texts, faxes and e-mails. That express Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and wish should be taken seriously and acted upon. Sport, the hon. Member for Wantage, seemed to miss I simply do not understand why we continue to that point; he said that the TPS was generally successful allow this to happen, and why we are so permissive in reducing the number of unsolicited marketing calls about our telecoms contact. If Barclays or HomeServe— received. That is not the experience of the majority of two companies that, between them, were fined £5 million people registering with it. for silent calls—were knocking on our vulnerable granny’s Ofcom suggests that increased activity by PPI and door every day, then running away before she answered, accident claims companies is partly to blame for the we would be appalled. Instead, we tell those companies rise. The problem is partly the result of the fact that PPI that they can do that only one day in 20: 5% of their calls are not classed as sales calls but as a service or calls are allowed to be silent. If claims management marketing calls. On texts, the law says that there must be companies were knocking on her door, then bullying an unsubscribe option such as “Reply STOP to this her into making PPI claims or taking payday loans, we number”. However, there are two problems with that. would be up in arms. Instead, we hide behind the claim First, there are serious worries about how much it that those are merely surveys. If, because of all of that, would cost to send such a text. Secondly, such a reply we had to hire a doorman at significant expense to filter tells the sender that the number is genuine and in use, all the unwanted people at the door and only allow real which might merely engender further contact from that visitors in, that would be completely unacceptable, yet company and from others. that is the awful, frightening telecoms reality for many Recent research by the Association of British Insurers older, vulnerable members of society. It simply cannot has found that more than three quarters of people— continue. It simply must stop. 78%—have been contacted by a claims management company asking if they have been involved in an accident or mis-sold payment protection insurance. The ABI 3.33 pm found that 92% of those who received such a message Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): from a claims management company said that it was May I, too, welcome the Deputy Leader of the House not relevant to them. to his post and to the debate? I once replied to 40 speeches Complaints about abandoned or silent calls trebled in a pre-recess Adjournment debate, so I understand the in 2012, rising from 957 in December 2011 to 3,390 in task that faces him. July 2012. That is probably only the tip of the iceberg. Last week, I said at Culture, Media and Sport questions: In May 2011, the Information Commissioner’s Office was given powers to fine companies up to £500,000 if “The all-party group on women’s sport and fitness wants to see our fantastic women athletes in the media, inspiring girls and they broke the rules on unsolicited texts and phone women of all ages to take part in sport. However, outside the calls. To date, however, the ICO has failed to prosecute Olympics, women’s sport gets 5% of the media coverage and less any company for breaking the rules, in spite of the fact than 1% of the commercial sponsorship.”—[Official Report, that it has received more than 7,000 complaints this 13 September 2012; Vol. 550, c. 413.] year—a 43% increase on last year, when fewer than I asked the Minister whether he agreed that the situation 5,000 complaints were received for the entire year. must change. I was surprised at how effective my question I understand better than most the difficulties involved was, because on Saturday the Secretary of State for in carrying out complex police investigations, but we Culture, Media and Sport wrote to all national broadcasters must understand what prevents those investigations telling them to reassess their coverage of women’s sport. from leading to prosecutions and fines. Until an example I agree with that action, because the lack of media is made, those companies will carry on unfazed. The coverage for women’s sport is a vital issue. 837 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 838

[Barbara Keeley] even some live coverage of the England women’s cricket team in the T20 recently, but there should be so much Across our leading newspapers there are no female more coverage of women’s sport. sports editors. Only 2% of the articles and 1% of the Let us take women’s rugby as an example. The Rugby images in the sports pages of the national newspapers Football Union feels that there are great opportunities are devoted to female athletes and women’s sport. Earlier for growth in women’s rugby. The numbers of those this year, the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation playing are up 91% since 2004, with more than reviewed the sports pages across all national daily 13,000 women and girls currently registered as playing newspapers to assess the level of coverage given to rugby each week across 533 clubs. England hosted the women’s sport. I am indebted to the Women’s Sport and 2010 women’s rugby world cup, which was deemed to be Fitness Foundation for the authoritative reports and the most successful world cup to date. The legacy of statistics that it produces on women’s sport. Over the that event was a much greater increase in the number of three days of the review, those newspapers published women taking up rugby than in ordinary years. However, more than 1,500 articles on sport, yet only 2% were on although the RFU feels that there are great opportunities women’s sport. TV sports schedules were also reviewed. for growth in the women’s game, I feel that they will be On one Friday, of the 72 hours of sport broadcast on hard to achieve at the current levels of media coverage, three Sky channels, only three were devoted to women’s which I outlined earlier. sport. I am sad to say that the online coverage of women’s sport reviewed was little better—although I Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): Does the hon. should mention the Sportsister website, which is dedicated Lady agree that this is not only about encouraging to women’s sport. However, apart from that exception, women’s sport through the media of television, radio on the 10 sports news internet sites that were reviewed and so on? Is it not also about ensuring that there on one day in April, only 1% of the links were to should be free entry to games wherever possible? For articles on female sports, and there was not a single example, the Northern Ireland women’s football team image of a female athlete on the front page of the top are playing tomorrow night, and entry is free in order to 10 websites. encourage everyone to go. That is another way of encouraging media coverage and ensuring that games That is the normal situation outside the Olympics, are promoted. but if that level of coverage had applied during the Olympics, we would have missed a great deal. Team GB Barbara Keeley: That is right, but that has not happened women athletes won 22 of our 65 medals, 10 of them in women’s football. I have to say, however, that I would gold. If our women athletes had received only 1% or 2% be much more comfortable if people were prepared to of the news coverage during that time, we would possibly pay to watch women’s rugby and football, because I have seen some of Jessica Ennis’s gold in the heptathlon, think that those games are as good as the men’s. but what would we have missed? We would have missed That leads me to the subject of the success of the Nicola Adams winning the historic first gold in the England women’s rugby team. They are an extremely boxing; Victoria Pendleton’s individual gold; the team successful team internationally. In the 2011-12 season, gold for Dani King, Laura Trott and Joanna Rowsell, our team beat the current champions, New Zealand, in and Laura Trott’s gold in the omnium; the rowing a three-match test series, as well as winning their seventh golds—won when we had got hardly any gold medals—of six nations tournament in a row, which was also their Heather Stanning and Helen Glover, Katherine Grainger sixth grand slam. The England women’s sevens team and Anna Watkins, and Katherine Copeland and Sophie won the European championships, the European grand Hosking; Charlotte Dujardin’s magnificent gold in the prix series and two out of three International Rugby dressage and her gold in the mixed team dressage; and Board challenge series events. Despite all that success, Jade Jones’s gold in the taekwondo. however, only two of the games were broadcast live If women’s sport in the Olympics had received only throughout the whole season. England will host the 5% of media coverage or three of the 72 hours of rugby world cup in 2015, and we must ensure that plans broadcast coverage, we would definitely not have seen are in place to reach the widest possible audience, in Gemma Gibbons’s silver in the judo or her emotional order to inspire women and girls to watch and play response, which for many ranks as one of the high rugby. points of the Olympics; Christine Ohuruogu’s magnificent What needs to be done? As the Secretary of State said defence of her earlier performance, with a silver in the in her letter to broadcasters, the Olympics and Paralympics 400 metres; Rebecca Adlington’s bronzes in the 400 and have shone a spotlight on women’s sport, and we need 800 metres swimming; the women’s team bronze in to ensure that that continues after the games. She also hockey; Samantha Murray’s silver in the modern highlighted the fact that the substantial television audiences pentathlon; the bronze for Beth Tweddle—a wonderful for the summer Olympics illustrated the public appetite gymnast at the end of her career—on the uneven bars; for mainstream coverage of women’s sport. Indeed, or even Lizzie Armitstead’s race for silver in the pouring 16.3 million people watched Jessica Ennis win her rain, our very first medal for Team GB. heptathlon gold, and 11.3 million watched Rebecca It would have been ridiculous if we had not seen Adlington win her bronze medal in the 800 metres those moments in the women’s events, yet that is what freestyle swimming event. As we got further into the happens all the time outside the Olympics, with very tournament, we also saw capacity audiences watching few exceptions. There is netball coverage on Sky and the England women’s football team, and it was a pity some coverage of women’s football on the BBC, albeit that the team did not make more progress. not enough—although I should mention that BBC2 is I support the Secretary of State’s initiative and her showing the England women’s game against Croatia proposal to meet those broadcasters, but there is a need tomorrow, an important qualifier for Euro 2013. There was to go much further. The Women’s Sport and Fitness 839 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 840

Foundation has identified three priority areas. First and severe than they are subsequently assessed as being. foremost, there should be more media coverage of women’s That certainly happened in 1990-91—three years later, sport. We need that increased media profile because it economists decided that the recession had been 40% less will be crucial to drive public interest and to fill the deep than it had been estimated at that particular time. grounds for games. It will also be vital to drive the Declining unemployment is probably due to increases commercial sponsorship of women’s sport. Let us remember in part-time employment, but also to the extremely that women in sport are unfairly treated in that regard. positive action taken by Ministers and the Secretary of They have only 1% of the total commercial sponsorship State at the Department for Work and Pensions, which of sport. When we think of our great women cyclists, has encouraged people off welfare and into work. There we must remember that there is no Team Sky for is one other reason why the employment figures might women. Lizzie Armitstead cycles in a team based in the appear to trump the growth figures—our extremely Netherlands, which I understand is losing its sponsor at flexible labour markets, which is due, in turn, to the the end of 2012 She has had fabulous medals success, supply-side flexibility introduced in the 1980s. Ironically, but will have no sponsorship by the end of the year. there are probably many thousands of people up and As a second priority, our female athletes need to be down this country who owe their current livelihood showcased as role models. Having positive, active role to the courage Margaret Thatcher had in the 1980s to models is crucial if girls and young women are to be improve the supply side of our economy. inspired to lead physically active, healthy lifestyles. Surveys Why, then, as I would argue, do we need to go further conducted since the Olympics have shown that 81% of in reducing supply-side rigidities if our labour markets adults agree that the female athletes at London 2012 are so flexible as they stand? The reason is that we are were better role models than other female celebrities. It competing in an internationally competitive global is not about dieting to be slim; it could be about marketplace in which our future competitors are not exercising to be slim. going to be simply the likes of France and Germany, as Thirdly, we must concentrate on increased leadership. we will increasingly be bumping shoulders with the likes Only 22% of leadership positions in sport are held by of China and India, which have extremely flexible labour women. That figure needs to increase to ensure that markets indeed. sport is governed and run in ways that appeal to the If we are to improve labour market flexibility, it will widest possible market. I would like the Secretary of have at least two effects on business. One is that it will State to tell me whether she regards those three areas as make it easier for them to transact business; the second priorities, and what action her Department plans to is that it will send a very positive message to businesses take on them in the coming months. that the Government are very serious about supporting Finally, the all-party parliamentary group on women’s entrepreneurship and business. That will be particularly sport and fitness has asked the Culture, Media and important, given that this country currently suffers Sport Select Committee to consider undertaking an from a lack of business confidence. UK plc is sitting on inquiry into the media profile of women’s sport. Through some £750 billion-worth of cash, which is not being the medium of this debate, I would like to urge the released to invest in jobs and growth simply because it Chair and members of the Select Committee to consider lacks the confidence to do so. that proposal, because this is absolutely the key time to I think we should take some further action, and I make a difference to women’s sport. strongly believe in the comments made by the likes of the CBI and the Federation of Small Businesses to the effect that we should look at the area of employment- 3.44 pm protected leave of absence or maternity and paternity Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): I rise to address leave, and particularly at how it affects small businesses the issue of increasing the flexibility of labour markets, and micro-businesses. and the effect that it can have on small business growth. Let me clarify, first, that I strongly believe in and In doing so, I pay tribute to the many actions this adhere to the principle of employment rights. It is quite Government have taken to encourage businesses, right and proper in a civilised society that companies particularly small businesses. The Chancellor of the and Governments should be helpful to women at their Exchequer’s huge achievement in maintaining our triple time of child birth and beyond. It is also an important A credit rating status is worthy of note, thus keeping tool of policy for ensuring that we increase and improve interest rates low, which has assisted businesses up and the engagement of women within the work force. That down the country to invest. Also important is the is my starting point, but I believe that our balance has continuing reduction in corporation tax levels, which I become out of balance: it is now too much in favour of think most businesses feel is most welcome. rights and there is too little emphasis on the onerous When it comes to labour market flexibility, and provisions that apply to businesses. particularly supply-side flexibility, we might usefully Last year, I asked the Library to prepare a comparative view it through the prism of one of the great macro- grid to show the levels of various maternity rights economic conundrums this country faces: on the one across various countries in the world. It is certainly the hand, we have reductions in unemployment and increases case that we are not the most generous, but we are in employment, yet on the other hand, we have the among the most generous. In Australia, for example, apparently contradictory information that growth has the entitlement is to 18 weeks; in Greece, it is to 17 weeks; been negative over the last three quarters. Some of that in India, it is 12 weeks—but in the United Kingdom, it could be due to the fact that gross domestic product has is 52 weeks. Let us consider the problem that that may been underestimated over that time, which would be cause an employer in the United Kingdom, particularly consistent with the history of these circumstances when a small employer whose business consists of, say, between recessions are typically estimated at the time to be more six and 12 people. A key member of staff, such as a 841 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 842

[Mel Stride] accommodation for the volunteers. A coroner’s inquest held in Manchester in 2011 returned a verdict of unlawful senior manager or director, is able to be absent from the killing and the electrician awaits trial in Fiji, but no workplace for more than a year—over 52 weeks. The proceedings have been taken against Coral Cay or its employer must then make a contribution to maternity then directors. The company has since been taken over, pay, and, in some circumstances, continue to provide a and is under new ownership. company car and a mobile telephone and pay for any At Luke’s inquest, the coroner identified significant membership of clubs or organisations that may have shortcomings in Coral Cay’s health and safety procedures, been granted as a work-related benefit. and highlighted the discrepancy between the claims Moreover, the absent employee will have been accruing made in documents and on its website with regard to holiday leave, and it is entirely possible that, at the end the emphasis that it placed on health and safety and its of the 52 weeks, the business will have to pay in full for actual practice. The coroner also noted that Mr and the employee to be absent for a further month, or even Mrs Molnar had placed great credence in Coral Cay’s two months. Any options agreements or share incentive claims about its approach to health and safety: that full schemes will continue as normal, although the employee and careful health and safety checks were carried out; may not be present to make any contribution to the that personnel on site were fully trained; and that there success of the business. The employer will also continue would be a full risk assessment of the site. None of that to pay in full any pension contributions that have previously turned out to be the case. applied. Following the inquest, the coroner wrote to the Secretary Huge uncertainty is caused by the fact that employees of State for Business, Innovation and Skills under rule 43 do not have to inform their employers whether they will of the coroners rules, setting out his view that the be returning to the workplace until the period of absence regulation of companies offering such trips abroad, is well under way. It is quite conceivable that, in a particularly for young people, should be carefully and company with six to 12 employees, a senior individual closely monitored to ensure that the claims made in who has been absent from the workplace will not inform their literature and on websites were lived up to. I was the employer until the 11th hour—after an absence of very pleased when the then Minister, the right hon. at least a year—that he or she will not be coming back. Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey), met Mr and Mrs Molnar with me last September to discuss Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): We should also bear how that might work. It was broadly agreed at that in mind that replacing expertise does not involve like-for-like meeting that the best way forward would be to work funding. Acquiring a locum can be very expensive for a with the British Standards Institution to determine small business, and as a result the owner of the business whether British Standard 8848—which covers such overseas often ends up doing two jobs throughout the period of activities and which is strongly supported by the Molnars the employee’s absence. as representing a gold standard—could be made more robust, whether approval processes for the standard Mel Stride: That is an extremely important point. could be strengthened, and whether a certification scheme One of the problems with excessively onerous employment could be put in place. rights of this nature is that they build up a fair amount As a result, the Molnars and I have had useful of resentment among existing members of the work discussions with BSI officers about the processes that force who are often expected to work longer hours or, exist. The conclusion that we have drawn is that there is indeed, to change the pattern of their work in order to currently a deeply confusing plethora of organisations, accommodate the person who is absent. companies and standards. As a result, parents cannot In no way do I wish to attack the notion of rights of rely on claims made by overseas adventure companies this kind. I think that they are very important, for the that their activities have been objectively assessed to reasons that I have given, but I hope that the Government comply with rigorous safety standards. Put simply, parents will look closely at the balance in how they operate, do not know what they can believe. particularly in the case of micro-businesses employing I have to say that the matter was not much helped by 10 people or fewer. a parliamentary written answer I received on 22 May 2012 from the then Minister for Schools, the hon. 3.53 pm Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Mr Gibb). His response served to paint a picture of real confusion Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): I am about the appropriate role of the Health and Safety grateful to the Backbench Business Committee for Executive, the learning outside the classroom regime, facilitating today’s debate. BS 8848 and a range of organisations who purport to Six years ago, in August 2006, Luke Molnar, the assess whether safety standards are being met. Some of 17-year-old son of my constituents Gill and Steve Molnar, those organisations doubtless do an excellent job, but died on the island of Tokoriki. Luke was a paying the overall landscape is a minefield for parents desperate volunteer on a diving expedition arranged by a UK-based to be assured that their children will be safe. company, Coral Cay Conservation Ltd. On the day of Let me repeat that the Molnars and I strongly support his death, he went to assist a friend who had received an BS 8848, which covers overseas activities. We also electric shock when he touched a washing line. When acknowledge the role that the learning outside the classroom Luke touched the line, he received a massive electric regime plays, but I suggest to Ministers that its purpose shock which killed him. is, in fact, different: although it purports to cover safety It transpired that a local electrician had wired the aspects of overseas activities, it is primarily a learning- washing line to the electricity supply in order to run focused, rather than a safety-focused, standard, and power to a number of huts that were being used as many providers and schools prefer BS 8848 for these 843 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 844 activities as a result. As for the HSE, I am surprised that The Secretary of State for Communities and Local in that written answer the then Minister suggested that Government has said in the past that in a the work it is doing to develop a code of practice to “cold snap, the values of the Big Society are more important than replace the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority ever…Volunteers in mountain rescue teams worked round the was a potential solution. The HSE has no jurisdiction clock to help the stranded…We should celebrate that community overseas—and, in any case, I understand that that work spirit.” is on hold. They are fine words, but celebrating the community I ask Ministers to consider more carefully how to spirit is not enough; we should support these men and promote the adoption of BS 8848 as the industry standard women, who risk their own well-being in appalling with which all overseas providers will be expected to conditions to save and help others. I am talking about comply, and also to consider, along with the BSI and as people such as my constituent Paul Hitchen. On three part of the five-year review of the standard now in occasions when I have been out with him and his wife progress, whether that standard could, and should, be socially, he has left us early because he has been called extended to UK activities as well. I also invite Ministers out to go up on Kinder Scout to rescue ramblers, hikers to support the establishment of an independent register and the like. This has been in weather that may not have so that parents can be absolutely clear about whether an appeared too bad in the towns and the villages, but it organisation’s claims to meet health and safety standards can be a very different world on the hills of High Peak. are merely self-declared or have been independently The Government do not fund the mountain rescue evaluated. I would like to see the elimination of duplication service; we do not fund it as a country. We actually take between the different accreditation systems, including revenue from its funds, which goes into the Treasury’s the learning outside the classroom regime, BS 8848 and coffers. It is estimated that if central Government had whatever eventually replaces the AALA, and clarity to provide these services, the cost would be about £6 million about their different purposes and roles. I would also a year. I wish to acknowledge the funding for the like to see action to simplify and strengthen oversight mountain rescue that was announced last year, which regimes, so that independent evaluation and accreditation will help the teams, but the vast majority of their money is put in place. comes from voluntary donations; they do bag packs, No one, least of all the Molnars, whose son was a coin collections and all sorts of other things to raise keen and excellent diver, wants to stifle or prevent their money. Not only is that money necessary to purchase young people from participating in adventure activities the vehicles, fuel, equipment and clothing they need to overseas. No one wants to create a complicated bureaucratic do their job, but the service also has to fund about structure that prices companies out of compliance, and £250,000 of VAT that is payable to the Exchequer each no one can want one single further avoidable death. It is year. abundantly clear that the current system is confused It has been suggested that, while acknowledging the and deficient, and Ministers have a responsibility to need to tax mountain rescue sympathetically, the ensure that a regime that is fit for purpose is put in Government would not want to pursue a policy that place. I passionately ask the Deputy Leader of the would favour one charity over another. However, House to do all he can to secure a meaningful response distinctions are made elsewhere: the Royal National from his colleagues in all relevant Departments on the Lifeboat Institution can reclaim VAT and can access steps they will take now to ensure that that is what will red diesel; St John Ambulance can claim back VAT on be achieved. fuel and vehicles; and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals can do the same in respect of its 4.1 pm rescue vehicles. The mountain rescue is not able to Andrew Bingham (High Peak) (Con): We are all aware access many of the benefits that those other charities of the three main emergency services, the fire, ambulance enjoy. and police services, all of which are available to all of us Some vehicles enjoy access to fuel that is not subject whenever we need them. However, I want to talk about to duty, known as red diesel. Red diesel has a significantly another emergency service—the mountain rescue service. reduced tax levy compared with the undyed diesel fuel It is called upon by the fire, ambulance and police used in the ordinary diesel road vehicles that many of us services, and it stands by not only to help climbers and drive. It can be used in registered vehicles such as walkers who are in trouble, but to assist rural communities tractors, forestry vehicles, excavators, snowploughs, gritters when conventional services cannot get to where they and boats. Working vehicles, including four-wheel drives have to because of the weather. So when, on a winter’s that are used mainly on the land, can also use red diesel day in Glossop in my constituency, which is very hilly, regardless of whether they are being used commercially the ambulance service cannot get up a certain road, it or for charitable purposes as long as the vehicle is used will call the mountain rescue to help out. on a public road only for a distance of no more than The mountain rescue service, unlike its publicly funded 1.5 km while passing between different areas of land counterparts, relies on a network of 3,500 volunteers occupied by the same person. So, if the mountain operating in 56 teams nationally. Four of those teams rescue teams owned the land on which they operated or are in my constituency—the Buxton, Edale, Glossop restricted their activities to specified national parks, and Kinder teams, all of which I have visited. Every they could get the lower fuel duty. They are volunteers time I visit, I leave very impressed by what they do. acting for the benefit of the whole community who are Each team is a self-contained unit with its own equipment, willing to go out and help whenever and wherever they supplies, vehicles and communications. The teams are needed and that works against them. carry equipment required to remain operational— Let me give the example of a cold winter day in High unsupported—for more than 12 hours, and they are Peak, on Kinder Scout, with a sheep in distress in one trained in first aid and casualty care. field and a rambler in another field. The farmer going 845 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 846

[Andrew Bingham] I once set off on Kinder Scout in shorts and a T-shirt—[Interruption.] Someone laughs, but I promise to help the sheep could go up using red diesel, whereas hon. Members that it is not that bad. As I got higher up, the mountain rescue team bringing back the hiker would the weather got worse. Fortunately, as I am from the pay the full price for diesel. That team is going to rescue area I was well equipped but by the time I reached the someone in distress, so to me the difference in the price top of Kinder Scout I was wearing three layers of paid seems wrong. waterproof clothing and had my torch, whistle and At sea, all rescue vehicles qualify to use red diesel. On everything I needed. I still saw somebody coming back land, conventional ambulances qualify yet they cannot the other way wearing flip-flops, would you believe, get to the difficult terrain where the mountain rescue because people set off from what seems like a different teams need to go. Yet again, mountain rescue pays for world. The only people who can get to them if they get the fuel. Over the past decade, rescue teams in England into trouble are the mountain rescue. There are many and Wales have paid about £500,000 in tax on fuel as examples, such as the people who get stuck in peat bogs well as VAT on other items that they have had to because they follow a global positioning system or satellite purchase to carry out their work. navigation device on the hills. We are at the mercy of the elements in High Peak and mountain rescue is our In answer to a written question, the then Treasury lifeline. Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine Greening), said: I repeat my call and hope that the message gets back “It would be difficult to make a clear distinction between to the Treasury, because if it does not I shall keep vehicles used by mountain rescue teams and privately owned repeating it. Let us consider allowing such vehicles to vehicles”.—[Official Report, 14 July 2011; Vol. 531, c. 487W.] use red diesel. When the call comes to mountain rescue I do not believe that to be the case and if I had more for assistance, doing nothing is not an option. Now, in time—I am conscious that many other Members wish my view, it is our turn. Doing nothing is not an option to speak—I could dismantle that argument. I believe for us, so we should consider this idea. We should do it, that a mountain rescue vehicle dedicated to mountain because it will not cost a lot, it is easy and it will make a rescue—let us face it, they are usually big ambulances big difference to mountain rescue teams up and down with logos and so on all over them—could quite easily the country. be allowed to run on red diesel. The growing burden of high fuel costs and high 4.10 pm inflation and the downward pressure on wages, particularly in rural areas such as High Peak, means Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): As I was coming that volunteers are less likely to be able to finance the to today’s debate, I thought of all the issues that are provision of the service and I think we should help pertinent to my constituency and, I suspect, to all hon. them. There has been a spectacular lack of common Members’ constituencies, such as tax credits and sense in seeking a way forward. The cost to the housing benefit, both of which I hear about regularly Treasury of permitting vehicles that are registered to in my constituency office. There are so many concerns mountain rescue teams and used for mountain rescue that my constituents have spoken to me about and purposes and for no other to use red diesel would be asked me to speak about. I have chosen to speak about negligible in the grand scheme of things. It would be the appeals against decisions on employment and simple to introduce and to police. support allowance and disability living allowance, When national or regional emergencies devastate areas which increasingly make up the greater part of my of the UK, mountain rescue is the only service that can work load. It used to be housing and planning, but help. It is adaptable and can go anywhere at any time. I benefit issues now make up an equal amount of my think it is time that we replaced the warm words of work load. support and congratulation with some practical action Where do we begin on this issue? The best thing to do to help. No more excuses. No more time for reflection. is probably to illustrate it with an example. One situation Let us have some action. We could do a lot. We could that still concerns me is that those who are recovering make the change on red diesel that I am calling for from cancer are being turned down for ESA and other today. We could make a direct payment to rebate the support. I met a gentleman—this is truthful—who had VAT, we could revise the ambulance rules to allow more 30 bouts of radiotherapy and 15 chemotherapy sessions all-terrain vehicles to qualify or we could just offer a to help him put his cancer into remission, and it has direct grant. worked so far—thank the Lord. However, since the I am aware of the difficult financial circumstances in treatment, he has been unable to put the weight back on this country, as we all are, so I ask the Treasury to allow and has no appetite, leaving him a tiny 7 stone in mountain rescue to use red diesel in their own vehicles—I weight. Anyone who knew him before the treatment am sorry that no Treasury Minister is in the Chamber, and saw him today would know exactly what I am but I hope the message gets back as I am determined to talking about. In our part of the country, we would say keep pressing the point. It would save each and every that he is skin and bones, as he clearly is, after all he has team in this country money that would help them to been through. He is lethargic, tired, severely underweight, continue to provide the service. Some of us might never but that is not taken into account in the standard ESA have used it, but I suspect that we will all—particularly tests. Therefore, despite the fact that he is recovering those of us with rural seats—know somebody who has from cancer and is in no fit state to work, his application seen it in action. For example, the mountain rescue was turned down. It would be dangerous for him to go website gives details today of a busy weekend for the into a working environment, yet that is what he has Buxton mountain rescue team. been asked to do. 847 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 848

Whenever these cases are taken to an appeals tribunal appeals are regularly fought and won after the wrong and the people there look at the circumstances, I sometimes decision was made the first time around. That shows wonder whether they do not see what I see. I cannot that changes are needed. understand why they do not see a person’s inability to pass a test? I am also concerned that blind and partially sighted people are being excluded from ESA payments, despite the Government’s acceptance of the recommendations Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): I am of an independent review last year to improve the work sure that the hon. Gentleman will agree that one of the capability assessment process. Many constituents have big problems is the time involved in getting to an sent me copies of the Royal National Institute of Blind appeal. I had a case some weeks ago in which an People briefing paper. They are concerned, and it would individual went without money for his family for about be remiss of me not to raise the issues in the House or to nine weeks. Surely, that cannot be right? appeal to the Government to consider them. Jim Shannon: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his ESA gives vital support to blind, partially sighted intervention and wholeheartedly agree with what he and other disabled people who are unable to work, and says. I could give a number of examples of constituents provides them with immediate employment support to who have to travel a great distance to get to an appeal. move towards work, where they are able to do so. Since The stress and trauma that they go through to get to the April 2011, it has no longer been possible for blind or appeal before it is even heard is incredible. partially sighted people to qualify for ESA and the vital support that it gives, because changes to the assessment We are all very aware of the financial situation that criteria fail to recognise the barriers that they face in we find ourselves in—everyone has referred to it—the relation to work. That has dramatic consequences for savings that need to be made and the fact that no one the individuals concerned, by unfairly forcing blind and should receive a benefit unless they are entitled to it. I partially sighted people on to jobseeker’s allowance, do not think that anyone here disagrees with that, but with an associated loss in income and vital support to common sense would say that a person who has fought prepare for work. They lose benefits when they come off cancer and is in the early stages of recovery is entitled to such programmes. The severe disability premium would a little help because they physically cannot work. It is give them a better quality of life, by giving them more little wonder that Macmillan Cancer Support has said money to bring in people to care for them. that 40% of cancer survivors in Northern Ireland say that not all their health and social care needs are met In November 2011, the independent review, led by and that cancer sufferers have ill health for years after. Professor Harrington, of the work capability assessment Although the circumstances in Northern Ireland are recommended that consideration be given to the need not unique, I suggest that perhaps in other parts of the to review the sensory loss descriptors, which are the United Kingdom they are probably equal to that. That criteria used to assess entitlement for ESA. The Government needs to be taken into account when the standard ESA accepted that recommendation, but as yet no concrete tests are carried out. Cancer has no one standard to fall action has been taken to change the assessment, so into. To disallow people the help that they need when blind and partially sighted people continue to lose out. they are entitled to it is not acceptable and, I believe, It is frustrating that, despite the recommendations and must be addressed. despite the fact that the Government asked for them, we Macmillan Cancer Support recently sent me a brief—I have not moved on and achieved the vital changes that am sure that many Members also received it—that are needed. makes for uncomfortable reading for those in government The current impracticalities can only be addressed who have made the decisions on the changes and how through revised descriptors in the communication and they affect those people. Macmillan strongly believes navigation activities of the WCA. To be specific, new that the Lords amendments on employment and support descriptors should reflect the real challenges of obtaining allowance are votes for compassion, common sense and a job, including ones concerned with awareness and compromise—the three C’s—and are very important. with locating and finding. Few of us are untouched by cancer—indeed, I suspect that every family has been touched by cancer at some I will focus on some of the key activities and illustrate time—and many face financial uncertainty as well. It is the problems faced by those who apply for ESA and clear that they should receive ESA and not be forced those who are blind and partially sighted. Activity 4 is into work when they are still recovering. an area of concern. It focuses on picking up and moving or transferring of an object by the use of the upper Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): One of the issues body and arms and manual dexterity. For someone who that have recently come to my attention is that 80% of is blind or partially sighted, descriptors in this activity my constituents who have gone to appeal have been fail to account for whether the person can see, locate successful, which is a startling result. I would have and know where to safely put the object. The criteria expected the figure to be up to around 50%, or about a assessment and the questions asked of blind and partially third. That shows that the initial assessments, as we sighted people do not even realise how that affects discussed in Committee when this was coming through them—they should, but they do not. Parliament, have got it wrong. The current system for Activity 7 centres on understanding communication, giving out these assessments is wrong. and there are practical problems relating to a claimant’s ability to read Braille. The addition of the ability to Jim Shannon: I thank my hon. Friend for his comments, read Braille to understand a basic message was not in which will apply elsewhere, although perhaps not as the previous guidance. If the objective is to consider much as in my area, where a number of ESA and DLA adaptation—and it should be—a notice detailing the 849 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 850

[Jim Shannon] I urge the Government to do the right thing by the most vulnerable in our society. I know that this is an location of a fire exit in Braille is simply not realistic, Adjournment debate and that the Deputy Leader of the unless the workplace is specifically and totally geared House will reply, but perhaps this will filter through to towards Braille readers. the people who make the decisions. Of course, we have Further impracticality arises from the expectation to consider the money ledger and should not ignore the put on the interaction between a stranger and a blind financial circumstances that the country is in, but we person. It is inconceivable that a stranger would walk have to consider people’s lives and their mental health. up to a blind person and hand them a sheet of Braille, I see the frustration and anxiety of those who have especially in the context of a fire. That should not be depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. One used as a proxy to satisfy the descriptor and assessment woman who comes into my office screams in frustration on understanding communication by non-verbal means. and says that she will end her life because she is so It is another simple illustration of how the ESA process stressed out by the forms after forms that come to her does not work for those who are blind and partially house. She says that she has no reason to live and that sighted. the pressure of filling in the forms becomes overwhelming. Activity 8 is on navigating and its “getting about” She then does not eat, which is another problem. That descriptor scores only nine points for someone who leaves the girls in my office distressed at the system. It needs to be accompanied around familiar and unfamiliar does not take into account the state of this lady’s places. If the intention is to measure impairment mental health, when it should do so, and does not functionality, the need to be accompanied is not a sign understand what the issues are. That disconcerts me. of adaptation, so the person should be able to score That woman could not find employment in any 15 points. Again, that descriptor should be changed, so workplace. I am not an expert, but when I see people, I that those who have limited capability because they are can near enough judge whether they are able to work. blind or partially sighted qualify for the 15 points and, This lady would not be able to work. She has been therefore, for ESA. trailed through appeal after appeal and wins each time. One wonders whether anybody looks at the background. The last activity is the awareness of everyday hazards. The girls in my office are concerned that one day they The descriptors in that activity are too narrow and will ring up to check on her and she will not answer. apply only to people with cognitive impairments. They do not adequately consider the impact of sight loss. The Government are right to stop those who are not entitled to benefits from claiming them. However, some Extremely ill people, people with health problems people are entitled to help, and they seem to be the ones and people with sight problems who really need help who are suffering the most. The ball is clearly in the and are looking to the system to provide it cannot get it. Government’s court. What will history record about The descriptors prevent them from qualifying, when the what has been done with the vulnerable and the needy? opposite should be the case. My office is inundated with I hope that it will be positive. appeals against DLA decisions because of the guidelines that are in place. Over and again, the same problems are occurring, which is frustrating. 4.24 pm I watch people struggle into my advice centre who Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): I am grateful for this can hardly walk, who are suffering from cancer or who opportunity to speak about Sunday trading. The point do not have the quality of life that the rest of us take for that I want to make is simple. granted. I help them to fill out their forms correctly, As Members may recall, on 30 April this year, the which can take an hour and a half or two hours, in the Sunday Trading (London Olympic Games and Paralympic hope that they will get the funds that they need to get Games) Act 2012 was passed. Its effect was to extend the help that they cannot do without. They cannot Sunday trading hours temporarily during the limited afford to pay for carers because they do not have period of 22 July to 9 September. the funds that they need. The forms are complex and difficult. During the debate on the Bill, I expressed my concerns about those proposals, and in particular about whether I will give another example of how the system lets they would be used as a precedent for a further—or people down. I once fought a DLA appeal for a man permanent—extension of Sunday trading hours. I will who had only one leg. His other leg had been not repeat those concerns in detail as they are on the amputated. He suffered from diabetes to such an extent record, but they included: the potentially negative impact that he had to wake up during the night to inject on family and community life; the need for us all—as himself. He also suffered from Crohn’s disease and— individuals and as a nation—to have a recognised rest this is a very personal issue—he often soiled himself period each week for our health and well-being; and the during the night before he could get to his crutches and potential consequential pressure to work on Sundays, make his way to the toilet. Despite all that, he was especially for some of the lowest-paid workers in our turned down for DLA. society, and the subsequent strain on their families. I I ask myself over and again, “Who are the people also referred to concerns raised by the National Society who are making these decisions? Do they really grasp for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the what is going on? Do they know what problems the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and to the fact that for person who has applied for DLA or ESA has?” I would many people of faith, Sunday still has a special significance. like to take them into that man’s house for one night and leave them to care for him. The next day, they Ian Paisley: The hon. Lady is raising an issue that is would understand his problems. That would be a good crucial to our nation’s trade. Was she as concerned as I example for most of these people. was on hearing the word “temporary”, which sometimes 851 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 852 does not mean what it says on the tin? Temporary the Member for Sevenoaks (Michael Fallon), clear provisions in Northern Ireland lasted 30 years, but I confirmation that the assurance given on behalf of the hope that through the hon. Lady’s speech, we can Government still stands, and that despite references to obtain absolute clarity that temporary means temporary, an extension of Sunday trading hours, the Government and that the extension to the trading laws will cease on have no such plans. The Government’s assurance was the date that was given to Parliament when this matter carefully noted not only by me and many colleagues in was first raised. the House, but—crucially—by many millions of people across the country. Fiona Bruce: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that I hope that the Deputy Leader of the House and the intervention because obtaining such clarity is exactly responsible Minister will take this point in the spirit of the purpose of my contribution to the debate. the utmost courtesy with which I express it, but there is My concerns—and other concerns—were shared by an issue of integrity here. In issuing the confirmation several colleagues during the debate on 30 April. that I seek, Ministers would put an end to continuing Responding to the debate, the then Minister of State, speculation that is a cause of concern to many. Of Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, my course, the extension of Sunday trading hours was in hon. Friend the Member for Hertford and Stortford neither coalition party’s manifesto nor in the coalition (Mr Prisk), stated: agreement. “The concern has been expressed that this Bill is somehow a I turn to some comments that have been made since Trojan horse, preparing the way for a permanent relaxation of the the summer extension of hours. The British Retail rules for large stores. Let me assure hon. Members again that that Consortium has recently announced that it does not is not the case.” want to lobby for permanent deregulation of Sunday Referring to my particular concerns about the impact trading hours. According to Retail Week magazine, on families and family time, he stated: momentum for a permanent change among retailers “I think she is absolutely right, so let me say to her that the Bill has begun to wane, which may be a result of the BRC’s affects just eight Sundays and the deliberate inclusion of a sunset announcement that retail sales fell by 0.4% in August, clause means that the Bill will be removed from the statute book compared with August 2011 on a like-for-like basis, after 9 September. Indeed, as the Secretary of State has made with no sign of the Olympic boost that was promoted as clear, if a future Government were to consider a permanent a reason for the temporary extension. According to the relaxation, they would have to undertake a full consultation and present new legislation to this House. As the Secretary of State Association of Convenience Stores, independent retailers also pointed out, we have no such plans.”—[Official Report, reported a loss of sales of up to 20% and a 30% drop in 30 April 2012; Vol. 543, c. 1352-53.] footfall over the Olympic period. That reported negative impact is of considerable concern to many small retailers, I was pleased to hear the Minister’s words and I took which often live on narrow margins, and to their employees. them as a personal assurance, although for the record, I still abstained rather than vote for the proposals. I understood, however, that many of my colleagues also Jim Shannon: Does that not knock the giant took those words as a firm assurance on behalf of the supermarkets’ feet away from under them? They said Government that the temporary alterations to Sunday that if they opened longer on Sunday, there would be trading hours would not be further extended or used as extra trade and extra jobs, but those figures prove that it a precedent, and hon. Members voted accordingly on did not happen. that basis. Some weeks later, towards the end of the wonderful Fiona Bruce: The hon. Gentleman makes a valid Olympic and Paralympic period of which our nation is point, and I understand from answers to written questions so rightly proud, suggestions circulated in the press— that I have tabled on the issue that the Government are I know not from what source they originated—that a proposing to produce their own analysis of sales over permanent deregulation of Sunday trading hours should the Olympic period. May I venture to suggest that any perhaps be considered, following the limited extension analysis would be of questionable conclusive value due period. to a number of variables that influenced retail sales Such suggestions were completely at odds with the during the Olympics, not least the fact that they were a statements expressed by more than one Minister during wholly unique event? There was also the differing proximity the passage of the Bill. Another Minister in the Department of retail outlets to Olympic venues, the weather and the for Business, Innovation and Skills, the hon. Member coincidental holiday period. for North Norfolk (Norman Lamb) stated at the time: I remind the House that the Government have already “I want to make it clear that this is a temporary measure and given extensive consideration to a review of Sunday not a test case for a permanent relaxation of the rules in the trading hours in their retail growth review and their red future”, tape challenge. In both instances the policy was rigorously and the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and explored, and I understand that a clear view was formed Skills stated that the Bill was that there was no need to amend the current trading hours, which represented “not a signal of the Government’s intent on the broader issue of Sunday trading;”. —[Official Report, 30 April 2012; Vol. 543, “a valued compromise for all parties.” c. 1293.] I should add that many people would welcome more In light of recent press speculation about a possible protection for Sundays as a day of rest and a day for further extension to Sunday trading hours, I seek today, families, friends and those of shared faith. I commend either from the Deputy Leader of the House, or after the work of the Keep Sunday Special campaign, which the debate from the new the Minister of State, Department continues to make a strong case for keeping Sunday a for Business, Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend different and special day in our national life. 853 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 854

[Fiona Bruce] I could not put it better myself, and I hope that his response will echo that statement. In making it, he is in If shops were open longer, that would not mean that good company. The Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime consumers had the funds or the inclination to buy more Minister, the Justice Secretary, the Attorney-General goods. Our quieter high streets during the Olympic and the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice have period showed that, including some of the Cheshire all stood shoulder to shoulder with others in the House, high streets about which I have inquired. and others who have not been able to come here today, Far from being pro-growth, any proposal to further who stand alongside Gary McKinnon and the many extend our already long retail trading hours may actually campaigners on his behalf. have the opposite impact, as work or productivity expands This could be, and I hope that it is, the last debate to fill the time allotted, as the old saying goes. I am that we need to have on Gary McKinnon before a reminded of accounts that I have heard from during the decision is finally made. The Prime Minister has said: war, when factories seeking to increase their production “Gary McKinnon is a vulnerable young man and I see no moved to a seven-day working week and found that compassion in sending him thousands of miles away from his production actually decreased. A subsequent return to home and loved ones to face trial.” six-day production led to an increase. The day of rest In 2009, the Deputy Prime Minister said: proved its value. “It is certainly wrong to send a vulnerable young man to his I wish to give two quotations from senior business fate in the United States when he could and should be tried here leaders. They were not necessarily made subsequent to instead. It is simply a matter of doing the right thing.” the Olympic period, but they are worth putting on the He went on to say: record. Justin King, Sainsbury’s chief executive, has said: “Government Ministers have let this sorry saga drag on for “We’re content that Sunday is special and we don’t see customer seven years, heaping misery on Mr McKinnon, his family and his demand for a change in the current law.” supporters.” The former Marks and Spencer chairman Sir Stuart We are now 10 years into the sorry saga, with misery Rose has said: still heaped on Mr McKinnon, his family and his supporters. “The fact of the matter is you simply spread the same amount The Deputy Prime Minister also said in 2009: of business over a longer period, but with more operating costs. “It would be fair and it would be right to try Mr McKinnon in It’s a zero-sum game.” Britain. But the clock is ticking. The Prime Minister just needs to Time with family—time to care—is important. So pick up the phone to make this prosecution happen, I urge him to many people at the end of their lives say, “I wish I’d do so, before it is too late.” spent more time with my family; I wish I’d spent more The Attorney-General asked the Conservative party time caring.” We have all heard the expression that not conference: many people, if anyone, would say, “I wish I’d spent “Can someone tell me how counter-terrorism will be served by more time at the office”, and I doubt that anyone will extraditing Gary McKinnon to the United States for hacking into say, “I wish I’d spent more time shopping.” Government computers in search of UFOs?” I have been encouraged to hear it reported recently The new Justice Secretary has said: that the Prime Minister, on being asked whether he “I hope the House of Commons will send a message to the would support changes to the law in this regard, responded: Government that really this is not what the extradition system is “We said at the time it was a specific thing for the Olympics supposed to do. These new rules were set up for very serious and that was the proposal that we made.” offences, for terror offences. I don’t believe Parliament ever intended them to be used to extradite somebody with autism issues to face I request from the Deputy Leader of the House, on a charge like this.” behalf of BIS Ministers, clear and unequivocal confirmation of the assurance given in this House when the Sunday Kate Hoey (Vauxhall) (Lab): I pay tribute to the hon. Trading (London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) Gentleman’s dedication over a long period in sticking Bill was debated and passed that the extension of trading up for his constituent, and I join him in what he is hours for the period of the games was limited to that saying. Does he agree that it beggars belief that this has period and would not be extended. In doing so, he will taken so long and we still do not have a decision? Does put an end to the ongoing speculation and concern in he agree that millions of people—the vast majority this connection. I look forward to his response. throughout the United Kingdom—want this case to end in justice for Gary McKinnon and his family and 4.36 pm to put an end, once and for all, to the ridiculous idea Mr David Burrowes (Enfield, Southgate) (Con): It is a that he should be sent to the United States? pleasure to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce). I join her in hoping that we Mr Burrowes: I pay tribute to the hon. Lady, who has can rely on the assurances given during the passage of been very much an hon. Friend in the campaign over the Bill on Sunday trading. many years. Indeed, 10 years is an extraordinary time Following the theme of relying on assurances and for someone to have his life hanging by a thread. promises given, I want to talk about my constituent Countless people are alongside my constituent and this Gary McKinnon. I welcome the Deputy Leader of the must end—it must happen. House, who will respond to the debate. He is in a good I wanted to bring the debate to the House because position to do so, having been on the picket line, in after today we are not sitting for a while and this is the effect, to protest about the treatment of Gary McKinnon. time when we must reflect on why a decision has not Earlier this year, he tweeted: been made, promises have not yet been kept and justice “DC must intervene on medical grounds to stop extradition has not yet been delivered for Gary McKinnon. I have proceedings.” initiated a number of debates and been involved in 855 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 856 others on extradition arrangements but specifically on We want to remove that sword from over his head. We Gary McKinnon, my constituent. Sometimes we forget say, on the last day before parliamentary recess, that and need to be briefly reminded of the chronology. that decision needs to be made now. In March 2002, Gary McKinnon was arrested in his The Gary McKinnon case has highlighted serious north London flat for allegedly hacking into NASA flaws in extradition arrangements. There have been and Pentagon computers from his bedroom, where he debates, a resolution of the House relating to a review, was searching for UFOs and free energy. For 10 years, and changes to arrangements, but at the end of the this young man with Asperger’s has been living every day—this is the point of my speech—I concur with day, every hour and every minute in a very dark tunnel what the Deputy Prime Minister said: around his autism, and no light has come in, and living “Yet this case is about more than legal technicalities and under the constant threat of extradition. However, in political treaties. It is about compassion”. May 2010 the then Home Secretary stepped in to halt It is about an individual who is living a nightmare. He is the extradition process, saying that we needed to review not just a case, or someone who is part of a campaign; and consider medical evidence. I commend her very he is an individual—a son and a partner—whose life much for taking that step. In October 2010, the Prime has been on hold for the past 10 years. I want the House Minister announced that the decision would be given in to hear the words of his indefatigable campaigning a matter of weeks, not months, but we are still here, mother. Her son is, in some respects, like a child. We waiting. know from the expert opinion that Professor Simon In November 2010, the Home Office requested further Baron-Cohen gave in 2008 that Gary McKinnon’s medical reports. As time has gone by, medical reports “emotional age or social intelligence is at the level of a child”. and assessments by the very top experts in the field of His mother says: autism and Asperger’s have taken place. The case for “He hasn’t raped anyone, he hasn’t murdered anyone, so can’t keeping Gary McKinnon here has not got weaker; it understand how this can be happening to him, as no matter how has got stronger. much anyone may choose to exaggerate his crime, the fact is that New evidence has been submitted to the Home Office his crime was tapping on a keyboard in his bedroom in north from Professor Murphy in particular, and from London in search of information on aliens from outer space. Gary rarely ever leaves his home as he is traumatised to the core. Dr Vermeulen, Professor Jeremy Turk and Professor A boy who cycled, swam, composed music and sang, now sits in Baron-Cohen. All have concluded that Gary McKinnon the dark with his cats and never wants to see or speak to anyone. is an extreme suicide risk. In April this year, Dr Vermeulen He has no life, and is broken, like a wounded animal with no said that Gary McKinnon was unfit for trial and an outlet and no hope, seeing only the dark side and the cruelty that extreme suicide risk. Professor Jeremy Turk said in his exists in the world. 2012 report: My only child has lost 10 years of his youth and has aged and “In my professional expert opinion I continue to believe that died before my eyes.” Mr McKinnon can and will commit suicide rather than be Perhaps people will say that a decision to keep Gary extradited to the United States… Mr McKinnon continues to be McKinnon here would set a precedent. Perhaps the in one of the most fragile of mental states imaginable and the reality of his mental distress and of the grave threat to his life Home Office says that it would set a precedent for continues to be very real.” terrorists facing extradition. Let us consider other cases. Hacker Ryan Cleary admitted hacking into the Pentagon, Based on his face-to-face assessment of Gary McKinnon NASA and the US air force. Aaron Caffrey hacked into in April this year, Professor Baron-Cohen said: US security systems and brought the port of Houston “In my opinion, Gary’s diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome remains to a halt immediately after 9/11. Like Gary McKinnon, very clear, and he is at very high suicide risk. He has an autistic both were accused of hacking; like him, both have unshakeable belief that… his only logical solution to avoid this autism and Asperger’s syndrome; but unlike him, both outcome”— have been tried in the United Kingdom. extradition— Let us consider the cases of Róisín McAliskey and “is suicide.” Shawn Sullivan. Like Gary McKinnon, they face extradition to the United States; unlike him, they face extremely The position is that we have had three 2012 face-to-face serious charges of terrorism and paedophilia, and unlike assessments. My constituent has always agreed to be him, they have had extradition requests refused. The assessed by any experts in the field of autism and only precedent being set by Gary McKinnon is that of Asperger’s. The problem we have had in recent months facing the threat of extradition for 10 years, living in is that the Home Office has insisted on the involvement conditions not far short of house arrest. It is more like of another expert, Professor Fahy—no doubt an eminent what would happen to someone living in Burma than expert, but not an expert specifically in the field of Britain. It would be unprecedented to extradite him in autism. We therefore need to bear in mind the words of the face of such compelling medical evidence. It would Professor Jeremy Turk, who has overseen the care of be totally disproportionate when he could be tried in Gary McKinnon, pretty much throughout. Professor this country. Turk is an expert in Asperger’s and he said: In conclusion, I ask the Deputy Leader of the House “I am happy to go on record as believing that Gary has had an to explain or find out—or, as is the convention, get a incredible number of most scholarly and expert opinions which full Home Office response on—why a decision has not are striking in their agreement and consensus regarding his having been made, given that two weeks have elapsed since the Asperger Syndrome, and a major and life-threatening depressive disorder. I see no indications, nor any utility, in exposing him to Olympics. We heard that the Home Secretary was further evaluations, his single major need now being clarity overburdened and was, quite properly, focusing on the regarding his status in relation to the spectre of extradition that Olympics, but two weeks have gone by. The court set a continues to hang over him like A Sword of Damocles.” deadline of 16 October, but can the Deputy Leader of 857 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 858

[Mr Burrowes] The outcome of the review, which was guided predominantly by the independent panel engineer, led the House assure us that the time scale for a decision is to the same option that Yorkshire Water had originally not affected by the parliamentary or party conference proposed—to replace the existing listed spillway with a timetable, bearing in mind that Gary McKinnon’s life is concrete structure. Yorkshire Water plans to use mouldings hanging by a thread? If the decision cannot be made in an attempt to recreate the 100-year-old-plus stone today, why not make it tomorrow? When a decision is look, but as one Marsden resident said, “Why would made, will he ensure that the statement is made in the you be happy with a fake themed Irish Pub when you’ve House? just had the original thing destroyed?”To be fair, Yorkshire Now is the time to decide. There is compelling medical Water has consulted the local community and stakeholders, evidence that provides a basis for a decision not to and it held a live webchat about this very subject this extradite Gary McKinnon, and to deliver justice and lunchtime. Later this month, Yorkshire Water intends keep our promises to him. The final word goes to his to make an application for planning permission to mother, and I agree with what she says: Kirklees council, which will refer the matter to English Heritage, as it relates to a listed building. “Our government’s first duty is to protect British citizens, including our most vulnerable.” The Save Butterley Spillway campaign group has three requests. First, we want full transparency of all There follow words to the Home Secretary: documentation, including access to an unedited version “Please have the strength to do what is right and to give my of the panel engineer’s report. Yorkshire Water says son”, that this is not possible, citing “The Control of Sensitive and my constituent, Water Company Information—Advice Note 11”, which “his life back.” apparently prevents it from making public certain information relating to details of strategic locations for reasons of public security. Will Ministers provide 4.49 pm clarification on that? Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): Butterley Secondly, will the spillway remain listed? The position reservoir spillway is located in the beautiful Yorkshire of English Heritage is that the existing proposal would Pennine village of Marsden in my Colne Valley constituency. involve the demolition of a listed building, and constitutes This stunning, stepped, stone spillway—not easy to “substantial harm”, which must be fully justified, as set say—was built by the Victorians between 1891 and out in the national planning policy framework. Thirdly, 1906, and is a unique example of their engineering skill how do the Government intend to protect Butterley and endeavour. Overflow water from the reservoir flows spillway from a water company that has the freedom, down the stepped cascade, creating a wonderful visual under its general permitted development rights, to undertake image. inappropriate development? Yorkshire Water is poised to submit plans to rip out The construction of Butterley reservoir and the spillway that stone-built, grade II-listed reservoir spillway and was authorised by the Huddersfield Corporation replace it with a concrete version. I have joined a rapidly Waterworks Act of 1890. The first sod was cut on growing group of local residents and heritage campaigners, Thursday 27 August 1891 by Alderman James Crosland, backed by the cross-party support of local councillors, the deputy chairman of the waterworks committee. The to form the Save Butterley Spillway campaign group, project was completed in 1906, and the spillway was which has urged Yorkshire Water to repair and maintain given grade II listing status on 11 July 1985. It is the existing grade II-listed Victorian spillway, keeping it described in the listing as operational for regular water flows and to consider “rock-faced coursed stone with ashlar dressings. Overflow with other options for containing unpredictable volumes of stone weirs and stepped stone cascades. Sidewalls are of rock-faced floodwater. stone with squared ashlar piers with moulded pyramidal copings. The Save Butterley Spillway group is not convinced Copings to walls are stepped.” that all options have been fully explored to preserve the We urge Yorkshire Water to look again at its plans and unique heritage of this nationally significant Victorian find a way to save Butterley spillway as an operational structure. Indeed, Diane Ellis, one of the key members and iconic listed Victorian structure. of the group, said: “The village is popular with tourists, particularly walkers and cyclists, and visitors marvel at and admire Butterley spillway. The 4.56 pm spillway looks like a grand staircase you might find at Chatsworth House or similar. As locals, we are very proud of it and we will do John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): I am everything we can to save it”. pleased, on behalf of the Backbench Business Committee, Yorkshire Water says that improvements to Butterley that this debate has been set up today. spillway are legally required to ensure that it is operationally Hillsborough is a cover-up that has failed, although it fit for purpose and meets the very highest safety standards took a long time to fail. Sadly, there are too many under the Reservoirs Act 1975. Yorkshire Water has cover-ups that continue to succeed. For example, David reviewed and scrutinised its plans. The review involved Southall’s experiments, where he made babies breathe members of Yorkshire Water, its contractors—Mott lethal concentrations of carbon monoxide, were covered MacDonald Bentley—an independent panel engineer, up by the investigator calling CO an “inert gas”. My local planners, and English Heritage. They looked again constituent Michael Andrews has revealed how he has at solutions and said that they took into account criteria come under pressure to misreport statistics by my local including reservoir safety legislation, health and safety hospital. The response of the hospital management has legislation, heritage concerns and community feeling. been to take action against the whistleblower. 859 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 860

There is a country where there are allegations that 23 September 2011, which they had met by submitting crimes by powerful people are not being investigated the evidence earlier that day, but the judge had looked and prosecuted. A journalist has been refused entry to at the case before that had happened. It is therefore not stop reporting about an issue. The chief of police has surprising that the judge had concluded that the evidence been suspended to stop him investigating crimes. Bloggers was not there. That was a clear procedural error by the are being threatened to stop them talking about people. court administration, but domestic proceedings have Decisions by the state not to prosecute cannot be challenged, now been exhausted. The case also involved a citizen of nor is private prosecution allowed. The country is Jersey. another country. That country has not yet expressed its The journalist is Leah McGrath Goodman, who is an view on the matter. American. The chief of police was Graham Power. A slightly worse problem is referred to in early-day Furthermore, Andrew Marolia, David Minty, David motion 536. The family division of the Court of Appeal Wherry and Jonathan Sharrock Haworth have, with the appears not to be correcting all the public family law assistance of the Jersey Government, obtained a super- cases that reach it and that it should correct. Clearly, if injunction against ex-Senator Stuart Syvret—under the it were to correct more of the lower court’s decisions, Data Protection Act of all things—to prevent from him questions would be asked about how well the system saying things about them on his blog that are true. was working, but maintaining public confidence in the Mr Syvret has evidence that criminal offences are being system is not a good enough reason to sweep problems swept under the carpet, but nothing is being done. under the carpet. Permission to appeal was granted in a A lay judge—known as a jurat—called John le Breton case today, however, so that is not always the case. has been allowed to sit as a jurat, even though he was The only objective analysis of psychological expert vice-principal of Victoria college when he wrote to the reports from Professor Jane Ireland found that around governors in support of Andrew Jervis-Dykes, who two thirds of the reports submitted to the family courts ended up getting a jail sentence. Mr le Breton was in care proceedings were either poor or very poor. appointed to judge on a case even though he is a However, that does not appear to be being picked up by personal friend of a director of the defendant—this is a the appellate system. My estimate, on a statistical basis, defamation case where the local politician, Trevor Pitman, is that around 1,000 children are wrongfully adopted has been taking legal action against the local newspaper. each year. One advantage of having foreign countries’ The end result in Jersey is that part of these events has human rights commissions reviewing cases affecting been struck from the state’s version of Hansard, and the their citizens is that we can try to get a better estimate of culture of cover-up continues. Jersey is an independent the total number of miscarriages of justice. It would be country, but the UK Government have a responsibility nice if our Equality and Human Rights Commission for ensuring good governance in Jersey. The UK is not were willing to look at these issues as well. doing its job properly. Michael Mansfield has suggested that the country The UK is not as bad, but at times it has a good try. needs a “commission of truth” to discover cover-ups. The situation in England and Wales is so bad that My response, in part, is that we already have a body that foreign countries are expressing concern about the can do more on this. That body is Parliament. Parliament abuse of human rights in the English courts. Over the needs to be willing—collectively, through a Committee—to weekend, there was a three-hour programme on Slovak consider a limited number of individual cases, to work television debating a case in England. In England, out whether there is evidence of a cover-up. It would however, we are banned from discussing all the details not take much use of the collective power of Parliament of the case in the media. International conventions, to identify where a cover-up had happened. such as The Hague convention and Brussels II bis, are predicated on the concept that each country can trust Over the years, our constitution has, to some extent, the legal system in each other country. As such, the failed. That has created a situation in which matters country in which people are habitually resident that should be more widely considered are being left determines the legal system that has jurisdiction. The within the judicial estate of the constitution. That applies existence of the Council of Europe and its European particularly to cases involving a lot of secrecy, in which Court of Human Rights—it is not the European people are prevented from discussing matters. I have Union that deals with the ECHR—provides a body already mentioned the fact that Slovak television had a that can adjudicate on cases in the domestic courts. The three-hour debate on an issue whose details we are not Government of the Slovak Republic have publicly allowed to discuss. There might be a report in the UK stated on the Slovak Justice Ministry website that they media today following today’s hearing, which, although are willing to support their citizens in any case that anonymous, might give some guide as to what has been reaches the Court. It is clear that the Slovak going on. In practice, enough material is available to Government believe that there are a number of enable a three-hour discussion on Slovak television, yet cases—not just one isolated case—where the human we in the UK are unable to debate the matter. rights of their citizens are being undermined in It is clear from my discussions about other cases that England. this involves not only the Slovak Republic and one To my knowledge, this situation is unique. It does, other country; other nations are concerned about the however, raise the question of whether the human rights matter as well. People are also leaving this country for of UK citizens and others have been regularly and these reasons. A Channel 4 report broadcast before the consistently abused in English and Welsh courts over a recess highlighted the fact that people were leaving this number of years. One recent Court of Appeal case country because they felt they could not get a fair trial involved a judge refusing permission to appeal because in the family courts in the UK. I follow such cases all no evidence had been provided. The appellant had been around the world, and I will be happy to talk to given a deadline to provide that evidence by 4 pm on colleagues about them if they are interested. Such cases 861 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 862

[John Hemming] 5.7 pm demonstrate that the system is not working. However, I Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): I had some news today that makes me think that perhaps am delighted to have the opportunity to talk about it might work better in future. These are complex systems. some specific issues that affect my constituency. First, I would like to pay tribute to the Government for their From a scientific point of view, there has been a determination to move to a greater localist agenda, to tendency to try to rely on unreliable opinion. I was give communities a far better say over what happens in a member of Birmingham city council for 18 years, and their area. That can only be a good thing. its deputy leader for a year, so I got quite used to the Northamptonshire was certainly subjected to enormous council’s operation. The Ministry of Justice believes amounts of top-down bureaucratic management under that an assessment is the same, whether it is carried out the previous Government, who were determined to by an employee of the council or by an independent concrete over the green fields and to implement regional assessor. I know, however, that councils are set targets. strategies for everything, which bore no relation whatever For example, Surrey county council has been working to what local communities wanted. We have definitely on its performance assessment figure C23 target to try moved in the right direction as a Government. There to increase the number of adoptions from care. We are, however, some very specific problems that concern know that the Prime Minister wishes to see more such my constituency, and I shall raise just two of them adoptions taking place, and there is pressure on local today. government to increase their numbers. That tends to go down the management structure, and those people The first concerns wind farms. Northamptonshire employed by the council are therefore subject to a is not known at all for being a windy place. In fact, it is conflict of interest. This is nothing new; it has been the one of the least windy counties in the country. Clearly, case for over 12 years. we are not given to providing enormous renewable energy resources—yet we have had so many wind farms I think the Ministry of Justice is making a really big approved in our county that we have contributed more mistake when it considers in the family justice review than what could be seen as our fair share towards any that a report written by an employee of the council renewable strategy. has equal merit to a report written by, say, an I shall specifically mention the Spring Farm ridge independent social worker. The advantage of having an development, in and around the villages of Greatworth, independent social worker is that such a worker is Helmdon and Sulgrave—historic villages with great genuinely independent. If a system is run on a cab-rank character. The application by the developer, Broadview basis, some independent consideration of the issues is Energy, to build a wind farm in the area was rejected by likely, which would not be the case if it was driven by South Northamptonshire council on 30 June 2011. The the management structure of the local authority. case went to appeal, and the appeal was upheld on Anyone with any experience of local government 12 July 2012. On refusing the application to develop will understand that biases and pressures are often Spring Farm ridge, the council found placed on employees, and sometimes there are bullying “that the development would have a major impact on the landscape management systems. The difficulty comes when judicial as it currently exists, have considerable impact on some of the decisions are made that rely on that skewed information. many heritage assets within 5km of the proposed wind farm, As I say, this is nothing new; it has been going on for a result in the loss of a perception of tranquillity to the well-used long time. Hon. Members will be aware that I often public rights of ways network, dominate the outlook, be unpleasantly imposing and pervasive to a neighbouring resident and be contrary bounce up and down about this issue. At least I now to several local and regional planning policies”. have some Government support—sadly, it is not from the UK Government, but from the Slovak Republic. I What is interesting is that the planning inspectorate would prefer that the UK Government recognised what accepted all those findings, but still upheld the appeal. the Slovak Republic recognises, which is that there are Since then I have had an exchange of letters with the very serious problems here. Department for Communities and Local Government and with Sir Michael Pitt, the chief executive of the I think this matter will go a lot further. Today’s Planning Inspectorate. I explained how appalled local hearing is very positive and things will develop from it. I residents were to find that the planning appeals inspector am aware of the concerns of other east European had upheld the appeal despite accepting all the council’s Governments about exactly the same issue. They might contrary findings of invasiveness. The response of the decide to take a robust position in the same way as the DCLG, in July 2012, was Human Rights Commission did in the Slovak Republic. It is unclear whether any of these cases will get before “local plans are the keystone of the planning system. Our aim is the European Court of Human Rights so that we will for every area to have a clear local plan which sets out local people’s views of how they wish their community to develop, see a representative from the UK Government arguing consistent with the Framework and against which planning for the UK’s position and a representative from a foreign applications for planning permission will be judged.” Government arguing from the alternative perspective. Obviously, if a matter is corrected in the Court of That is clearly in the interests of localism and takes Appeal or in the Supreme Court, it will not get there, account of the views of local communities. but it would be interesting to see how the European Sir Michael Pitt’s response to the same question Court of Human Rights or the European Court of about how local views could have been so overruled was Justice, which I think has a similar jurisdiction for the “the recently published National Planning Policy Framework… purposes of EU members, will deal with this issue. This provided an important and up-to-date expression of national is a really big problem; there has been a really big renewable energy policy, and this has… been taken into account. cover-up, and it needs to be sorted out. Such decisions” 863 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 864

—appeal decisions— In other words, it was the tool to implement the previous “involve a careful balancing exercise. In this case, considerable Government’s top-down RSS, without a great deal of weight was given to the Framework and the economic and consultation with local people, but the WNJPU still environmental benefits of the proposal were considered to outweigh exists under the new Government. Although theoretically the adverse impact of the scheme.” it is made up of democratically accountable councillors, Therein lies the problem. Whereas we, as a Government, each of the four councils that take part in its leadership are in favour of greater localism and of people’s ability have only two representatives on the committee. There to have their say, the inspectorate—while not rejecting is no democratic accountability, therefore—in fact, quite those findings, but accepting and welcoming them—is the opposite, as each council planning authority is clearly determined to insist that the national desire for incentivised to stitch up their neighbour and avoid renewable energy outweighs those local concerns. looking holistically at the entire area. That has been My first question to the Deputy Leader of the House incredibly divisive in South Northamptonshire and is this: how can we enable local communities to feel Northampton, where we have ended up with proposed confident that it is worth their while to express their developments and approvals for development sites that views? In this instance, many thousands of pounds were have run entirely counter to local community requirements spent and hundreds of hours of local communities’ and wishes. time, energy and intellect were invested in establishing One such example is at Collingtree, which is in my the planning-related reasons why the wind farm application constituency but on the outskirts of Northampton. The might be turned down, only for those reasons to be WNJPU is proposing to approve in principle a plan for completely overturned. What hope can we give local 1,000 new homes there, despite the local community’s people that their voices will be heard—indeed, not just concerns. It has concerns about traffic congestion caused heard, but actually listened to—and that they will be by vehicles coming to the site, where delays of up to half able to resist developments that are completely contrary an hour already occur at peak times. It also has concerns to local wishes? about flooding, because there has regularly been flooding of previous developments that were supposed to have My second question to the Deputy Leader of the proper flood defence plans. Public transport provision House is very specific. When will the regional strategies is a worry, too. The estimates for this 1,000-home finally disappear? According to a second response from development include only 1.5 cars per property. Unless Sir Michael Pitt, public transport is superb, that will not be adequate. Yet “Planning law requires that Inspectors determine an appeal in another major concern is school provision. The residents accordance with the adopted Development Plan unless material of Collingtree feel these concerns are not being taken considerations indicate otherwise. The weight afforded to plan policies reflects both their progress in terms of formal adoption into account by the WNJPU, which is a relic of a and whether more recent policy, either local or national, has previous Government with a top-down ethos. superseded them to some degree. In this case the Inspector I ask the Deputy Leader of the House to advise me carefully considered the relevant Development Plan policies and on what I can do to help my constituents ensure that also other material considerations as well as the views of local their voice is heard. Can he help me to get the WNJPU residents.” disbanded and have planning powers given back to the I have the impression that the inspectors were looking local planning authorities, where they should be? Does more to the past and the regional strategy of the last he agree that local plans should only be accepted and Government than to the future and the present recognised as good for the community if they are supported Government’s desire to let local people have their say. by that community and that it is therefore unacceptable When will that change? for organisations such as the WNJPU to continue operating My final question to the Deputy Leader of the House undemocratic area-wide plans? is this: will the existence of a regional plan or, indeed, a neighbourhood plan allow communities to reject either 5.18 pm the principle or the siting of a wind farm? Will the implementation of the new local plan under the Localism Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): It is a great pleasure Act 2011 enable them reject such an unwelcome siting to follow the hon. Member for South Northamptonshire successfully? (Andrea Leadsom). I had no idea there were so many Already, in my small area of south Northamptonshire, issues involving wind farms in her constituency. When I a wind farm application has been approved on appeal travel up the M1 to Leicester on Friday, I shall be for Spring Farm ridge. Applications have been approved looking out for them, and I know that if local people for Winwick, near Daventry, and for Boddington, and need a champion against them, they have the best are pending for Ml, Roade, Stoke Goldington and possible MP, as the hon. Lady’s speech today illustrates. Milton Keynes. The Tove valley and Ml application is I wish to talk about violent video games. I want to proposed, and a new wind farm is proposed for make it clear that I am not against video games as such. Wappenham. How shall we ever convince local communities I know that members of the public—and, indeed, Members that they can fight their corner with some prospect of of this House—play them and that the Prime Minister’s success? favourite video game is “Fruit Ninja”. I am not against The second point that I want to make is slightly those who play video games, therefore, but I have had different. It concerns the west Northamptonshire joint concerns about violent video games for a number of planning unit, which was set up under the last Government years. to force the local planning authorities of Northampton The issue was brought to my attention by the mother of borough, Daventry and South Northamptonshire, with a 14-year-old young man, Stefan Pakeerah, who was the support of Northamptonshire county council, to stabbed repeatedly by 17-year-old Warren Leblanc in implement the last Government’s regional spatial strategy. Leicester in 2004. During the trial it became clear that 865 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 866

[Keith Vaz] There are three responsibilities associated with violent video games, the first of which is the responsibility of Warren Leblanc had become obsessed with a game the video games makers. We, in London, are at the heart called “Manhunt”. My interest in examining the issues of the creative industries. The Government have recently associated with video games began with that case. I had given tax breaks to those who make video games, so meetings with Mrs Pakeerah with successive Prime they have a responsibility to ensure that when they Ministers, all of whom promised to do more to deal produce games of a violent nature, they accept that with violent video games. there is a possibility that the games will fall into the hands of children. I am glad to say that progress has been made, and I When we started this campaign, many years ago, the will discuss that later in my speech, but unfortunately size of the warning on the packet was very small—it some of the games have become even more violent. was non-existent. It was then increased to about the size Only a few weeks ago, the coroner in the inquest in the of a 1p piece and, eventually, to the size of a 10p piece. case of Callum Green, a 14-year-old who committed The first responsibility is that when the packaging is suicide in Stockport after playing “Call of Duty” on a produced it should make it very clear that the video regular basis with his stepfather, said the following game is violent so that everybody knows that it is for about video games: someone over the age of 18. “It’s very important that young children don’t play them or have access to them.” Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) (Con): On that specific point, games such as “Call of Duty” have clear Anders Breivik, who has recently been convicted of the age guidelines that are regulated by PEGI—Pan European murder of 69 young people on an island outside Oslo, Game Information—and clearly show the age-rating was shown in his trial also to be obsessed with “Call of and a brief summary of the content. However, we all Duty”. In March 2012, Mohamed Merah killed seven need collectively to ensure that parents are aware of the people in three gun attacks in Toulouse, and he, too, new rating systems so that they can make suitable was obsessed with the same violent video game. decisions on behalf of their children. I am not saying that over-18s should be prevented Keith Vaz: I agree with the hon. Gentleman, who is from playing any games that they want; my concern has absolutely right. That was the third of my three points. always been that these games fall into the hands of The first was about the game’s maker, so let us move on under-18s, some of whom become susceptible to the to the second, which is about parents. violence played out in them. People have asked what the difference is between somebody getting into an 18-plus I am the parent of a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old. I film and somebody playing a video game. The difference know that the Deputy Leader of the House is the is that a violent video game is interactive. Obviously I parent of two young children, although I do not know do not support under-18s going to see violent films, but how old they are. When I go into their room—they have even if they get in to view a film they are not participants a joint room where they have their computers—even I in what is going on. do not pick up the video games they are watching and check whether the content is suitable for their age, but A lot of independent research has been done on this that is the responsibility of parents. I wonder how many matter. The university of Indiana found that young parents buy video games for their children to ensure men who played violent video games for 10 hours a that they enjoy themselves playing those games and week exhibited less activity in frontal brain regions leave their parents in peace. Parents have a big responsibility associated with emotional control and cognitive to check the contents of what their children are watching functions. Other research conducted by universities all and if we can do that, we will help with the problem of points to problems that occur with young people— violent video games. those under the age of 18—having access to these I urge anyone who has young children under the age games, which is why the previous Government set up of 18 to go tonight into their bedrooms or sitting the Byron review. Tanya Byron, a celebrated columnist rooms—wherever the video games are kept—and check for The Times, produced an excellent report, but the the age limit on those games. I would be amazed if they tragedy is that her recommendations have still not been did not find that at least one or two were meant for implemented. those over the age of 18. The Deputy Leader of the House will be making his The third element of responsibility belongs, of course, first speech from the Dispatch Box, and I congratulate to the Government. I mentioned the implementation of him most warmly on his appointment. He is a former the PEGI system and I was delighted to hear in May member of the Select Committee on Home Affairs, and 2012 that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport I said to other members of the Committee, “Look how was going to end the dual ratings system to ensure that well he has done.” If they all work hard and eat their there is one easily enforceable ratings system. That is a cereals, they will end up speaking for the Government very important step forward, because if the Government one day. I congratulate him, because I know that when try to clear away the additional regulations and make he replies he will be examining the points I am making. one clear set of guidelines that everyone can understand Will he please tell us when he anticipates the Byron that will make a huge difference to those who manufacture review being implemented? Tanya Byron did a great video games and those who sell them. job, and it is extremely important that if we set Part of the Government’s responsibility is for up commissions—I know that this was done under enforcement. During our last Attorney-General’s questions, the previous Government—we actually accept their I asked how many retailers had been prosecuted for recommendations. selling 18-plus games to those under the age of 18. I was 867 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 868 told that no retailers had been prosecuted; perhaps the add to the vast mountains of debt built up under the Minister can update us on whether those figures have previous Government’s less than eagle eyes and, therefore, increased. The responsibility rests with the retailers, not be helpful to the health of our public finances. those who sit at the checkout counters and those who Gloucester’s challenge, therefore, was to come up sell games at outlets such as GAME to check the age of with an imaginative proposal so that GCH could use its those who buy the games, and I do not think that that balance sheet and predictable earning stream for a happens. When someone goes to a supermarket and capital investment programme to regenerate our social takes a violent game up to the checkout counter, the housing. GCH and the city council made a detailed pressure on those sitting at the tills means that it is proposal to the Department for Communities and Local difficult to check first the rating and then the age of that Government last autumn, with new community council— person. CoCo—ownership, where the council would own only a I want to see better enforcement. If those games are third of the equity of the company and the remainder sold to those under the age of 18, I want to make sure would be outside state ownership. I understand that the that those responsible—I do not care whether it is Government have both principle, meaning responsibility GAME, Tesco or Sainsbury’s—are prosecuted. I think for any residual liabilities in a worse-case scenario, and that a high-profile prosecution—I know that all practicality, meaning debt write-offs, to consider. None Governments are keen on such prosecutions—would the less, I also understand that the previous Housing make a huge difference to those wishing to sell video Minister, who was sympathetic to the cause, had to face games. cross-Department interests, particularly from the Treasury, I will end by referring to the words of one person which complicated decision making. who is responsible for the sale of more video games Now, almost one year on and at a time when all than any other person in the world, Shigeru Miyamoto, Government Members are keen to see faster progress the creator of Super Mario. In a recent interview he on housing and infrastructure development, I urge DCLG urged children to drop their joysticks and venture outside and the Treasury to help find a way forward for Gloucester every once in a while. Let us do the same. The university City Homes to contribute to the Government’s national, of Essex conducted a survey of 315 Essex 10-year-olds and our own local, ambitions for regeneration, construction in 2008 and compared them with the same number of and growth. 10-year-olds in 1998. It found that the number of sit-ups I received a welcome letter this week from the new the kids could do had declined by 27%, their arm Minister for Housing, my hon. Friend the Member for strength had fallen by 26% and their grip strength had Hertford and Stortford (Mr Prisk), saying that DCLG fallen by 7%, because they were sitting at home playing officials will meet Gloucester City Homes in Gloucester video games rather than going outside. There is a health shortly. I would be delighted if, before the first anniversary aspect to this. If we want to ensure that our children are of our proposals, national and local government and less obese, let them put down their joysticks, as Super the ALMO agreed on a brief process that would enable Mario says, and go out and start playing. Ultimately, action as soon as possible. If we can get on and lead by this is not about censorship; it is about protecting our example in Gloucester, where the CoCo model has such children. wide support, the new Minister may also be able to unlock further opportunities across the land and stimulate 5.31 pm new social housing that will make a difference to people’s Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): I am grateful lives. As Winston Churchill once noted: for the opportunity to speak in this pre-recess debate on “We shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape an issue close to both your heart, Mr Deputy Speaker, us.”—[Official Report, 28 October 1943; Vol. 393, c. 403.] and that of the Deputy Leader of the House: the role of I hope that the Deputy Leader of the House will relay councils and social housing managers in the regeneration my encouragement to the Ministers and officials concerned. of our cities. By way of background, the housing estate owned by the city council in my constituency is managed 5.35 pm by Gloucester City Homes, an arm’s length management organisation. GCH has already played an important Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): I am glad part in regeneration through its successful management to have this opportunity to discuss a vexed issue of tax of the council estate. Its record of improvements has led policy, namely air passenger duty, which has been described to a remarkable series of stars and awards, and I know succinctly by the TaxPayers Alliance as an unwelcome the high levels of trust and confidence that tenants now burden on family holidays, a cost to business and redundant have in GCH and the difference its proactive approach now that the European Union’s emissions trading system is making to thousands of lives. is being applied to aviation. But for me and for my constituents, there is more to I declare an interest at the outset as the constituency be done, not least because, like many cities, we have a Member of Parliament for Peterborough, which houses significant council house waiting list of some 5,000 people the international headquarters of Thomas Cook, so and a need for more social housing. I would love to see tourism and leisure issues are important to me. This is Gloucester City Homes replace outdated blocks of flats also a wider issue relating to business competitiveness, in parts of the city, especially in Matson and Podsmead the impact on family budgets and household incomes, wards, with new homes and more attractive landscaping and the ongoing debate about sustainability, the that would be in keeping with, for example, the wonderful environment and climate change. setting of Matson on the slopes of Robinswood hill. The fair tax on flying campaign has been one of the That would require significant capital investment, which most successful campaigns in recent parliamentary history. would, because ALMOs are owned by councils, contribute More than 130,000 individuals have written to their to the Government’s public sector borrowing requirement, MPs in support of early-day motion 174, which calls on 869 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 870

[Mr Stewart Jackson] Chinese market had more than halved from 0.5% in 2001 to 0.2% in 2010. If the UK had retained its share the Government to undertake a comprehensive study of of the outbound market from China, it would have the full economic effects of aviation tax in the United gained more than £1 billion in additional tourism revenue Kingdom, including its impact on employment. from China over the last decade. APD was introduced in 1994 at an original rate of Britain has the highest air taxation of all European £5 per person for short-haul flights and £10 for flights Union and G20 countries. It is so high that the Treasury elsewhere. In 2008, the then Government announced will collect more than twice as much in passenger taxes that the per-plane duty proposal that they had suggested this year as all other European countries combined. the previous year would not go ahead and that, instead, Only five other countries in Europe have a similar tax. APD rates and geographical bands would be restructured. In August 2010, the German Government approved an Following the general election, the coalition Government air travel levy. It was introduced on 1 January 2011 and have explored plans to switch to a per-plane duty, as ranges from the equivalent of about £7 per passenger outlined in both the coalition agreement and the 2010 for short trips to £39 for long-haul trips. That is well emergency Budget. The overall APD tax take increased below the UK’s APD, which starts at £13 for short-haul significantly from 1 April 2012, after the Government trips. In 2009, the Netherlands followed Belgium in implemented an 8% APD increase. abandoning its equivalent of APD because, although it A typical family of four pays an average of more than raised the equivalent of £266 million in one year, the £115 in APD each year. A family of four flying in Dutch calculated that the loss to the wider economy economy class to Florida from the UK would pay £262 was more than £950 million. Germany has set its rate at in APD, whereas in France the equivalent tax is £38. about half the UK’s level. Compared with seven years ago, APD rates have risen Given that one of the Government’s economic ambitions 160% on short-haul flights and up to 360% on long-haul is for Britain to have the most competitive tax system in flights, with inflation over that period being about 18%. the G20, it is extraordinary that the World Economic The tax has a significant and deleterious effect on the Forum’s recent tourism competitiveness report ranked economy. The British Chambers of Commerce found the UK 134th out of 138 countries for air ticket taxes that APD could cost the economy a staggering £10 billion and airport charges. That was before the 8% rise in the in lost growth and up to 250,000 fewer jobs over the last Budget. next 20 years. Many European countries, including This tax is having a direct effect on constituents Belgium, Holland and Denmark, have abandoned their across the country—ordinary working people on modest aviation taxes because of the negative effects on their salaries who want to go on holiday. That is the important economies. In the longer term, analysis undertaken by point that Treasury Ministers need to think about when Oxera in 2009 shows that the UK economy will forgo preparing next year’s Budget. £750 million in wealth and 18,000 jobs because of the The British Chambers of Commerce has found that rises in APD since November 2010, with about half of UK airports believe that rises in APD have contributed the extra revenue raised offset by tax revenue losses in to a number of key routes being lost at local airports. the wider economy. Peel Airports, which operates Liverpool John Lennon Although it has to be conceded that the research on airport, Robin Hood airport Doncaster Sheffield, and APD is piecemeal, it does point to significant damage Durham Tees Valley airport, provided an analysis of its to the economy in the long run. The Government’s lost routes in a joint submission to the Treasury by the figures project 7,000 fewer flights in 2011-12 as a result Northern Way, a coalition of regional development of the APD increase in 2010. A 2011 report by York agencies in the north of England. Following the doubling Aviation estimated that APD would result in Scotland of APD in 2007 and the subsequent rises, Liverpool losing 1.2 million passengers, 148,000 tourists and John Lennon lost six domestic services, five European £77 million in revenue by 2014. services and two long-haul services to north America, and Robin Hood airport Doncaster Sheffield lost one Aviation is vital to the UK economy. It contributes domestic service, six European services and three long-haul £53.3 billion or 3.8% of GDP. It supports 963,000 UK services. jobs—352,000 directly in the sector and 344,000 indirectly through the supply chain. A massive amount of economic People will inevitably say that this tax is about activity is dependent on the success of tourism, leisure maintaining some kind of traction on air travel and and aviation. aviation in order to reduce the dangers of climate change. However, attempts to justify the tax on environmental grounds have been unpersuasive, and Keith Vaz: There is a burden on the traveller not only particularly with the application of the EU emissions through the additional tax, but through the increase in trading scheme to the aviation sector, I believe that the the cost of visas. aviation tax should eventually be phased out. In his 2011 book “Let them Eat Carbon”, the chief Mr Jackson: The right hon. Gentleman makes an executive of the TaxPayers Alliance, Matthew Sinclair, important point about the impact on people who take noted research by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate long-haul flights, such as to India or the Caribbean. Change that suggests that by 2050 aviation will still be APD is having a significant impact on people who responsible for only 5% of the human contribution to want to come to the UK from growth economies, such climate change. That figure, although significant, is still as China. Such people would spend money and drive pretty marginal. With aviation expected to continue to growth. In 2011, the Tourism Alliance produced a report make up such a small share of global emissions, stopping entitled “Air Passenger Duty: the Impact on Visitors people flying is not critical to limiting climate change, from China”, which found that the UK’s share of the and we know that aeroplanes are now quieter, cleaner 871 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 872 and more efficient than ever. APD is excessive, unfair The Government have recognised northern Lincolnshire and inefficient as a means of reducing greenhouse gas and my constituency as prime areas for economic growth, emissions, and it is duplicated in a number of other as the designation of the biggest enterprise zone in the policy interventions. I therefore believe that it should UK shows. There have also been other moves such as eventually be abolished. the welcome reduction in Humber bridge tolls. The port In their working paper “The impact of the UK of Immingham, which would be served by a stop at aviation tax on carbon dioxide emissions and visitor Habrough, is the largest port in the country by tonnage, numbers”, Mayor and Tol found that the 2007 increase and 25% of all rail freight moved within the UK, again in UK aviation tax had had measured by tonnage, starts or ends there. There is also potential for a stop at Barnetby, which is currently the “the perverse effect of increasing carbon dioxide emissions, albeit only slightly,” stop for Humberside International airport. Since the airport terminal is a mere quarter of a mile from the train line, while reducing the number of travellers to Britain. perhaps there is potential for a new station and the A 2008 cost assessment by the Department for Transport development of connections to London, which would found that the aviation tax was excessive following the help the development of the regional airport strategy. doubling of air passenger duty rates in February 2007. Paragraph 5.1 of the document that the Department The Government have since—surprise, surprise—stopped for Transport has issued states that one key objective of carrying out such studies, but results show that even the new services should be to with a high estimate for the social cost of carbon, it is “support economic growth through provision of train services of hard to justify the current APD rates on the basis of appropriate frequency, journey time and capacity.” aviation’s contribution to climate change. The franchisee should also use In the run-up to the autumn statement and next “flexibility in the train service requirements to optimise services, year’s Budget in March, the Government have an excellent delivering a balance of commercial and passenger benefits in line opportunity to reconsider this tax, which I believe is with value for money and affordability criteria”. regressive, inefficient and, above all, damaging to what Paragraph 9.3 states: we all care about—British jobs and British growth. Even more important, we as hon. Members must defend “We intend that the train service specification should provide greater flexibility for the franchisee to respond to demographic the interests of our constituents. They are not wealthy and market changes and commercial opportunities than is the and do not own Learjets and jet across the world at the case under the current arrangements.” drop of a hat, but are decent working people who wish The Government have indicated their support for potential to have a holiday with their family. At the moment, we economic growth in northern Lincolnshire, and those are clobbering them, but next year we have a real aims and objectives clearly support that. A through opportunity to right that wrong and bring in a fair tax train service could provide an additional boost, so I regime that will compare with other such regimes across urge Ministers to include it in the Department’s invitation the world. We should do the right thing, and I believe to tender for the east coast franchise. that over the next few years, this tax should come to an end. Although no Treasury Ministers are sitting on the 5.52 pm Front Benches, I hope that they will listen to people Naomi Long (Belfast East) (Alliance): I wish to raise power—some 130,000 people have written to hon. Members a matter of importance to my constituents and those of about this issue, and it is time for a change. many other Members, namely the availability of borrowing to small and medium-sized businesses and, particularly, 5.48 pm the monitoring of that lending activity. Most of us will have spoken to local business people Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): Rail franchising who lament the lack of access to finance and lending has been much in the news over the past week or two, facilities. Over the recess, I met a small number of although principally with regard to the west coast main business owners who indicated that their experiences line. Today, however, is the closing date for the Department had improved little in the past year. Although banks for Transport’s consultation on the invitation to tender have repeatedly stated that they are open for business for the east coast main line—an issue of paramount and ready and willing to lend to small and medium-sized importance to my constituency. enterprises, I continue to receive complaints about aggressive Until 1990, my constituency of Cleethorpes had a management of existing loans, reduced overdraft facilities direct service to King’s Cross, and four trains went in and a general lack of flexibility in the approach of each direction. Before that, the route ran along the east banks, all of which place otherwise viable businesses Lincolnshire line, although that fell foul of the Beeching under stress. axe in 1970 after a long struggle. Anecdotal evidence suggests that, in some cases, when An open access operator was considering the possibility businesses approach banks to seek an extension of their of providing a service, in which case the line would run facilities, bank officials are pressuring them into accepting from Cleethorpes, through Grimsby and Scunthorpe, unwelcome changes to the terms and conditions of and join the main line at Doncaster. I hope that the their existing loans, or into reducing their borrowing invitation to tender that goes out from the Department through asset disposal. In the current economic climate, in the coming weeks will include a requirement for a people’s ability to shop around for a better deal is direct service from Cleethorpes and Grimsby to King’s somewhat constrained. The wider impact of that on our Cross. I imagine that the most likely route would be economy and its recovery is reflected in the fact that the through Market Rasen and Lincoln, joining the main Government have placed considerable emphasis on line at Newark. initiatives to increase the availability of bank lending 873 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 874

[Naomi Long] do so in a particular format, and as the statistics are deemed commercially sensitive there can be little open specifically to the SME sector. For example, one key scrutiny of their content. aim of Project Merlin was to ensure that banks would This is a matter that Northern Ireland Members have commit to lending more money, especially to small raised often in this House and with Treasury Ministers. businesses. However, that has been superseded by new In a statement to the Northern Ireland Assembly earlier credit easing plans. Initially there was the national loan today, the Finance Minister indicated that the Treasury guarantee scheme, which was again aimed at encouraging has agreed to monitor the participation of Northern such lending. Ireland banks in the funding for lending scheme, which As market conditions changed, making it less economical is a huge step forward that I strongly welcome. However, for banks to raise unsecured funding, the Government for that monitoring to be meaningful and effective, again responded. On 1 August, they introduced the there must be some transparency and consistency in funding for lending scheme to incentivise bank lending how lending is measured and reported by banks. to UK households and businesses by allowing banks That leads me to my second point. For some time, that increase lending to borrow more from the fund, there has appeared to be a gap between the headline and at lower cost. Taken in conjunction with the business figures for new lending by the banks and the experience finance partnership, the enterprise finance guarantee of those who are seeking to borrow money and finding scheme and other recent announcements by the Treasury it difficult to do so. This may be at least partly a result and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, of the lack of consistent definition of what constitutes it is clear that lack of access to affordable lending for new lending. This is not a new problem, nor is it unique business is recognised as a significant problem, a barrier to Northern Ireland. Research that I obtained from the to recovery, and an area to which the Government House of Commons Library confirmed that the Merlin continue to give considerable attention in search of a agreement did not include any detail on the definition solution. of “lending” or, in particular, on what constitutes new lending. Since then, the underlying problem of the We could probably have a lengthy and lively debate inconsistent definition of what is included in bank about how effective some of those interventions have lending figures and what constitutes new lending has been, but I want to focus on two specific issues in apparently remained unresolved. respect of the monitoring of lending activity: first, the degree to which announcements of new UK-wide initiatives In the summer I wrote to the main Northern Ireland lead to an improved situation for Northern Ireland banks about the breakdown in new lending that they consumers; and secondly, the lack of consistency and had made available to businesses over the course of the clarity in the way in which lending generally, and new past year. Each institution stressed that the information lending in particular, is defined by the banks. was commercially sensitive. Furthermore, I would not want to expose those who shared more detailed information First, as banking is a reserved matter, work undertaken with me to a criticism of their approach when it may be at UK-wide level will, and indeed should, have a direct no worse or, in fact, better than that of some of their impact on my constituents, but there is considerable competitors who chose not to be so open and frank. scepticism as to whether it has done so meaningfully to I will therefore refrain from citing any specifics that date. In Northern Ireland, only one of the main banks could identify individual lenders and focus instead on participated in Project Merlin, owing largely to the broad trends, which indicate that the actual figures for structural differences between the Northern Ireland what the average person would consider to be new and UK banking sectors. Two of the four main Northern lending may well be considerably less than the headline Ireland banks have parent banks in the Republic of figures that are published. In one case, over 90% of Ireland, while a third has its parent bank in Denmark, advertised new lending was to existing customers. That leaving only one with a parent bank here in the UK. is perhaps not surprising, as there are strong commercial Furthermore, no regional targets for lending were included reasons why it would be easier to lend to an existing in the Merlin scheme, with the result that its effectiveness customer than to a new customer. An established in Northern Ireland, and the reasons behind that relationship, with knowledge of the borrower’s credit performance, were not able to be monitored or to be history, business cash flow, management strength, and taken into account when devising replacement arrangements business model, gives the lender confidence that they or new incentives. The result was that the national loan will be able to service the debt and ultimately repay their guarantee scheme replicated some of those problems loan. However, the fact that that bias extended to 90% where participating banks accounted for a smaller of all new lending in that year was more surprising. proportion of the Northern Ireland business market Given that the remainder would include people who than would have been the case in most other regions. were switching facilities from other banks, and therefore To bridge the gap in regional monitoring, quarterly had a well-established credit history, it demonstrates figures have been provided to the Northern Ireland what a small proportion of overall new lending is likely Finance Minister through the British Bankers Association to be to new businesses, correlating with the anecdotal statistics, “Bank Support for Businesses in Northern evidence that they, in particular, struggle to get access to Ireland”, for monitoring purposes. These confidential the finance they require. Given the importance of innovation figures are based on the information provided to the and new business set-ups to the economy, and the BBA by the four main Northern Ireland banks and are emphasis placed on those by the Government, this is an intended to allow monitoring of the levels of lending to area of real concern. SMEs, as well as other activity. However, as banking is Further examination showed that that new lending not devolved, the Finance Minister can neither require also included overdraft renewal and loan restructuring. banks to provide that information nor require them to The lending offered to customers in such circumstances 875 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 876 might be no more than was originally the case—it might 6.3 pm even be reduced—but it would still be captured by the bank as new lending. Furthermore, it might be accompanied Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) (Con): With great by a worsening of terms and conditions with the result pleasure, I shall take the opportunity to discuss expanding that, although offered and counted towards targets for the opportunities of the national citizenship scheme. new lending, it might never be drawn by the company The scheme is aimed at 16 to 17-year-olds from different with that agreement. However, it would still count towards backgrounds to provide an opportunity to make a new lending in that an agreement had indeed been difference in their local community. Last year, 8,000 young reached and approved. people took part, and the ambition is to extend the scheme to all 16 to 17-year-olds. With that in mind, I From my discussions with banks, there seems to be want to set out what I saw during the summer recess considerable variation in what is captured by their and what I hope to see in much greater numbers in the internal systems as new lending for monitoring and future. recording purposes. For one bank, new lending figures would not include an extension of existing overdraft The scheme gives young people from all backgrounds facilities or extending the repayment period of an existing valuable life experience, as it takes them away from loan, in contrast to some of its competitors. However, it home and gets them to work together. It builds confidence also revealed not only that its definition of new lending and skills, including teamwork and communication skills. would capture an existing loan that was increased, but Crucially, it improves employability. During the summer that the entirety of the final loan sum would be captured recess, I visited the National Citizen Service schemes in as new lending, not merely as an increase in the borrowing. Swindon on no fewer than five occasions, covering each and every stage of the process, from the outdoor and Mr Jim Cunningham: Does the hon. Lady agree that planning stages to projects in action and, ultimately, the one purpose of quantitative easing was to free up graduation ceremony. money to help small businesses? Instead, the banks Across the constituencies of North Swindon and have been using it towards their own debts. South Swindon, 43 young people from Swindon college and 27 people from New college took part. The teams Naomi Long: It would certainly appear from the brief enjoyed a week at PGL Liddington, during which they analysis that I have undertaken of banks that service my learned survival skills, though I note that when I went constituency, and indeed service Northern Ireland, that along and offered my great expertise, they promptly, there has not been a significant increase in lending to and probably rightly, ignored everything that I suggested. small business. That should concern us all. They also went camping in Weymouth ahead of the Olympics. To return to my point, if a business with a loan of £90,000 borrowed an additional £10,000, the entire Then the two colleges split into four teams. Each £100,000 loan would be captured by that bank’s system chose a distinctive local issue that mattered to them, as new lending. That is perhaps an extreme example, and on which they wanted to make a difference. I went but it shows the potentially significant distortion to new to visit as they prepared to make a difference with their lending figures that might occur, depending on what is projects. The first team supported the community games captured by the bank’s internal systems. Given that tour, which was inspired by the Olympics. The team most new lending is to existing customers, that factor took over the publicity and promotion relating to that could be very significant. The effect may be offset local project, which was run by Swindon borough council somewhat by comparing new-lending figures with a to encourage young people to try new sports. I visited bank’s stock of lending—that is, the outstanding loans the Meadowcroft fields in Upper Stratton, where the to be repaid—but there is a lack of transparency and team encouraged young people to take part in dodgeball. consistency in what is measured, and indeed publicised, We MPs are often asked to participate in things that by banks, particularly as they most frequently use the might be mildly embarrassing, and that we would rather new-lending figures to defend themselves against criticism not do, but I was very keen to do this. I was excited to that they are making it difficult for SMEs to access take part in dodgeball. “DodgeBall”, a comedy, is one lending. of my favourite films. Unfortunately, a very professional five-year-old managed to take me down within about While the UK Government clearly recognise the 10 seconds, so my experience of dodgeball has not led importance of access to borrowing for UK households to much. The team cleverly split up into groups handling and businesses, there needs to be increased monitoring print media, social media, and leaflet design. A lot of of the impact and a tailoring of initiatives to Northern young people got to participate in new sports that they Ireland markets, where the banking sector is distinct would not otherwise have tried. and different from that in other parts of the UK. The matter is not devolved, and proactive consideration of The second team supported the Swindon food bank—the it in this place is crucial. Swindon branch of the food banks run by a national Furthermore, in the interests of transparency, there charity. They organised a fundraising concert featuring needs to be a clearer and more consistent definition local young musicians and bands, and made fundraising across the banking sector of what constitutes new lending, appeals at local supermarkets. That was inspired by the and of the methods of measuring and reporting on fact that some of the group had received help in the past banks’ lending activity generally, so that when such from the food bank; they were keen to help get their figures are quoted in isolation they remain meaningful colleagues to put something back into that very good and a useful tool to measure the impact of Government charity. lending initiatives where that matters most—in the The third team supported the Swindon special care businesses across my constituency and the constituencies baby unit. They had organised a sponsored sleep-out, of other Members. locked in the New college grounds. It meant spending 877 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 878

[Justin Tomlinson] students were overwhelmingly enthusiastic about their experience—they had gained the skills that I have discussed 24 hours sleeping in a cardboard box, with just a and made new friends—and, crucially, they did not sandwich to eat. I asked whether any of them were intend it to be a one-off. Many of them wished to going to smuggle in their mobile phone, so that they continue to help, either with the organisations with could text their parents to ask them to drop off a which they were involved or other organisations. They sneaky McDonald’s, but they assured me that they were were all determined to encourage next year’s students to committed to the cause. They raised a considerable take advantage of the scheme. Their parents were incredibly amount of money. proud of their children’s efforts. They were giving up The final team supported the women’s refuge by their summer holidays, but they came along and beamed bag-packing in local supermarkets. They showed amazing with pride at the graduation ceremony. maturity and confidence in negotiating with national Francis Oakland, another New college student said: retail giants to get permission to do that bag-packing. “Great fun!! Taught me to stand on my feet and chased away a Again, one of the team members was living in the few fears, I would recommend it to all my friends just for the women’s refuge, and she was able to use that to get all people you meet. You learn to get over petty frustrations and how the other students to understand how that organisation to work and co-operate with others. A big thanks from me.” can help. The team raised valuable funds. It is vital that we continue to expand the scheme and The hard work, dedication and enthusiasm that the invest in the skills of our young people, helping to young people showed for their projects, and for Swindon, prepare them for life beyond school. I welcome the is reflected in the reaction of those whom they helped. funding tranche of £2 million that has been announced Lee Thompson, the project manager at the Swindon for next year’s scheme. However, Swindon college in food bank, said: particular is concerned that it has not been told when it “The first thing that struck me was their enthusiasm and their can begin recruiting or the numbers for which it will be obvious enjoyment in participating in the scheme. They were funded. It needs that information so that it can plan for certainly brimming with ideas of how to help Swindon Foodbank. next year, so I urge Ministers to provide all that information The students’ action has made a direct difference in their and let my colleges, which are desperate to lead on this, community. The money they raised enabled us to buy 157 kilos of do so. food, enough to provide 196 meals or two days worth of food for I am delighted that the students who graduated this the foodbank. year—only two did not complete the course, which is At a time when teenagers get bad publicity regarding their staggering, given that they gave up their free time—have selfish attitude to society, the NCS students at New College already selected 10 Swindon ambassadors, who will go changed my view and I hope that the scheme can be expanded as I to many of the national events—I believe that they are feel it goes a long way to making well rounded citizens of the future.” coming to Downing street to fly the flag for Swindon—and enthuse next year’s intake. The scheme has benefited not just Swindon but the students. Lynn Wilkinson, who led the scheme at New As a final plea, I urge people to work with excellent college, said: organisations such as the Scouts, other volunteer organisations, sports clubs and so on, which are short “The NCS program highlighted and enhanced the skills of a of volunteers. There is a genuine opportunity for them diverse range of young people with project planning and to pitch to those students before they graduate to say, implementation, and…a little effort, determination and self belief. Each individual proved that they had the skills, determination “Youhave made a real difference in your local community. and passion to help the communities of Swindon.” We have programmes so that you can take that to the next level and continue to make a real difference.” This The scheme has given the young people real-life experience, is a positive story, and we should all do everything that as well as teamwork and leadership skills—practical we can to encourage more young people to benefit from skills of real use to employers. I know that, because the scheme. before I became an MP, I had a business employing young people, and we would get deluged with CVs. The sorts of skills that we are talking about could set these 6.12 pm young people apart from the hundreds of other people who might be applying for opportunities—opportunities Priti Patel (Witham) (Con): It is a pleasure to follow that young people now have to fight to get. It was a real my hon. Friend the Member for North Swindon (Justin credit to the young people that they took advantage of Tomlinson), who has enlightened us all and encouraged the scheme. Richie Titcombe, a New college student, us to participate in volunteering, which is an important said: community activity. “I intend to follow a career in public services, I have used the I welcome the Deputy Leader of the House to his NCS programme to enhance my CV and the chances of gaining new position. I should like to use this debate to express an insight into charity work or work for supporting services. All my constituents’ concerns and to seek his advice and in all I worked with a great team with clear goals, directed by the perhaps ministerial guidance on how to pursue the NCS staff whose experience and dedication gave me a new matters that they have raised. We have heard a lot about outlook on supporting my community and how a little goes a national campaigns today, but a big local campaign is long way.” under way in my constituency. I should like to draw to Crucially, not only did the students gain new skills, the Minister’s attention the way in which quality of life improve their CV and help their community but they for my constituents—local residents in Tiptree, one of enjoyed the experience. A study said that 92% of people the largest villages in the country—has been undermined who took part last year would recommend the scheme by the failure of our local authority to enforce planning to friends, which certainly seems to be the case in conditions on the training round in Grange road, which Swindon. When I went to the graduation ceremony, is used by Colchester United football club. 879 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 880

The facility is used outside the hours agreed in the Business, Innovation and Skills back in 2010, she maintained original planning consent for the site. The noise, disruption in an interview with the Evening Standard about three and foul language—that is what really upsets my weeks ago that nobody is looking after people such as constituents—are distressing for families living near the her, which is something I hear from many local businesses ground. They are forced to keep their windows closed in my constituency. I urge the Government to reaffirm and stop their children playing in the garden because of their focus on making bank lending a priority, so that the noise and the bad language shouted out in the these incredible entrepreneurs, who are risk takers, can training ground. Residents feel, in an era of localism, do everything that they can to stimulate private sector that they have been let down and ignored by the council, growth, create jobs and get our economy back on track. which should support them and enforce planning arrangements, rather than, as my constituents believe, Also on the theme of business, as the summer ends, turn a blind eye to their concerns. Residents are up in many home owners will be worried about rising energy arms and dissatisfied with the replies that they have costs and heating their homes. The Government should received from the council in response to their complaints. be congratulated on the focus that they are giving to That is such an important issue for my constituents that tackling fuel poverty and encouraging customers to I pledged to raise it in the House, so I would welcome switch suppliers and find cheaper tariffs. However, more some guidance from the Deputy Leader of the House effort is needed to help small businesses with their on the matter. energy costs. The Association of Convenience Stores is running a campaign for fair energy contracts for local Let me turn to business matters. We British were once shops, to help small businesses to get a better deal from famously dubbed a nation of shopkeepers. Having grown their energy companies. At the moment, 27% of small up in a family of shopkeepers, I know how important shops have been hit with rather large charges for backdated local shops and retailing are in providing local jobs in bills, often as a result of energy companies asking them our constituencies, in towns and villages across the to pay for up to six years of energy, owing to incorrect country. However, over the past decade, our high streets billing in the first place, even when it was the fault of up and down the country have struggled to provide jobs the supplier. That is simply not fair; nor is it right or and many of the essential services that over time we proper, and it can land businesses with bills totalling have taken for granted and have struggled to act as, thousands of pounds and threats of disconnection. effectively, the hubs in the communities that they once About 36% of small shops have also been overcharged— were. That is why I welcome the work that the Government I speak from experience on this, because my parents’ have done in creating a new vision for the future of our last business fell into precisely that category—and 31% town centres. have reported above-inflation rises in their energy tariffs. In particular, I would like to use this opportunity to I urge the Government to look closely at that campaign, praise everyone in Witham town who was involved in in the light of the fact that our shops and small businesses putting together the two bids for Portas pilots that we are struggling. We do not have enough small shops on submitted. They failed, but irrespective of that, my our high streets or in our villages, and they have their constituents who put in the hours on the bid did a own challenges with cash flow. The campaign could tremendous job and made an incredible case for Witham. bring about change, and it would send out a tremendously Interestingly enough, in yesterday’s debate, I highlighted positive message if the Government were to take action the fact that parts of Essex have consistently been to help small firms to keep their energy bills down and, overlooked for infrastructure investment in this area importantly, to be treated much more fairly by some of and many others. I should like to make a plea to the the energy companies. Government and urge them to support the Witham town application to become a town team partner and I have spoken before about Essex roads, and the secure the new funds that are available. If nothing else, matter that I want to touch on next is a constant issue we in Witham look forward to working with the for my constituents and for people in Kent. It involves Government and taking on board many of the innovative the Dartford crossing. Next month, the crossing’s toll ideas that have been proposed in the Portas schemes charges will rise by a third from £1.50 to £2 for a car, and the new vision that is being introduced for town and the charges for commercial vehicles will go up from centre management. £2 to £2.50 for a two-axle light goods vehicle and to up The House has heard me say on a number of occasions to £5 for heavy goods vehicles. A lot of my constituents that 83% of local jobs in my constituency are in small use the M25 and the Dartford crossing, and many of and medium-sized enterprises—a high figure compared them are complaining about the increases and raising with the national average of 68%. The House has also the question of fairness. Thousands of motorists rely heard me say before that Essex is very much the county on that crossing every day. of entrepreneurs, playing a vital part in the national There are two issues: one is the price of using the economy, but I should like to restate my long-standing crossing—as I have said, the toll charges are going concerns about bank lending to small business. up—and the other is that we have a major problem with Small businesses are at the heart of my constituency traffic flows and jams, as recent correspondence with and our local jobs market. I should like again to highlight the Highways Agency has confirmed. The crossing is a the case of the chocolate maker Amelia Rope, my vital economic link for businesses in my constituency inspirational constituent, who, despite her international and across the south-east. Records from the Highways order book and sales in some of the world’s most Agency show that the crossing’s performance is questionable, famous shops, including Liberty and Selfridges, has with journey time reliability in the year to May 2012 continuously struggled to secure bank lending to invest being just 57% for southbound journeys and 60% for and grow her business. Interestingly, despite the fact northbound ones. That is below the 83.5% national that I took her to meet the Secretary of State for average for journey time reliability on our motorways. 881 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 882

[Priti Patel] of local authorities doing their own procurement. We encourage local authorities to consider pioneering People who use the crossing daily know of the paralysis, procurement solutions with a view to delivering savings logjams and huge tailbacks. Over the past three years, for local residents. Equally, of course, if things do not there have been only six occasions northbound and one work in the expected way, we would expect local authorities southbound on which the tolls have been suspended to learn from any mistakes made as part of a procurement due to the severity of the traffic. It is a fact that traffic process. Within Government, we are doing a lot of jams cause delays and have a cost to the economy. The work on procurement and on commissioning—looking economic costs of delays at the crossing are estimated at how local government can work better on commissioning by the Highways Agency to be £40 million, but the and share information and knowledge. introduction of new technology to support free-flow The right hon. Member for Southampton, Itchen charging arrangements is at least two years away. People (Mr Denham), who is not in his place, raised the issue in the south-east are paying more for a poor service. of GCSE results. This matter has been well trailed in I would welcome the Deputy Leader of the House’s recent days and weeks. The Secretary of State for Education thoughts on that matter, and I urge the Government to responded to questions on that subject yesterday, and look again at the arrangements for charging at the Education questions happened a fortnight ago. The crossing, as well as at their affect on the economy and at starting-point—the right hon. Gentleman should know, the costs that families and businesses are incurring. I because he was the architect of it—is that there is an look forward to his responding to the debate, and on independent regulator, Ofqual, whose responsibility it behalf of my constituents, I hope that the Government is to look at these issues. One positive point for those will take on board some of these issues in a positive concerned about this matter is that the Secretary of way. State explained in questions a couple of weeks ago that if Members felt that particular schools provided exceptional 6.23 pm cases, those cases could and should be raised with Ofqual. The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Tom Brake): I should like to start by thanking Members for My hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh West their congratulations. I had expected to have only one (Mike Crockart) spoke about nuisance calls, which I principal responsibility today—namely, to respond to suspect we all experience on a daily basis. At home, we the many contributions to this debate. I was not expecting have been registered with a telephone preference service to have to name a Member of the House, as I had to do for at least 15 to 20 years, yet we still receive a high earlier. I welcome this opportunity to respond to Members volume of calls inviting us—apparently because we had now, and I hope that I shall be able to do justice to all an accident—to pursue various matters. Action should their contributions. I have been in the House for 15 years, be taken, and I know my hon. Friend is pursuing this but I confess that my knowledge still does not extend to vigorously. He has raised the matter with the Leader of the detail of all the points that have been raised. However, the House previously and I know that the Information I welcome having been given this opportunity to learn Commissioner has written to him on this important about the Butterley spillway, about Jersey’s jurisdiction matter, which the Information Commissioner is actively and about the very precise planning arrangements that pursuing. He and I and, I am sure, all other Members, apply in Northamptonshire. I shall attempt to answer as would like to see some resolution so that we are not many points as I can. bombarded by these unsolicited calls at all times of day The hon. Member for Walsall South (Valerie Vaz) and night. My hon. Friend said that he would like to expressed concern about planning. Clearly, the meet Ministers from both the Department for Culture, Government’s concern at the moment is to ensure that Media and Sport and the Ministry of Justice to discuss the economy is growing, and planning has to play a part this matter further. I hope they have heard that call and in that, albeit in the context of sustainable development. will respond to it. Clearly, with a 10,000-signature petition, We should therefore be able to reassure her that the this is an issue that people are extensively worried green belt is not under threat. She also expressed concern about. about powers being taken away from local authorities, I turn now to the contribution of the hon. Member but authorities need to be concerned only if they are for Worsley and Eccles South (Barbara Keeley). Speaking not managing their planning applications effectively. as a keen sportsman myself, I am very keen to achieve a Also, they will need to resource their planning departments real legacy from the Olympics, particularly a legacy for accordingly, to ensure that planning applications are women in sport. The hon. Lady claimed credit—rightly dealt with promptly. We want to see housing developments or wrongly, I do not know—for securing a statement and commercial developments happening as soon as from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and possible because of the jobs that will be created in that Sport just a couple of days after her request to make it way and the extra revenue that will come to local clear that the Government expect the media to continue authorities on the back of it. The hon. Lady raised to cover women’s sport in the way that they did during some specific questions, to which I hope the Department the Olympic and Paralympic games. The screams that for Communities and Local Government will want to came from our household were certainly just as loud for respond in detail. Jessica Ennis as they were for any of the male athletes The hon. Member for Bridgwater and West Somerset such as Mo Farah and David Weir, who is Wallington’s (Mr Liddell-Grainger) focused on a constituency issue, golden boy—four times gold medal winner in the wheelchair involving IBM and Southwest One. The first thing to events. I share a bit of the hon. Lady’s pain. She spoke say is that a legal dispute is under way, so I apologise if I of having had to respond to 400 speeches, and then can refer in only general terms to the matters that were corrected herself by saying that it had been only 40. raised. The Government are clearly very much in favour I understand a little of what she felt. 883 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 884

Barbara Keeley: That was a slip of the tongue, but I have some knowledge as a result of their casework. must say that it sometimes seems like that many. The The hon. Gentleman may wish to pursue individual Deputy Leader of the House has been fairly lucky cases further, but I can tell him that the Government today, as some Members did not make their contributions, have moved in a positive direction and have been more but I hope that he does not find himself responding to generous in relation to cancer patients’ access to the that number in the future. ESA support group. The Government have looked at the work capability assessment and the Harrington Tom Brake: I certainly hope not. It would be a very proposals, and have made improvements. The Government full House if I did. are not deaf to the issues that have been raised. We The hon. Member for Central Devon (Mel Stride) entirely agree that we must do the right thing by the spoke of the need to encourage business growth. That is most vulnerable in society. That is precisely what we are something to which the coalition Government are fully doing, but there will always be individual cases that committed, and we have already seen some very positive require further scrutiny. results during the first two years of the coalition. Some My hon. Friend the Member for Congleton (Fiona 900 private sector jobs have been created, the deficit has Bruce) raised the subject of Sunday trading and sought been cut by a quarter, and inflation has halved since its some firm guarantees from me and the Government. As peak. All that contributes to encouragement of business she will know, a permanent relaxation of the Sunday growth. We have also seen many successful investments, trading laws was considered and rejected as part of the particularly in the automotive industry. Government’s recent red tape challenge in June 2011. A The hon. Gentleman referred to maternity and paternity review is rightly under way of the impact of the temporary rights. It is clearly the Government’s role to ensure that suspension for the Olympics and Paralympics. If the the balance is right. The hon. Gentleman was concerned Government decide on a permanent relaxation of the about the impact on small businesses, but the Government restrictions, new legislation would be needed and Parliament are considering ways of strengthening families, and we would have its say on that. My hon. Friend offered need to take into account the role that maternity and some fairly convincing evidence from the British Retail paternity rights can play in that respect. We are also Consortium and the Association of Convenience Stores, reviewing regulations, which will help businesses, and however, showing that the impact on their business had we would encourage people to take part in, for instance, been negative, so this might not, in fact, be a good way the current consultation on pub regulations. to increase trade after all. I agree with her, too, in that I The hon. Member for Stretford and Urmston (Kate would never say that I wish I had spent more time Green) referred to the tragic case of Luke Molnar, who shopping. died in the way that she described. Let me take this My hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, Southgate opportunity to express my condolences to his family. I (Mr Burrowes) raised the issue of Gary McKinnon and know that the hon. Lady has been working very hard his family. There is always a risk for Members that past on the case. The Department for Business, Innovation comments made in this place will catch up with us, and and Skills and the British Standards Institution are still that was the case for me in respect of my hon. Friend’s actively exploring how the guidance could be made opening remarks. It is, perhaps, safest for me to say that more widely available and how it might be improved. my hon. Friend has put a lot of strength and passion The hon. Lady made some very clear demands in into his campaign, and he is a very articulate advocate her speech, which I am sure the Department has for the McKinnon case. The sole issue for the Home registered and to which I am sure it will wish to Secretary to consider, however, is whether extradition respond in detail. would breach Mr McKinnon’s human rights. The courts The hon. Member for High Peak (Andrew Bingham) have allowed time for the Home Secretary’s medical rightly raised the issue of mountain rescue. He described experts to consider the new representations made by Mr the exceptional volunteers who are involved in it, the McKinnon’s representatives. I assume that there will be roles and activities that they undertake on behalf of an announcement on that on or around 16 October, and people in distress, and the risks that they confront. He it may well be appropriate for us to hear about that in tried to pre-empt one of the Government’s arguments the House. in referring to the ease or otherwise of distinguishing between a mountain rescue vehicle and a privately Mr Burrowes: Can the right hon. Gentleman explain owned vehicle. It is true that the Government believe why we have not had a decision yet, or at least get an that there are some problems in that regard, but, as the answer to that question from the relevant Department? hon. Gentleman will know, shortly after he raised questions I also ask for an assurance that the timetable for a about the matter on a previous occasion, a £200,000 decision will not be constrained by any parliamentary fund was provided to cover the cost of procuring rescue or party conference timetable. equipment for teams in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is also worth pointing out that charities benefit from a substantial contribution in gift Tom Brake: As my hon. Friend said, other issues have aid which is worth £1 billion a year to them. However, had to be addressed. The Olympics and Paralympics are the hon. Gentleman was a passionate advocate of the now over, but there are other matters to be considered, tax changes that he was seeking. I am sure that the too. I hope that he will get some satisfaction on this Department for Transport and the Treasury heard the question very soon, but it would not be appropriate for points that he made, and they may wish to respond. me to specify a time. This issue has been on the The hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) Government’s radar for many years, however, and we talked about employment and support allowance and all want a swift resolution, especially for Mr McKinnon disability living allowance, of which all Members probably and his family. 885 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 886

[Tom Brake] plans and neighbourhood plans, and what opportunities there are for local residents to have an input in that My hon. Friend the Member for Colne Valley (Jason process and change the outcome. McCartney) talked about Butterley Spillway. As I said, The right hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith I would be pleased to know more about this issue, and Vaz), who is no longer in his place, has been a consistent the campaign group that has been established and put campaigner on the issue of violent video games. He will that grand staircase on the map. He outlined the actions be aware that a new statutory system was introduced on that Yorkshire Water is taking in relation to the different 30 July, which will mean that a person who sells a game options it is considering. He made some specific requests rated 12-plus to someone below that age will have and it would be appropriate for the relevant Department committed a criminal offence and could be subject to a to respond to those. Such requests included asking for fine of £5,000. He made a point about prosecutions, full transparency of all documents. He also asked questions and he may need a response about how many prosecutions about whether or not the structure will remain listed, there have been in respect of that subject. In an intervention, and they need a response. the hon. Member for North Swindon (Justin Tomlinson) My hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Yardley rightly raised the role of parents in this matter, and I (John Hemming) has a reputation for campaigning on should put on the record the fact that the “Control. issues associated with family courts. He probably wanted Collaborate. Create.” campaign has been launched. It to put on the record, and he certainly effectively did so, includes the re-launch of the askaboutgames.com website, what he had to say about Jersey and its particular case. which is a resource to help parents better to understand He rightly said that he bounces up and down to raise what games are and whether they are appropriate for this issue frequently— a given age group. The right hon. Gentleman asked a specific question about the Byron review and what has been implemented that might require a detailed response. John Hemming rose— Some aspects have been implemented, and the changes to the video games classification system followed its recommendations. A further response detailing the date Tom Brake: I suspect, from his posture, that he is for implementation of other aspects, if known, might about to do so again. also be helpful. The hon. Member for Gloucester (Richard Graham) spoke about the Gloucester City Homes ALMO, which John Hemming: I congratulate my right hon. Friend he described in glowing terms. I am sure that it is as on his new role, which gives him the challenge of effective as mine, the Sutton Housing Partnership. He answering this question: I understand from people I quite rightly called for it to be able to access capital to have spoken to after I made my speech that there have ensure a decent capital investment programme to allow been protests today outside the British embassy in the affordable homes needed in his city to be built. We Bratislava about malpractice in the English family courts, would all support that, in terms both of providing so does he feel that it might perhaps be in the Government’s additional homes—there are few parts of the country interest to drop their family justice review and support where there is no pressure on affordable homes—and of my Family Justice (Transparency, Accountability and creating the jobs that come with the building programme. Cost of Living) Bill? The hon. Member for Peterborough (Mr Jackson) spoke about air passenger duty, and I might not be able Tom Brake: I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. to satisfy him entirely. I agree that aviation is vital to the It would certainly be appropriate for the Government UK economy, but the Government undertook an extensive to respond to his suggestion, but it would also be totally consultation on air passenger duty last year. It received inappropriate for me to agree to it at this time. He also 500 responses and we have published our response, suggested that a committee should be set up to consider including a summary of the views received. At this cover-ups. Again, I am not sure which Department point, the Government have no plans to commission would deal with those, but I am sure that it has noted further research into the impact of air passenger duty, that request. and although he is right that there has been a substantial increase of 8%, the increases for 2013-14 will be in line My hon. Friend the Member for South with RPI. If air passenger duty is cut as he suggests, its Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom) talked about contribution to the Government’s deficit reduction localism. Clearly there is total agreement in the coalition programme will have to be compensated for somewhere on some issues, and the need to promote localism is else. He mentioned that people power has been very definitely one of them. Both parties identified the issue effective in the campaign and I am sure that not a single as something we wanted to address, given that the UK Member of Parliament or Minister is unaware of the has become one of the most centralised countries in the campaign, given the volume of the representations that western world. When raising the issue of wind farms, we receive. she highlighted the fact that there may be a conflict between localism, which we want to prioritise, and The hon. Member for Cleethorpes (Martin Vickers), different agendas to which the Government are equally who explained that he could not stay to hear the wind-ups, committed in terms of ensuring that we are the greenest rightly plugged his desire to see through trains to King’s Government ever. She posed a number of questions Cross as part of the franchising process, which has been that would be best answered by the Department for effectively put on the record. Communities and Local Government in writing. I am The hon. Member for Belfast East (Naomi Long) thinking, in particular, of the issues she raised about referred to the importance of ensuring that lending was where the priorities lie between strategic plans, regional going to small businesses in particular. Project Merlin 887 Conference Adjournment18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Conference Adjournment 888 was successful, and last year there was a 20% increase in that residents benefit from the discounts available. The lending and a 13% increase in SME lending compared Government have clearly acknowledged the concern with in 2010. As she said, we have moved on to a about congestion. She highlighted the fact that, although different arrangement with the funding for lending scheme. there is supposed to be a scheme in place to ensure that She made some very sensible points about the importance charges are suspended when congestion is particularly of ensuring monitoring took place at a Northern Ireland severe, the evidence indicates that there are very few level so that it could be seen to be effective there, too, occasions when it is invoked. Perhaps that is something and some strong points about the definition of new the Department needs to look at more closely. lending, so that we know that it amounts to new lending. I am sure that her comments will be read closely by the Barbara Keeley: The Deputy Leader of the House is Treasury, which might want to pick up on some of giving a very comprehensive reply, but there are a few them. minutes remaining and I have had no opportunity today The hon. Member for North Swindon talked about to mention the sadness that is felt across Greater Manchester the national citizenship scheme in Swindon. I have a at the deaths of PC Nicola Hughes and PC Fiona Bone few notes on that, but I cannot tell him anything about of Greater Manchester police, who were killed today in it as he has been there five times, was there at the what appears to have been a gun and grenade ambush beginning and has watched it develop. The Government in Tameside. Will he take this opportunity to join me in are committed to the scheme. Some 8,500 young people expressing the terrible sadness that is felt across Greater participated last year, 30,000 places are available this Manchester at the loss of two very brave police officers? year and the Prime Minister has announced that a further 90,000 places will be available in 2014. It is the Tom Brake: I thank the hon. Lady for that timely Government’s intention and our ambition, which he intervention and concur with the point she makes. shares, to try to make this a universal scheme so that Thanks to her, the House will now be aware that, every single 16 and 17-year-old can participate. He also regrettably and tragically, two female police officers got in a good plug for Swindon college and its need for were shot during an incident at Tameside in Greater some clarity on when the money will be available. If Manchester. Both were bravely carrying out their duty. more clarity can be given, I am sure that he will secure a I am sure that Members of the House will want to written response. express their sympathy to their families, friends and My final point on the hon. Member’s contribution is colleagues. Of course, the Home Office and the Government that it was good to hear in this Chamber a positive story will ensure that Members are kept up to date as far as about young people, because too often all we hear are possible as things develop in that very sad case we have the bad stories, which give the wrong image and do not learnt about in the past couple of hours. celebrate the excellent, hard-working, committed and I think that I have responded to all Members who intelligent young people across the country who are contributed to this afternoon’s debate and hope that I participating in schemes such as the one he described in have been able to do so in sufficient detail for them to Swindon. feel that it was worth staying the course. I would like to Finally, my hon. Friend the Member for Witham take this opportunity to thank all members of staff in (Priti Patel) touched on a range of issues, including the House, all Members and their staff for the excellent planning conditions relating to a training ground being work they have done and wish everyone all the best for used by Colchester United football club, the importance the conference recess. of shopping streets, an appeal for Government support Question put and agreed to. for Witham’s bid for infrastructure investment, bank Resolved, lending to small businesses—something that was touched That this House has considered matters to be raised before the on earlier—and, in particular, the difficulties Amelia forthcoming adjournment. Rope is having in securing support for her business. Businesses such as hers, which have received a lot of publicity and are clearly doing well, are exactly the sort that we want to secure lending to ensure their expansion PETITION so that they can provide additional jobs. My hon. Friend mentioned fuel poverty and the Wheel Clamping importance of ensuring that small businesses can switch tariffs. I was due to have a meeting earlier today with a charity called Make It Cheaper, which provides a free switching service for small businesses and charities. I 6.55 pm cannot vouch for it, because I have not met it, but it Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): I would like to might be able to deal with the problem she highlighted present a petition on behalf of more than 530 residents about encouraging small businesses, as we need to do of Barrowford and many others from the surrounding with consumers, to shop around and take advantage of parts of Pendle. The wheel clamping of vehicles on the the best offers available. side street of the Spar on Gisburn road, Barrowford, is My hon. Friend then referred to the Dartford river having a detrimental effect on local businesses and crossing. She might be aware that my hon. Friend the further exacerbating parking problems in the local area. Member for Hemel Hempstead (Mike Penning), when No explanation has been provided for the clamping of still a Transport Minister, recently announced that the vehicles parking in the area, which has been used by Department for Transport will carry out a full review of people for many years, and the petitioners believe that the local residents discount scheme to consider how it the signage warning vehicle owners that they will be can be improved and how take-up can be increased so clamped is particularly poor. 889 Conference Adjournment 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 890

[Andrew Stephenson] Community Funding (Infrastructure Projects) The petition states: Following is the full text of the petition: Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—(Mr Evennett.) [The Petition of residents of Barrowford, Lancashire, and others, Declares that they are opposed to the clamping of cars on 6.56 pm the side street of Spar on Gisburn Road, Barrowford by Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger (Bridgwater and West Somerset) Mr John Kay. (Con): I am delighted to introduce the final debate The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons before the recess. This is the last chance in the parliamentary urges the Government to encourage people engaged in calendar to highlight an issue that causes concern for wheel clamping on private land to anticipate the imminent my constituents, councillors and colleagues, and, indeed, change in law by desisting in the activity and dismiss fines Members throughout the House. already imposed. The plan to build a new nuclear power station at And the Petitioners remain.] Hinkley Point, just a few miles from Bridgwater, is an enormous and vital undertaking. Hinkley is absolutely [P001120] vital to the national interest. Without new capacity to generate power, the electricity needs of the entire country simply will not be met. Let us be clear about it: the lights would, unfortunately, go out in the future. Infrastructure projects on this vast scale are complex and incredibly costly. The work to construct the new plant will involve a huge team of people and a considerable amount of local disruption for decades and beyond. The peace and quiet of Bridgwater and West Somerset are in for a bit of a shock. However hard we try to minimise the effect, and however carefully the company, councils and planners work together—which they have—it will still not be easy to balance everything. The process of making electricity with nuclear reactors may be tried and tested—the risks are always minimised—but the legacy will last for several lifetimes, no matter what we do. We have heard a great deal about legacy this summer. Building the Olympic park at Stratford was, by comparison, a short-term and relatively cheap venture. Hinkley is considerably more than that. The investment needed is gigantic and it may yet require the collaboration of the deep pockets of the Chinese. I cannot overstress the sheer size of the project. Hinkley is not a five-minute wonder. It will be part of our lives for several generations. It will take at least 10 years to get it up and running and there will be thousands of workers involved. The very face of the area that I represent will be changed for ever by the presence of our new nuclear power station. I believe that a great deal of good can come our way because of Hinkley, and that nuclear power is the only viable option to bridge the national energy crisis that we will face in the future. People need to feel, however, that they have not been forgotten in all this. Hinkley’s construction must come at a price. We need a real commitment from the Government that community benefits will not be an afterthought. I want the Minister to address the question of money head on. The current estimated cost of Hinkley is about £10 billion, which has an awful lot of noughts. I would like only a tiny fraction of that sum—just a few million a year—to be made available to help local communities and prove that the Government are genuinely concerned about the legacy of nuclear power stations and major infrastructure projects. Community benefit is not a radically wild policy; it was a deliberate development to compensate for the changes that enormous projects always bring. It was conceived to enable local people to feel more involved in 891 Community Funding (Infrastructure 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Community Funding (Infrastructure 892 Projects) Projects) the developments that affect their lives. We might call it EDF to hammer out a section 106 deal, which was a fair method of cash-back. It also fits perfectly with struck just over a week ago. It will involve EDF spending the coalition’s determination to add a little localism to £94 million to help pay for road alterations, housing the our lives and gives local communities a bit more say work force, training and many other things. in how vast new schemes, such as Hinkley, should be Section 106 was never designed to deal with the undertaken. long-term legacy. Section 106 agreements must be directly This formula has been around for 40 years. It started related to the development, and are limited and inflexible. in the Shetland Islands at Sullom Voe, where an oil They are capable of addressing only a narrow range of terminal was planned to deal with the riches being projects. In truth, the entire planning system cannot drilled from the North sea. A special Act of Parliament address the scale, scope and nature of the burden that was needed to establish the legal framework that allowed will be borne by local communities as a result of hosting local councils to deliver community benefits. Every new nuclear developments. I sincerely hope that the barrel of crude oil that has come ashore ever since has Minister and his colleagues understand that. I believe involved a payment from the oil companies into a that they do. special fund that benefits the area. The national infrastructure plan made it crystal clear That principle has been extended since those days that a lot more could and should be done in the way of both in Scotland and south of the border. Oil may be community benefits for new nuclear power proposals. It yesterday’s news. Today’s fashionable fuel— was published as long ago as November 2011 and promised that the Government would bring forward 7pm proposals for nuclear community benefits by 2012. At Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 9(3)). the start of the year, the Minister’s predecessor said that Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House the Department recognised that nuclear developments do now adjourn.—(Mr Evennett.) had special features that justified going further than section 106 agreements. Nine months later, we are not Mr Speaker: I call Mr Ian Liddell-Grainger. much the wiser. It is no secret that a great deal of discussion has been Mr Liddell-Grainger: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am taking place between different Departments, including glad that you did not name me. the Treasury, on how such legacy benefits might be Today’s fashionable fuel is wind power, although far developed, and that is welcome. All the right noises are too much windy rhetoric is spoken about its extremely being made by most of the right people, but we humble doubtful benefits. Happily, no developer can get away souls at the coal face—or in this case the nuclear with bunging up a wind farm without contributing a face—cannot decipher what the muffled sounds mean. generous wad of notes to the local community in return. This has been going on for the best part of a year and Purists may argue that wind power is entirely carbon- we keep being told to wait for a definitive statement. We neutral, and that it therefore deserves to be on the list are famously patient souls in Somerset, as you well for community benefits. know, Mr Speaker, but I have to tell the Minister that we are beginning to get a bit twitchy, and a little Nuclear power is seen as a different kettle of fish. I do confused, because of how fast the project is moving. not accept that argument. Nuclear power does not burn The confusion comes because we remain unclear about fossil fuel, so it, too, is carbon friendly. Nuclear generators the Government’s attitude to using a proportion of and wind farms both come with legacies. It is dealing Hinkley’s business rates to kick-start local community with those legacies that community benefits should be benefit funds. It is obvious that Ministers have different about. views, but they are also not saying the same things. I will take Drigg in Copeland as an example. It is a small community on the north-west coast, not far from The Department for Communities and Local Sellafield. When the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Government wants to let local authorities hang on to wanted to build a containment plant for low-level nuclear some of the business rates because, quite rightly, that waste, it chose Drigg. It also helped to establish a demonstrates “localism”—a good coalition buzzword. community fund that has benefited the people of Drigg Theoretically, councils should be able to use business by several million pounds and will continue to do so for rates to attract enterprise to their area, and if a proportion many years. What I am getting at is that the principle of of those rates goes straight to the council rather than to large developers dipping deep into their pockets to help the Treasury, that is seen as a device to let local governments the local community has been established for a long stand on their own financial feet, which as my hon. time, including for nuclear schemes. Friend the Minister will accept, would save the Treasury a lot of money. Some might say there is already a mechanism in place that guarantees such help: section 106 of the Town and Some of those ideas are enshrined in the Local Country Planning Act 1990. That provision affects all Government Finance Bill, which is now grinding its our constituencies. Do not get me wrong—my constituency way through the parliamentary process. There are is very grateful for section 106. I know that my hon. limitations, however, of which the most annoying is that Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey), in if a wind farm receives clearance to put up turbines, the whose seat Sizewell sits, feels exactly the same. I am council can retain a chunk of the business rates because grateful for her support. Section 106 ensures that developers wind is supposed to be renewable. Strictly speaking, contribute to easing the disruption that their developments however, nuclear power is not renewable. It may be cause, but it was never meant to cover anything else. essential to produce energy when renewable windmills Sedgemoor district council, West Somerset council and fail to renew—as I am afraid they frequently do—but Somerset county council have worked successfully with we still cannot get at those business rates. 893 Community Funding (Infrastructure 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Community Funding (Infrastructure 894 Projects) Projects) [Mr Liddell-Grainger] No wind farm could ever tick all those boxes, no matter how big or how good, and Ministers need to When Hinkley is ready for operation, the rateable think about that issue. I am puzzled because I know value of what it does is likely to be around £10 million a that the Minister, and his predecessor, know that to be year. Under the current system, that money will go the case, and I am grateful for their support. straight to the Treasury, which I believe is unfair on I confess that I am a little worried about the mixed Bridgwater and West Somerset and Somerset councils messages that have been sent. In July, Sedgemoor council and their residents. We will have to learn to live with received an encouraging letter about business rates from Hinkley, as will our children and grandchildren, and I the Minister for Government Policy. It is worth quoting think we deserve a bit more. At present, however, the just one sentence of it: rules say that because the energy is not renewable, we do “The design of the business rates retention scheme will ensure not qualify for business rates. That is not joined-up that there will be significant outgoing benefits to those authorities thinking, and much still needs to do be done. hosting low carbon energy infrastructure—not just renewable Even if the Minister announced tonight that a national energy projects.” infrastructure project such as Hinkley should allow At face value that was what we wanted to hear, but local councils to retain a slice of the business rates, barely a month later a Minister in another Department there would still be another mess to sort out. The contradicted him. official, “preferred allocation of business rates” appears The clock is ticking. We need decisions, because as to have been calculated by someone whom I suspect is the Minister knows, the infrastructure project is in locked in one of those Whitehall offices we hear so place. I suggest to him that if the business rates are much about—someone who has never been near Hinkley £10 million, we would like about £4 million to be and has no idea about the local geography of the area I retained in the local community. I realise that would represent. probably cause trouble in the Treasury, but I invite him The formula for allocating business rates is based on to come down to Hinkley to meet the local community. where the project is. Hinkley Point is on the coast just He was very helpful in his previous job in the case of inside the boundary of West Somerset district council. Bridgwater college, and I am grateful to him for that. Let me, therefore, say a little about West Somerset We would welcome him down there and show him council. The area is delightfully rural—it is Exmoor; it exactly what we do. I do not think it is necessary to get is beautiful—but much is in the middle of nowhere. The another Bill through the House, but we do need meaningful roads are tricky, the population sparse, and the council dialogue to ensure that the project works. finds it difficult to make ends meet because of the settlement received from the Government. Everybody 7.10 pm knows that the only way to get heavy traffic—or any traffic—in and out of Hinkley is via Bridgwater and the The Minister of State, Department of Energy and M5. Therefore, although West Somerset district council Climate Change (Mr John Hayes): I hope to bring will suffer some disruption, most will be borne by energy to energy, and I hope, too, in the weeks and Sedgemoor district council and Somerset county council. months to come to electrify the House without undue hot air. In that spirit, I welcome the debate and congratulate It does not need a genius to work that out, but when my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgwater and West the rules were devised, there seems to have been a Somerset (Mr Liddell-Grainger) on securing it. He will shortage of thinking. Thanks to the way the rules are know that Benjamin Disraeli said that, as a general rule, drafted, West Somerset council will qualify for all the the man with the most information is the most successful cash, and Sedgemoor and Somerset county council will man, and my hon. Friend has illustrated tonight that he not receive any in mitigation. That is a muddle and I has the information at his fingertips, which is what know it is not what was intended. I am sure that the makes him such an assiduous and effective representative Minister will agree—at least, I hope he will. of the people of his constituency. Sedgemoor council, Somerset county council and As my hon. Friend said, nuclear energy is a vital part EDF believe that business rates should be split in proper of the UK energy mix. Its benefits are significant, but of recognition of the effect of the project on all communities course there are also significant challenges in hosting in the area. First, however, we need an intelligent rethink new nuclear power stations, particularly, as he said, the about which projects should qualify. The Department impact that that will have on communities. For a community, for Communities and Local Government conducted a hosting such a station cannot be achieved without some consultation exercise before the rules were established, compromise. However, we agree that the case for new and spelled out the terms of reference for energy projects. nuclear power being deployed in the UK is compelling. That was meant to prove that only wind power schemes would qualify for business rates, but in fact, those terms Alongside the challenges that exist, I want to outline of reference put nuclear power on top. I will quickly the significant rewards, to which my hon. Friend alluded. demonstrate that, if I may, by going through the They include long-term jobs and sustainable economic Department’s checklist: creating a diverse energy mix—yes, growth. The Government see nuclear energy as a vital Hinkley ticks that box; decarbonising our economy—we part of our country’s energy strategy. It provides security tick that box; creating energy security—we tick that of supply and ensures that there is affordable electricity, box; protecting consumers from fossil fuel price thanks to its competitiveness with other low-carbon fluctuations—we definitely tick that; driving investment technologies. and jobs—we tick it again; meeting carbon emissions Perhaps one ought to say at this point that, although reductions—yes, we’ve done it; incentivising development some people assume that we automatically mean renewables for growth—that is seven out of seven. We tick all the when we speak of low-carbon technologies, nuclear boxes. power is indeed a low-carbon technology that can help 895 Community Funding (Infrastructure 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Community Funding (Infrastructure 896 Projects) Projects) us meet our carbon emission targets. It can be deployed large projects bring about significant national and local on a large scale and provide continuous supply. For benefits, and there will be significant local economic example, the planned nuclear development at Hinkley growth as well. I am therefore grateful for the support Point could provide about 6% of the UK’s electricity from the local authorities and residents, without which and power approximately 5 million homes. A new nuclear there could be delays to the new build programme, programme will contribute substantially to the adding significant costs to the overall construction process Government’s growth strategy, by providing jobs and and ultimately leading to an increase consumer prices. skills, bringing investment into the UK through construction Although the majority of local residents broadly supply chains, encouraging local business growth in the support a new nuclear power station, the Government vicinity of plants and enhancing the social fabric of recognise that there will be concerns in rural communities surrounding communities. that are asked to host a large infrastructural projects. In our nuclear national planning statement, the That is the sort of thing that I want the opportunity to Government have designated eight potentially suitable discuss with my hon. Friend and other interested parties sites for new nuclear development—seven in England when we take these matters further in the way that he and one in Wales—but if the scheme is to be delivered, has described. we must address the issues of community interest and values that my hon. Friend raised. It is my desire—no, it Let me deal with section 106 agreements, with which is my mission—that that is delivered. We must turn my hon. Friend and all Members will be familiar from these plans into action. their own constituency experience. These agreements are used during the planning process to mitigate and The rewards to a community of hosting a large compensate for the impact on local communities for the energy infrastructure project are a pressing matter for disruption of delivering such infrastructural projects. the House and my Department to consider. The purpose To put this in perspective, a new nuclear power station of a community benefits package is to ensure that will take between seven and nine years to construct. The communities and local authorities have a sense of ownership scale of the construction project is significant; it is one of a project to build a nuclear power station in their of the largest infrastructural developments planned for locality. They should feel satisfied that, although the the UK. project is primarily of national interest, it brings benefit to local communities. Accordingly, they should engage Let me say at this juncture that when we speak of with developers to share ownership of the project’s infrastructural investment and its macro-economic success. relationship with growth, we often speak of housing In recent years, my Department has extensively consulted and roads, and those matters are quite properly worthy local authorities, parish councils, community groups of our consideration, but too rarely do we recognise the and individual residents affected by all the potential highly significant role of energy infrastructure in delivering sites that have been identified. That consultation has growth. Perhaps in the past we have punched below our been followed up with frequent visits, stakeholder meetings weight in these terms, but no longer. I intend to punch and correspondence involving those groups, particularly powerfully to make the argument about the macro- in my hon. Friend’s constituency, in which, as he said, economic relationship between the development of these Hinkley Point C has long been regarded as the most stations and the effect that they have on the wider likely site of the first new power station in more than economy and on the communities affected. 20 years. I recognise that there will be considerable disruption The issue of community benefit is regularly raised during the construction period. There will be a work during these contacts. Local authorities have naturally force of 5,600 people at the height of construction, with taken the lead with the Government, but it is clear to us heavy traffic and noise from the construction process. that in doing so they represent the wider views of Even with the best of intentions and mitigations, that community groups, individual residents, and so on. may cause concern. The planning system allows for When these matters are raised by hon. Members who payments to be made to local communities, to compensate combine my hon. Friend’s assiduity and effectiveness, for the disruption to the lives of residents. As my hon. those representations reach their very apex in this mother Friend acknowledged, section 106 agreements are legal of Parliaments. We will therefore take very seriously the agreements between local authorities and developers points that he has made, which I hope to deal with in that are used to mitigate such effects. The agreements the few words that I say to the House. Should I not be are locally negotiated and varied to reflect local able to complete my response to him in the fullest form, circumstances, but in the case of infrastructure as substantial I will write to him, and of course I accept his invitation as a nuclear power station, there is scope to address the to engage with him on these matters more fully. It is extensive impacts on the community of the kind to absolutely right that Ministers should do so, and his which he referred. invitation is gratefully received and, I hope, accepted in EDF’s application for development consent at Hinkley the spirit in which it is offered. Point sets out a detailed statement of its undertakings The Government recognise that each new nuclear under section 106. As my hon. Friend suggested, large power station will be a very large project with significant sums of money are involved. I am sure that he impacts in small communities. As my hon. Friend made would join me in welcoming the recent agreement between clear, they are generally sited in comparatively isolated EDF and the local authority to find appropriate rural locations with small populations. Aside from the compensation and mitigation through the planning process lengthy construction period, the plant is likely to operate to allow the project to progress constructively. Of course, for 60 years and so will affect our children and £94 million is a large sum of money, and I am sure that grandchildren; the impact is generational, as well as it will be spent in a way that benefits all the communities significant during the period of construction. Such affected by the construction phase of the development. 897 Community Funding (Infrastructure 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Community Funding (Infrastructure 898 Projects) Projects) Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): The invitation in the short term. My officials have been working on a is, of course, extended not only to Somerset, but to number of ways, including business rates retention, in Suffolk, where, I hope, Sizewell C will be built at some which a community benefit package could be delivered. point. I thank my hon. Friend the Minister for his The principles of such a package are, it seems to me, eloquent description of the restricted uses of section very clear: meaningful action on behalf of the community; 106 agreements and how community benefit money spending decided by the community; fair and equitable might be used in a wider context to ensure that all the practice across all sites—indeed, we have the representatives community benefits, not solely those in a very narrow of two affected communities here this evening—and the tunnel, so to speak. intergenerational impacts, which we have referred to. The broad principle behind the provision of both Mr Hayes: I shall deal with both those points. First, section 106 agreements and a community benefit package of course, I look forward to discussions with my hon. is that this should be directed by the local community to Friend about her local circumstances. Indeed, last evening projects that can help to resolve both community and over coffee, we had a brief initial discussion on that very individual impacts that arise from the proposed subject. Secondly, she will know that section 106 agreements development, but which cannot be included in a section are locally negotiated. I hear what she says about the 106 agreement because they are not judged essential for breadth of their effect, which is something I am prepared the project to go ahead. That rather more permissive to discuss further with her and with my hon. Friend the view of community benefit must lie at the heart of any Member for Bridgwater and West Somerset. changes that we make, in line with my hon. Friend’s Aside from section 106 agreements, however, which apposite call for the matter to be dealt with speedily. mitigate and compensate the impacts, there are a number The focus should therefore be on planning and investing of ways in which the community will directly and for the time post-construction to enable long-term indirectly benefit from hosting a new power station, sustainable growth through redeployment of labour such as increased long-term employment and increased and creating new business opportunities once the main spending in the local economy. However, there is also construction phase is completed. Doing so would help the issue, raised by my hon. Friend, of business rates to ease the transition between the sizeable influx of retention. I am pleased to reassure him that business employees, the fluctuation of employment during the rates from new nuclear sites will be treated in the same lengthy construction period and the more stable and way as growth from other sectors. Therefore, increases sustained employment associated with the operational in a local authority’s business rates that arise from a phase of the plant. That would enable local businesses new nuclear plant will be retained by the local authority better to plan for the future and to provide more in accordance with the principles set out in the certainty for the longer term. It could also allow other Government’s proposals for business rates retention. It infrastructure projects to go ahead, to provide additional is likely that that will amount to a significant increase in long-term jobs for the area, better transport, community funding for local authorities over the first 10 years of facilities and so on. operation. That brings me to a very important feature of a I do not believe that section 106 agreements are community benefit package: the right of local communities, sufficient in themselves to provide a full basis for community principally, to be empowered to determine how to transform benefit; nor do I believe that retaining business rates for themselves, in line with the principles of localism. Localism 10 years is an adequate reflection of the recognition is dear to my heart. As you know, Mr Speaker, I am an that a local community deserves for the long time scales admirer of Joseph Chamberlain, who, of course, framed involved in its operation. That, of course, affects our his career in Birmingham long before he came to this judgment on these matters, as my hon. Friend pointed place and became a figure of such national importance. out. In those days, energy was in the hands of local More importantly, section 106 agreements do not authorities—a fact rarely mentioned in the House and address the need to create sustainable economic growth sometimes forgotten. They not only had responsibility for the long term or look for ways to make the area for energy, but gauged the effects of investment in attractive to other investors and the wider public, which resources on their locales. The sense of ownership that I is precisely the argument made by my hon. Friend the described was implicit in those arrangements. It is important Member for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey). that we borrow from those days the principle that local communities must feel a profound sense of ownership The national infrastructure plan, published in 2011, of major projects. They must never feel that the projects committed the Government to have been imposed on them, regardless of their will or “engage with developers and local authorities on community their interests. An imposition of that kind will not benefit and bring forward proposals by 2012 for reform of the happen under this Government; I give the House that community benefit regime to provide greater certainty for all absolute assurance. parties”. In Somerset, my Department has constituted a Hinkley My hon. Friend the Member for Bridgwater and West strategic development forum, comprising representatives Somerset said that he was getting twitchy about this. I from central Government Departments, the local do not want him to get twitchy, as it would be a most authorities, the local enterprise partnership, the unappealing prospect, so I commit—sooner rather than local chamber of commerce and EDF, to maximise later, in the terms that he used—to clarify our position local benefits from the development. Such forums would on this matter. be a suitable vehicle to help steer plans for the allocation Now that I am on this task—missioned to do this of community benefit. Indeed, we feel that all district job—I can assure my hon. Friend that I will draw the councils are working constructively to ensure that the matter into sharp focus, and we will indeed deal with it whole area benefits from the development of Hinkley 899 Community Funding (Infrastructure 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Community Funding (Infrastructure 900 Projects) Projects) Point C. We are clear that any package needs to be by my hon. Friend, relating to investments. We must meaningful to the local community and to provide plan our energy future on the basis of the sort of some of the things that I mentioned earlier. engagement that he has articulated so powerfully in this This debate adds further weight to the case for a short debate. We should be in a position to provide package that is entirely suitable, well fitted and decided clarity on all these matters sooner rather than later, to locally, as far as that is possible for a project of this size use his terms, and so can give the residents of his and national importance. Fairness and equity need to constituency and others the certainty that they need. be managed as part of these discussions to ensure that In these matters, clarity is the prerequisite of certainty, the principles apply not only to each new nuclear site, and certainty is the prerequisite of the kind of engagement but to other large infrastructure projects, such as geological and support that is absolutely necessary if we are to disposal facilities. drive forward an energy strategy that has nuclear power In conclusion, as my hon. Friend correctly points at its heart. There has not been an Energy Minister with out, discussions have been ongoing for some time on a greater insight into these things than mine, for I draw putting together proposals for a community benefits experience from a long apprenticeship in local government. package that meets all the criteria of being meaningful, I hope that I can bring that insight to our deliberations making a difference, managing to achieve a sustainable on this matter and others. I look forward with excitement local economy and having a lasting impact for generations, to further meetings with my hon. Friend and to my visit and we are on track to bring forward those proposals by to Somerset, and I do so very much in the spirit in the end of the year; I have this evening already committed which he brought these matters to the House tonight. If to doing that. that is not sufficiently electrifying, regard it as a first step; I will attempt to be still more electrifying as I grow I am, however, sympathetic to the points that my into this role. hon. Friend raises, and I recognise that ongoing uncertainty for the local community is simply not helpful. I will Question put and agreed to. therefore personally drive forward these negotiations across the Government. I will look to meet the Economic Secretary to the Treasury in the near future to discuss 7.29 pm the issue and other important matters of the kind raised House adjourned.

237WH 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 EU-UK Relationship (Reform) 238WH

Andrea Leadsom: I almost entirely agree with my Westminster Hall hon. Friend. I favour the idea of reform followed by referendum, but I think the reform is absolutely key and Tuesday 18 September 2012 the poll survey shows that the British public think so, too. If the public saw reform, they would be content to [MR PHILIP HOLLOBONE in the Chair] remain a part of the EU. What happens next is about politics, not economics. EU-UK Relationship (Reform) According to Eurostat, at the end of the first quarter of Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting 2012, euro-area Government debt stood at 88.2% of be now adjourned.—(Greg Hands.) euro-area GDP. On the other hand US national debt is more than 100% of GDP and in Britain it is 86.4% of 9.30 am GDP. My point is that if all euro-area debt were to be consolidated, the position within the eurozone in terms Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) (Con): I of consolidated debt would be no worse than either the am delighted to be serving under your chairmanship, UK or the US. This is about politics, not economics. It Mr Hollobone, and to be debating a subject that is of is about the extent to which eurozone members are great interest to you personally. I congratulate the Minister prepared to underwrite one another’s debt. Politicians on his appointment—I believe this is the first time he is must make up their minds what they are going to do responding to a debate in his new capacity. about the crisis. I am going to talk this morning about the work of the Let me quickly run through where the big eurozone Fresh Start project, which is a group of Conservative countries stand on debt pooling. Germany is firmly MPs who have spent the past year looking at all aspects opposed to eurobonds at this stage, but supports greater of Britain’s relationship within the EU and at how we central oversight of national budgets within the eurozone can get a better deal for British taxpayers. In his foreword as a way to export German fiscal discipline. to the Fresh Start project’s review, which we published in June, the Foreign Secretary wrote: Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab): “The eurozone crisis is setting in train what may well be I congratulate the hon. Lady on securing this important profound changes in the structure of the European Union. These will pose very important choices for every country in the European debate. Does she recognise that the second largest party Union, inside the eurozone or out.” in Germany, the Social Democratic party, is in favour of He added: eurobonds? The position of the German Government might well change after the federal election to be held at “Public disillusionment with our membership of the European Union has never been so deep.” this time next year. A July 2012 YouGov survey shows that two-thirds of Andrea Leadsom: The beauty of democracy is that it those surveyed want a referendum on or before the is not over until it is over. It is important to think about general election in 2015. If given a choice today, almost who is in power now and not who might be in power in half—48%—would pull out and 31% would stay in, but the future. In June, Angela Merkel said: were the Prime Minister to renegotiate a new deal to protect British interests in the EU, the poll suggests that “I don’t see total debt liability as long as I live.” people would vote in a completely different way: most—42% She also said: to 34%—would vote to stay in the EU in a post-reform “Apart from the fact that instruments like eurobonds, eurobills, world. debt redemption schemes and much more are not compatible with the constitution in Germany, I consider them wrong and Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): Given counterproductive.” those findings, does my hon. Friend not think it strange Angela Merkel has been clear on the fact that she does that a letter sent to the Prime Minister at the end of not believe that debt pooling is the way forward. That June, signed by 100 of his parliamentary colleagues, does not mean that Germany is opposed to eurobonds urging him to consider putting a referendum on the in principle; but from Berlin’s point of view, a full fiscal statute book in this Parliament calling for a referendum union must be established first. German Finance Minister in the next Parliament has not even been answered? Wolfgang Schäuble put it very clearly when he said: Does she think it would be worthwhile for the Minister “We have to be sure that a common fiscal policy would be to answer that question today? I apologise that I will irreversible and well coordinated. There will be no jointly guaranteed not be here for his reply to the debate, but I have a bonds without a common fiscal policy.” Foreign Affairs Committee meeting to attend. Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Monti, who is a technocratic, not a democratically elected leader, has said that his Andrea Leadsom: I have been following that matter position is quite similar to that of Germany in that he and know that the Prime Minister has said that he will believes that central oversight of national budgets is a be responding shortly, so I am sure that my hon. Friend’s necessary precondition to eurobonds. question will be noted. In Spain, the centre-right Government are keen on Mr Brian Binley (Northampton South) (Con): Does introducing eurobonds in the next few years and seem my hon. Friend recognise the need for contingency to be ready to accept losses of budgetary sovereignty to planning and negotiation before a referendum? Will she achieve that. Mariano Rajoy has proposed a three-stage be urging the Minister that that contingency plans need path towards debt pooling: in 2013-14, eurozone countries to be created now and announced well before the European should adopt measures to meet the fiscal and economic elections in 2014, and will she tell the Minister that, in convergence criteria imposed by the European Council; this country, the F-word is impolite? in 2015-16, a European fiscal authority should be created 239WH EU-UK Relationship (Reform)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 EU-UK Relationship (Reform) 240WH

[Andrea Leadsom] Mr Turner: Not exactly. I was going to say that we can all be in favour of trading with Europe, but we do that would oversee national budgets; and in 2017-18, not have to be in Europe. when fiscal targets would be imposed on the eurozone in its entirety, full eurobonds could be issued. Andrea Leadsom: Yes. I thank my hon. Friend for France has not made its position entirely clear. It that intervention. I am coming straight on to that point tends to favour more solidarity immediately and fiscal now, so I am very pleased that he has raised it. union later down the track, but in the name of Franco- The EU is already a significant trading partner, but German solidarity, it seems to have dropped the idea of there are significant opportunities for growth. Services Eurobonds, at least for the moment. account for 71% of EU GDP, but only 3.2% of that Most importantly, what about the UK? At the Lord comes from intra-EU trade, and the UK Government Mayor of London’s banquet, the Prime Minister called continue to push for the completion of the single market, for a looser EU especially in services. Financial services gave us 11% of our tax receipts in 2009-10, providing a trade surplus of “with the flexibility of a network, not the rigidity of a bloc.” £31 billion in 2010. Financial services is an incredibly That is an important indicator of where the UK stands. important sector in which there is enormous capacity It is important to recognise that the EU is already for growth. Of course, that is why the Prime Minister multi-layered. used his veto last December. What are the alternatives to EU membership? There Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): For a long are probably four. First, there is most favoured nation time, I dealt with the common agricultural policy, which terms, under which around half of manufactured exports is far too prescriptive to cover 27 countries with different to the EU would face an average tariff of more than climates and different soils. We want a flexible approach, 5%, with some sectors being particularly badly hit, such so that this country can deliver good agricultural and as UK car exports, which would face a tariff of 10%. environmental policies. That would have a significant effect on UK business, making us a far less attractive location for foreign direct Andrea Leadsom: I completely agree with my hon. investment. In addition, the UK would lose its influence Friend. on framing EU regulations, so it would be required to The concept of a multi-speed Europe is already a buy in to EU regulations in order to trade with the EU reality: some countries opt in to Schengen, the euro, but would have no say in framing them. defence co-operation, and co-operation on justice and home affairs, and some opt out. A multi-speed Europe Mr Binley: Will my hon. Friend give way again? is already a reality, not something we are inventing for the first time. Andrea Leadsom: I would just like to get through my list of alternatives and then I will give way, if my hon. Friend wants to make a point. I am conscious that lots Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): Is not the of other people want to speak. danger in saying that we have a multi-speed Europe that it implies that everybody is going in the same direction The second alternative is the European economic albeit at different speeds, whereas there are millions of area option, or the Norwegian option. The UK would us in this country who do not want to be going in that be outside the customs union and hence subject to direction at any speed? complex and costly rules of origin. The UK would still be subject to most EU regulations, but it would have limited or little ability to shape them. Access to the Andrea Leadsom: I entirely respect my hon. Friend’s single market for goods and services would be maintained; views and perhaps I should say “multi-tier”, because his the UK would not be subject to common agricultural criticism is very fair—“multi-speed” is the wrong term. policy, common fisheries policy or regional policy; and The point that I was trying to make is that there can be the UK budget contribution would probably be significantly different relationships with the EU, not that different reduced. countries are all trying to get to the same end-point. His criticism is fair; I apologise for my careless writing The third alternative is a free trade agreement or the there. Swiss option, under which the UK would be outside the customs union and subject to rules of origin, but would The key advantage of the EU for Britain’s national not be formally subject to EU social or product regulation. interest is that of a trade area. I think that most people, In practice, all product regulation would probably be whether or not they are in favour of Britain’s membership replicated in order to export to the EU. Again, under of the EU, would accept that Britain will continue to this option the UK would not be subject to CAP, CFP trade with the EU. In fact, 48.6% of UK goods exports or regional policy, and the budget contribution would now go to the EU as a whole— probably be significantly reduced. Free trade would be subject to a negotiated agreement. Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): Will my Fourthly and finally, there is the option of being part hon. Friend give way? of the customs union, or the Turkish option, under which the UK would be a member of the customs Andrea Leadsom: However, one can slightly reduce union, with free access to trade for goods, but services that figure if one looks at the Rotterdam-Antwerp and agricultural products would not be covered by that effect, if that was the point that my hon. Friend was option. The UK would be required to negotiate free going to make. trade agreements with any country with which the EU 241WH EU-UK Relationship (Reform)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 EU-UK Relationship (Reform) 242WH opens trade negotiations. We would be outside the EU fiscal union indicates the need for us to move towards treaties and institutions, so we would not be subject to having a far more clearly defined role that works better CAP, CFP or regional policy, and it is not likely that we for British interests. would have to make a significant budget contribution. The Fresh Start project is all about saying that what We would not be subject to social regulation, but we we need is to renegotiate our EU membership—to would be subject to all product regulation with no remain within the EU but to have our absolutely best ability to influence the shape of it. attempt at renegotiating a relationship that works for Britain, with full and free access to all EU assets, but Mr Binley: Mr Hollobone, I must point out that I am without being hampered in a global world by EU sitting on a Statutory Instrument Committee this morning regulation. What I want to see is fundamental reform. and I know that you would not want me to miss that, so What the Fresh Start project started to do just I will have to go very shortly. over a year ago, and with the support of more than Will my hon. Friend destroy the myth and say that, 120 Conservative MPs, was to carry out a serious research because of the £57 billion deficit with Europe, Europe is project to see how different policy areas within the EU not going anywhere in trade, simply because it is not in have affected Britain and British national interests; to its interests? make a cost-benefit analysis; and to see what we could change and how we could do that. It has been an Andrea Leadsom: That is absolutely correct in principle, enormous piece of work, which makes a splendid door- but as my hon. Friend—being a business man himself— stop—I see that my hon. Friend the Member for East would admit, we cannot simply change overnight, so we Worthing and Shoreham (Tim Loughton) is weightlifting would be subject to an exceedingly long-term renegotiation today as he carries copies around with him. I congratulate with enormous complexities along the way. It is not him on doing so. quite as simple as he puts it, but yes, essentially I agree In June, just before the recess, the Fresh Start project with him—it is certainly in the EU’s interests to continue published our green paper setting out the options for to do business with us, even more than it is in our change. We colour-coded green those things that we can interests to do business with the EU. do ourselves, of which there is a surprising number: the Personally, I think that if we were to leave the EU, the British Parliament could simply decide to reform the world would not end, but my point is that it would be way that we do certain things and get a better deal for far better for Britain to negotiate better terms and to ourselves without even making reference to our European remain part of the EU. colleagues. Amber options are those where negotiated treaty change would be necessary, but it has often been George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): I congratulate the case that we have never even attempted to negotiate my hon. Friend on securing this debate and on her those treaty changes and we should certainly have a go leadership of the Fresh Start project. Does she agree at doing so. The red options defined in the options for that the explosion of the EU’s internal contradictions—the change are those things where we need to say, in Britain’s collapse of its relentless drive for federalism based on best interests, that we are no longer willing to entertain corrupted economics—creates a huge opportunity for EU sovereignty over British sovereignty, and therefore this country, and that the majority of people in this we wish to withdraw. country want us to take the opportunity to set out a positive vision of the Europe that we would be pleased Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): On the to belong to—a Europe based on sovereign nation green options—the things that can be done straight states trading with each other, which indeed was the away—does my hon. Friend agree that the present Europe that people voted for when they were last given situation is a consequence of the pro-Europe Labour the chance to vote on Europe? Does she also agree that Government, who gold-plated so much EU legislation if we are to trade our way out of the present debt crisis, to interfere in our lives and used the EU as a good we need to lessen our dependence on the sclerotic excuse to do it? eurozone economies and focus more on increasing our trade with the rest of the world, and that the EU Andrea Leadsom: I absolutely agree with my hon. framework needs to support that process? In my own Friend; he makes a very good point. That is never more field of life sciences, the EU’s policy on genetically true than in relation to the working time directive. modified products, for example, undermines that process. Having recently carried out an inquiry with all of royal colleges, I know that the evidence is overwhelming that Andrea Leadsom: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the training of doctors is suffering seriously as a result that intervention; he has made some really good points of the negotiated on-call hours, which the last Government and I will address just a couple of them. It is absolutely presided over and allowed to happen, to the detriment the case that the EU is regulating us into being globally of our NHS. They should be ashamed of that. uncompetitive—uncompetitive not only within the EU but outside it as well. There are huge opportunities in Emma Reynolds: I am sure that the hon. Lady did not China and the other emerging economies for Britain’s do so deliberately, but that is not exactly an accurate services, high-technology, financial services, manufactured account of what happened. We negotiated an individual goods and so on. Reform is essential. opt-out, which this country retains. The European Court As for the collapse of the euro project—the European of Justice interpreted the rules on doctors’ on-call hours project—it is true that, although we can certainly tolerate in a way that we felt was against our national interest, those who want to create some kind of federal Europe, so we were then trying to negotiate whether being at the same time Britain cannot be hampered by that on-call constituted working time. It was no fault of our movement. In a sense, therefore, their move to ever-greater Government. 243WH EU-UK Relationship (Reform)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 EU-UK Relationship (Reform) 244WH

Andrea Leadsom: That is absolutely not my Let me quickly run through some of the green options, understanding, but that is not a discussion for now, so which are things that we could be doing ourselves but we will have to park that. are not doing at the moment. The UK is a significant The Green Paper was published in June and the Fresh member of the EU—one of the big three—and has Start project is now moving to phase 2, which is to worked with a number of allies to develop its vision of a suggest a manifesto for change by Christmas. I am free-trading, economically liberal EU. The UK has delighted that 10 Conservative colleagues have each been enormously successful in achieving its strategic agreed to chair a policy area in which they have a aims of enlargement and deepening of the single market. particular expertise, and they will look to get buy-in At the time of crisis in the eurozone, it is key that the from other colleagues to achieve a consensus on what UK sets out the vision of the EU that it wants and specific reforms we will recommend the Government to develops alliances in that direction. It is essential to set pursue. By Christmas, we will end up with a specific out a vision for a free-trade area that is globally competitive manifesto for reform, which will be a shopping list of and determined to advance in the markets outside the things that Britain would like to see changed. EU and not just within it. We could improve the scrutiny of EU legislation, One of the Government’s biggest challenges is the including pre-legislative scrutiny. I welcome the European fact that FCO officials wring their hands when we talk Scrutiny Committee’s inquiry into that and the work of about a shopping list of reform proposals. the Hansard Society in looking at much more parliamentary scrutiny, including having specific EU questions, not Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): No they do not. just FCO questions, and having a Europe Department rather than just a Europe Minister in the FCO. Andrea Leadsom: Yes they do. I have had several We should certainly look at pre-legislative scrutiny conversations with FCO officials who say that people where, as in Denmark, Parliament gives authority to can negotiate on only one or two points at a time. That Ministers before they go to negotiate on our behalf, is the way in which EU Commissioners and European instead of them coming back to us with something that parliamentarians squash the genuine national interests is almost done that we just need to rubber-stamp at the of one member state. They say, “You can talk only eleventh hour. There are good examples of where good about the rebate, or only about 0% increase in the pre-legislative scrutiny has made a big difference, such budget. You cannot talk about all the other issues that as the proposed ban on the short selling of equities. you want to include in your shopping list.” That will be Due to the excellent work of Members of the European the biggest challenge to any reform. Parliament, that was reduced to a ban on the short selling of sovereign debt only. That was a massive Tim Loughton (East Worthing and Shoreham) (Con): saving grace to liquidity and free financial markets. My hon. Friend’s comments remind me of the story Better Brits in Brussels is an important issue. We have about a man wandering down Whitehall who asks the 12% of the EU’s population, but now only 4% of policeman, “On what side is the Foreign Office?”, to Commission staff. That has been allowed to slide abysmally. which the reply is, “Hopefully ours, sir.” I congratulate We have not done enough to allow our brightest and her on the fantastic work she has done with the Fresh best young people to obtain the language skills they Start group, which distractions have not allowed me to need to pass the European Commission test. I am take part in, which I look forward to now. delighted that the Government have restarted the European fast stream. That is an important move on which we Is not the real tragedy that those who say that we should absolutely spend our time. When we visit MEPs must stay such a close part of Europe, because we trade and Commissioners in Brussels, we find that they have more with Belgium than with China, Brazil or India, all gone native; they even speak with a sort of weird miss the point that we should have been trading much part French, part German, part English accent—if there more with China, Brazil or India, beyond the EU? The is such a thing. They lose track of whom they represent. tragedy is that this country is not leading the crusade What we need is British people in the Commission for a much more global, liberalising, deregulating, reforming representing British interests. and pro-competition Europe, and we should be. That is what most of our constituents and we all actually want. We want to remove gold-plating in social and employment laws as soon as possible. We have interpreted some EU directives in a hard and fast way, not least Andrea Leadsom: I am grateful to my hon. Friend on the opt-out for doctors. As I understand it, in all and am delighted that he will be getting involved with too many cases, we offer doctors a contract for up to the Fresh Start project himself. He is absolutely right. Is 48 hours a week, and then invite them to opt out of it not interesting that it is since this Government came working only 48 hours a week. That is not exactly a into office that exports to China, Brazil and India have terribly tempting offer. We need to look seriously at radically increased in percentage terms from the incredibly gold-plating. low level under the Labour Government, who preferred We support deregulation at the EU level. The EU has to create non-jobs in the public sector rather than real agreed in principle to subsidiarisation for micro-businesses. jobs in the private sector? It is not an EU competence to delve into micro-businesses I want to run through a few ideas that have come out if they are British-only businesses. They should not be of the Fresh Start project and suggest them to the subject to EU regulation, and we should be pressing as Government for serious consideration. There is no doubt hard as we can to exempt British micro-businesses from that we have not only the opportunity, but the absolute any EU intervention whatsoever. need to get in there and make British interests very Finally, Britain could be using the European Court clear, long before the next European parliamentary of Justice to our own ends far more than we are to elections in 2014. challenge EU proposals. An example of a good decision 245WH EU-UK Relationship (Reform)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 EU-UK Relationship (Reform) 246WH by this Government to challenge the European Union is the approval of the European Commission and must our challenge of the European Central Bank’s proposal comply with EU guidelines. So structural spending that clearing houses with more than 5% of turnover in completely frustrates local innovation, euros should be based in the eurozone. That is blatantly No rigorous performance criteria link disbursement stealing Britain’s business in a lucrative area, and we are of funds to clear results. The think-tank Open Europe absolutely right to be challenging that decision at the finds no conclusive evidence that structural funds have ECJ. We ought to take those opportunities more often. had a positive overall impact on growth, jobs and Those are just some of the green options for reform regional convergence in the EU. The rules on the that Britain could be doing much more on. Other areas administration of the funds are excessively bureaucratic. require us to get far more sleeves rolled up and people For wealthier member states, including Britain, the funds wading in, and I want to cover two. I recognise that a lot completely irrationally recycle large amounts of money, of hon. Members want to speak, so I will hurry up. The via Brussels, not only within the same country, but greatest of those areas is to achieve a rolling opt-in and within the same regions. The UK could negotiate the opt-out of EU policies. There is no doubt that there will repatriation of regional spending to richer member states, be a fiscal union—[Interruption.] Opposition Members focusing the structural funds solely on poorer EU countries, laugh. They are not even prepared to listen, which I find which would reduce the total EU budget for the next astonishing. They should care that the British public multi-annual financial framework by some 15%. have had enough of their ever closer part in the European Union. It is absolutely astonishing. Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): I am listening to my hon. Friend with great interest. So far, she has not We should look at whether, for those who are not mentioned Mr Barroso’s speech of a couple of days part of the fiscal union, we could have some sort of ago. I wonder whether she appreciates that, however rolling opt-in and opt-out of EU policies. The logistics sensible her ideas may be on lists of functions and could be incredibly complicated, but when Governments attitudes, the European Union does not have the slightest change, policies are often completely changed. It is intention of entering any negotiations in that direction. ridiculous to have an EU where something decided That is the problem. I agree with most of what she says 35 years ago has never changed and a member cannot as a matter of aspiration, but the problem is we are not opt out of it. It would be far better for the countries that dealing with a European Union that is remotely on the do not intend to be part of a federal Europe if they same page. could opt out. When Governments change, they could have a window of opportunity to decide on which Andrea Leadsom: My hon. Friend makes an interesting policies they want to remain a part of, and which areas point, but he contradicts what my hon. Friend the of EU jurisdiction they want to remove themselves Member for Northampton South (Mr Binley) said, from. That is entirely possible. That would give the which is that the EU will not allow us just to walk away, European Commission something else to do, so it can because the EU needs us more than we need it. pay itself even more and employ even more staff, so it should be delighted at the prospect. There is an opportunity for reform. There is no doubt that, as a non-eurozone member, we will not be subject Perhaps the most logical major reform of all is to to the calls for ever greater union. The absolute burden repatriate structural funds. We are in the middle of is for us to define what we want that renegotiation to negotiations for the next multi-annual financial framework, look like. If we do nothing because we are afraid the which will determine the EU’s budget strategy from EU will not listen to us, we will get nothing. We would 2014 to 2021. The negotiations are subject to national then end up in a position in which we are either in or veto, and so offer a huge opportunity to the UK to seek out. Having a good go at reform is the way forward, restraint and sensible reform that will better serve the whether we succeed or fail; doing nothing would not be British taxpayer. Perhaps the best example of that is to in Britain’s best interest. repatriate the local bit of EU structural funds. Richer member states are perfectly capable of funding From 2007 to 2013, provision for EU spending on the their own regional policy and determining which regions structural funds amounts to some ¤280 billion, which is should benefit from structural funds. If we were to about 30% of the total EU budget. During that period, repatriate those local structural funds to richer member the UK will make a net contribution to the structural states, we would end up with a 15% headline cut in the funds of some £21 billion; that is the UK’s contribution multi-annual financial framework for the next period after taking into account the money it receives from the and every one of those richer member states, bar five, structural funds. We pay £30 billion, and we get £9 billion would receive a significant reduction in contributions, back after the money is converted into euros, administered which is a win-win and something we ought to look to and 140,000 full-time equivalent European staff have other member states to support. decided which UK regions should benefit. In fact, under There are so many areas of reform that would be in the European definition of UK regions, only two, west Britain’s better interest. I could go on and on, because Wales and Cornwall, are net recipients of structural the opportunities are widespread and the need for reform funds. All the other regions are paying significantly is urgent. The Prime Minister has prioritised seeking more for every £1 they get back in structural funds, safeguards for financial services, which is Britain’s most which is a completely ridiculous state of affairs. Additionally, important industry, employing more than 1 million the European Union determines the allocation, not the people and generating more than 10% of our tax take British Government. every year. Spending plans are based on EU regions that simply Another key area is the social and working time do not fit economic and political realities. There is a directive. Do we want our 1 million young people top-down structure in which all spending plans require currently not in employment, education or training to 247WH EU-UK Relationship (Reform)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 EU-UK Relationship (Reform) 248WH

[Andrea Leadsom] Portavogie in my constituency in Northern Ireland had more than 100 boats; they are now down to 60. That get jobs, or de we want to prioritise rights for existing indicates the problem. workers? Those are the choices that we have to make, We also have red tape in farming. Again, there are and the social and working time directive is undoubtedly regulations imposed by Europe on poultry and pigs. We hampering the opportunities for young people to get energetically—perhaps “evangelically” is a better term— work. enforce all those regulations, but other EU countries Do we want more and more EU regulation that ignore the regulations and do not seem to care. affects small and micro-businesses? Do we want to see National opinion polls show that 61% of voters would the training of young doctors in the NHS hampered by leave the EU today; the YouGov poll shows that even EU regulation of on-call hours? The Fresh Start project more people want to leave. The time is right for the has raised, researched and sought to answer those questions. people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and By Christmas, we will have produced a short and punchy Northern Ireland to decide what happens in relation to manifesto for change that will be a shopping list of the EU. I support what the hon. Lady has said, and I reforms across all EU policy areas, including business, ask the House to do likewise. immigration, justice, agriculture, energy and many others. I know Front Benchers are keen to see reform, and I 10.9 am sincerely hope they will accept and adopt as Government policy the work of such a large group of Conservative Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): It is, as always, colleagues. a great pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon). I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member Several hon. Members rose— for South Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom) on securing this debate. Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): Will those who As chairman of the Lords and Commons “Better Off would like to speak remain standing while we note Out” group, I agree that we should repatriate powers who you are and how many of you there are? from the European Union. The only difference is that Under Standing Order No. 47 and the direction of I think that we ought to repatriate all powers. Other the Chairman of Ways and Means, I will now impose a countries in Europe should not have the power to tell time limit, otherwise the wealth of talent before me this country what to do. Given all the problems in the simply will not fit into the time available. The debate eurozone, it is a fruitful time to renegotiate our relationship finishes in 54 minutes. As a minimum, I have to give the with the European Union. Front-Bench spokesmen 10 minutes each, so I will call However, based on the precedents, I fear that the them at 10.40. There are 34 minutes for 10 Back Benchers, hope of success is not great. Nevertheless, it is not which means the time limit will be three minutes; the beyond the bounds of possibility that in a few months bell will sound after two minutes. If there are interventions, or in two or three years’ time, those who wish to stay in you will not all get in. the European Union and repatriate some powers will be successful. The British people will then be faced with what I call an in/in referendum: they will be given the 10.6 am choice of the status quo—staying in as we are now—or Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I congratulate the staying in with 17/20, 18/20 or 19/20 of the status quo hon. Member for South Northamptonshire (Andrea and repatriating a few powers. I suspect that for millions Leadsom) on securing this debate. of people in this country, that will simply not be good enough. In the few minutes I have, I will address the impact of EU regulation on fishing and farming and why changes The question is what those people should do who are important. I will also address why a referendum is think, as I do, that we would be better off outside the important, because clearly the people of the United European Union. Faced with an in/in referendum, those Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland should who wish to be outside the European Union should make all final decisions. take part in the referendum and, as a third option to come out will not be granted, simply write the word I presume we are all well aware of the bureaucracy “out” on the ballot paper. Even if those votes are not that particularly impedes the fishing industry. There has counted, it will be clear how many spoiled ballots there been a reduction in the days at sea, the quotas they are are. We will know how many voted for the proposition, able to catch and the numbers involved in the fishing how many voted against it and how many voted to industry. Alongside that, scientists have shown that come out. That is one way for those of us who think there are more fish in the Irish sea than Europe, which that we would be better off outside the European Union controls the Irish sea, seems prepared to accept. For to make our voices heard. example, I am reliably informed that the white fish industry, which only has four boats left in Northern Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): Without interventions, Ireland, conducted a joint survey and examination with we are on track to get everybody in. scientists on cod in the Irish sea, and the data that were collected show that there is more cod in the Irish sea 10.12 am than is indicated by Europe. If Parliament and the local Assemblies had power, we would be in a position to Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): I, too, congratulate change that right away so we might rejoice in the the hon. Member for South Northamptonshire (Andrea stability of our fishing industry instead of worrying Leadsom), who has been a fiery speaker on these issues about the future and where we go. That is an example of ever since she arrived in Parliament and is obviously where we are with the fishing industry. Ten years ago, making a big name for herself. I completely and utterly 249WH EU-UK Relationship (Reform)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 EU-UK Relationship (Reform) 250WH disagree with her. She made a fundamentally old-fashioned less. That should be the message that goes out from this speech. It was as though Joseph Chamberlain and Arthur Chamber: Labour wants more and more Europe. That Balfour were among us again and protectionism was is perfectly fair, and I congratulate him on saying it. the order of the day. I do not know whether you have noticed, Mr Hollobone, We must turn around how we look at the issue. If we but more than 20 Conservative Members of Parliament keep looking at it from the inside of the European have attended this debate. There are two Members Union rather than the outside, we will miss the fact that representing the Democratic Unionist party and one the growing economies—Russia, China, Brazil and the representing the Liberal Democrats, but as for Labour, whole of Latin America—do not look on each individual until the hon. Member for Rhondda came along, there country in Europe and think, “How can we do business was just the shadow Minister and her Parliamentary with them?” They look at the whole of Europe and Private Secretary. It shows how little interest Labour think, “How can we make investments that make sense has in Europe. across the whole of Europe?” The hon. Lady cited I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for South rising figures for exports from the UK, but she failed to Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom) on securing this mention that during the same period, EU exports to debate and on how well she spoke. I regret that she was China, Russia and Brazil have grown faster than those able to make that speech; in my opinion, she should in the UK. Many people suggest that visa liberalisation have been in Government. She is highly talented. The would do more to improve our trade with those countries, only reason why she is not in Government is that she but I am hesitant about liberalising visas to Russia, put her principles first and voted for the EU referendum. Mexico, Brazil and China at the moment; I think that She is a highly respected Member and deserves to be there could be profound dangers. listened to. Equally, I am delighted that we have a Several hon. Members have said that shared policies Minister who should also have been in Government a are a problem. Personally, I think that the common long time ago. I am sure that now he is here, there will agricultural policy operates in an immoral way. It means be a change in the direction of Government policy. I live that people in poor parts of the world are unable to feed in hope. themselves properly because we deliberately overproduce. A few years ago, I could have made the speech that However, if there were no common agricultural policy, my hon. Friend the Member for South Northamptonshire there would be a French agricultural policy, an Italian made. I have now come to realise that what she described agricultural policy and doubtless a British one, which will not be achieved by staying in Europe. The only way would be even worse. I would like us to keep the policy that we will achieve it is by leaving Europe and renegotiating. but slash it in half. I think that it would be simple for the Prime Minister to Similarly, there are many aspects that benefit us unite the Conservative party, give us a huge leap in the directly. We need strong borders around Europe so that polls and bring UK Independence party members back UK borders are strong. When Brits travel abroad, as to voting Conservative. He could use the idea suggested they do in their millions every year, we need to ensure by my hon. Friend, which is to renegotiate, then put two that they enjoy good medical standards. Brits buying options to the British people: accepting the renegotiation homes in Spain need the rule of law. We need more or coming out of the EU. After the renegotiation, the Europe on some issues, rather than less. For instance, Prime Minister can decide whether he will campaign for on mobile telephony, I have never understood why, the new terms or for coming out. That would unite the when Europe is meant to be a single market, we are Conservative party, and it is what I want to see our charged more for making a phone call in France or Prime Minister do when he leads us in the next general Germany than here at home in the UK. election. Somebody said that we should trade with Europe and not in Europe. That is fundamentally naive about Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): I call Julian the politics of Europe. As for the idea of having Lewis, then Bill Cash and Alec Shelbrooke. a rolling opt-in and opt-out programme, it would mean that every country would abandon all its treaty 10.18 am obligations at every general election. That fundamentally misunderstands the whole nature of international law. Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Mr Hollobone, thank you for announcing the batting order in advance. I agree with the hon. Lady about two things. One I have waited many years to find myself between a Bone is an element of the repatriation of structural funds. It and a Stone, and today I have achieved that poetic is crazy that we recycle money through Europe and that distinction. Having said that, I deeply resent the fact nobody can then follow the money, which is why the that my hon. Friend the Member for Wellingborough auditors cannot track it. The other is EU questions. (Mr Bone) has just made the speech that I was about to make, particularly the remarks about my hon. Friend the Member for South Northamptonshire (Andrea 10.15 am Leadsom)—the Front Bench’s loss is the Back Benches’ Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): It is a great temporary gain—and my hon. Friend the Minister, who pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. worked extremely hard in opposition as the shadow It is also a great pleasure, as always, to follow the hon. Minister and richly deserves his belated promotion. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant). I return his That great Eurosceptic Tony Benn would not thank compliment by saying that he spoke exceptionally well, me for saying that he has something in common with and of course I disagree with every word that he said. the arch-federalists, but I am afraid he does. Whenever He has a great ability to speak for the Labour party, Labour lost an election for being too extreme and which has made it clear that it wants more Europe, not left-wing, he would always say that the result of that 251WH EU-UK Relationship (Reform)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 EU-UK Relationship (Reform) 252WH

[Dr Julian Lewis] and that conversations were taking place in Europe. Unfortunately, the reality is that they have now been election showed that the Labour party had had not overtaken by the Barroso agenda. I fear that my right enough socialism in its manifesto, rather than too much. hon. Friend is, if I may say bluntly, in a contradiction: That, I am afraid, is what we are experiencing with on the one hand, he says that it is unacceptable, but on Europe at the moment: the worse it gets, the more the other hand he says we will not leave the European federalist it wishes to become. History owes a debt of Union. gratitude to the former Prime Minister, the right hon. This kind of negotiation, or renegotiation, involves Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown), asking such fundamental questions about our relationship without whose intervention the previous Labour that other member states will not accept them. When Government would have signed us up to the European they do not, our option will be clear: however much we single currency. That goes to show that everybody is might not want to, we will have to leave the European good for something. It is only a pity that the modern Union if that is the position that we have arrived at. The Labour party does not subscribe as firmly to the blocking Barroso speech indicates that we are on a different page, tactics that former Prime Minister employed so successfully, so I call for urgency. We should have a referendum to the benefit of the country. before the next general election. We should create the I do not mind looking back a little, because the circumstances in which we are able to ask the British longer one is in this place the more one sees the same people, “What kind of Europe do you want?” things going round and round. Again and again, people such as my hon. Friend the Member for Stone (Mr Cash) 10.24 am are derided as being in some way on the fringe of Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): It is a politics, as outlandish, extreme and wrong; they are pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. then proven to have been right, and the people who I congratulate warmly my hon. Friend the Member for were actually wrong always end up carrying on as if South Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom) on the nothing had happened. I am a little concerned that our immense work she has done in leading on this important current Chancellor of the Exchequer seems to accept subject. that there is a remorseless logic to fiscal union for the I was born in 1976, two years after the last referendum people on the continent. Fiscal and political union on on Europe. A great many of my colleagues—I look at the continent is not in Britain’s interests and we should my hon. Friend the Member for Wycombe (Steve Baker)— oppose it. We should not allow ourselves to be drawn have had absolutely no say in Europe. We are now down that route. Our benefit lies in a system of free, Government Members and this cancer of Europe has interacting nation states within Europe. eaten away at debate throughout almost my entire political career, from the moment I was delivering leaflets on the 10.21 am doorstep 20 years ago. It is time to get this problem Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): My appeal is for all sorted out. the Eurosceptic movements—the Euro-realists—to join The constant rush for federalisation will have precisely together. The situation has now become critical. The the opposite effect to what the European Union was set Barroso speech sets out an agenda of more integration up for in the first place. The laudable point of a European and a federal Europe, and we now confronted by the union was to try to prevent another war in Europe, but reality that they are not listening to us. They did not if people’s sovereignty is withdrawn, they will strike listen to us on Maastricht—it was our own Government back: eventually, right-wing parties will get elected and who did not listen to us then. Fortunately, the Prime say enough is enough and rise up in nationalistic fervour. Minister himself has now said that he thought there Those who do not think that such things could happen should have been a referendum on that treaty, and that only have to look back 20 years to Yugoslavia and see that would have sorted the matter out there and then. how dangerous it can be when people do not feel they However, we are where we are. I am not seeking have control of their destiny. We need a sensible way confrontation; I am seeking solutions. The situation is forward. far too grave for us to be in a state of difficulty due to I do not propose that we withdraw from the European personalities or whatever else: we have unite around Union, although I fear, as my hon. Friend the Member certain central principles. for Stone (Mr Cash) outlined, that might be where we I welcome the speech by my hon. Friend the Member end up; but we do need to renegotiate the relationship for South Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom). She and to withdraw from the interference in our lives. knows that I believe—I said so in an intervention—that When I say to people, “You had the vote and you time has run out. In the Liaison Committee the other decided,” they reply, “No we didn’t. We voted for a day, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said that common trading area.” That is the point: the people he agreed with me that the situation in Europe was now voted for a common trading area, not for a European unacceptable. I used the word “untenable”, but we came Union of increasing federalisation. This review is a very to an agreement. I suggested that we should have a important piece of work. The Minister would have the convention so that we could get ahead of the curve and support of the vast majority of Government Members provide our basis, based on the principle of consent—on if the Government worked to ensure that we have a the fact that the people of this country, and for that common trading area, not a federal Europe. matter the people of other countries, should decide, not the Euro elite and not the Governments who created 10.27 am this failed project, this undemocratic situation that has Mr Peter Lilley (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con): I been allowed to develop. We need to get together. He join in the congratulations to my hon. Friend the Member said that that was a perfectly reasonable suggestion for South Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom) for all 253WH EU-UK Relationship (Reform)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 EU-UK Relationship (Reform) 254WH she has done to bring reason and detailed consideration fundamental reform of the EU, partly because, as my of the facts to the debate on Europe. In doing so, she hon. Friend the Member for Stone (Mr Cash) said, the has contributed to the growing recognition, not just in other member states are simply not interested. The the Conservative party but in other parties and in the whole project is not about subsidiarity at all, or about country as a whole, that we need a better relationship recognising and respecting the rights of sovereign states; with Europe. The question now is not whether we want it is about ever-closer union. That is its objective. Because or need a better relationship, but what the relationship of that we will not achieve the kind of reform that we should be and how we should get it. I will focus on how. would like. Some of my colleagues think the answer is an in/out That is not to say that while we are in the EU we referendum, which they see as a “get out of jail free should not try for reform. I am delighted that the right card”. It is not. It is wrong in principle to pose abstract hon. Member for North Shropshire (Mr Paterson) was questions to the electorate, but it is also unwise in promoted in the reshuffle, because I worked with him a practice. A detailed study of every referendum since the lot in Northern Ireland and know that he is the sort of second world war, where there is opinion poll data, man to take on the Department for Environment, Food shows that on average there is a 17% swing back in and Rural Affairs and, more importantly, to take on the favour of the status quo. I remind my hon. Friends that EU, because it is in that Department that the EU has its that means one has to start with a 34% lead for change worst effects. There is a chance for some change there, to have a 50% chance of winning. If we start from the but overall I do not see us creating the kind of EU that present position, with roughly half of people being in we want. So we have to go for an in/out referendum. favour of leaving and a third in favour of staying, as my My hon. Friend the Member for Elmet and Rothwell hon. Friend the Member for South Northamptonshire (Alec Shelbrooke) gave his age away, so I shall give said, the idea that we would automatically win a referendum mine. I am 54—[Interruption.] I know I do not look it. and that a majority would vote for “out” is probably a I have been a Member of Parliament for 15 years and mistake. What we should do and what we ought to do in have been in business and I have never had a vote on constitutional principle is negotiate a new deal. That is whether we should be in the EU, either in a referendum why we elect Parliaments and elect Governments, and or in this place. I have never had any say at all—although we should elect a Parliament committed to doing that. I have paid tax and been in business and politics—and Because a new deal will require unanimity among our neither have my constituents. partners, that will be possible only if our partners are When the Conservative party went into the previous the demandeurs: if they are going to be coming to us general election, it said that it wanted to connect people saying, “We want a new treaty, we want to change the again with politics—with the decisions that affect their existing treaties,” and they are probably going to be lives. There is no bigger example of how they feel doing that on several occasions. The question that we disconnected, and why they feel that way, than the EU. ought to be confronting, and it would be proof that we They cannot influence what it does and we Members of are considering these matters seriously if we do, is Parliament cannot. It is time that the people were given whether we should go for a big bang solution and put the right to say in or out. forward everything that we want to change in one negotiation, or instead emulate the Euro-federalists and employ salami-slicing tactics—a slice here and another 10.33 am slice for the next treaty, and so on. Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): I We should record that the first change will be the congratulate the hon. Member for South Northamptonshire most difficult, because Europe has the doctrine of acquis (Andrea Leadsom) on securing this debate. I am glad communautaire, under which no power once ceded to that I am among hon. Friends from the coalition, Europe can be referred back to individual nation states. although they are thinning out and perhaps their number The EU will put up the most almighty opposition if we will have thinned out even more after my contribution. merely want to repatriate powers over regulating birdwatching. If we want more serious things, the opposition Many people are saying that the eurozone crisis and will be even greater, but we have to establish first the the vulnerability of the eurozone at the moment provides precedent that powers can come back to member states; the opportunity for the UK to repatriate some of its then, we can get ever more. Personally, I think salami powers, but this is wrong thinking. The single market is slicing is probably the approach to use, but we should be the key to our economic success and is about much discussing these issues. When we do, we will prove that more than tariffs and quotas; it is about environmental we are serious about getting the new relationship that standards, product standards, property rights, how this country wants. qualifications are measured and even about social and employment standards. 10.30 am There is a much more important national interest for the UK at the moment: risks from deeper eurozone Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con): I integration include the UK lacking access and influence. congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for South We must ensure that we retain our full rights. For Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom) on securing this example, the hon. Lady mentioned that financial institutions debate and on a comprehensive speech. dealing in significant amounts of euros may have to We are coming to the end of the debate and a lot of relocate physically within the eurozone. We must fight what I should have liked to say has been said. The only that and speak up for our financial institutions. thing that I disagree with a little bit is the idea that we The Norwegian and Swiss models have been mentioned, are, in any way, going to reform the European Union. but those countries have to accept much European We can tinker here and there, but we cannot achieve legislation and regulation to maintain their membership. 255WH EU-UK Relationship (Reform)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 EU-UK Relationship (Reform) 256WH

[Roger Williams] hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash). We will see how that relationship develops in terms of what kind of political We are making progress, even now. I pay tribute to and fiscal union the eurozone states want to form. my right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey), who ensured, when a Minister in Mr Cash: Does the hon. Lady recognise that the the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, timetable has been accelerated by that speech and those that many regulations relating to small businesses were who thought that it might be better to keep the matter repealed by the EU. The EU will consider many more of open, including the Prime Minister, are now effectively the regulations applying to small businesses with a view finding that time has overtaken them—or soon will. to limiting or reducing them. We have had a useful debate. I am sorry that other Emma Reynolds: The hon. Gentleman makes an hon. Members have not been able to play a bigger part interesting point. It is not yet clear at what point the in it. This is a key issue for us and a key national issue as European Commission, the German Government or we face this economic crisis. other Governments will want to put treaty change on the table. 10.35 am Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) (Lab): Mr Cash: It is. He said so. It is a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. I congratulate the hon. Member for Emma Reynolds: In his speech, Mr Barroso’s mentions South Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom) on securing putting that treaty change on the table before the 2014 today’s debate. I also congratulate the Minister on his European parliamentary elections—I have read his speech appointment. I did not realise that we would have such closely—but it is still unclear whether that will happen an early opportunity to debate such an important issue. in time for those elections. There will be a report by The hon. Lady’s debate concerns the reform of the Herman Van Rompuy to the Council in December, relationship between the UK and the EU, but it is worth which will be an important time for our Government to mentioning briefly that we are against the nuclear option start to have a policy on the European Union. I shall of reform: leaving the EU, as some Government Members come on to that. have called for. We Opposition Members believe that Many of the hon. Members present who argue for the UK should remain in the EU. We reject many of the withdrawal offer a false choice between trade with arguments advanced by hon. Members today, saying emerging markets and EU membership. They say, “Remain that it would be in the UK’s national interest either to in the EU, or trade with the likes of China, India, Brazil leave the EU or reduce our relationship to one based on and Russia.” We must of course improve our export trade. performance to the rest of the world, but we will not build real export success if we start by cutting ourselves Mr Bone: I am grateful that the shadow Minister is so off from our largest existing market and our largest honest and courageous so early on in her speech. She collective negotiating tool. The EU provides the collective has made a clear pledge that the Labour party will political weight that we need to maximise our influence definitely never give this country an in/out referendum. in negotiations. Hon. Members need not take that from me, they can take it from the Europe Minister, as set out Emma Reynolds: I did no such thing. Perhaps if he in written evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee as listened a little more attentively to what I said, the hon. recently as May of this year, when he said: Gentleman would not make such pointless interventions. “On trade, one voice representing half a billion consumers is The EU remains the largest and richest single market heard more loudly in Beijing, Delhi and Moscow, than 27 separate in the world and accounts for more than half of our ones.” total exports. We export more to the German Länder of British businesses, workers and consumers will see North Rhine-Westphalia than to China and India the benefit of EU free trade agreements, such as the combined. We do more trade with Ireland than with the recent FTA with South Korea, which is worth £500 million so-called BRICs—Brazil, Russia, India and China—put to UK exporters, or the potential future agreements together. Without our exports to the EU and the rest of with the US, Canada, Singapore and India. the world, the British economy would have gone back into recession a year ago. Mr Laurence Robertson: When will that happen? I Dr Julian Lewis: Given the hon. Lady’s typically take a deep interest in Irish politics, and we export more robust response to my hon. Friend the Member for to Ireland’s 4.5 million people than we do to more than Wellingborough (Mr Bone), are we to take it that the a third of the world’s population in those emerging Labour party is not ruling out giving an in/out referendum markets. We keep hearing how good it will be, but when to the British public? will it happen?

Emma Reynolds: The hon. Gentleman seems to Emma Reynolds: That question might be more understand me better than the hon. Member for appropriate for the Foreign Office Minister. The point Wellingborough (Mr. Bone). Our position is that a that I am making, if the hon. Gentleman will listen, is referendum at this time would be a distraction from the that it is more likely that we will be able to prise open Government’s priority of getting the economy back on markets and change the rules of the game on intellectual track. The question about what our relationship with property rights and other issues if we are part of the the EU will become is open now, given the nature collective weight of the European Union. China, with of Mr Barroso’s speech last week, mentioned by the 1.3 billion people, has much more interest in forming a 257WH EU-UK Relationship (Reform)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 EU-UK Relationship (Reform) 258WH trading relationship with a European Union representing completely wrong—what the Prime Minister did was a 500 million consumers than with a single country within wake-up call and definitely in the interests not only of that Union. the City but of Britain.

Alec Shelbrooke: I am listening carefully to what the Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): Order. Before the hon. Lady said about being in Europe to negotiate such hon. Member for Wolverhampton North East (Emma trade terms. Will she clarify whether that means that we Reynolds) responds, she needs to think about bringing should have much further integration to open up those her remarks to a close. She has about two minutes left. markets? Emma Reynolds: I could not disagree with the hon. Emma Reynolds: That was not my point. We have Lady more—I have made that clear. much more influence and weight in international trade Today’s debate is reminiscent of the 1990s: the divisions negotiations acting as part of the European Union than of the Tory party have not yet healed. We have seen we do alone. I now want to make some progress. three different positions on the Government side: no Our membership of the European Union is also vital change and stay in; stay in and argue for repatriation to attracting foreign direct investment. I want to agree and renegotiation; and to get out. The Conservative with one point made by the hon. Member for South party is utterly divided. As long as the Government put Northamptonshire, that it would not be in our national the party interest before the national interest our stock interest to be in the position of Norway. A recent report in Europe will remain low and our ability to argue for by some Norwegian academics pinpoints a democratic reform will remain incredibly limited. It is regrettable deficit in Norway’s relationship with the EU, because that the Government are divided at home and weak in the country is bound by the single market’s rules, regulations Europe, and that they are therefore incapable of being a and laws, over which it has no say. If we were to put strong and effective voice for reform in Europe. ourselves in that position, it would not be in our national interest, so I agree with the hon. Lady on that. 10.47 am We are in favour of our membership, but we are not The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign defenders of the status quo. We would like to see a and Commonwealth Affairs (Mark Simmonds): Iam Europe that is more outward looking, that is stronger in delighted to see you in the Chair this morning, the world, that is—crucially, at the moment—better Mr Hollobone. I am sorry that the Minister for Europe, able to deal with the eurozone crisis and that reforms my right hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury some of its internal policies. We would like to see the (Mr Lidington), could not be present this morning. He multi-annual financial framework more focused on growth very much wanted to participate in this important debate, and job creation, a reform of the common agricultural but I was enthused to understand that I would be policy and, crucially, a completion of the single market responding within my first 10 days in my new ministerial in services. The only way to achieve such reform, however, role. is to have influence in the EU and not to be stranded on I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for South the sidelines. Northamptonshire (Andrea Leadsom) on securing the Regrettably, as a result of the Prime Minister’s walk-out debate and on the articulate, intelligent and comprehensive at the European summit in December, our stock in way in which she introduced it. I thank all colleagues Europe sits at an all-time low. [HON.MEMBERS: “ Rubbish.”] who have participated, many of whom fall into the If hon. Members visited European capitals and discussed category of what I call distinguished and principled with other politicians the stock of UK influence, they colleagues. In the time available, I am afraid that I will would have a pretty bad surprise. Negative tactics such not be able to answer all the specific questions. as vetoes and empty chairs are instruments of last I also want to put on the record the Government’s resort; they are open to member states and we should be thanks to my hon. Friends the Members for South prepared to consider their use in defence of a vital Northamptonshire, for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris), national interest, but in December no vital national for Truro and Falmouth (Sarah Newton) and for Camborne interest was defended. The Prime Minister’s protocol and Redruth (George Eustice), who deserve enormous on financial services was rejected as a retreat from credit for the valuable, significant and serious work of existing single market rules, and the rest of Europe the Fresh Start group. I hope that my hon. Friends and simply carried on without us. The Prime Minister’s others will continue to engage with such a vital issue, in action therefore incurred a loss of influence for no particular as we analyse the balance of competences in tangible gain. Ironically, as a result of what he did in a process that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary December, the Government are more reliant on an announced just before the summer recess and about institution that many Conservative Members love to which I intend to say more later. hate, the European Commission, which we must now depend on to protect the single market and its integrity. Mr Cash: One fundamental competence that I hope my hon. Friend agrees needs to be reviewed is whether Andrea Leadsom: I have to disagree completely with the British people are able to govern themselves by their the hon. Lady. The Prime Minister’s use of the veto, far own consent in general elections. Does he not agree that from giving us less influence in Europe, had the opposite that is the most fundamental democratic question that effect. What was astonishing was the complete wall of needs to be addressed on the European issue? ambassadors and others from the European Union coming to see many of those known to be interested in Mark Simmonds: My hon. Friend will not be surprised the EU to find out what the problem is, what was going to hear that I will not answer that question directly this on and what it is exactly that Britain wants. So she is morning. I urge him and others, however, to engage 259WH EU-UK Relationship (Reform)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 EU-UK Relationship (Reform) 260WH

[Mark Simmonds] with our partners to ensure that all European nations are equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century, positively and constructively with the forensic analysis by far the most important of which is global of the balance of competences, which will feed into a competitiveness. I am the first to acknowledge that national debate about the relationship that we should there is still much more to do to restore growth, both have with the European Union. inside and outside the eurozone. The Government remain I want to be up front in ensuring that all hon. vigorously committed to developing the European single Members understand that the Government have been market, to smarter and less costly EU regulation, and to absolutely clear that there should be no further transfer more free trade between Europe and the rest of the of competence or powers from the UK to the EU over world. We need a Europe that delivers prosperity, job the course of the Parliament. That is in stark contrast and wealth creation, and security, and a Europe that is with the Labour Government’s record. They were clearly more outward-looking, more dynamic and more wrong to sign the Lisbon treaty without consulting competitive on the global stage. British voters in any way. They were quite wrong to give away £7 billion of our rebate and to get nothing in Emma Reynolds: Would the Government not have return, and they were quite wrong to drop out of our more authority and influence when talking about growth opt-out from the social chapter, which means that in other European countries if we had growth here in employment laws are decided in Brussels, not here. the UK?

Alec Shelbrooke: Does that not illustrate the folly of Mark Simmonds: The hon. Lady makes an interesting the comments by the hon. Member for Wolverhampton point. It is vital in a globalising world to remain on the North East (Emma Reynolds)? She said that Britain is competitive side of the line. The reforms that this more isolated by taking a stance. We gave away all that Government have put in place since the May 2010 money, and what did we get for it? election will make a significant contribution to that. They include making our tax system the most competitive Mark Simmonds: I agree with my hon. Friend. The in the G20, making the UK the best place in Europe to Prime Minister’s veto back in December played a significant start, to finance and to develop a business, encouraging role in ensuring that he and the Government are always investment and exports as a route to balancing the seen to be protecting the UK’s national interest. That is economy after the shambolic economic mess that the absolutely right. The comments of the hon. Member for Labour Government left to the coalition Government, Wolverhampton North East (Emma Reynolds) on this and creating a more educated work force. Over time, matter are confusing, particularly in view of her those changes will deliver economic growth. unwillingness to rule out British membership of the Aligned with that, the single market is a significant euro, which the Government have done. driving force for prosperity. That is why we will continue with an ambitious programme of deepening the single Chris Bryant: If we are talking about things that will market while seeking to reduce unnecessary burdens. happen in the future, I would be delighted to know The single market supports UK jobs, prosperity and when the Government expect to have a resolution of the growth through increased trade and, vitally, helps the next financial perspective. The advice of the hon. Member UK to attract inward investment from inside and outside for South Northamptonshire is to have a shopping list Europe. We want the single market to continue to for the next couple of years, but a shopping list normally encourage competition and innovation throughout Europe, involves some spending, and I wonder whether, to secure to help to increase productivity in the UK, and to bring some of the things she wants, the Government will down prices for consumers so that UK businesses can abandon the rebate in that perspective discussion. benefit from a single regulatory regime, simplifying regulation, liberalising services and developing a single Mark Simmonds: It is clear that the UK’s agenda and digital market that will bring benefits to the UK. priorities—I hope to come to them in a moment—are Our national interests, our influence and our values about driving global competitiveness and economic growth are all advanced internationally through the co-operation to alleviate some of the problems that are prevalent in of states. However, as many hon. Members have rightly the eurozone. That includes further trading with the said, there is no doubt that the EU requires reform, and eurozone and—my hon. Friend the Member for Mid we certainly do not agree with everything the EU does. Norfolk (George Freeman), who is no longer in his It is absolutely clear that reform is required now more place, made this key point—not just with the eurozone, than ever. In our view, the UK should champion growth but further afield. This debate is extremely timely, and and the single market, and take the opportunity to provides an early opportunity to discuss the issues. It is shape Britain’s relationship with Europe in a way that clear that events in the eurozone will have wide-ranging advances our national interest in free trade, open markets implications, and its ultimate shape is unknown and and co-operation. uncertain. The Prime Minister made it clear on the We have led the debate on reducing the burden of EU Floor of the House in June that as Europe changes to regulation on business, and securing agreement on a meet the current challenges, our relationship with it breakthrough step to exempt micro-businesses from may also change. It is vital for Britain’s national interest, new EU proposals, but clearly more needs to be done. and for the European Union’s strength and prosperity, We have secured agreement on a unitary patent after that we meet those challenges. 23 years of EU negotiation. Amid all that change, my The coalition agreement that was set out at the beginning right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary announced an of this Parliament stated that the UK should be a analysis of the balance of competences between member positive participant in the European Union, working states and the EU. That vital review will be an audit of 261WH EU-UK Relationship (Reform) 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 262WH what the EU does and how it affects us in the United Energy Resources (Lancashire) Kingdom. It will look at where competences lie, how they are used, whether exclusive, shared or supporting, and what is important for our national interest. The 10.59 am process will begin in the autumn, and I urge all right Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con): hon. and hon. Members to participate. Given how many times I have previously raised this subject, I thought that I might bore the Energy Minister Mr Bone: Can my hon. Friend answer the question if I did so again. However, there has been a reshuffle that our hon. Friend the Member for Basildon and and there is a new Minister, so I now have a new Billericay (Mr Baron) posed earlier? He and I delivered audience. I take this opportunity to thank the previous a letter to No. 10 Downing street with more than Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Wealden 100 signatures from Conservative Members requesting (Charles Hendry), who always dealt with the matters I legislation in this Parliament for a referendum in the raised seriously and with his usual good humour. I am next Parliament on the balance of competences sure that the same will be true with the new Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for South Holland and Mark Simmonds: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for The Deepings (Mr Hayes), whom I congratulate on his that intervention. I confirm that the Prime Minister met new position. my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon and Billericay Put simply, my constituents and I are concerned that (Mr Baron) on 9 July to discuss the contents of the a huge amount of energy exploration and production is letter, and I understand that a formal reply will be sent going on across Lancashire and a lot more is planned. to him shortly. Energy production of almost every variety is being We have pressed for an open trading agenda that planned across the county, much of in or around my presents real opportunities and allows us to benefit constituency. We have wind turbines in abundance, both from investment in the UK. Our commitment to free onshore and offshore. We have nuclear power in Heysham trade is why the UK is still the leading destination for and the possibility of a new reactor there. We had the foreign investment into Europe. discovery of shale gas just outside my constituency—the fracking process, which was being undertaken by Cuadrilla, Mr Cash: Will the Minister give way? is currently on hold—and Halite Energy Group has applied to store natural gas in salt caverns in Preesall. Mark Simmonds: Perhaps my hon. Friend will bear We have small-scale hydro and solar schemes across the with me. I am coming to a conclusion, but I will be county, and we even have a serious proposal for a tidal happy to discuss with him afterwards the point he barrage across the mouth of the River Wyre in Fleetwood, wants to make. I am running out of time, and I want to which has been on hold since 1991; we are still waiting make a couple of key points. for a national statement on tidal power. The UK has been leading the way in trying to facilitate If any or all of those schemes go ahead, we face the free trade negotiations and agreements, and it has done additional pylons and substations needed to transfer so successfully with South Korea. It is leading the drive the power from Lancashire to the national grid. To for such agreements with Japan, Singapore, the USA underline the problem, I add that before any of those and Canada. new schemes have happened, the existing wind turbines My hon. Friend the Member for Stone (Mr Cash) in the Irish sea have led National Grid to consult on referred to the Barroso speech. I confirm that we are brand new pylons that would cross the Lake district. looking closely at its contents. We agree with some of The power would come over land or under the sea to the President’s analysis of the EU’s financial problems, Heysham, which is just outside my constituency, and such as the unsustainable levels of debt, the lack of arrive at the village of Quernmore, where a new substation competitiveness and some irresponsible behaviour in is proposed; then, to connect the power from the existing financial institutions, but the direction of travel is not turbines in the Irish sea to the national grid, large new always one that the UK wishes to take. pylons would be erected down the core of my constituency In conclusion, the immediate priority must be to and others to reach Pendle in Lancashire. That proposal restore market confidence, to drive growth, to negotiate takes no account of any of the other plans that I more trade agreements, to open up new markets, and to mentioned a moment ago. create wealth and jobs through competitiveness, innovation My question in a nutshell is: with all those proposals, and liberalisation. where is the overarching plan? Who assesses the effect of the multiple types of energy? How will all those energy developments impact on one another? Can the fact that other schemes are planned be considered as part of the planning process by the relevant planning authorities? I am also concerned because applicants resubmit applications that are almost entirely the same in nature, for the same sites, time after time, in a sort of salami-slicing process designed to wear down opposition. The Minister has a lot of questions to deal with, so to give him time, I shall highlight just one or two major proposals in my constituency. We are near the end of the planning process for proposals to store gas in excavated salt caverns under the River Wyre in Preesall. This is the third application: 263WH Energy Resources (Lancashire)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Energy Resources (Lancashire) 264WH

[Eric Ollerenshaw] pursued and supported nationally, local people must see a benefit, and from what I understand, the employment two previous applications from a company called Canatxx benefits are not large. were refused; and the third application to store the gas Fracking also has an impact on the scenery. If, in is from a new company, Halite. Residents are concerned addition to the pylons and wind turbines, storage wells about safety—we had the collapse of an old salt cavern are to be built all over that part of Lancashire, the in Preesall—and about the impact on the unique geology natural scenery will be destroyed. I am also concerned of the River Wyre. Alongside the Protect Wyre Group, I about the new substations and pylons needed for the and my fellow MPs will again oppose that third proposal. transportation of the gas. I pay tribute to the Protect Wyre Group, which is a residents’ association that has fought year-in, year-out Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con): As my hon. Friend against the proposals, with no extra money. It has none knows, many people in Fylde are concerned about of the resources of energy companies, but it is defending fracking. I call on the Minister to recognise that what I its bit of my constituency. What concerns the group is am pushing for is tight, robust regulation that is fit for the repeated applications, which it tries to deal with by purpose. We also have to take into account population fighting planning battles. The uncertainty in the meantime densities, because as my hon. Friend mentioned, our reduces property values because of worries about safety area is not like Wyoming or South Dakota. Lancashire and the possibility of compulsory purchase orders in is a densely populated place, which must be a major the area. factor. I even question the need for the development, and Eric Ollerenshaw: As usual, my hon. Friend hits the this is where the Ministry comes in. We understand that nail on the head. It is not so much that the people of there have been more than enough applications for Lancashire are opposed to the development; they see natural gas storage to meet national needs for years, yet opportunities in it both for them and for the country, we in Wyre and Preesall are faced with yet another but they are concerned about who will regulate it and application. Where is the overall national concern who will provide assurances about safety. At the moment, about how many applications will be allowed in the the only people in Lancashire doing the running on this process? The joined-up nature of the plans is what I issue are those who are against any kind of development, question. and a lot of my residents are left wondering who is The application to store gas in Preesall is also relevant telling the right story. because it highlights how one scheme might impact on I want to underline to the Minister the mineral rights other. Gas storage on its own may be deemed safe, but issue. That is a key issue in Lancashire. Who is to get the what if fracking were given the go-ahead on a larger benefits if the developments go ahead? I know that the scale just across the River Wyre in the constituency of Minister’s brief does not include planning, but knowing my hon. Friend the Member for Fylde (Mark Menzies)? him as I do, I am sure that he has a wide interest in Because of minor earthquakes, the Department of Energy energy impacts and in the planning process. I have and Climate Change has suspended the operations there, mentioned before that repeated planning applications which were being conducted by a company called Cuadrilla, unsettle local residents, especially when it comes to but how do those operations affect the proposal for the wind farm developments. In another example, in Claughton storage of natural gas in salt caverns on the other side moor, at the other end of my constituency, the original of the River Wyre? My understanding is that the planning application submitted by the developer was for 20 wind inspector is looking at the link as part of the Halite turbines between 110 and 126 metres high in an area of application, but I am unsure how much weight a outstanding natural beauty. It was rejected unanimously hypothetical development elsewhere carries when reaching by the planning authority, but the applicant then came a conclusion on the application that is in front of the back with another application, this time for 13 turbines. planning inspectorate. That was rejected and then rejected again on appeal, but we are now faced with a third application, this time I turn to the shale gas development. As I have stated for 12 turbines. Hon. Members can see what is worrying in previous debates, I am not against the development residents. If the third application is thrown out, will of shale gas, and many of my residents also see the there be a new application for 11 turbines? When does national need for gas. However, local people—particularly the process cease? people living in Bleasdale—are concerned because they It is all right for the developer and, presumably, the get their water not from the mains, but from bore holes. energy company behind it—they are willing to speculate One can see why they are concerned about the protection over a long period with a great deal of money—but of watercourses if the process is pursued. They will what about the local residents? Here, I pay tribute to the need reassurance about tight regulations and controls Friends of Eden, Lakeland and Lunesdale Scenery, the where underground watercourses may be affected. FELLS group. They are volunteers, who have steadfastly As I have mentioned in other debates, Lancashire is fought and fought and fought the applications, but they in danger of becoming like a British Texas, given all the are beginning to ask: when does the process come to an energy exploration, but the key thing about Texas is end? Residents in Preesall are in exactly the same position. that, despite the obvious blight, the wealth then goes to They are fighting the third application from Halite. Will local people. What I find difficult to explain to people is that be the final application? Will that be the end? I that we are part of the Duchy of Lancaster, and it is the believe that the Government must step in and say, duchy that controls and owns the mineral rights. Any “Enough is enough.” farmer who grants permission for fracking to go ahead We in Lancashire recognise that there is an important and gets the drills going will not get much return, and national need in relation to gas, electricity and, indeed, nor will the county or the district. If the process is to be any other kind of energy. Lancashire is clearly prepared 265WH Energy Resources (Lancashire)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Energy Resources (Lancashire) 266WH to play its part. As I am sure the Minister knows, it was, What we want in Lancashire is support to make up for historically, the centre or part of the centre of the the disastrous lack of planning by the previous Government industrial revolution. In the energy revolution, however, over 13 years. People understand that, but no one has we face so many applications and the possibility of all got to grips with it. We want some security. We want to sorts of things—pylons in particular—scarring the know that the Government are taking a balanced view countryside, that we are asking: who will take a balanced and that Lancashire will not just become a Texas where view on this? Will I and my fellow Members of Parliament there is no money, where the scenery is scarred by the for Lancashire face a succession of repeated applications, different attempts by different energy companies to get with residents worn down trying to deal with those their proposals through, and where residents have finally applications? given up the fight because they have to carry on with I would like to get a plug in for the proposed tidal their normal lives and their own jobs or work. We need barrage on the River Wyre. There is another oddity in some reassurance from the Department that people the energy balance in this country. It has always seemed are considering these issues and considering them to me odd that even though this is an island with seas sympathetically. Lancashire can deliver so much—so and the power of the waves, we are right at the bottom much—but we need that security for our residents. They of the table when it comes to using that energy. I know need to know that they will not be ignored, that they that the Government have brought through new proposals, will not be trodden over by energy companies and that but I repeat that what some of us want is a national the scenery that they have will be protected. statement on tidal power. The proposal for the River Wyre has existed since 1991. In 1991, the county council 11.17 am went through a whole planning process in relation to The Minister of State, Department of Energy and that tidal barrage, but now, all these years later, we are Climate Change (Mr John Hayes): It is always a delight still sitting here with the price of electricity rising. to serve under your benevolent and sagacious chairmanship, People can argue for or against a tidal barrage. Many Mr Hollobone. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member people would argue that it would have far less impact in for Lancaster and Fleetwood (Eric Ollerenshaw) on the form of scarring of the natural scenery in my part of securing the debate. Disraeli said, Lancashire than other proposals and that it would have “Man is only truly great when he acts from the passions” huge potential for regenerating the town of Fleetwood and my hon. Friend has shown that passion admirably and in terms of flood protection. The proposal is being today on behalf of his constituents and the area that he handled by a small group of people who are determined represents. I hope that I can equal that passion in my to try to get it on the agenda, but there is no possibility, determination to do right by his constituents; of course, it seems to me, of solid financial support to see whether we must do right by the national interest simultaneously. it is a runner in 2012. I say to the Minister that if it was My hon. Friend is right to focus on the circumstances a possible runner in 1991, it must be even more a in Lancashire with regard to energy infrastructure—gas possible runner in 2012, particularly given that that the storage, shale gas, nuclear and wind. He covered all revived proposals for the Severn barrage are on such a those matters in his remarks. He knows that securing massive scale. What some of us have proposed in Wyre sufficient energy is vital for the UK’s future—for national is the Wyre tidal barrage, because it would be on a much well-being but also for economic growth—but it is also smaller scale, being seen as a pilot to test the engineering vital that communities play their part in making key necessary for a scheme as huge as that on the Severn. decisions about the character of that investment. It is We all strike a different balance between the different right that they feel a sense of ownership of those parts of the energy process. Some of us prefer this, decisions and that they are fully involved and consulted some of us think that that might be better, and some of before any such decisions are taken. After all, those us like the other. What I am trying to underline in the issues, as he said, will impact on them now but also for debate is that the pressure on Lancashire, particularly years to come. They are matters of considerable concern my part of the county, is such that residents are questioning for those who look to their children’s and their where national, joined-up government is in the approach grandchildren’s future, as well as to the immediate taken to these matters. In the next few months, as I prospects that he has described. mentioned, we will have the proposal from National I think that the Government can be proud of the Grid for new pylons in relation to existing wind power approach that we are taking to these concerns, not least from the Irish sea. That proposal and others will ratchet through the sustainability appraisal process for the national up the debate. There will be the final hearings in relation policy statements at a strategic level, but also at the to Halite and there is the possibility of a new nuclear project level for nationally significant infrastructure, station at Heysham. Interestingly, the support for a new where interactions between developments are considered nuclear station at Heysham is pretty widespread because independently and objectively. The debate is an excellent people can see the strength of the proposal and the job opportunity to highlight the Government’s overarching opportunities that it would provide. Given the safety strategy for energy and infrastructure and to provide record of the present Heysham power stations, which is reassurance to my hon. Friend and other Members. I second to none, there are very few quibbles from the see my hon. Friend the Member for Fylde (Mark Menzies), majority of the population in my area about the proposal. who has been a worthy champion, in his place and I Again, however, although the proposal has been made, would not ignore my hon. Friend the Member for Wyre I am not sure exactly where it lies in the national and Preston North (Mr Wallace). My hon. Friend the strategy. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood made a powerful What we want in Lancashire is a share of the cake. I case on behalf of his constituents in defence of what he underline the duchy and mineral rights issue, which is identified as the strategic changes and cumulative effects real. What we want in Lancashire is, obviously, jobs. of energy matters. My hon. Friend the Member for 267WH Energy Resources (Lancashire)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Energy Resources (Lancashire) 268WH

[Mr John Hayes] national need. Will the Minister reaffirm that that is still the case and that this particular application does not Fylde has been notable for his keen interest in the necessarily make or break the national strategy? development of shale gas particularly. I will say a little about it today, but more in due course. Mr Hayes: I am looking at gas storage closely; indeed, We should be in no doubt about the massive scale of I met with my officials on it in anticipation of the investment required to ensure our energy security over debate. We will shortly publish our gas strategy, and it is the coming decades and to make the transition to a inconceivable that consideration of storage will not lower-carbon economy. Our electricity plant is old and form part of it. I have personally asked to take a very needs replacing. About a fifth of our existing capacity is close look at the matter for the reasons my hon. Friend due to close over the next decade and will be replaced highlights. It is critical to see it as part of the solution to by energy sources that are increasingly intermittent, the challenge I describe, but to do so in the round. I such as wind, or inflexible, such as nuclear. As my hon. hear what he says and will certainly feed it into the Friend the Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood knows, discussions we are having. The policy statements were almost all our existing nuclear plant is due to close by subject to a rigorous sustainability appraisal process, about 2023. Despite being aware of the time scales, in which looked at the strategic impacts of a range of recent years, as he described, we simply did not see the policy options. necessary levels of investment. My hon. Friend the Member for Lancaster and For the first time in a generation, we faced the Fleetwood mentioned shale gas, which I will speak prospect that at the end of the decade there would about at some length. As he knows, the Select Committee simply not be enough electricity to meet demand. That on Energy and Climate Change carried out an inquiry is clearly not merely unpalatable, but wholly unacceptable into shale gas, which confirmed that, providing good for our economy and wider society. Our priority therefore industry practice is followed and careful regulation is to rebuild our power sector to guarantee our energy applied, hydraulic fracturing—fracking—is unlikely to security, and to do so in a genuinely low-carbon way at pose a risk to ground water or aquifers. The Royal the lowest possible cost to consumers. Those are the Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering recently balancing elements in the task that I have been set in my reported on a detailed study into the potential risks of job: to ensure energy security at the lowest possible shale gas extraction and how those can be managed. cost, to attract investment, and of course to do so in a Let me be absolutely clear: before there is any return way that is sensitive to local communities and delivers to the exploration necessary—long before production, the sense of ownership to which I referred a few moments by the way—I will ensure that rigorous measures are in ago. place to minimise risk, to take local community interest To put it in crystal clear terms, we need twice as much into account, and to allow for a rigorous and thorough investment in every year of this decade, as in the last planning process. It would be absolutely wrong to proceed decade. To put it in numbers, we need £110 billion on any other basis. As a result of the debate, and of invested in our energy infrastructure in this decade course the earlier work that all my hon. Friends here alone. I learned that fact on the first day I came to this today have done, I am happy to meet them to talk job, and I came to appreciate, perhaps as never before, through the issues prior to publication of any further the scale of the task. Every part of the country has a statement from the Government on the subject. We role to play, and all stand to benefit from secure energy shall make those arrangements through my officials in supplies, the jobs created—as my hon. Friends the the normal way. Members for Lancaster and Fleetwood and for Fylde Clearly, there is a need to navigate a careful path in mentioned—and the stimulus to the UK economy. We overseeing this interesting new energy source. The need to proceed in a way that is appropriate in terms of Government have been active in ensuring that regulations not only the energy mix that we deliver, but the and monitoring systems in the UK meet that need, not environmental impact of the investment. My hon. Friend least in their current consideration of the comments the Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood made that received in response to expert reports on seismic tremors point repeatedly and powerfully here and previously. in Blackpool last year, as my hon. Friend the Member The energy national policy statements designated in for Lancaster and Fleetwood will be aware. The constituency July last year set out the need for new energy infrastructure in which much of the activity takes place is often to deliver power to the low-carbon economy. They help described as Blackpool, but is in fact the constituency to ensure that the UK is a truly attractive market for of my hon. Friend the Member for Fylde, which is investors in energy infrastructure, by ensuring that the partly why he has been such a champion of the interests planning system is rapid, predictable and accountable. of local people. We published the report of a panel of The overarching national policy statement EN-1 sets independent experts and are considering the comments out an overview of the Government’s strategy, and the received. The Environment Agency has concluded that policy that will lead to an 80% reduction in greenhouse any further fracking operations in Lancashire will require gas emissions by 2050, while maintaining security of permits, which will of course be subject to public supply and ensuring affordability for customers. consultation. To ensure full co-ordination of the work of the Mr Ben Wallace (Wyre and Preston North) (Con): At regulators, we have established a strategy group, chaired the last two meetings I had with the Minister’s by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, predecessor—at one stage my hon. Friend the Member including the Health and Safety Executive, the Department for Lancaster and Fleetwood also met with him—it was for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Department made clear to us that there were more than enough for Communities and Local Government and the applications for gas storage in the pipeline to cover Environment Agency, to oversee the strategic and regulatory 269WH Energy Resources (Lancashire) 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 270WH issues of shale gas. It is right to say that shale gas in the Teachers Pay UK is still in its earliest days; just one well in the UK has been drilled and fracked, and the production prospects are unknown at this stage. However, it may prove to be [MR PHILIP HOLLOBONE in the Chair] an interesting, additional energy source, providing that 2.30 pm the regulations are in place and all the necessary precautions are taken. My hon. Friends take a measured, moderate John Pugh (Southport) (LD): I congratulate the Minister and sensible approach to such things. for Schools on his new role, and I welcome him to that As you see, Mr Hollobone, I am rushing through my post. One downside of having such a role is ending up speech at immense speed. My hon. Friend the Member on a Tuesday afternoon, when he probably has better for Lancaster and Fleetwood also mentioned pylons. things to do, for over an hour and a half in a half-empty Network companies, such as National Grid, are required Chamber answering a debate. Fortunately, I have prepared to make a balanced assessment of the benefits of reducing a Castro-like peroration that should adequately fill that any environmental impacts against the costs and technical time, and more, should we need it. challenges of doing so, following extensive consultation I apologise in advance, Mr Hollobone, because you with stakeholders. My Department will assess each will also have to put up with my presentation not being application on a case-by-case basis, taking advice from as seamless as I would wish and with my being more local authorities. We will certainly take into account discursive than I ordinarily am. That is largely a product visual amenity and other impacts, as well as consultations of the fact that, having extensively prepared for this with, and representations from, affected communities. debate, I e-mailed myself my thoughts and considered analysis, only to discover about half an hour ago that In addition, I will personally work with the Planning the e-mail had not actually arrived. I therefore had to Minister. As a result, once again, of the debate, I have reconstruct everything from the beginning all over again. arranged a meeting with him to do just that. It is However, I broadly know what I want to say, and I important to keep such things under regular review to genuinely want to put it on the record. It is worth while see whether the existing system is fit-for-purpose in to discuss what will soon be a topical issue, particularly delivering the outcomes we all want. After all, are we at the Liberal Democrat conference, where we will not in politics to pursue truth and beauty? Is beauty not debate regional pay. the expression of truth? We must not see things in entirely utilitarian terms; perhaps that has been the Teachers pay has always been subject to national problem with the debate in the past, but now I am here negotiation, and most teachers have been paid on the to put that right. same scales across the country. There have always been independent schools. Some, such as Eton, have paid a My hon. Friend the Member for Lancaster and lot more than the state’s going rate; some—the poorer Fleetwood also mentioned wind power. It is of course ones—have paid a lot less; and some have shielded right that we meet our targets for emissions, and he will themselves behind the state system. It was quite common also know that there is a renewables target. We consider for independent schools to have a pay spine that adequately such matters carefully in all respects. I hear what he says reflected the state system, which enabled an easy interchange about cumulative impact and I know the views of the of teachers between the state and the independent systems. House on these matters. I will look again, as any new However, most independent schools had arrangements Minister would, with appropriate rigour and vigour. that allowed them some of the benefits of the state My hon. Friend made many other remarks, with system as well as additional opportunities—for example, which I have not been able to deal, but, as is my habit as to give people particular allowances or perks for coaching a Minister, I will write to him picking up in detail all the sports and the like. Independent schools had real advantages matters that he raised. My officials are already busy from that arrangement, partly because teachers could constructing that letter. It has been a pleasure to speak obviously retain their pension arrangements when they in the debate and a pleasure to hear from him. Let us moved from sector to sector. move forward together, in confidence, delivering energy There was a halcyon day long ago when the particular security sustainably. scales and positions on offer at an individual state school were determined by the local authority. Certainly, 11.30 am in my early days on a local education authority we Sitting suspended. discussed whether this or that school should have, for example, further scale 4 posts or deputy head or senior teacher posts. Those days disappeared when schools argued quite vocally for more control over such matters. The tendency started in Cambridge, with local management of schools, and it spread rapidly through the country and was eventually enforced by the Government. The whole picture of teachers pay is one of increasing flexibility. One flexibility offered recently has been the ability of head teachers to be remunerated irrespective, almost, of the size of their school. At one time, a head teacher’s wage was entirely fixed by the number of pupils in their school. In their wisdom, the previous Government saw fit to give governing bodies some discretion over that. Not surprisingly, right across the country, head teachers salaries went up very appreciably, regardless of the size of their school. 271WH Teachers Pay18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Teachers Pay 272WH

[John Pugh] of anyone in the room—when female teachers were paid less than male teachers. There has been a recent In the previous Government’s education policy, the drive in local authorities to equalise pay in schools, for, thinking was that teachers who wished to stay in the say, people working in catering establishments. Previously, classroom and were good classroom teachers should be manual workers in local authorities were usually female remunerated more flexibly. Yet again, a new offer was and were paid less than their male equivalents. put on the table and it was taken up avidly in many schools, in which pretty well everyone, regardless of the Kevin Brennan: I am glad that the hon. Gentleman quality of their teaching, was given additional funds. has mentioned that. On that basis, does he regret as Historically, there was a real identification of the need much as I do the Government’s decision to abolish the to remunerate teachers in areas of appreciable stress, support staff body that was trying at least to set some particularly inner-city areas. That goes back a long way. guidance on pay scales for such staff? I think that, under the previous Conservative Government, teachers working in areas of identifiable deprivation John Pugh: I am aware that most local authorities were given an additional salary for remaining there. The have had to dig deep into their coffers to adhere to a net effect was not quite what was intended: in some principle, which, at the time at least, was thought to be cases, such teachers simply stayed there, because to largely uncontentious but entirely necessary. In fact, it move anywhere else would normally have resulted in a was prohibitively expensive for a large number of councils. loss of income. They were to some extent beaten into submission over a period, and they remained for decades The principle of equal pay for equal work is not in the same school, ploughing the same furrow. peculiar to teaching or to the public sector. Many national employers—I shall not bother to list them now Recently, people have thought of bringing performance but I can provide the details if Members are interested—are management into teachers remuneration. That is clearly not aware of where their workers live and, by and large, reflected in the current scales and the arrangements wish to pay people the same amount for the same job. whereby teachers can move between different scales. It As this is such an obviously transparent principle, we has to be said, however, that the research is mixed on do not want to depart far from it or we would require a the actual benefits, and I have seen research from the good reason for doing so. That is where my argument OECD that raises some questions. Locale has obviously takes off. I am suggesting that equal pay for equal work been another determinant of teachers pay. Historically, is a sound principle and that to depart from it requires a for as long as anybody can remember, there has been a solid reason. London weighting that reflects the difficulties that teachers sometimes experience in acquiring affordable housing A reason that has emerged in recent days, which no in the London area. Finally, another flexibility that can one would put as blatantly as I will, is that we do not be identified is that Governments have periodically put need to pay equal pay for equal work because we can extra funding on the table to attract teachers in particular get away with not doing so. Most people would not shortage subjects or to welcome into schools those who generally announce such an argument in all its gory had not previously been teachers. detail because if we follow it through, we would probably There have been variations over time. I accept that end up paying women less than men and migrant workers such variations will continue and will have different less than native workers, and do a whole series of things effects, and that some of the intended effects will be that would be regarded as poor industrial practice. wholly successful and some will not. However, the bulk None the less such practice may be implied by some talk of the changes that I have outlined have been relatively about market-facing pay. uncontentious, because they were seen as clear and Another reason why teaching can depart from the necessary and they recognised adjustments to schools’ principle of equal pay for equal work is that it can be needs. The picture resulting from those various manoeuvres applied to an individual employer. It could be argued has not been a big political difficulty for anyone. It is that state independent schools—academies and the like— quite clear that there are different degrees of teacher cannot differentiate within their work force, but they turnover throughout the country—teachers find it hard can differentiate between their work force and other to move out of some areas and hard to move into other people who work for other institutions. In that case, areas. teachers are seen not as a national work force but as an The profile of teachers to some extent varies across individual work force assigned to a particular school. the country, in different places at different times. I We are, therefore, accepting the principle that each suggest that the profile of the teacher work force in individual school can make up its own mind. I am told London represents a younger cohort than, for example, that 35% of academies have, to some degree, departed in the north-west, where I live. However, the teaching from national pay and conditions. The majority of force of England, under the arrangements for teachers them, for quite sound reasons, have not done so because throughout the country, has by and large subscribed to it creates more ructions than people need or welcome. the argument that it is a good principle to have equal Even independent schools that are not in the state pay for equal work. sector prefer, for quite solid practical reasons, to abide by the national pay schemes. If our employers play fair Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): For the record, by all their employees, I cannot argue with them and say will the hon. Gentleman acknowledge that in the context that they are not offering equal pay for equal work. of national pay scales for teachers, we are talking—this is rare these days—about England and Wales? There are two other arguments that I want to attend to and dwell on. One argument for paying teachers John Pugh: I am happy to do so. Historically, however, differentially in different areas, which has been put equal pay as a principle has not been adhered to, quite forcibly in recent times, is that it will have other because there was a phase—long before the living memory non-educational benefits for those areas. We might refer 273WH Teachers Pay18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Teachers Pay 274WH to that as the crowding out theory, which is quite well business of regenerating disadvantaged areas. I have analysed in the document “Crowding out: fact or fiction?” been to many events where the main topic has been the Notwithstanding that it is prepared for Unison, it contains regeneration of the north and I have not come across a lot of pretty solid research in and around the subject. anyone who has ever said, “What we want is for somebody It insists that if teachers in a low-wage area are paid to take public sector wages down a slice. That would less—in other words closer to the average wage for do it.” those areas—more people would seek work in the private Curiously, the only people whom I have heard put sector and fewer would seek work as teachers. those sentiments are bright young men in think-tanks in It is not obvious to me that we want fewer people London; people who have their feet firmly on the ground, seeking to be teachers in areas of disadvantage, or that particularly the ground in the north, tend not to say more people seeking work in the private sector where those things, if ever. As an argument for regional pay jobs are scarce and oversubscribed would be a good for teachers, that does not seem to be sustainable. thing. There is no real shortage of vacancies in the I want to look at another argument for having variations private sector in those areas where teachers are paid in teachers pay across the regions that has emerged very above the average wage for that area. Certainly, the idea recently. It is a different type of argument and, frankly, of getting more teachers to drift in that direction would it is one that, when I put together the analysis for the not necessarily solve any problems, nor would it make a Liberal Democrat submission on regional pay, we did difference to the number of jobs available in either not really take on board. The regional pay submission sector. I simply do not follow the logic presented there. deals quite adequately with issues such as crowding out, It is quite clearly the case that in the private sector, there and so on, but what we did not expect was an argument is a real dearth of jobs. that public services themselves would improve if teachers were paid differentially across the country. Kevin Brennan: Just to keep the hon. Gentleman going on that point, is it not also perfectly possible that, The new argument emerged from some research carried as a result of his argument, there could be fewer jobs in out by the university of Bristol—by Carol Propper and the private sector as a result of such a policy, because its her team, I think—into the benefits of a regional pay net effect would be to reduce the spending power in that system, or, to put it the other way round, the disadvantages locality? That would impact on the availability of private of a national pay system. Members will recall that the sector jobs, as the demand for labour is a derived research was covered quite extensively in the press, and amount. it seemed to have the consequence of leading people to believe that if pay in London or the south-east was John Pugh: The hon. Gentleman could almost be markedly better than pay in Humberside or the midlands, quoting from this excellent document on regional pay, not only would that be “a good thing” or make it easier which is submitted by more than 20 Liberal Democrat to get teachers to London, but it would improve the MPs. The point is that the one thing that we will do if performance of schools in London; and that a national we repress the amount of money going into the areas of pay system actually disadvantaged educational outcomes less advantage is to reduce demand for private sector in the south-east and other areas of high average wages. opportunities, services and goods. That is demonstrable. The research received an enormous amount of media If we want to balance out the economy, as the Government coverage about two weeks ago, and it paralleled previous do, and so they should, that is not a part of doing that. research by the same body at the university of Bristol We could argue that as a result of public sector jobs which argued that similar sorts of effects could be being that little bit cheaper, we will get more public observed in the health service—that, for example, people sector jobs in those areas, so the total amount of money in certain high-demand or high-wage areas were more will not diminish. However, I am not aware that it is the likely to die as a result of a heart attack than people in Government’s current intention to increase the number other areas, simply because there were national pay of public sector jobs. scales. Looking briefly at that research, it is based on an Kevin Brennan: Would not the whole point of such a examination of pupil progress between key stage 2 and policy be to bring about a fiscal transfer away from key stage 4 and of average professional wages in different those areas in order to be able to pay a greater salary to parts of the country. It notes that pupil progress, as public sector workers in other areas? measured by class data in a value-added way, does not seem to be as significant or as appreciable in high-wage John Pugh: Yes, I do not dispute the hon. Gentleman’s areas as it is in low-wage areas—in other words, those analysis. We could assume—this would be the sole who live in a wealthy part of the country are less likely salvation of the theory—that there are lots of people to see the same degree of value-added progress in their currently teaching or in other public sector areas who school as others elsewhere do. I will explain that in a have the in-demand skills that cannot easily be filled in little more detail. We are not talking about attainment the private sector in the less advantaged areas. However, here, as attainment by pupils in wealthy areas is better I see no evidence that that is the case. It rather goes than that of pupils in poorer areas. We are talking against the general view that we need to attract science about the difference from key stage 2 to key stage 4, and graduates into schools and away from better paid jobs in particular whether key stage 4 replicates or improves in industry, which both Governments have endeavoured on key stage 2. to do. The theory baffles me and it is incapable of When that research was reported, the press coverage intelligent presentation. A confirmatory bit of evidence was fairly stark and fairly crude. I have to say that the that might lead us to think that there is something press release for the research was also fairly stark and seriously flawed about this theory is that it is rarely fairly crude. I do not believe that the report is wholly voiced by people who are genuinely engaged with the warranted by the data as presented by the Bristol team, 275WH Teachers Pay18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Teachers Pay 276WH

[John Pugh] score comparatively poorly on value-added measures. We may not be assessing the school in the way that we but the quality of the research is pretty hard to judge, believe we do with the current value-added measures. because the correlation established is not based on raw I do not want to be counter-intuitive and suggest that data; it is arrived at after data has been manipulated teachers’ salaries in areas of high cost make absolutely and tweaked in a very complex way. The description of no difference, but I am sceptical that they make the what was done to the data is a little opaque for the difference that the Bristol research suggests. Obviously, faint-hearted and for journalists, and perhaps also for if a teacher moves to an area such as London, a lot of policy makers. I wanted to terrify the Hansard writers their salary will be used to pay the mortgage; people by reading out the equation, or set of hieroglyphics, have always recognised that and the need for a London that is presented in the research. It is enormously formidable, weighting—it has added to an already overheated market, I am afraid. It says that it is: but I think people can see a broad case for it, none the “A simple education production function…which considers less. Housing aside, however, living in the capital is not the importance of controlling for alternative labour market necessarily more expensive than living in Yeovil or opportunities when examining the degree to which teacher wages Norwich. Certainly transport in London is a lot cheaper affect student outcomes”. than in those places, and utilities and consumables are I can only illustrate this visually, but there follows a line at least as cheap, if not cheaper, in London. of hieroglyphics containing so many variables that it I do not dispute that high house prices have an would take a brave man to say what each individual one influence on staff turnover; they clearly do. Often when means. I must say that there is an opacity to this a young couple wants to start a family, they have to equation—the way that the variables are treated—that move to areas of cheaper housing to find family-sized makes it rather difficult for all but the most resolute to accommodation. Therefore, quite naturally, London’s understand how the data has been treated, and consequently teacher profile tends to have a disproportionate number we have seen nothing so far in the way of peer review. of second wage-earners, many of them female, and The equation is described as being relatively “simple”, young teachers who have not yet got to the stage when but anybody who has looked at page 9 of the Bristol they want to start a family. That may be a good thing; it research will have been terrified by what they saw and is not necessarily a bad thing. may not have ventured any further; consequently they The Propper thesis, however, is that national pay will be reluctant to engage in intensive peer review. schemes lead to worse outcomes and experiences. That is the nuts and bolts of it—the heart of it. It is fundamentally Looking at the theory, what it claims to establish is what Propper is leading us to believe, and it is the only an association between being in an area where conclusion that some people are inclined to draw. How average professional wages are high and not seeing an does one respond to that? enormous amount of value-added effect between key stage 2 and key stage 4. That is not the same as a causal connection. As far as I can follow it, the research does Kevin Brennan: Is it not also part of the theory that not claim that national pay causes lesser progress in much of what teachers do is—I think Propper used this wealthy areas, although of course that could be claimed word—discretionary, and therefore there is a wage and in fact many of the press reports read into that disincentive effect that means that teachers are, in effect, research exactly that claim. Furthermore, the research lazier in certain areas than in others? does not necessarily imply any clear policy response even if a causal connection were to be established. After John Pugh: From the value-added data, there is an all, regional pay along the lines anticipated by the implication that in high-value areas—wealthier areas, researchers might actually widen the differences in where housing costs are higher and where we may want attainment between richer and poorer areas. We might to make some adjustments in teachers’ salaries—something argue whether or not that would be a good thing. is happening in the teaching force that explains the difference in the value-added data between such areas There are other associations that we could talk about, and others. which show the difference between establishing association My response to that is to set Propper against Popper, and establishing a causal link. It is generally the case by whom I mean Karl Popper, author of “The Logic of that in areas of wealth, the behavioural challenges Scientific Discovery”. I am sceptical about economics presented by pupils tend to be less, and in areas of as a science—certainly as a predictive one—but the one deprivation the behavioural challenges presented by hallmark the philosopher Karl Popper taught us to pupils tend to be greater than those found elsewhere, look for in any theory was: how might it be falsified? If but it would not be safe to draw the conclusion that a theory cannot be falsified and yet is potentially falsifiable, pupils in the wealthy areas need to play up a bit in order it is a good theory and worth sticking to. The question to get better results. That would be a wholly inappropriate one has to ask is: if the theory holds water, or if the data conclusion. As I say, establishing association is not stand the interpretation given, how would one know establishing a causal link; that is the first point. that? My second point is that it could be said that research I would like people to ask themselves this question: by the university of Lancaster into value-added, which what ought not to happen if Propper’s theory is true? I Members may be familiar with, shows that there is only will suggest just one thing. What ought not to happen— a loose connection between what a school does and what we ought not to find—is that lessons in wealthy value-added measures. There is a lot of research on this areas, where the teaching pool is smaller, are as good as subject, which brings into question what value-added those in less wealthy areas. That is easily testable by data actually tells us. Also, it is interesting to note that looking at, not the data, but Ofsted reports and the selective grammar schools that teach their pupils well number of lessons that the reports say are satisfactory 277WH Teachers Pay18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Teachers Pay 278WH and less than satisfactory. I presume—I have not checked shared his approach with the Opposition, teachers and this, although I have tabled questions—that those reports the devolved Administrations, rather than ridden roughshod show nothing that will confirm the Propper hypothesis, over everyone. and that lessons in Barnet are just as good as those in Salford. I expect that to be the case, so I do not think John Pugh: I think the Secretary of State said, at the that we need to be over-detained by the theory, despite end of his statement yesterday, that he was offsetting the publicity it has received. We should put the theory the 10 years of drift and confusion—frankly, I think rapidly to a clear test and see whether what the theory that was a rather schoolboy remark. Teachers listening leads us to anticipate in fact happens. I suggest that it to it will have recognised that there have been difficulties does not, and we probably know that. in exams, that changes have been made and that we Why is all that important? Why have I gone out of my need to make further changes, and teachers will get way to criticise both the crowding out theory and the behind further changes, but to say that 10 years has Propper data? It is because there is an important issue achieved nothing and that today we will start on a new concerning the debate on regional pay that is probably venture in which everything will be that much easier, is bigger than that debate itself. Politically, it is stupid for to mistake what has always happened throughout the any Government to antagonise the teaching profession, history of British education. When things work well which normally thinks, in a communitarian spirit, that and progress is made, everyone has their shoulder behind regional pay is not necessary and which will not be the wheel because everyone can see the sense of it. persuaded by the need, rationale and motives behind When we try to appropriate success or schemes that the regional pay push. I think it is unnecessary to other people either do not acknowledge, do not understand antagonise a group that is already sufficiently involved or do not appreciate, we hamper the degree of progress, in asking questions of the Government regarding policy even by our own lights, that we intend to make. on pensions, pay freezes and the like. I have gone on long enough and my Castro-like The big game for all of us is to improve educational peroration is now at an end. There is not an intelligently standards in the country. We need teachers to buy into defensible case for regional pay—certainly, neither the the Government’s agenda and to make it theirs. In my Propper hypothesis nor the crowding out theory provide experience of education policy, nothing much is achieved such a case, although I am happy to debate them ad without teachers embracing, endorsing and involving nauseam—but even if there were, it would be a political themselves in it. We have seen Secretaries of State over minefield that, judging by the extent of the political the years come forward with initiative after initiative, opposition, is not likely to lead to beneficial results but and only some of them have had an impact. Those have is likely to lead to a scarring debate that will hamper been the ones that teachers have been able to believe in progress in significant areas of education. themselves, such as local management of schools, which I mentioned earlier and which I think is widely believed 3.11 pm in. The ability to build a consensus across the piece, Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): I thank the hon. which is necessary, will be hampered if we get into a Gentleman for his speech and congratulate him on debate about regional pay apropos teaching. It is simply securing this debate. His peroration was not Castro-like not worth the candle for the limited dividends it potentially at all; it was considerably better argued than a Castro can bring, even for those whose support it, and it will speech and considerably shorter, although it was perhaps produce only tears at the end of the day. long for this Chamber. As usual, his extremely well Improving education is a long and collaborative process. argued speech was a philosophical trot through the Yesterday in the Chamber, the Secretary of State introduced issues. quite significant reforms that we need to examine. Not I also welcome the Minister for Schools, the right all teachers have necessarily bought into them straight hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr Laws) and wish him good away—they have concerns about them, and they wish luck in his new role. As he knows, his job is very that they had been consulted in advance as well as post important. This is the first time I have faced him since hoc—but it is possible to get everyone behind the same the reshuffle. We came into the House at the same time. agenda, and if we do not do that, we simply do not get In fact, we made our maiden speeches on the same day, any results. We saw elements of that yesterday in the so I have watched his progress with great interest; Chamber. I was watching the debate on the monitor, obviously, I will watch his progress with even greater and I noted significant contributions from the right interest in the months to come. Reflecting on the reshuffle, hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough a number of Education Ministers have gone: the hon. (Mr Blunkett) and the former chair of the Select Committee Members for Brent Central (Sarah Teather), for Bognor on Education, the hon. Member for Huddersfield Regis and Littlehampton (Mr Gibb)—whom the Minister (Mr Sheerman). Both said exactly the same thing to the replaces—and for East Worthing and Shoreham (Tim Secretary of State: if we are going to make progress—the Loughton). One other Education Minister wanted to kind of progress that no one disputes should be made— go but was unable to do so. If, as often happens after a there must be a prevailing consensual atmosphere. reshuffle, training is offered to Ministers, the Schools Minister might want to suggest an assertiveness training Kevin Brennan: Does the hon. Gentleman agree that course for Lord Hill for the next time he tries to resign the problem with the way in which the Secretary of from the Government. State has gone about reform in this area—an area in The Schools Minister takes his post at a time when which we all believe there should be reform—is that he teacher morale is at a pretty low ebb, and he needs to do has chosen to do so in order to make a political point something to try to improve that situation, because low about rigour and standards, not an educational one? If teacher morale is not good for learning or for standards he had wanted to make that point, he would have and outcomes. He may be aware that I was a teacher in 279WH Teachers Pay18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Teachers Pay 280WH

[Kevin Brennan] Why would the imposition of local and regional pay on teachers be the wrong approach? Well, there are a a previous period of low morale in the 1980s, which number of reasons, both educational and economic. sadly resulted in a great deal of disruption because of Earlier, we discussed the potential damage if spending an approach to pay and conditions that led to a great power is taken out of the economies of more deprived deal of unhappiness among teachers. In the context in areas. Economics is a dismal science, as the hon. Gentleman which we meet today, at a time of low morale with the hinted in his remarks, and it would be a big mistake Government considering the whole issue of national simply to take a micro-economic argument in isolation pay and conditions, it would be a welcome step if the from the macro-economic argument, which is exactly Minister took a grip and rejected, for many of the the mistake the Government are making in their overall reasons outlined by the hon. Member for Southport economic policy on the deficit. On regional pay, if a (John Pugh), the approach to teachers pay to which the significant amount of spending power is taken out of Secretary of State seems philosophically wedded. those areas of the country by reducing the wages of The Minister may be aware that the School Teachers reasonably well paid public servants in the hope that Review Body is currently considering teachers pay at that would make the private sector more attractive to the Secretary of State’s behest. The other day, I read them, the Government would have to posit a huge with interest the secret teacher’s contribution to The increase in private sector productivity for that to have a Guardian on teachers pay, which summed up quite well positive economic impact. Those of us with our feet on some of the teaching profession’s anxieties. The secret the ground know that, in practice, cutting fairly well teacher’s birthday is on 28 September, which is the paid jobs in such areas would take spending power out deadline the Secretary of State has given Patricia Hodgson, of the local economy, thereby damaging the provision the chair of the School Teachers Review Body, to return of public services and damaging the private sector by her recommendations on teachers pay. I hope the Minister suppressing demand for goods and services, so there is a does not use that information to try to ascertain the strong economic argument against going down that secret teacher’s identity, but the secret teacher points road. It would also make it harder to recruit good out just how anxious teachers are about the steps the teachers in more deprived areas. As the hon. Member Secretary of State is taking to consider market-facing for Southport suggested, the job is often more challenging pay, regional pay or whatever we call it in the end. The in such areas, which are not necessarily seen as the most secret teacher also points out that one of the common desirable places to live in. features of high-performing jurisdictions, which, by the The hon. Gentleman also raised the basic philosophical way, we are too in this country—perhaps the Secretary issue of equal pay for equal work. Yes, we could take a of State should say that more often—is long-term purely laissez-faire approach and pay different people at investment in pay to attract a higher quality of applicant different rates for the same work; but we still have a to the job. The Labour Government tried to emulate national education system, despite the increased number that. of academies, and it seems to me that we should try to The hon. Member for Southport mentioned that hold on to that basic principle. teachers pay is now linked more to classroom performance, As to the overall impact on teacher morale—I referred and I make no apology for that. Certainly when I was a earlier to the “Secret Teacher” article—there is no doubt teacher, often the only way for a teacher to get paid that it is at a low ebb at the moment. Introducing more, apart from through the incremental points for relative pay, or reducing it in some areas, especially in experience, was to take on a responsibility outside the the current context of pay freezes, would have a major classroom. Some of the best teachers ended up doing impact on teacher morale. The question would arise, I administration rather than what they should have been guess, of how to stop schools paying what they wanted doing, which was standing in a classroom and using to. The only way would be to reduce the funding available their excellent teaching skills to help young people to in areas where it was intended that pay should be achieve their potential. reduced. There are thus also huge implications for There is a great deal of unhappiness among the school funding, which are not being planned for. teaching associations and unions on teachers pay, and I Bureaucracy is also an issue. What structure would hope the new Schools Minister will take an approach of be required to determine the rates that would apply; or dialogue, consensus and working in partnership with would that be left purely to the market? There is no real the teaching profession to work through some of those evidence that relatively high public sector pay damages issues, rather than taking the more confrontational and the private sector. At a time such as now, when there is “impositional” approach that the Secretary of State high unemployment, including graduate unemployment, tends to take from time to time. there is, if anything, an excess supply of labour available On regional pay in education, the hon. Member for for the private sector to recruit from. Regional pay Southport gave a fairly comprehensive presentation on variations in similar jobs are relatively small. Large the arguments. The argument seems to be that, where organisations in the private sector typically tend to have local pay and costs of living are below average, the national pay structures as well, with limited variation, Government can get away with saving money by paying except, of course, for the same variation that has existed less. That is certainly one reason why the Government for some time in the teaching profession, for London could go for local and regional pay. Another argument and the south-east. Of course, the TUC recently gathered is that relatively high pay in the public sector makes it evidence about regional pay. Its research found that harder for the private sector to recruit, which he referred very few large private sector employers use local pay. to as the “crowding-out” argument. He also referred to That was attributed to the wish to have some sort of research from Bristol university, which I will come back control over labour costs, and to avoid a duplication of to towards the end of my remarks. the bargaining process, with the time and resources that 281WH Teachers Pay18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Teachers Pay 282WH that would entail. The complexity of regional or local considered, because the limited use of existing pay differentiation outweighs the possible gains for those flexibility for recruitment and retention suggests that employers. schools do not believe that the pay structure should develop further in that way. Increasing the scope for John Pugh: The hon. Gentleman is surely also aware variations in pay could lead to schools competing for that what is envisaged may be more complex than was staff—at local level anyway—through wages. Another at first thought even by those who support the concept. issue is reconciling the introduction of local pay with a The Department of Health, under the previous Secretary clearer and more transparent funding system for schools, of State, made a submission suggesting regional pay—but and more effective financial planning by schools. The only at a certain level of the hospital structure. As to unions echo the points that I made about private sector facing the market, in the higher reaches of the hospital employers and the local economy. structure the market was national rather than regional; That leads me on to the Bristol research, which the so even within one institution regional pay might not be hon. Member for Southport spoke about. As he said, in right. Equally, it is recognised that there are hot spots August a study by the centre for market and public within regions, where it would not be desirable to pay organisation at the university was published, under the much less than London rates. somewhat non-academic title of “Wage Regulation Harms Kevin Brennan: The hon. Gentleman puts his finger Kids”. It claimed to show that pupils’ performance at on the point that I was making, which is that the policy GCSE is affected by how teachers pay compares with introduces a level of complexity that leads to cost—the pay generally in the area. As the hon. Gentleman said, it opportunity cost, and the time that people will have to suggested that where pay is generally high compared spend on resolving anomalies and complexities in the with teachers pay, pupils do worse, and vice versa. The system, unless the Government intend to take a laissez-faire conclusion that is drawn is that there should be more approach to public sector pay. As far as I know, that is variation in teacher pay, and, in particular, that teachers not what they propose, but the costs, otherwise, cannot in high-wage areas should be paid more. be ignored. There are good reasons why regional pay is not John Pugh: I think the hon. Gentleman used the common practice among large private-sector employers. phrase “do worse”, but I believe the conclusion is that A lot of the commentary about regional pay seems to those pupils improve less: in high-wage areas, generally be based on poor knowledge of private-sector pay speaking, attainment is better, or higher. systems, and of the existing flexibilities within the public sector pay system, including those affecting teachers. A Kevin Brennan: I think improving less probably is recent “Today”programme on Radio 4 posed the question doing worse; but I take the semantic point, and those why a teacher should be paid the same in Sunderland as who want to perform a textual exegesis on our deliberations in Surrey. Well, those teachers are not paid the same. this afternoon can take a look at it later, when they The pay system has four bands or zones, and teachers in consult Hansard. Sunderland are in a different band from those in Surrey. The argument runs that where teachers have low pay It seems there is not enough knowledge generally about compared with others in their area, teacher recruitment the current system; people do not understand that it is will be more problematic, and teachers will be less sufficiently flexible to remove any need for a much more motivated. That relates to the point that I was discussing laissez-faire approach to teachers pay. earlier with the hon. Gentleman. “Wage Regulation The teaching unions have made a joint submission to Harms Kids” says: the pay review body, and as its report is imminent I shall “The nature of teaching is that a large proportion of the work summarise some of their points. In their view, local pay is discretionary (lesson planning, after-school programmes, time in teaching would not contribute to the raising of invested in individual children) so there is scope for reductions in standards, because schools in disadvantaged areas already effort in response to relative wages.” face the greatest challenges in recruiting and retaining The case is based on the contention that teachers in teachers, and in providing opportunities for the most more affluent areas are lazier than teachers working in disadvantaged students. Local pay would create even other areas, because the ratio of their wages to wages greater obstacles to overcoming inequality and raising for other jobs in the area is lower than that of teachers standards of attainment for all—an objective that I in other areas of the country. The study offers no real think all hon. Members share. objective evidence to support that contention. The hon. The unions believe that local pay would be likely to Member for Southport has gone through the methodology inhibit teacher mobility and create long-term teacher used; it is almost entirely an exercise in statistical correlation, shortages in areas where pay was reduced. There is no and relies less on causation than on an association of particular reason why it should assist with teacher numbers from the evidence that it considered. No evidence supply problems elsewhere. It also offends against the is offered that the amount of teacher pay compared principle that we discussed earlier: the rate for the job with pay in the area generally has a causal relationship and equal pay for equal work. The unions believe that to pupil performance, despite the report’s title. pay cuts would be likely to fall more heavily on women Nor does the document consider any alternative teachers, so there is an equality aspect to the issue. The hypothesis for the statistical link that it claims to have Government would, I think, need to carry out a full identified, which seems strange. It makes no attempt, equality assessment of any proposal to introduce a for example, to consider Ofsted ratings for teaching, as regional or market-facing pay system. the hon. Gentleman suggested could be done in different The approach would also make determination processes areas, to see whether there is inspection evidence that costlier—something that we have already discussed. teaching is worse or teachers lazier in more prosperous, Other interrelationships with pay flexibility should be high-wage areas. It does not consider whether the challenges 283WH Teachers Pay18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Teachers Pay 284WH

[Kevin Brennan] Teachers Review Body is considering the issues and will report relatively shortly. I think the shadow Minister of teaching in less well-off areas require more of teachers said that he was expecting the response on 20 September. and, conversely, whether a lot of schools in more prosperous The latest information available to me indicates that it is areas are coasting and not being challenged by the more likely to be published towards the end of October. nature of the task. It might have nothing to do with pay. The shadow Minister will be aware from his own experiences That explanation is at least worthy of some investigation in Government that the report will be made initially to by such a study. the Secretary of State, who will then have to decide The case of London is especially relevant, as the hon. when to publish the evidence, alongside the Government’s Gentleman said. London has high and rising standards, response to the recommendations. I have no doubt that certainly in recent years, but also the largest gap in the my hon. Friend and the shadow Minister will be assiduous country between teacher pay and pay generally. It does in considering the evidence base and the response and not seem to make a great deal of sense. Much of the following up with any issues and observations they have. analysis is based on dividing the country into just two Before I go into the detail of my response to my hon. areas and comparing them. That is a very broad-brush Friend, I should say that I agree with him on two approach that can miss many local variations. I will not strategic observations that he made about this debate. It go on, but there are also problems with the report’s is incredibly important that measures should be evidence- grasp of how teacher pay works and some confusion based. There is a lot of prejudice on different sides of about external tests at key stages 1 and 3, which no longer the debate about issues of flexibility in pay, regional pay exist. That did not inspire much confidence in me either. and local pay, but there is complete agreement between The Secretary of State has been known from time to my hon. Friend and the Government that it must be time to take pieces of research such as the programme evidence-based. He mentioned that he published his for international student assessment tables, ignore the own report on the issues, bringing to the surface some parts that he is not keen on and highlight only the bits of the evidence available on the issue of regional and that he is keen on, or even to ignore completely some local pay, even though it is not uncontested territory. pieces of research, such as the pupil achievement research My hon. Friend referred earlier to having tabled a on trends in international mathematics and science question to the Department about the regional variations study. I am not suggesting that he will necessarily do so, in quality of teaching measured by the Ofsted framework. but if he is planning to use this piece of research to From my recollection of the last few days, he can expect justify the introduction of regional pay on the basis that a letter from the chief inspector on that issue pretty teachers in areas such as his constituency are lazier than soon. I will be interested to hear his analysis after he has teachers in other parts of the country, without any real looked through the information, which I think will be evidence for doing so, he is on extremely shaky ground. quite detailed. It will perhaps take the debate further. I end with a couple of questions for the Minister. He and the shadow Minister made an important What is the Government’s current position on regional point. We acknowledge that education is an area in pay? We have heard conflicting voices from within which the Government cannot simply press a button in Government in recent months; one minute it is on, the Westminster or Whitehall and create particular policy next minute it is off. Will he give us an update on the responses across the country. There are 23,500 schools latest position? Does he think that Yeovil teachers should in this country, and education is delivered not by Ministers be treated differently from teachers in Surrey for doing but by the people who teach in schools, head teachers the same job, and paid a different rate? Does he grasp and all the others who contribute in educational settings. how demotivating this debate is for the teaching work Motivating and inspiring those people, and supporting force that he now has the privilege of serving, in addition them in the common aspiration of improving the education to the pupils and parents of this country, in his role as of young people, involves a partnership between the Schools Minister? What assurances can he give us that Government and those who serve in education. We are all of this is not just a softening up for the ultimate conscious of the need to keep them motivated and to privatisation agenda that some of us think the Secretary make them understand that the Government want to of State has in mind in the longer term? support them in doing their job as effectively as possible. The shadow Minister indicated that he is concerned 3.35 pm about morale in some areas of the teaching profession. The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): I thank I have no doubt that there are various different propositions my hon. Friend the Member for Southport (John Pugh) to make in this area. From my own visits to many for the kind comments that he made at the beginning of schools across the country, particularly in my own his speech, and I congratulate him on securing this constituency having taken on this role only recently, I important debate. As he mentioned a number of times, think a lot of teachers and head teachers acknowledge the issue is incredibly important for many people across that the Government, in difficult financial times, have the country, particularly in the north and in his constituency, put in place a good financial settlement for schools, and he will understand that it is an issue throughout given the pressures on other areas, including the pupil much of the country beyond the south-east, including premium, which is ensuring that schools, particularly in the area that I represent in the south-west of England. disadvantaged areas, have the funding needed to tackle The Government acknowledge how sensitive it is for some of the challenges they face. many people who work and do extremely important Before I respond to my hon. Friend, I would like to tasks within the public sector. say that I am grateful to the shadow Minister for his My hon. Friend has raised the issue at an important kind comments about me taking up this role. I look moment. As the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for forward to working with him as co-operatively as I can, Cardiff West (Kevin Brennan), mentioned, the School and as the usual cross-party niceties allow. I would also 285WH Teachers Pay18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Teachers Pay 286WH like, as I did when I spoke a few days ago in the House, disadvantaged backgrounds, and research from the Sutton to pick up on his comments about the three Education Trust has suggested that poor pupils may lose out on a Ministers who left in the reshuffle. I think he was whole year’s worth of education if they spend a year in indicating and hinting that those three individuals were a class with a poorly performing teacher, when compared passionate about their work and were regarded as very with the education that they would have received from a strong in the areas they championed. I think all hon. very good teacher. International evidence shows that Members wish them all the best for the future, whether the top performing school systems consistently attract they agreed with every one of their policy proposals or more able people into the teaching profession, leading not. I have no doubt that all three will go on contributing to better pupil outcomes. That is a reason why the pay to the debate about education and children’s services. incentives and the overall levels of pay have to be right, In preparation for the debate, I read with interest my as my hon. Friend would agree. Competitive salaries, in hon. Friend’s recent paper on the subject of regional line with other local graduate professions, help to ensure and local pay. As I indicated, it is an important and that high-quality graduates are attracted into and retained timely contribution to a timely and topical debate. I will within the teaching profession across the country. address some of the points he raised in that paper, as well as the points that came up in his speech. First, John Pugh: The Minister is suggesting, and I agree, however, it is important and useful to set out, to some that teachers in disadvantaged areas have probably greater extent, the approach the Government are taking on potential to make a difference to children’s lives. It is reforms to teachers pay and the debate about regional relatively unsurprising, then, that value added is identified and local pay across the public sector. in those areas of relative deprivation, as the Propper In the autumn statement in November 2011, the data shows. Chancellor set out that pay review bodies would be asked to consider how and if public sector pay could be Mr Laws: That is a good point, but it is perhaps not made more responsive to local labour markets. He then the whole debate. I will explain why as I proceed through wrote to pay review bodies in December 2011. His letter the comments that I have to make. to the School Teachers Review Body said: Recent research from the OECD showed that our “there is substantial evidence that the difference between public teachers are amongst the best paid of all OECD countries. and private sector wages varies considerably between local labour There was an improvement under the previous Government, markets. This has the potential to hurt private sector businesses which we welcome—that is good news. However, alongside that need to compete with higher public wages; lead to unfair ensuring that salaries are competitive we need to consider variations in public sector service quality; and reduce the number of jobs that the public sector can support for any given level of the case for arrangements for teachers pay that drive up expenditure.” the quality of teaching by rewarding good performance; giving schools as much freedom as possible to spend Those are some of the suggestions that my hon. Friend their money sensibly as they see fit to meet their pupils’ was commenting on in the debate and in his paper. needs; ensuring the best teachers are incentivised to As my hon. Friend will be aware, there are already work in the most challenging schools, as my hon. Friend four geographical pay bands—the shadow Minister has acknowledged; and ensuring—an important point commented on this—that apply to teachers pay: inner both for and against the argument for regional pay—the London, outer London, the London fringe, and the rest best value for money for the taxpayer in the money that of England and Wales. The current pay bands have it is allocated. That is why the Secretary of State, rigid boundaries, which at the point they were devised responding to the Chancellor, has asked the experts, the took account of areas that historically had higher teacher School Teachers Review Body, to consider how reforms vacancy rates and costs of living. The starting salary for to the teachers pay system might support schools and classroom teachers is £21,588 in the England and Wales head teachers to recruit and retain the best quality pay band and £27,000 in the inner London pay band. I teachers. That is in line with the approach being taken think I am right in saying that all parties across the for other public sector work forces and will ensure that House, and my hon. Friend, acknowledge that there are any changes that are made—this is my hon. Friend’s some areas where there are very high costs, and where concern—must be based on the best evidence available. not having a degree of flexibility in pay would mean In his remit letter to the STRB, the Secretary of State that it would be very difficult to recruit people who asked it to consider a number of factors: first, how we worked in those areas. Many of us are very passionate might reduce rigidity within the pay system so that it about ensuring that young people, particularly in areas best supports the recruitment and retention of high such as inner London where there are big challenges in quality teachers in all schools; secondly, how teachers many schools, should have very high quality teachers pay could be better linked to performance and whether and they should not be penalised as a consequence of there are existing barriers to that within the current teachers not being able to live and teach in those areas. system; and thirdly, whether to make teachers pay more The debate, then, is not whether there should be any flexible following the commitment in the 2011 autumn element of regional variation within the system of teachers statement to ask pay review bodies to consider how pay, but whether we should have different or greater public sector pay can be made more responsive to local variation. market conditions. The question of how teachers’ pay The single most important determinant of a good can be made more responsive to local labour markets is education is for every child to have access to a good only one of the things—an important point that I want teacher. The available evidence suggests that the main to draw out from today’s debate—that the Secretary of driver of variation in student achievement at school is State has asked the STRB to consider, and it is important the quality of the teachers. The effects of high-quality that I set out all of the issues on which the Secretary of teaching are especially significant for pupils from State has asked for recommendations. 287WH Teachers Pay18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Teachers Pay 288WH

[Mr Laws] Mr Laws: My hon. Friend makes a good point. He will also appreciate that the reasons that motivate people To support the STRB’s consideration of its remit, the to take on particular posts or to stay within geographic Secretary of State submitted written evidence. The STRB communities are based not just on pay, but on other has also taken into account evidence from bodies connections that individuals may have with an area. representing employers of teachers, school governors, The first of my hon. Friend’s arguments was that the and teacher and head teacher unions. The Secretary of private sector might be disadvantaged in local labour State’s evidence raised concerns that under the current markets where public sector workers are relatively highly system the rate at which teachers are paid is more paid. He referred to this as the crowding-out hypothesis. closely associated with the time they have served as a As the Secretary of State’s evidence to the STRB showed, teacher than it is with their performance in the classroom. there is variety in supply and demand within the teacher Almost every teacher on the main pay scale progresses labour market, including in the relative pay of public to the next spine point each year, and almost half of and private sector workers. This appears to be reflected qualified teachers across all pay scales are on a higher in vacancy rates, with schools in some regions finding spine point than the previous year. it more difficult to attract candidates into vacancies. Our analysis of vacancy rates shows that some schools However, as the Secretary of State’s evidence also find it more difficult to recruit and retain teachers than shows, there is variation between regions, between local others. There are different vacancy rates between different authorities and between schools in the same local authority. regions, between local authorities in the same region, Schools also appear to experience greater difficulty and between schools in the same local authority. There appointing specialists in some subjects compared with are also differences in vacancy rates between subjects, as others. Stakeholders have submitted a large amount of my hon. Friend is aware. For example, there are above evidence to the STRB and the other pay review bodies average vacancies in English and mathematics posts, in this regard and detailed representations have been but below average vacancy rates in the arts and humanities. made on crowding out. I am confident that the experts Where vacancies are filled, some subjects are significantly will therefore have all the information they need to more likely to be taught by non-specialist teachers, consider this specific issue carefully when making its which is a major concern. For example, 21% of physics recommendations. lessons are taught by non-specialist teachers, compared My hon. Friend’s paper also considers whether the with 10% of history lessons. Government could make savings by reducing the pay of The Secretary of State’s evidence to the STRB suggested public sector workers in line with local labour markets. five options for reform that it may wish to consider, Increasing autonomy for schools is central to the illustrating the range of approaches that are available to Government’s education reforms. Although of course it when making its recommendations. In late October, we wish to achieve value for money in all public spending following careful consideration of all the evidence submitted, decisions, we have clearly prioritised autonomy for head the STRB will make its recommendations to the Secretary teachers to allocate the funds available to them in the of State. The Secretary of State has stated his intention way that they think is most appropriate to provide for to then issue a second remit to the STRB that may ask it the needs of their pupils, subject to the disciplines that to produce more detailed recommendations, or to consider any of us would expect in the public sector. Where further issues on which it has not yet reported. Hon. pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds attend school, Members will be pleased to know that no decisions have we have made sure that there is additional money been made and the Government remain open-minded through the pupil premium, which my hon. Friend about these reforms. strongly supports, for head teachers to spend on the My hon. Friend’s paper and his speech clearly set out additional support that they think is necessary. However, a number of key arguments made in the recent debate there are always advantages and disadvantages in such about regional pay for public sector workers. I should an approach—my hon. Friend set them out carefully—and like briefly to touch on some of the issues that he those matters will be carefully considered by the STRB highlighted. I remind him that issues relating to how in its deliberations. public sector pay reflects the local labour market will be The final point mentioned by my hon. Friend was considered alongside other priorities, which I mentioned public sector pay in other countries. He specifically earlier. mentioned in his paper the experience in Sweden. As is well documented, the Secretary of State and the John Pugh: Will the Minister consider the following Government wish to learn carefully the right lessons point? We have used the expression “responsive to the from all education systems that perform most strongly local labour market” all the way through, as though we in international comparisons. We have considered the know in every case what the local labour market or the Swedish system, but we are interested in all public pool of workers is that we are pulling from. It would be education systems where pupils perform well compared useful to have an additional piece of research figuring with their counterparts in other countries, particularly out, when, say, a school head teacher or head of department where the attainment gap between the least and most post is advertised, the actual field of applicants. Where advantaged children is small compared with the large do they come from and how do people move between gap that still exists in this country. We trust that the one area and another? In teaching, people at a certain STRB will take into account systems employed in Sweden level are prepared to move appreciable distances. Often and elsewhere in the world. These will inform its in an advertisement in the paper, a school is appealing recommendations to the Secretary of State. to the labour market of the whole nation, not just the Regional pay has been at the forefront of recent local labour market. We cannot talk as though the local debates about public sector pay reform. However, my labour market is a fixed thing that we always understand. honourable Friend will recognise that, although we 289WH Teachers Pay 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 290WH have asked the STRB to consider how teachers pay GCSE English (Marking) could be made more flexible locally or regionally, there are issues other than regional pay under consideration 3.58 pm when it comes to teachers specifically. Increasing the flexibility that head teachers have to determine the pay Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): It is a pleasure to arrangements suited to their school could be a key serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hollobone. I element of the drive to increase autonomy from government. congratulate the Minister on her new role, to which We want head teachers, particularly in the most I am sure she will bring great energy and commitment. disadvantaged schools, to be able to use the additional Unlike the current Ministers, I have no experience of funding that they have through the pupil premium to work in the media or policy think-tanks. I simply bring attract and retain top quality teachers to work where experience of how things work or do not work in the the pupils need them most. We need carefully to consider real world outside Westminster, where real families toil, whether the current system enables them to do that. real kids go to school and real professionals work jolly Our approach all along has been to provide the hard to achieve the best they possibly can for our young STRB with the evidence that we think is most relevant people. I have a lifetime’s experience of teaching English. to its deliberations and to encourage others to do the The easiest exam to prepare kids for was O-level English same. We are encouraged that contributions to the literature, and the exam that gave the most perverse, debate are being made by organisations and individuals unfair outcomes for kids was O-level English language. who are not among the statutory consultees of the The Government’s theoreticians may think a return to STRB. My hon. Friend has made his case clearly and O-level will be a good thing, but I very much doubt it. publicly. Criterion-referenced GCSE English has gone through In setting out the Government’s approach after the many changes over the years, but today’s world has Chancellor made his statement last year, my hon. Friend been transformed from the world of 1988, when the will be aware that the Chief Secretary to the Treasury first cohort of students took the then new school leavers’ made a speech at a union conference in June, saying: exam introduced by the Conservative Government. In “Despite some of the more excited press reporting, the only all its manifestations, however, I can say without hesitation thing we have decided is to look at the evidence…before we decide that GCSE has been far more demanding for students anything, we want to hear from everyone with a contribution to than its predecessor. It is a much tougher qualification make to this debate—employers, academics and, yes of course, to prepare students for and has a much tougher assessment the Trades Unions. There will be no change unless there is strong regime for them to meet, but it has been fairer—until evidence to support it and a rational case for proceeding.” now, when a Government obsessed with ideas rather I thank my hon. Friend for his contribution to this than realities are presiding over a monumental injustice. important debate. I am sure that, like me, he looks At its heart, the GCSE fiasco this summer is not forward to reading the STRB’s report and the Government’s about Ministers and MPs, or exam boards and technical response, and I have no doubt that he will respond stuff. It is about something a lot simpler and a lot more again in detail to those. important: it is about whether the assessments given to young people this summer were fair. The head of Ofqual, in her outrageously flippant remark that some candidates “got lucky”, seems to recognise that she failed in her duty to ensure that the outcomes in one year were fair to all candidates. As the editor of The Times Educational Supplement wrote this week: “Obsessed with maintaining standards between years, Ofqual has failed to maintain them within a single one. It has completely undermined confidence in the exams it is supposed to protect.” The Ofqual report, “GCSE English Awards”, lets the cat out of the bag. A technical document, designed to whitewash, it is obsessed with controlling statistics, not standards. It makes it clear that young people’s achievements at 16 are capped by their achievement at 11. The whole review hinges on “the predictions made by the exam boards of results for each GCSE…based on prior attainment data”— key stage 2 results—so that achievement at 16 is being capped by achievement at 11. An exasperated National Union of Teachers collectively sighs: “Such an approach begs the question—does secondary education just not matter?” Excellent analyses by the National Association for the Teaching of English and the National Association of Head Teachers demonstrate that Ofqual and the Government are, in essence, returning to norm referencing by the back door. Although the Secretary of State, in a very brief answer to my question yesterday, said that norm referencing was off the table, it is very much on the table, and I think that there needs to be some 291WH GCSE English (Marking)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 GCSE English (Marking) 292WH

[Nic Dakin] Nic Dakin: It is clear that there is no confidence at all in Ofqual among education professionals, among people honesty about that. It is hardly surprising that the working in industry and business who I met the other whitewash document also includes an admission, on day—they clearly do not have confidence in Ofqual—and, page 19, that most importantly, among parents and the students “this year’s English results have come as a shock to some schools, themselves. Ofqual has failed that crucial test. and some of the school-level outcomes are hard to explain”. You bet they are, if the aim is to cover up a monumental Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): If the exam marking cock-up. was so fundamentally flawed and the exam was too easy or whatever, why was the barrier between A and A* not What is clear to me from talking with local head changed? Why were those marks kept the same? Why teachers in the Scunthorpe area whose students have was the C grade changed? been affected is that something significant and exceptional has gone wrong this year. They are solid, decent professionals whose judgments I trust, and they are Nic Dakin: I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. universally telling me that if we look back across their As I shall explain, there were impacts on other grade schools’ predictions for the past five years in GCSE levels. The focus has primarily been on the borderline English and GCSE maths—the two key progression between C and D because that is such a crucial progression qualifications—their predictions for students attaining lever for young people, but there have been effects on C and above have been consistently within a 4% tolerance other grades as well. of the final outcomes, except for this year, when maths Why does this matter? It matters because GCSE remains within that tolerance, but English is more than English is a progression qualification: it makes a difference 10% out. These are professionals who know what they to individuals’ lives, to what they do next and to where are doing, and they tell me that the same students they go next. It matters because we have a duty to predicted a C this year would have achieved a C last young people to ensure that the assessments at 16 are year. fair. They have clearly not been fair this year. Worse than that, the Secretary of State and the regulator Mr John Denham (Southampton, Itchen) (Lab): I will obfuscate, appearing more interested in covering up be brief, because I had the chance to speak in the main and protecting themselves than in ensuring that young Chamber. What my hon. Friend’s professionals are people are treated fairly. Worse still, as my hon. Friend telling him in Scunthorpe is precisely what professionals says, the focus has been on the unfairness to students are telling me in Southampton. I was, with the current missing out on a C and having to adjust their careers shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, one of the two accordingly, but as a former principal of a sixth-form architects of Ofqual. We took the decision to establish college I know that those students getting a B instead of an independent regulator. Does he agree that we have to an A will be disadvantaged next year when they apply face the fact that the guarantee of independence, which for higher education. Their choices will be limited. we delivered, was no guarantee of competence? The On 23 August, the Secretary of State for Education worst thing we can do now is to overlook the fact that received news of the fall in success rates for students in Ofqual has got this wrong and to say that there is their GCSEs with a certain smug satisfaction: failure nothing that we can do to right the injustice that has for young people was success for him. It was all about been done to thousands of students this summer. rigour, standards and other buzzwords, not about achievement, progression and fair outcomes. Gradually, Nic Dakin: My right hon. Friend makes a salient and though, a darker story began to emerge. As schools pertinent point. What is important is that young people analysed the results, they identified a significant change in Scunthorpe, in Southampton and indeed throughout in how GCSE English had been marked in June compared the land are treated fairly. The regulators recognise their with January. Something had gone very wrong, with own incompetence when one of them comes out with grade boundaries being significantly adjusted in year to comments such as some students “got lucky”, but that ensure that fewer students met their predicted grades. is not good enough, is it? The incompetence that they In one school in my constituency, because of the recognise should not stand in the way of young people boundary changes, the percentage of students achieving being treated fairly. five A* to C grades fell from 80% based on January It is worth noting that, nationally, 26.7% of students marking to 62% in June. As a consequence, the percentage doing the foundation paper in June 2011 gotaCgrade, of students achieving the important five A* to C grades while only 10.2% gotaCgradeinJune2012. Those including mathematics and English fell from 62% to statistics corroborate my local head teachers’ view that 52%. At another local school, the changes meant that students taking the exam in June 2012 were disadvantaged 25 pupils did not achieve the C grade they were predicted compared with similar students who took the exam in to achieve, and the school’s English results fell from June 2011. 53% achieving C last year to 40% this year. At another school, almost 25% of the cohort taking exams were Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Does my hon. negatively affected by the boundary changes. These Friend agree that one of the conditions on which Ofqual are drastic and startling figures, and I assure you, was set up by my right hon. Friend the Member for Mr Hollobone, that in all my years as an English Southampton, Itchen (Mr Denham) and the now shadow teacher and then a sixth-form college principal, I have Chancellor was that its duty was to maintain confidence never seen anything quite like it. in the exam system? How does a comment from the One local head teacher described the impact on students chief executive of Ofqual that some kids “got lucky” and the school as catastrophic. Students who had achieved maintain such confidence? a C in English in January were re-timetabled for extra 293WH GCSE English (Marking)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 GCSE English (Marking) 294WH maths; they achieved their maths C in June, but because Last week, the chief regulator and the Secretary of the school did not draw down their English marks until State appeared before the Select Committee on Education June, the C they had banked in January became a D in to answer the growing avalanche of questions. It was a June. How on earth can that be fair? master class in obfuscation. After their appearance, the Schools are very good at self-evaluation, but this Chair of the Select Committee spoke for everyone when episode has undermined their confidence in what they he said are doing. Their confidence in teaching GCSE English “There are many important questions in this to which we do has also been undermined as further confused messages not have satisfactory answers”, such as those we heard yesterday come out. There is adding that the explanations given were “inadequate”. also a lack of confidence about how they are preparing The Secretary of State has hovered between bullish and this year’s cohort for next year’s exam, so the impact of sheepish in his response to the gathering storm. He this year’s cock-up is being felt not only by this year’s blusters and hides behind an unaccountable quango, students, but by next year’s students. That is why it is so which in turn hides behind a cloak of statistical confusion. important that the Government act now to put things Adding further to the unfolding chaos, the regulator right for the youngsters and schools affected. in Wales—the Welsh Government—has taken clear action The Association of School and College Leaders believes by ordering the Welsh board to re-award grades to that one quarter of all secondary schools in England Welsh candidates. That means that students in Wales and Wales have been damaged. At first, it was thought will be treated fairly, but my constituents who did that tens of thousands of pupils were affected, but the the Welsh board English GCSE—believe it or not, situation is far worse. We now know that 133,906 pupils Mr Hollobone, the Welsh exam board is popular in have been affected on the boundary between grades C Scunthorpe—will not. How on earth can that be proper? and D alone, before all the other boundaries are taken How can it be just? into account. If that injustice is not reversed it is likely There is a further contradiction and a further worry. to have a long-term impact on the social mobility of the The Secretary of State seems to be saying that GCSE students affected. Research from ASCL shows that results must not go up, but that in every school more those affected are disproportionately from areas of high than 40% of pupils must get five A* to C grades. Those deprivation, ethnic minority groups and poorer families. who have signed up to a conspiracy version of history Parents have written to me to explain that their children see that as an agenda not only to fail students, but to fail have been devastated by the news that they cannot schools. A consortium of schools, academies, further pursue the courses and jobs they had set their minds on. education colleges, local authorities and professional I have an example here of a student who has moved on associations is taking legal action this week. I wish them to further education, whose mother writes: success, but it should not have come to that—wasting public money, time and energy on legal costs and process. “My daughter is one of the many thousands involved in this injustice and we’ve now heard that the AQA resit for English Ofqual and the Secretary of State should be big enough Language is 7th November. This fiasco needs sorted NOW before to hold up their hands, admit that they got it wrong and it’s too late! As it is she is having to do extra work to ‘revise’ for take action to put it right. That is the moral code that the resit on top of her college assignments. It’s simply not fair.” we teach our young people, and our leaders should also Similarly, teachers have told me about the anxiety that follow it. the situation has caused them, with one describing Who is accountable for the cock-up? An unelected Ofqual’s actions as immoral and inhuman. quango that is doing the Secretary of State’s bidding. Surely it would be better if he were directly accountable Last week, The Times Educational Supplement published to the young people of this country and ordered an letters between Ofqual and Edexcel showing that the immediate independent inquiry into what has happened regulator had, at the 11th hour, pressured the exam or, better still, followed the Welsh Government’s example board into revising the grade boundaries against its and ordered Ofqual to instruct the exam boards to professional judgment. Ofqual told the exam board to re-award their grades, so that all students taking the “review the English award at grade C in order to produce outcomes exam this year are treated fairly and in line with their that are much closer to the predictions and so in line with national contemporaries the year before. standards”. Being a modern MP, I asked my Twitter and Facebook We must remember that the predictions are based on followers what questions they wanted to be answered. key stage 2 assessments at 11. In its response, Edexcel Overwhelmingly, they were variations on the following. protested that Can the Minister explain to youngsters and their families “we have put considerable effort into producing what how pupils can get a lower mark in January and do we consider to be a fair award”, better than someone who gets a higher mark in June? adding that That is what happened this year. While the Minister is considering that, I will ask three further questions. Will “our award is a fair award and we do not believe a further revision she urge the Secretary of State to stand up and be of our grade boundaries is justified”. counted, to apologise for this year’s cock-up and to take Those are the professionals, who have looked at the action to ensure that this year’s students are treated work, not just carried out a statistical exercise. Ofqual equally and fairly, based on the professional judgment then sent a final letter, warning Edexcel that of the exam boards—the people who have seen the “their expectation” children’s work? Will she say whether she is happy that achievement at 16 is apparently being capped by was achievement at 11, in a move back to norm referencing? “that Edexcel will produce outcomes...that are within the 1% of Finally, will she ask Ofsted not to fail schools that can the overall prediction”. demonstrate that they missed the threshold due to the Edexcel then capitulated. impact of GCSE English marking this summer? 295WH GCSE English (Marking)18 SEPTEMBER 2012 GCSE English (Marking) 296WH

4.17 pm sadly do not have his wealth of knowledge about different qualifications going back through history. The specific The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education problem with English GCSE was the modular examination (Elizabeth Truss): I thank the hon. Member for Scunthorpe system, which we are changing. A lot of convoluted (Nic Dakin) for securing today’s debate. I recognise that technical processes were created that made it more he has a lot of expertise in the sector. He taught English difficult to moderate and mark the exams. The Government at Greatfield high school, and is a former principal of a and the Secretary of State have been clear about wanting further education college, so I respect the knowledge to move away from a modular system to one in which that he has brought to today’s debate. students study subjects in depth, and where what students I want to restate what the Secretary of State has have learnt can be assessed at the end of the course. We already made clear. I have great sympathy for all those think that modular exams and re-sitting exams get in students who did not receive the grades they were the way of sound subject knowledge and sound subject expecting in this summer’s GCSE English results. There teaching. is a process whereby hon. Members can register their concerns with Ofqual, which is rightly dealing with We believe that modular examinations were a factor queries. If schools or students are concerned, I suggest in what happened with the English GCSE exams, but that they raise those concerns with Ofqual as soon as that is a matter for Ofqual to investigate. As I have said, possible. the report is expected at the end of October. It will be up to Parliament to examine the findings, as Ofqual is The hon. Gentleman asks me to set out what action ultimately accountable to Parliament, which returns to the Government are taking, and what action I believe the question that the hon. Gentleman asked about what they should take. It will come as no surprise to him that, the Secretary of State’s role should be. as the Secretary of State made clear at the Select Committee earlier this week, it would be totally wrong for the We are restoring the end-of-course exams for students Government to intervene in marking or grading decisions. starting GCSE courses this September. Yesterday, the That is Ofqual’s responsibility, and as other hon. Members Secretary of State announced the new English baccalaureate have said, Ofqual was set up by the previous Secretary certificates that will be introduced in the core subjects. of State to oversee and maintain standards and They will be linear and results will be given at the end of qualifications. Grade boundaries and maintaining standards the course. I understand that that does not answer the is a matter for Ofqual, which is directly accountable to specific question of what happened with students this Parliament. It is important that where there are independent summer, but again, that is being investigated by Ofqual. regulators, they should conduct investigations and answer The proper role of politicians is to consider how the queries—in this case, that process is still ongoing—without system can be reformed to work properly, rather than undue political interference. intervening in specific decisions that it is right for the regulator to make. Ofqual published its initial report into the concerns about GCSE English, finding that the June grade On the hon. Gentleman’s rosy perception of the past boundaries were properly set and that candidates’ work few years, there is widespread, bipartisan agreement was properly graded. It has also said that the January that the level of grade inflation cannot be justified. He grade boundaries were set generously.The hon. Gentleman also had warm words for the examining bodies, even has referred to Glenys Stacey’s comments on that matter. though they have been criticised for the role that they played in that inflation. I do not think, therefore, that Nic Dakin: First, does the Secretary of State have a they can be entirely part of the solution—in other role in ensuring the competence of the regulator? Secondly, words, we need to consider different approaches to Ofqual has not looked at any work; it is a mere statistical GCSE exams. sample of 75%. It is not even a technical analysis of Since 2000, England’s performance in international 100%, according to the report, which is signally flawed. reading, mathematics and science tests have flatlined. Does the Minister accept that point? Andreas Schleicher from the OECD has described the UK as stagnating over that period. The specific comments Elizabeth Truss: On the hon. Gentleman’s first point, about the English results cannot hide the fact that our exam system is undergoing reform. I shall comment under the previous Government we did not see the later on the modular system and the impact that that increase in standards that was seen in comparable countries. had on grading decisions. In 2000, the UK was ranked 12 places ahead of Germany Ofqual is looking at the details of individual students in mathematics, but by 2009, it was 12 places behind. In and why they got the expected results, while others did 2000, the UK was 16 places above Germany in science, not. That is why I am encouraging hon. Members to but it is now three places below. In reading, it was send concerns to Ofqual, which will produce its final 14 places above Germany, but it is now five below. We report in October. It is the right body to investigate the cannot ignore international evidence showing that what matter, rather than the Department for Education, because was being reported as happening as a result of our otherwise we end up in a system where politicians exam system was not accurate, compared with fast- interfere with the grading review. The hon. Gentleman improving jurisdictions across the world. alluded to Wales, and that is a problem with the approach being taken there. Nic Dakin: I say gently to the Minister that those The hon. Gentleman also mentioned problems with points are for another debate. We should focus on the the current system, presenting a rosy description of hundreds of thousands of young people who have been GCSEs in the years since their introduction. Although negatively affected by something that, as the general he spoke about O-levels, I am not able to remember secretary of ASCL said, has gone seriously and significantly sitting such exams, because I took GCSEs. Therefore, I wrong. Such people do not say things like that glibly. 297WH GCSE English (Marking) 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 298WH

Something is wrong here and it is in an area that the Rail Services (Paddington to Government, if they had intestinal fortitude, would do Herefordshire) something about.

Elizabeth Truss: The reason it has gone wrong is 4.29 pm because of the system we inherited, which was based on Bill Wiggin (North Herefordshire) (Con): Thank you, modular examinations. While we saw grade inflation in Mr Hollobone. Ensuring that my constituents have the UK, we were being overtaken by other countries. first-rate rail links has always been a top priority. Proper rail services are vital to businesses, local families and in Mr Denham: I urge the Minister to consider this helping to ensure that we are the greenest Government point: the students do not care about the wider debate ever, but it has been apparent for many years that the on examination standards. Something has gone wrong railway service from London to Hereford is unacceptable. in the assessment of the English language examination The timetable offered by First Great Western was poor, this year. It has nothing to do with the debate about and that did not promote tourism or business investment wider standards or how things are run, and it is frankly in the area. In fact, it hardly worked at all. insulting—I must say that to the Minister, who is new in The Department for Transport’s invitation to tender the job—to talk about other issues when students are for the operation of the franchise should therefore serve wondering what will happen to them. as an opportunity to help to improve rail services across the United Kingdom, not allow them to remain poor or Elizabeth Truss: It is relevant, because the modular even unchanged. Sadly, that has so far been a missed English exam was introduced and the system was set up opportunity. The invitation to tender only requires under the previous Government. The former Secretary “broadly the same number of trains to run between end-to-end of State was clear when he established Ofqual that it destinations as is the case today”. was an independent regulator of standards. It is not right, therefore, for Ministers or the Secretary of State The Minister, who has entered the Chamber, might find to interfere with the marking process. Ofqual must my giving him the first page of my speech very helpful. I conduct that investigation and the proper process is for believe that what is in the invitation to tender will, at schools and individuals, with the encouragement of best, lead to a continuation of the status quo. At worst, MPs who feel that the treatment has not been fair in it will decrease the number of direct trains going to and their constituencies, to apply directly to Ofqual. I have from Hereford. I am sure that the Minister agrees that made that point clear, but there is no doubt that the that is not what he wants and it cannot be acceptable. long-term problems in our system have created incentives First, the rail services to and from Hereford must not for schools and exam boards to behave in particular get worse. I believe that, to guarantee that, First Great ways, and those issues need to be sorted out. That is the Western must not be awarded the Great Western rail point behind the introduction of the English baccalaureate franchise. Secondly and most importantly, we owe it to certificates. The race to the bottom between exam boards the constituents of Herefordshire actively to promote a needs to end, so that we have a system that accurately vastly improved timetable. Currently, weekday connections reflects standards. At the moment, it does not. from Hereford to London start at 5.35 am. That train is I am extremely sympathetic to students who did not scheduled to arrive at London Paddington at 8.51 am. get the results that they expected. However, the proper It is therefore near impossible for anyone living in course of action is through Ofqual, which is conducting Herefordshire to get to an office in London by 9 am. If the investigation, and the proper role of politicians is to the trains started just 35 minutes earlier, at 5 am, that reform the exam system so that we deal with issues such would allow enough time to make it. At the end of the as modularisation, which caused these problems. day, the trains do not leave late enough. On weekdays, the latest direct train leaves London Paddington at Mr Philip Hollobone (in the Chair): Wenowmoveto 7.22 pm, and on Sundays it is even earlier, at 5.42 pm. the next debate. I would be obliged if the Parliamentary Those running times are extremely restrictive and only Private Secretary would remain in his seat so that we serve to isolate Herefordshire and its people. Crucially, can carry on with the debate in the Minister’s absence. there are only five direct trains between Hereford and London a day. I, along with my hon. Friends the Members for West Worcestershire (Harriett Baldwin), for Mid Worcestershire (Peter Luff) and for Hereford and South Herefordshire (Jesse Norman) want to see an hourly service. At the moment, trains start too late, finish too early and do not run frequently enough. Within the terms set out in the tender document, it is solely up to the new franchisee to decide whether those times will improve. With proper investment to ensure more services, Herefordshire could begin to compete with Birmingham, Warwick and Newport, where people currently choose to travel. “The Eddington Transport Study” found that good transport links can support the regeneration of an area where there is existing potential. That was the case with the Jubilee line extension into the docklands area of East London. The Confederation of British Industry and the Federation of Small Businesses considered that 299WH Rail Services (Paddington to 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Rail Services (Paddington to 300WH Herefordshire) Herefordshire) [Bill Wiggin] At present, the tender does not push for the improvements that we on the line so desperately need, and worse, it investment in transport was one of the most economically allows for the current standards to slip. My constituents productive areas of public spending. That was in a and I need reassurance that the awarded bidder will report by the Select Committee on Transport in 2010-11. actively try to deal with the problems. The franchisee must remember to deliver on their promises. I believe Herefordshire is trying to take part in a superfast that that should be enforced by the Government. broadband pilot for rural areas, and that should boost our local economy. Of course, a lack of good transport There have been a number of concerns about the could undermine that excellent development. A report franchising process—namely, those recently voiced by released last week by Sustrans has revealed that our Virgin Rail Group. At a Select Committee sitting in the current transport planning system is forcing people into House of Commons, Virgin criticised the Department buying cars that they cannot afford or leaving them for Transport’s failure properly to assess the relative stranded, denying people access to jobs, schools, hospitals risks of the bids that it received. It asserts that premium and shops. Obviously, that is unacceptable. payments depend almost entirely on projections of passenger numbers. I have reservations about First Great North Herefordshire is a very rural constituency, and Western’s chance of achieving those passenger numbers, efficient transport links are fundamental to its prosperity. given its current record of service on the London-to- My constituents are losing faith in the railways, and Hereford route. that will lead to reduced demand. However, it does not have to be like that. It is up to us to provide the services In the course of its previous franchise, which has in order to attract more passengers. Regular, reliable, been under way since April 2006, First Great Western affordable and punctual services will lead to more passengers has seen a larger-than-expected decline in passenger and more commuter fares being fed through to the numbers. That has meant that payments that it was Exchequer. It will boost local economies and those scheduled to make to the Treasury have been reduced. further afield by enabling people to visit shops and With it having previously pulled out of the Great Western restaurants more frequently. franchise, it would not seem sensible to re-award the franchise to First. That still leaves the Minister three Alongside timetable changes, I would like to encourage other bidders. I know that he is aware of the shortcomings a more efficient train service. “The Eddington Transport of the service and will redouble his efforts to deliver for Study” concluded that the most obvious and direct the people. benefit of an improvement in transport is a reduction in Aside from the franchise agreement, I would like to the time spent travelling. My constituents have voiced draw attention to the need for infrastructure investment concerns that, at present, connection times on indirect on the Paddington-to-Hereford line. As it is only a services offered by First Great Western are often too single-line track between Worcester and Hereford, only long or even too short to reach the connecting train. I a limited number of services can run per day. As trains was therefore saddened to read in a letter from the going in both directions need to share the same track, former Transport Minister, my right hon. Friend the the capacity of the line is reduced. Also, if one train is Member for Chipping Barnet (Mrs Villiers), that the delayed, there is an inevitable domino effect on all later invitation to tender allows for journeys that are now trains—they are all delayed. I would like investment in provided by through trains to be delivered using a that line to ensure that there is a passing place outside connection. The invitation to tender obviously allows Ledbury. That would be an excellent way to help to for a downgrade of our current service at a time when improve services and ensure that Herefordshire achieves we urgently need an upgrade. its potential. The Office of Rail Regulation yearbook For train services to become a viable transport option confirmed that First Great Western Ltd paid the for my constituents, the issues that I have set out need to Government £103.7 million in 2010-11 and £110.1 million be addressed. Furthermore, we need improved reliability, in 2011-12. It is fair to say therefore that some of that affordable fares and clean carriages. My constituents revenue could be re-invested into the infrastructure of understand that delays occur, but First Great Western the route. has a poor record of communicating information about I would be most grateful to the Minister if he focused those delays. Less than half of those surveyed for the on three key things that need to change. First, I would Office of Rail Regulation’s national rail trends yearbook like to re-emphasise my belief that the invitation to felt that First Great Western dealt well with delays. tender document must be improved. At a time when we There have also been endless complaints about difficulty need to boost our economy and get Britain going again, collecting fares on board at the end of the line. That not it is all the more important that our rail services are as only loses revenue, but leads to inaccurate records, good as they can be. Allowing broadly the same number pushing up the price of fares for those who do pay and of trains to run between end-to-end destinations is incorrectly reflecting demand. simply not good enough. We need a guarantee that our What do other bidders offer? The Department for service will improve, not a document that allows it to Transport does not allow the details of other bids to be get worse. exposed, so we must put our faith in the DFT’s decision Secondly, there is a vast need for infrastructure alone. I believe that urgent change is needed, so I urge improvement due to the single track between Worcester the Minister to alter the terms set out in the invitation and Hereford. It is clearly an enormous hindrance to an to tender document. I know that that is hard and I also efficient running timetable and must be considered. know that his office would prefer him to have an easier Working with Network Rail, we could double parts of life and to leave the document alone, but it must be the line, which would undoubtedly help to secure more remembered that 15 years is a long time for us to bear direct London-to-Hereford train services. Thirdly, and the responsibility of a diminished service. crucially, my priority is to ensure that there are more 301WH Rail Services (Paddington to 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Rail Services (Paddington to 302WH Herefordshire) Herefordshire) and better direct services on the London-to-Hereford because there has been such an appalling effort made to route. That needs to happen now, without obstruction collect the fares and therefore the statistics that go with or delay. them. I know that the Minister understands the difficulties Norman Baker: It is obviously right that people pay my constituents face daily. I am confident that a new their fares and we take fare evasion seriously. It is not train operating company can transform the services. only a loss to the railway, but unfair on the passengers The appointment of the new operator must of course who pay for their tickets properly. The Department has be taken very seriously, and so should the terms set out focused on it, not least through rolling out smartcard in the invitation to tender document. I recognise how arrangements and gating across franchise areas. difficult it is for him to do this, but he is a highly skilled A number of the most ambitious and important and brilliant politician and this is his moment to rise to changes will take place in the Great Western franchise the challenge, to deliver for the people, to soar with the area, so if you will forgive me, Mr Hollobone, I will eagles and to ensure that we deliver on our election refer to the line as a whole, as it is relevant to my hon. pledges for the environment, for growth, for Britain. Friend’s constituency. The Government’s announcement that the Great Western main line between London and Oxford, on the route to Hereford, will be electrified has 4.41 pm been warmly welcomed by all; that will be taken through The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport to Newbury, Bristol and Swansea as well, and brand-new (Norman Baker): I am grateful reply to that wonderful intercity express trains are planned for those routes. The peroration from my hon. Friend the Member for North bi-mode version of the new trains will be able to use Herefordshire (Bill Wiggin), whom I congratulate on electric power where new electrification has been installed, securing the debate. He is now free to make his points and run under their own power on sections of line because, I am sorry to say, he is no longer with us at the beyond, so it is entirely possible that the new franchisee Department for Transport in the capacity in which he will want to run intercity express programme services served previously. with new trains to destinations such as Hereford. I am sure that my hon. Friend would welcome that if it came As my hon. Friend said, on 27 July this year, the to pass. The Reading station area is being remodelled Government issued the invitation to tender for the new and the station itself rebuilt to modern standards, which Great Western franchise—Great Western, of course, will reduce delays. The Crossrail tunnels are already being the description of the area, rather than implying under construction there. which company might deliver the service. It is the future franchise operating train services on the route between Ultimately, those projects will generate major benefits London Paddington and Hereford, so the debate is for passengers and for the economy of the area served timely and I welcome his contribution to it. The Great by the new franchise, but delivering such an improvement Western rail network plays an important role in the programme is bound to have a short-term impact on economy of the many parts of England and Wales it services, so a major challenge for the new operator will serves. Rail connectivity provides crucial support for therefore be to facilitate the efficient delivery of the jobs and growth, and delivering high-quality rail services programmes and maximise the benefits they can offer is a means of tackling road congestion and pollution by for passengers once completed, while minimising disruption encouraging modal shift. during the introduction of the improvements. Franchise bidders will be expected to present robust proposals for My hon. Friend set out with great clarity the importance minimising disruption during the upgrade works, with a of the Great Western rail network to his constituency. keen focus on the needs of passengers. The Government have prioritised investment in our rail This is not just “jam tomorrow”. A success story of network in response to passenger concerns about Britain’s railways is the large number of additional overcrowding and to support jobs and growth. The passengers now using them, although that can of course programme of capacity expansion to which we are bring crowding, and overcrowding. As the Department committed is bigger than any seen since the Victorian for Transport’s statistics show, train services on this part era. He will be aware that there are now more people of the network have some of the highest levels of travelling on the network than at any time since 1929, crowding, which my hon. Friend’s constituents have no even though the network is much reduced in size. I am doubt mentioned to him. I am therefore pleased to say happy to be able to tell him that the usage figures for that this year, additional carriages, funded by the Hereford station in his constituency show that in 2007-08 Government, have been introduced on to First Great fewer than 900,000 people used the station annually, but Western train services. The busiest services operated by the figure had reached over 1 million by 2010-11, so high-speed trains, including some to and from Worcester, there has been significant growth in passenger numbers. now have an additional standard class coach. I hope The figures for Ledbury station show that in 2007-08, that my hon. Friend welcomes the recent arrival of five there were 162,000 annual usages, up to 189,000 for fully refurbished class 180 trains, which now operate 2010-11; and the numbers for Colwall station have risen nearly all services to and from Hereford and Worcester from 56,000 to 61,000. All three stations on the line, not operated by high-speed trains, bringing a much particularly Hereford, have shown significant growth, improved level of comfort for passengers. The turbo but I have not mentioned Leominster. trains displaced from those services are being used to add extra capacity to First Great Western train services Bill Wiggin: Leominster is on a slightly different line. closer to London. A problem we face at the end of the line is the failure to The Government’s plans are not limited to big, attention- collect fares, so although the Minister’s figures show an grabbing schemes such as those. We recognise that the increase, the actual increase might be even greater, wider improvements will not benefit the largest number 303WH Rail Services (Paddington to 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Rail Services (Paddington to 304WH Herefordshire) Herefordshire) [Norman Baker] Norman Baker: I take my hon. Friend’s point and I will come on to give more details about how the franchise of passengers unless accessibility at stations is improved. system will work in respect of his constituency. The Government’s access for all scheme continues to fund improvements to access for disabled people at We expect the franchise to include requirements on stations. I am pleased to say that improvements to passenger satisfaction—for example, in relation to accessibility are planned at stations on the route, with stations—and we have set stretching objectives for managing lifts and a new footbridge for Hereford; improvements, the changes I described a moment ago to deliver an including a ramp, at Malvern Link station; and work operationally sound and efficient railway that provides under way to establish how lifts can be introduced to enough capacity for passengers. The new franchise will Worcester Shrub Hill station. Elsewhere, lifts have been be for 15 years, and we believe that the increased installed at Leominster station in my hon. Friend’s certainty will encourage private sector investment in the constituency—indeed, he has been assiduous in pressing railways. A longer franchise should also make it easier for that. for the new operator to build the long-term working relationships with Network Rail and other stakeholders, Shortly after taking office, the Government consulted such as local authorities, that are crucial to an efficient on plans to reform the way the rail franchising system and successful railway. The initial alliancing project in operates, and this is perhaps coming to the kernel of the South West Trains has shown good initial results. issues my hon. Friend wanted to raise today. Part of the Government’s approach is to provide Bill Wiggin: Before the Minister leaves the access for greater flexibility for operators to react to their passengers’ all programme, I want to say that I am grateful for the changing needs as well as to commercial opportunities, lifts in Leominster. They were supposed to be monitored and to support operators in delivering a more efficient so that drunk people do not damage them and people operation. That is why we have adopted and developed do not get locked in. Unfortunately, they were not a less prescriptive approach to franchise specification monitored as they should have been and people have that seeks to avoid the micro-management of the past been locked in. Can we make sure that the monitoring while protecting key services. In doing so, we have happens, and will he include Ledbury in the next round sought to balance the needs of passengers, the railway of the access for all scheme, because the demand there is industry and the wider economy. equally important? The Government believe it is right to give operators Norman Baker: I am sorry to hear that there has been greater say in how to deploy their train fleet more a problem with the lifts at Leominster. We will certainly efficiently, for example—this is my hon. Friend’s point—by pass on those comments to the train operating company permitting a connecting service where a through train is and Network Rail. I am deeply surprised to find that currently provided and by redefining the relationship my hon. Friend has anything approaching anti-social between journey flows and station calls. In respect of behaviour in his lovely constituency; nevertheless, I will my hon. Friend’s constituency, bidders for the franchise take away what he says. We have allocated a further must continue to provide, as an absolute minimum, £100 million under the access for all programme in the 16 services in each direction between London and Worcester forthcoming control period, and I will ensure that the each weekday. However, we are aware that about 60% of position at Ledbury is examined at part of that process passengers from London to Hereford choose to change for ongoing works. trains at Newport or Birmingham, so we considered Returning to the franchising system, the new Great whether it is appropriate to prescribe the detail of the Western operator is being given greater flexibility to exact current service pattern for the next 15 years. respond to customer demand in a commercial way Accordingly, we decided that, of the 16 trains to Worcester, within a framework set by the franchise that protects eight must provide easy connections to Great Malvern key outcomes for passengers, taxpayers and the economy. and five to Hereford, as a minimum. The connection I will mention in passing that both coalition parties must be to another of the franchisee’s services, not to a endorsed that general approach in the run-up to the different operator. As such, operators will need to consider general election and subsequently in the coalition agreement. whether to run through-trains or to lease additional The requirements on the new operator are set out in the rolling stock to provide a connecting train, if that is invitation to tender published on 27 July. Our starting what they wish to do. As I said, it is entirely possible point for the development of the new train service that through-services will prove to be the more viable specification has been the current level of train services, option for those operators. If there is a connection, it rather than the lower contracted minimum in the existing must not require excessive waiting time and must provide First Great Western franchise agreement. My hon. Friend an accessible route that can be navigated easily by will know that services have been added since the last passengers with luggage, those travelling with children, franchise was set, so it is important to recognise that we or people with disabilities. are taking the current high level rather than the low level that existed under the previous Government. Operators are, of course, free to continue to provide through-journeys or a higher frequency of services, as Bill Wiggin: I am grateful to the Minister for his has recently been illustrated by the west coast franchise explanation. I urge him to ensure that the high level competition. In that respect, the Government’s policy is goes to the end of the line. My understanding is that the to mandate today’s service levels more flexibly and to tender document insists on a number of services per day encourage bidders to propose investment and improvements and increases the number of those to Worcester and over the longer term of the franchise. We will look Malvern, but it needs to reach the end of the line at closely at bidders’ proposals later this year, but in the Hereford and not just raise the game halfway. That is meantime I encourage my hon. Friend to speak to the really the nub of the argument. bidders to set out what he wants for his constituents. 305WH Rail Services (Paddington to 18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Rail Services (Paddington to 306WH Herefordshire) Herefordshire) In addition, we have mandated that, as a minimum, I recommend that my hon. Friend does what many Worcester should receive 85 daily calls, measured as local Members do—I, too, have done it, in absenting station departures—47 at Shrub Hill and 38 at Foregate myself from departmental decisions on my local Street. A minimum of 71 calls per week day will be franchise—which is to engage with bidders by talking required for Malvern Link, Great Malvern, Colwall, to them and putting the case that he wants to see for his Ledbury and Hereford stations, but the operator can particular lines. I have certainly found being able to put allocate them in a way that best meets demand. That is the case for what I want in my patch to be a rewarding designed to guarantee a comparable level of service to experience, and that bidders have been quite receptive. today’s, without prescribing the timetable itself. In this new world, in which we are giving franchise My hon. Friend is concerned that the new franchise bidders more flexibility to develop services, I would not arrangements may lead to a diminution of services in underestimate the opportunity for bidders, which they his constituency. By not micro-managing or setting welcome, in talking to local Members, understanding in stone exactly what has to be delivered, we are giving what they want and building that into their plans. He bidders an opportunity to provide an improved level of and other local Members have that key point of influence service for his constituency. Indeed, with railway numbers where they can talk to franchise bidders and influence increasing year on year, as they have been, it is important them accordingly. to give space to a successful bidder to improve services On infrastructure improvements, my hon. Friend will and if possible, if they choose to do so, within the be aware that, as I have mentioned, we are engaged in franchise arrangements to increase the number of through- huge works across the country to improve the railway services. That is not an impossible outcome. We are network. There is always enthusiasm about looking at engaged in the biggest rail building programme since any scheme that provides value for money.As I understand Victorian times. We are looking at how to increase, not it, a 15-year period potentially allows a bidder to include decrease, the extent to which people can travel by train. in its bid that particular improvement—a passing place If I may say so, we should therefore see the arrangement at Ledbury—as part of the offer that it makes to the not as a threat, but as an opportunity for franchise Department. Bidders are putting forward such schemes bidders to develop services that do more to meet the in other bids, and he could encourage his bidders to do needs of passengers than would a rigorous, rigid franchise so. Alternatively, he could engage with Network Rail in arrangement. relation to both what is left in control period 5, or indeed what is in control period 6, to make sure that Bill Wiggin: I fully accept and welcome the Minister’s such an improvement is properly programmed in for intentions. What he is trying to do is very good. Does he future work. We are now seeing significant improvements agree that the easiest way to demonstrate that flexibility to track capacity across the country, including redoubling and achieve improvement is simply to increase the number between Swindon and Kemble, so the concept of providing of compulsory journeys, by perhaps just one, to the more capacity is certainly one that Network Rail is up very end of the line? Thus, on paper, there would be a for at the moment. There is more of an open door for minimum improvement, even if train operating companies such schemes than there has been for many years. failed to take advantage of all the flexibility that he has so kindly given them. That way, it is beyond debate—it On direct services to Malvern, I cannot do anything would be clear that a sixth journey to Hereford is a about the invitation to tender that has been issued. raising of the standards and that, beyond that, everything However, I can say that, personally, I think there is a else is a bonus. I think that that is what he is hinting at. good case for more direct services, and I hope that the franchise bidders will reflect that in their bids. No Norman Baker: I want to answer my hon. Friend’s doubt, they will listen to my hon. Friend’s comments three key points before we finish. The invitation to and my response, and I hope that that will be reflected tender has been issued; it was dealt with by the then in the sort of bids that he wants, as and when they come Minister of State, who is now the Secretary of State for into the Department. Northern Ireland. In a sense, that moment has passed: Question put and agreed to. the invitation to tender cannot sensibly be withdrawn and nor should it be. That would cause all sorts of problems for the Department and, indeed, for the bidders, 4.58 pm so it is not an option. Sitting adjourned.

29WS Written Ministerial Statements18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 30WS

set out in the Financial Services Bill. The Financial Written Ministerial Policy Committee will identify, monitor and address risks to the stability of the UK financial system as a Statements whole. It is vital that the Financial Policy Committee possesses the necessary tools to address the systemic risks that it Tuesday 18 September 2012 identifies. Alongside broad powers of recommendation, the Financial Policy Committee will also have specific powers to direct the regulators to take action, which will TREASURY be set out by the Treasury in secondary legislation, subject to the affirmative procedure. Recognising the importance of these tools, the Banking Act 2009 Government have committed to consulting on its proposals for the Financial Policy Committee’s direction-making powers, during the passage of the Financial Services The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Greg Clark): Bill. The Treasury has laid before the House of Commons a This document therefore sets out the Government’s report required under section 231 of the Banking Act 2009 proposals for the Financial Policy Committee’s initial covering the period from 1 October 2011 to 31 March 2012. toolkit, which have been informed by the recommendations Copies of the document are available in the Vote Office of the interim Financial Policy Committee in March and the Printed Paper Office. 2012. The Government propose to make the Financial Policy Cash Ratio Deposit Scheme Committee responsible for setting the level of the UK’s counter-cyclical capital buffer and to provide the Financial Policy Committee with a direction-making power to The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): impose sectoral capital requirements. Cash Ratio Deposits (CRDs) are non-interest bearing The Government intend to provide the Financial assets deposited with the Bank of England by banks Policy Committee with a direction power to set, and and building societies. They are used by the bank to finance vary over time, a leverage ratio cap, but no earlier than its unremunerated activities, in particular its efforts to 2018 and subject to a review in 2017 to assess progress secure price stability and the stability of the financial on international standards. system in general, from which these institutions are key beneficiaries. The document contains draft secondary legislation that will provide the Financial Policy Committee with The CRD scheme was extended to include building its directive tools and an impact assessment that contains societies, and was placed on a statutory basis, when the illustrative estimates of the net benefits of these macro- Bank of England Act became law in 1998. The scheme prudential tools. was reviewed in 2003, when the threshold above which institutions are obliged to place deposits with the Bank The Treasury seeks responses to the consultation on of England, was amended following a public consultation. the proposals by 11 December 2012, in advance of The outcome of the following CRD review in 2008 laying the secondary legislation before Parliament once resulted in a reduction in the CRD ratio to 0.11% from the Financial Services Bill receives Royal Assent. 0.15%. As part of the CRD scheme review in 2007-08 Copies of “The Financial Services Bill: the Financial the Government made a commitment to conduct a Policy Committee’s macro-prudential tools” are available further formal review at the latest in five years’ time. in the Vote Office, Printed Paper Office and the HM The Treasury, working closely with the bank, will now Treasury website. begin that review. The review will include an assessment of the detailed arrangements of the scheme as well as the continuing Tax Policy Consultation and Draft Legislation suitability of the scheme itself compared to alternative sources of funding. It will also address the impact of the scheme on the eligible institutions. The broad The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David conclusions of the review will be the subject of a public Gauke): The Government’s approach to tax policy making consultation. places great emphasis on policy consultation and scrutiny of legislation. Financial Policy Committee’s Macro-Prudential Toolkit Over the summer, HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs have been seeking the views of interested parties on over 35 of the tax policies announced at The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Greg Clark): Budget 2012. Responses to these consultations will be I have today laid before Parliament a consultation published on or by 11 December 2012. document, “The Financial Services Bill: the Financial As part of the next stage of consultation, draft legislation Policy Committee’s macro-prudential tools”. for these measures, to be included in Finance Bill 2013, Establishing the Financial Policy Committee within will also be published on that date. This will be the Bank of England as the UK’s macro-prudential supplemented by draft explanatory notes and tax authority is a key element of the Government’s reforms information and impact notes. The draft clauses will be to the UK’s system of financial services regulation, as open for consultation until 6 February 2013. 31WS Written Ministerial Statements18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 32WS

CABINET OFFICE Today my Department has announced its response to the consultation on proposed changes to the Department’s Police and Crime Commissioner Elections (Guidance) statistics. From October this year, we will no longer publish statistics at a Government office regional level. Instead the Department will plan to publish, where The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster appropriate, statistics for local enterprise partnerships General (Mr Francis Maude): Guidance has today been and upper-tier local authorities, complementing existing issued to civil servants in UK departments on the statistics by local authority. principles which they should observe in relation to the The coalition Government have abolished regional conduct of Government business in the run up to the government. The unelected regional assemblies/regional elections for Police and Crime Commissioner roles in chambers, the Government offices for the regions, the England and Wales outside London. The elections will regional FiReControl programme, the regional development take place on 15 November 2012. agencies have been terminated, as is intended for the The guidance sets out the need to maintain the political regional spatial strategies, subject to the strategic impartiality of the civil service and the need to ensure environment assessment process outlined in my statement that public resources are not used for party political of 3 September 2012, Official Report, Column 5WS. purposes. The period of sensitivity preceding the elections The Government office regions were an inefficient starts on 25 October. tier of administration based on arbitrary boundaries. Copies of the guidance have been placed in the They did not reflect the areas that local residents most Libraries of both Houses and on the Cabinet Office identified with, nor were they areas with common economic website at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource- problems and market conditions, nor were they the library/election-guidance. most sensible boundaries for co-ordinating functions such as fire and resilience. Committee on Standards in Public Life The continuing use of the former Government office (Triennial Review) regional boundaries no longer provides a coherent framework for assessing public policy. Many of the Government’s policies now use alternative local geographies, The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster for example local enterprise partnerships, the new homes General (Mr Francis Maude): I am today announcing bonus and city deals. Publishing statistics at a regional the start of the triennial review of the Committee on level is no longer necessary or informative, and we see Standards in Public Life (CSPL). Triennial reviews of little point in producing statistics at taxpayers’ expense non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) are part of for their own sake. the Government’s commitment to ensuring that NDPBs The old regional classifications are also misleading—they continue to have regular challenge on their remit and fail to quantify both the pockets of deprivation that can governance arrangements. exist within regions or the differences between rural and The review will be undertaken by an independent urban England, and there is an inconsistency of approach external reviewer, Peter Riddell, Director of the Institute to the size and population of each government region. for Government, who will want to consult widely with They are arbitrary lines on a map that have no resonance relevant stakeholders, including Parliament, the devolved —in contrast to England’s long-standing cities, boroughs Administrations, the main political parties, academics, and counties which have a real sense of local identity ethics regulators and others with an interest in the work and popular support, dating back centuries in many of the Committee. He will be issuing an issues and cases. England has no history of regional government, questions paper in due course and the findings of the whereas it does have a great tradition of local governance review will be published. Peter will be supported in that this Government wish to strengthen. the review by the Cabinet Office. At his request, he will There is also a European dimension to the regions in not be paid for his time. the form of Eurostat’s nomenclature of units for territorial In common with all such reviews, Peter Riddell will statistics standard (the appropriately named “NUTS undertake the following: regulations”). It is the view of Ministers that the NUTS1 hierarchy is no longer appropriate for structural funds to challenge the continuing need for this NDPB—both its in England moving forward from 2014. Ministers reject functions and form; and; the notion of a “Europe of the Regions” where nation if it is agreed that it should remain as an NDPB, to review its states and national Parliaments are sidelined, and replaced control and governance arrangements to ensure that it is complying with recognised principles of good corporate with distant regional governments answerable only to a governance. federal European super-state. Dismantling such arbitrary, The aim will be to complete the review in the autumn. unelected regional administrative structures will assist in that goal. Ministers have carefully considered all the representations COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT made in the consultation. I would note that, for the purposes of historic comparisons, nothing prevents Departmental Statistics academics and other interested parties from compiling and analysing the open local authority data by the old regional government boundaries if they wish. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local The consultation response also notes the implementation Government (Mr Eric Pickles): I would like to update of a new form on local authority housing statistics hon. Members on changes to the publication of the which reduces and rationalises the data we are asking Department’s statistics. local authorities to provide, reducing burdens on local 33WS Written Ministerial Statements18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 34WS government. It also reports on the responses on land policies. Directives used in developing this tool included use change statistics which confirmed their importance the marine strategy directive, the water framework directive for monitoring the outcomes of planning policy.A copy of and the habitats directive. It noted that EU directives the response has been placed in the Library of the House. create significant tensions with the need for development to meet demand. The marine strategy directive would Research Commissioned by the Previous Administration cost key business sectors between £439 million to £1.2 billion in additional costs. The research was commissioned in The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for 2009 at a cost of £81,025. Communities and Local Government (Mr Don Foster): Building and the environment reports Today my Department is publishing the 13th group of (vi) Mapping the standard of existing stock and its reports presenting the findings from research projects turnover—This report by Building Research Establishment commissioned by the previous Administration. considered the work to develop a model of the existing This Administration inherited a significant backlog housing stock in England and Wales, which could be of unpublished reports that were commissioned by the used in assessing the impact of current and future previous Government which we have been publishing in policy in relation to energy use, carbon emissions and groups themed on a particular topic. water consumption. This report was commissioned in The reports and findings are of general policy interest, 2008 at a cost of £56,305. but do not relate to forthcoming policy announcements. (vii) Case studies of change of use of dwellings—This We are publishing these documents in the interests of report by Faber Maunsell looked at achieving satisfactory transparency and as part of our freedom of information acoustic performance for buildings to be converted commitment to publish the results of all commissioned from industry or commercial use to residential use. research. Although sound insulation was the main concern of The 16 reports published today represent the findings this project, all other relevant requirements of the building from 15th research projects at a total cost of £1,453,505. regulations were to be considered and methods of These findings cover the topics of building, planning compliance outlined. This report was commissioned in and the environment. 2003 at a cost of £115,860. Planning reports (viii) Lessons from Stamford Brook—Understanding (i) Evaluation of minerals policy statements (two the gap between designed and real performance. This volumes)—This report by the British Geological Survey report by Leeds Metropolitan University conveyed the considered the implementation of a number of the results of a research designed to evaluate the extent to minerals policy statements and minerals policy guidance which low-carbon housing standards could be achieved notes, and evaluated the impacts of the policy’s in a large commercial housing development and implementation. This report was commissioned in January incorporated into future building regulations. The report 2010 at a cost of £60,000. was commissioned in 2002 and the Department’s (ii) Investigating the influence of settlement pattern contribution was £215,000. and morphology on the sterilisation of shallow coal (ix) The safety of stairs investigated over a range of resources—This report by the British Geological Survey rise and goings—This report by Building Research assessed the impact on shallow coal resources of using Establishment considered people’s use of stairs. It conducted separation zones around urban areas. This report was analysis of subjective opinions, objective behaviour on commissioned in January 2010 at a cost of £9,000. stairs and foot placement data to establish the effect of (iii) Research to understand the rural impacts of regional guidance within part K (Protection from falling, collision spatial strategies—This report by land use consultants and impact) on the design of public, private and institutional noted that the regional strategies were not rural proofed stairs and the risk of falling. The report was commissioned and, had an urban-centred approach and that planned in 2003 at a cost of £219,682. housing provision in rural areas was on a declining (x) Investigation of real fires—This report by the trend. This report was commissioned in 2009 at a cost Building Research Establishment provided feedback on of £21,542. the performance of real buildings in real fires. The (iv) A quality local development management service—The findings noted the overall effectiveness of the building last Government’s Killian Pretty report recommended regulations in providing for the safety of life in the that Government should review the then existing national event of fire and most of the significant issues that have planning indicator (National Indicator 157) on timeliness been identified during this study fell outside the scope for progressing planning applications and proposed a of these regulations. The report was commissioned in new satisfaction with the planning application service 2007 at a cost of £241,067. indicator. There was concern from applicants, local (xi) Modelling the current and potential accessibility of planning authorities and others that the performance the housing stock—This report by Building Research regime focused on the eight and 13-week time-scale Establishment considered the accessibility of the existing targets had unintended effects on behaviours and outcomes. housing stock in England with particular reference to In response the Department commissioned research its utility for older and disabled people. The report uses into alternatives. The research report by Addison and data from the English Housing Condition Survey to Associates with Arup recommended monitoring 37 different identify the frequency and suitability of a range of built indicators. This report was commissioned in November features within homes to arrive at an overall assessment 2009 at a cost of £72,816. of their accessibility and future adaptability. The report (v) A tool to assess the impact of EU directives on UK was commissioned in 2006 at a cost of £56,305. sub-national planning policies (two reports)—This research (xii) Future administration of the energy performance by Ove Arup aimed to develop a tool to assess the buildings directive quality assurance regime—The objective impact of future EU directives on national planning of the work was to set the long-term standards and 35WS Written Ministerial Statements18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 36WS quality assurance arrangements for the energy performance people are playing sport every week in England than of buildings directive (regime and infrastructure, including when we won the bid in 2005 but we also know that we accreditation schemes and energy assessors), to ensure need to maintain the momentum from London 2012. that robust, repeatable and accurate energy performance That is why we have put in place the following 10 point certificates, display energy certificates and air conditioning sports legacy plan: reports were produced in a consistent manner. It was ELITE SPORT commissioned in June 2009 at a cost of £75,280. Elite Funding (xiii) Review of the impact of the draft European basic safety standard directive on building regulations—This Through UK Sport, we have committed lottery and report by the Building Research Establishment examines exchequer funding of around £125 million a year over the implications of the proposed European ionising the next four years for elite sport. This will provide the radiation basic safety standard directive for building sports’ governing bodies with the certainty they need to regulations. This research was commissioned in February put long-term plans in place to try and emulate, or 2010 at a cost of £24,829. better, the success our athletes have enjoyed in London. In return, and in the volunteering spirit of the games, (xiv) Glazing under abnormal loads—This report by all funded UK athletes will be asked to offer up to five Buro Happold and the Building Research Establishment days a year of their time to inspire the next generation addressed the issue of abnormal loads on glazing and through school and community sport. the response of glazing systems. The research was commissioned in particular to examine the role of building World Class Facilities regulations in mitigating the risks involved from abnormal We have invested in new world class sports facilities loads on glazing. It reviewed structural assessment methods that will support community and elite sport for future currently used to design buildings with glazed systems generations inspired by London 2012. After the games, and assess their adequacy in the area of abnormal the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) loadings. This work was commissioned in October 2003 will begin a £300 million construction project to remove at a cost of £157,052. the temporary venues and facilities and transform the (xv) Safety of masonry parapets—The overall aim of Olympic site into the Queen Elizabeth Olympic park. this project was to determine and analyse the most On the Olympic park, the stadium, aquatics centre, common structural problems associated with masonry velodrome and copper box will be transformed into parapets and the potential hazards and dangers that their final legacy configurations and the hockey arena may arise. Having identified the problems, conclusions moved to a new location in Eton Manor at the north of and recommendations need to be made regarding measures the park alongside. The Lee Valley white water centre, that ought to be taken in the specification, design, the Eton Dorney rowing centre, the Hadleigh farm construction and maintenance of masonry parapets to mountain biking centre and the Weymouth sailing centre ensure that they remained safe and structurally sound were developed or improved for the games and will over the service life of the building. This work was reopen to elite and community use. There will also be a commissioned in October 2003 and cost £61,212. legacy from the investment made into facilities used as (xvi) Radon: Current and future performance of radon games time training centres including: protective measures—This report by the Building Research Three new facilities—(Europa Gym at Bexley, Redbridge Establishment (BRE) reviews the performance of radon Leisure Centre, Mayesbrook Park). protective measures in new buildings. The research notes One temporary facility (Basketball)—Two competition that radon protection measures installed 20 years continue specification floors for use in major events around the country. to provide a high degree of radon protection, and were Two refurbished athletic tracks—(Mayesbrook Park, Newham not adversely affected by improvements such as extensions, Leisure Centre). conservatories, double glazing or insulation. This work Two hockey pitches at the Old Loughtonians club. was commissioned in February 2010 at a cost of £53,505. Six building and sports floor upgrades—(Barking Abby These reports and findings are of general policy interest, School, Hackney Community College, Langdon School, but do not relate to forthcoming policy announcements Sobell Centre, Rokeby School). and are not necessarily a reflection of the current In addition, a number of the temporary facilities Government’s policies and priorities. used for the games will be relocated to communities Copies of these reports are available on the Department across the UK. Considerable progress has been made to for Communities and Local Government website. Copies date on the disposal of a number of assets including: have been placed in the Libraries of the Houses. Pools: Up to nine pools comprising 3x50 metres and 6x25 metres pools are available for possible relocation to legacy end users. Sport England will lead the management of this process. CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Shooting Enclosures: Business cases received from UK applicants for 25 metres and combined 10/50 metres shooting enclosures are being considered at present. Sporting Legacy Re-allocation of one of the hockey pitches from the Riverbank Arena to the Richmond Hockey Club (in SW London), where it will also be used by the University of Westminster. The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Hugh Robertson): The Government are Major Sports Events determined to deliver on the commitment to “Inspire a To maintain the moment from London 2012, we have Generation” and secure a lasting sporting legacy from already won the right to host the following major sporting the games. We already know that 1.3 million more events throughout the UK: 37WS Written Ministerial Statements18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 38WS

Join In Rugby League World Cup 2013 BMX Supercross World Series 2013 The Government have supported the launch of “Join European Athletics Team Championships 2013 In”, a programme designed to use the volunteering World Youth Netball Championships 2013 spirit which did so much to enhance the games and World Triathlon Championship Series Final 2013 encourage people to give time in the community. Between Rowing World Cup Series 2013 13 and 28 August 2012, communities across the UK Men’s World Open Squash Championships 2013 took part in “Join In Local Sport”. Over 6,000 events ICC Champions Trophy 2013 took place and early indications from the new Join In trust are that the events attracted over a quarter of a Commonwealth Games 2014 million participants and, of those that took part, 10% Ryder Cup (Gleneagles) 2014 volunteered on the day and over 10% signed up for Rugby Football World Cup 2015 future volunteering. World Rowing Series (Option) 2015 World Canoe Slalom Championships 2015 SCHOOL SPORT European Eventing Championships 2015 School Games World Fencing Championships 2015 We have introduced the school games programme, World Artistic Championships (M&W) 2015 with sponsorship from Sainsbury’s and HRH Prince European Hockey Championships 2015 Harry of Wales as president. Over half the schools in IPC Swimming European Championships (50m) 2015 England are already taking part, including primary, World Athletic Championships 2017 secondary, special and independent schools. In May 2012, Cricket World Cup 2019 some 35,000 young spectators cheered on 1,600 elite young athletes in the inaugural national finals in the And because we know that hosting sporting events Olympic park and other Olympic venues. In June 2012, delivers significant economic benefits for the country as 112,000 young athletes and 15,000 young volunteers well as encouraging our young people to take up new took part in county sport festivals around the country sports, we are bidding to host more events including the and every school taking part in the programme held European swimming championships (2016), the UCI their own Olympic style sports day. track cycling world championships (2016) and the IOC PE Youth Olympic games (2018), among many others in the pipeline. PE and sport remains an integral part of the school curriculum. Nevertheless, we recognise that more needs COMMUNITY to be done to ensure all our children have the chance to Places People Play enjoy sport in school, to compete against their peers Sport England’s £135 million sports legacy programme. and to promote and celebrate sporting excellence at a Places People Play was launched in November 2010. young age. This has already: DISABILITY SPORT LEGACY invested in 12 new large scale multi-sports facilities and over 700 community sports projects; Disability Sport recruited 22,000 sports makers who have committed to volunteer for at least 10 hours to support sports participation; We want to inspire more people with disabilities to play sport regularly and for opportunities to be included launched the club leaders programme which aims to reach at least 10,000 sport clubs; within all legacy programmes. motivated over 100,000 to sign up for the gold challenge to Sport England has awarded £1.5 million to the English test themselves in multiple Olympic and Paralympic sports Federation of Disability Sport to work with the sports’ and raise millions of pounds for charity; national governing bodies to increase sports participation Given nearly 98,869 young people the chance to try new by disabled people and make grassroots sport more sports through the Sportivate programme. inclusive. Youth Sport Strategy (Whole Sport Plans) It has also awarded lottery funding to seven national Also, through Sport England, we are investing £l billion disability sports organisations—Mencap Sport/Special over the next five years in the youth sport strategy to Olympics GB jointly, British Blind Sport, Cerebral Palsy encourage everyone, but particularly young people. Sport, Dwarf Sport Association UK, British Wheelchair to take up sport and develop a sporting habit for life. Sport and UK Deaf Sport—to support and guide national This strategy will provide lottery and exchequer funding governing bodies (NGBS) of sport and other sports to: bodies to create opportunities for participation of disabled enable the sports’ governing bodies to create more opportunities people. for everyone to participate in sport at least once a week; In addition. Sport England is working with key help local authorities improve sport provision; organisations from the disability sector, such as Disability support local organisations, well-run clubs, voluntary groups Rights UK, to bring them together with the sports and other partners such as the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust and Street Games; sector. This will expand the reach and expertise available to the sports sector and bring more disabled people into enhance sport provision at further education colleges and Universities; sport. upgrade community sports facilities and invest in new facilities; In delivering the YouthSport Strategy, Sport England enable schools to open up their sporting facilities for use by will confirm the 2013-17 investment into a number of local communities; NGBs in December 2012. This investment will for the rolled out at least 6,000 partnerships between schools and first include specific targets around delivering an increase local sports clubs by 2017. in participation by disabled people. 39WS Written Ministerial Statements18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 40WS

And Sport England’s sporting legacy programme. Finally, I am also announcing my intention to publish Places People Play, includes an £8 million inclusive an updated strategy in the new year, which will set out sport fund. This will invest in innovative, scalable and the final decision on the new definition of fuel poverty, replicable projects that make it easier and more enjoyable our intentions on the target and will be an opportunity for disabled people to take part in sport and physical to set out a refreshed plan for tackling fuel poverty, to activity more often. ensure the Government are using their resources as Within the school games, project ability is a bespoke effectively as possible. project, delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, and has The consultation will run until 30 November, and I been designed to help drive and increase opportunities will set out the Government’s response with our intention for young disabled people. on each of the issues as soon as possible after the Around 5,000 disabled children in 486 schools have consultation has concluded. benefited from Project Ability in the first year of the Meanwhile we will continue to deliver policies that programme. Some 32 sports are working with the we know are making a difference, through the warm programme to create opportunities for children to get home discount scheme requiring energy suppliers to involved. provide support to low income and vulnerable customers INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT with their energy costs, and the new energy company We will continue funding the International Inspiration obligation, which will run in parallel with the green programme until at least 2014 and will work with the deal, and is intended to focus particularly on households International Inspiration Foundation in developing options that cannot achieve financial savings without additional for how programme might continue after 2014, including support, including the poorest and most vulnerable, bringing together the work of International Inspiration and those in hard to treat homes. and UK Sport’s sport for development charity— International Development through sport. Since 2007, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE this ground breaking sport for development programme has already reached more than 12 million young people in 20 countries around the world. Afghanistan (Monthly Progress Report) I will provide quarterly updates to the House on progress with delivery of this plan. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr William Hague): I wish to inform the House that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, together ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE with the Ministry of Defence and the Department for International Development, is today publishing the 20th progress report on developments in Afghanistan Fuel Poverty Update since November 2010. On 8 July at the Tokyo conference the international community, including the UK, agreed to help the The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Government of Afghanistan meet their country’s (Mr Edward Davey): In March 2012, Professor John development needs for the years up to and after security Hills from the London School of Economics published transition in 2014. Specific pledges were made to 2017, his final report into the issue of fuel poverty in which he with strong commitments from the international community recommended that the Government move away from to provide financial assistance to Afghanistan through the current definition of fuel poverty, which he argued the “Transformation Decade” to the end of 2024. This was not fit for purpose. At the time we committed to support is vital to ensure that the Government can moving to a new framework for measurement and provide continued stability and prospects for their people consulting on that approach. Today I am laying before when international military troops withdraw at the end Parliament a consultation which seeks views on the of 2014. Our support will depend on the Government approach we intend to take. taking forward key governance and economic reforms, On the definition of fuel poverty, I intend to adopt including on protecting the rights of women and girls, the overall framework that Professor Hills proposed in outlined in the Tokyo mutual accountability framework his review. I believe that this is a better measure of the (TMAF). At the request of the Government of problem of fuel poverty than the indicator we are Afghanistan, the UK agreed to co-chair the first ministerial currently using because it will allow us to properly review of the TMAF benchmarks in 2014. understand the problem, and therefore design effective The insurgency remains a tangible threat in Afghanistan solutions. By adopting a more accurate measure, this as the separate attacks in Nimruz and Kunduz provinces will help us to target our resources at those most in on 14 August demonstrated. However, as transition need. progresses and the Afghan National Security Forces The consultation also considers the question of (ANSF) increasingly move to the fore on operations, we implications of a change to the definition for the fuel are seeing more evidence that violent incidents are poverty target which is set out the Warm Homes and being evermore displaced away from the protected Energy Conservation Act. The definition of fuel poverty communities where the majority of Afghans live. While that we are proposing to adopt is a relative one, while there are still areas where the insurgent has relative the target is focused on eradication as far as reasonably freedom of movement they are finding it hard to concentrate practicable by 2016. The consultation therefore also their forces as they would wish. It is likely that they will seeks views on whether, in changing the definition, we continue to rely on improvise explosive devices (IEDs), should also seek to align the target with this new high-profile attacks and assassination attempts as means understanding of the problem. of conducting their campaign and maintaining relevance. 41WS Written Ministerial Statements18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 42WS

Insider attacks (incidents where members of the ANSF Government undertook (17 April 2012: column 226)1 attack their international security assistance force (ISAF) to consider whether to extend legal aid for advice and partners1) remain a serious concern. We are working assistance to welfare benefits cases in the first-tier tribunal with ISAF and our Afghan partners to reduce the where these involved a point of law. The vast majority potential for such incidents, but while being adamant of tribunal appeals do not involve points of law, but the that they will not derail our strategy for transition. Government said that where these could be identified The UK continued to support the development of by an independent person they would consider making the local economy in Helmand province. UK aid has legal aid available. delivered technical and vocational education and training Having considered the matter carefully, the Government to more than 7,300 Helmandis, giving them the skills to consider that a system of independent verification is get jobs and start businesses in the emerging private not feasible. But they will make available, subject to sector. Our assistance is also helping local government merits and means tests being satisfied, legal aid in the officials in Helmand take control of vital infrastructure, form of advice and assistance for those welfare benefit including roads, canals and irrigation systems. cases in the first-tier tribunal where the first-tier tribunal I am placing the report in the Library of the House. has itself identified an error of law in its own decision. It will also be published on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website (www.fco.gov.uk). Under tribunal rules, when the first-tier tribunal receives 1Also known as green on blue attacks. an application for permission to appeal, it must first consider whether to review its own decision. The tribunal may only undertake a review of its decision if it is satisfied that there was an error of law in the decision. If HOME DEPARTMENT the tribunal reviews its decision, it may invite representations from parties as part of that review. Alternatively, it may take action as a result of the review (in effect, to change Proceeds of Crime its earlier decision) without first giving every party an opportunity to make representations; in that case any party that did not have an opportunity to make The Minister of State, Home Department (Mr Jeremy representations may apply for such action to be set Browne): Following the debate in the House of Commons aside and for the decision to be reviewed again. on 12 June, the Government decided not to opt in at this stage to the draft directive of the European Parliament Legal aid will be available to assist appellants in these and of the Council on the freezing and confiscation of two situations: to make representations when invited by proceeds of crime in the European Union (European the tribunal, and in relation to an application for action Union Document No. 7641/12). to be set aside and for the decision to be reviewed again The Government welcome the overall aims of the where representations were not sought. We intend in directive and recognise the benefits of increased due course to lay an order under section 9 of the Legal international co-operation to recover assets held overseas. Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, However having analysed the contents of the directive, for approval by each House, to reflect this position. and consulted with policy and operational partners, the Government identified a number of issues with the The Legal Services Commission intends to begin a directive, including a serious problem with article 5 of tender for welfare benefits work in 2013. The tender will the directive which introduces provisions on non-conviction cover the work described above, and advice and assistance based confiscation in limited circumstances. for onward appeals on a point of law in the Upper Tribunal, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court as described The UK has strong powers which are successfully in paragraph 8 of part 1 of schedule 1 to the Legal Aid, used to tackle criminal finances. Our powers are already Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012. compliant with or stronger than many of those contained One of the criteria for awarding contracts in this tender in the directive. As the directive offers no direct benefit will be price competition. and the risk to our domestic regime posed by article 5 is sufficiently serious, we decided that the best course of The indicative timetable for the welfare benefits contract action is not to opt in at this stage. is: We will take a full part in the negotiations on the directive and will seek to shape it in the national interest Pre-Qualification Questionnaire February 2013 before carefully considering the case for a post-adoption Stage opt-in. Invitation to Tender May 2013

Contract Commencement October 2013 JUSTICE Existing welfare benefit contracts are due to expire in March 2013. In order to ensure that advice and assistance Legal Aid Reform will be provided for welfare benefit cases within the scope of legal aid, we will put in place appropriate interim measures from April 2013. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Jeremy Wright): During Commons consideration of 1http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201212/ Lords amendments stage of the Legal Aid, Sentencing cmhansrd/cm120417/debtext/120417- and Punishment of Offenders (LASPO) Bill, the 0002.htm#12041733000002 43WS Written Ministerial Statements18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 44WS

TRANSPORT High Speed Rail (Phase 1 Consultation)

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Local Major Transport Schemes (Next Steps) (Norman Baker): The Government’s decision on 10 January 2012 to take forward proposals for a national high speed rail network followed a major public consultation The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport exercise that attracted around 55,000 responses. (Norman Baker): Earlier this year we launched a consultation paper setting out options for how we should The decision to proceed took account of a range of devolve funding and prioritisation of local major transport evidence including analysis by my Department and schemes following this spending review period. High Speed Two Ltd of issues raised in consultation as well as comments from a wide variety of interested Transport is vitally important to local economies, parties through a range of engagement approaches. The and new infrastructure can provide the missing links Government’s independent response analysis consultants, that are often so crucial in getting economies moving Dialogue by Design (DbyD), carried out a detailed and creating opportunities for new investment and analysis of the consultation responses and a summary employment. of their analysis was published alongside the Government’s We want to ensure that decisions on new transport January decision, with an addendum report published infrastructure are made more efficiently, and at a more in July: local level than previously. Local enterprise partnerships “High Speed Rail: Investing in Britain’s Future—Consultation are well placed to understand how transport investment Summary Report”, available at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/ can be used to boost economic recovery and growth and publications/hs2-consultation-summary. that is why we want them, working with local authorities, to have a key role. Indeed more Government funding “High Speed Rail: Investing in Britain’s Future—Addendum”, available at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/high-speed- was announced yesterday for local enterprise partnerships rail-addendum/. to boost their ability to contribute to the growth and jobs agenda. Since publishing the addendum report in July, it has become apparent that a further very small proportion I am pleased to say that our consultation proposals of responses were not fully analysed by DbyD. For were met with approval from the majority of respondents, these responses, the answers to one or more of the seven particularly local authorities and local enterprise consultation questions were omitted from DbyD’s analysis. partnerships. A summary of the responses received was In total, approximately 0.4% of answers provided to published in July. I have today published firm proposals, individual consultation questions were affected. confirming that, in all of the key areas, the Department will proceed on the basis as set out in the consultation The table below shows how many of the seven paper. consultation answers were omitted from the analysis in I fully support the key objective of removing Whitehall each case: from the process of making decisions on which local schemes should or should not go ahead. However, we Number of question responses not analysed1 Number of respondents have a responsibility to ensure that the new local decision makers have arrangements in place to achieve the value 1 520 for money that we know the right schemes can deliver 2 130 and to take account of other important factors such as 3 44 environmental impact. Most respondents accepted the 4 14 need for robust local assurance frameworks and we will 5 7 shortly publish detailed guidance on this, to enable 6 2 local areas to submit their draft frameworks by December. 7 5 Transparency is also essential, to ensure that priorities 1Because not all respondents answered all seven questions, there are are widely publicised and understood and can be effectively 20 respondents in total for whom all the questions they answered were shaped by local people that have a key interest in them. omitted. Evaluation will also assume an even greater importance, The cause has been identified as technical errors in to enable all parties to look critically at whether key transferring data captured from online consultation outcomes were achieved and to learn lessons for future responses to the consultation analysis database held by investment decisions. DbyD. We have asked local areas to confirm the geographical My Department asked for supplementary analysis basis for their local transport bodies by 28 September. from DbyD and this work concludes that the responses, When they have done so, I will set out indicative funding levels that each area should use as a planning assumption. “do not provide any information that was not already included in I can confirm that the distribution of funding between the previous Consultation Summary Report or would have made a difference to the substantive content or balance of that report”. different areas will be on a simple per capita basis. The total level of funding available will of course be subject Inclusion in the original analysis would not have to decisions made in future spending rounds. changed the substance of DbyD’s findings, nor affected I look forward to working with local transport bodies the considerations which informed the decisions following over the coming months as we embark on this transition the consultation. to a truly decentralised system and they begin developing All those who submitted the responses affected will their infrastructure plans for post 2015. be contacted with details of their particular cases. 45WS Written Ministerial Statements18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 46WS

Penfold Review The large majority of respondents, comprising three main groups, namely developers, local authorities and those affected by stopping up decisions, gave broad The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport support for allowing stopping up and planning applications (Stephen Hammond): Today I am publishing an interim to be made concurrently, with agreement that it would response to the consultation that closed on 24 August speed up the process and reduce burdens. We will seek detailing proposals to streamline the process of applying an early legislative opportunity to implement this change. for the stopping up or diversion of a highway, where The Government committed to improving the stopping this is required for the purpose of property development. up application process in the 2011 autumn statement This interim response is considering only option 1 of and this will help to deliver the Government’s growth the consultation. The remaining options and consultation agenda, by removing unnecessary burdens faced by responses will be considered and a full response, including businesses, speeding up the application process and proposals for a way forward, will be published by the removing unnecessary bureaucracy. The change will end of November. play a useful role in encouraging investment and therefore The foundation of all three of the main policy options growth in local communities. is a speeding up of the process by allowing stopping up This interim response to the consultation document and planning applications to run concurrently, namely will be available in the Libraries of both Houses and on option 1. the Department’s website.

7P Petitions18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Petitions 8P

boys; notes that a similar petition has been signed by Petition seventeen people; further notes the campaign of the Member of Parliament for Devizes to require internet Tuesday 18 September 2012 service providers to introduce an “opt-in” filter for accessing adult material online, and declares the Petitioners’ support for this campaign. PRESENTED PETITION Petition presented to the House but not read on the Floor The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to encourage internet “Opt-in” filter for internet service providers service providers to have an “opt-in” filter to prevent children accessing adult or pornographic material on The Petition of a local women’s group in Wiltshire, the internet. Declares that the Petitioners regard the accessibility of adult and pornographic material on the internet as And the Petitioners remain, etc. having harmful effects on young people, both girls and [P001121]

539W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 540W Written Answers to Recruitment

Stephen Timms: To ask the Attorney-General to Questions what extent the Law Officers’ Departments used name- blank or anonymised sifting of applications to recruit staff in the last year for which information is available. Tuesday 18 September 2012 [121552] The Solicitor-General: The Law Officers Departments do not currently use name-blank or anonymised sifting ATTORNEY-GENERAL of applications to recruit staff.

Crown Prosecution Service: Training NORTHERN IRELAND Olympic Games 2012 Caroline Lucas: To ask the Attorney-General what his involvement was in the decision to develop Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for mandatory training for all senior Crown Prosecution Northern Ireland whether (a) Ministers and (b) officials Service staff who supervised prosecutions involving from her Department used the Olympic Route Network undercover officers; and if he will place a copy of any for travel for official purposes during the London 2012 training materials in the Library. [121110] Olympic and Paralympic Games. [121011] Mike Penning: The Department for Culture, Media The Solicitor-General: The Law Officers have had no and Sport will publish details of Government use of involvement, as developing training for Crown Prosecution tickets and hospitality in the autumn, this will include Service staff is a matter for the Director of Public use of transport services which operated on the Olympic Prosecutions (DPP). I am aware that the DPP has taken or Paralympic Route Networks. a number of steps to address the issues raised in Sir Christopher Rose’s report into the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station cases, including mandatory training for a PRIME MINISTER significant number of senior prosecutors. David Laws The training materials used include information on sensitive operational matters and it would therefore be Thomas Docherty: To ask the Prime Minister inappropriate for such material to be placed in the whether it is his intention that the Minister of State at Library. the Cabinet Office, the right hon. Member for Yeovil, will regularly attend the weekly meeting of the National Security Council. [121507] LIBOR The Prime Minister: A list of membership of the Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Attorney-General National Security Council is available on the Cabinet pursuant to the answer of 16 July 2012, Official Report, Office website: column 464W, on banks, when he expects to provide http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/content/national-security- further information on discussions with the Crown council/ Office and Prosecution Services in Scotland, and the Irvine Patnick Cabinet Secretary for Justice in Scotland, on the inquiry into allegations of criminal conduct relating to John Mann: To ask the Prime Minister (1) how many LIBOR. [121236] telephone calls Bernhard Ingham made to the then hon. Member for Sheffield Hallam between 15 and The Attorney-General: I have nothing further to add 19 April 1989; [121491] to my previous answer of 16 July 2012, Official Report, (2) on which occasions the then hon. Member for column 464W. Sheffield Hallam visited 10 Downing Street in 1989. [121492] Nurseries The Prime Minister: The information is not held.

Owen Smith: To ask the Attorney-General how many SCOTLAND childcare places the Law Officer’s Departments provide on their estate; what the cost is of providing such Olympic Games 2012 places; how many such places the Law Officer’s Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Departments provided in 2010; what the cost was of Scotland whether (a) Ministers and (b) officials from providing such places in 2010; what plans he has for his Department used the Olympic Route Network for changes in the provision of such childcare places; and travel for official purposes during the London 2012 what the number of places will be once any such Olympic and Paralympic Games. [121001] changes have been implemented. [121278] David Mundell: The Department for Culture, Media The Solicitor-General: None of the Law Officers’ and Sport will publish details of Government use of Departments provide child care places on their estates tickets and hospitality in the autumn, this will include and did not provide any in 2010. There are no plans to use of transport services which operated on the Olympic change this. or Paralympic Route Networks. 541W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 542W

Pay on its website expressing willingness to open a political office in Qatar. The Afghan Government has also expressed Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland support. On 15 March, the Taliban announced they what the highest paid position is in his Department. were suspending talks with the US. [121626] Gambia David Mundell: The highest paid position in the Scotland Office is that of the Director of the Office. Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Gambian government on the resumption WALES of the death penalty and state executions in The Gambia. Buildings: Cardiff [121476]

Nia Griffith: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Mark Simmonds: Since his speech on 19 August when what the cost was of flooring and floor coverings in the President Jammeh pledged to begin executing death-row Caspian Point Wales Office. [121368] prisoners, the UK has made its opposition to the recent and sudden use of the death penalty in The Gambia Stephen Crabb: The project to relocate the Department’s clear. Our high commissioner in Banjul has made several Cardiff base to Caspian Point has not yet been fully representations to the Government of The Gambia, completed nor all invoices received and, as a consequence, including the Foreign Minister and the Attorney-General, while the overall cost will be within budget, we do not on behalf of both the UK and the EU, both before and yet have detailed and complete figures. after the executions were confirmed. The Foreign Office Nurseries has also made representations to the Gambian High Commission in London. The Under-Secretary of State Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend how many childcare places his Department provides on the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Mr Burt), its estate; what the cost is of providing such places; how issued a statement on 25 August expressing concern many such places his Department provided in 2010; over the then-unconfirmed reports of executions. We what the cost was of providing such places in 2010; will continue to work bilaterally and with international what plans he has for changes in the provision of such partners to apply pressure where appropriate to help childcare places; and what the number of places will be prevent further executions. once any such changes have been implemented. We support the concern expressed by Navi Pillay UN [121277] High Commissioner for Human Rights, about the Mr David Jones: No child care places are or have executions, and will seek opportunities, including within been provided on the Wales Office estate. However, all the UN system, to reinforce it. In November, the UN staff with children are eligible to apply for the Salary General Assembly will vote on a Resolution in favour of Sacrifice Scheme for Childcare Vouchers, which enables a world-wide moratorium on the death penalty, which staff to choose their own child care provider and to we are actively supporting. have their child care costs reduced as a result of tax savings. Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Olympic Games 2012 and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with the UN General Assembly Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Council on state executions in The Gambia. [121477] whether (a) Ministers and (b) officials from his Department used the Olympic Route Network for travelling during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Mark Simmonds: Since his speech on 19 August when [120996] President Jammeh pledged to begin executing death-row prisoners, the UK has made its opposition to the recent Mr David Jones: The Department for Culture, Media and sudden use of the death penalty in The Gambia and Sport will publish details of Government use of clear. Our high commissioner in Banjul has made several tickets and hospitality in the autumn, this will include representations to the Government of The Gambia, use of transport services which operated on the Olympic including the Foreign Minister and the Attorney-General, or Paralympic Route Networks. on behalf of both the UK and the European Union, both before and after the executions were confirmed, The Foreign Office has also made representations to the FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Gambian High Commission in London. The Under- Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Afghanistan Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Mr Burt), issued a statement on 25 August Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for expressing concern over the then-unconfirmed reports Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he of executions. We will continue to work bilaterally and has received on Taliban co-operation with the US on with international partners to apply pressure where security and peace negotiations. [121092] appropriate to help prevent further executions. Alistair Burt: As President Obama has stated, members We support the concern expressed by Navi Pillay UN of the US Government, in co-ordination with the Afghan High Commissioner for Human Rights, about the Government, have had direct discussions with the Taliban. executions, and will seek opportunities, including within At the start of the year, the Taliban issued a statement the UN system, to reinforce it. In November, the UN 543W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 544W

General Assembly will vote on a Resolution in favour of Sri Lanka a world-wide moratorium on the death penalty, which we are actively supporting. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration Indian Ocean he has given to the government of Sri Lanka’s National Action Plan to implement the recommendations of the Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he [121559] has to consult (a) Chagossian exiles, (b) Mauritians, (c) residents in other British Indian Ocean Territories and (d) others on Government plans for marine Alistair Burt: The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation conservation in the Indian Ocean. [121102] Commission (LLRC) Action Plan contains a number of steps which, if implemented, would usefully address Mark Simmonds: The Government’s main effort on some of the LLRC recommendations. We now look to marine conservation in the Indian ocean is the British the Sri Lankan Government to implement the Action Indian Ocean Territory’s (BIOT) Marine Protected Area Plan and to take the further action on reconciliation, (MPA). Work has begun on an MPA Management accountability and political settlement, as set out in the Plan, informed by scientific advice to the BIOT March 2012 Human Rights Council resolution. Administration. We currently have no plans to formally consult others over the drafting of the Management Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Plan, but welcome constructive comments from all for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent stakeholders. We are keen to involve Chagossians in the assessment he has made of the human rights situation MPA and have started an environmental educational in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement. [121560] outreach programme, which has received excellent feedback from those involved. We also wish to have a more Alistair Burt: We continue to have concerns about positive discussion with Mauritius on BIOT issues, but human rights in Sri Lanka including the intimidation of this remains difficult while Mauritius is bringing legal the media, political violence, and reports of torture in action against the UK. There are no other British custody. Indian Ocean Territories, aside from BIOT. We regularly urge the Sri Lankan Government to Olympic Games 2012 improve the human rights situation and to investigate incidents that happen and prosecute those responsible. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Our 2011 Human Rights and Democracy Report Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether (a) Ministers contains a section on Sri Lanka which details both our and (b) officials from his Department used the Olympic concerns and acknowledges progress. This section is Route Network for travel for official purposes during updated every three months, most recently in June. the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. [121002] United Nations Mr Swire: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport will publish details of Government use of tickets Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and hospitality in the autumn. This will include use of and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to the oral transport services which operated on the Olympic or statement of 9 November 2011, Official Report, Paralympic route networks. FCO Ministers’ and officials’ column 290, on the Middle East and North Africa, use of the Olympic route network will be included in what different considerations relate to applications for this publication. full membership of the UN made in the UN General Assembly compared to those made in the UN Security South East Asia Council. [121475]

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Alistair Burt: Applications for full membership of the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions United Nations (UN) can only be made to the UN he has had with Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Security Council in the first instance, according to members on the security situation in the South China Article 4.2 of the UN Charter. The UN General Assembly Sea. [121093] does not have the authority to make decisions on applications for full membership. In his oral statement Mr Swire: Ministers and officials from the Foreign of 9 November 2011, Official Report, column 290, the and Commonwealth Office have discussed the South Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth China sea with most APEC members on many occasions. Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond The South China sea is a vital global trade artery and (Yorks) (Mr Hague), was referring to the Palestinian the UK has a strong interest in the maintenance of Authority’s application to the UN Security Council for stability and freedom of navigation in the region. We full UN membership. The Palestinian leadership has encourage all parties to resolve their territorial disputes recently indicated they may take to a vote at the UN peacefully, in line with international law. We call on all General Assembly the issue of enhancing the provisions parties to show restraint and abide by international of their existing observer status in the General Assembly, norms for the safe conduct of vessels at sea. not the application for full membership. 545W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 546W

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE 2010-11 £

Consultants Hays plc 43,641 Ax Business Solutions Ltd 42,252 Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Sinclair Knight Merz Europe Ltd 42,084 Energy and Climate Change what consultants have Delib Ltd 40,000 been employed by his Department since May 2010; and British Geological Survey 34,060 what the (a) length and (b) value was of each contract. AEA Technology plc t/a AEA 33,360 [120737] Environment Methods Consulting Ltd 33,360 Gregory Barker [holding answer 13 September 2012]: IC Consultants Ltd 32,766 The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) Fivium Ltd 30,000 does not hold a central record of contracts and their Barnardo’s 28,548 value. It would incur disproportionate cost to collate Davis Blank Furniss Solicitors 26,492 this information from local records. International Resources Group Ltd t/a 26,469 The value of consultancy expenditure recorded since Odgers Berndtson 1 April 2010 is as follows: University of Surrey 23,908 IT Power Ltd 23,069 £000 Serco Ltd 22,086 2010-11 9,163 Mott Macdonald Ltd 22,040 2011-12 6,690 Element Energy Ltd 21,552 1 April to 31 August 2012 3,554 Capita Resourcing Ltd t/a Veredus 21,460 Executive Resourcing The element of expenditure in the 2010-11 figure that Miller and Young UK Ltd t/a Myfm 21,455 relates to April 2010 cannot be readily identified without 7,659,573 scrutinising individual invoices. The amounts above include expenditure on external 2011-12 legal advice. Expenditure with consultants may relate to £ delivery services provided in tandem with advice. It National Nuclear Laboratory Ltd 1,497,798 would incur disproportionate costs to attempt to SNR Denton UK LLP 661,661 disaggregate the components. Mott Macdonald Ltd 462,652 The following tables provide the names of those AEA Technology plc t/a AEA 447,843 companies with whom DECC has spent more than Environment £20,000 in each year. Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 447,565 2010-11 Slaughter and May 307,375 £ Green Park Interim and Executive Ltd 265,928 Sinclair Knight Merz Europe Ltd 200,823 Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd 1,392,151 Poyry Management Consulting (UK) 185,064 KPMG 779,922 Ltd AEA Technology plc 711,595 Parsons Brinckerhoff Ltd 183,878 Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer 697,282 KPMG LLP 150,760 Parity Resources Ltd 543,345 Nera UK Ltd 91,015 Informed Solutions 476,393 United Kingdom Accreditation Service 85,403 Ernst and Young LLP 301,285 (UKAS) Slaughter and May 275,076 Adam Bond Commercial Advisory Ltd 84,881 Collabro 220,213 Capita Resourcing Ltd 83,197 Adam Bond Commercial Advisory Ltd 219,591 Aether Ltd 73,332 Maclay Murray and Spens 186,658 Elexon Ltd 73,322 Green Park Interim and Executive Ltd 160,669 Sanger Associates Ltd 71,858 MWH UK Ltd 157,620 Deloitte LLP 62,750 CRS VAT Consulting Ltd 141,214 Saxton Bampfylde Hever Ltd 52,300 Linklaters LLP 125,688 AWE plc 50,000 Morgan Law Partners LLP 94,783 Gemserv Ltd 50,000 Fujitsu Services Ltd 90,104 Morgan Law Partners LLP 48,110 Enviros Consulting Ltd 83,381 UCL Consultants Ltd 48,000 Poyry Management Consulting (UK) 69,452 Hays Specialist Recruitment Ltd 43,342 Ltd Crisis Solutions Ltd 43,000 Aether Ltd 68,846 Enviros Consulting Ltd 42,738 Vega Consulting Services Ltd 51,700 Gatenby Sanderson Ltd 35,691 Deloitte MCS Ltd 50,000 Foresee Ltd 35,341 Nera UK Ltd 49,841 Penna plc 32,410 Energy and Utility Skills Ltd 48,819 TMP (UK) Ltd t/a TMP worldwide 30,691 Hays Specialist Recruitment Ltd 48,344 Matrix Corporate Capital LLP 24,000 Hitachi Consulting UK Ltd 47,000 University Of Surrey 23,532 547W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 548W

2011-12 meters in order to support a range of time-of-use or £ dynamic tariffs—which support demand-side management measures. In addition, as part of the procurement processes Ernst and Young LLP 23,474 for the provision of data and communications services, INDECS Consulting Ltd 22,603 we are exploring the cost of different levels of functionality Capita Symonds Ltd 22,000 and capacity for both smart metering and smart grids Risk Solutions 20,253 requirements. Landmark Chambers 20,235 Parity Resources Ltd 20,201 Electricity: Carbon Emissions 6,125,025

April to August 2012 Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for £ Energy and Climate Change whether he plans to include a target to decarbonise the electricity sector by SNR Denton UK LLP 475,284 2030 in the Energy Bill. [121244] Slaughter and May 284,852 Ernst and Young LLP 249,966 Mr Hayes [holding answer 17 September 2012]: The Ernst and Young LLP 178,046 Government is committed to the decarbonisation of Deloitte LLP 153,946 the economy, and already has a number of binding AEA Technology plc 133,010 commitments to ensure that this takes place. In particular, Methods Consulting Ltd 104,502 the Government is committed to meeting a legally KPMG LLP 93,784 binding target to reduce the UK’s emissions of greenhouse Parity Resources Ltd 73,954 gases (GHGs) to at least 80% below 1990 base levels by Mott Macdonald Group Ltd 57,518 2050 as set out in the 2008 Climate Change Act, which QCG Limited 41,194 established a long-term legally binding national framework 1,846,058 by putting in place a system of five year carbon budgets; and the UK obligations under the 2009 renewable energy Details of the Department’s exceptions to the moratoria directive. on spend for ICT, consultancy, recruitment, property, Analysis published in the December 2011 Carbon advertising and marketing for the period May 2010 to Plan suggests that the most cost-effective paths to deliver March 2012 are published on the DECC website. This the 2050 target require the electricity sector to be largely relates to new contracts and shows an estimate of the decarbonised during the 2030s. contract value at the time it was approved where this exceeds £20,000. The Department is currently undertaking further work on the issue of decarbonisation of the power http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/accesstoinform/ sector ahead of the progression of the Energy Bill. In expenditure/expenditure.aspx# particular careful consideration is being given to all the DECC uses external consultants and advisers where recommendations of the Energy and Climate Change it does not have the expertise or resources available Committee, including those related to the level of grid in-house to undertake work that is essential to the decarbonisation. delivery of its objectives. In accordance with Government requirements, all proposals for consultancy expenditure, as defined by the Cabinet Office, since May 2010 are Energy: Prices subject to careful scrutiny and those in excess of £20,000 are subject to a rigorous central approvals process which Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for includes sign-off by a Minister. This process includes Energy and Climate Change what assessment his demonstrating that the work could not be undertaken Department has made of the likelihood that more efficiently or effectively through other means (e.g. simplifying energy bills may increase the average cost using internal experts) and that best value for money to the consumer. [121425] has been secured through the procurement process. For smaller consultancy proposals, local management are Gregory Barker: It is for Ofgem, as the independent expected to undertake a similar scrutiny and approvals regulator of the gas and electricity markets, to assess process before committing the Department to expenditure. the impacts of any proposals it brings forward to simplify energy bills. Electricity The Government supports Ofgem’s work to simplify bills and to help consumers more easily identify the Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for savings to be made from switching. Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on the functionality of smart metering to support demand- Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for side management measures for the purposes of Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to introducing flexibility into the electricity system to ensure energy suppliers simplify their tariffs; and if he support the development of a UK smart grid. [121353] will make a statement. [121426]

Mr Hayes: Smart meters are a critical part of the Gregory Barker: It is for Ofgem, as the independent platform for the development of a smart grid and regulator of the gas and electricity markets, to consider demand-side management measures. The technical whether action is needed to simplify tariffs and to this specification for smart metering equipment includes the end they have consulted on proposals to simplify energy requirement to include multiple registers within the tariffs as part of their Retail Market Review. Ofgem are 549W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 550W due to bring forward further proposals, which take Richard Benyon: The Government take very seriously account of the responses to the consultation, before any threat to bees, which are important in their own winter. right and as key pollinators. We have therefore kept the evidence on neonicotinoids under close and open-minded EU Emissions Trading Scheme: Aviation scrutiny and have made it clear that we are prepared to take whatever action is necessary. This action could Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for include restricting or withdrawing the approved uses of Energy and Climate Change how many free, tradable neonicotinoids. allowances will be allocated to UK aviation operators New research was published earlier this year, suggesting arising from aviation joining the Emissions Trading that low doses of neonicotinoids could have sub-lethal Scheme each year in Phase III and Phase IV. [121364] effects on bees with consequences for bee populations. Gregory Barker: Aircraft operators regulated by the We arranged for this to be assessed alongside the existing UK will receive an annual total of 53,616,146 free evidence. The assessment was carried out by experts aviation EU allowances (EUAAs) for each year of Phase from the Chemicals Regulation Directorate of the Health III (2013-20) of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU and Safety Executive; DEFRA’s Food and Environment ETS). This is a total of 428,929,168 EUAA’s for whole Research Agency; DEFRA’s Science Advisory Council; of Phase III. The free allocation levels for aircraft and the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides. operators for Phase IV has not yet been set. A document summarising the evidence and the experts’ assessment will be placed on the DEFRA website very I will place a copy of the full allocation table showing shortly. allocations to each aircraft operator in the Libraries of the House. DEFRA’s Chief Scientific Adviser has considered the expert assessments, alongside parallel work by the Olympic Games 2012 European Food Safety Authority, and has advised that: Some of the studies, including those by Whitehorn et al and Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Henry et al, provide evidence of sub-lethal effects of neonicotinoids Energy and Climate Change whether (a) Ministers and in the conditions applied in the research. (b) officials from his Department used the Olympic However, none of the studies gives unequivocal evidence that Route Network for travel for official purposes during sub-lethal effects with serious implications for colonies are likely the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. to arise from current uses of neonicotinoids. [120995] Existing studies submitted in support of the current regulatory approvals fully meet current requirements. They do not explicitly address all of the sub-lethal effects suggested by the academic Gregory Barker: The Department for Culture, Media research. However, they do cover a wide range of important and Sport will publish details of Government use of outcomes and, in these studies, hives exposed to treated crops did tickets and hospitality in the autumn. This will include not show any gross effects when compared to control hives use of transport services which operated on the Olympic exposed to untreated crops. or Paralympic Route Networks. Based on these findings, the Government has concluded Pay that: It is appropriate to update the process for assessing the risks of pesticides to bees in the light of developments in the science, Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for including the latest research. This exercise should include the Energy and Climate Change what the highest paid development of a new risk assessment for bumble bees and position is in (a) his Department and (b) his solitary bees, alongside an updated risk assessment for honey Department’s agencies. [121627] bees. This work is being taken forward in Europe and UK experts are active in this. The aim is to complete this highly complex task Gregory Barker: The highest paid position in the by the end of 2012. Department of Energy and Climate Change is the post Further research will be carried out to fill identified evidence of Permanent Secretary. gaps, including the questions raised about the relevance of the The Department of Energy and Climate Change recent studies to field conditions. The Government has already put new research in place to explore further the impacts of does not have any agencies for which it is responsible. neonicotinoids on bumble bees in field conditions and to understand what levels of pesticide residues and disease in bees are normal. The recent studies do not justify changing existing regulation. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS However, the research that we have put in hand and the on-going work in Europe to develop the risk assessment could change the Bees picture and it is always possible that further new evidence may emerge. As our knowledge develops, we will continue to consider the need for further research and for any changes to the regulation Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for of neonicotinoids. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will publish We are currently considering wider policies on bees the paper by the Chemicals Regulatory Directorate and other pollinators and will set out our position that reviewed four separate scientific studies on the shortly. links between nerve-agent pesticides and declines in bees around the world which was discussed at the 3 July Fish meeting of the Advisory Committee on Pesticides; what his policy is on the recommendation of the Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of Advisory Committee on Pesticides that the findings do State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what not provide sufficient justification for precautionary recent assessment he has made of the damage to fish action on the use of neonicotinoids in the UK at this stocks attributable to (a) cormorants and (b) goosanders; stage; and if he will make a statement. [120525] and if he will make a statement. [119756] 551W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 552W

Richard Benyon: It has been established that cormorants the costs and benefits of a successor to the National and goosanders can cause significant localised damage Equine Database; and for what reason no bidder was to fish stocks, and the fisheries dependent upon them, appointed as successor. [121453] and to fish farms, resulting in financial losses for operators. Government-funded research in the late 1990s concluded Mr Heath: Due to commercial confidentiality, it is that fish-eating birds could cause serious damage to fish not possible to identify the 19 organisations that responded stocks and fisheries, but that the birds were problems to the central equine database procurement exercise. for specific fisheries rather than a general problem. The procurement exercise was initiated in order to Subsequent findings are consistent with this view. assess the cost of providing the services set out in the DEFRA is carrying out a review of the current policy specification. A technical and financial assessment of in relation to managing the impact of predation on all bids was carried out, following which it was concluded inland fisheries from cormorants, goosanders and red- that the benefits of awarding a contract were outweighed breasted mergansers. The review is looking at the licensing by the cost to the taxpayer. process and management methods for controlling fish-eating birds where they cause, or are likely to cause, serious Olympic Games 2012 damage to inland fisheries. It is expected to report to Ministers this year. Once completed, the outcomes of the review will be made publicly available. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether Floods: Insurance (a) Ministers and (b) officials from his Department used the Olympic Route Network for travel for official Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for purposes during the London 2012 Olympic and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he expects Paralympic Games. [120997] to be able to announce an agreement with the Association of British Insurers superseding the Richard Benyon: The Department for Culture, Media Statement of Principles on flood insurance. [121145] and Sport will publish details of Government use of tickets and hospitality in the autumn, which will include Richard Benyon: A number of options are under use of transport services which operated on the Olympic consideration to supersede the Statement of Principles, or Paralympic Route Networks. including an industry-led levy that would allow policyholders in high flood risk areas to continue to Plastics: Recycling secure affordable insurance without having an impact on bills more generally. Our priority is to resolve detailed design issues. Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what Discussions with the industry continue to be positive compensation will be offered to plastic packaging and further announcements will be forthcoming in due manufacturers if they pay for an amount of recycling course. under the producer responsibility obligations that Horse Passports cannot be delivered due to inadequate local collection services. [120920] Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures Richard Benyon: Producers only pay for recycling are in place to ensure that horse passport-issuing that has been delivered and reflected in Packaging Waste organisations are collecting and storing horse passport Recovery Notes. This is a producer responsibility system data in a form that is usable and easily accessible and it is the responsibility of obligated producers to should the need arise for regulatory or legal purposes. ensure that sufficient material is collected and recycled [121463] to comply with their legal requirements.

Mr Heath: Passport Issuing Organisations are required, Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State as part of their continued Government approval, to for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether new hold records in their own computer database. These obligations for plastic packaging manufacturers to records include at least: fund recycling will be changed if local collection Name and address of the horse owner services cannot deliver the volumes targeted. [120922] Date and Unique Equine Life Number (UELN) of passport issued Richard Benyon: We are confident that the new targets Name(s) of horse can be achieved and will continue to monitor progress. Date of year of birth of horse (where known) Country of birth of horse (where known) Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Date and year of death of horse (where available) for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to Breed, of horse (where known) the answer of 20 July 2012, Official Report, column Sex and colour of horse 124W, on plastics: recycling, what proportion of plastic packaging waste was exported for processing in the Horses: Databases latest period for which figures are available; what estimate he has made of the emissions associated with Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for transporting such waste; and what assessment he has Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which organisations made of the economic effect on the recycling industry responded to the formal procurement exercise to assess in the UK of such exports. [120935] 553W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 554W

Richard Benyon: Data from the national packaging (3) what estimate his Department has made of the waste database shows that 16% of the total plastic effect on (a) life expectancy and (b) premature deaths waste arising was exported for recycling. Of the plastic avoided of steps taken to implement the EU large combustion packaging that was recycled, 67% was exported for plants directive and associated amendments (i) in total recycling. and (ii) in each region; and if he will make a statement. DEFRA undertook an impact assessment for the [121440] new targets which took account of the emissions associated with the transport of waste for reprocessing overseas Richard Benyon: Some assessment at national level of when calculating the costs and benefits. Export of waste the general benefits to health of the directives on volatile for recycling has a net environmental benefit compared organic compounds solvents emissions and large to landfilling. combustion plants was made in impact assessments No assessment has been made of the impact of waste prepared at the time these directives were finalised in exports on the UK recycling sector. 1999 and 2001 respectively. It was not possible to do that for the 1996 directive on integrated pollution prevention and control because of the very wide range of pollutants Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State and installations it potentially covers. All three directives for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to currently remain without significant amendment, although the answer of 20 July 2012, Official Report, column they have recently been recast into the industrial emissions 123W, on plastics: recycling, how many local directive (2010/75/EU). A draft impact assessment of authorities collect enough plastic packaging to meet his that directive was published on DEFRA’s website in Department’s 2017 recycling target; and what plans he March 2012 as a part of the transposition consultation, has to ensure other councils meet the target over the and a finalised version will be placed on the website next five years. [120936] within the next few weeks. Richard Benyon: The impact assessment which accompanied the consultation on recovery and recycling Procurement targets for packaging waste for 2013-17 estimated that an additional 550kt of plastic will need to be collected Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for and recycled by 2017 to meet the new targets. This Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the name is material can be sourced from the domestic, commercial of each company with which his Department has a and industrial sectors. contract; what the monetary value of each such There are no targets on local authorities for the contract is; and what is provided to his Department collection of packaging waste. It is for producers to under the terms of the contract. [120776] make suitable arrangements, working with waste collectors, to ensure that sufficient material is collected and recycled Richard Benyon: Our records show that core DEFRA for them to meet their obligations. currently has over 500 live contracts; however, this does not include central framework contracts which are normally Sir Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State owned by the Government Procurement Service. for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to Since January 2011, central Government Departments the answer of 20 July 2012, Official Report, column have been required to publish contracts over £10,000 on 123W, on plastics: recycling, by what proportion local Contracts Finder collection of mixed rigid plastics needs to increase to http://www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/ meet his Department’s 2017 recycling target; and if he Contracts awarded prior to January 2011 will not be will make a statement. [120937] included. Information on contracts prior to January 2011 and Richard Benyon: Based on the analysis used to underpin below £10,000 cannot be obtained without incurring the new targets, it was calculated that the recycling of disproportionate costs. mixed rigid plastics would need to increase from around the current rate of 13% to 28% in 2017. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his Pollution Control: EU Law Department’s policy is on taking into account when assessing tenders submitted for departmental contracts Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the (a) apprenticeship schemes, (b) policies on employment Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what of paid interns and (c) policies of payment of at least assessment his Department has made of the effect on the living wage of each bidding company. [120787] (a) life expectancy and (b) premature deaths avoided of steps taken to implement the EU directive on integrated Richard Benyon: Core DEFRA’s policy is set out in its pollution prevention and control and associated amendments sustainable procurement policy statement which can be (i) in total and (ii) in each region; and if he will make a found at: statement; [121399] http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/files/sustainable- (2) what estimate his Department has made of the procurement-policy-statement.pdf effect on (a) life expectancy and (b) premature deaths In evaluating tenders, DEFRA takes account of avoided of steps taken to implement the EU volatile information such as the bidding company’s arrangements organic compounds solvents emissions directive and for developing employees’ skills and expertise, e.g. through associated amendments (i) in total and (ii) in each training, apprenticeships and graduate development region; and if he will make a statement; [121439] programmes. 555W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 556W

Rural Areas: Business process since 1974. This is to ensure the development does not adversely affect the undertaker’s assets; if it Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for did, consequent repairs could push up customers’ sewerage Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the bills unnecessarily. £5 million fund for rural businesses announced by The October 2011 transfer of responsibilities regarding the Prime Minister on 11 July 2012 has received the private sewers and lateral drains has not altered this approval of the European Commission under its state consultation requirement. However, since it has significantly aid rules. [121564] increased the relevant assets of undertakers, there are now more cases where this requirement has effect. Richard Benyon: The £5 million of support announced Charges for approving homeowners’ proposals to for the dairy industry in England on 11 July will be build over public sewers are not regulated by Ofwat as delivered through the Rural Development Programme they are one-off charges to those planning developments. for England, a joint European and UK Exchequer They do not contribute to the regulated customer sewerage funding programme. We will therefore ensure that any bill and are not covered by the Water Industry Act available support will fully comply with EU funding 1991. However, I am aware that these charges are a requirements, including state aid regulations. The Fund concern to some, and DEFRA officials are currently is currently being developed, and will be launched in discussing the issue with Ofwat, industry, and other autumn 2012. Government Departments. Rural Communities Policy Unit White Fish: Conservation Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what discussions Government policies have undergone rural-proofing by he has had on increasing the minimum landing size for the Rural Communities Policy Unit since its formation. sea bass; [121459] [121454] (2) what assessment he has made of the adequacy of Richard Benyon: It is for all Government Departments the minimum landing size for sea bass. [121460] to rural proof their own policies, with DEFRA’s Rural Communities Policy Unit providing advice, guidance Richard Benyon: I met representatives of the Angling and support to policy officials across Government. Trust and the Bass Anglers’ Sports fishing Society in New Rural Proofing guidance materials are being prepared June to discuss the possibility of increasing the minimum and will be published this autumn to help them in this landing size for bass. process. Notable examples of where rural proofing is As a result of these discussions, DEFRA officials are already happening include: undertaking a review of the bass minimum landing size the Government’s Health Care and Support White Paper and the findings will be presented to me in due course. which incorporates policy proposals that address rural delivery It is important to note that any proposal for altering issues; the minimum landing size for bass will need to take into the design of the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s account the relevant science, the socio-economic impact Energy Company Obligation, which ensures that the Carbon of any proposal for both recreational and commercial Saving Community element delivers energy saving measures to fishermen. the most deprived households in rural areas; and the Open Public Services White Paper, which requires Departments to ensure that issues of fairness for people in rural areas accessing Wind Power individual services are taken into account when developing policies. The Rural Statement, published on 12 September, Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for includes a commitment to commission an external review Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment on the effectiveness of the Government’s approach to he has made of the implications for his policies of the Rural Proofing. DEFRA Ministers have invited my World Health Organisation recommendations on the noble Friend, Lord Cameron, to undertake this review noise levels of turbines and their proximity to homes. and are currently discussing terms of reference with [121285] him. Richard Benyon: Although the World Health Sewers Organisation (WHO) provides much data on the effects of noise, the Government does not believe that the Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State WHO has provided any specific information about the for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will noise levels of turbines and their proximity to homes. consider extending the remit of Ofwat to cover charges The implementation of the Government’s policies on by sewerage companies for building over newly noise takes account of evidence from a wide range of adopted private sewers not currently subject to sources, including the WHO. The Government would approval by Ofwat or any other regulatory body; and consider the implications of any new evidence coming whether he proposes to take steps to ensure that such from the WHO on this issue on its policies. charges are reasonable. [118973] Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: The relevant sewerage undertaker Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what landfill has been a statutory consultee for building proposals sites are licensed to process wind turbine blades. that are subject to either the planning or building application [121286] 557W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 558W

Richard Benyon: Waste wind turbine blades are generally Mr McLoughlin: Bidders for franchises are required classified as non-hazardous waste and can be disposed to submit bids for running a franchise against a specification of in most landfill sites that are permitted to accept this that will include the provision of rail services and classification of waste. rolling stock. Investment in these areas is included within these bids and will offset the level of public Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for subsidy or premium payments made by the successful Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he operator to Government. Funding supported by the has made of the number of wind turbine blades that public purse in this way cannot be broken down as will be disposed of in landfill in each year to 2025. requested. Separately, Government may provide specific [121287] funding during the life of a franchise through the High Level Output Specification (HLOS). The subsidy/premium Richard Benyon: Government policy is to encourage payments for the Greater Anglia franchise for each year the recycling and reprocessing of waste, including end-of-life from 2004 are published on the website of the Office of wind turbine blades, in preference to their disposal to Rail Regulation: landfill. www.rail-reg.gov.uk Wind turbines can have a lifetime of over 20 years Major investment made by Network Rail: The Office and a variety of recycling and reprocessing options are of Rail Regulation sets the funding for Network Rail in in use or currently under development that would avoid 5-year control periods. Details are published on the the need for the disposal of the blades to landfill. website at: Accordingly neither DEFRA nor the Department of www.rail-reg.gov.uk Energy and Climate Change has estimated figures for the number of wind turbine blades that will be disposed Charities of in landfill each year. Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on the (a) grant to and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment (b) use by registered charities of funding from his he has made of the environmental risks associated with Department for the purposes of advocacy, lobbying or the disposal of wind turbine blades in landfill and the campaigning; and if he will make a statement. [121403] release of bisphenol A. [121288] Norman Baker: The policy for issuing grants to third Richard Benyon: No specific assessment of the parties (including registered charities) is outlined in environmental risks associated with the disposal of annex 5.1 of the Managing Public Money guidance wind turbine blades in landfill, and any bisphenol A issued by HM Treasury. deriving therefrom, has been made. Grants are issued on evidence of need or qualification, It is a requirement that waste destined for landfill is depending on the terms of the grant scheme. The adequately described, characterised and in some cases Department for Transport ensures the use of the grant tested, to assess the risk it poses in the landfill environment. in the way envisaged by setting out terms and conditions in a framework document sent to recipients to explain their responsibilities.

TRANSPORT Dartford-Thurrock Crossing

Abellio Greater Anglia Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many vehicles used the Dartford river Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for crossing in each year since 1991; and what the revenues Transport what plans he has to include investment in raised from tolls was in each year since 1991. [121442] new rolling stock as part of the Greater Anglia franchise for the period from 2014. [121573] Stephen Hammond: Figures for the number of vehicles using the Dartford-Thurrock river crossing each year Mr McLoughlin: Our aim for the new franchise is to since 1991 are available on the Highways Agency website improve the service on offer to customers. Our policy is at: that bidders for the franchise are best placed to determine http://www.highways.gov.uk/our-road-network/managing- how to achieve this. One way that the service could be our-roads/highways-agency-areas/area-teams/area-5/the- improved is through new or refurbished rolling stock. dartford-thurrock-river-crossing/traffic-flow/ While it would not be appropriate for our Government The revenues raised at Dartford river crossing are to specify what rolling stock is used on this franchise, referred to as income when the agency produces an we will however, require the new operator to have a account for the Dartford crossing on an annual basis. rolling stock strategy to support the franchise aims and Copies of the accounts, the latest covering the year objectives. ending 31 March 2011, are available in the House of Commons Library and on the agency website at: Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.highways.gov.uk/publications/the-dartford- Transport how much funding from the public purse thurrock-river-crossing-publications/ was allocated to (a) rail services, (b) rolling stock and The annual account for the year ending 31 March (c) rail infrastructure along the Greater Anglia 2012 is currently being prepared and should be available franchise in each of the last 10 years. [121575] early in 2013. 559W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 560W

Prior to 1 April 2003, expenditure would be shown in Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the annual accounts of the Concessionaire at that time, Transport what the journey time reliability figures were Dartford River Crossing Limited, which built the QEII for (a) southbound and (b) northbound traffic on the bridge and then operated the entire crossing from 1991. Dartford river crossing in each year since 1991. Copies of these accounts, if still available, may be [121444] obtained through Companies House. The following table contains information extracted Stephen Hammond: The reliability of journeys on the from the Highways Agency website showing the number Highways Agency’s roads is measured by the percentage of vehicles using the crossing in each year from 1990-91: of ‘journeys’ that are ‘on time’. A ‘journey’ represents travel between adjacent junctions on the network. An The Dartford-Thurrock river crossing: Traffic flow figures ‘on time journey’ is defined as one which is completed Period Total vehicles within a set reference time, based on historic data for Annual periods, October to that particular section of road. September The available journey time reliability figures for the 1990-91 29,360,644 southbound and northbound traffic on the Dartford 1991-92 34,797,684 river crossing are shown in the following table: 1992-93 37,385,483 1993-94 39,947,382 Percentage 1994-95 42,557,309 Southbound Northbound 1995-96 44,363,898 2012 (latest data: rolling year 58.3 58.9 1996-97 46,403,105 August 2011 to July2012) 1997-98 48,455,901 Rolling year performance 56.0 59.5 1998-99 50,420,231 January to December 2011 1999-2000 50,284,079 Rolling year performance 58.6 53.4 2000-01 50,919,256 January to December 2010 2001-02 52,040,197 Journey time reliability figures using the current method 2002-03 53,047,137 are not available for earlier years. 2003-04 54,536,521 Annual periods, April to March East Anglia Railway Line 2003-04 53,889,168 2004-05 54,363,607 Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for 2005-06 54,480,560 Transport what plans he has to increase rail capacity 2006-07 53,619,224 along the Great Eastern Main Line; and what measures 2007-08 53,240,629 to increase rail capacity would require primary 2008-09 51,662,878 legislation. [121572] 2009-10 51,247,772 2010-11 50,939,941 Mr McLoughlin: The new East Anglia franchise will 2011-12 50,786,299 be required to ensure it provides sufficient capacity to meet current and future demand. We are not aware of any primary legislation changes that would be needed Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for to support this. Transport what estimate he has made of the running costs of the Dartford river crossing in each year since East Coast Railway Line 1991. [121443] Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Hammond: The running costs of the Dartford Transport if he will make an assessment of the case for river crossing are referred to as expenditure when the the electrification of the railway between the East Highways Agency produces an account for the Dartford Coast Main Line at Northallerton and Middlesbrough crossing on an annual basis. Copies of the accounts are station when Network Rail publishes its strategic available in the House of Commons Library and on the business plan in January 2013. [121553] Highways Agency website—the latest covering the year ending 31 March 2011. These accounts are available on Mr McLoughlin: Network Rail has carried out a high the Highways Agency website at: level assessment of the case for electrification to Middlesbrough. Network Rail, working with the other http://www.highways.gov.uk/publications/the-dartford- interested parties in the industry, will now consider thurrock-river-crossing-publications whether the scheme will be in the Strategic Business The annual account for the year ending 31 March Plan it will publish in January 2013. 2012 is currently being prepared and should be available early in 2013. Equality Act 2010 Prior to 1 April 2003, expenditure would be shown in the annual accounts of the Concessionaire at that time, Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Dartford River Crossing Limited, which built the QEII Transport when he expects to implement section 165 of bridge and then operated the entire crossing from 1991. the Equality Act 2010; and what recent discussions he Copies of these accounts, if still available, may be has had with representatives of disability organisations obtained through Companies House. about its implementation. [121215] 561W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 562W

Norman Baker: We are completing our consideration High Speed 2 Railway Line of the case for commencing section 165 of the Equality Act 2010. I intend to make an announcement in the Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for near future. Transport what estimate he has made of the cost at I have had no specific discussions with disability 2012 prices of the construction of (a) Phase 1 and organisations, but I have received a number of letters on (b) the whole of the construction of the HS2 project. this issue. [121283]

First Capital Connect Mr McLoughlin: The January 2012 Command Paper estimated the costs of construction of Phase 1 of HS2 at approximately £16.3 billion in 2011 prices, and Phase Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for 2 at a further £16.4 billion in 2011 prices. No estimate Transport what discussions his Department has had has been made in 2012 prices. with the management of First Capital Connect on improving overall customer satisfaction. [121420] Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr McLoughlin: The Department discusses First Capital Transport what the distance is from the proposed route Connect’s current and future actions to improve overall of High Speed 2 of the furthest distant property which customer satisfaction at monthly performance review has been accepted for the Exceptional Hardship meetings; and in more depth immediately after publication Scheme. [121358] of the Passenger Focus spring and autumn National Passenger surveys each year. Mr McLoughlin: The Department does not intend to release this information, as its release is likely to: Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for A. Undermine the role of the Exceptional Hardship Scheme Transport what plans his Department has to review panel and Secretary of State, cause confusion to potential applicants to the scheme and, overall, undermine operation of the scheme, overcrowding of First Capital Connect services during and; peak times prior to entering into agreements to renew B. Create unnecessary blight and adversely affect the property the franchise. [121422] market. Mr McLoughlin: We will consider the crowding of This decision was reached in accordance with the the existing franchises when specifying the Thameslink, principles of the FOI Act. Southern and Great Northern franchise. The Government’s Thameslink programme has been specifically designed Infrastructure to relieve overcrowding and provide greater capacity, through more frequent services and higher capacity Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for rolling stock. Transport if he will make a comparative assessment of the cost of HS2 and other infrastructure projects Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for including those related to broadband. [121284] Transport what plans his Department has to use the forthcoming negotiations for renewal of First Capital Mr McLoughlin: HS2 is about meeting the long term Connect’s rail franchise to improve customer capacity challenge faced on our railways. My predecessor, experience. [121423] my right hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine Greening), as Secretary of State considered alternatives Mr McLoughlin: One of the stated objectives for the to HS2 before making her decisions in January, as set Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise is out in the “Review of the Government’s Strategy for a to improve overall customer experience, and we will National High Speed Rail Network” which can be take into account the views expressed in the recent found here: public consultation and wider evidence from passenger http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/hs2-review-of-strategy/ research as we develop the franchise specification for hs2-review-of-strategy.pdf this competition. The Government believes that building a new high speed network is the best way to provide the extra Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for capacity that our country needs, supporting job creation Transport what representations from customers and and helping to promote sustainable economic growth. customer groups his Department is seeking to inform its decision on renewal of the rail franchise held by Oxford-Bicester Railway Line First Capital Connect. [121424]

Mr McLoughlin: The Department ran the Thameslink, Sir Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Southern and Great Northern consultation on its website Transport when he expects to make a decision on the between 31 May and 14 September and over 3,300 responses application by Chiltern Railways for a Transport and have been received. The Department also ran eight Works Act Order to upgrade the railway infrastructure consultation events within the franchise area between between Oxford and Bicester. [121441] June and August 2012 and details of these were cascaded to stakeholders. The Department is analysing the responses Stephen Hammond: The Inspector’s report following to the consultation and feedback gathered at the the reopening of the public inquiry in May-June was consultation events and an announcement of our findings received on 31 August, and is under active consideration. will be announced in due course. We will issue a decision as soon as is reasonably possible. 563W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 564W

Pay Afternoon peak (services departing from Liverpool Street between 16:00 and 18:59)—there were 19 services, with 14,210 standard class and 800 first class seats. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the highest paid position is in (a) his Railways: Greater London Department and (b) his Department’s agencies. [121625] Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what (a) arrangements have been Norman Baker: The highest paid position in the made and (b) cost estimates have been prepared in Department for Transport is the permanent secretary. respect of relocation of the Heathrow Express The highest paid position in each of the Department’s maintenance depot to allow construction of the Old seven Executive agencies is as follows: Oak Common interchange for the proposed fast Heathrow Express connection between High Speed 2 Position and Heathrow; [120985] (2) what commitments his Department made to Highways Agency Chief executive provide Heathrow Express with a new track access DVLA Chief executive agreement beyond the expiry of the current agreement DSA Chief executive in 2023. [120986] MCA Chief executive VOSA Chief executive Mr McLoughlin: The Department has initiated VCA Chief executive discussions with BAA regarding the necessary relocation GCDA Chief executive of the Heathrow Express maintenance depot which is in the site of the HS2 Old Oak Common station. The Railways: Essex reasonable relocation costs are a component budget for the HS2 Old Oak Common station works. The access agreement for Heathrow Express services is between James Duddridge: To ask the Secretary of State for Network Rail and BAA. The Department has no Transport (1) what arrangements are in place to ensure involvement in this contract. As an open access operator the successful bidder for the Essex Thameside rail it will be for BAA to apply to the ORR for future access franchise will not reduce the quality of rolling stock; rights for Heathrow Express services. [121455] (2) what arrangements are in place to ensure the Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State successful bidder for the Essex Thameside rail for Transport what costs are included in the budgets of franchise will not use inferior rolling stock without High Speed 2, Crossrail and the Intercity Express air-conditioning. [121542] Programme for decking over the Old Oak Common site to enable future proposed commercial development; Mr McLoughlin: The choice of rolling stock is a and what effect these works will have on each of these matter for the franchisee providing it can demonstrate project’s anticipated timescales. [120987] to the Department that it will meet the requirements of the franchise. Rolling stock is not in public ownership Mr McLoughlin: There is currently no budget allocation so the Department for Transport is not in a position to for decking over any of the proposed rail facilities at mandate its use on particular routes or franchises. This Old Oak Common. Discussions on regeneration in this is a live competition and the Department has yet to area are ongoing as part of the overall project time receive bids. Before awarding a contract to operate the scales. franchise the Department will consider a range of factors Southeastern described in the Invitation to Tender documents which are on the Department’s website. Sir John Stanley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the amount of subsidy payable to, or Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for franchise premium receivable from, Southeastern is in Transport what estimate he has made of the maximum respect of its Integrated Kent Franchise in the financial number of passengers that rail services can accommodate years (a) 2012-13 and (b) 2013-14. [121234] at morning and evening peak times between Witham railway station and London Liverpool Street railway Mr McLoughlin: The Integrated Kent Franchise was station. [121574] let in 2006 for an eight-year term, with total franchise payments from the Department for Transport to the Norman Baker: The Secretary of State has not made franchisee totalling £668.6 million in 2005-06 prices. an estimate of the maximum number of passengers that Of this total, £24.7 million is due to be paid to the rail services can currently accommodate in the morning franchisee in 2012-13 and £9.3 million is due to be paid and evening peaks between Witham and London Liverpool by the franchisee to the Department in 2013-14. Street railway stations. Using capacities taken from the autumn 2011 passenger Stagecoach Group and Go Ahead Group counts (when the franchise was operated by National Express East Anglia) the total number of seats on Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for board peak services between Witham and Liverpool Transport how many meetings (a) staff of his Street at that time were: Department, (b) current or previous Ministers in his Morning peak (services arriving at Liverpool Street between Department and (c) he and his predecessor have had 07:00 and 09:59)—there were 19 services, with 14,352 standard with (i) Go Ahead Group and (ii) Stagecoach Group class and 816 first class seats. since 1 January 2012. [121051] 565W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 566W

Norman Baker: Ministers and officials meet regularly agreements with any of the bidders before both parties with both Groups and with their component operating have signed the contract. [121558] companies in the normal course of Departmental business. This includes meetings on rail franchising and ticketing, Mr McLoughlin: In the Invitation to Tender the and roundtable discussions with a variety of stakeholders Department reserves its rights to alter the timetable or on rail and bus policy that include representatives from the process, or to terminate the process at its sole both Groups. discretion. As a result of a legal challenge, which the Government West Coast Railway Line intends to defend robustly, we have not yet signed the contract with First, and therefore the competition remains Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for live. We expect to sign the contract soon. Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the costs that would be incurred by his Department from taking the West Coast Main Line into public ownership for an indeterminate but limited period of time from 8 December HOME DEPARTMENT 2012; [121546] (2) what assessment he has made of the amount of Asylum: Yorkshire and the Humber additional staffing and support services required from his Department, consequent upon his Department taking the West Coast Main Line into public Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for the ownership for an indeterminate but limited period of Home Department whether G4S and its subcontractors have started to use Angel Lodge in Wakefield to time from 8 December 2012. [121547] accommodate asylum seekers; how many people are Mr McLoughlin: Our overriding concern is maintaining being accommodated in Angel Lodge currently; and services for passengers and ensuring value for money how many people will be accommodated when Angel for taxpayers. We believe the best way to do this is to Lodge is at capacity. [121027] award the franchise to First West Coast Ltd, as announced on 15 August 2012. However, in view of the legal Mr Harper [holding answer 14 September 2012]: challenge from Virgin Trains Ltd, we are looking at our G4S are currently in discussions with the Citrus Group responsibilities under section 30 of the Railways Act and in turn with the Angel Group to utilise Angel 1993 and, in view of the circumstances, it is only prudent Lodge for the use of initial accommodation for asylum to increase our focus on contingency planning. seekers. At full capacity Angel Lodge can accommodate 220 persons. We have asked Directly Operated Railways (DOR), a company wholly owned by the Secretary of State for Transport, to undertake contingency work in order to Cybercrime ensure that, if necessary, the Government could step in on 9 December 2012, when the Virgin Trains franchise Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for the expires, to ensure the continued operation of services Home Department what recent assessment she has for passengers. This work will include important aspects, made of the cost of cyber crime to the UK economy. such as safety, that any train operator would need to [120565] undertake before taking over operation of a franchise. Plans are in the process of being drawn up for the James Brokenshire [holding answer 11 September 2012]: additional staffing and support services that will be It is very difficult to give an accurate figure to the cost required. The majority of this will be provided via of cyber crime to the UK economy. DOR. As much of this work as possible will run in For example, the Detica ″Cost of Cyber Crime″ parallel to the work that First West Coast Ltd already report, published in February 2011 in partnership with have under way on their own planning. the Office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance It is too early to make an assessment costs that would in the Cabinet Office, estimated the cost of cyber crime be incurred by the Department with any confidence. to the UK to be £27 billion per annum. A copy of this However, a recent National Audit Office review of the report will be placed in the House Library. termination of the east coast main line franchise (HC 824 A truly robust estimate will probably never be established, Session 2010-11) estimated that around £5.6 million but it is clear the costs are high and rising. was spent on the termination of the franchise and mobilisation of a replacement operator. I anticipate This is why the Government has committed £650 that the costs in this case should be lower, because, for million to the National Cyber Security Programme to example, DOR is already established. support economic prosperity, protect national security and safeguard the public’s way of life by building a Further work is required on potential costs after more trusted and resilient digital environment. 9 December, should the circumstances require the Secretary of State to exercise his powers under section 30. However, we would expect any revenues to exceed the costs of Deportation operation on the west coast main line. Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport the Home Department how many immigrants who what discretion he has under the terms of the Invitation were ordered to be deported were not deported on to Tender in respect of the West Coast Main Line human rights grounds in each of the last five years. franchise to pause or terminate any discussions or [121394] 567W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 568W

Mr Harper: The data requested is not held in a authorities. He provides a (published) annual report to format compatible with National Statistics protocols, the Prime Minister. Most communications data are or produced as part of the UK Border Agency’s standard personal data and are, therefore, also subject to the reports. same general data protection safeguards (such as the The Home Office publishes immigration statistics Data Protection Act 1998) as any other personal annually and quarterly, which are available from the information. The Information Commissioner would have Home Office Research and Statistics website. This includes a statutory responsibility for overseeing the security of information on removals. The latest statistics can be communications data retained by communications service found in the Library of the House as well as on the providers under the legislation. following website: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research- Entry Clearances: Overseas Students statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/ immigration-q2-2012/ Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many versions of guidance Draft Communications Data Bill on the operation of the highly trusted status sponsor scheme under Tier 4 of the points-based immigration Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for the system have been issued to educational institutions Home Department what discussions she has had with since the inception of the scheme. [119911] the Secretary of State for Justice on the implications for individual privacy of the draft Communications Mr Harper: The UK Border Agency issued dedicated Bill. [120697] guidance on the operation of the highly trusted status sponsor scheme (HTS) when the scheme was launched James Brokenshire [holding answer 13 September 2012]: in April 2010. Since April 2011 highly trusted sponsor Home Office Ministers have had regular meetings with arrangements have been integrated within the general ministerial colleagues and others as part of the process Tier 4 sponsor guidance that is issued to sponsors. of developing the Draft Communications Data Bill. As There have been eight revisions of the Tier 4 sponsor was the case with previous administrations, it is not the guidance since April 2011 but not all of these revisions Government’s practice to provide details of all such affected the HTS provisions. meetings. The Draft Bill also followed the standard process to obtain cross-Government clearance prior to G4S publication.

Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for the Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what safeguards she proposes to Home Department how many meetings Ministers in introduce in the Communications Bill to ensure the her Department held with representatives of G4S privacy of (a) e-mails and (b) text messages. [120698] between 11 May 2010 and 27 July 2012. [119011]

James Brokenshire [holding answer 13 September 2012]: James Brokenshire: Home Office Ministers and officials The Draft Communications Data Bill relates only to the have meetings with a wide variety of international who, when and where of a communication (such as an partners, as well as organisations and individuals in the e-mail or text message) and does not include its content. public and private sectors, as part of the process of Communications data are used by the police and intelligence policy development and delivery. As was the case with agencies in the investigation of all types of crime, previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s including terrorism. practice to provide details of all such meetings. The Bill retains and extends the safeguards and oversight arrangements for the acquisition of communications Human Trafficking: Children data that exist under current legislation. There are proven safeguards and oversight—and penalties in other Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for the legislation—in place to prevent misuse of these powers. Home Department how many referrals were made The Bill is designed to comply with article 8 of the from UK Border Agency caseworkers to the National European convention on human rights. Referral Mechanism for potential child victims of Specifically, communications data may only be acquired trafficking in each of the last five years. [121022] from a communications service provider (who will collect and retain it for 12 months) for a specific purpose set Mr Harper: The National Referral Mechanism (NRM), out in primary legislation (such as preventing or detecting which is the UK’s multi-agency framework to help crime, in the interests of national security or for the identify and support victims, started operating on 1 purposes of preventing death or injury in the case of an April 2009. A breakdown of minors referred by the UK emergency) and only by public authorities that have Border Agency (UKBA) since April 2009 can be found been approved by Parliament. Data can only be acquired in the following table. Comparable estimates are not by these authorities in specific cases where it is necessary available prior to this date. and proportionate to do so and where that authority has followed a strict authorisation process for that Minors referred to the NRM by individual request. UKBA/Border Force Communications data requests are also subject to 20091 43 oversight by the Interception of Communications 2010 62 Commissioner, including through inspections of public 2011 67 569W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 570W

additional staffing support over the duration of the Minors referred to the NRM by UKBA/Border Force London 2012 Olympics; and what training will be provided to such staff. [117891] 20122 71 Total to date 243 Mr Harper: The UK Border Agency created a temporary 1 Referrals from 1 April 2009 to 31 December 2009 only. flexible contingency pool that was deployed during the 2 Year to date only (1 January 2012 to 12 September 2012). Notes: Olympic period. This comprised: 1. This data is based on management information and as such has not 106 former staff; been quality assured as part of the production of National Statistics outputs. It is provisional and subject to change. 252 current staff; and 2. Data includes referrals by both Border Force and UK Border 352 staff on temporary loan from other Government Departments. Agency officers. This, in turn, was made up of: 3. Information systems do not allow the data to be further broken down by operational division (enforcement teams, caseworking, Border 120 from HM Revenue and Customs; Force etc.). 200 from MOD police and; and Immigration Controls 32 from Serious Organised Crime Agency. In addition, 260 staff per week were temporarily Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for the seconded to the border from other parts of the UK Home Department how many e-Passport gates are Border Agency and Home Office HQ for the seven-week available for use across UK points of entry; and how Olympic period. many such gates she expects to be in use by the end of All staff working on the border throughout the Olympic 2013. [120939] period were required to have received and passed border officer training. Mr Harper: There are currently 63 e-Gates at 15 terminals in nine airports across the UK, including all Any staff deployed to the front line received the four terminals at London Heathrow. training required to operate effectively and were only carrying out tasks for which they had been trained. Border Force is currently assessing the use of technology including e-Gates at UK points of entry, however there is no expectation that the number of e-Gates in use will Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for the fall below current numbers by the end of 2013. Home Department what estimate she has made of the cost to the UK Border Agency of contracting Immigration Controls: Olympic Games 2012 temporary staff to provide additional support during the London 2012 Olympics. [117892] Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the Mr Harper: The estimated cost, including the cost of cost to the public purse of re-employing retired UK travel and hotel accommodation, to the UK Border Border Agency and UK Border Force officers to work Agency and Border Force of contracting temporary during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. staff to provide additional support during the London [117383] 2012 Olympics is approximately £6 million.

Mr Harper [holding answer 16 July 2012]: In total UK Border Agency re-employed 106 former staff for Immigration: Children deployment to the border during the 49 days of the Olympics and Paralympics period. The total in year cost for that deployment is currently estimated to be Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for the £962,000 including training and mentoring costs. Home Department what steps she is taking to ensure that details of all unaccompanied migrant children Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for the who go missing are circulated on the Police National Home Department how many UK Border Agency staff Database. [120757] from (a) Scotland, (b) Wales, (c) Northern Ireland, (d) locations in England outside London and (e) Mr Jeremy Browne: There are currently no plans to overseas are being seconded to Heathrow, Gatwick and extend the scope of the Police National Database to London City Airports for the duration of the London include details of missing unaccompanied migrant children. 2012 Olympics. [117890] However, the Government’s Missing Children and Mr Harper: The UK Border Agency redeployed Adults Strategy makes clear that all missing children approximately 105 members of staff whose usual place are vulnerable and that where any child is reported of work was outside of the London area to Gatwick, missing to the police, effective action is needed to protect Heathrow or London City airports during the Olympic and find missing children as quickly as possible. period. The figure includes 53 from the north west Should an unaccompanied child go missing from region, 43 from North Yorkshire and Humberside, three social services care, the UK Border Agency is informed from Scotland and Northern Ireland, five from Wales and the local police will commence a missing person’s and south west and one from the midlands. investigation. High risk missing children cases will be immediately logged on the Police national computer Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for the and all missing persons cases over 72 hours must be Home Department how many temporary staff have reported to the National Missing Persons Bureau (MPB) been contracted by the UK Border Agency to provide and logged on the Missing Persons Database. 571W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 572W

Immigration: Offenders (3) Immigration. Under the Points Based System. Licences are issued to businesses to sponsor migrant Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for workers, and to education establishments to sponsor the Home Department whether she has reviewed the students, who seek to come to the UK from outside the extent to which the right to family life is being invoked European Economic Area and Switzerland. by convicted offenders who are not UK citizens and (4) Use of Controlled Drugs and Precursor Chemicals. who are seeking to remain in the UK following The following types of licence are issued: sentence; and if she will make a statement. [121192] Import & Export licences for Controlled Drugs; Import & Export licences for Precursor Chemicals; Mr Harper: In 2011-12, 409 appeals against foreign national offenders’ deportations were allowed. Of these, Domestic licences for Controlled Drugs (England, Wales, Scotland only); 177 were allowed on the grounds of article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)—the Domestic licensing/registration for Precursor Chemicals; right to family and private life. Licences to Doctors to prescribe diamorphine, cocaine or dipipanone for the treatment of addiction. New immigration rules came in to force on 9 July 2012 following the Government’s intent to redress the With regard to the Home Office’s non-departmental balance between the family rights of criminals and public bodies, the Office of the Immigration Services illegal migrants and the rights of the British public. Commissioner (OISC) regulates some immigration advisers Only in exceptional circumstances will family life, the and providers of immigration services, through the best interests of a child or private life outweigh criminality issue of certificates of registration to profit-making and the public interest in seeing foreign national offenders businesses, and certificates of exemption to organisations deported where they have received a custodial sentence who operate on a not-for-profit basis. Members of of at least four years. certain professional bodies, who do provide immigration advice or immigration services, are not regulated by In most cases deportation will continue to be OISC and as such, no certificates are issued to them. proportionate where the foreign national has received a The professional bodies not regulated by OISC are: custodial sentence of at least 12 months, or has received a custodial sentence of less than 12 months and their General Council of the Bar offending has caused serious harm or they are a persistent The Law Society of England and Wales offender who shows a particular disregard for the law. The Institute of Legal Executives Israel The Faculty of Advocates The Law Society of Scotland Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for the The General Council of the Bar of Northern Ireland Home Department whether any members of the Israeli The Law Society of Northern Ireland security forces have attended training courses in the UK provided by her Department in each of the last five London Metropolitan University years. [120355] Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for James Brokenshire [holding answer 10 September 2012]: the Home Department whether she has taken legal The Home Office and Serious Organised Crime Agency, advice on any potential liability for damages against National Policing Improvement Agency, UK Border (a) her Department, (b) the UK Border Agency and Agency, and Immigration and Passport Service, have (c) London Metropolitan university by non-EU students not provided any UK-based training to Israeli security at that university whose courses face termination. forces in the last five years. [119296] Licensing Mr Harper: Following the application for judicial Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for the review lodged by London Metropolitan university on Home Department what permits and licences her 11 September 2012, this question is now subject to the Department and its public bodies issue to businesses. sub judice rule and I am unable to answer this question. [118813] Nurseries James Brokenshire: The Home Office issues permits and/or licences to businesses in the following areas: Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the (1) Firearms. Written ministerial authority is required Home Department how many child care places her in order to possess, purchase, acquire, manufacture, sell Department provides on its estate; what the cost is of or transfer prohibited weapons, ammunition or component providing such places; how many such places her parts of prohibited weapons. Department provided in 2010; what the cost was of (2) Animal Testing. The use of animals in experiments providing such places in 2010; what plans she has for and testing is regulated by a three-level licensing system: changes in the provision of such child care places; and those carrying out the scientific procedures must hold personal what the number of places will be once any such licences, which ensures that they are qualified and suitable; changes have been implemented. [121271] the programme of work must be authorised in a project licence; Mr Harper: The Home Office did not provide child the place at which the work is carried out must hold a certificate care places in 2010 or 2012 and there are no plans to of designation. introduce such provision. 573W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 574W

Olympic Games 2012: Security Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) police community Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for the support officers and (b) police officers there were in Home Department on what date Ministers were first (i) Barnet, (ii) Barking and Dagenham, (iii) Croydon, advised that G4S would not be able to provide the (iv) Ealing and (v) Enfield on 5 April (A) 2010, security support for the London 2012 Olympics that (B) 2011 and (C) 2012; and if she will make a had been contracted. [117902] statement. [121532]

James Brokenshire: Following ongoing discussions, Damian Green: Figures were collected by the Home G4S confirmed on 11 July 2012 that they could no Office for the number of police community support longer meet their contractual obligations. officers and police officers within Barnet, Barking and Dagenham, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Richmond upon Thames, Waltham Forest and Haringey boroughs, as at Olympic Games 2012: Touting 31 March 2010 and 31 March 2011 and are given in the following table. Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Figures at London borough level ceased to be collected Home Department how many people were arrested on centrally by the Home Office from 2011-12. suspicion of illegally reselling tickets for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in each month Police community support officer and police officer strength within the London boroughs of Barnet, Barking and Dagenham, Croydon, of 2012. [120059] Ealing, Enfield, Richmond upon Thames, Waltham Forest and Haringey as at 31 March 2010 and 31 March 20111, 2 James Brokenshire: The Metropolitan Police have Police community Police officers advised that between 25 July and 17 August 2012, a support officers total of 220 individuals were arrested for Olympic ticketing 31 March 31 March 31 March 31 March offences as part of Operation Podium, the dedicated 2010 2011 2010 2011 police operation against Games-related economic crime. Figures for arrests prior to the start of the Games or Barnet 178 144 596 585 which were not part of Operation Podium are not held Barking and 101 88 448 443 Dagenham centrally in this form. Croydon 173 141 755 736 Ealing 179 143 728 697 Police: Greater London Enfield 170 150 601 580 Richmond 103 87 335 307 Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the upon Thames Home Department how many (a) police community Waltham 114 100 578 556 support officers and (b) police officers there were in (i) Forest Hillingdon, (ii) Hounslow, (iii) Kingston upon Thames, Haringey 119 97 734 708 (iv) Merton and (v) Redbridge on 5 April (A) 2010, (B) 1 These figures are based on full-time equivalents that have been 2011 and (C) 2012; and if she will make a statement. rounded to the nearest whole number. 2 Figures include those officers on career breaks or maternity/paternity [121297] leave. Damian Green [holding answer 17 September 2012]: Police: Powers Figures were collected by the Home Office for the number of police community support officers and police Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for the officers within Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kingston upon Home Department when she plans to publish the Thames, Merton and Redbridge boroughs, as at 31 March Government response to the consultation on police 2010 and 31 March 2011 and are given in the following powers to promote and maintain public order. [120945] table. Figures at London borough level ceased to be collected Damian Green [holding answer 14 September 2012]: centrally by the Home Office from 2011-12. The Government is carefully considering all the views received during the consultation and we will issue a Police community support officer and police officer strength within the response in due course. London boroughs of Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kingston upon Thames, Merton and Redbridge as at 31 March 2010 and 31 March 20111,2 Police: Surveillance Police community Police officers support officers Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the 31 March 31 March 31 March 31 March 2010 2011 2010 2011 Home Department (1) what discussions she has had with chief constables on the (a) level of expenditure Hillingdon 114 98 526 540 authorised to defend against claims brought by Hounslow 109 94 540 522 individuals who entered into sexual relationships with Kingston 92 72 337 321 undercover officers and (b) provision of funds to be upon set aside for possible compensation claims; and if she Thames will make a statement; [121108] Merton 105 85 396 392 (2) whether she has received any reports of police Redbridge 116 108 502 486 forces authorising undercover officers to (a) lie under 1 These figures are based on full-time equivalents that have been rounded to the nearest whole number. oath and (b) commit crimes; if she will give details of 2 Figures include those officers on career breaks or maternity/paternity any related guidance issued to police forces; and if she leave. will make a statement. [121109] 575W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 576W

Damian Green: The Government provides a legal of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 in framework for undercover operations through the the last year for which figures are available; which Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). public authorities commissioned such non-public bodies; The management and deployment of undercover police which non-public bodies were commissioned; and for officers, and their personal conduct, are matters for what reason these public bodies were commissioned to chief officers—as is responding to any related compensation carry out such surveillance. [121075] claim. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has issued guidance on undercover policing. James Brokenshire: A non-public body or private individual commissioned to carry out covert surveillance; Private Investigators properly authorised by a public authority under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (’RIPA’), Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for the is subject to the RIPA control regime. The independent Home Department when the Government plans to respond Chief Surveillance Commissioner is responsible for statutory to the Fourth Report from the Home Affairs Select oversight of how public authorities comply with the Committee, Private Investigators, HC 100. [120984] RIPA covert surveillance provisions. His published annual reports have not provided statistics on or detail of any Damian Green: We are carefully considering the commissioning of such activities by public authorities. Committee’s report. Given the relevance of this issue to the matters being considered by the Leveson Inquiry, Tim Larkin we will await its findings to ensure they can be taken into account in the development of a suitably effective George Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for regulatory regime. the Home Department (1) if she will meet the hon. Private investigators remain subject to the law on Member for Bradford West and others to discuss the intercepting communications. exclusion order relating to Tim Larkin; and if she will make a statement; [121111] Procurement (2) what steps she took to ensure that due process was followed in relation to the exclusion order relating Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for the to Tim Larkin; and if she will make a statement. Home Department what her Department’s policy is on [121112] taking into account when assessing tenders submitted for departmental contracts the (a) apprenticeship Mr Harper: The Home Office is not able to comment schemes, (b) policies on employment of paid interns on individual cases. and (c) policies of payment of at least the living wage of each bidding company. [120794] UK Border Force

James Brokenshire: When assessing tenders submitted Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the for departmental contracts, the Home Department does Home Department when she expects to announce the not have a specific policy which covers bidders’ use of successor to Brian Moore as head of the UK Border apprenticeship schemes, employment of paid interns Force. [118077] and payment of the living wage. During the procurement preparation process the inclusion Mr Harper: The Home Office held an open competition of special conditions of contract can be considered on a to appoint a successor to Brian Moore as head of case by case basis. Border Force, but have not yet found the right candidate As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for this vital role. strategy, the Department supports and encourages the Tony Smith, currently senior director for Border Force uptake of apprenticeships in new and existing contracts. and UK Border Agency Olympic Programme, will take on the role on a temporary basis from 19 September Russia 2012 until a permanent head is appointed. We expect to make an appointment by the end of the year. Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will place in the Library the Vetting letter she has sent to the Russian authorities in connection with the death of Sergei Magnitsky. Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the [119488] Home Department if she will estimate the number of people who have lost their job due to a Criminal Mr Harper [holding answer 6 September 2012]: The Records Bureau disclosure of a conviction for Secretary of State for the Home Department, my right consensual homosexual sex; and if she will make a hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), statement. [121302] has not written to the Russian authorities about the death of Sergei Magnitsky. Mr Jeremy Browne [holding answer 17 September 2012]: The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) provides Surveillance eligible employers with criminal record information, but has no involvement in decisions to recruit or retain. Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Therefore it is not possible to provide an estimate of the Home Department how many public authorities have number of people who may have lost their job due to commissioned a non-public body or private individual the disclosure of a conviction, whether for consensual to undertake covert surveillance under the provisions homosexual sex or any other matter. 577W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 578W

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Drugs: Waste Disposal Home Department how many checks were processed by the Criminal Records Bureau in each month since Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for January 2012; and how many of those resulted in Health what the value was of medical supplies discarded disclosures of criminal records in each such month. owing to their having passed their expiry date in each of [121357] the last three years. [121017]

Mr Jeremy Browne: Between 1 January and 31 August Dr Poulter: Information on the value of medical 2012, the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) issued 2,763,124 supplies discarded owing to their having passed their certificates. Of these, 226,083 or 8.2% of checks resulted expiry date is not held centrally. However, the hon. in the disclosure of criminal records. The monthly Member may wish to contact his local national health breakdown is given in the following table: service bodies to confirm whether this information is collected. Total disclosures Total matched Month Total dispatched with PNC match (percentage) Emergency Calls: Hoaxes and False Alarms January 320,256 27,081 8.5 2012 Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health February 345,262 28,802 8.3 how many malicious 999 calls there have been in each 2012 of the last five years. [121018] March 363,959 29,294 8.0 2012 Anna Soubry: This information is not centrally collected April 285,653 24,349 8.5 by the Department. 2012 May 375,648 30,808 8.2 Food: Hygiene 2012 June 330,959 26,168 7.9 2012 Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Health July 388,444 30,407 7.8 if he will take steps to reduce the number of food safety 2012 regulations that apply to voluntary clubs and organisations; August 352,943 29,174 8.3 and if he will make a statement. [120924] 2012 Total 2,763,124 226,083 8.2 Anna Soubry: The Food Standards Agency is an independent body which has responsibility for developing policy on food safety regulations but is accountable to Parliament through Health Ministers. HEALTH It informs us that there are no plans to change the arrangements that apply to voluntary dubs and Commissioning Outcomes Framework Advisory organisations. Committee Health Services: Greater London Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health by what means members of the Commissioning Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Outcomes Framework Advisory Committee will be Health what estimate he has made of the effect on appointed. [120918] funding of health bodies in east London due to the switch from health inequalities to age as a key factor in Dr Poulter: The National Institute for Health and calculating funding for those bodies. [120384] Clinical Excellence is responsible for the appointment of members of their independent Commissioning Outcomes Anna Soubry: Revenue allocations are currently made Framework (COF) Advisory Committee. to primary care trusts (PCTs) on the basis of a needs Recruitment to the COF Committee was by a process based weighted capitation formula recommended by of open advertisement and interview. Recruitment took the independent Advisory Committee on resource place between March and August 2011. allocation. Age is the primary determinant of an individual’s Drugs: Rehabilitation need for healthcare along with other important factors such as need related to deprivation. Both age and Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for deprivation have continued to be key components in the Health what steps his Department is taking to increase current PCT allocations formula. The only significant harm reduction interventions in drug treatment. recent change in the formula has been to reduce the [121372] weighting for the disability free life expectancy adjustment from 15%, to 10%, in 2011-12. Anna Soubry: Health care interventions to reduce the The weighted capitation formula sets fair share allocations harm caused by drug misuse are commissioned locally. while pace of change policy determines how quickly The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse PCTs move towards their fair share. It is not possible to supports the commissioning process in local areas by say how allocations would have differed under a different providing information about the local need for services weighted capitation formula, as this would involve which can be incorporated into the Joint Strategic Needs speculation on what different pace of change decisions Assessment. would have been made. 579W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 580W

From 2013-14, the NHS Commissioning Board will Table A allocate resources to clinical commissioning groups. Student midwife population The Health and Social Care Act has given the NHS its 2009-10 5,567 first ever duties concerning the need to reduce health inequalities. 2010-11 5,644 2011-12 5,955 Source: Hepatitis Quarterly Monitoring Return Table B: Midwifery training places commissioned Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State Degree Diploma 18 months Total for Health what assessment he has made of the 2001-02 621 525 732 1,878 recommendations relating to public health in the Health 2002-03 709 724 677 2,110 Protection Agency’s report on Hepatitis C in the UK: 2003-04 753 716 757 2,226 2012. [121471] 2004-05 895 744 735 2,374 Anna Soubry: We welcome the public health 2005-06 891 397 531 1,819 recommendations in the Health Protection Agency’s 2006-07 983 540 467 1,990 report on Hepatitis C in the UK (2012), a copy of which 2007-08 1,307 412 352 2,071 has been placed in the Library. The recommendations 2008-09 1,944 0 328 2,272 will help national health service organisations, Public 2009-10 1,977 0 505 2,482 Health England, local authorities and their partners in 2010-11 2,034 0 454 2,488 strengthening measures for the prevention, diagnosis 2011-12 2,052 0 432 2,484 and treatment of hepatitis C. Note: Midwifery training became degree only from 2008-09. The 18-month training is a conversion course. Midwives Source: Quarterly Monitoring Return Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for NHS: Complaints Health how many student midwives there were in England in each year since 2001; and if he will make a Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health statement on midwifery student numbers. [121103] what the five most common complaints about the NHS were in each of the last five years. [120928] Dr Poulter: We are keeping the number of new midwifery Dr Poulter: Two data sets on national health service training commissions at a record high, with 2,484 places complaints are published annually by the Health and available in 2011-12, and 2,578 places planned for 2012-13. Social Care Information Centre, which relate to hospital The population of student midwives in England is and community health services, and general practice only available for the last three years and is shown in (including dentist). Subject categories differ between table A. The number of new midwifery training these data sets. The ’other’ categories includes all complaints commissions in England in each year since 2001 is not picked up by the other categories. shown in table B, and has been increasing under the The following tables indicate the top five subjects coalition Government. complained about in each data set for the past five years:

Top five complaints by subject: Hospital and community health services 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

1 All aspects of clinical All aspects of clinical All aspects of clinical All aspects of clinical All aspects of clinical treatment treatment treatment treatment treatment 2 Attitude of staff Attitude of staff Attitude of staff Attitude of staff Attitude of staff 3 Appointments, delay/ Appointments, delay/ Appointments, delay/ Communication/ Communication/ cancellation (out- cancellation (out- cancellation (out- information to patients information to patients patient) patient) patient) (written and oral) (written and oral) 4 Communication/ Communication/ Communication/ Appointments, delay/ Appointments, delay/ information to patients information to patients information to patients cancellation (out- cancellation (out- (written and oral) (written and oral) (written and oral) patient) patient) 5 Other Admissions, discharge Other Other Admissions, discharge and transfer and transfer arrangements arrangements

Top five complaints by subject: General practice (including dental) health services 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

1 Clinical Clinical Clinical Clinical Clinical 2 Communications/ Communications/ Communications/ Communications/ Communications/ attitude attitude attitude attitude attitude 3 Other General practice General practice General practice General practice administration administration administration administration 4 General practice Practice/surgery Other Other Other administration management 581W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 582W

Top five complaints by subject: General practice (including dental) health services 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

5 Practice/surgery Other Practice/surgery Practice/surgery Practice/surgery management management management management

NHS: Cost Effectiveness NHS: Procurement

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what savings have been made in each category as part which private companies have contracts with the NHS. of the Nicholson challenge in the last two financial [120929] years. [120926] Dr Poulter: The Department does not centrally collect Dr Poulter: As set out in ‘The Operating Framework information on the contracts which individual national for the NHS in England 2011-12’, the national health health service bodies hold with private sector companies. service was required to start the delivery of efficiency NHS trusts and foundation trusts are now expected to savings to meet the Quality, Innovation, Productivity publish all tender and contract information for contracts and Prevention (QIPP) challenge, also known as the over £10,000, a requirement which applies to all central Nicholson challenge, in the 2011-12 financial year. Government Departments. Primary care trusts (PCTs) reported total efficiency savings of £5.8 billion in 2011-12 towards the QIPP NHS: Training challenge as published in ‘The Year: NHS Chief Executive’s Annual report 2011-12’. The following table sets out the Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for categories under which QIPP savings were made: Health how much was spent on continuous professional development in the NHS (a) in North Yorkshire and QIPP Category Total (£ million) (b) nationwide in each of the last three years. [121016]

Acute services 2,843 Dr Poulter: The information requested is not held Ambulance services 74 centrally. Community services 463 Continuing healthcare 159 Nurseries Mental health and learning 440 disabilities services Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Non-NHS healthcare (inc 157 reablement) how many child care places his Department provides on its estate; what the cost is of providing such places; Prescribing 700 how many such places his Department provided in Primary Care, Dental, 417 Pharmacy/Ophthalmic 2010; what the cost was of providing such places in Specialised commissioning 255 2010; what plans he has for changes in the provision of such child care places; and what the number of places Other 307 will be once any such changes have been implemented. Grand total 5,815 [121270] Figures outlining efficiency savings achieved by the NHS during the first three months of the 2012-13 Dr Poulter: The Department has nursery provision at financial year will be published shortly by the Department its Leeds site, Quarry House. The facility is within the in ‘The Quarter 1: 2012-13’. combined Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Department of Health estate, but the nursery is managed by DWP. NHS: Drinking Water The nursery has capacity for 46 children. The cost of subsiding nursery places for Department of Health Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health staff was £32,498 in 2010-11 and £28,134 in 2011-12. how much was spent on water coolers in the NHS (a) There are no plans formally to review the overall in North Yorkshire and (b) nationwide in each of the provision. However, the appropriateness and cost of last three years. [121015] these arrangements will continue to be reviewed as part of regular budgetary reviews. Dr Poulter: The information requested is not held centrally. Older People: Rehabilitation

NHS: Official Hospitality Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to assess the provision of Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health rehabilitation services for the elderly. [121318] how much was spent on corporate hospitality (a) in North Yorkshire and (b) nationwide by the NHS in Norman Lamb: The Department has no specific plans each of the last three years. [121013] to assess the provision of rehabilitation services for older people. However, through the National Intermediate Dr Poulter: The information requested is not held Care Audit, providers are able to assess their own centrally. performance at supporting timely discharge from hospital 583W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 584W

(and preventing unnecessary acute admissions). The The MHRA has regularly reviewed the evidence on provision of rehabilitation services is a matter for the anti-epileptic drug use in women of child bearing age local national health service, working in conjunction since the time of licensing and continually reassesses with local authorities, patients and other key partners. the information provided in the SmPC and PIL in light However, the Department is pursuing a number of of new data from all sources, including the UK Epilepsy policies to help people stay well in the community, and and Pregnancy Registry. Where appropriate, new data to regain their independence after a period of support are included in updated prescribing and patient information either in hospital or residential care. Here, the interaction to best inform the decision-making process between between hospitals and community-based services is key. health care professionals and patients. The Government recognises the importance of care The current product information for sodium valproate and support to improving local health and wellbeing, products contains detailed advice in relation to its use which is why we are putting funding behind the integration during pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential agenda. At the 2010 spending review, we announced being treated for epilepsy are currently advised that that, over the four years to 2014-15, £2.7 billion would they should not be started on sodium valproate without be transferred to local authorities from the NHS to specialist neurological advice and that the benefits of its promote better joined-up working across the health, use should be weighed against the known risks to the care and support system. foetus. Recently, it was announced that the health system Information on possible side effects which may occur will transfer a further £100 million and £200 million in in the offspring of women with epilepsy who are treated 2013-14 and 2014-15 respectively, over and above the with sodium valproate during pregnancy, including the funding set out at the spending review. The new funding characteristic features of ’fetal anti-convulsant syndrome’ will further support local areas to deliver social care are also outlined in the product information. In addition services that benefit people’s health and wellbeing, by the British National Formulary (BNF) provides prescribers, promoting more joint working between health and care. pharmacists and other health care professionals with This will enable local areas to transform their services independent, detailed and up-to-date information about and to deliver better integrated care that saves money the use of sodium valproate during pregnancy. across the whole system: for example by supporting The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence people to maintain their independence in the community (NICE) has published a clinical guideline covering the for as long as possible. diagnosis, treatment and management of epilepsies in adults and children. This clinical guideline specifically Olympic Games 2012 covers the treatment and management of epilepsy in pregnancy. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health We are aware that children affected by ‘fetal anti whether (a) Ministers and (b) officials from his convulsant syndrome’ may have several problems requiring Department used the Olympic route network for travel care from a number of different specialist services, for official purposes during the London 2012 Olympic addressing the different physical and developmental and Paralympic Games. [120999] problems which may have arisen. Babies born with such difficulties will be provided with support to meet these Dr Poulter: The Department for Culture, Media and challenges. Sport will publish details of Government use of tickets and hospitality in the autumn and this will include use Earlier this year, the former Secretary of State for of transport services which operated on the Olympic or Health (Andrew Lansley) established the Children and Paralympic route networks. Young People’s Health Outcomes Forum as part of our commitment to improving health outcomes for children Pregnancy: Sodium Valproate and young people. On 26 July, the forum published its report which can be found at: Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/07/cyp-report (1) what guidance doctors are given to enable them to The forum’s report will help inform the development give appropriate counselling to pregnant mothers who of a Children and Young People’s Health Outcomes are susceptible to epilepsy and who are taking sodium Strategy which is due to be published later this year. valproate; [121059] The forum has included a number of recommendations (2) what support he provides to people who have on how the needs of children with complex needs can been adversely affected as a result of their mothers best be met and these will apply to children who have being prescribed sodium valproate during pregnancy. had exposure to anticonvulsant medications in pregnancy. [121060] For example, the forum has recommended the establishment of an outcome measure on integration, which would be Norman Lamb: The Medicines and Healthcare products particularly relevant to this group of children and young Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is an Executive agency of people. The approach the forum took means that they the Department of Health responsible for ensuring that have sought to address health provision across a very medicines are acceptably safe and effective in their wide spectrum, of needs. licensed indications. Part of the remit of the MHRA is to ensure that the information associated with the medicine Scoliosis: Children and provided to health care professionals (the Summary of Product Characteristics, SmPC) and to patients (the Patient Information Leaflet, PIL) is accurate and up to Mr Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health date. what his policy is on scoliosis checks in schools. [120934] 585W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 586W

Dr Poulter: The Healthy Child Programme sets out a have darker skin (particularly people of African, African- schedule of evidence based reviews and interventions Caribbean and South Asian origin) are at risk of not for local commissioners to use when commissioning getting enough vitamin D. This includes advice that services for children and families. This includes information people with darker skin will need to spend longer in the on best practice for a school entry assessment at age sun to produce the same amount of vitamin D as four to five and a further assessment at transition people with paler skin. The advice also states that those between primary and secondary school at age 10 to 11. who cover their skin for religious or cultural reasons The assessments primarily focus on physical health, may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency due to reduced growth and development and also include mental and sun exposure; these individuals should therefore take emotional health issues. At school entry many areas a daily supplement containing ten micrograms of administer a questionnaire to parents which explores vitamin D. their child’s health and wellbeing and informs the health The NHS Start4Life website and leaflets explain the review at school entry. The questionnaire to be used is importance of daily vitamin D supplements for babies, determined locally. young children and pregnant and breastfeeding women. Possible signs of scoliosis (particularly severe scoliosis) These materials state that this advice is of particular might be picked up from the parental questionnaire or importance for those of South Asian or African-Caribbean from the school entry assessment. The school nurse descent, or those who have darker skin. would refer any such concerns to the community paediatrician or advise the young person or their parent/ carer to consult their general practitioner for further assessment and possible referral to an orthopaedic specialist. HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION Current advice from the UK National Screening Palace of Westminster: Repairs and Maintenance Committee is that systematic screening of children by imaging would not be beneficial, because there is little evidence that it would identify children with scoliosis Mr Tom Harris: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, who are not already picked up through other means. Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of However, the Committee is currently reviewing the evidence Commons Commission, (1) what assessment the for scoliosis screening for adolescents and, following a Commission has made of the potential effect on timescales public consultation which closed in June, is expected to for and progress with planned essential maintenance make a recommendation in the autumn. and renovation to the Palace of Westminster of (a) the decision by the House to meet for a two-week period Thalidomide each September and (b) any future decision by the House not to meet for a two-week period each September; [120977] Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the pilot scheme (2) what estimate the Commission has made of the of health grants given to thalidomiders; and what costs arising as a result of the decision by the House to assessment he has made of the merits of permanently sit for a two-week period each September; [120978] continuing the Health Grant scheme. [121489] (3) what assessment the Commission has made of (a) options for and (b) the likelihood of the House Norman Lamb: The former Minister of State, my meeting in an alternative location to allow essential hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Paul maintenance and renovation work to the Palace of Burstow), met with the hon. Member for Elmet and Westminster; [120979] Rothwell (Alec Shelbrooke), chair of the All Party (4) what assessment the Commission has made of Parliamentary Group, along with members of the the potential savings that could be made if essential Thalidomide Trust and the National Advisory Council, maintenance to the Palace of Westminster did not have in June 2012. At that meeting, he advised that the to accommodate the House sitting for a two-week Government was not in a position to make an period each September; [120980] announcement on future funding until a full evaluation (5) what advice the Commission has received and of its second year report had been carried out. However, from whom, on the potential effect of the decision by he committed to providing a decision on future funding the House to sit for two weeks each September on the in the autumn of this year. I have repeated that commitment. costs and timescales of essential renovation and The report on the second year of the pilot study was maintenance work planned for the Palace of Westminster. sent to departmental officials on 11 July and is currently [120988] being evaluated. John Thurso: As explained in evidence submitted to Vitamin D: Ethnic Groups the Procedure Committee for their review of the parliamentary calendar,1 it is not possible to determine Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for accurately the costs or risks of breaking up the long Health what advice the NHS publishes on the risks of recess, as costs will vary from project to project, and vitamin D deficiency for ethnic minority communities. hence from year to year. [120475] Major projects being undertaken this summer, notably the mechanical and electrical works in the Palace of Anna Soubry: The NHS Choices website provides Westminster including the corridor works on the Principal information to the public about vitamin D and the risks Floor, were planned around the known sitting dates. associated with vitamin D deficiency. All of the pages There were no quantifiable additional project costs. on NHS Choices about vitamin D state that people who However, it will not always be possible to schedule 587W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 588W works to fit a shorter summer recess without additional (b) Gloucestershire and (c) England have been (i) costs, and some projects cannot be deferred indefinitely. successful and (ii) unsuccessful. [118971] An analysis prepared by the Director General, Facilities for the Finance and Services Committee in 2011 suggested Mr Laws: Figures relate to the March 2012 initial that, if there were a permanent reduction in the application round for ACMF 2012-13 only. uninterrupted period available for summer works to five weeks, the overall cost penalty would typically be of the (a) 13 academies in and around Gloucester (GL1, GL2/GL3 order of £1.5 million, predominantly in capital costs, and GL4 postcodes) applied to the Academies Capital Maintenance based on the mix of projects undertaken in 2011-12. Fund for 27 projects totalling c£13.7 million. Six academies received funding totalling c£2.4 million across eight projects; Routine maintenance and the rolling programme of (b) 38 academies in Gloucestershire applied to the Academies projects to the Palace of Westminster are planned around Capital Maintenance Fund for 82 projects totalling c£30.7 million. known sitting dates, and project timeframes therefore 17 academies received funding totalling c£5.5 million across reflect this constraint. The key factor for the Parliamentary 23 projects; and Estates Directorate is certainty about the parliamentary (c) 1,071 academies in England applied to the Academies calendar to allow for effective planning. Capital Maintenance Fund for 2,465 projects totalling c£1.16 Apart from the works programme, the marginal costs billion. 571 academies received funding totalling almost £250 million of September sittings are relatively low because most across 773 projects. other operating costs are fixed for the year as a whole and are unaffected by the number and distribution of sittings. Marginal costs of a two week sitting in September Adoption: North Yorkshire are about £200,000, mainly as a result of increased Hansard costs and late-night working. If sitting in September resulted in fewer sitting days at other times, Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for there would be offsetting savings. Education how many couples in North Yorkshire successfully adopted a child in each of the last five In January 2012 the Commission appointed a Study years. [120573] Group to examine the long term requirement to renew the infrastructure of the Palace of Westminster. In its terms of reference the group was asked to examine the Mr Timpson: The Department collects information full range of options, including a temporary re-location on looked after children adopted by single people, civil of Parliament. The report of the Study Group is expected partners, married and unmarried (same sex and different to be submitted to the Commission and the House sex) couples. Some couples adopt two or more children, Committee of the House of Lords next month. and therefore the number of couples who adopt will be 1 Written evidence submitted by the Clerk of the House and Chief lower than the number of children they adopted. Executive, available at Information on the legal status of adopters of looked http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201012/ after children has been collected since 2006-07. The cmselect/cmproced/writev/1370/p220.htm numbers of looked after children adopted by couples in North Yorkshire and in England are shown in the following tables. Figures for England have been taken from Table E3 EDUCATION of the Statistical First Release, “Children Looked After by Local Authorities in England (including adoption Academies Capital Maintenance Fund and care leavers)—year ending 31 March 2011”. This can be accessed at: Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s001026/ Education what criteria his Department uses to assess index.shtml and prioritise applications to the Academies Capital Children looked after in North Yorkshire local authority who were Maintenance Fund. [118969] adopted during the years ending 31 March by legal status of adopters1—Years ending 31 March 2007 to 2011 Numbers Mr Laws: There are two programme priorities for the fund. The first priority is to support Academies with 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 significant building condition needs including Health All looked after children who 20 20 25 20 15 and Safety issues that cannot be met from routine were adopted during the year maintenance funding. The second priority is to support ending 31 March successful, popular Academies that are currently overcrowded and/or wish to expand their existing facilities Legal status of adopters: 20 20 25 20 15 and floor space to accommodate more pupils within Single adopter 0 0 0 X X their existing age range. Same sex couple not in civil 00000 The Department considers how applications deliver partnership one or both of these priorities as well as the value for Different sex unmarried XXXXX money case and the arrangements in place to ensure couple that the project is deliverable within the required timeframe. Civil partnership couple 0 0 X 0 0 Married couple 20 15 20 15 10 X = Figures not shown in order to protect confidentiality. Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for 1 Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 5. Education how many bids to the Academies Capital Source: Maintenance Fund from academies in (a) Gloucester, SSDA 903 589W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 590W

Children looked after who were adopted during the years ending Children: Human Trafficking 31 March by legal status of adopters1—Years ending 31 March 2007 to 2011 Coverage: England Numbers Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Education what steps his Department is taking to ensure that local authorities collect data on the (a) All looked after children who 3,330 3,180 3,330 3,200 3,050 number and (b) nationality of suspected child victims were adopted during the year of trafficking in their care who go missing. [120754] ending 31 March Mr Timpson: The Department currently collects Legal status of adopters: information on the number of looked-after children Single adopter 290 270 270 280 290 who go missing from their agreed care placement for Same sex couple not in civil 70 50 50 60 40 more than 24 hours. We do not collect information on partnership whether these children may have been trafficked. Different sex unmarried couple 150 140 190 180 230 While data on the numbers of children who may have Civil partnership couple 20 30 70 60 60 been trafficked who go missing from care are not collected Married couple 2,800 2,690 2,740 2,620 2,430 by this Department, local authorities collect a range of 1 Numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10. data to inform their policies and processes. They will of Source: course be aware of the history of children that come SSDA 903 into their care, including whether the young people Children: Day Care have, or may have been trafficked, and their nationality, where known. The care plan should include a risk Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for assessment as to the likelihood of these children going Education what recent estimate his Department has missing in the same way that the care plan might for any made of the average unit cost of child care per place in other child. (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland, (d) Northern Ireland and (e) the UK. [119760] The Department is currently working with key partners to develop a data collection system which is more Elizabeth Truss [holding answer 6 September 2012]: meaningful and gives a clearer picture of the numbers The Department has not made a formal assessment of of children who go missing from care. Better local data the average unit cost of a child care place in England. collection will contribute to improved local strategies The Department’s annual Childcare and Early Years for minimising missing persons incidents and improving Providers Survey collects information on the mean hourly protection for children in care, including those that have fees charged by certain categories of registered child or may have been trafficked. care providers in England, and by region. The latest available survey is for 2010. The figures for 2010 are as Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education follows: if he will consider establishing a comprehensive and Average hourly fees charged by Government office region independent national system of data collection on trafficked £ children to ensure data is collected on trafficked children Full day who go missing from care. [120755] care in Full day children’s Child Mr Timpson: The Department is currently working care centres Sessional minders with key partners to develop a data collection system Overall mean 3.70 4.10 3.00 3.80 which is more meaningful and gives a clearer picture of average hourly the numbers of children who go missing from care. The fee group is considering what such a collection should look East Midlands 13.20 2— 12.80 13.20 like. Better local data collection will contribute to improved East 3.60 2— 3.10 4.00 local strategies for minimising missing persons incidents London 4.70 2— 13.60 4.70 and improving protection for children in care, including North East 2— 2— 2— 13.30 those that have or may have been trafficked. Yorkshire and 13.50 2— 12.80 3.30 Humberside Children: Protection North West 3.50 2— 12.50 13.30 South East 3.80 2— 3.60 4.10 Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for South West 3.60 2— 12.80 3.70 2 1 1 Education what steps he plans to take to ensure his West Midlands 3.30 — 2.60 3.30 Department is able to work with the Troubled Families 1 Signifies cells where data should be treated with caution due to a Unit in the Department for Communities and Local low base size. 2 Signifies cells where data have not been included due to a base of Government to evaluate the effect of working with less than 50. families in cases where there is serious concern about Note: neglect. [121052] The North East and Yorkshire and Humberside were considered as a single region for child minders, so these figures represent the combined average for those regions. Mr Timpson: The Troubled Families programme is Source: supported by seven Government Departments. A cross Childcare and Early Years Providers Survey 2010 Whitehall group of Ministers is collectively responsible The Department for Education has responsibility for for the implementation of the programme. The Department England only. Child care policy in Wales, Scotland and for Education is represented on both the ministerial and Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the devolved senior officials’ group, and officials at working level Administrations in those countries. meet and communicate regularly. The Government is 591W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 592W developing robust evaluation arrangements for the testing. The primary aim of the evaluation is to analyse programme. Families involved in the programme are impact on children and young people of different ages likely to include some where there are concerns about and from different socio-economic groups. child neglect, and this is one of the problems the programme aims to address. Education: Standards Correspondence

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for what the average time taken was by his Department to Education what proportion of lessons were recorded reply to correspondence from hon. Members and Peers by Ofsted as (a) poor and (b) outstanding in each in the last 12 months; and for what proportion of letters local education authority in the last three years. the time taken to send a response was longer than (a) [119910] one month, (b) six weeks, (c) two months, (d) three months and (e) six months in that period. [118655] Mr Laws: This question is a matter for Ofsted. HM Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has written to Elizabeth Truss: The average time taken by the my hon. Friend, and a copy of his response has been Department to reply to correspondence from hon. Members placed in the House Libraries. over the last 12 months was 17 days. The Department’s Letter from Michael Wilshaw dated 10 September records do not distinguish between letters from Peers 2012: and letters from other VIPs. The average time taken by the Department to reply to correspondence from VIPs— Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, for a response. including Peers—over the last 12 months was 19 days. I include the following table providing more detail. Ofsted holds information about the number of lesson observations made on inspections over the last three years and judgements Table 1: Correspondence 1 September 2011 to 31 August 2012 associated with them. Percentage Inspectors do not make an overall judgement about individual Proportion of letters where the reply took the lessons, and do not always see the whole of each lesson, especially following time to be sent: those that run for extensive periods of time. Instead, they make One Six Two Three Six judgements about four key aspects of a lesson: achievement of Correspondent month weeks months months months pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils, and leadership and management Not every aspect is judged in every MPs 30 13 5 1 0 lesson observed. This means we cannot precisely answer this VIPs 34 14 6 1 0 question because there is no overall judgement of a lesson’s Notes: quality recorded. 1. These figures do not include letters replied to by officials. In the interests of transparency, we have provided summary 2. Peers are included within the VIPs category of correspondent. statistics for judgements about the quality of teaching made 3. The Department’s records show the number of working days taken to complete a case. One month in this table therefore represents during lesson observations, where teaching has been graded within 20 working days, six weeks represents 30 working days, etc. a lesson. The data show the number of inspections, the number of observations in which the quality of teaching was judged, and the Dyslexia proportion of these observations in which the quality of teaching was judged to be outstanding or inadequate in each local authority Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for for the 2009/10 and 2010/11 academic years and for the September 2011 to March 2012 period. This reflects the period for which Education what recent assessment his Department has official statistics about inspection outcomes have been released. made of the work of Pathfinders in supporting It is important to note that inspectors observe a sample of, but children and young people with dyslexia. [120276] not all, lessons being carried out in schools inspected. The data provided are not representative of the nation as a whole, and Mr Timpson: The 20 SEND pathfinders are testing changes from one year to the next may reflect the sample of how to implement the reforms set out in the 2011 Green schools inspected rather than a trend. Paper ‘Support and aspiration: A new approach to Proportionate inspection allows. Ofsted to focus on those, special educational needs and disability’. These reforms schools where improvement is most needed—we do not attempt are intended to improve services and outcomes for all to inspect a representative sample of provision each year, and the children and young people with special educational scheduling of a school’s inspection will be partly determined by needs or who are disabled, including those with dyslexia. performance at, and timing of, the previous inspection. The SQW is leading the evaluation of pathfinder approaches. exemption of outstanding schools from routine inspection, combined with the factors above, means that the summary statistics are The evaluation’s aims and methodology are set out in a likely to underestimate the proportion of outstanding or good briefing document which is available on the Department teaching, and overestimate the proportion of satisfactory or for Education’s website along with the first two quarterly inadequate teaching. The figures are therefore not necessarily reports which examine the set-up and design phase of what we would expect to see had we observed every lesson in the pathfinder programme: every school across the country. www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/send/sen/ “The Framework for school inspection”1 places a strong emphasis b0075291/green-paper/evaluation on inspectors observing lessons in order to evaluate: We expect to publish an interim evaluation report in how well teaching promotes learning, progress and enjoyment October covering progress made until July 2012. for all pupils It is possible that information on specific themes how well assessment is used to meet the needs of all pupils. (such as particular types of disability) could be drawn Outline guidance and grade descriptors used by inspectors are from later evaluation reports but this will depend on the set out in “The evaluation schedule for schools” which is number and type of families who take part in pathfinder available on our website at: 593W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 594W

http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/evaluation-schedule-for- Food Technology inspection-of-maintained-schools-and-academies-january- 2012 Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of Inspectors employ a variety of approaches when observing State for Education (1) what requirement there is for lessons and plan an observation strategy that is precisely tailored to gathering evidence to meet the particular demands and schools to teach basic cooking skills; and if he will circumstances of an individual inspection. For example, inspectors make a statement; [119754] might engage in: (2) what steps he is taking to ensure that children part lesson observations of 20-30 minutes in order to see most attending academies and free schools receive adequate teachers in a primary school or a significant minority in a education in basic cooking skills; and if he will make a secondary school; statement. [120204] tracking a class or group of pupils, particularly in order to evaluate the experience, progress or learning of specific groups Elizabeth Truss [holding answers 6 and 10 September of pupils in the context of other learners’ experiences; 2012]: Food technology, within which practical cookery longer observations to assess standards of attainment through can be taught, is part of the design and technology work scrutiny and discussions with pupils, or to capture the curriculum, which is currently a compulsory national best practice, or to diagnose weaker teaching and provide curriculum subject in maintained primary schools. Food detailed evidence to underpin recommendations for improvement; technology is not compulsory in maintained secondary short observations of a number of lessons to follow a particular schools, which are able to choose whether to offer food inspection trail. technology or the study of textiles. Further information about inspectors’ strategies for lesson The Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. observations may be found in “Conducting school inspections” Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), which is available from our website at: announced on 11 June that design and technology http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/conducting-school- would continue to be compulsory in the new national inspections-guidance-for-inspectors-of-schools-january-2012 curriculum for maintained primary schools. We are 1 Available at: currently considering what the national curriculum for http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Forms-and-guidance/ design and technology should include and will make an Browse-all-by/Other/General/Framework-for-the-inspection- announcement in due course. of-maintained-schools-in-England-from-September-2009 Decisions on which curriculum subjects beyond English, mathematics, science and physical education should be included in the secondary national curriculum will be English Language: GCSE announced shortly. We intend to consult on all aspects of the new national curriculum in 2013. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Academies and free schools are not required to follow for Education (1) what meetings he has had with the the national curriculum, although many choose to do AQA exam board on the recent GCSE English exam so. Having freedom from the national curriculum allows results; [120091] academies and free schools to continue to develop a (2) whether he plans to hold an inquiry into the AQA creative and innovative teaching and learning environment exam board’s procedures for changing grade which responds to the needs of their pupils and pressure boundaries and marking procedures for 2012’s GCSE from parents. Many parents want their children to learn basic cooking skills. Academies and free schools run by examination results. [120092] well-motivated parents and governing bodies will continue to provide the best opportunities for all their pupils. Elizabeth Truss [holding answers 7 September 2012]: I have had no meetings with AQA, or any other awarding GCSE organisation, on the subject of this year’s GCSE results. Procedures relating to the marking and grading of Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for GCSEs are matters for awarding organisations and the Education how many children left school without any independent regulator, Ofqual, which is accountable to GCSE C grade or better in each year between 1997 and Parliament. Ofqual published its initial report on 2012 2010. [115987] GCSE English awards on 31 August 2012, which is available at: Elizabeth Truss: Information based on either the http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/files/2012-08-31-gcse-english- number of pupils aged 15 or at the end of Key Stage 4 is awards-2012-a-regulatory-report.pdf given in the following table: Number and percentage of pupils who did not achieve any GCSE grade C or better (including equivalents).1 Year: 1996/97 to 2010/11. First Aid: Curriculum Coverage: England Percentage of pupils who Number of pupils who did did not achieve one or Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for not achieve one or more more GCSE grade A*-C Education what comparative assessment he has made GCSE grade A*-C (or (or equivalent) of the inclusion of first aid training in the curriculum equivalent) (percentage) of schools in Wales. [119773] 1996/972, 173,096 29.5 3, 4 Elizabeth Truss: We have not undertaken an assessment 1997/98 164,510 28.6 on the inclusion of first aid training in the curriculum 1998/99 159,186 27.4 of schools in Wales. 1999/00 153,224 26.4 595W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 596W

Number and percentage of pupils who did not achieve any GCSE grade trafficking, what the outcomes were of the meeting C or better (including equivalents).1 Year: 1996/97 to 2010/11. between his Department and the Home Office held on Coverage: England 18 June 2012 regarding the Child Exploitation and Percentage of pupils who Online Protection Centre; [114142] Number of pupils who did did not achieve one or not achieve one or more more GCSE grade A*-C (2) what consideration his Department has given to GCSE grade A*-C (or (or equivalent) equivalent) (percentage) introducing a system of guardianship for child victims of trafficking; [114143] 2000/01 156,863 26.0 2001/02 150,425 24.8 (3) what progress has been made in respect of his Department’s request to the Children’s Commissioner 2002/03 151,798 24.4 for England to conduct a review into the practical care 2003/045 155,742 24.2 arrangements for trafficked children. [114144] 2004/056, 136,184 21.5 7 2005/06 129,832 20.1 2006/07 113,603 17.5 Mr Timpson [holding answer 28 June 2012]: The Government have made clear that we strongly support 2007/08 94,038 14.4 the work of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection 2008/09 72,334 11.4 Centre (CEOP) and want to build on its success to 2009/10 56,937 8.9 ensure children are even better protected in the future. 2010/11 44,683 7.1 As one of the National Crime Agency’s four operational 1 Including attempts and achievement in previous academic years. commands, CEOP will lead national level law enforcement 2 Percentages from 1996/97 to 2002/03 include GCSEs and GNVQs 3 Figures from 1996/97 to 2003/04 relate to pupils aged 15 at the start work to protect children, drawing on the wider Agency’s of the academic year. ability to deliver a single national intelligence picture, 4 Figures from 1996/97 to 2003/04 are based on final data. prioritise action and co-ordinate the law enforcement 5 Percentages from 2003/04 include GCSEs and other equivalent response. Reflecting the importance of child protection qualifications approved for use pre-16. within the NCA’s work, the Agency as a whole will also 6 Figures from 2004/05 onwards are for pupils at the end of Key Stage 4. be subject to the duty to make arrangements to safeguard 7 Figures from 2004/05 onwards are based on revised data. and promote the welfare of children under sections 11 and 28 of the Children Act 2004. The meeting referred Health Education to in oral answers on 18 June 2012, Official Report, column 593, was not, in fact, a meeting between DFE Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for and HO Ministers, but rather a meeting between the Education what recent steps his Department has taken Secretary of State for Education, my right hon. Friend to educate pupils on the dangers of underage drinking. the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), and the [117760] Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families. Elizabeth Truss: It is important that all young people As part of our implementation of the EU Directive are taught about the dangers of alcohol so that they on Human Trafficking, the Government has considered have the knowledge and understanding to make informed the arrangements currently in place to ensure they meet choices about their health and to take more responsibility the guardianship standards required and are satisfied for their actions. The effects of alcohol are currently that the arrangements that already exist fulfil this function. covered within personal, social, health and economic Trafficked children who become looked after by the (PSHE) education and as part of the statutory National local authority are already provided with significant Curriculum for Science. Within PSHE, pupils are also support through existing statutory mechanisms, and are taught about the personal and social consequences of supported in the same way as all looked after children. misuse for themselves and others. The Department is The appointment of guardians is a longstanding issue currently reviewing PSHE education to determine how and one that the Government has considered a number we can improve the quality of all PSHE teaching and of times. The Government’s view is that the addition of support teachers to teach the subject well. The review a separate legal advocate would add an unnecessary also aims to identify the essential core body of knowledge and unhelpful level of complexity to the system when in that pupils should be taught. fact what is required is for all relevant agencies to work The Department has also been working with the effectively together to support these vulnerable young voluntary organisation, Drinkaware, on an education people. Many local authorities already do have good programme called In:tuition. This is a course of 10 support systems in place, and we want to see all authorities lessons for primary and 11 for secondary which are come up to the standard of the best. available for free in print and online. Each lesson has a home learning activity to encourage parental involvement. Work is under way to commission a review of the Drinkaware piloted the programme across schools in practical care arrangements for trafficked children. This the UK over the last academic year and are currently work, being led by the Home Office, working in partnership evaluating it. with this Department, the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre and the Association of Directors of Human Trafficking: Children Children’s Services signals the importance the Government attach to understanding the real picture and experiences Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for of trafficked children in the care system. It is anticipated Education (1) pursuant to the oral answer of 18 that the resulting report will be available by the end of June 2012, Official Report, column 593, on human the financial year. 597W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 598W

Literacy: Teaching Methods Number of children using nursery places1 Spend (£000)

Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of 2009-10 14 17 State for Education what his policy is on teaching 2010-11 7 7 children to (a) read through phonics and (b) decode 2011-12 4 3 phonics. [120251] 1 Number of places over the full year financial year. Note not all children attended for full year, some left or joined part way through. Elizabeth Truss: Research shows clearly that phonics Cost per child dependent on number of hours in nursery. is the best way to teach young children to read. This is why we are strongly encouraging schools to use phonics, and have made available up to £3,000 of match-funding Parents: Education to enable schools with Key Stage 1 pupils to buy high- quality systematic synthetic phonics resources and/or Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for training. The Year 1 phonics screening check which we Education (1) what assessment his Department has have introduced will help teachers to identify which made of the evidential basis for the content of parenting children are able to decode accurately using phonics, classes delivered under the CANparent initiative; and which children need further support. [120011] (2) how many parenting classes have been delivered National Curriculum Advisory Committee under the CANparent initiative to date; [120012] (3) how many individual parents have accessed Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for parenting classes under the CANparent initiative to Education (1) how the work of the National Curriculum date. [120013] Advisory Committee has contributed to the progress of the National Curriculum Review; [119439] Mr Timpson: Assessment of the evidential basis of the content of CANparent classes in Camden, High (2) what plans the National Curriculum Advisory Peak and Middlesbrough was carried out as part of a Committee has for its future activities. [119781] competitive procurement process. Applications were submitted in response to an invitation to tender and Elizabeth Truss: The National Curriculum Advisory published evaluation criteria which set out the requirement Committee has met 10 times since the launch of the that course content should be based on the principles review. Members have offered advice on a wide range of that characterise effective parenting programmes, set issues relating to the review, including the issues addressed out by the National Academy of Parenting Research. In in the Expert Panel’s report which was published on addition the Department took advice from two independent 19 December 2011, the draft documents for primary parenting experts. English, mathematics and science which were published The fourteen class providers awarded concession on 11 June 2012 and issues relating to implementation contracts in the CANparent trial have been developing of the new curriculum. The Advisory Committee will their services since its launch on 18 May 2012. Eleven of continue to meet and advise the Department for the the fourteen are currently offering classes to parents; remainder of the review in line with its terms of reference, the remaining three will start this month. The Department which can be found at: does not hold figures on the number of individual http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearning/ classes being offered. curriculum/nationalcurriculum/a0073046/advisory- committee-terms-of-reference Data on parental take up of classes will be collected as part of the trial evaluation’s Parental Participation Nurseries survey; the evaluation interim report will be published in spring 2013.

Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many childcare places his Department Physical Education: Curriculum provides on its estate; what the cost is of providing such places; how many such places his Department provided Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for in 2010; what the cost was of providing such places in Education whether his Department plans to make any 2010; what plans he has for changes in the provision of changes to the national curriculum for physical such childcare places; and what the number of places education. [119972] will be once any such changes have been implemented. [121265] Elizabeth Truss: The Department is carrying out a review of the national curriculum, with a view to the Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education (DFE) new curriculum being taught from 2014. At the launch was created on 12 May 2010. DFE and its predecessor on 20 January 2011, the Secretary of State for Education, Departments previously subsidised places at work-place my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath nurseries. With the introduction of a salary sacrifice (Michael Gove), confirmed that physical education would child care voucher scheme the funding of subsidised continue to be compulsory at all four key stages. The nursery places were gradually reduced until they ceased requirement to learn to swim will be retained; and there completely in March 2012. will be a greater emphasis on competitive sport. We will Spend for the last three full financial years is set out be consulting on the draft Programme of Study for in the following table. These figures have been rounded. physical education early next year. 599W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 600W

Physical Education: Teachers procurers are required to assess value for money from the perspective of the contracting authority using criteria Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for linked to the subject matter of the contract including Education what guidance his Department has given to compliance with the published specification. schools who receive PE teacher release funding (a) on Wider socio-economic benefits that accrue to the their use of that funding and (b) on how to embed the contracting authority can be taken into account at work that the released PE teachers do within their tender evaluation stage if they relate to the subject school and with local schools in their core provision matter of a contract from the point of view of the following the planned termination of that funding at contracting authority. the end of academic year 2012-13. [119377] Public Bodies: Staff Mr Timpson [holding answer 5 September 2012]: When the Secretary of State for Education, my right Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Education pursuant to the answer of 5 July 2012, Gove), announced that he was making £65 million Official Report, column 808W, on public bodies, how available to release PE teachers to provide more competitive many full-time equivalent staff were employed by each sport in schools, he made it clear that schools should public body he has abolished in the last full year of its plan from the beginning that this funding will end by operation. [119035] August 2013 and, therefore, schools needed to embed this work into their core provision. Elizabeth Truss: The information requested is as follows: This message was repeated to schools when the first payments were made last year. Also included were Last full year Average FTE as at further details about: of operation Organisation FTE 31st March eligible schools; 2010-11 British Educational 184 11 level of funding; Communications and funding period; and Technology Agency (BECTA) purpose of funding. 2011-12 Training and 282 235 The second payment will be made to schools in Development Agency October this year. No further guidance is being issued (TDA) to schools. Schools are best placed to make their own 2011-12 Children’s Workforce 157 128 decisions about how best they can embed this work into Development Council their core provision. (CWDC) 2011-12 General Teaching 168 133 Procurement Council for England (GTCE) Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011-12 National College for 268 243 Education what the name is of each company with School Leadership which his Department has a contract; what the monetary (NCSL) value of each such contract is; and what is provided to 2011-12 Young People’s 524 498 Learning Agency his Department under the terms of the contract. (YPLA) [120777] 2011-12 Partnership for Schools 167 135 (PfS) Elizabeth Truss: To provide the name of each company 2010-11 Qualifications and 470 336 holding a contract with the Department for Education Curriculum with its accompanying monetary value including a Development Agency description of the provision of each contract would (QCDA) involve extensive analysis and therefore would incur disproportionate costs. Since January 2011, central As a result of the arm’s length bodies programme, Government Departments have been required to publish since May 2010 the total staff numbers across the on Contracts Finder information on the contracts they Department and it’s arm’s length bodies excluding it’s award non-ministerial departments Ofqual and Ofsted have reduced by around 26% or 1,902 FTEs (from 7,350 to www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/ 5,448 in July 2012). Contracts awarded prior to January 2011 will not be included. Schools: Sports Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what his Department’s policy is on taking Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for into account when assessing tenders submitted for Education what plans he has to provide support for departmental contracts the (a) apprenticeship schemes, long-term sports funding in schools in York following (b) policies on employment of paid interns and (c) the London 2012 Olympics. [118666] policies of payment of at least the living wage of each Mr Timpson: The Secretary of State for Education, bidding company. [120786] my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath Elizabeth Truss: UK public procurement policy is to (Michael Gove), has provided the following additional award contracts on the basis of value for money which funding for school sport in 20012-13: means the optimum combination of cost and quality PE teacher release: £32,500,000 over the lifetime of the project or service. Public sector Disability sport: £300,000 601W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 602W

Volunteer leaders and coaches: £1,000,000 University Technical Colleges Young Ambassadors: £250,000 Total: £34,050,000 Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for This funding covers state schools in England. Schools Education (1) when the next application process for in York are able to benefit from this investment. university technical colleges will open; [119454] (2) whether applicants to establish a university technical college who are rejected are permitted to bid Schools: Uniforms again; and what time limits apply; [119455] (3) how many applications to establish university Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for technical colleges his Department has rejected. [119456] Education (1) how many complaints his Department has received about the cost of school uniforms in (a) Elizabeth Truss: The new application round for University academies, (b) free schools and (c) maintained schools Technical Colleges is open, and the deadline for applications in the latest period for which figures are available; is Friday 16 November. [120020] Applicants who have previously been unsuccessful are (2) what guidance he has issued to schools on ensuring welcome to apply again. About half of the 15 applications that uniform policies are affordable for all parents; which were successful in the most recent round were [120021] from groups which had applied previously. Timings are the same as for groups which have not previously applied. (3) if he will make it his policy that all schools ensure that their school uniform is available from multiple In the round which concluded in May 2012, 12 sources; [120022] applications were hot successful. In the round which concluded in October 2011, 24 applications were not (4) what assessment he has made of the recommendations successful. of the Office of Fair Trading’s report, entitled Supply of School Uniforms, published in August 2012; [120023] Young People: Business (5) what estimate he has made of the number of schools converting to academies and free schools which have changed school uniform as a result of their Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for conversion; [120024] Education (1) how many state schools are involved in (6) what recent estimate he has made of the average the Young Enterprise scheme nationally; [112508] cost of school uniforms in (a) primary and (b) (2) how many schoolchildren are involved in Young secondary schools; [120025] Enterprise scheme (a) nationally and (b) in North Swindon constituency. [112509] (7) what estimate he has made of the (a) number and (b) value of grants paid out by each local education authority to help parents with the cost of Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education does purchasing school uniforms in each of the last five not collect this information. financial years. [120026] The Government’s commitment to schools is to remove prescription and provide greater freedom and autonomy Elizabeth Truss: The Department has received 123 pieces so that teaching can be creative and innovative. Schools of correspondence relating to school uniform since can use a range of providers to help them do this, 1 September 2011. Correspondence data are not recorded including, among others, Young Enterprise. in such a way that it is possible to identify how many of these were complaints about the cost of uniform. Responsibility for school uniform policy rests with the governing body or the academy trust, including how COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT the uniform should be sourced. The governing body should be able to demonstrate to parents how best value Aerials: Planning Permission has been achieved and keep the cost of uniform under review. The Department has published non-statutory school uniform guidance on its website at: Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/schoolethos/ Communities and Local Government what steps his b0014144/schooluniform Department is taking to simplify and speed up the process for planning applications for mobile telephone That guidance clearly states that when considering their masts. [119277] school uniform policy, governing bodies should give ‘high priority’ to cost considerations, and no school uniform should be so expensive as to leave pupils or Nick Boles [holding answer 11 September 2012]: The their families feeling socially excluded. The Department National Planning Policy Framework is a major step does not collect information about whether schools forward in simplifying the planning process and we are which have adopted a new uniform on conversion to already seeing evidence of more positive decision-taking. academy status, about the costs of school uniform, or The Government wants to cut back on unnecessary about the number and value of grants paid by local information and is consulting on ’Streamlining information authorities to help parents with the cost of school requirements for planning applications’, consultation uniform. closed 11 September 2012. 603W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 604W

On 6 September 2012, the Government announced a London over the current spending review period, as series of additional measures to remove unnecessary part of the national programme of delivering 170,000 bureaucracy. This includes working with mobile operators, new affordable homes across England. local government and other interested parties to consider ways that the planning process might be streamlined to Arson speed up the deployment of mobile infrastructure. Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Affordable Housing: Haringey Communities and Local Government what the change was in the annual number of incidences of deliberate fires in each fire authority area in England and Wales Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12. [119253] Communities and Local Government how many affordable homes for (a) social rent and (b) intermediate or Brandon Lewis [holding answer 5 September 2012]: low-cost home ownership were built in the London The changes in the number of deliberate fire incidents Borough of Haringey in each year since 2001. [120601] attended by fire and rescue authority area are shown in the table for: (a) 2009-10 to 2010-11 and (b) 2010-11 to Mr Prisk: Statistics on the provision of affordable 2011-12. While the Department’s responsibility is for housing supply by local authority are published in the England, figures for Wales are also shown as requested. Department’s live tables 1006, 1007 and 1008, which are available at the following link. Change in deliberate fires http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/ Fire and rescue housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/ authority area 2009-10 to 2010-11 2010-11 to 2011-12 affordablehousingsupply/livetables/ These statistics show additional affordable housing England provided for social rent, intermediate affordable housing Avon -398 -143 and all affordable housing but include both new build Bedfordshire -187 114 and acquisition or refurbishment of existing dwellings. Berkshire -50 -74 Affordable housing statistics that focus solely on the Buckinghamshire -122 -155 new build component are not published at the local Cambridgeshire -579 124 authority level but the following table shows how many Cheshire -217 -262 affordable homes for social rent and intermediate or Cleveland -1,450 467 low-cost home ownership were built in the London Cornwall -8 60 borough of Haringey in each year since 2001. Cumbria -158 -283 New build affordable homes for social rent, intermediate rent and low- Derbyshire -362 100 cost home ownership for the London borough of Haringey Devon and Somerset 112 -165 new build Dorset -60 -115 Low cost Durham -172 148 Social Intermediate home All rent rent ownership affordable East Sussex -253 47 Essex -643 102 2001-02 120 0 30 150 Gloucestershire 102 -15 2002-03 90 0 10 100 Greater London 103 142 2003-04 220 0 80 300 Greater Manchester -579 -2,173 2004-05 140 0 60 200 Hampshire -133 -98 2005-06 220 0 230 450 Hereford and -5 213 2006-07 90 0 140 240 Worcester 2007-08 100 0 170 280 Hertfordshire -55 -3 2008-09 100 40 110 250 Humberside -641 -249 2009-10 130 20 80 230 Isle of Wight -33 -1 2010-11 140 20 30 180 Isles of Scilly 1 -1 Notes: Kent -530 384 1. Figures compiled from the Homes and Communities Agency’s Lancashire -190 -968 administrative data and local authority returns (the Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix, the P2 return and the P1B return). Leicestershire -540 176 2. Estimates for 2010-11 revised in January 2012 to reflect data Lincolnshire -136 -45 changes made as a result of local authority representations on the Mersey side -1,054 -922 provisional allocations for the New Homes Bonus. Final 2010-11 Norfolk -239 -17 Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix data (as published 30 November 2011) were also incorporated. North Yorkshire -175 -66 3. Includes homes where the cost is met by a private developer (e.g. Northamptonshire -1,023 149 Section 106 agreements). Northumberland 86 16 4. New dwellings are shown by the local authority in which they are Nottinghamshire -464 480 located which occasionally differs from the sponsoring authority. 5. Figures shown represent our best estimate and may be subject to Oxfordshire -74 3 revisions. The figures have been rounded to the nearest 10 and Shropshire -91 214 therefore totals may not sum due to rounding. South Yorkshire -573 875 From 1 April 2012, the Mayor of London has had Staffordshire 246 138 oversight of strategic housing, regeneration and economic Suffolk -63 -205 development in London. The Mayor’s housing strategy Surrey -124 -52 proposes to provide 55,000 new affordable homes in Tyne and Wear -358 -59 605W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 606W

Children: Protection Change in deliberate fires Fire and rescue authority area 2009-10 to 2010-11 2010-11 to 2011-12 Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether the Warwickshire -132 179 Troubled Families Unit plans to develop good practice West Midlands -58 982 guidance in relation to families where there are serious West Sussex -106 261 concerns about neglect. [121057] West Yorkshire -1,518 -676 Wiltshire -105 -77 Brandon Lewis: The Troubled Families Unit is looking at what works most effectively to address the problems Wales troubled families face and we are working with the North Wales -99 -62 Department for Education to strengthen work with troubled families where there are child protection issues, Mid and West Wales 452 -860 including concerns about child neglect. South Wales 1,035 -2,745 Source: Professional training materials on child neglect, Fire Statistics Monitor, Department for Communities and Local commissioned by the Department for Education have Government been available on their website since June. The Department There were 116,000 deliberate fires attended by the for Education are in the process of revising statutory fire and rescue authorities in England in 2011-12. This guidance in this area to give local areas more freedom is 1% lower than in 2010-11 and 60% lower than 10 years to organise their services in a way that meets local need, ago. and to enable practitioners to focus on the individual There were 27,200 incidents of arson reported to the needs of each child. The Troubled Families Team will police in England in 2011-12. This is 7% lower than in continue to work closely with the Department for Education 2010-11 and 55% lower than 10 years ago. in this area. Bellwin Scheme Complementary Medicine

Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) which local Communities and Local Government whether his authorities have received funding under the Bellwin Department has made an assessment of trends in the scheme for flood and recovery efforts following the number of Chinese medicine shops in the last five years. summer flooding events in 2012; and how much funding [120925] each such local authority received; [120989] (2) how much has been paid to local authorities Brandon Lewis: No such assessment has been made under the Bellwin scheme for clean-up and recovery by the Department for Communities and Local work following the summer flooding events in 2012. Government. [120990] Electric Cables Brandon Lewis: To date the Department has not received any formal local authority claims under the Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for Bellwin scheme set up in response to the summer flooding Communities and Local Government what estimate he events in 2012. This is not unexpected as the period for has made of the number of electrical fires caused by eligible spending for the July floods scheme only ended counterfeit or falsely marked electrical cabling in each on 12 September 2012. The deadline for local authorities of the last five years. [121600] to submit claims for this scheme is 12 October 2012. Broadband: Planning Permission Brandon Lewis: The information on causes of fire provided by Fire and Rescue Authorities to the Department does not include whether cabling was counterfeit or Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for falsely marked. Communities and Local Government (1) what arrangements he plans to put in place following proposed changes to broadband cabinet planning requirements Fire Services to hear objections to the construction of broadband cabinets; [121434] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State (2) when the change in requirements for planning for Communities and Local Government (1) whether permission for broadband cabinets will come into his Department has made an assessment of the effect; [121435] recommendation by the Association of Metropolitan Fire and Rescue Authorities for a flat-rate reduction to (3) what requirements broadband providers will have all fire services; [121561] to take account of the local environment and community under proposed new planning requirements for broadband (2) if he will consider implementing the recommendations cabinets. [121436] by the Association of Metropolitan Fire and Rescue Authorities for a flat-rate reduction to all fire services; Nick Boles: We will be consulting shortly on the [121562] proposed changes to broadband infrastructure planning (3) what plans the Government has to ensure fairness requirements. Any legislative changes needed, will be in its planned reductions to regional fire services. brought in as soon as possible. [121563] 607W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 608W

Brandon Lewis: On 17 July the Government published have competed with themselves in a race to the bottom—to the Technical Consultation on Business Rates Retention present themselves as more deprived than their neighbours detailing proposals for local authority funding from in order to get more handouts from Whitehall. 2013-14. Responses are welcomed from all fire and Our reforms on local business rate retention could rescue authorities by the closing date of 24 September. deliver an estimated £10 billion boost to the wider All representations, including those from the Association economy over the next seven years. This will help create of Metropolitan Fire and Rescue Authorities, will be and support local jobs, and provide more revenues to considered before final decisions are made. support front-line services across the whole country. Floods: Finance The economic assessment on which this estimate is based can be found at: Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/ Communities and Local Government what estimate his businessrateseconomic Department has made of the clean-up and recovery costs to local authorities arising from summer flooding Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for events in 2012. [120991] Communities and Local Government what population data will be used to calculate local government finance, Brandon Lewis: Local authorities that apply for council tax and business rates from 2013 onwards. emergency financial assistance under the Bellwin scheme [121307] provide information on the costs associated with the immediate response to a flood to protect lives and Brandon Lewis [holding answer 17 September 2012]: properties in their area. However, we do not routinely We are currently consulting on the technical detail of collect information on the wider costs of clean up and the new Business Rate Retention scheme to be introduced recovery for local authorities following a flood. from 2013-14, including on which population data to use. The consultation can be found at: Green Belt http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/ localgovernment/businessratestechnical Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (1) what his policy is on the extent to which local authorities may Local Government: Referendums relax existing green belt boundary rules in order to support new housing; [121419] Mr Liddell-Grainger: To ask the Secretary of State (2) whether he has any plans to bring forward for Communities and Local Government whether he is legislative proposals in respect of green belt land. required to give his approval before a local referendum [121541] can be held by a district council. [121289]

Nick Boles: The Green Belt is an important protection Brandon Lewis: District councils do not need the against urban sprawl, providing a ‘green lung’ around Secretary of State’s approval to hold local referendums, towns and cities. The National Planning Policy Framework which either they can hold at their discretion or in delivers the coalition agreement to safeguard green belt. certain circumstances they are required to do so by The framework makes clear that openness and permanence statute. are essential characteristics of the green belt, and boundaries should only be altered in exceptional circumstances. Mortgages: Government Assistance Any changes to green belt boundaries must be made through the local plan process, which involves consultation with local people and formal examination in public. Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for The Government have no plans to bring forward legislative Communities and Local Government how many properties proposals in respect of green belt land. have been bought under the NewBuy Guarantee scheme; and what estimate he has made of the number of Local Government Finance properties which will be bought in each of the next 10 years. [121554] Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment Mr Prisk: Statistics, including the total number of he has made of the effect on jobs and services of the properties sold under the NewBuy Guarantee scheme ending of transitional funding for local authorities. as at 30 June 2012, will be made publicly available on [121242] Thursday 27 September and will be published on the DCLG website in the form of an official statistical Brandon Lewis: Issues such as transitional funding release. will be considered as part of the Local Government The scheme is run by the Home Builders’ Federation Finance Settlement for 2013-14, and we are happy to and is demand led. It is not possible to accurately receive representations from local authorities on this estimate future annual sales. matter. Our reforms to local government finance are Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for fundamentally about encouraging local authorities to Communities and Local Government what estimate he promote local economic growth. has made of the number of construction jobs created by By contrast, the local government finance system has the NewBuy Guarantee scheme since its introduction. previously encouraged a sense of dependency; councils [121555] 609W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 610W

Mr Prisk: The Government is committed to reviewing views on possible adjustments to allocations to avoid the NewBuy Guarantee scheme in 2014. This review potential budgetary pressures in a few authorities. The will include an assessment of the number of additional consultation closed on 12 July, and the Government homes built and jobs supported by the scheme. response will be published in the autumn. The Home Builders Federation has estimated that at least 25,000 additional new homes will be built in total Planning Permission as a direct result of NewBuy. This number of new homes would support up to 50,000 additional jobs. Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Nurseries Communities and Local Government what recent discussions he has had with the Local Government Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Association on planning reforms; and if he will make a Communities and Local Government how many statement. [121400] childcare places his Department provides on its estate; what the cost is of providing such places; how many Nick Boles: Details of Ministers’ meetings with external such places his Department provided in 2010; what the organisations can be found online at: cost was of providing such places in 2010; what plans http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/ he has for changes in the provision of such childcare transparencyingovernment/ministerialdata/ places; and what the number of places will be once any such changes have been implemented. [121263] Public Houses Brandon Lewis: The Department does not provide any child care places to its staff on its estate. DCLG Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of assists its staff with child care costs by providing a child State for Communities and Local Government what care vouchers scheme and enabling staff to join a child steps he is taking to assist community pubs; and if he care salary sacrifice scheme. will make a statement. [119669]

Olympic Games 2012 Brandon Lewis: My Department is taking the following steps to assist community pubs: Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for The Assets of Community Value Regulations implementing Communities and Local Government whether (a) Ministers the Community Right to Bid provisions of the Localism Act 2011 and (b) officials from his Department used the Olympic will, later in the year, subject to parliamentary approval give Route Network for travel for official purposes during communities a fairer chance to bid to take over local assets of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. community value, including pubs; [121004] We have launched a £19 million support programme to help eligible community organisations to take on the community ownership Brandon Lewis: The Department for Culture, Media and management of assets that are important to them, including and Sport will publish details of Government use of pubs; tickets and hospitality in the autumn. This will include The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that to use of transport services which operated on the Olympic deliver the social, recreational and cultural facilities that communities need, planning policies and decisions should provide for the use or Paralympic route networks. of such facilities, including pubs, and guard against their unnecessary Pensioners: Council Tax Benefits loss; We are assisting firms with business rates: the Localism Act helps make small business rate relief automatic; we have doubled Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for small business rate relief scheme from October 2010 to March Communities and Local Government what account he 2013; and we have given councils powers to levy discretionary takes of local pensioner numbers in West Sussex in the business rate discounts—which could, for example, be used to way he allocates council tax benefit support grant. support local community pubs; and [121396] In addition, the Government has scrapped the last Administration’s plans for a 10% rise in cider duties (the so-called cider tax). Brandon Lewis: The localisation of council tax support Pubs have benefited from the greater flexibility on is an important welfare reform that will help tackle the weights and measures announced in January 2011, allowing budget deficit that we have inherited from the last beer and wine to be sold in different sizes than was Administration, and provide stronger incentives to get previously allowed by regulations. people back to work and promote local economic growth. We have protected pensioners from any change as In November 2011, the Government announced a they have fixed incomes and cannot reasonably be expected package of measures to strengthen the Industry Code to go back to work. Pensioners who have saved and to improve the relationship between pub companies and worked hard all their lives deserve dignity and security their licensees; these reforms will increase transparency, in retirement. improve dispute resolution and provide more legal certainty for licensees. The proposed distribution of funding for council tax support is based on shares of previous expenditure on The Live Music Act 2012 will shortly make it easier council tax benefit, including shares of expenditure on for pubs to play live music. pension age claimants. The recent consultation, ‘Localising We are seeking to introduce minimum unit pricing Support for Council Tax—Funding Arrangements for alcohol. This will tackle unfair competition and Consultation’, sets out how the Government intends to loss-leading by some shops, without adversely affecting distribute funding to support local schemes and seeks the price of a pint in a pub. 611W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 612W

As part of the ‘focus on enforcement of regulation’ Project phase Projects initiative launched in July 2012, we have been consulting on how we can reduce over-zealous regulation of pubs. Completed procurement Wales, North Yorkshire, Rutland, Pubs are among the businesses which will benefit Lancashire, Surrey from the proposed exemption in unnecessary health In procurement Wiltshire, Devon & Somerset, Norfolk, Suffolk, Highland and and safety inspections announced on 10 September 2012. Islands, Cambridgeshire, Travellers: Caravan Sites Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, Cumbria, Oxfordshire Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for In preparation for Kent, Lincolnshire, Hampshire, procurement (to be Shropshire, Buckinghamshire and Communities and Local Government what guidance completed by mid-2013) Hertfordshire, Cheshire, West his Department provides to local authorities on the Sussex, Dorset, Durham, evidence required for an individual to be treated as a Warwickshire, Northumberland, Traveller for the purposes of planning law. [121565] Staffordshire, West Yorkshire, East Sussex, Nottinghamshire, Isle of Brandon Lewis: It is for each local authority to determine Wight, Berkshire, North what evidence they require to satisfy themselves that a Lincolnshire, Worcestershire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, person is a Traveller. My Department does not prescribe Liverpool City Region, Milton on such matters. Requirements for evidence made by a Keynes, Bedford and Central local authority should, however, correspond with the Bedfordshire, East Riding of definition of Gypsies and Travellers set out in annex 1 Yorkshire, Essex, Greater of planning policy for traveller sites, published in Manchester, Newcastle, Northamptonshire , Rest of March 2012. Scotland, Northern Ireland No local broadband plan North Tyneside, South Tyneside, submitted Sandwell INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Overseas Aid Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether any local Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for broadband plans approved by her Department forecast International Development pursuant to the answer of an underspend compared with the funding allocations 11 September 2012, Official Report, column 217W, on announced for each local authority in August 2011. overseas aid, how many applications to the Aid Match scheme from charities in (a) Scotland, (b) England, [120681] (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland were (i) received, (ii) successful and (iii) appealed against. [121391] Mr Vaizey: To date, no local broadband teams have forecast an underspend in their local broadband plans Lynne Featherstone: 24 applications were received or for their projects. from charities in England. Of these, 15 were successful and three remain under consideration. Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for One application was received from a charity in Northern Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much she has Ireland, which was successful. allocated to each local authority and each of the No applications were received from charities in Wales devolved administrations to incentivise the roll-out of or Scotland. super-fast broadband. [120682] Feedback is provided to unsuccessful applicants, but all decisions are final. There is no appeals process. Mr Vaizey: The funding allocations were published by the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) in August 2011 and can be found on the DCMS website CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT at the following link: Broadband http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/ telecommunications_and_online/7763.aspx Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether all local broadband plans have been approved. [120679] Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what the name is Mr Vaizey: All local broadband plans that have been of each contractor with which Broadband Delivery submitted to Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) have UK has agreed contracts; and what the value is of each been approved, but three project areas have to date not contract. [120683] submitted a local broadband plan; these are North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sandwell. Mr Vaizey: The Department for Culture, Media and Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Sport has entered into framework agreements for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what stage each broadband delivery with suppliers British Tele- local authority has reached in delivering its broadband communications plc and Fujitsu Telecommunications plans. [120680] Europe Ltd. Local authorities in the UK are able to call off contracts for their broadband projects from the Mr Vaizey: The following table provides the breakdown framework agreements, and these are estimated to have of the local broadband projects progress. a total value of between £750 million and £2 billion. 613W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 614W

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for auction process for the spectrum at 800 MHz and Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) how much new 2,600 MHz to start by the end of 2012. This is compatible fibre has been laid as part of the super-connected cities with the spectrum becoming available to allow successful programme; [120684] bidders to start rolling out 4G services in these bands. (2) what progress has been made on phase 1 of the super-connected cities programme; [120685] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State (3) how much was awarded to each of the super- for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to connected cities as part of phase 1 of that programme; the answer of 21 June 2012, Official Report, column 1089W, on radio frequencies, what steps she is taking to [120686] minimise the interference Freeview viewers are (4) how many households she expects will receive expected to notice after the rollout of 4G services. ultra-fast broadband by 2015 as a result of the [121320] super-connected cities programme. [120687] Mr Vaizey: On 10 July I wrote to Ed Richards, chief Mr Vaizey: Following the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s executive of Ofcom, setting out the assistance that announcement of £100 million for Phase 1 of the 800MHz licensees should be required to provide TV Super-Connected Cities programme in the autumn viewers who suffer interference from 4G mobile services. statement, 29 November 2011, Official Report, columns Ofcom included these requirements in the statement 799-819, the 14 eligible cities submitted outline proposals and Information Memorandum which they published in February 2012. These were assessed and ranges of on 24 July: allocations were announced for the four capitals and six other winning cities in the Budget 2012. The detailed http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/consultations/ award-800mhz/statement/IM.pdf plans of the 10 cities chosen were submitted in August 2012 and are being assessed. The Secretary of State for Mobile Phones Culture, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Basingstoke (Maria Miller), will announce shortly the final funding to be awarded to each of the Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Phase 1 cities. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when she expects contracts for the Mobile Infrastructure Project to be Successful procurement and delivery of all the projects put out to tender. [120688] to be supported under Phase 1 of the Super-Connected Cities programme, up until March 2015, will provide Mr Vaizey: The Department for Culture, Media and access to new ultrafast and wireless broadband connectivity Sport (DCMS) has made good progress with the Mobile to a significant number of residential premises and Infrastructure Project procurement process, launched businesses. Detailed information on the additional in April 2012. DCMS has five shortlisted potential connectivity to be provided by cities under the programme providers and expects to issue them with the invitation will not be finalised until decisions on the funding to tender in the next few weeks. awarded to the successful cities has been agreed. Furthermore, additional ultrafast and wireless broadband Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for connectivity will result from city plans under Phase 2 of Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when her the programme (with a further £50 million funding Department expects to receive state aid clearance for aimed at smaller cities) details of which will be available the Mobile Infrastructure Project. [120689] once the Phase 2 cities have submitted their plans later this month. A decision on the funding to be awarded to Mr Vaizey: Government is discussing the Mobile the successful Phase 2 cities will be announced later in Infrastructure Project with the European Commission the autumn. and hope to receive state aid clearance to its procurement timetable. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps she Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for is taking to expedite the rollout of 4G mobile Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many mobile spectrum. [121319] network operators have informed her Department that they do not wish to participate in the Mobile Mr Vaizey: These issues are a matter for Ofcom, the Infrastructure Project. [120690] independent regulator. My officials have contacted Ofcom who have supplied the following information. Mr Vaizey: The Department for Culture, Media and On 21 August 2012 Ofcom announced that it had Sport continues to engage fully with all of the mobile approved an application by the mobile phone operator network operators. To date one of those operators, Everything Everywhere (EE) to use its existing 1,800 MHz Hutchison 3G, has indicated that they are not yet in a spectrum to deliver 4G services (LTE and WiMAX). In position to commit to the Mobile Infrastructure Project. parallel with this decision, Ofcom issued varied licences to EE which authorise 4G services from 11 September Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012. This means that EE can launch 4G services using Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport to how many its 1,800 MHz spectrum at any point from that date, households she expects the Mobile Infrastructure although the precise timing of any launch is a commercial Project to extend coverage. [120691] decision for Everything Everywhere. On 24 July Ofcom published its statement on the Mr Vaizey: In the Budget, the Government announced auction of 4G spectrum licences in the 800 MHz and that the Department would extend mobile coverage to 2,600 MHz bands. Ofcom remain on schedule for the 60,000 rural premises and along at least 10 key roads by 615W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 616W

2015. The final roll-out will take account of two important Security Review the Government committed to delivering factors, the value for money of the interventions and Britain’s future Carrier Strike capability from around the number of people who will benefit. Due to the 2020, based around the new Queen Elizabeth Class complex nature of the process for building mobile phone carrier and the new Joint Strike Fighter. We remain infrastructure these factors will be determined together fully committed to achieving that. with the Mobile Infrastructure Project Supplier. Armed Forces: Sexual Offences Sheffield Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, (1) what support is made available to members of the Olympics, Media and Sport which (a) hon. Members armed forces who have reported (a) rape and (b) and (b) police officers the then Minister for Sport, sexual assault; and if he will make a statement; Colin Moynihan, met in Sheffield on 15 April 1989; and [118989] which officials accompanied the Minister. [121493] (2) what support and counselling services are Hugh Robertson: Documents relevant to Hillsborough, available to members of the armed forces who report held by the Department, have been made available to (a) rape and (b) sexual assault; and if he will make a the Hillsborough Independent Panel and published on statement. [119117] their website at: http://hillsborough.independent.gov.uk Mr Francois: Members of the armed forces who report a rape or sexual assault incident have access to Documents available at this website, such as the the same services (or equivalent services if serving overseas) witness statement of Chief Supt. Brian Mole: that are available to those in a civilian environment. In http://hillsborough.independent.gov.uk/repository/docs/ addition, there is an extensive network of single service HOM000001670001.pdf support available (for example, welfare officers, local show that Lord Moynihan travelled to Sheffield on support officers, the individual’s commanding officer) 15 April 1989. Chief Supt. Brian Mole states that Lord and that includes support through partner agencies Moynihan was accompanied by Chief Supt. Duckenfield. where required. He was then shown the scene by the chief constable, other officers and himself. There are no documents Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which name any officials who travelled with him, or any how many (a) civilian staff and (b) armed force hon. Members, or complete lists of police officers he personnel have been discharged from each of the three met. services and reserve forces following conviction in a The document available at: civilian court for (i) rape and (ii) sexual assault in each http://hillsborough.independent.gov.uk/repository/docs/ of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. COO000001060001.pdf [119118] shows that the planned attendees for meetings on 16 April 1989 were (a) the Prime Minister and Home Secretary Mr Francois: The information is not held centrally and (b) Det. Supt. Butler, Det. Chief Inspector Dwyer and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. and Chief Constable Peter Wright, in case this is of interest. In addition, a photograph on page 185 of the Miriam Maes Panel’s report http://hillsborough.independent.gov.uk/repository/report/ Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for HIP_report.pdf Defence whether (a) Ministers, (b) officials and (c) shows further attendees, with Lord Moynihan present, special advisers in his Department have met Miriam though obscured in the image. Maes on official business since May 2010. [121338]

Mr Francois: We have no records of Ministers or special advisers having met Miriam Maes on official DEFENCE business since May 2010. Aircraft Carriers Information about officials is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the expected in-service date is for the Olympic Games 2012 aircraft carrier HMS (a) Queen Elizabeth and (b) Prince of Wales. [121345] Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether (a) Ministers and (b) officials from Mr Dunne [holding answer 17 September 2012]: his Department used the Olympic route network for Following the decision to revert to a STOVL design, travel for official purposes during the London 2012 announced by the Secretary of State for Defence, my Olympic and Paralympic Games. [121008] right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), on 10 May 2012, Official Mr Francois: The Department for Culture, Media Report, column 140, we are currently reviewing the and Sport will publish details of Government use of QEC programme to develop revised programme estimates tickets and hospitality in the autumn. This will include which will be subject to re-approval by the Ministry of use of transport services which operated on the Olympic Defence in due course. In the Strategic Defence and or Paralympic route networks. 617W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 618W

Shipbuilding Jeremy Wright: Sentencing guidelines are a matter for the independent Sentencing Council. In 2011, the council Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for consulted on revised guidelines for burglary offences. Defence when he expects the decision to be made on The revised guidelines came into effect on 16 January whether to build two new offshore patrol vessels in 2012 and apply to all cases sentenced on or after that Portsmouth. [120583] date. The guidelines place a renewed emphasis on the impact of burglaries on victims, ensuring that they are Mr Dunne: The purchase of new offshore patrol of primary concern in the sentencing process. The guidelines vessels is not currently in the core programme. reinforce current sentencing practice, which means that offenders committing domestic burglaries can expect a Trident custodial sentence. Civil Disorder: Greater London Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what effect he expects the replacement of the Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for nuclear deterrent to have on jobs and business. [119863] Justice what steps his Department has taken to identify the causes of the public disorder of August 2011 in Mr Dunne: The Main Gate decision for the Successor London to prevent any recurrence of such disorder. programme is not due until 2016. It is therefore too [119061] early to assess fully the effect the replacement of the nuclear deterrent will have on jobs and business. Should Brandon Lewis: I have been asked to reply on behalf the Successor programme achieve Main Gate approval, of the Department for Communities and Local and proceed to production, it will sustain thousands of Government. jobs across the UK submarine industry, including businesses at all levels of the submarine supply chain. Immediately after the August 2011 disturbances, the Government established the Riots, Victims and Type 26 Frigates Communities Panel to investigate the causes of the riots and to consider what could be done to build greater social and economic resilience in communities. Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the decision to be made on The Panel published its final report on 28 May 2012 whether to build the new Type 26 Frigates in and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Portsmouth. [120580] Government, my right hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), made a written Mr Dunne: The Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme ministerial statement to Parliament on 13 July 2012, is currently in its assessment phase, with the results of Official Report, columns 74-78WS, in response. That this phase due by the middle of this decade, following statement set out the measures the Government and which the main investment decision is expected to be other agencies have put in place to rebuild communities made. The build location of the vessels will be confirmed following the riots. It also set out the actions that the after the main investment decision point. Government is taking forward to address some of the more entrenched issues highlighted in the Panel’s report. Visits Abroad Community Orders: Vale of Clwyd

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Defence how many foreign visits he and Ministers in how many community payback schemes have taken his Department have made since April 2012; and in place in Vale of Clwyd constituency in each of the last each case which countries were visited and what the five years. [121228] (a) purpose, (b) method of travel and (c) cost to the public purse was of the visit. [121230] Jeremy Wright: The Community Payback Scheme is currently delivered by 35 probation trusts covering England Mr Francois [holding answer 17 September 2012]: and Wales. The number of community payback work Details of Ministers’ and the most senior officials’ projects undertaken by each probation trust is not overseas travel are published on a quarterly basis and recorded by the National Offender Management Service can be accessed on the MOD website at: (NOMS). Wales Probation Trust has been able to provide http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/ data for the period from April 2009 to March 2012. CorporatePublications/FinancialReports/Expenses During this period 822 community payback work The information for April-June 2012 will be published projects were undertaken in the county of Denbighshire, shortly. with in excess of 80% of these undertaken in the Vale of Clwyd constituency. In the year 2011-12, 192 offenders resident in Denbighshire were sentenced to community payback. During the same period, 29,373 community JUSTICE payback hours were worked in the county, the majority of which would have taken place in the Vale of Clwyd Burglary constituency. A snapshot survey of community payback undertaken by NOMS during March 2011 showed that Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for approaching 5,000 individual community payback work Justice if he will review sentencing guidelines for projects are operated each month across England and burglars; and if he will make a statement. [121401] Wales. 619W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 620W

Domestic Violence But we are clear that, in order to protect the public, violent and dangerous offenders must expect long prison Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for sentences. Justice what the average waiting time was between charge and first court appearance for offences related Jesse Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for to domestic violence in the last year for which figures Justice what steps his Department is taking to ensure are available; and what the average (a) length of time that sentences handed down for crimes involving the overall for the prosecution of offences relating to sale of illicit alcohol and tobacco provide an effective domestic violence and (b) number of adjournments deterrent. [121200] granted for cases related to domestic violence was (i) in London and (ii) nationally in each of the last five years. Jeremy Wright: I am satisfied that the maximum [121548] penalties available for the relevant offences give the courts sufficient powers to deal with the cases which Mrs Grant: Data held centrally on the Ministry of come before them. Sentencing in individual cases is a Justice administrative data systems do not include matter for the courts, and they will follow sentencing information about all the circumstances behind each guidelines. case other than which may be identified from a statute. Therefore, it is not possible to specifically identify offences Theft: Metals related to domestic violence from other offences of violence against the person. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Peterborough Prison what advice or guidance has been given to judges and magistrates on the aggravation in sentencing where the offence involves the theft of metal which either causes Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State disruption to services or results in a significant sentimental for Justice what steps he is taking to facilitate the timely loss to a community. [121549] removal of foreign prisoners from HMP Peterborough; and if he will make a statement. [121494] Jeremy Wright: Sentencing guidelines are a matter for Jeremy Wright: MoJ is working hard to reduce the the independent Sentencing Council. Both the council’s foreign national offender (FNO) population in the UK. overarching guideline on aggravating and mitigating We are working towards compulsory prisoner transfer factors and its guideline on theft states that courts agreements with a number of countries and are improving should consider both the financial and sentimental administrative processes and communication with FNOs impact of offences when considering the harm caused. who are eligible for voluntary return to increase removals Guidelines provide non-exhaustive lists of common this way. We are also developing a more strategic approach aggravating and mitigating factors, and courts retain to how HMG funding is used to improve standards in wide discretion to treat particular circumstances of prisons in our high volume FNO countries, to help individual cases as aggravating factors. Crown Prosecution facilitate returns to these countries. Service guidance to prosecutors requires them to highlight the full facts of a case, actively obtaining information Reducing the FNO population in the UK is a key on the impact and effect of such thefts which may go far priority for the Government. The UK has PTAs with wider than the direct loss or damage caused, allowing over 100 countries and territories, most of which are the courts to sentence appropriately. voluntary and require the prisoner’s consent to transfer. However, as part of our strategy to reduce the FNO Youth Offending Teams population, we are seeking to negotiate more compulsory PTAs, which will not require the consent of the prisoner to transfer, with our high volume FNO countries. Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many staff posts have been abolished in In addition to this we are working to reduce the flow youth offending teams in the last 12 months. [121187] of FNOs into the criminal justice system through the use of conditional cautions; and reduce the number of FNOs already serving prison sentences through the Jeremy Wright: I refer the hon. Member to the answer Early Removal Scheme (ERS) and Tariff Expired Removal I gave today to the hon. Member for Glenrothes (Lindsay Scheme (TERS). Roy). FNOs in HMP Peterborough are not subject to any special consideration when facilitating removals beyond that of any other foreign national in our prisons. All TREASURY FNOs are referred to UKBA for consideration for deportation. Air Passenger Duty Sentencing Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Chancellor of the Siobhain McDonagh: To ask the Secretary of State Exchequer what the total revenue collected from air for Justice what steps he is taking to ensure the safety passenger duty was in each year since 1 April 1995; and of the public through sentencing policy. [121197] if he will make a statement. [121495]

Jeremy Wright: Our sentencing framework provides Sajid Javid: The total revenues from air passenger courts with the powers to punish offenders appropriately. duty (APD) for each financial year from 1995-96 to Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for the courts. 2011-12 are set out as follows. 621W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 622W

Olympic Games 2012 Financial year Total receipts (£ million)

1995-96 343 Maria Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 1996-97 356 whether (a) Ministers and (b) officials from his 1997-98 493 Department used the Olympic Route Network for travel 1998-99 837 for official purposes during the London 2012 Olympic 1999-2000 882 and Paralympic Games. [121003] 2000-01 948 2001-02 806 Sajid Javid: The Department for Culture, Media and 2002-03 816 Sport will publish details of Government use of tickets 2003-04 791 and hospitality in the autumn, this will include use of 2004-05 864 transport services which operated on the Olympic or 2005-06 905 Paralympic Route Networks. 2006-07 971 2007-08 1,994 Public Expenditure 2008-09 1,862 2009-10 1,856 Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 2010-11 2,155 pursuant to the answer of 16 July 2012, Official Report, 2011-12 2,607 column 522W, on public expenditure, when he will publish the full details of plans and outturn for all HMRC publish data on APD passenger numbers and Departments for 2011-12. [121326] revenues online, at: Danny Alexander: Each Government Department https://www.uktradeinfo.com/Statistics/Pages/ TaxAndDutyBulletins.aspx publishes details of their out-turn compared with plans for 2011-12 in their annual report and accounts. Each departmental annual report is laid in Parliament and published on the relevant departmental website.

Minimum Wage Railways: Fares

Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Chancellor of the how many national minimum wage enforcement actions Exchequer whether he has considered using the revenue have been taken against employers in each region of the budget underspend in the financial year 2012-13 in the country since the introduction of the national minimum Department for Transport estimates to offset the rise in wage. [121226] rail fares in January 2013; and if he will make a statement. [121159] Mr Gauke: HMRC does not record the outcome of its minimum wage investigations by government region. The following tables provide these figures nationally. Danny Alexander: This Government recognises the concern about the rising cost of living and has taken For the period from 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2009, action to support households—we cut Fuel Duty last formal Enforcement Notices were only issued in cases year and it will have been frozen for 21 months. We have where an employer did not pay arrears on a written also helped those in work by raising the Personal Allowance request from HMRC. Since 2009, a formal Notice of by £1,100 in April 2013—the largest tax cut for the Underpayment is issued in the majority of cases. median earner in over a decade. This comes on top of Enforcement notices issued Council Tax freezes and a reduction in rail fare caps in Number 2012.

1999-2000 136 The Government monitors the cost of living closely 2000-01 213 and keeps all policy options under review. 2001-02 61 2002-03 26 Taxation 2003-04 45 2004-05 62 Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Chancellor of the 2005-06 81 Exchequer (1) if he will meet representatives of the No 2006-07 71 to Retro Tax campaign to discuss the retrospective 2007-08 59 application of section 58 of the Finance Act 2008; 2008-09 96 [120993]

Notice of underpayments issued (2) what representations he has received from those Number affected by the retrospective application of section 58 of the Finance Act 2008. [120994] 2009-10 591 2010-11 1,128 Mr Gauke: Representations have been received from 2011-12 879 users of the wholly artificial tax avoidance scheme 2012-13 (to end of August) 306 affected by section 58 seeking repeal either of section 58 of the Finance Act 2008, or of its retrospective elements. 623W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 624W

There are no plans for Treasury Ministers to meet Extensive research to identify businesses operating within the with representatives of the No to Retro Tax campaign. Hidden Economy i.e. not being registered with HMRC in any capacity Taxation: Rates and Rating Information discovered by compliance staff in their day to day activities Intelligence from the general public provided via the HMRC Bill Wiggin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Tax Evasion Hotline if he will estimate the cost to the exchequer of reducing A national campaign launched on 5th July 2011 and titled the the 45 per cent income tax band to (a) 40 per cent and “VAT Initiative” gave those trading above the VAT threshold (b) 38 per cent. [121160] without registration the opportunity to voluntarily put their tax affairs in order and become compliant. Mr Gauke: The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced at Budget 2012 that the additional rate of tax on Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Chancellor of the income over £150,0.00 will be 45% from April 2013. Exchequer how many businesses registered for VAT in (a) The cost of reducing the additional rate from 45% to 40% each of the last three years. [121397] is estimated to be around £600 million per year. (b) The theoretical cost of reducing the additional rate from Mr Gauke: Information on new VAT registrations is 45% to 38% is estimated to be around £1,100 million per year. available in the VAT Bulletin and Factsheet: A 38% rate would result in an additional rate lower https://www.uktradeinfo.com/Statistics/Pages/ than the 40% higher rate of income tax. This would TaxAndDutybulletins.aspx result in marginal tax rates falling when income is over The number of new VAT registrations in the last £150,000. three financial years is: HMRC’s Report ″The Exchequer effect of the 50% additional rate of income tax″ presents the evidence Financial year New registrations and expected Exchequer impact of changing the additional rate. 2009-10 181,039 2010-11 208,341 Third Sector 2011-12 218,663

Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department has taken to implement the recommendations of the National Audit Office report, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Central Government’s implementation of the national Compact. [120626] Alternative Vote

Sajid Javid [holding answer 13 September 2012]: Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister Although HM Treasury is not a delivery department, against what criteria the decision to propose to and the focus of its role is ensuring that departments Parliament in 2010 that there should be a referendum deliver on the Government’s objectives and provide on the voting system for elections to the House of value for money in the delivery of services, we do Commons was judged; and if he will make a statement. engage with the sector, including in the areas of social [120881] finance and, working with HMRC, charity tax. As with all Government Departments HM Treasury Miss Chloe Smith: The Coalition programme for is signed up and committed to the principles of the civil government stated the Government’s view. It set out the society compact, as stated in our most recently published need for: business plan. Steps have included: the appointment of “fundamental political reform, including a referendum on electoral a senior responsible officer within the department to reform, much greater co-operation across party lines, and changes help provide strategic oversight and to improve awareness to our political system to make it far more transparent and of compact principles in respect to consultations, and; accountable.” the strengthening of complaint handling procedures for dealing with compact related concerns.

VAT CABINET OFFICE

George Eustice: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Military Medals Review what systems are in place to identify companies that are not VAT-registered and have turnovers over the threshold which requires registration. [121026] Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when the second stage of the Military Medal Mr Gauke: The issue of businesses operating over the Review, led by Sir John Holmes, will report; and if he VAT threshold without registering is one that HMRC will make a statement. [120882] takes very seriously. HMRC makes use of a range of initiatives to identify and address this problem including: Mr Maude: Sir John Holmes has started work on the An annual data analysis exercise to identify all businesses that next stage of the Military Medals Review and is expected are supplying a tax return declaring turnovers which exceed the to complete this phase of the work sometime during the VAT threshold but are not registered for VAT autumn. 625W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 626W

Ministers: Security Table 1: Further education and skills estimated funding on literacy and numeracy courses by learners aged 19+ in Liverpool Walton parliamentary constituency, 2005/06 to 2010/11 Maria Eagle: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet £ Office what guidance his Department has given to 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 Ministers on the security implications of (a) transporting ministerial boxes and (b) making official telephone Literacy 359,000 489,000 472,000 673,000 463,000 531,000 Numeracy 318,000 438,000 420,000 659,000 473,000 523,000 calls whilst using taxis or private hire vehicles. [120944] Notes: 1. Data for 2005/06 includes data for the learner responsive funding Mr Maude: As was the case under previous stream only. Administrations Ministers are given guidance about 2. Data for 2006/07 includes data for the learner responsive and security in Government business at the time of their apprenticeship funding streams only. 3. Data for 2007/08 and 2008/09 includes data for the learner responsive, appointment. apprenticeship and train to gain funding streams only. 4. Data for 2009/10 and 2010/11 includes data for the learner responsive, apprenticeship, train to gain and workplace learning funding streams Newspaper Licensing Agency only. All data excludes community learning. 5. Figures for estimated funding come from the ILR. They should not be treated as actual spend, and are only used to give an indicative view on the proportion of monies spent at each level. Ian Murray: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 6. Figures relate to learners aged 19 and over and include a small Office what the cost to the public purse was of the number of learners with an unknown age. Newspaper Licensing Agency licences for scanned content Source: for each Department in each year since 2010. [121497] Individualised Learner Record Apprentices Miss Chloe Smith: This information is not collated centrally. Departments and agencies are responsible for Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for ensuring that they hold the appropriate Newspaper Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to Licensing Agency licence. implement the recommendations of the Holt Review; and what timetable and benchmarks he has set for this process. [121322] Voluntary Work: Young People Matthew Hancock: The Government’s response to Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet the Holt review was published on 29 August 2012. A Office how many places on National Citizen Service copy was placed in the Libraries of the House and is schemes were not taken up in 2012; and if he will make also available on the BIS website a statement. [121543] http://news.bis.gov.uk/Content/ Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=425769&NewsAreaID=2 Mr Hurd: National Citizen Service’s autumn programmes I met Mr Holt on 13 September 2012 to discuss his are due to take place shortly. Updates on attendance of review, and BIS officials are in the process of developing NCS for 2012, will be given when all programmes are an implementation plan. Mr Holt will remain involved complete. via membership of a new board being created to oversee implementation. Actions for the Government and National Apprenticeships Service resulting from the review include working with the people that small and medium-sized BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS enterprises (SMEs) look to for advice, including lawyers and accountants, to promote apprenticeships to their SME customers; providing SMEs with better information Adult Education: Liverpool on training provision availability; and investigating how to give SMEs greater say in developing the training they need. In addition, we have already improved the Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Apprenticeship Grant for Employers by making it simpler Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Department and more accessible to more employers. and its predecessors spent in Liverpool, Walton constituency on adult (a) literacy and (b) numeracy in each year Bankruptcy since 1997; and how much he expects his Department to spend in each of the next three years. [120696] Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what evidence his Department Matthew Hancock [holding answer 13 September 2012]: used to estimate the time currently spent by judges and The following table shows the Government’s measure court staff in dealing with bankruptcy petitions as of FE and skills funding on literacy and numeracy referred to in the Reform of the Process to Apply for courses for learners aged 19 and above in Liverpool, Bankruptcy and Compulsory Winding Up consultation. Walton constituency, from 2005/06 to 2010/11. Data for [120364] 2005/06 is the earliest year for which comparable sub- national data are available. Due to the length of the Jo Swinson: The estimates of time currently spent by time series, data is not available on a consistent basis so judges and court staff in dealing with bankruptcy petitions figures may not be directly comparable. in the Reform of the Process to Apply for Bankruptcy 627W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 628W and Compulsory Winding Up consultation were based Trading Standards play a critical role in protecting upon information provided by HM Courts and Tribunal consumers and businesses in their local authority areas, Service. in particular from rogue traders. As part of the consumer landscape reforms, we established the National Trading Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Standards Board (NTSB) which brings together Innovation and Skills what assessment his Department representatives of Trading Standards from England has made of the effect of the proposed changes to and Wales to prioritise, fund and coordinate national creditor petitions for bankruptcy on vulnerable individuals and cross-boundary enforcement cases. who only begin to deal with their debt problems when In Scotland, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities faced with a court appearance. [120365] (COSLA) has set up a Scottish Consumer Protection National Enforcement Team (SCPNET), which will Jo Swinson: The consultation document and its associated reduce consumer detriment by putting in place processes impact assessment considered the possible impact on all to prioritise national and regional enforcement in Scotland. the groups who might be affected by the proposals. The The OFT produces an annual analysis of the benefits to issue of vulnerable debtors has been raised in some of consumers from all of its work, with this year’s report the responses to the consultation. These are being carefully showing that over the last three years the OFT achieved considered. I expect to make an announcement shortly. an estimated benefit to consumers of at least eight times its cost to the taxpayer. Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how he plans to ensure See page 5 of the OFT annual report and accounts that the role of the Adjudicator as proposed by his 2011-12 at Reform of the Process to Apply for Bankruptcy and http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/annual_report/2012/ Compulsory Winding Up consultation remains OFT_Annual_Report_and_Resou1.pdf impartial and independent. [120973] It estimates that for the period 2009-12, its consumer protection enforcement work resulted in savings to Jo Swinson: The consultation on Reform of the Process consumers of an average of £35 million per year, not to Apply for Bankruptcy and Compulsory Winding including wider deterrent effects or other consumer proposed that the adjudicator should be located within protection work such as education and awareness the Insolvency Service but be separate operationally campaigns. from the office of the official receiver. Responses to the consultation are being carefully considered and I expect to make an announcement shortly. Cosmetics

Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to his Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment Reform of the Process to Apply for Bankruptcy and he has made of the prevalence of illegal skin-lightening Compulsory Winding Up consultation, how creditor creams. [119319] petitions for bankruptcy requiring judicial input which would have to be referred back to the Court after the initial administrative process were taken into account Jo Swinson: Skin-lightening products are regulated when calculating any cost savings. [120974] on a European wide basis under Commission Directive 76/768/EC concerning cosmetic products, transposed in Jo Swinson: Estimates were provided within the impact the UK by The Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations assessment that was published with the consultation 2008. Under these Regulations mercury, potent steroids document as to the proportion of applications in which and hydroquinone have been prohibited for more than judicial input would be required. The additional cost in 10 years. Local Authority Trading Standards Services those cases was factored in when coming to an estimate are responsible for enforcing consumer product safety of the cost savings that would result from the new legislation and where they uncover evidence of the administrative process that was proposed. supply of unlawful skin-lightening products they have Responses to the consultation are being carefully removed them from sale. However, such products tend considered and I expect to make an announcement not to be distributed through formal supply channels shortly. and are therefore difficult to intercept at ports and airports. We are aware that at least 20 skin whitening products have been reported on the European Rapid Consumers: Protection Exchange of information about unsafe products (Rapex) in 2012 and Trading Standards will use this information Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for to undertake market surveillance against these products. Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has This Department has conducted no campaigns on made of the effectiveness of his Department’s consumer the issue, but the Department of Health has a web page protection unit. [120094] of information on skin lightening: Jo Swinson: The Department for Business, Innovation http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/skin/Pages/Skinlightening.aspx and Skills (BIS) does not operate a consumer protection and the CTPA (Cosmetics, Toiletry and Perfumery unit. However, consumer policy is developed within Association) also carry an accurate information page. BIS’ Consumer and Competition Policy Directorate http://www.thefactsabout.co.uk/content.asp?menuid= and is enforced by Trading Standards Departments and 32&submenuid=136&pageid=136&menuname=Skin+lightening+ the Office of Fair Trading. products&menu=sub 629W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 630W

Effect of UK Equity Markets On the Competitiveness within it. The level of UK contribution to the EU of UK Business Review budget depends on a number of factors, and varies from year to year. As a rough indication, the UK’s pre-abatement Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for contribution to the 2012 budget is currently estimated Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to at 14.6%. The budget agreed by the European Commission implement the recommendations of the Kay Review; and the member states for the period 2007-13 for the and what timetable and benchmarks he has set for this completion of the programme was ¤3.4 billion. process. [121323] The UK has not made any additional contribution to the EU budget in respect of the Galileo programme. Jo Swinson: The Secretary of State for Business, The European Commission states that initial Galileo Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member services, based on a partial constellation of satellites, for Twickenham (Vince Cable) has welcomed the Kay will be declared operational in 2014 with the full services Review’s final report, calling it an important and timely declared in 2019/20. contribution to the discussion of how we achieve equity markets that play a vital part in ensuring we have well The European Commission is unable to complete the run companies providing sustainable returns for investors. Galileo system by 2013 for the ¤3.4 billion budget set in 2007 and has estimated that an additional ¤1.9 billion is The Government is currently considering all of Professor required. This is included in the Commission’s proposal Kay’s recommendations in depth and looks forward to for the Galileo programme for the period 2014-20 responding in detail later this year. (¤7.9 billion at 2013 prices), which is under negotiation as part of the discussions on the multi-annual financial Farepak framework. Taking into account the different funding phases, the Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, additional amount to complete the system and early Innovation and Skills how much his Department has research contributions from the EU budget, it is estimated spent on legal costs in respect of the former directors of that the first complete generation of the Galileo system Farepak. [117256] will cost around ¤7 billion. Jo Swinson: The Insolvency Service’s costs of bringing disqualification proceedings in Farepak and European Growth Accelerator Service Home Retail were £909,586.99 since January 2011. These costs were met out of The Service’s budget. Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for In 2011/2012 1,151 directors were disqualified. Of Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses these 231 disqualification orders were obtained at court have used the Growth Accelerator service since its and a further 292 undertakings were volunteered and launch; how many of these received (a) coaching, (b) accepted after proceedings were issued at court. In comprehensive and (c) other support under the 2010/2011 1,437 directors were disqualified. Of these scheme; and how many firms made initial inquiries to 287 disqualification orders were obtained at court and a the service but did not go on to use it. [121485] further 343 undertakings were volunteered and accepted after proceedings were issued at court. The Insolvency Michael Fallon: Growth Accelerator was formally Service spent £4,968,740 during 2011/2012 on launched on 23 May 2012. As of 7 September 2012, 715 disqualification litigation and legal advice. businesses are on the programme. All of these businesses will receive coaching as well as a mix of master classes, Galileo System leadership and management training and access to external support according to their needs (e.g. export advice, Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for angel investment, access to incubators etc.). So far over Business, Innovation and Skills how much the UK has 2,603 eligible businesses have expressed an interest in contributed to the Galileo project to date; how much the programme (eligibility is based on company size, the UK contributed in the last calendar year; what the location and ownership). Of these, 339 were not found estimated completion date is of the project; and what to be suitable and 1,549 are still in the process of being his most recent estimate is of the total cost of the assessed for the programme. project. [120536] Higher Education: Admissions Mr Willetts: The development phase of the European Union’s Galileo satellite navigation programme took place between 2000 and 2007 and was funded through Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for contributions to the European Space Agency (ESA). Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has The UK provided ¤240.3 million to Galileo through its made of future trends in (a) the number of students contributions to ESA. Funding to ESA is provided on a attending commercial for-profit universities and (b) juste retour basis, meaning that contracts equivalent to the number of students attending commercial for- a member state’s contribution, less administration costs, profit universities taking a loan from the Student are awarded to companies from within that member Loans Company; and if he will make a statement. state. [121279] The subsequent work on the Galileo system is funded from the core European Union budget to which all Mr Willetts: The Department does not hold data on member states contribute. The UK contributes to the the total number of students that attend commercial EU budget as a whole, not to individual programmes for-profit universities. 631W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 632W

The Department does not distinguish between those General Product Safety Regulations 2005, as reaffirmed universities that operate on a commercial for-profit in May this year, with regard to the safety of lighters in basis, and those that do not, in assessing students’ the last 12 months. [121363] eligibility for student loans. It does not, therefore, collect data on those accessing student support and who are Michael Fallon: The annual renewal of the direction attending a commercial for-profit university. serves to remind trading standards services of the ban I have, however, previously placed a list in the Libraries on novelty lighters and the placing of only child resistant of the House showing the number of students that took lighters onto the UK market. We do not require officers out student loans in respect of studies with all types of to report their activities to the Department. However, a non-publicly funded providers in each year since 2006. quick e-mail round to officers found that lighters are This was in response to the answer I gave on 17 April one of the products routinely stopped and examined at 2012, Official Report, column 334W,to the hon. Member ports of entry and also examined in various market for Birmingham, Ladywood (Shabana Mahmood). surveillance activities. If non-compliant lighters are found This shows an upward trend in the numbers of students, appropriate action is taken. courses, and institutions. This in line with the Government’s policy that new providers and new forms of higher London Metropolitan University education provision will help to stimulate and strengthen market competition, promote student choice, and ensure value for money. Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer Higher Education: Hartlepool and Hendon of 10 September 2012, Official Report, column 106W on London Metropolitan university, what meetings (a) Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Ministers and (b) officials in his Department had with Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has (i) Ministers and officials in the Home Department, (ii) made of the number of students in Hartlepool officials from the UK Border Agency and (iii) the constituency who have commenced tuition on a course vice-chancellor of London Metropolitan university costing £9,000 per annum in September 2012; and if he since 28 August 2012 to discuss the withdrawal of will make a statement. [120817] highly trusted sponsor status of London Metropolitan university. [120982] Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate his Department Mr Willetts: Both Ministers and officials have had has made of the number of students from Hendon discussions with Ministers and officials in the Home constituency who have commenced tuition on a course Office, officials from the UKBA and representatives of costing £9,000 per annum in September 2012. [120932] London Metropolitan university on issues related to the withdrawal of LMU’s highly trusted status, including Mr Willetts: Information on the fees charged to via the taskforce that I established shortly after the entrants to higher education courses will be collected decision was announced. over the course of this academic year. Statistics on fee levels will be available from the Higher Education Statistics Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Agency from January 2014. No eligible student has to Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer pay for their tuition up front. Loans of up to £9,000 are of 7 September 2012, Official Report, column 496W on available for full-time and full-time distance learning London Metropolitan university, whether he has met students to meet the full cost of tuition charges at the Higher Education Funding Council for England to publicly-funded institutions. discuss the financial implications of losing highly Insolvency trusted status; and if he will make a statement. [120983]

Mr Marcus Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Willetts: I meet regularly with officials of the Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to Higher Education Funding Council for England to investigate (a) the relationship between invoice finance discuss a wide range of issues including the implications providers, banks and insolvency practitioners and (b) for London Metropolitan university of losing its highly the treatment of small and medium-sized enterprises trusted status. Dates of meetings between BIS Ministers’ and external organisations are recorded on the BIS by such bodies. [121117] website as part of the Department’s policy of transparency Michael Fallon: The Government is aware of the at concerns that have been raised and we are currently http://www.bis.gov.uk/transparency/staff looking into them in more detail. The Department for And I refer the right hon. Member to my answer to PQ Business, Innovation and Skills, HM Treasury and the 120982 answered today. Insolvency Service are all engaged, and we are in contact with the relevant industry bodies. Manchester Declaration Lighters: Safety Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent contribution Business, Innovation and Skills what progress his his Department and its non-departmental public bodies Department has made in implementing his direction of and agencies have made to implementation of the 2005 the Secretary of State under regulation 35(2) of the Manchester Declaration. [115127] 633W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 634W

Jo Swinson: The Department; its agencies and non Michael Fallon [holding answer 17 September 2012]: departmental public bodies support the Government’s On 31 May 2012 Government invited bids from potential commitment—in line with the 2005 Manchester providers to manage 24 vacant government spaces in declaration—to use digital technologies to transform England and Scotland. The procurement has now closed the quality of public service, improving transparency; and officials are working with bidders, Government ensuring value for money and to support economic Departments and their landlords to process bids. It is growth. not possible to provide detailed information as the work The Manchester declaration has now been replaced is commercially sensitive. by the Malmo Declaration on which the Cabinet Office lead. Olympic Games 2012 Manufacturing Advisory Service Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Business, Innovation and Skills whether (a) Ministers Innovation and Skills how many businesses have used and (b) officials from his Department used the the services provided by the Manufacturing Advisory Olympic Route Network for travel for official purposes Service since its launch; how many firms used each during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic service provided by the scheme; and how many firms Games. [121009] made initial inquiries to the service but did not go on to use it. [121487] Jo Swinson: The Department for Culture, Media and Michael Fallon: Since its launch on 3 January 2012, Sport will publish details of Government use of tickets just under 7,500 businesses have contacted the new and hospitality in the autumn. This will include use of national Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS). Of transport services which operated on the Olympic or these: Paralympic Route Networks. Around 5,200 have received a free Manufacturing Review to identify ways to improve productivity and grow Overseas Students: EU Nationals Over 1,500 have been offered a grant towards the cost of implementing productivity and other improvements in their businesses Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for Just under 800 have attended best practice or training workshops. Business, Innovation and Skills what the total cost to Around 1,500 businesses have contacted MAS but the Government was of EU citizens from other member have not yet had a Manufacturing Review or attended a states studying at UK higher education institutions in MAS workshop. In some cases, this will be because each of the last five years. [121311] MAS will have been able to help the business by providing immediate advice on manufacturing queries such as sourcing UK suppliers or for non-manufacturing queries Mr Willetts [holding answer 17 September 2012]: referring them to other sources of expertise such as The costs given in this reply relate to EU students UKTI for support on exporting. In other cases, the studying in England only, and are broken down by (1) businesses will be in the process of arranging a the level of recurrent grant for teaching provided by the manufacturing review or attending a suitable MAS best Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) practice visit or workshop. and (2) the amount of tuition fee loans paid to EU students studying in England. New Businesses: Young People Funding for teaching The HEFCE recurrent grant for teaching, which Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for funds higher education studied in higher education Business, Innovation and Skills how many delivery institutions and further education colleges and some partners have received formal offers under the start up postgraduate research courses, is shown in the following loans scheme. [121346] table. It is not possible to provide a precise breakdown of cost by domicile, but if funding was distributed Michael Fallon [holding answer 17 September 2012]: proportionally across domicile groups according to the Eight offer letters have been issued, after being approved numbers of full-time equivalent student numbers, an by the Start Up Loans company’s delivery panel. These estimate of the teaching grant cost of EU citizens seven include one partner who gives the programme would be as shown in the following table. The information national coverage and six who work in specific localities. is only available in this format for the three years shown All eight provide a full service from access to the youth in the table. market, through pre-application support, making loans and providing mentors. The first loans have now been 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 made and there have been over one thousand application inquiries through the website and Facebook. HEFCE recurrent grant for 4,920 5,076 5,107 teaching (£m, financial years) Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Percentage of HEFCE- 6.4 6.7 7.0 fundable FTEs from the EU Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses (excluding the UK) are using premises under the start up spaces scheme; Estimate of HEFCE recurrent 310 340 360 and what the total number of premises currently grant for EU students available is under the scheme. [121347] (£ million) 635W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 636W

Bilateral trade in goods: (100 largest trading partners only) Note: Increase in value EU students are reflected by the state of domicile rather than (£ million) % increase citizenship. Sources: Netherlands 3,987 8 Department for Business and Innovation and Skills (and predecessors), ‘Grant Letters’ to HEFCE and Higher Education China 3,475 10 Statistics Agency (HESA) data, via HEFCE Russia 3,423 40 Qatar 2,658 82 Student support Denmark 2,251 33 Under EC law, EU students are eligible to the same India 1,880 20 access to education as those from the member state. EU nationals have been eligible to apply for tuition fee By % increase loans since their introduction in academic year 2006-07. Botswana 1,861 326 EU nationals are generally eligible for tuition fee support Kazakhstan 547 124 only, provided that they have been ordinarily resident in the European economic area (EEA) or Switzerland for Equatorial Guinea 159 120 the three years prior to the first day of the first academic Benin 233 113 year of their course. The following table shows the loan Namibia 250 108 outlay each academic year, which will be repaid when Algeria 1,017 96 the borrower’s income is above the appropriate repayment Qatar 2,658 82 threshold. Tanzania 106 76 Tuition fee loans to EU students studying in England Yemen 84 71 Academic year Sum borrowed (£ million) Nigeria 1,478 65

2006/07 23.7 Bilateral trade in services: (100 largest trading partners only) 2007/08 44.5 Increase in value (£ million) % increase 2008/09 62.8 2009/10 76.4 By value 2010/11 88.5 Japan 1,386 17 Source: USA 1,235 2 Student Loans Company France 1,146 6 Overseas Trade Luxembourg 733 19 Russia 630 23 Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Sweden 610 13 Business, Innovation and Skills with which 10 countries Hong Kong 601 22 UK trade has increased the most in (a) percentage and Ireland 598 5 (b) absolute terms in the last year. [119915] Netherlands 595 4 China 583 15 Michael Fallon: The following tables show the largest increases in exports, imports and bilateral trade (exports By % increase + imports) in absolute value and percentage terms for Equatorial Guinea 63 89 goods and services separately. Lithuania 145 67 It is often the case that the largest percentage increases Serbia and 77 66 are with the smallest trading partners because of the Montenegro small value of trade with these countries. In order to Slovakia 204 49 not distort the percentage increase data in this way the Colombia 132 43 tables only consider the UK’s 100 largest trade partners Gibraltar 168 38 in each category for 2011 and display the top 10 from Uganda 35 35 those selected countries. Ghana 102 31 A full list of trade values covering over 200 countries Iraq 176 28 can be found in the ONS Balance of Payments publication Israel 310 27 table 9.13 (Services) and on the HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics website (Goods): UK exports of goods: (100 largest trading partners only) Increase in value https://www.uktradeinfo.com/ (£ million) % increase Percentage increases for services have been calculated on rounded values. By value Germany 4,622 16 Bilateral trade in goods: (100 largest trading partners only) France 2,979 15 Increase in value (£ million) % increase Belgium 2,512 19 Netherlands 1,791 9 By value United States 1,595 4 Germany 8,516 12 China 1,548 21 Norway 5,074 23 India 1,458 37 France 4,487 11 Russia 1,330 39 Belgium 4,328 14 Italy 1,128 13 637W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 638W

UK exports of goods: (100 largest trading partners only) UK imports of goods: (100 largest trading partners only) Increase in value Increase in value (£ million) % increase (£ million) % increase

Australia 1,004 32 Botswana 1,856 331 Angola 237 298 By % increase Yemen 103 240 US Virgin Islands 78 1313 Nigeria 1,322 145 Togo 83 424 Papua New Guinea 72 127 Kazakhstan 293 124 Kazakhstan 254 124 Benin 233 113 Zimbabwe 31 116 Tanzania 101 86 Qatar 2,522 112 Iceland 106 84 UK imports of services: (100 largest trading partners only) Afghanistan 150 77 Increase in value Ethiopia 62 77 (£ million) % increase Algeria 228 66 By value Dutch Antilles 29 60 Japan 1,067 29 UK exports of services: (100 largest trading partners only) Canada 331 22 Increase in value USA 324 2 (£ million) % increase Luxembourg 318 21 By value Sweden 303 18 Singapore 295 16 USA 911 2 Hong Kong 284 27 France 869 10 France 277 3 Ireland 773 9 Netherlands 222 6 Russia 595 35 Italy 212 5 China 529 20 India 503 24 Germany 486 5 By % increase Luxembourg 415 18 Bahamas 77 285 Netherlands 373 4 Costa Rica 47 188 Spain 360 7 Iceland 84 156 Andorra 33 127 By % increase Trinidad and 28 93 Tobago Ethiopia 64 152 Cayman Islands 31 76 Equatorial Guinea 61 87 Saint Lucia 26 72 Lithuania 84 86 Isle of Man 23 61 Gibraltar 235 82 Estonia 18 60 Slovakia 213 74 Serbia and 29 59 Serbia and 48 72 Montenegro Montenegro Sources: Senegal 40 58 HMRC Overseas Trade Statistics, ONS Balance of Payments—Pink Colombia 132 53 Book Mozambique 38 45 Barbados 38 38 Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for UK imports of goods: (100 largest trading partners only) Business, Innovation and Skills what the value was of (a) exports and (b) imports between the UK and (i) Increase in value (£ million) % increase Brazil, (ii) India, (iii) China, (iv) Turkey, (v) Germany, (vi) Belgium, (vii) Ireland and (viii) the Russian By value Federation in each of the last three years. [121530] Norway 4,786 25 Germany 3,894 9 Michael Fallon: UK Trade figures are compiled by Qatar 2,522 112 Her Majesty’s Revenue and Custom (HMRC) and the Netherlands 2,196 8 Office for National Statistics (ONS) and published in Russia 2,093 41 the “ONS Balance of Payments”publication. The following Denmark 1,981 49 tables show UK exports and imports of goods and China 1,928 7 services for 2009, 2010 and 2011. Botswana 1,856 331 Belgium 1,816 11 £ billion France 1,508 7 200920102011

(a) UK By % increase Exports to: Equatorial Guinea 210 1113 Brazil 2.5 3.1 3.7 Azerbaijan 101 388 India 4.7 6.2 8.3 639W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 640W

Procurement £ billion 2009 2010 2011 Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for China 7.6 10.3 12.5 Business, Innovation and Skills what the name is of Turkey 3.3 4.4 5.2 each company with which his Department has a Germany 35.9 38.8 43.9 contract; what the monetary value of each such Belgium 14.2 16.3 19.0 contract is; and what is provided to his Department Ireland 24.5 25.7 27.4 under the terms of the contract. [120780] Russia 4.3 5.3 7.3 Jo Swinson: Full details of all contracts held by the £ billion Department can be provided only at a disproportionate 2009 2010 2011 cost. However details of all contracts awarded greater than £10,000 are published on the contracts Finder (b) UK Imports website: from: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/ Brazil 2.9 3.6 3.1 detail?itemId=1086320080&r.i=1086320014&r.I1= India 6.6 8.3 8.5 1073861169&r.I2=1086363734&r.I3=1086319968&r.s= China 25.8 31.8 32.8 sc&r.t=RESOURCES&type=RESOURCES Turkey 6.0 7.0 7.0 In addition all payments to suppliers irrespective of Germany 48.8 55.8 59.6 value are published as part of the Department’s Belgium 17.5 19.5 21.5 transparency commitment on the BIS website: Ireland 16.6 17.3 17.3 http://www.bis.gov.uk/transparency Russia 5.9 6.3 8.5 Source: Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for ONS UK Balance of Payments Business, Innovation and Skills what his Department’s Parking policy is on taking into account when assessing tenders submitted for departmental contracts the (a) Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State apprenticeship schemes, (b) policies on employment of for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what assessment paid interns and (c) policies of payment of at least the he has made of levels of competition in the car park living wage of each bidding company. [120782] providers’ industry; [121049] (2) what steps he is taking to prevent monopolistic Jo Swinson: RCUK Shared Services Centre Ltd has behaviour by car park providers at airports, railways taken over the provision of procurement services on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and and hospitals. [121050] Skills (BIS) from 1 August 2012. The BIS procurement Jo Swinson [holding answer 17 September 2012]: As policy does not include provision in relation to points the UK’s independent competition authorities, it is for (a), (b) and (c) above. the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), or an appropriate This does not mean that these factors have not been sector regulator, to assess any cases of possible anti- evaluated within assessment offenders, merely that they competitive behaviour. are not specifically highlighted within that policy document. I understand that the OFT conducted an infrastructure If the commissioning Department considered these ownership and control stocktake in 2010, which can be factors to be pertinent to a particular requirement then viewed at: they would have been included within both the specification http://www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/markets-work/ and the tender evaluation in a transparent manner othermarketswork/infrastructure-ownership/ clearly identifying the weighting to be applied as part of This covers car parks and also refers to work in this area the overall assessment. by the Civil Aviation Authority and Office of Rail Regulation. Regional Growth Fund

Postal Services Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many jobs have Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for been created since the launch of the Regional Growth Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Fund in (a) the UK, (b) the West Midlands and (c) made of the viability of the mutualisation of Post Birmingham; and what the average financial cost was Office Ltd. [120542] of each job created. [121073]

Jo Swinson [holding answer 11 September 2012]: As Michael Fallon [holding answer 14 September 2012]: the Government made clear in its response to the public Bidders to rounds 1 and 2 of regional growth fund consultation on possible options for the mutualisation (RGF) anticipate creating or safeguarding 330,000 gross of Post Office Ltd, before it can be mutualised, the Post jobs in England over the period 2011 to 2021. Bidders in Office must be on a secure financial footing. Supported the west midlands anticipated 69,100 jobs when they by £1.34 billion of Government funding, Post Office requested £232.5 million over 31 bids, and within that Ltd is making progress towards financial sustainability. figure, for Birmingham it was 20,221 jobs (£119 million 2011/12 saw revenues increase for the first time since over seven bids). The gross cost per job on average 2005/06, and today the network is at its most stable for across England is £4,200: for the west midlands, it is over a quarter of a century. £3,365 and of that figure, for Birmingham £5,886. 641W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 642W

RGF awards are conditional on the delivery of monitored Michael Fallon: £160 million has been awarded to jobs and private sector investment. Based on the above projects in the North East from the first two Regional gross jobs figure, the delivery of approximately 110,000 Growth Fund (RGF) bidding rounds. These offers equate jobs is monitored directly: 220,000 are indirect supply to 76 awards to individual front line businesses and two chain jobs that are derived from the amount of private infrastructure and business premises projects in Newcastle. sector investment in the economy. Of these, awards have been finalised for 44 projects Nationwide, jobs have already been created or worth £58 million; terms have been agreed for a further safeguarded due to private investment and projects that 20 projects worth an additional £63 million. Seven start, and so create jobs, before they make their first projects worth £28 million have withdrawn from the RGF claim; in the west midlands, over 1,400 jobs have process before a final offer was made to them. Seven been created in this way, including at JLR. awards worth a total £11 million have not yet agreed terms. Officials are working closely with these bidders Monitoring shows that 10,246 direct jobs have been and have informed them if they are unable to progress created to date for England, from projects and programmes. their offers by the end of September 2012 their RGF The relevant projects and programmes in this region are allocation will be withdrawn. at an early stage: monitoring via the claims they have made shows that 122 jobs have been confirmed in the Beneficiaries draw down RGF funding in arrears of west midlands and none in Birmingham yet, although private sector investment as per their requirements. At the Birmingham Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain 14 September 2012, 19 companies from the North East Initiative is committed to create 5,000 jobs over its who have submitted their claims have had £20.5 million lifetime and their award process is under way. paid to them. I expect to announce third round allocations next month. Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 13 July 2012, Official Report, column 404W, on the Regional Growth Fund: Warwickshire Regional Growth Fund, which key performance metrics Regional Growth Fund awards are monitored Chris White: To ask the Secretary of State for against on a quarterly basis; and how many winning Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding has bidders under (a) round 1, (b) round 2 and (c) round been awarded to businesses in Warwickshire through 3 of the Regional Growth Fund have failed to meet the Regional Growth Fund to date. [121448] required standards under those metrics. [121348] Michael Fallon: In Warwickshire, Regional Growth Michael Fallon [holding answer 17 September 2012]: Fund conditional allocations of £3,035,000 have been Regional Growth Fund (RGF) project grants are triggered made from the first two rounds of bidding. We expect by the achievement of a number of different outputs, to announce third round allocations next month. tailored according to the details of the project. These include jobs created or safeguarded, leveraged investment, Research: Finance infrastructure created, R&D funds invested or training places. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for RGF project payments are made after the applicant Business, Innovation and Skills whether it is still the has carried out the contracted activity and submits Government’s policy to increase UK investment in evidence of these outputs: this then triggers a payment research and development to 2.5 per cent of GDP. claim. Of the 127 cases in Rounds 1 and 2 where the [121365] final grant offer letter has been accepted and thus a legal contract exists between the Government and the Mr Willetts: The Government does not have a target applicant, 80 are due to have made at least one claim for UK investment in research and development as a with accompanying evidence. Of these, 55 have claimed proportion of GDP. on schedule, six are ahead of schedule, and 19 are behind schedule. The reasons for those behind schedule Self-employed vary, including unexpected delays to other investments and economic activity not reaching the anticipated levels. Mr David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for In such circumstances, the local programme delivery Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of teams work with the company to address problems and people (a) working in the construction industry and bring the grant back on track, or examine whether the (b) overall were self-employed in each of the last five changes to the grant size or conditions are needed for years for which figures are available. [121518] the project to succeed. No bids have yet been approved for Round 3 as we are currently finalising appraisals Michael Fallon: The proportion of self-employed jobs and will announce successful bidders next month. in the construction contracting industry (Section F, SIC 2007) and the whole economy over the last five years is Regional Growth Fund: North East given in Table 1 as follows: Table 1: Proportion of self-employed jobs in construction contracting Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for and whole economy Business, Innovation and Skills how much and what Percentage proportion of funding awarded through the Regional 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Growth Fund has reached front-line businesses in the Construction 40.5 38.7 41.2 42.5 43.7 North East. [121490] contracting 643W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 644W

Table 1: Proportion of self-employed jobs in construction contracting recently. Officials continue to work with the company to and whole economy establish a business case and the technical viability of Percentage the Skylon Spaceplane. 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Whole 13.0 13.2 13.8 13.9 14.4 Simon Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for economy Business, Innovation and Skills what preparations his Notes: Department is making on a regulatory framework for 1. Figures as at June of each year. reusable spaceplanes; and if he will make a statement. 2. There are two ways of looking at employment: the number of [121531] people with jobs (measured by the Labour Force Survey) or the number of jobs (measured by the Workforce Jobs Series). These two concepts are not the same as one person can have more than one job Mr Willetts: I announced at Farnborough International and some jobs may be shared by more than one person. in July that the Department for Business, Innovation Source: and Skills and the Department for Transport would BIS estimates based on the latest ONS Workforce Jobs by Industry undertake a joint review of the regulatory framework series. needed for reusable space planes. This review is ongoing. The figures above are based on the Workforce Jobs Series. These series are the preferred source of statistics Students: Loans on employment by industry as they are sourced from employer surveys (employers are more likely to classify Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, the industry of a business correctly). By contrast, the Innovation and Skills on what dates (a) he, (b) Ministers Labour Force Survey is self-reported. in his Department and (c) senior officials in his Department met representatives of (i) Santander, (ii) Barclays, (iii) Shareholders: Voting Behaviour Lloyds Bank, (iv) other banks and (v) the British Bankers Association to discuss banks offering student loans Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for since 1 January 2011; and if he will make a statement. Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has [121298] made of the proportion of institutional investors publicly disclosing (a) summary statistics about their exercise of Mr Willetts [holding answer 17 September 2012]: I voting rights, (b) partial details of votes cast, (c) full have attended a number of events with banking groups details of all votes cast and (d) explanations for significant relating to our higher education reforms. A list of voting decisions in the latest period for which figures Ministers’ meetings can be found on the BIS website at: are available. [120963] http://www.bis.gov.uk/transparency/staff Officials from Student Finance met Santander on Jo Swinson [holding answer 14 September 2012]: The 13 June 2011, Citibank on 24 November 2011 and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has not Barclays Bank in February 2012 and July 2012. In calculated its own estimates of institutional investor addition, officials had meetings with Link Financial on voting disclosure, but takes a close interest in the range 7 September 2011, HSBC in September 2011 and the of research studies produced by a number of organisations. Islamic Bank of Britain on 31 August 2012. Officials also have regular contact with the Administrators of Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for those Mortgage Style Loans that have been sold—Honours Business, Innovation and Skills what research his Student Loans (for the portfolio owned by Honours Department (a) has undertaken and (b) plans to Trustee Ltd) and Link Financial (for the portfolio owned undertake on the level and quality of disclosure of by Finance for Higher Education Ltd). voting records provided by institutional investors; and when he expects any such research to be completed. Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, [120964] Innovation and Skills what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the proposal not to Jo Swinson [holding answer 14 September 2012]: The add value added tax to the cost of a 24+ advanced Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) learner loan in respect of provision offered by an has not undertaken its own research of this kind. However, independent learning provider which is listed on the research published by various organisations including Register of Training Organisations. [121544] the Investment Management Association and the TUC reflects that, while the level and quality of disclosure by Matthew Hancock: There is no proposal to add VAT fund managers varies, disclosure on both measures has to 24+ advanced learning loans or to any other type of generally increased in the last five years. BIS continues student loan. to monitor these trends closely. Mr Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Spacecraft Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he has taken to ensure that learners receiving tuition under (a) Simon Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for public, (b) private and (c) third sector providers are Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions able to access 24+ advanced learner loans under the he has had with the European Space Agency on the same terms and conditions. [121545] viability of the Skylon Spaceplace; and if he will make a statement. [121451] Matthew Hancock: The terms and conditions of the 24+ advanced learning loans will be the same irrespective Mr Willetts: Neither I nor UK Space Agency officials of the type of college or training organisation where the have held discussions with the European Space Agency learner is accessing training. 645W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 646W

Unemployment: Young People Letters. Letters should be issued from October. We are not in a legally binding relationship with any successful Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State employers at this stage. Once completed, a schedule to for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is the Grant Offer letters will set out the timetable for taking to reduce the number of people aged 18 to 24 payments against agreed milestones within each individual years in Peterborough constituency who are not in project. Payments will generally be on a quarterly basis employment, education or training; and if he will make and will be paid in arrears of spend. a statement. [121457] Zimbabwe Matthew Hancock: In Building Engagement, Building Futures, we set out our strategy to increase the proportion Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for of young people participating in education, employment Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has or training and address the challenge of young people made of any business links between (a) Old Mutual who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). PLC and (b) UK companies and the Zimbabwean Mining Development Corporation or its subsidiaries. We are expanding the apprenticeships programme and will fund up to 250,000 more apprenticeships over [120716] the spending review period compared to the previous Government’s plans. We are investing £1.5 billion this Michael Fallon: I cannot comment on individual UK year. We have also introduced the ’Access to firms due to the need to respect commercial confidence. Apprenticeships’ programme for 16 to 24-year-olds that The Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation will benefit up to 10,000 vulnerable young people who (ZMDC) is a designated entity under EU Regulation need extra help to become an apprentice. 77/ 2009 that imposes, sanctions against certain individuals and entities in Zimbabwe. HM Treasury is responsible In addition, we are helping young people into work for the implementation of financial sanctions against through pre-employment training for those on active designated entities. benefits, work experience opportunities and continuation of the graduate talent pool. The Work Programme Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, provides unemployed young people with personalised Innovation and Skills whether his Department (a) is support and training to help them into sustainable undertaking and (b) plans to undertake any investigation work. The £1 billion youth contract will also provide of links between UK FTSE 100 listed firms and the extra support to unemployed young people in addition Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation. [120718] to what is already available through Jobcentre Plus and the Work Programme. Michael Fallon: This Department is not undertaking such an investigation. The Zimbabwe Mining Development Unfair Dismissal Corporation (ZMDC) is a designated entity under EU Regulation 77/2009 that imposes sanctions against certain Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for individuals and entities in Zimbabwe. HM Treasury is Business, Innovation and Skills what evidence his responsible for the implementation of financial sanctions Department has gathered on the potential direct against designated entities. benefits to business of extending the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims. [119979]

Jo Swinson: The direct benefits to business of extending WORK AND PENSIONS the qualifying period for unfair dismissal arise from reduced costs of defending employment tribunal claims. Atos Healthcare BIS used survey and administrative data to establish a likely reduction in employment tribunal claims, and the Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work unit costs for businesses of defending employment tribunal and Pensions how many appeals against decisions claims. The Department estimates annual benefits to based on reports from ATOS have been registered by business in the region of £4.7 million and the detail of residents of (a) Warrington and (b) Warrington this is set out in our impact assessment published on 16 North constituency in each of the last two years; and November 2011. what proportion of such appeals have been successful It is too early to assess the full impact of the measure, at tribunal. [121150] but the Department has committed to make an initial assessment in 2014. Mr Hoban: The Department only holds information on appeals once they have been heard by HM Courts Vocational Training and Tribunal Service (HMCTS). Due to the time it takes for appeals to be submitted to, and heard by, Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for HMCTS, it is likely there are more appeals that have Business, Innovation and Skills what target timetable not yet been heard. The number of appeals is therefore his Department has set for successful bidders to receive likely to change as more up to date information becomes their allocated funds under the Employer Ownership available. pilot. [121484] The following table presents the total number of WCA decisions, the number of fit for work decisions Michael Fallon: Following the announcement of the and the outcomes of appeals on fit for work decisions first successful bidders on 11 September, bids are now made at initial employment and support allowance undergoing due diligence and agreement of Grant Offer work capability assessments in the Warrington local 647W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 648W authority area for claims that started in 2010 and between This does mean that we will assess the paying parent January and May 2011 (the latest data available), including based on his/her income declared to HMRC, and so actions on these claims up to May 2012. Constituency there is of course always the possibility of fraudulent level data are not available. behaviour by the paying parent. This Government takes Outcomes of appeals on fit for work decisions made at initial ESA seriously anyone who fails to declare their full taxable WCAs in the Warrington local authority area for claims starting in income to HMRC. The Child Maintenance Service will 2010 and between January and May 2011 work with HMRC to ensure that such cases are dealt Claim start date with appropriately when they come to light through the January to January to child maintenance system. December 2010 May 2011

Total WCA decisions 1,340 560 Employment Schemes: Merseyside Total FFW Decisions 780 350 Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Volume of appeals on Work and Pensions how many people were employed FFW decisions by Liverpool-based companies under (a) the Welfare DWP decision upheld 220 70 to Work programme and (b) the Work Programme in DWP decision overturned 100 30 each of the last five years. [121480] Either outcome 320 100 Mr Hoban: The data collected in the last five years Proportion of heard about Welfare to Work programmes and the Work appeals Programme does not enable an analysis of how many DWP decision upheld 68 70 people were employed by Liverpool based companies. (percentage) DWP decision overturned 32 30 Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for (percentage) Work and Pensions how many people in (a) Liverpool, Notes: Walton constituency and (b) Merseyside have been 1. The information above is taken from administrative data held by the Department for Work and Pensions and assessment data awarded (i) full-time and (ii) part-time work as a result provided by Atos Healthcare. of a placement secured through the Work Programme. 2. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. [121481] 3. The figures above only cover new claims to ESA and exclude incapacity benefit reassessments to determine eligibility for ESA. On 20 April 2012 the Department published data on the outcomes of IB Mr Hoban: The Department will publish official statistics reassessment claims at regional and local authority level at the on Work Programme job outcomes in autumn 2012. following link: http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd1/adhoc_analysis/ Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for index.php?page=adhoc_analysis_2012_q2 Work and Pensions how many companies have taken part in the Welfare to Work programme in Liverpool. Children: Maintenance [121482]

Mr Hoban: The data collected on Welfare to Work Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for programmes does not enable an analysis of how many Work and Pensions what new steps he plans to put in companies have taken part in Liverpool. place at the Child Maintenance Service to establish whether a non-resident parent’s standard of living is Housing Benefit consistent with their declared income where there is a dispute between the parents over the non-resident parent’s income. [120871] Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will rank all English local authorities by the percentage change in local housing allowance Steve Webb: The inconsistent lifestyle ground for a claims between April 2010 and April 2012. [120843] variation has proved difficult to administer and ineffective in operation. It places an undue burden on parents who Steve Webb: The question is interpreted as referring receive child maintenance of providing proof, which to local housing allowance claims. they are then generally unable to supply. As such it serves only to raise their hopes then disappoint. A breakdown by each local authority in England of the local housing allowance caseload in April 2010 and Our new approach is to take advantage of the fact April 2012 has been placed in the House of Commons that we will be able to access self-assessment records Library. Local authorities are ranked by the percentage from HMRC. This will allow us to take account of a change over the period. paying parent’s taxable income from sources such as property, savings and investments within the variations Jobseeker’s Allowance: North West part of the new scheme. Variations are the set of rules that allow us to adjust the calculation of maintenance to take into account special factors such as costs of Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for contact or other income sources. This will provide a Work and Pensions how many jobseekers in (a) more effective route to taking all elements of the paying Liverpool, Walton constituency, (b) Merseyside and parent’s income into account without placing undue (c) the North West have applied and failed to qualify burdens on the receiving parent. for jobseeker’s allowance since May 2010. [121478] 649W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 650W

Mr Hoban: Jobseeker’s allowance applications for taken to estimate the number of claimants who wish to Liverpool, Walton constituency and the Merseyside have universal credit payments paid into a Post Office area are processed by the Birkenhead Benefit Centre. card account. [121324] Information is not available below benefit centre level. From May 2010 to August 2012, 209,258 jobseeker’s Steve Webb: Discussions about what accounts people allowance applications were processed in the Birkenhead can be paid into are ongoing. No estimate has been Benefit Centre. Of these, 24,293 were refused. made of the number of claimants who might wish to From May 2010 to August 2012, 1,042,362 jobseeker’s have their payments paid into a post office card account. allowance applications were processed in the North Social Security Benefits West. Of these 135,183 were refused.

Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) Liverpool, Work and Pensions how many claimants of benefits he Walton constituency and (b) Merseyside were transferred estimates have never worked. [121556] from long-term incapacity benefit to jobseeker’s allowance in each of the last five years. [121479] Mr Hoban: The information requested is not available from DWP benefit administrative systems. Estimates of Mr Hoban: The information is not currently available, people aged 16 to 64 living in households containing and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. no-one who has ever worked are published by the Office for National Statistics in the Working and Workless Households Bulletin (Table J), available from: Minimum Wage: Young People http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/lmac/working-and-workless- households/2012/index.html Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for These estimates do not include people who have never Work and Pensions (1) how many employers are employing worked but live in the same household as someone who people aged (a) 16 to 17 and (b) 18 to 20 who are on has. Reliable estimates of how many people who have the national minimum wage; [120494] never worked are receiving benefits are not available (2) how many people aged (a) 16 to 17 and (b) 18 to from the data source used in this publication, the Labour 20 are in receipt of the national minimum wage. Force Survey, which is known to be subject to significant [120495] under-reporting of benefit receipt. Jo Swinson: I have been asked to reply on behalf of Universal Credit the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. The Low Pay Commission have estimated that in Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for April 2011 the number of 16 to 17-year-olds earning at Work and Pensions what recent estimate he has made the national minimum wage of £3.68 was nearly 19,000 of the cost of the IT system for universal credit in each (7.2% of all paid workers in this age group). The number sub-category of expenditure. [121398] of 18 to 20-year-olds earning at the minimum wage of £4.98 in April 2011 was nearly 89,000 (8.0% of all paid Mr Hoban: IT investment costs over SR10 include IT workers in this age group). development, associated integration with other systems and infrastructure requirements. These are currently Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for estimated at £638 million over the period. Work and Pensions if he will estimate the number of hours worked per week by people aged (a) 16 to 17 £ million and (b) 18 to 20 who are in receipt of the national Design and development 441 minimum wage. [120496] Software 51 Jo Swinson: I have been asked to reply on behalf of Changes to dependent systems 14 the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Infrastructure 52 Other 80 Based on the most recent data from the 2011 Annual Survey of Household Earnings we estimate that for all 16 to 17-year-olds, earning around the national minimum Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for wage of £3.68 the average weekly hours was 15.0 hours Work and Pensions whether households will be (not including overtime). For 18 to 20-year-olds, earning afforded 13 weeks’ protection from rent restrictions around the national minimum wage of £4.98, the average under the housing component of universal credit when weekly hours was 21.5 hours a week (not including first making a claim for support with housing costs. overtime). [121498] The estimates here are based on the 5 pence earnings band that includes the national minimum wage. Steve Webb: No. Welfare State: Scotland Post Office Card Account Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he last met the Education Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 22 May Minister in the Scottish Government to discuss welfare 2012, Official Report, column 652W, on social security reform; and what correspondence he has received from benefits: post office card account, what steps he has the Minister on that matter. [121389] 651W Written Answers18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Written Answers 652W

Mr Hoban: The Secretary of State for Work and has had on its capacity to monitor Work programme Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford contracts. [121445] and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), has not met with the Scottish Minister for Education to discuss Mr Hoban: The Department treats any allegation of welfare reform. fraud by contractors very seriously.Any fraud is completely unacceptable. Where we identify, or are notified of, Following a search of our records we cannot locate allegations of contractor fraud, these cases are investigated any correspondence received from the Minister in relation thoroughly by DWP’s professionally trained and to welfare reform. experienced investigators to a standard required to support reference to the police whenever evidence of criminal Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for offences is discovered. Work and Pensions when he last met the Minister for The Department’s Internal Investigations team is Youth Employment in the Scottish Government to responsible for investigating allegations of fraud and discuss welfare reform; and what correspondence he other serious wrongdoing by DWP staff and contractors has received from the Minister in relation to that (including providers). Increased use of automated tools matter. [121390] to support audit trail analysis has improved the efficient identification and appropriate investigation of cases Mr Hoban: The Secretary of State for Work and involving the Department’s staff (such as misuse of IT Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford facilities), with professionally trained investigators only and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), has not met involved in more serious or criminal cases. This has with the Scottish Minister for Youth Employment to supported the reduction in investigation staff. There has discuss welfare reform. Following a search of our records been no reduction in the capacity to carry out investigations we cannot locate any correspondence received from the of allegations into allegation of fraud on employment Minister in relation to welfare reform. programmes. All allegations of suspected staff or contractor fraud continue to be investigated professionally and thoroughly, and, where appropriate, these are referred Work Programme to the police. DWP has a range of mechanisms to monitor the Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work programme, including contract performance reviews, Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the compliance and assurance monitoring to minimise fraud effect that the reduction in the number of specialist and error, payment validation systems, analysis of welfare-to-work fraud investigation staff in his Department management information and participant feedback.

7MC Ministerial Corrections18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Ministerial Corrections 8MC Ministerial Corrections [Official Report, 14 September 2012, Vol. 550, c. 433W.] Letter of correction from John Thurso: An error has been identified in the written answer Tuesday 18 September 2012 given to the hon. Member for Vale of Clwyd (Chris Ruane) on 14 September 2012. The full answer given was as follows: DEFENCE John Thurso: The information requested is as follows. Military Bases: Kirknewton (a) The following table shows the number of written questions tabled on average per sitting day in each session since 2005-06: Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 18 January 2012, Number of Number of Official Report, column 830W, on military bases, when sitting WPQs the former Secretary of State for Defence discussed Time period days tabled Average the creation of an Army base at Kirknewton with the Session 2005-06 (17 May 208 97,201 467 Scottish Government and the First Minister of 2005 to 8 November Scotland; and whether a written note was taken of the 2006) discussions. [92762] Session 2006-07 (15 146 58,837 403 [Official Report, 20 February 2012, Vol. 540, c. 469W.] November 2006 to 30 October 2007) Letter of correction from Nick Harvey: Session 2007-08 165 75,000 455 An error has been identified in the written answer (6 November 2007 to given to the right hon. and learned Member for North 26 November 2008) East Fife (Sir Menzies Campbell) on 20 February 2012. Session 2008-09 139 57,054 410 (3 December 2008 to The full answer given was as follows: 12 November 2009) Session 2009-10 601 24,093 402 Nick Harvey: The previous Secretary of State for (18 November 2009 to Defence, the right hon. Member for North Somerset 8 April 2010) (Dr Fox), and the First Minister of Scotland (Alex Session 2010-12 (25 May 295 98,256 333 Salmond MSP) held two face to face meetings. These 2010 to 1 May 2012) were on 11 January and 26 May 2011 and took place Session 2012-13 to date 39 13,350 342 when they were both in London and Glasgow respectively. (9 May 2012 to The meetings were not minuted. 7 September 2012) They also had a number of telephone conversations (b) The restriction on the number of e-tabled questions was during the period of the Basing Review, in which they introduced at the rising of the House on 21 October 2011. During discussed a range of issues. the period 24 October 2011 to 7 September 2012, the number of sitting days was 125, the number of written questions tabled was The correct answer should have been: 40,322. The number of written questions tabled on average per sitting day over this period was 323. Nick Harvey: The previous Secretary of State for Defence, the right hon. Member for North Somerset Averages are calculated against sitting days only (Dr Fox), and the First Minister of Scotland (Alex (information is not readily available to disaggregate Salmond MSP) held two face to face meetings. These questions tabled on sitting and non-sitting days over were on 11 January and 26 May 2011 and took place this timeframe). when they were both in London and Glasgow respectively. The correct answer should have been: A junior member of staff who attended the meeting on 11 January 2012 took some notes. John Thurso: The information requested is as follows. The right hon. Gentleman and the First Minister also (a) The following table shows the number of written questions had a number of telephone conversations during the tabled on average per sitting day in each session since 2005-06: period of the Basing Review, in which they discussed a range of issues. Number Number of of sitting WPQs Time period days tabled Average

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION Session 2005-06 (17 May 208 97,201 467 2005 to 8 November 2006) Written Questions Session 2006-07 146 58,837 403 (15 November 2006 to 30 October 2007) Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Session 2007-08 165 75,000 455 Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House (6 November 2007 to of Commons Commission, pursuant to the answer of 26 November 2008) 4 September 2012, Official Report, column 320W, on Session 2008-09 136 57,054 420 written questions, how many written questions were (3 December 2008 to tabled on average per day, including non-sitting days 12 November 2009) (a) in each session since 2005-06 and (b) from the Session 2009-10 69 24,093 349 introduction of the restriction on e-tabling to date. (18 November 2009 to 8 April 2010) [121098] 9MC Ministerial Corrections18 SEPTEMBER 2012 Ministerial Corrections 10MC

(b) The restriction on the number of e-tabled questions was Number Number of introduced at the rising of the House on 21 October 2011. During of sitting WPQs the period 24 October 2011 to 7 September 2012, the number of Time period days tabled Average sitting days was 125, the number of written questions tabled was 40,322. The number of written questions tabled on average per Session 2010-12 (25 May 295 98,256 333 sitting day over this period was 323. 2010 to 1 May 2012) Averages are calculated against sitting days only Session 2012-13 to date 39 13,350 342 (information is not readily available to disaggregate (9 May 2012 to 7 September 2012) questions tabled on sitting and non-sitting days over this timeframe). ORAL ANSWERS

Tuesday 18 September 2012

Col. No. Col. No. JUSTICE...... 763 JUSTICE—continued Bill of Rights Commission...... 773 Prison Officers (Fitness Tests)...... 777 Chancel Repair Liability ...... 772 Prison Population ...... 769 Coroners ...... 775 Prisons (Female Domestic Violence Victims) ...... 774 Court Proceedings (Televising)...... 773 Prisons (Foreign Nationals) ...... 767 Courts (Applied Language Solutions)...... 770 Probation Service (Staffing) ...... 772 Homeowners (Protection) ...... 777 Sentencing Policy ...... 776 Integrated Offender Management Framework...... 763 Topical Questions ...... 777 No Win, No Fee Agreements ...... 764 Victims Commissioner ...... 775 Police and Crime Commissioners (Victims’ Youth Offending Teams ...... 771 Services)...... 765 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Tuesday 18 September 2012

Col. No. Col. No. CABINET OFFICE...... 31WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 41WS Committee on Standards in Public Life Proceeds of Crime...... 41WS (Triennial Review)...... 31WS Police and Crime Commissioner Elections (Guidance)...... 31WS JUSTICE...... 41WS Legal Aid Reform ...... 41WS COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 31WS Departmental Statistics...... 31WS TRANSPORT ...... 43WS Research Commissioned by the Previous High Speed Rail (Phase 1 Consultation) ...... 44WS Administration...... 33WS Local Major Transport Schemes (Next Steps)...... 43WS Penfold Review ...... 45WS CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 35WS Sporting Legacy...... 35WS TREASURY ...... 29WS ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 39WS Banking Act 2009 ...... 29WS Fuel Poverty Update ...... 39WS Cash Ratio Deposit Scheme...... 29WS Financial Policy Committee’s Macro-Prudential FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 40WS Toolkit ...... 29WS Afghanistan (Monthly Progress Report) ...... 40WS Tax Policy Consultation and Draft Legislation ...... 30WS PETITION

Tuesday 18 September 2012

Col. No. Col. No. PRESENTED PETITION...... 7P “Opt-in” filter for internet service providers...... 7P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Tuesday 18 September 2012

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 539W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Crown Prosecution Service: Training ...... 539W Effect of UK Equity Markets On the LIBOR...... 539W Competitiveness of UK Business Review...... 629W Nurseries...... 539W Farepak...... 629W Recruitment ...... 540W Galileo System ...... 629W Growth Accelerator Service ...... 630W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 625W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 630W Adult Education: Liverpool ...... 625W Higher Education: Hartlepool and Hendon...... 631W Apprentices...... 626W Insolvency...... 631W Bankruptcy ...... 626W Lighters: Safety...... 631W Consumers: Protection...... 627W London Metropolitan University...... 632W Cosmetics...... 628W Manchester Declaration...... 632W Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued EDUCATION—continued Manufacturing Advisory Service...... 633W Children: Day Care ...... 589W New Businesses: Young People ...... 633W Children: Human Trafficking...... 590W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 634W Children: Protection...... 590W Overseas Students: EU Nationals ...... 634W Correspondence ...... 591W Overseas Trade...... 635W Dyslexia ...... 591W Parking ...... 639W Education: Standards...... 592W Postal Services...... 639W English Language: GCSE ...... 593W Procurement...... 640W First Aid: Curriculum ...... 593W Regional Growth Fund ...... 640W Food Technology ...... 594W Regional Growth Fund: North East ...... 641W GCSE ...... 594W Regional Growth Fund: Warwickshire...... 642W Health Education...... 595W Research: Finance...... 642W Human Trafficking: Children...... 595W Self-employed ...... 642W Literacy: Teaching Methods...... 597W Shareholders: Voting Behaviour...... 643W National Curriculum Advisory Committee...... 597W Spacecraft ...... 643W Nurseries...... 597W Students: Loans ...... 644W Parents: Education...... 598W Unemployment: Young People...... 645W Physical Education: Curriculum...... 598W Unfair Dismissal ...... 645W Physical Education: Teachers ...... 599W Vocational Training...... 645W Procurement...... 599W Zimbabwe ...... 646W Public Bodies: Staff...... 600W Schools: Sports ...... 600W CABINET OFFICE...... 624W Schools: Uniforms ...... 601W Military Medals Review...... 624W University Technical Colleges ...... 602W Ministers: Security ...... 625W Young People: Business...... 602W Newspaper Licensing Agency ...... 625W Voluntary Work: Young People...... 625W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 545W Consultants...... 545W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 602W Electricity...... 547W Aerials: Planning Permission ...... 602W Electricity: Carbon Emissions...... 548W Affordable Housing: Haringey...... 603W Energy: Prices ...... 548W Arson...... 604W EU Emissions Trading Scheme: Aviation ...... 549W Bellwin Scheme ...... 605W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 549W Broadband: Planning Permission...... 605W Pay...... 549W Children: Protection...... 606W Complementary Medicine...... 606W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Electric Cables ...... 606W AFFAIRS...... 549W Fire Services...... 606W Bees...... 549W Floods: Finance ...... 607W Fish...... 550W Green Belt...... 607W Floods: Insurance ...... 551W Local Government Finance ...... 607W Horse Passports ...... 551W Local Government: Referendums ...... 608W Horses: Databases...... 551W Mortgages: Government Assistance...... 608W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 552W Nurseries...... 609W Plastics: Recycling...... 552W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 609W Pollution Control: EU Law...... 553W Pensioners: Council Tax Benefits ...... 609W Procurement...... 554W Planning Permission ...... 610W Rural Areas: Business ...... 555W Public Houses ...... 610W Rural Communities Policy Unit ...... 555W Travellers: Caravan Sites ...... 611W Sewers ...... 555W White Fish: Conservation ...... 556W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT...... 611W Wind Power ...... 556W Broadband ...... 611W Mobile Phones ...... 614W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 541W Sheffield...... 615W Afghanistan ...... 541W Gambia...... 542W DEFENCE...... 615W Indian Ocean ...... 543W Aircraft Carriers ...... 615W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 543W Armed Forces: Sexual Offences...... 616W South East Asia ...... 543W Miriam Maes ...... 616W Sri Lanka ...... 544W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 616W United Nations ...... 544W Shipbuilding...... 617W Trident ...... 617W HEALTH...... 577W Type 26 Frigates...... 617W Commissioning Outcomes Framework Advisory Visits Abroad ...... 617W Committee ...... 577W Drugs: Rehabilitation...... 577W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 624W Drugs: Waste Disposal...... 578W Alternative Vote...... 624W Emergency Calls: Hoaxes and False Alarms ...... 578W Food: Hygiene...... 578W EDUCATION...... 587W Health Services: Greater London...... 578W Academies Capital Maintenance Fund ...... 587W Hepatitis ...... 579W Adoption: North Yorkshire...... 588W Midwives...... 579W Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH—continued JUSTICE—continued NHS: Complaints ...... 580W Youth Offending Teams ...... 620W NHS: Cost Effectiveness ...... 581W NHS: Drinking Water...... 581W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 540W NHS: Official Hospitality ...... 581W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 540W NHS: Procurement ...... 582W PRIME MINISTER ...... 540W NHS: Training ...... 582W David Laws ...... 540W Nurseries...... 582W Irvine Patnick...... 540W Older People: Rehabilitation ...... 582W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 583W SCOTLAND...... 540W Pregnancy: Sodium Valproate ...... 583W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 540W Scoliosis: Children ...... 584W Pay...... 541W Thalidomide...... 585W Vitamin D: Ethnic Groups...... 585W TRANSPORT ...... 557W Abellio Greater Anglia...... 557W HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 566W Charities ...... 558W Asylum: Yorkshire and the Humber...... 566W Dartford-Thurrock Crossing...... 558W Cybercrime ...... 566W East Anglia Railway Line...... 560W Deportation ...... 566W East Coast Railway Line ...... 560W Draft Communications Data Bill ...... 567W Equality Act 2010 ...... 560W Entry Clearances: Overseas Students ...... 568W First Capital Connect...... 561W G4S...... 568W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 562W Human Trafficking: Children...... 568W Infrastructure...... 562W Immigration: Children ...... 570W Oxford-Bicester Railway Line ...... 562W Immigration Controls ...... 569W Pay...... 563W Immigration Controls: Olympic Games 2012...... 569W Railways: Essex ...... 563W Immigration: Offenders...... 571W Railways: Greater London ...... 564W Israel...... 571W Southeastern ...... 564W Licensing...... 571W Stagecoach Group and Go Ahead Group ...... 564W London Metropolitan University...... 572W West Coast Railway Line ...... 565W Nurseries...... 572W Olympic Games 2012: Security ...... 573W TREASURY ...... 620W Olympic Games 2012: Touting...... 573W Air Passenger Duty ...... 620W Police: Greater London...... 573W Minimum Wage ...... 621W Police: Powers ...... 574W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 622W Police: Surveillance ...... 574W Public Expenditure...... 622W Private Investigators...... 575W Railways: Fares ...... 622W Procurement...... 575W Taxation...... 622W Russia ...... 575W Taxation: Rates and Rating...... 623W Surveillance...... 575W Third Sector...... 623W Tim Larkin ...... 576W VAT ...... 623W UK Border Force...... 576W WALES...... 541W Vetting ...... 576W Buildings: Cardiff...... 541W Nurseries...... 541W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 586W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 541W Palace of Westminster: Repairs and Maintenance.. 586W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 646W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 611W Atos Healthcare ...... 646W Overseas Aid...... 611W Children: Maintenance ...... 647W Employment Schemes: Merseyside...... 648W JUSTICE...... 617W Housing Benefit ...... 648W Burglary...... 617W Jobseeker’s Allowance: North West...... 648W Civil Disorder: Greater London...... 618W Minimum Wage: Young People...... 649W Community Orders: Vale of Clwyd...... 618W Post Office Card Account ...... 649W Domestic Violence ...... 619W Social Security Benefits...... 650W Peterborough Prison ...... 619W Universal Credit...... 650W Sentencing...... 619W Welfare State: Scotland ...... 650W Theft: Metals ...... 620W Work Programme...... 651W MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS

Tuesday 18 September 2012

Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE...... 7MC HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 7MC Military Bases: Kirknewton...... 7MC Written Questions ...... 7MC Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Tuesday 25 September 2012

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Members may obtain excerpts of their Speeches from the Official Report (within one month from the date of publication), on application to the Stationery Office, c/o the Editor of the Official Report, House of Commons, from whom the terms and conditions of reprinting may be ascertained. Application forms are available at the Vote Office.

PRICES AND SUBSCRIPTION RATES DAILY PARTS Single copies: Commons, £5; Lords, £3·50. Annual subscriptions: Commons, £865; Lords, £525. LORDS VOLUME INDEX obtainable on standing order only. Details available on request. BOUND VOLUMES OF DEBATES are issued periodically during the session. Single copies: Commons, £105; Lords, £60. Standing orders will be accepted. THE INDEX to each Bound Volumeof House of Commons Debates is published separately at £9·00 and can be supplied to standing order. All prices are inclusive of postage Volume 550 Tuesday No. 46 18 September 2012

CONTENTS

Tuesday 18 September 2012

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 763] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Justice

Afghanistan (NATO Strategy) [Col. 785] Answer to urgent question—(Mr Philip Hammond)

Regulation of Signage and Ticketing Technology (Publicly-available Car Parks) [Col. 797] Motion for leave to bring in Bill—(Nick Smith)—agreed to

Conference Adjournment [Col. 800] Motion—(Jane Ellison)—agreed to

Petition [Col. 888]

Community Funding (Infrastructure Projects) [Col. 890] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall EU-UK Relationship (Reform) [Col. 237WH] Energy Resources (Lancashire) [Col. 262WH] Teachers Pay [Col. 270WH] GCSE English (Marking) [Col. 290WH] Rail Services (Paddington to Herefordshire) [Col. 298WH] Debates on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 29WS]

Petition [Col. 7P] Presented Petition

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 539W] [see index inside back page]

Ministerial Corrections [Col. 7MC]