Tuesday Volume 563 14 May 2013 No. 5

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 14 May 2013

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2013 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 477 14 MAY 2013 478

and in the Budget we announced the Help to Buy House of Commons scheme, a major new package to increase the supply of low-deposit mortgages for creditworthy households, which Tuesday 14 May 2013 I hope the hon. Lady will welcome.

Ann McKechin: In evidence to the Treasury Select The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock Committee, the distinguished commentator, Martin Wolf, described the Government’s mortgage indemnity guarantee PRAYERS as “good politics and horrendous economics.” Why are the Government pursuing a policy that is likely [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] to increase the price of already over-inflated property, Mr Speaker: Order. I draw Members’ attention to the rather than financing affordable social housing that is fact that the book for entering the private Member’s Bill needed by hundreds of thousands of people across the ballot is now open for Members to sign in the No country? Lobby. It will be open until the House rises today and when the House is sitting on Wednesday 15 May. The Danny Alexander: The hon. Lady comments on ballot will be drawn on Thursday 16 May, and a note affordable social housing, but I note that during Labour’s setting out those arrangements, and the dates when 13 years in office the amount of social housing fell by ten-minute rule motions can be made and presentation 421,000. This Government’s policies will increase the Bills introduced, are published in the Order Paper. amount of social housing by 200,000—a record on which she should compliment us. On the mortgage indemnity guarantee, offering support to many households BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS who cannot afford the large deposits now required is a thoroughly good thing, and by involving the Financial SESSIONAL RETURNS Policy Committee of the Bank of England in a review Ordered, after three years, we also have a guarantee of financial That there be laid before this House Returns for Session stability. 2012-13 of information and statistics relating to: (1) Business of the House. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): The (2) Closure of Debate, Proposal of Question and Allocation of Government’s fiscal and other policies have cut the Time (including Programme Motions); deficit by one third, helping to keep interest rates low. (3) Sittings of the House; What would happen to the housing market and domestic (4) Private Bills and Private Business; mortgage costs were interest rates to rise, even by just 1%? (5) Public Bills; (6) Delegated Legislation and Regulatory Reform Orders; Danny Alexander: My hon. Friend makes an important (7) European Legislation, etc; point, and he will know that if mortgage rates increase (8) Grand Committees; by 1% it would add more than £10 billion a year to the (9) Panel of Chairs; and costs for British households—not a consequence any of (10) Select Committees.—(The Chairman of Ways and Means). us on the Government Benches would welcome.

Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/Co- Oral Answers to Questions op): When the priority should be helping first-time buyers, will the Chief Secretary finally rule out the Help to Buy scheme being used to buy second homes—yes or no? TREASURY Danny Alexander: Actually, I have been very clear on The Chancellor of the Exchequer was asked— this question throughout. It is not the intention of the Help to Buy scheme to aid people in buying second Housing Market homes. The part of the scheme already up and running—the shared equity scheme—is available only for someone’s Q1. Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): what primary residence, and we will set out details of the fiscal steps he plans to take to stabilise the housing mortgage indemnity guarantee as we go forward. The market. [153848] intention is not to help people buy their second homes.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): Cathy Jamieson: Is it not staggering that two months My right hon. Friend the Chancellor is in Brussels after the Budget the Chief Secretary is still unable to today at ECOFIN, exercising the considerable influence rule out people buying a second home for themselves that Britain enjoys as a full member of the European under this scheme? Let me try another question. With Union. The Government are committed to the vital house building at its lowest since the 1920s and the reforms needed to address long-term structural issues in housing benefit bill rising, why did the Government not the housing market. They have already committed to use funds from the 4G auction to build 100,000 more investing £11 billion during the spending review period, affordable homes? 479 Oral Answers14 MAY 2013 Oral Answers 480

Danny Alexander: The hon. Lady will know that Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Fiscal policy is not housing completions are 19% above the trough of 2010, the only thing providing a difficulty for young people. numbers of housing starts are 58% above the trough of Welfare policies mean that they have to stay at home 2009, and she should welcome that improvement. In the and cannot move to places where there might be jobs. Budget, we announced a £5 billion package to help the The policy on youth services, which are being dramatically construction sector through the Help to Buy shared cut throughout the country, means that young people equity scheme, which will support the construction of are not getting the skills that might make it possible for 76,000 properties, as well as a massive expansion of the them to get into work. Is not the truth of the matter Build to Rent programme. It is staggering that the hon. that the only people in this country who are doing Lady cannot bring herself to welcome those measures. anything to get young people into jobs are those in the Labour-run Welsh Assembly? Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): Will the Minister welcome today’s figures showing that the Danny Alexander: I cannot agree with anything the number of first-time buyers increased by 20% this month? hon. Gentleman says. The truth is that this Government Will he also welcome the fact that the Department for are creating more opportunities for young people to Communities and Local Government has shown that take steps towards work than any previous Government. 37,000 new homes for social rent were built last year, Let me give an example from the Department of my which is a record since 1997? right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. One million apprenticeship starts—a Danny Alexander: I welcome those figures. They suggest 50% increase on the previous Government—are creating that the policies being pursued by this Government are valuable opportunities for young people to gain experience having the desired effect. in the workplace and employment afterwards. The hon. Youth Unemployment Gentleman should welcome and support those efforts, not condemn them. Q2. Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): What assessment he has made of the effect of current Stephen Williams (Bristol West) (LD): The Archbishop fiscal policy on the level of youth unemployment. of Toledo might well have been concerned about high [153849] rates of youth unemployment in Spain, which are much higher than they have ever been in this country, but does The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): my right hon. Friend agree that, despite the fact that the The UK labour market is showing signs of recovery. problem, as he has just said, has been intractable for More people are in work than under any previous more than decade, the Deputy Prime Minister’s Youth Government. Contract gives an opportunity for young people to have work experience in the private sector, from which most Andrew Gwynne: The Chief Secretary says the economy of the growth and job opportunities of the future are is healing but he should take more seriously the fact likely to come? that youth unemployment is growing again, with nearly 1 million young people unemployed for the last year. Danny Alexander: I wholeheartedly agree with my Will he explain why, in the past year, youth unemployment hon. Friend. The Youth Contract, which was launched has grown by a staggering 355% since the Work programme in April, supports 500,000 young people into employment was introduced? Is that not disgraceful? Should not the through a range of measures, including an in-work Government prioritise a compulsory jobs guarantee subsidy and access to work experience. Alongside the 1 paid for from a bank bonus tax? million apprenticeships that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills is Danny Alexander: In this matter, a wee bit of humility starting during this Parliament, the Youth Contract from the Labour party would not go amiss, on the basis offers a range of new opportunities for young people, that youth unemployment has been a persistent problem which are necessary in getting more young people into in this country for many years—youth unemployment work, which the House agrees is vital for the country. has been rising since 2003 or 2004. I note that, in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency between December 2010 Income Tax and December 2012, youth unemployment fell by 11.8%. Through measures such as the Youth Contract and the Work programme, we are deploying considerable support Q3. Mr Michael McCann (East Kilbride, Strathaven for the task that he and I agree on, which is getting more and Lesmahagow) (Lab): What estimate he has made of young people into work. the value of the reduction in the additional rate of income tax to 45% to a person earning £1 million a Sir Peter Tapsell (Louth and Horncastle) (Con): Did year. [153850] the Chief Secretary to the Treasury note that, while Finance Ministers seemed remarkably cheerful in Aylesbury The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David last weekend, the Archbishop of Toledo was warning Gauke): The cost of reducing the additional rate of that their fiscal policies were threatening to cause social income tax to 45% is estimated at around £100 million breakdown and the overthrow of democracy in Spain per year. That is set out in table 2.2 of Budget 2013. We and much of southern Europe? have not broken down the impacts of income ranges because a significant behavioural response is associated Danny Alexander: I am afraid that I had not noted with the additional rate of income tax. The behavioural the comments of the Archbishop of Toledo, but I did response is estimated in aggregate and reflected in the notice the successful G7 Finance Ministers meeting. costing. 481 Oral Answers14 MAY 2013 Oral Answers 482

Mr McCann: I am grateful for the Minister’s answer, Construction but I can give him the answer to the question I asked: millionaires will get a cut of £42,000 under this Government’s policies. Does he think it right that those Q4. Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab): What in receipt of tax credits are making a bigger financial discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for contribution to the country’s coffers than millionaires? Communities and Local Government on levels of construction output. [153851] Mr Gauke: Of course that is not true. As the Institute for Fiscal Studies has shown, the biggest contribution Q11. Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): to reducing the deficit is coming from the wealthiest What discussions he has had with the Secretary of 10%. The hon. Gentleman might also wish to ask State for Communities and Local Government on himself why, when his party was in office, it had a top fiscal incentives for the construction of affordable rate of income tax of 40% for all but 36 days out of housing. [153858] 4,758. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): The The Government are committed to supporting new Minister will be aware that in 1978-79 the top 1% of housing supply while maximising value for money. The taxpayers paid only 11% of total income tax. That is Government committed £4.5 billion to support 170,000 now nearer 30%, which shows that the Laffer curve affordable homes over the spending review period, and works and we are better off with lower rates. May I we have added a further 30,000 to that figure through therefore encourage the Government to cut rates further? the guarantee programme that was announced last year and extended in the Budget a few weeks ago. Mr Gauke: I note my hon. Friend’s representation. It is worth pointing out that in 2010-11, the year in which Graham Jones: In my constituency, that would ring the Government came into office, the top 1% paid 25% hollow. I note that all three insolvency industry associations of income tax receipts: this year it is forecast that the stated this week that nearly one third of construction top 1% will pay almost 30% of income tax receipts. companies in the north-west of England were at risk of financial collapse, which is a higher rate than in the non-construction sector of the north-west’s economy. Is Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) not that an indictment of the Government’s record in (Lab): The Government should listen to people such as the north and their failure to get growth going in the the deputy chair of Harlow Conservatives, who has regions? said: “The voters are disillusioned with Cameron…They don’t like Danny Alexander: The hon. Gentleman should recognise the fact that he didn’t keep the 50p tax. That has really grated and that—while the previous Government presided over a people feel here that he is not working for them, he is working for his friends.” decline of more than 400,000 in the number of affordable properties—the Government’s action to increase the No wonder the Conservatives in Harlow lost so many numbers by 200,000 is a welcome support to the seats to Labour last month. Will the Minister explain construction sector, as is the Help to Buy scheme that again, for the people of Harlow and elsewhere, just why we announced in the Budget, which will produce a the Government have prioritised a tax cut for those at significant additional demand for properties to help the the top while ordinary taxpayers are struggling? companies to which he refers.

Mr Gauke: This is the Government who have raised Dr Whitehead: Does the Minister not recognise that the personal allowance that has taken millions of people the Help to Buy scheme will not produce a single new out of income tax and resulted in tax cuts for some affordable home? It will simply enable people to buy 26 million people. A tax rate that does not bring in other people’s homes. In my constituency, it costs eight revenue is a flawed tax rate, which I assume is why, times the average annual income to purchase a house in despite everything we hear from the Opposition, they the city, so does the Minister not accept that action to will not commit to returning to a 50p rate of income improve affordable house building should have been tax. They know that it does not raise revenue. taken in the Budget?

25. [153872]Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): Can Danny Alexander: The Help to Buy shared equity the Minister confirm whether, all things considered, the scheme is available for the purchase of new build properties richest people in this country are paying a greater or only. It is a multi-billion pound scheme that will help to lesser proportion of their wealth in tax than they were fund an extra 75,000 or so construction sites in the next under the previous Government? couple of years—a welcome boost to the construction sector. In the Budget, we announced funding to extend Mr Gauke: They are paying a greater proportion of the guarantee scheme for housing associations to build their income. If we look at what the Government have new affordable properties, doubling its extent to ensure done across the board, including stamp duty, capital that 30,000 affordable homes are built over and above gains tax and the cap on reliefs, we see we are ensuring the 170,000 already announced. The hon. Gentleman is that the wealthy are paying more. The reality is that a close observer of these matters, and it will not have there are better ways to ensure that than the 50p rate of escaped his attention that the net number of affordable income tax, which was uncompetitive and failed to raise homes during Labour’s time in office fell by 421,000. revenue. That is not a record for him to be proud of. 483 Oral Answers14 MAY 2013 Oral Answers 484

Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): Does The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Sajid Javid): the Minister accept that a tax on transactions reduces Those buying services on behalf of taxpayers should be the number of transactions? Does he therefore agree continuously looking for ways to maximise value for that the current level of stamp duty is reducing the communities. As part of the sustainable procurement number of housing transactions, and, as a result is agenda, the Department and its agency already consider disadvantaging the construction sector? social factors when evaluating relevant tenders. The Cabinet Office guidance on the Public Services (Social Danny Alexander: I have to say that I do not really Value) Act has been shared with all procurement staff accept that. The evidence of previous attempts to support in the Department and its agencies. housing transactions through stamp duty cuts is not all that positive. The Government have sought to make the Hazel Blears: I thank the Minister for that reply, but stamp duty system more progressive, asking those with as economic growth and job creation are proving somewhat the largest properties to pay more. Indeed, I hope my elusive for the Government, will he now take practical hon. Friend welcomes the introduction, from the beginning steps to include in major infrastructure contracts—such of April, of a new annual charge for homes owned by as High Speed 2, defence procurement and house building offshore companies—a mansion tax for tax dodgers, as programmes—social value clauses that promote local it were. labour, apprenticeships, local supply chains and small and medium-sized enterprises? That is a practical measure Sir Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): New housing requires that he could put into action now. land for building, so it is good news that the Government are making significant sites available for new housing, Sajid Javid: First, I hope the right hon. Lady will join such as the surplus Ministry of Defence land in Bicester. me in commending the work done by my hon. Friend We intend to take advantage of that by building a new the Member for Warwick and Leamington (Chris White) garden city in Bicester, because people need decent to ensure that the 2012 Act reached the statute book. I homes for the 21st century. also commend her for her work to promote and help its Danny Alexander: I wholeheartedly agree with my passage. However, I do not recognise her comment that hon. Friend. I particularly welcome his comments on jobs and growth have been elusive. We have seen 1.25 million the potential for garden cities to add substantially to the jobs created in the past three years: one of the fastest housing supply, a matter on which the Government will rates of private job creation ever. Returning to her main make further statements in the next few months. point, it is important that social impact is taken into account in public procurement. The Treasury takes that Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): The very seriously, and we expect other Departments to do Government have presided over a massive collapse of so too. our construction sector. How can they maintain the pretence that they support the economy when just seven Jesse Norman (Hereford and South Herefordshire) projects out of the 576 that were set out in their (Con): Will my hon. Friend join me in congratulating infrastructure plan are completed or operational? The Hereford Futures on its new construction project in director general of the CBI says: Hereford, which precisely targets drawing in local labour “I have a queue of businesses at my door telling me the and local firms for the reasons of social value that the Government’s Infrastructure Plan needs speeding up.” right hon. Member for Salford and Eccles (Hazel Blears) Will the Chief Secretary confirm that, so far, they have mentioned? managed to deliver only two projects—less than one quarter of 1% of the underwriting guarantees authorised Sajid Javid: Yes, I join my hon. Friend in commending by his emergency legislation last summer? Hereford Futures. It is just the kind of procurement we want in promoting social impact. Danny Alexander: The hon. Gentleman is stretching somewhat beyond the area of housing, Mr Speaker, but Economy: North-East with your permission I would like to address his question. Some £10 billion worth of infrastructure projects Q6. Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): What prequalified for the guarantee scheme, bringing forward recent assessment he has made of the performance of substantial investment in infrastructure. We are investing the economy in the north-east; and if he will make a more in transport infrastructure in this Parliament than statement. [153853] his Government managed during the economic good times. We are investing more in the railways than has The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Greg Clark): been done since Victorian times. He should compliment Last year, the north-east was Britain’s biggest destination the Government on our approach to infrastructure, for inward investment, after London and Greater because, whether in transport or communications and Manchester, it doubled its trade surplus in goods to the broadband, more is happening than his Government highest in England and saw unemployment fall faster ever managed. than in any other region of the country. The north-east Procurement independent economic review, published last month, shows the region’s further huge potential, which the Q5. Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): What Government are determined to support. steps he is taking to implement the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 in his Department in relation Helen Goodman: In fact, after the £2.8 billion of cuts to its procurement procedures; and what guidance his that the Government have imposed, unemployment in Department has given to its agencies on this matter. the north-east is 10%, which is the highest in the whole [153852] country. I am pleased that the Minister mentioned the 485 Oral Answers14 MAY 2013 Oral Answers 486 independent review, which recommended a doubling of The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): apprenticeships, significant investment in transport More than 1.25 million private sector jobs have been infrastructure and the locating of major public institutions, created since the first quarter of 2010. At the Budget, such as the business bank, in the north-east. Have the we took additional steps to support job creation—for Government put forward any resource to make any of example, by further reducing the rate of corporation those things happen? tax to 20%, through a new employment allowance for national insurance to encourage every business to create Greg Clark: First, I congratulate the hon. Lady’s jobs in this country and by extending the seed enterprise team of Spennymoor on, I am afraid, beating my team investment scheme to encourage start-up investment in of Tunbridge Wells in the final of the FA Vase at the UK. Wembley 10 days ago. If she was there—I am sure she was—she will have seen that Spennymoor’s approach Stephen Metcalfe: Will my right hon. Friend consider was characterised by very positive play, and she would taking further measures? For example, the provision of do well to pay tribute to the efforts made in the north-east cheap, easy-to-access finance remains an issue for many in much the same way. Exports are growing, employment small and medium-sized enterprises. With more than is growing and the number of apprenticeships has doubled 3 million SMEs in our country, will the Government since we came into office. I will visit Newcastle in two consider creating their own easy-to-access, less risk-averse weeks to discuss the implementation of the economic provision, which I think would seriously stimulate both review, which I hope she will support. growth and job creation? Danny Alexander: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): Will the who raises an important issue. We are all aware of the Minister go a little further north when he goes to continuing difficulties of small firms in getting access to Newcastle and have a look at Northumberland, where the finance they need. The business bank, which is we are proud of our record on exporting manufacturing being taken forward by the Secretary of State for Business, businesses? Will he also continue the good work of Innovation and Skills, is acting to address gaps in the Treasury Ministers in encouraging the Department for financial offering for small firms. The funding for lending Transport to consider a properly dualled A1 to link us scheme is substantially expanding lending to small to the markets and places where we can do business in businesses, which is one of its objectives. The business this country and abroad? finance partnership is investing £87 million through non-bank channels, such as peer-to-peer platforms, that Greg Clark: I shall certainly do that. One of the can reach SMEs in a different way. bright spots in the north-east is its exporting of manufacturing goods, particularly in areas of high Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): Does technology. Exports in specialised manufacturing were the Chief Secretary agree that an EU-US free trade up 24% in the last year and power-generating machinery agreement would help private sector job creation and was up 20%. I shall certainly visit some of the businesses that the noise about EU exit is undermining such an in the north-east, including in Northumberland, to agreement? We would get no benefit from such an encourage them to do more. agreement if we were out of the EU, so why don’t they shut up? Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): Despite what the Minister says, the north-east’s unemployment is the Danny Alexander: I agree, as do the entire Government, highest in the country and continues to rise, with youth that an EU-US free trade area would be of substantial unemployment having reached dangerously high levels benefit to the United Kingdom and to the whole of the in constituencies such as mine. When will he introduce EU. I welcome the fact that the Prime Minister is in those recommendations in the economic review targeted Washington this week precisely to advance that agenda. at helping young people in the north-east? Mr Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con): The Government is to be congratulated on creating over 1.25 million Greg Clark: I welcome the hon. Lady’s support for private sector jobs, but youth unemployment is, as we the economic review and its proposals. She will know have heard, still a sticky problem. Will the Minister join that under the city deal that we negotiated with Newcastle, me in encouraging businesses to take advantage of the which is already being implemented, sites are being £2,000 tax break provided by the national insurance prepared for new businesses to move in, creating valuable contributions Bill to try to hire one, two, three or even jobs. I hope that she will maintain that support for the four young people? proposals as we implement them. Danny Alexander: First, I congratulate my hon. Friend Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con) rose— on the work he is doing on the million jobs campaign to support young people in getting back to work. I echo Mr Speaker: No, Gloucester is a long way from the his words on the employment allowance, which ensures north-east of England. that one person on an average wage and three on the minimum wage can be employed national insurance-free. Private Sector Job Creation That should be a substantial incentive, especially for small businesses, to take on more staff.

Q7. Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): On skills training Thurrock) (Con): What fiscal steps he is taking to and apprenticeships for young people, there is a two- support private sector job creation. [153854] pronged approach: employment opportunities through 487 Oral Answers14 MAY 2013 Oral Answers 488 apprenticeships and skills training. What is the Chief Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Is the Minister Secretary doing to ensure that companies can provide familiar with the universal jobmatch website created by skills training in conjunction with colleges? one of his colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions? If he has looked at the nature of the jobs Danny Alexander: I hope that the hon. Gentleman being advertised there, he will have seen that in my area, will have a look at the employee ownership pilot on 57 out of 76 advertised shop vacancies were for one apprenticeships, the purpose of which is to put much company, operating all over the east of Scotland, which more of the funding, and more of the control over the wanted people to work on a self-employed basis, distributing way in which apprenticeships are designed and supported catalogues and selling things from them— through colleges, in the hands of employers to make sure that the skills training that the young people get is Mr Speaker: Order. I do apologise to the hon. Lady, suited precisely to the needs of the employers concerned. but we must press on. There is a lot to get through. We need short questions and brief answers. Mr Alan Reid (Argyll and Bute) (LD): Small businesses in remote areas such as Argyll and Bute have been Sajid Javid: In the last decade of the previous greatly helped by the Government’s decision to freeze Government, youth unemployment rocketed by more fuel duty and to introduce the island fuel duty discount. than 70%, so the hon. Lady is in no position to lecture This means that businesses on the islands of Argyll and this Government on jobs. In three years, 1.25 million Bute benefit from fuel duty being 18p a litre less than it private sector jobs have been created, more people are would be under Labour’s plans. I very much welcome now employed in the private sector than at any other the Government’s policy, and will the Chief Secretary time in our history and we had a faster rate of job make the case to Europe to extend the island discount growth last year than the rest of the G7. to remote parts of the mainland, such as the Kintyre peninsula? George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): I congratulate Danny Alexander: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. the Government on having created six private sector Every small business in the country is benefiting from jobs for every public sector job loss. Has the Minister the fact that fuel taxation is 13p a litre less under this seen the latest news from the CBI, which this week Government that it would be under Labour’s plans. It is shows trend growth for this year running at 1.8%, and the coalition Government who are on the side of those has he seen this quote from the CBI’s director of economics: firms. I will make the case to the European Commission “We continue to expect UK economic growth to strengthen to extend the discount to the most remote areas. We are and become more broad-based over this year and next”? working to build a case on that and I would welcome his support, and that of his local authority, in doing so. Sajid Javid: I have seen the report to which my hon. Friend refers. I have also seen similar reports—for Economic Recovery example, from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research—which also show encouraging signs. Q8. Karl McCartney (Lincoln) (Con): what steps he Together, all those reports show that this Government’s is taking to secure economic recovery. [153855] policies are working.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Sajid Javid): Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): In The Government’s strategy of deficit reduction, monetary reply to a question I tabled, which eventually ended up activism and supply-side reform is designed to protect with the Cabinet Office, I was informed that between the economy and to lay the foundations for stronger, June 2010 and September 2012, 741,000 private sector more balanced growth. There are encouraging signs jobs were created. Can the Minister explain the discrepancy that the economy is healing. The deficit is down by a between that figure and the fanciful figures of 1 million, third, GDP is growing and the private sector is creating and now 1.25 million, private sector jobs that he and his jobs at a near-record rate. colleagues use?

Karl McCartney: I commend the Government’s efforts Sajid Javid: The numbers I tend to look at are those to reduce the budget deficit. The Opposition are yet provided by the Office for National Statistics. Those again advocating more spending to achieve economic numbers show not that 1.25 million jobs were created in salvation, but such expenditure in the past has left us the private sector since the end of the first quarter of with a current national debt of close to £1.2 trillion. 2010, but that 1.31 million jobs were created. If we Does my hon. Friend agree that the British public, and allowed for transfers from the further education sector, certainly my constituents in Lincoln, will not trust the which we do not, the figure would be 1.5 million jobs. Labour party with the nation’s finances as long as it continues to hold on to such reckless ideas and to a Corporate Tax Evasion shadow chancellor who continues to peddle them?

Sajid Javid: I could not have put it better myself; I Q9. Andrew Stunell (Hazel Grove) (LD): What plans agree 100 per cent. with my hon. Friend. The economy the Government have to use the UK’s presidency of the is healing after suffering the deepest post-war recession G8 to tackle corporate tax evasion. [153856] this country has seen, which destroyed the hopes of many working families up and down the country. The Q10. Stephen Gilbert (St Austell and Newquay) (LD): deficit is down by a third, which has brought confidence What plans the Government have to use the UK’s and helped create jobs at a record rate: 1.25 million presidency of the G8 to tackle corporate tax evasion. created in three years. [153857] 489 Oral Answers14 MAY 2013 Oral Answers 490

The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David provided resources in that area. Yes, we can find efficiency Gauke): Tax evasion and tax avoidance undermine public savings in HMRC—just as the previous Government revenues and the public’s confidence in the fairness and did, to be fair—but we are putting more into those effectiveness of our tax system. The UK is pursuing parts of HMRC that get the money in. We are making action on both fronts through the presidency of the G8. dramatic progress, with HMRC’s yield hitting record We are promoting the development of new global standards levels. on automatic information exchange and increased transparency of company ownership in order to better Banking Industry: Code of Conduct tackle tax evasion. We are seeking strong endorsement through the G8 of the importance of the work of Q12. Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): the G20 and the OECD on tackling avoidance by If he will introduce a statutory code of conduct for the multinationals. banking industry. [153859]

Andrew Stunell: I thank the Minister for his reply. The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Greg Clark): Does he think that it is now time to take a second look The Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards at the USA’s experience and its Foreign Account Tax was established to consider and report on professional Compliance Act to tackle the question of international standards and culture in the UK banking sector. The tax avoidance? Government look forward to considering the commission’s report and we will make decisions on the need for Mr Gauke: My right hon. Friend makes an important further action in the light of its recommendations, point; indeed, we are doing that. We have signed an including on whether there should be a code of conduct. agreement with the US to implement FATCA as the new standard in tax transparency, and we are promoting Katy Clark: A recent survey by Which? showed that that type of information around the world. We have 87% of the public wanted an independent code of reached agreements with the overseas territories and the conduct for bankers. Does the Minister agree that such Crown dependencies, while France, Germany, Italy, Spain a code would restore trust? Does he also believe that he and the UK have all agreed to exchange information should look again at the amendments on banking reform based on the FATCA standard. That is very much the tabled by Labour proposing a licensing system that approach that we are taking in the G7, G8 and G20, would enable bankers who broke the rules to be struck and we have made remarkable progress so far. off?

Stephen Gilbert: Does the Minister recognise that, as Greg Clark: As the hon. Lady knows—her colleague well as capacity building in their domestic authorities, the right hon. Member for Wolverhampton South East developing countries need better access to international (Mr McFadden) might also like to comment on this—the tax information? Can that be part of the negotiations commission has been hard at work considering various with the G8? representations, including those from Which? and the British Bankers Association, on whether there should Mr Gauke: My hon. Friend makes an important be a code of conduct. I am sure that the House would point. It is important that we have better information expect us to wait for the commission’s recommendations that we can provide to developing countries. Whether and then to respond to them. we do that by exchanging information along the FATCA lines or by encouraging better global reporting to tax Mr Pat McFadden (Wolverhampton South East) (Lab): authorities by multinational companies, that information Does the Minister agree that it was politically unwise will prove very helpful for both developed and developing for the Treasury to brief that it hoped the Parliamentary countries. Commission on Banking Standards would endorse its politically motivated attacks on the previous Chancellor’s John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): The Minister bail-out of the Royal Bank of Scotland? Does he further will be aware that some employers are increasingly agree that the uppermost criterion for the reprivatisation using payroll companies and umbrella companies to of RBS must be the interests of the taxpayers who avoid paying tax and national insurance. What can the bailed it out, rather than any political or electoral Government do to address that tendency? timetable?

Mr Gauke: We are taking measures to address this: Greg Clark: It goes without saying that the interests the hon. Gentleman will be aware of the action that we of the taxpayer must be paramount, and I am not aware took in the last Budget to close the loophole relating to of any of the briefing that the right hon. Gentleman offshore companies. We of course want a tax system refers to. that ensures that the tax is consistent with the economic reality, and that is what we intend to have. Arck LLP

Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): Q13. Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East) Do the Government believe that cutting £2 billion from (Lab): What assessment he has made of the obligations HMRC’s budget will help or hinder its ability properly owed by Yorkshire bank to investors in Arck LLP. to address tax evasion and tax avoidance in this country? [153860]

Mr Gauke: This is the Government who have found The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Greg Clark): £1 billion to support HMRC in dealing with tax evasion A Serious Fraud Office investigation into Arck is under and tax avoidance. This is the Government who have way, and the Government cannot comment specifically 491 Oral Answers14 MAY 2013 Oral Answers 492 on any ongoing investigations. However, lawyers acting to borrow for capital projects, providing they can afford on behalf of Arck investors have themselves announced the borrowing costs. Local authorities can choose the that the Financial Ombudsman Service is investigating source of these funds and they are free to use municipal complaints about Yorkshire bank’s role as custodian to bonds where they wish to do so. Arck LLP. If the FOS were to determine that there had been any regulatory breach or failure by Yorkshire Mr Allen: I thank the Minister for his warm welcome bank, and that that had led to investor detriment, it for my second report about the financing of early would be able to set an appropriate level of restitution. intervention, entitled “Early Intervention: Smart Investment, Massive Savings”. One of the report’s recommendations Paul Goggins: I am grateful to the Minister for that was to free up local authorities to issue early intervention reply. A constituent of mine is one of the 750 investors social impact bonds in order to fund early intervention who placed about £60 million of their pension funds in the localities. Will he meet me to discuss how we can and savings into a ring-fenced, segregated account at take this forward? Yorkshire bank. When Arck LLP went into liquidation, it was discovered that there was just £25 left. The Greg Clark: I certainly will meet the hon. Gentleman, Minister must agree that Yorkshire bank has some who has been a pioneer in these matters. I have been serious questions to answer. Will he raise this case with very taken with his report’s recommendations. He points the Financial Conduct Authority and do everything he to some initiatives taking place in the US to have social can to ensure that those investors are properly compensated? impact bonds, and the authorities in London are keen on this, too. I am sure that he will want to continue his Greg Clark: I will certainly do that, but I happen to campaign; he will find a receptive counterpart in me. know that the Financial Conduct Authority is already well aware of the case, and it is obviously taking a close Average Earnings interest in the continuing police investigation. Q16. Ian Austin (Dudley North) (Lab): What recent Government Expenditure assessment he has made of the extent to which the rate of increase of average earnings has kept up with the Q14. Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): rate of consumer price inflation. [153863] What steps he is taking to further reduce Government expenditure. [153861] The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Sajid Javid): The best way to deal with today’s cost-of-living challenges The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): is to have paid employment. In the UK, the number of In the Budget this year, we set out the envelope for the people employed has risen by 2.1% compared to a year spending round that will set budgets for 2015-16, looking ago—a faster rate of growth than those of our major to deliver a total of £11.5 billion of savings from competitors, including the US, France, Germany, Japan departmental current expenditure, and that process is and the euro area as a whole. ongoing. Ian Austin: Instead of being complacent, the Minister Mr Baron: The Government have done well to reduce should look at what the Office for Budget Responsibility the deficit by a third, but they know that much more says, which is that real wages will be lower in 2015 than needs to be done. Are they going to re-examine their when this Government came to power. A survey in spending priorities to ensure that Departments such as Dudley shows that nine out of 10 families do not think the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry they will be better off next year than this year, that eight of Defence do not suffer disproportionately in comparison out of 10 spent less at Christmas, and that a similar with other Departments that deal with international aid number have stopped saving. Can the Minister tell me and welfare? why his Government are cutting taxes for millionaires instead of helping hard-pressed families in places such Danny Alexander: The Government have rightly put as Dudley? in place protections for the budget for the national health service and for schools. We have also made a Sajid Javid: I think that the hon. Gentleman joined strong commitment to reaching the 0.7% objective on the House in 2005, and he is probably scarred by his international aid, which I think most Members would experience during his first term in government, when he agree is absolutely the right thing to do. Of course we saw unemployment in his constituency rise substantially, will consider submissions from all Departments throughout with youth unemployment going up by more than 100%. the spending round process, but in the end, every He will know that paid work is the best way to raise Department will have to bear its fair share of the earnings. As I said earlier, this Government have helped reductions. to create 1.25 million jobs over the last three years—more jobs in the private sector than at any other time in our Municipal Bond Market history. He referred to tax cuts; the tax cuts that have come through the personal allowance are for the lowest Q15. Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North) (Lab): paid. What steps his Department has taken to promote the growth of a municipal bond market in the UK. Topical Questions [153862] T1. [153873] Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Green) The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Greg Clark): (Con): If he will make a statement on his departmental Under the prudential system, local authorities are able responsibilities. 493 Oral Answers14 MAY 2013 Oral Answers 494

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Danny Alexander): That would have reduced pressure on the Labour The core purpose of the Treasury is to ensure the Government, but we are reducing the deficit now. I also stability and prosperity of the economy. note that The Sun quotes an anonymous shadow Cabinet Member as saying: Mike Freer: Will my right hon. Friend advise us of “Balls is a busted flush when it comes to economic competence what assessment he has made of the effect of the £2,000 because of his legacy with Gordon.” employment allowance on employment in general, and I could not have put it better myself. on small businesses in particular? T2. [153874] Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD): A Danny Alexander: The employment allowance will recurring theme of yesterday’s debate on health and reduce the cost of employment and will therefore support social care was the growing demand for social care small businesses aspiring to grow by hiring their first against a background of declining resources. What employee or expanding the work force. In total, up to commitments will the Chief Secretary make to provide 1.25 million employers will benefit from the allowance, extra funding for adult social care in the June with over 90% of that benefit going to small firms with comprehensive spending review? fewer than 50 employees. Danny Alexander: That is an important question. My Ed Balls (Morley and Outwood) (Lab/Co-op): This is hon. Friend will have seen the statements published now the slowest economic recovery for 100 years, and today by the Minister of State, Department of Health, the International Monetary Fund is in town and openly our hon. Friend the Member for North Norfolk (Norman questioning the Treasury’s economic plan. May I remind Lamb), and we will address the issue seriously in the the Chief Secretary of what he said in October 2009? spending round. I am not going to pre-announce what He does not need to worry, as this is not the one where we will do, but my hon. Friend will know that in the he reconfirmed the Liberal Democrat commitment to 2010 spending round we ensured that additional resources an EU referendum; it is a different article. He said: amounting to £7.2 billion were available over four years “Cutting spending now would plunge us back into recession…The to support social care services. If we are to deal with Tories claim…they can fix the country’s finances, but their plans these important issues while also reducing the strain on are economically illiterate.” the national health service, further such transfers will He was right then, was he not? clearly be necessary. Danny Alexander: The right hon. Gentleman mentions T3. [153875] Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): the fact that the IMF is in town; there are, of course, In just over an hour, in an unprecedented move, discussions going on, and we look forward to seeing the the bishops of Sheffield and Hallam and a delegation outcome of the proposals. I have to tell him, however, of civic, community and faith leaders will present a that given the situation that this coalition Government petition to No. 10 from thousands of Sheffielders inherited in May 2010—the catastrophic mess that he calling for a fair deal for our city. Will Ministers accept and his colleagues made of the British economy—the their argument that the unfair distribution of cuts is measures we are taking are absolutely right. If we having a disproportionate impact on cities such as compare the progress this country has made with the Sheffield, widening inequality, hitting those who have forecast for our major European competitors, we see least the hardest, and weakening the capacity of the that on employment, for example, this Government are council and the voluntary sector to support them? delivering the right policies for this country.

Ed Balls: The right hon. Gentleman also said in that The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Greg Clark): article that The hon. Gentleman should support the Sheffield city deal, which has been enthusiastically endorsed by civic “at a time of crisis”, and business leaders in Sheffield. The point of the deal the Tories is to improve the city’s record for getting people into “have the wrong solutions and the wrong priorities…They claim work, thus ensuring that the growing businesses there to care about the poorest, but will only slash taxes for millionaires.” can access a high-quality labour force. He was right about that as well. Is it not the truth that the economy has flatlined, deficit reduction has stalled, T4. [153876] Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): living standards are falling and the IMF is saying that In the light of the Government’s commitment to the Treasury is playing with fire? In January, the Prime helping families to save for their futures, can the Minister said that we should listen to the IMF, so why is Minister tell us when we will see the details of the the Treasury telling newspapers that if the IMF tells consultation on the measure announced in the Budget him to act to kick-start the recovery, the Chancellor to allow the transfer of savings from child trust funds intends to ignore it and plough on regardless with a to junior individual savings accounts? failing plan? The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Sajid Javid): Danny Alexander: The right hon. Gentleman talks of My hon. Friend has raised an important issue. The having the wrong solutions and the wrong priorities. details of the consultation will be published today, and That appears to be the verdict of many of his colleagues the consultation will close on 6 August. It will deal with on his own approach as shadow Chancellor. I note that the question of whether transfers should be allowed, the former science Minister Lord Sainsbury has said: and if so on what basis. The Government propose that “In retrospect the Labour government should have used the voluntary transfers should be allowed if requested by opportunity of a strongly growing economy to reduce the deficit.” the registered contact for an account. 495 Oral Answers14 MAY 2013 Oral Answers 496

T5. [153877] Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): new agreement was to be reached on flood insurance. I Can one of the Ministers here today explain exactly understand that the Chief Secretary, who has been how publishing a Bill providing for a European Union heading up the negotiations, has blocked this deal. As referendum in four years’ time will first create jobs, the statement of principles is due to come to an end secondly attract investment and thirdly secure Britain’s next month, can he tell me what assessment has been future in a global economy? made of the effect on the housing market of hundreds of thousands of householders in this country not being Danny Alexander: I do not think that it would achieve able to get house insurance? any of those objectives, which is why I do not support it. Sajid Javid: The hon. Lady raises an important issue; T10. [153882] Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con): it is important that affordable insurance is available to Perhaps the most welcome policy announcement in the people on whom flooding could have an impact. That is Gracious Speech was the announcement that Ministers why this Government, led by DEFRA, are engaged in would intensive negotiations with the Association of British “prioritise measures that reduce the deficit”. Insurers. In Thursday’s DEFRA questions, she will Does my right hon. Friend agree that that Government have an opportunity to put this question to DEFRA priority is crucial to my Montgomeryshire constituents, Ministers. because it will keep interest rates low for home owners and for businesses? Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): The latest dismal figures from the giant pub company Enterprise Danny Alexander: I agree wholeheartedly with my Inns show the disaster that the leased pub company hon. Friend. Dealing with the deficit and repairing the model has been for the British economy. The boss paid mess that the Labour party made in the public finances himself nearly £1 million last year, while his tenants are must remain the No. 1 priority for the Government, and struggling to make a living and are subsidised by the indeed for all Members of the House. taxpayer, through tax credits, to the tune of millions of pounds. Will my hon. Friend conduct a Treasury study into just how many millions the taxpayer provides to T7. [153879] Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab): The Government’s housing policy focuses on new build subsidise this immoral business model? which is exempt from VAT, but in my constituency one in 13 properties is empty, and building companies Sajid Javid: My hon. Friend cares deeply and passionately tell me that they rely on refurbishments which are about the pub industry, and has done great work to not VAT-exempt. They are really struggling. Do the help, including welcoming this Government’s decision Government recognise that building companies in areas to cut beer duty for the first time in decades. He makes such as mine are being penalised in that way? an important point. He will know that Ministers in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills are The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David looking at this issue, and I will bring it further to their Gauke): The difficulty is that if we were to reduce VAT attention. on repairs and refurbishments, that would have a substantial fiscal cost. It would result in more borrowing and that is T9. [153881] Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and not something we can afford because of the circumstances Leith) (Lab/Co-op): The Chief Secretary was we were left. absolutely right on the question of the EU referendum Bill. He cannot speak for the Conservative party, but Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): We now know will he ensure that his party leader once again exercises there was no triple-dip recession and almost certainly his European veto and ensures that any such Bill does no double-dip recession either. Of course there is no not come forward as a Government Bill and does not room for complacency, which is why I am holding my have Government backing? seventh jobs fair in the centre of Gloucester this Thursday. Does the Minister agree that it is time for the party of Danny Alexander: The Government’s position was doom and gloom on the Opposition Benches to recognise made very clear in the coalition agreement and was that the economy is beginning to recover and that it is confirmed in the mid-term review document published time to support British business—especially things made at the beginning of this year: we wish to maintain in Gloucester? British membership of the European Union and during this Parliament we will exercise our influence to the Danny Alexander: I welcome my hon. Friend’s efforts utmost to win the arguments in Britain’s national interest, in trying to help his constituents to find employment— in favour of jobs, investment and growth in this country. something that every Member of this House could be engaged in. On the deficit, the Labour party did seem Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): Research and disappointed when the triple dip did not materialise; no development is key to current and future growth, and I doubt it will be even more disappointed if, in due welcome the Government’s support for it. What measures course, the second dip dematerialises. The one thing we are the Government taking to ensure that we rise to can be sure of is that the biggest dip took place when the level of our major competitors on research and Labour was in office. development?

T8. [153880] Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) Mr Gauke: One measure that I know my hon. Friend (Lab): On 25 June last year, the Secretary of State for will be well aware of was the reform of research and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs told me that a development tax credits. We are making those more 497 Oral Answers14 MAY 2013 Oral Answers 498 generous and bringing in a new above-the-line R and D the Labour party has a toxic credit rating, and the tax credit. That is making the UK increasingly competitive experience has been that when it starts to borrow, it in this sector. never pays the money back.

Naomi Long (Belfast East) (Alliance): Developing Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): The countries need assistance from the west with collecting youth employment rate is lower now than in 2009, with the tax due to them from multinational companies. a shortfall of nearly 400,000 jobs, so why are the How will the Government use their presidency of the Government continuing to resist a tax on bank bonuses G8 to ensure specifically that the strengthening of disclosure that would help put young people back into work? standards takes place multinationally? Danny Alexander: As I said in answer to earlier questions, the Government have taken forward a package Mr Gauke: The hon. Lady is right to raise this issue, of measures. The youth contract, which is helping half which we touched on earlier. One of our priorities for a million young people, the massive expansion and the G8 presidency is to bring forward measures on tax improvement in the quality of apprenticeships, helping evasion and tax avoidance. It is worth pointing out what young people all around the country, and the Work the Prime Minister said in an article in The Wall Street programme make up a proper package of measures to Journal yesterday; he wants to encourage do what the hon. Gentleman and I agree about—try “better global reporting to tax authorities in both the developed to help more young people off benefits and into work. and developing world”. The problem has been building up for many years, and That could make a big difference. he should be a bit more humble about it.

Mr Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con): Will the Minister Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): Would a meaningful join me in supporting Lord Young’s report on growing G8 outcome on tax evasion involve the Chancellor’s micro-businesses, which was released yesterday? It suggests revisiting the controlled foreign company rules that he a new package of support for starting and growing introduced? They incentivise the use of tax havens and small businesses. deny revenue to the Exchequer here and, more so, to developing countries. Danny Alexander: I strongly welcome that report. Mr Gauke: The CFC regime is designed to protect The Government have already introduced a package of revenue for the UK, but we can do a great deal to help measures, including start-up loans to support new small developing countries through exchange of information, businesses. Lord Young has presented his findings to new global standards and capacity building. The the Government and we will respond in due course. Government are doing a huge amount on those fronts.

Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): Given Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): If the Government the increasing evidence, such as last month’s Carbon were to go out and borrow £28 billion as some suggest, Tracker report, showing that so-called unburnable carbon what would the effect be on fiscal stability and interest assets pose a serious risk to the financial system, will the rates for homeowners? Minister look seriously at the proposal that companies should be required to disclose the carbon emissions Danny Alexander: My hon. Friend rightly draws attention potential of their fossil fuel assets? to the figure of £28 billion—the extra borrowing in the alternative Queen’s Speech put forward by the Opposition. Greg Clark: The first requirement is to assess the risk It confirms yet again that their approach is to borrow that the hon. Lady has described, and it is for the Bank more and more, taking no account of the consequences. of England to consider the systemic consequences. Should Perhaps that is one reason why the Leader of the the Financial Policy Committee of the Bank of England Opposition, in a well-known radio interview, refused to conclude that investment in high-carbon assets poses a accept that his party would increase borrowing and why risk, it would have to report and explain that risk in its his proposals have rightly been dubbed a “Milishambles”. financial stability report. Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ Co-op): Research by the House of Commons Library George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): Our banking shows that no peacetime Government since the 1920s sector is suffering the consequences of a state-sponsored have presided over fewer housing completions than this boom in bad loans under the last Government. Has the Government over the past two years. When will the Minister seen the news of the Co-op’s bad debts, including Chancellor and his team stop tinkering with allowing a to the Labour party, and noted the withdrawal of few people to buy new homes, and instead deal with the Labour party funding from Lord Sainsbury? Does he systemic problems by increasing housing supply? agree that nothing better exemplifies the risks of Labour’s addiction to borrowing and trade union funding? Danny Alexander: The hon. Lady should study the figures more carefully. They show that the low points in Greg Clark: I understand that the Co-op has lent housing starts and housing provision were in 2009 and more than £3 million to the Labour party. I would 2010 respectively—both years in which her party was assess that as not being a particularly good credit risk; in office. 499 14 MAY 2013 Operation Herrick 500

Operation Herrick will deploy for six months from June 2014 to December 2014 when the ISAF campaign concludes, but the deployment could extend to up to nine months for a 12.33 pm relatively small number of individuals who may be The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): needed to support final redeployment activity post- With permission, Mr Speaker, I would like to make a December 2014. statement on troop rotations as we draw down our The rationale for this decision is clear and is based on forces in Afghanistan. advice from military commanders. First, it will better First I would like to pay tribute to Corporal William align the final tours with key milestones in the transition Thomas Savage and Fusilier Samuel Flint, both from process such as the Afghan presidential elections in 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and spring 2014. Secondly, it will help to maintain continuity Private Robert Murray Hetherington, a reservist from in posts where we work closely with our Afghan partners 7th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, who at a time when retaining and bolstering Afghan confidence were tragically killed in action in Afghanistan on 30 April is critical, both for mission success and to ensure our when their Mastiff vehicle was struck by an improvised own force protection. Thirdly, it removes the need to explosive device on route 611. Their deaths are a stark train and deploy another brigade at greatly reduced reminder of the continued dangers our soldiers, sailors, scale to cover the final couple of months of 2014. It will airmen and marines face as they manage the transition therefore minimise the total number of service personnel of security responsibility to the Afghan national security who deploy to Afghanistan over the next 18 months. forces. My thoughts are with their families and loved That will allow personnel to focus on post-Afghanistan ones as they come to terms with their loss. training, improving the general readiness of the Army Although security in Helmand is steadily improving, as it reverts to a contingent posture for the future. with Afghan forces already responsible for the bulk of The Chief of the Defence Staff and I believe that the province, the environment in which our troops extending Op Herrick 19 to eight months and allowing operate remains dangerous. IEDs remain one of the the possibility of some personnel on Op Herrick 20 greatest threats and present risks even to the very best- deploying for up to nine months is the most effective protected vehicles available, of which Mastiff is one. way of maintaining force protection, meeting our As the House will be aware, at the height of operations commitment to the NATO ISAF mission, and supporting we had around 9,500 military personnel in Afghanistan. the Afghans until the end of 2014. Of course, as we Our troop numbers will be at 7,900 by the end of this have already made clear, the UK’s commitment as part month and, as the Prime Minister announced last of the international community’s assistance to Afghanistan December, they will reduce further to around 5,200 by will continue well into the future, beyond 2014, in terms the end of this year. This is a clear reflection of the of significant investment in development assistance and international security assistance force campaign drawing support to the ANSF, as well as UK-led military training. to a close and the Afghan national security forces taking on increasing responsibility for their own security. The changed pattern of brigade rotations does not Already the ANSF lead 80% of all security operations, mean that all those deploying will do so for a longer time. covering nearly 90% of the Afghan population. By the I should emphasise to the House that, because of the summer, that figure will reach 100%. So after more than expected steady reduction in numbers during Herrick 19 a decade in which fighting the insurgency has been a and 20, we expect that most personnel will continue to primary focus of the ISAF coalition, the campaign serve no longer than the standard six or six-and-a-half- is changing and the UK’s military role in Afghanistan is month tour, while significant numbers will serve less evolving from combat to one of training, advising and than six months. At the same time, the amended tour assisting the Afghans; and, as the Prime Minister has rotations mean that some personnel will deploy for up made clear, UK forces will no longer be in a combat role to eight months, with a much smaller number potentially by the end of 2014. deploying for up to nine months. At this stage it is not possible to be precise about the total numbers of personnel In the light of this, and of the changing nature of the who will be affected, although current estimates suggest operation, we have looked at how we can best deploy that between 2,200 and 3,700 overall may deploy for what will be declining numbers of troops and smaller more than six and a half months. amounts of equipment between now and then to deliver the best possible protection to our people while continuing We have considered carefully how best to compensate to provide the Afghans with the support they need affected personnel who serve extended tours and face during this critical transition period. Brigades deploying increased uncertainty about their pattern of deployment to Afghanistan on Operation Herrick have routinely and relatively more austere conditions which may be done so on a six-monthly cycle, with a relief-in-place expected towards the end of the Herrick campaign as occurring in spring and autumn each year. The phased the redeployment of assets continues. Her Majesty’s nature of the rotation and the overlap of deploying and Treasury has agreed the recommendation of the defence redeploying forces has meant individual tours of between chiefs that a bespoke allowance should be paid to six months and six and a half months for the vast eligible personnel who serve more than seven and a half majority of personnel. That pattern of rotation has months in Afghanistan from September 2013. This worked well for the enduring deployment, but is judged Herrick draw-down allowance will be paid at the rate of not to be sustainable during the final months of the £50 per day before tax and is payable on top of the draw-down period. The Army has therefore decided standard operational allowance package. The new allowance that the brigade deploying in October on Herrick 19 will not apply to those personnel in the small number of will deploy for eight months from October this year established longer-term posts who are already compensated until June 2014. The subsequent brigade, Herrick 20, by the campaign continuity allowance. Service personnel 501 Operation Herrick14 MAY 2013 Operation Herrick 502 who may serve longer terms and who may therefore be be expected to stay for longer than six months has been eligible for the new allowance have already been notified informed by their commanding officer. There therefore by their commanding officers. seems to be a glitch, if not a contradiction, in the logic As I said at the beginning of this statement, the of his argument. campaign and the UK’s military role in Afghanistan are Many people will worry that a smaller force operating changing. During this period, it is critical that we retain in Afghanistan after the withdrawal deadline may be the ability properly to protect our forces, as well as to subject to higher risk. Will the Secretary of State say maintain the confidence of the Afghans as our combat whether all those who are planned to be in-country in operations draw to a close and they take on full security 2015 will be combat troops with NATO-provided force responsibility. The number of UK forces in Afghanistan protection? may be reducing, but they still have a vital job to do, Extended exposure to conflict increases the risk of and this initiative is the most effective way for them to physical and mental health problems. Research for King’s do it successfully, while remaining as safe as possible. I College London has shown the importance of adherence commend the statement to the House. to the Harmony guidelines. Will the Secretary of State say how the Harmony guidelines will be altered for 12.42 pm those affected by today’s announcement? Research Mr Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire) (Lab): I thank for King’s College London also shows that if tours the Secretary of State for his statement and for providing are longer than anticipated, servicemen and women are advance notice of it, although unfortunately much of it much more likely to report symptoms of post-traumatic appeared in this morning’s media. stress disorder. I wish to start in the same way as the Secretary of This is a one-off measure which, as I have said, has State by paying tribute to those who lost their lives merit. However, many will note that the 2010 strategic recently in Afghanistan: Corporal William Thomas Savage defence and security review stated categorically: and Fusilier Samuel Flint, both from the 2nd Battalion “We need to challenge some of the fundamental assumptions the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and Private Robert which drive force generation, such as tour lengths and intervals”. Murray Hetherington form 7th Battalion the Royal It stated that the single service chiefs would carry out Regiment of Scotland. Little we can say in this House the review, can heal the hurt that their families feel, but they should at least know that they remain in our thoughts and “completing their work by the spring of 2011.” prayers. Members on both sides of the House will Last year, that work was still ongoing. Will the Secretary always remember the remarkable individual acts of of State say what work has been done internally on the heroism and the collective acts of courage that define wider application of longer tours of duty? If there is to our armed forces. It is their sacrifice and bravery that is be a shift to longer tours on a more regular basis in any helping to make Afghanistan more stable and the UK future conflict, the military community will want a safer. better understanding of the recommendations of the It is essential that the progress our armed forces are service chiefs. making in Afghanistan becomes permanent and that Today’s announcement also raises the issue of the full transition to an Afghan lead on security is successful. UK’s long-term commitment to Afghanistan. As part This remains a mission that is not just in our national of an alliance presence, training and support for Afghan interest, but in the interests of international stability. forces post-2014 will be essential. There is no word yet The Opposition consistently commit to bipartisanship on the size and scope of such a force or the UK’s role on Afghanistan and our support is, of course, within it. Who will be responsible for the protection of complemented by scrutiny. Today is no different: we see UK service personnel? Will any commitments that are the logic in the Government’s move, but many will be made before 2015 be open-ended or time-limited? When concerned about the impact on the individuals affected. does the Secretary of State expect more detail to be The enormous operation mounted over the past 12 forthcoming? years will require extensive and expensive effort as it is Today we are focusing on the temporary extension of brought to a close. Recouping and reintegrating equipment, two tours. I want to turn, finally, to how we will mark training the Afghan forces, facilitating inward investment permanently the contribution of all those who have and seeking a political solution are all essential elements toured and, in particular, those who have not returned. of the international community’s task. As part of this, The Opposition believe that there should be a national we see the merit in ensuring that there is not a destabilising memorial for all who have served in Afghanistan. We changeover during the Afghan presidential election next have also proposed that streets be named after fallen year and that personnel are present to ensure that personnel, should their families and communities request equipment is repatriated efficiently. it, and that veterans champions should be working hard Could the Secretary of State say which regiments and in every local authority to help service leavers with the units will be affected, how many of those expected to transition to civilian life. I hope that the Government stay for longer he anticipates will be reservists, and why will take this opportunity to support those and other the Herrick draw-down allowance does not start from measures. the beginning of the extended tour? As the operation in Afghanistan draws to a close, our I say gently to the Secretary of State that there nation is rightly showing huge support for those who appeared to be a slight contradiction in his statement. have served. That public sentiment will prevail beyond He said that he was not aware of the exact number that any withdrawal timetable and so should the commitment will be expected to stay beyond six months, but towards of the Government, no matter who is in power. It is in the end of his statement he said that everyone who will that spirit that we want today’s announcement to be 503 Operation Herrick14 MAY 2013 Operation Herrick 504

[Mr Jim Murphy] Finally, I am pleased to say that we are in complete agreement on the question of a national memorial. My successful. We offer to work with the Government to expectation is that the memorial wall in Bastion will be achieve a fitting legacy in Afghanistan and to support dismantled and recovered to the UK, probably for our troops. re-erection at the national arboretum in Staffordshire. My personal view is that we should also look at having Mr Hammond: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman a fitting memorial in central London to those who have for reasserting the bipartisan approach that has prevailed given their lives both on Op Herrick and, before, on Op on matters relating to Afghanistan. I welcome his pragmatic Telic. I would be happy to enter into a discussion with engagement with this announcement and his perfectly the right hon. Gentleman about that to see whether we legitimate questions. can make it a bipartisan initiative. I should say at the outset that when I said that the Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): May I people who were eligible and likely to be affected by the begin by associating myself with the remarks of condolence announcement had been informed, I should have used in relation to the three individuals who have recently the military term warned off. Those in the pool from lost their lives in Afghanistan? The Royal Highland which the people will be drawn have been warned off Fusiliers is a regiment to which my family has a particular that they may be affected. It will be some time before we attachment. can be clearer about who precisely will be affected. It was never the understanding that bringing an end Although the next Herrick rotation is in preparation, to combat operations would consist of turning the key we have not yet announced the precise composition of in the lock and putting the lights out. Obviously, we the next brigade. That will be determined by the practical need to employ rather more sophisticated means. In evolution of things on the ground. I am afraid I cannot that respect, what the Secretary of State has said is therefore give the right hon. Gentleman more detail entitled to the endorsement of the House, since it today. proceeds upon the military advice and has as its primary The right hon. Gentleman asked me why the Herrick consideration force protection at a time when our forces draw-down allowance is not payable from day one of might be particularly vulnerable. the tour. It is intended to compensate for the longer period of duty, the uncertainty and the austerity that Mr Hammond: I am grateful to my right hon. and may exist in the final part of the Herrick campaign. learned Friend and should emphasise that our intention Normal allowances will be payable throughout the and objective is still to compete the draw-down by the deployment. The Herrick draw-down allowance is an end of 2014 if we can. We will certainly make every additional allowance payable from the seven-and-a-half- effort to do so that is consistent with proper force month point. That ties in with the current campaign protection and the good order of our forces. However, continuity allowance and makes it fair and equitable today’s announcement gives us the flexibility to keep among those who have served longer than six and a half small numbers, primarily of logisticians, in Camp Bastion months historically and those who will do so in the beyond the end of 2014 if they are needed to complete future. that draw-down. Of course, the right hon. Gentleman’s points about additional risk and the additional potential for physical Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): There is obviously a or mental health issues arising from longer tours are difference between those who serve in the rear echelon legitimate, and we have considered them carefully. It is at Camp Bastion and so on, who are important to the worth pointing out to the House that as we draw down, whole operation, and those who go outside the operating a higher and higher percentage of the troops deployed bases on to the front line. Does the Secretary of State will be deployed to main operating bases, where they envisage that personnel will be continually asked to do will be relatively much safer than they have been in the that throughout the whole of their deployment? In forward operating bases, patrol bases and checkpoints particular, what will happen to the medical teams that that they have occupied in the past. Conditions will are sent out to Camp Bastion? generally be significantly better. Mr Hammond: It is not our expectation that we will The Harmony guidelines will not routinely be breached. continue routinely to patrol outside the main operating Harmony is measured by the number of nights of bases beyond the end of this year. By then, we expect to separated service over a three-year cycle, and nothing be operating from only four main operating bases, and that I have announced today is expected to have an troops will routinely be operating within those bases. Of impact on the armed forces’ ability to maintain Harmony. course, they will have to retain the ability to go out in I should also say that this is emphatically not a systematic support of the Afghans if that is necessary. We intend shift in policy with regard to tour lengths. It is a to maintain the role 3 hospital at Camp Bastion right bespoke solution to deal with the final few months of through to the end of the operation. the Herrick campaign and will not affect our standard deployment policy for the future. Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): What the On the two generic points that the right hon. Gentleman Secretary of State has announced this morning makes raised about the timing of our announcements on post-2014 perfectly good sense from a straightforward operational deployment, he will know that discussions are going on standpoint, but does he not agree that if one is deployed with NATO literally right now, as we sit here, on the for up to nine months, with a six-month pre-deployment post-2014 configuration. We will continue to discuss the training period prior to that—a total of up to 15 months options with allies, and as soon as we have come to a away from the family—particular strains may come to conclusion we will of course inform the House. bear on friends and family at home? What extra care 505 Operation Herrick14 MAY 2013 Operation Herrick 506 will he take to ensure that those who are deployed for Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend is of course right. We lengthy times are looked after from a compassionate are packing up and getting out—we are actively in the standpoint? In particular, will he pay great attention to process of recouping our equipment. Hundreds of reservists, for whom those stresses and strains may be containers, hundreds of vehicles and pieces of major even greater? equipment have already returned, and it is an ongoing process. To try to do it any more quickly, particularly at Mr Hammond: First, I do not think my hon. Friend is a time of significant transition in Afghanistan and absolutely correct to say that the six months’ training, through the period of the presidential elections, which together with a maximum theoretical deployment of can be anticipated to be a difficult period for internal nine months, would amount to 15 months away from security, would be reckless with Afghanistan’s security home. Certainly not all the training period will involve but also reckless with the protection of our own forces. being away from home. However, I am quite certain that the chain of command will be sensitive to individuals’ Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): Will the circumstances in planning the next deployment. Secretary of State explain why we are planning to keep more troops in Afghanistan after 2014, and say what My hon. Friend makes a valid point about reservists. purpose they will serve while in a place of enormous A period of service that might be extended may clearly danger and huge political uncertainty? Would it not be be more problematic for reservists than for regulars. better to say that the whole escapade has not been a Again, we will take that fully into account when planning great success and that we are bringing everybody out, for individuals to be selected for deployment. according to a rapid timetable?

Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC): May I Mr Hammond: The hon. Gentleman’s views on this associate myself with the earlier expressions of condolence? subject are well known. As I have announced, a small As one who voted against the incursion into Afghanistan, number of people—mainly logisticians—will possibly I am obviously pleased that the deployment is drawing remain after 31 December 2014 to complete our to a close. As the Secretary of State knows, history redeployment from Bastion. In addition, we have committed shows that periods of draw-down are especially dangerous. to providing trainers and life support personnel for the There will be an increased risk of people suffering from Afghan national army officer training academy outside conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and Kabul, which is a military training academy modelled associated problems, as well as the possibility of increased on Sandhurst. Those are the only commitments we have periods in the field leading to fatigue and potential made at the moment, amounting to a couple of hundred loss of life. I am sure he is aware of that and will do personnel on an ongoing basis. We judge that to be an everything in his power to ensure that it does not effective and appropriate way for us to continue supporting happen. Afghan national security forces, together with the £70 million a year cash support that we have pledged as part of the international community’s commitment. Mr Hammond: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman and can tell him that not only those who voted against Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Even before the operation but those who fully supported it are British troops have left, our brave Afghan interpreters pleased that we are now drawing down and bringing have been threatened with assassination. How many of our combat commitment to an end. He is absolutely them must be killed before we do what we ought to do right that the draw-down period is a critical phase of and offer those who wish to come to this country the the operation with its own risks. One reason for the opportunity to do so, as the previous Government decision to change the rotation pattern is the importance rightly did for Iraqi interpreters? of maintaining relationships with key Afghans as we have fewer of those relationships. Historically, we have been mentoring and partnering at battalion and company Mr Hammond: The situation in Afghanistan is not level, but we will not be doing that any more, so we will the same as that in Iraq. Lessons were learned from the have fewer relationships with the Afghans. It is important Afghan campaign, and the way that interpreters and for our own force protection and situational awareness other civilian employees have been recruited in Afghanistan that we maintain and build those relationships. has been modified accordingly to take those lessons on board. I assure my hon. Friend, however, that we will not turn our back on those who have served us in Sir Nick Harvey (North Devon) (LD): May I thank Afghanistan as locally employed civilians. We believe the Secretary of State for his statement, the logic of that Afghanistan has a future that will require skilled, which is straightforward? Having spoken socially to capable people who are committed to building it post-2014. some of those who will deploy this October, I think it We want to explore all options for encouraging people, was widely anticipated that they would serve longer. wherever they can, to be part of that future and help to Perhaps they were warned off, to use the Secretary of build their country in which we have invested so heavily. State’s expression. We have and will continue to have mechanisms that deal Getting out of Afghanistan safely and steadily requires with cases of intimidation or threat, including those a great deal of meticulous planning. Does the Secretary that could, in extremis, allow for resettlement in this of State agree that those who are prone to saying country. occasionally in the media that we should pack up and get out now are rather missing the point? In the months Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): Employers it would take to rip up the existing plan and devise of reservists who may be deployed in the next two another one properly, we would probably have got back brigades might feel great anxiety about losing staff on to the timeline for the existing plan. from their day jobs for considerable periods of time. 507 Operation Herrick14 MAY 2013 Operation Herrick 508

[Mrs Madeleine Moon] serving tours of nine months or longer in specific posts, so it is not unknown, but there is no intention to make a What discussions has the Secretary of State had with general change to the operational deployment of six-month employers? If employers feel unable to release an employee tours. for that period of time, what impact will that have on the reservist’s employment record in the military? Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ Co-op): I endorse tributes already paid across the House Mr Hammond: The hon. Lady raises a fair point, and to the soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland through the employers advisory committee we are who were so sadly killed in Afghanistan recently. The constantly in touch with the views of employers. As we Secretary of State spoke about packing up and getting come to the end of the Herrick campaign, we are likely out, but will he indicate the value of the equipment that to use fewer reservists in the last couple of rotations of will have to be left in Afghanistan and gifted to the that campaign, and we will be sensitive to the views of Afghan forces? reservists and their employers if they do not wish to serve. It is unlikely that many reservists will be required Mr Hammond: The policy on gifting to the Afghan to serve because of their particular skill sets if they forces is NATO-wide and it is important that we adhere express a clear wish not to do so. to it. Equipment should be gifted only if it is genuinely valuable to the recipients and within their capability Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): Will my right and financial capacity to maintain and operate—in hon. Friend confirm that these changes are based purely other words, it is a “no dumping” policy, and we will on military advice from service chiefs, and are not about not just leave equipment behind because it is not convenient cutting costs? to take it with us. We have not finally decided what, if any, equipment will be gifted to the Afghans, but we will Mr Hammond: Yes, I am happy to do that, and it is gift it only in accordance with that ISAF policy. not yet clear whether there will be any significant financial savings from the measures announced today. Clearly, we will not have to train a final, much smaller brigade Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): May for deployment to Afghanistan. That does not mean I express a little disappointment that after a decade of that the training will not be conducted;, it means that involvement in Afghanistan, we never completed the those troops will be training for contingent operations railway line from Kandahar to Spin Boldak, linking to post-Afghanistan. That will present itself as a dividend the Pakistani railway and the port of Karachi? It would to the military in terms of an increased readiness for have been a game changer for the city of Kandahar, and return to contingent operations. a more efficient and simpler way of getting our kit out. Perhaps it is not too late. Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Will the Secretary Will the Secretary of State confirm that today’s of State tell the House who will be responsible for UK announcement about lengthening tours will mean that forces force protection post-2014? Will it be the Afghan one fewer brigade needs to go to Helmand, which could national army, and does the Secretary of State have lead to taxpayers’ money being saved? total confidence in that? Mr Hammond: I am sorry about the railway. If my Mr Hammond: So far, as I made clear to the hon. history serves me correctly, we never completed the Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn), we have Cape Town to Cairo railway either, but such are plans. I committed only to providing trainers and life support prefer to focus now on High Speed 2—we should look personnel in the Afghan national army officer training to the future. academy outside Kabul. We are, of course, dependent My hon. Friend is right. Today’s announcement will on Afghan national security forces for overall security mean that it is not necessary to prepare and train a in Afghanistan after 2014, but we will be collocated at further brigade to deploy. It is not yet clear whether that Qargha, at the Afghan national army officer academy, will make any significant saving for the taxpayer because with US forces who will be running a similar academy most of that deployment, had it taken place, would have on the adjoining site. Detailed force protection arrangements been in the back of transport aircraft that would have have not yet been agreed, but they are likely to include been going out empty in order to come back with elements of UK and US forces, providing protection to repatriated equipment. the combined facility.

Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) (Con): Having served Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I associate my a nine-month operational tour of duty in Bosnia, I can party with tributes to the soldiers who lost their lives in attest to how long that is to be away from one’s family. Afghanistan, and I thank the Secretary of State for his Will the Secretary of State confirm that this is a one-off statement. He will be aware of the experience and change to the way we do business, and that it will not training gained from Operation Banner in Northern represent a slippery slope and a longer-term change in Ireland. Will he confirm that the valuable skills developed doctrine? through that operation will be made available to the Afghan army to the end of 2014, and indeed beyond? Mr Hammond: It will not represent a slippery slope and it is not a change in doctrine. I am hesitant to call it Mr Hammond: I can confirm to the hon. Gentleman a one-off since my hon. Friend has just given an example that we are training Afghan troops in various specialist of another occasion on which nine-month tours were techniques that will be of value to the Afghan security served. There are already people in theatre who are forces in maintaining security in future. Of course, that 509 Operation Herrick 14 MAY 2013 510 draws on all the experiences that British troops have Debate on the Address gained over the years, including many valuable experiences in Northern Ireland. [5TH DAY] Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): I congratulate Debate resumed (Order, 13 May). my right hon. Friend on the introduction of the Operation Question again proposed, Herrick draw-down allowance. Last year, following a That an Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, as spate of so-called green-on-blue friendly fire attacks follows: that resulted in casualties from, among others, the Most Gracious Sovereign, Yorkshire Regiment—my local regiment—a number of We, YourMajesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Commons measures were introduced to remove the threat. Will he of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in confirm that, as the draw down gathers pace, that the Parliament assembled, beg leave to offer our humble thanks to threat from green-on-blue attacks will be minimised as Your Majesty for the Gracious Speech which Your Majesty has much as possible? addressed to both Houses of Parliament. Mr Hammond: As I have sought to emphasise throughout Cost of Living the statement, maintaining force protection during the draw-down period is our primary consideration; thereafter, Mr Speaker: I inform the House that I have selected it is maintaining effective support to the Afghans. The the amendment in the name of Edward Miliband. green-on-blue threat has not gone away. As we draw down into fewer and fewer bases and have less and less contact with the Afghans, the nature of the threat 1.13 pm changes. In some ways it is diminished, because we have The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change less contact; in other ways it is increased, because we (Mr Edward Davey): I am grateful for the opportunity have less awareness. However, I can assure my hon. to discuss the measures the Government are taking to Friend that the military commanders are extremely help people and families who are struggling to make focused on how best to manage the situation to optimise ends meet. No party in the House has a monopoly on force protection during that period. compassion. We know that there are problems, and that families and people are struggling, not least because of Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): The Secretary of increases in prices, including global energy prices. The State says that between 2,200 and 3,700 military personnel issue is that the Government must tackle those problems could deploy for more than six and a half months, and with no money, as we were reminded by the right hon. for up to nine months in some cases. In addition to the Member for Birmingham, Hodge Hill (Mr Byrne), the Herrick draw-down allowance, will personnel have former Chief Secretary to the Treasury. We must create additional home leave entitlement during that extra a better fiscal position while tackling that difficult problem deployment period? to ensure that we help people. And we are doing just that. We are cushioning people from the impact of Mr Hammond: It is not intended that an additional rising prices and protecting the most vulnerable. We are R and R period will be incorporated. As with current trying to make these big, difficult decisions in as fair a practice, there will be a single 14-day period of R and R way as possible, to be fair to those who work hard while during a tour. helping those who fall on hard times.

Sir Gerald Howarth (Aldershot) (Con): May I Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): On that congratulate my right hon. Friend on a sensible move to very point, does the Secretary of State agree that food ensure that the transition is orderly? Does ISAF have and energy comprise the highest proportion of expenditure any intention of retaining a continuing capability beyond for the very poorest—they are escalating out of all the extra three months of 2015? Will the UK be prepared, proportion—and that he is cutting money for those beyond the support to the officer training academy, to very people, namely those on benefits? Is not the harsh contribute troops to ensure that the transition period to reality of this Government that they are hurting the full ANSF control is achieved? poor most because of the bankers’ recklessness?

Mr Hammond: I am sure my hon. Friend is aware Mr Davey: The picture is rather more complicated that a NATO chiefs of defence staff meeting at which than the hon. Gentleman says. We have a range of that question will be discussed is taking place today in measures to help the most vulnerable with their energy Brussels. No concrete proposal has yet been accepted, bills, which I will come to during my speech. and the UK has made no commitments beyond the One way to help people is to ensure that work pays. Afghan national army officer academy. However, we We must ensure that we are creating jobs in the economy will consider what ISAF and our NATO allies propose and that there are links from benefits into employment. to do in future. We will look at the requirements that That is rightly one of the Government’s obsessions. We any NATO plan involves, make a decision on what, if are introducing a range of policies to help people. any, participation the UK should have post-2014, and Interest rates are at record lows. Income tax cuts are notify the House as soon as any such decision is made. making a big difference: this year, 24 million employees will have an income tax cut of £600; next year, the cut Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the Secretary of State will be £700. Some 2.5 million of the lowest paid will be and to colleagues. taken out of income tax altogether. The income tax bill for people on the national minimum wage will be cut in half. That is a good record. 511 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 512

Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): I wish to make progress and to talk about energy and The Secretary of State mentions Government obsessions. climate change policy. My Department has three major Does he believe that the lofty ambitions he describes objectives. The Department wants to ensure that energy will be better achieved in or out of Europe? is as affordable as possible for consumers and business; that we keep the lights on with energy security; and that Mr Davey: It did not take long for someone to we decarbonise the power sector. With the Energy Bill, mention Europe. The hon. Gentleman will be shocked the green deal and many other policies, we have the to hear that, as a Liberal Democrat, I strongly support most coherent energy and climate change policy of any Britain’s membership of the EU. Government in Europe—and indeed of any Government The Government are taking other measures. We are in this country for many, many years. Our approach cutting fuel duty, we have capped rail fares, and we are also tries to maximise the jobs and growth potential helping the most vulnerable with their energy bills. We from our energy and climate change policies. We also are extending free nursery provision and helping working try to ensure that the impact on the bills of consumers parents with child care costs. The Opposition do not and businesses is as low as possible, and we have policies like to talk about the Government’s record on jobs. We to try to meet the climate change challenge. have helped to create 1 million private sector jobs since we came to power. We have 1 million apprenticeships. David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): The total That is a record we should be proud of, and one the increase in average global temperatures since we started Labour party was not capable of delivering. industrialising is approximately 0.7° Celsius. How much of that is due to carbon emissions and how much is due Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): The to the natural warming that was going to take place Secretary of State says he is helping the poorest with anyway as the earth came out of a cool period? their energy bills, yet this is the first time for 30 years that there is no taxpayer-funded energy efficiency scheme. Mr Davey: I am disappointed that my hon. Friend The energy company obligation does not have enough seeks to deny the science of climate change. He may money in it. It is also funded by a levy on everybody’s have heard Sir John Beddington, the Government’s fuel bills, which is regressive—it pushes more people recently retired chief scientist and a very distinguished into fuel poverty than it draws out. When will he put in scientist, say that the science showing climate change place measures that will protect the poorest? was human-made was “unequivocal”. When it comes to science, I like to listen to the experts. Mr Davey: I could talk about the warm home discount It is important that we gain jobs, especially green or the green deal, which the hon. Lady forgot to mention. jobs, through our investment in low carbon. We also There are a range of measures, which I will describe in need to ensure that these are profitable enterprises in detail. The picture is not as she describes. which people can invest. We need £110 billion of investment in our energy infrastructure over the rest of this decade. Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): My That will be in low carbon, in gas and in other energy right hon. Friend mentions the creation of 1.2 million security measures. private sector jobs. Does he agree that that is probably On prices, we have to drive a wedge between the why, it has now been revealed, that the country avoided rising global prices and the bills that people have to pay. a double-dip recession? We also have to rise to the climate change challenge. We need to recognise that the challenge is serious and Mr Davey: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is that—contrary to what my hon. Friend suggests—the worth reflecting on the Government’s record on jobs. science tells us that we have to act. The Opposition do not like to talk about it, but the truth is that, despite the difficult circumstances—despite Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ the Government having no money because we must Co-op): The Secretary of State talked about investments pay down the deficit, and despite not having the growth in our infrastructure. The green investment bank could that we would like in the world, European or UK be fuelling jobs in the green sector if it were also economies—we have created jobs. That is a very good investing in SMEs that are developing and bringing to record. market technology in this area. Why are the Government failing to deliver on that? Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): Against the glowing backdrop that the Secretary of State paints, Mr Davey: The Government have delivered on the why do I now have a food bank in every single village in green investment bank. The hon. Lady should know my constituency when there was only one three years that investment banks are not controlled by Government. ago? Why has there been a quadrupling of food banks They are given a remit to make investments, and the under this Government? His record cannot be that green investment bank is doing so and is extremely good, given the backdrop of the inexorable rise of food effective. Indeed, it is world leading. I am sorry that the poverty. hon. Lady is criticising it and I hope that she will look at what it is doing and realise that it is making a big Mr Davey: People who run food banks are doing an difference. Our performance on green growth and green extremely good job and deserve credit for their work. jobs shows that we are delivering on the coalition However, it is completely wrong to suggest that there is agreement promise to build a new economy from the a statistical link between the Government’s benefit reforms rubble of the old. and the provision of food banks. It is good that people We have this massive infrastructure opportunity because are helping others. I hope the hon. Gentleman supports nearly a quarter of our capacity will close over the next that. decade. We have to replace that to keep the lights on, 513 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 514 but at the same time we can begin, and really go for, the of an electricity line, but the delay is holding up investment, transition to a low-carbon energy economy. We need to jobs and housing. Why has he not made a decision on do that by investing especially in energy efficiency. I that, given that he has had the papers since Easter? have stressed that from day one as Secretary of State. We have several policies already, such as the green deal Mr Davey: The House will not be surprised to learn and the energy company obligation, but in the last year that I am not aware of that particular planning application. we have developed some very interesting proposals on Of course I will go away, look at it and write to the hon. electricity demand reduction. We will publish the response Gentleman. to our consultation on that shortly. All our policies, whether on energy efficiency, renewables, Around 1 million people work in the green economy, new nuclear, CCS or oil and gas, add up to the proposition and the support that we are giving to clean energy will that my Department is about growth. We are seeing a fuel the rise in the area. Between now and 2020, the lot of jobs created and we will see more in the future. support we give to renewables will increase year on year However, I am also concerned about the bills and the to £7.6 billion—a tripling of the support for renewable cost of energy, and how those affect our constituents energy and a record the Government can be proud of. and industry. We have seen global gas prices increase We already have 110,00 jobs in the renewable energy dramatically. UK wholesale gas prices were 50% higher sector directly, and 160,000 jobs in the supply chain. By in the five years to 2011 than in the previous five, and 2020, we believe the sector will have more than 400,000 they have continued to rise since then. That is the global jobs. context. People talk about the reduced price of gas in We also have the prospect of a new generation of north America, but they forget to look at the price of nuclear power stations. I am engaged in discussions gas in other markets, which has gone up significantly. with EDF for a proposed nuclear reactor at Hinkley We need to provide a cushion or wedge between the Point C. If we reach agreement, it will result in more prices going up in global markets and the bills that our than 5,500 jobs during construction, more than 1,000 constituents have to pay, and we have several policies to ongoing jobs at Hinkley Point C and more in the supply help. We have direct payments, including the winter fuel chain. Our proposals on carbon capture and storage—we payment, the cold weather payment and the warm have two preferred bidders, Peterhead in Aberdeenshire home discount. This last goes to 2 million of the lowest and White Rose in Yorkshire—will also result in lots of income households in the UK, taking £130 directly off jobs and deliver a pathway to commercial CCS in the their bills and helping 1 million of the poorest pensioners. next decade, which will be very important in meeting We are trying to promote greater competition in the our climate change targets. retail markets through our proposals on tariff reform We sometimes forget the oil and gas sector, perhaps and the work we are doing on collective switching. We because it is not as green as renewables, nuclear and are driving competition in the retail market, which is CCS, but it will be essential as we make the transition already having an effect for those who have benefited from a fossil-fuel economy to a low-carbon economy. from the collective switching. We will still need an awful lot of gas and oil during that Through the Energy Bill, we are trying to ensure that process and in the next few decades. I am delighted to we achieve wholesale market reform, and this will no report to the House that investment in the North sea is doubt be debated on Report and in the other place. We booming. We are seeing record levels of investment in welcome the fact that Ofgem is consulting on proposals the North sea, which is good for our energy security as to improve liquidity in the wholesale market. We look we do not have to import so much gas from other parts forward to its conclusions, and they will play a part in of the world. I hope that right hon. and hon. Members ensuring that competition can drive lower prices. When will welcome that. we talk about the cushion and the wedge between the I have made it clear that we will also support the global prices and the bills that people actually pay, development of shale gas. If it has potential—and we energy efficiency is at the heart of the solution, whether do not know that yet—it could be beneficial, especially in product standards, the green deal or energy company to our energy security. We are going to need gas for obligation. I am pleased that we are already seeing real many decades. It replaces coal, so it can help us to meet interest in the green deal, and a huge number of assessments our climate change targets. At the moment, we have to have already taken place. import increasing amounts as the amount coming from the North sea is declining. If we can exploit shale gas John Penrose (Weston-super-Mare) (Con): I am pleased commercially, that will make sense, and I hope that we to hear that my right hon. Friend is interested in promoting can reach agreement on that. We are going about this in competition, particularly in the retail and wholesale a way that is designed to keep the public with us. In markets. Does he agree that there may also be significant other countries that have rushed headlong into it, the opportunities, not just in the energy sector, but more public have reacted very badly, leading to moratoriums broadly across the other utility sectors too, in reducing and bans. We want to ensure that we think things the infrastructure costs of the transmission network—be through carefully, which will help us do it properly. they wires or pipes for water, energy or whatever—using investment more effectively and efficiently and trying to Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): The oil and gas industry regulate down those costs in a much more determined is well represented in the Heath business and science fashion? park in my constituency, which is one of the most important employment sites. If the Secretary of State is Mr Davey: I am sure my hon. Friend is right. In a keen to promote jobs, why does his Department still previous incarnation, I was Minister with responsibility have a planning recommendation before that it has had for competition and was extremely keen to make sure since Easter? It is very simple, involving just the removal that the UK had the most robust and rigorous competition 515 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 516

[Mr Davey] has not been done before—it looks at the depth of fuel poverty. If we consider not just fuel poverty statistics, regime in the world. The changes going through this but income poverty statistics too, we should be most House have delivered on that. I am not an expert on concerned about those in poverty year in, year out—the every single utility sector, so I will be careful about grinding fuel and income poverty.Unless we have measures making any particular points about the water industry, that show what is happening to deep fuel poverty and or any other industry, but I am sure he is right that allow us to attack it, we will not be able to deal with fuel competition has an important role to play. poverty. Our measures are more effective and more The impact of our climate change and energy policies sophisticated than anything produced by the Labour has been to reduce household bills by 5%. By 2020, bills party. will be 11% less than they otherwise would have been. We must ensure that business energy costs are, through We know, of course, that energy prices are going up climate change policies, similar across the EU and the globally, but we have the policies to try to cushion globe. One measure that the UK and the EU have people. As a result, people will pay lower bills than they pushed is the European carbon market, which is often otherwise would have done. known as the EU ETS. It is important that the EU ETS carbon price provides incentives and signals to the Huw Irranca-Davies: I thank the right hon. Gentleman markets for investment in low carbon, and that it creates for giving way, and I will not abuse his graciousness any a level playing field for industries across the EU. I regret more. Against that backdrop, why is it that independent that the vote in the European Parliament on the back- analysis from the Fuel Poverty Advisory Group shows loading proposals was lost by 19 votes. The proposals that an additional 300,000 people went into fuel poverty were part of the reform of the EU ETS. We need to do a last year, and the Hills review suggests that 200,000 will lot better. I hope that the ENVI Committee in the be driven further into fuel poverty in the next four European Parliament can come forward with another years? Against the glowing backdrop he has set out, package so that we can reform the carbon market. That why is that happening? is in everyone’s interest, not just on climate change, but to ensure that we have competitive industries on a level Mr Davey: I agree with the hon. Gentleman that fuel playing field across the European Union. poverty is a real problem. [Interruption.] Opposition I want to end by talking briefly about climate change. Members, from a sedentary position, say that the number Some will say that we should put off action on climate of those facing fuel poverty is going up. Indeed, with change until we get to better financial times, and some global gas prices going up we have a challenge to keep will say that we should not be looking at this issue at the bearing down on fuel poverty, but we are completely moment given our financial and economic problems. I committed to doing that. Later this year we will produce reject those arguments completely. The science of climate a fuel poverty strategy, the first to be produced for more change is unequivocal: we have to act now and we than a dozen years. One reason why he can quote the should have acted before. That is why we need to reform Hills review is that the Government commissioned that the EU ETS. It is about not just the back-loading review to look into the exact nature of fuel poverty to proposals, but structural reform. I am working with ensure that it is being measured correctly. It shows that fellow EU Ministers and have set up a like-minded the previous Government could not even measure fuel group—the Green Growth group—to try to build a poverty correctly. We will ensure that we measure it coalition at the European Council, so that we can correctly, so that our policies can be targeted far more achieve these vital reforms on climate change. effectively to help the fuel poor. Opposition Members There has been a big debate during the passage of the are not the only people in this House who are compassionate Energy Bill—a carry-over Bill in the Queen’s Speech—on about the fuel poor. the proposal for a decarbonisation target, which has a It is important that we are concerned about the high role to play in tackling climate change. Of the general cost of energy for all businesses, and energy-intensive election manifestos from the Liberal Democrats, the industries in particular. That has to come through greater Conservatives, the Labour party and even the Green energy efficiency and we have a number of programmes party, guess how many mentioned a decarbonisation to deliver that. There also has to be compensation and target for the power sector? Not a single one. When we extra help for energy-intensive industries. I am grateful published the draft Energy Bill in May 2012, it did not for the work and co-operation of the Treasury and the contain a decarbonisation target, and there was no Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to ensure decarbonisation target promised in the coalition agreement. that we have a package to address the problem, particularly Now we have one in the Bill. The Government have for energy-intensive industries. We have not had one looked at the issue and put the target in the Bill. We are before. the first Government ever to do that, and it is a very strong move. We are an early mover. The Opposition Mr Nick Raynsford (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab): want to carp at one or two details, but I am afraid that The right hon. Gentleman was critical of the previous they fail to acknowledge what we have done and what Government’s definition of fuel poverty and praised we have delivered. Professor Hills’ proposals. The problem is that no one can understand them. Will he please explain to the Alec Shelbrooke: Does my right hon. Friend agree House the Hills’ definition of fuel poverty? that, whether or not people are sceptical about climate change, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and carbon Mr Davey: The interesting thing is that that definition is equally as important to energy security as it is to has two parts: it tries to measure overall fuel poverty in climate change? This policy is very important in making terms of energy efficiency; and, most importantly—it sure that we have energy security in this country. 517 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 518

Mr Davey: My hon. Friend is absolutely spot on. I We debate the Queen’s Speech at a time of crisis for believe that the climate change science is unambiguous millions of people in our country. This was a golden and that we have to act on that basis, but he is absolutely opportunity for the Government to show that they were right: there are other reasons to invest in low carbon in touch with the nation’s concerns and that they would and energy efficiency. It is important that this country help with the rising cost of living and offer hope to takes a lead on climate change by working with EU families who are seeing their dreams evaporating with colleagues to reform the EU ETS and the European every year that passes. But this Queen’s Speech will not carbon market, by including the decarbonisation target take the pressure off the squeezed middle, lessen the in the Energy Bill, which we have done, and by taking anger of commuters powerless to halt the relentless rise various other measures. Other countries are looking at of rail fares or address the choice between heating and our measures on electricity market reform and our eating for our most vulnerable senior citizens. For the green deal because they believe that we are leading the shop worker whose hours have been cut, putting them way. with the 1.5 million people who are part-time through All those measures are critical in the run-up to 2015, no choice of their own, for the middle manager workless which is when the climate change talks will take place in for the first time at 50, for the design graduate offered France, probably in Paris. During the climate change only unpaid internships and for the parents whose child talks in Durban in 2011 the world agreed to sign a is still living with them at an age when they should have legally binding global treaty at the climate change talks a home of their own, this Queen’s Speech has only in 2015. This will be a critical moment in the global confirmed what they dreaded: jobs and growth will have battle against climate change. We need to ensure that to wait and living standards will continue to fall. our international legal obligations apply to everyone in While the wealthiest 1% will see their earnings rise the world, not just to Europe or the Kyoto protocol with the Chancellor’s spring bonus, everyone else will nations. Having agreed in Durban to do that in 2015, we have to settle for less. They will be expected to make now have to prepare the way to make it a success. Our ends meet, cut corners, postpone the holiday and perhaps work here and with the EU is critical because it will join the 5 million families who, according to Which?, enable us to sign a treaty in 2015. use credit or savings to pay for food. The Queen’s Whether we are trying to keep down costs for people Speech is not just a missed opportunity, but a denial of or creating jobs, the package of measures introduced by the power of Government to change lives for the better. the Government—not just my Department or the I believe that Government can stimulate jobs, foster Department for Communities and Local Government, growth, encourage investment and skill a work force for overseen by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of today’s jobs and those of tomorrow, but not if the State—are focused on helping people in our country. golden rule, at every turn, is to cut the deficit first, On the longer-term challenges, we have rejected short-term whatever the impact, cost and evidence. fixes and the siren calls of vested interests. If we are Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): Of interested in building a new and sustainable economy, course, the right hon. Lady is right that the employment we must make it a low-carbon economy and consider market is tough for many people, but in these difficult the long-term challenges. times, will she welcome the fact that there are now I am grateful to the Opposition for how they have 750,000 more people in work than when her Government debated energy policy over recent months, particularly left office and that the UK’s overall employment rate is on the Energy Bill. I have seen a desire to build a growing at twice the rate of the United States’ and is the consensus, which is really important, because investment fastest growing of any G7 country? That is not a bad to tackle our energy challenges and climate change are, record in tough times. by their very nature, long term, and the investment framework that one builds needs to span not just one Caroline Flint: The Prime Minister promised change, Parliament or one Government, but several Parliaments but things have got worse, not better. He inherited an and Governments into the foreseeable future. Building economy in which growth had returned, inflation was a consensus is critical for successful policies that are as low, unemployment was falling and borrowing was cheap and effective as possible. I look forward to hearing lower than forecast. Today the economy is still flatlining, what the right hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline with more people out of work than when he became Flint) has to say. I am sure that she wants to add to that Prime Minister, the slowest economic recovery for more consensus. than 100 years, prices rising faster than earnings and real wages down £1,700 since 2010, while energy bills, train fares and the cost of a weekly shop have spiralled 1.42 pm out of control. Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): I beg to move an Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): My amendment. At the end of the motion add: right hon. Friend is right to mention train fares. The ‘but believe that the Gracious Speech offers no answers for Government talk a lot about reducing the cap to 1%, squeezed households facing a cost of living crisis; regret that the but is not the truth that they have removed the ban on economy is flatlining, unemployment is rising, borrowing is set to so-called flexibility, meaning that train companies can be £245 billion more than planned and the Office of Budget now increase their ticket prices by as much as 5% above Responsibility has confirmed that by 2015 people will be worse off than they were in 2010; and call on your Government to take the retail prices index, which was something the Labour real action to get people back into employment, build more Government removed? affordable homes, tackle rising energy and water bills, tackle the growing cost of getting to work and instability in private sector Caroline Flint: My hon. Friend is absolutely right, housing rents and tenancies and end extortionate letting agents’ which is why our amendment puts forward an alternative fees and charges.’. to the Government’s proposal that would help commuters. 519 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 520

Meg Hillier: Will my right hon. Friend add to her list is now increasing sharply. There has been a doubling in the trap that many of my constituents find themselves the number of pensioners dying from hypothermia in, not earning an £81,000 salary and unable to afford compared with five years ago. What have the Government the £17,000 deposit on an average-priced property— done about it? The Secretary of State mentioned the generation rent trapped in an unregulated private rented energy company obligation, the ECO. But less than half sector? What comfort are the Government giving them? the budget of that will go to people in fuel poverty. He has tried to claim credit for the warm home discount, Caroline Flint: They are offering them no comfort, but he will not want to talk about the hundreds of and I will address that issue later, as too will my right thousands of low-income families with children that are hon. Friend the Member for Leeds Central (Hilary missing out on help. He mentions the green deal, which Benn). is going so well that the Government still will not tell us Even by the Government’s own tests, they have failed how many people have taken out a package. to face up to the stark reality that whatever the intention, But one thing I am sure he does want to talk about is after all the cuts, pain and hardship, the plan is not the Prime Minister’s now infamous pledge to force the working. The credit rating test was to ensure our triple energy companies by law to put everybody on the A status, but that has been downgraded by not one, but cheapest tariff. I will not forget Wednesday 17 October two agencies. The borrowing test was to eliminate the 2012 when the Prime Minister said: deficit by the election, but that is £245 billion off course. Struggling families, pensioners and businesses “I can announce…that we will be legislating so that energy cannot afford another two years of stagnation, so the companies have to give the lowest tariff to their customers.” —[Official Report, 17 October 2012; Vol. 551, c. 316.] challenge for the Government in this Queen’s Speech was to get our economy back on track, get people back It sounded great; it is a shame his own Ministers did not to work and stop the slide in people’s living standards. know about this announcement until it happened. When the Government finally published their proposals in Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): Will February, it confirmed what we knew all along; that this the right hon. Lady tell us something that the Labour was an impossible promise from an out-of-touch Prime Front-Bench team have been reluctant to tell us, which Minister making it up as he went along. is how much higher borrowing would be if Labour was You do not have to take my word for it, Mr. Speaker. in charge and what effect that might have on interest We can look at the Government’s Energy Bill, which rates? categorically does not require the energy companies to put everybody on the cheapest tariff. All it says Caroline Flint: I am afraid to say that the Chancellor’s in clauses 121 to 124 is that the number of tariffs the spending cuts and tax rises, which went too deep, too energy companies are allowed to offer will be limited fast, have left our economy flatlining. As I said, the and that those tariffs may have to be standardised, and Government are borrowing £245 billion more than they that customers will have to be provided with more planned. [HON.MEMBERS: “Answer the question!”] I am information about cheaper deals. If the Secretary of going to. That is why we have called for infrastructure State disagrees, I am more than happy to let him intervene investment to be brought forward and for a temporary to tell us that all energy companies will be required by cut in VAT as part of Labour’s five-point plan for jobs law—as the Prime Minister promised—to put everyone and growth. These measures would lead to a short-term on the cheapest tariff, the date on which the switchover rise in borrowing, but getting growth and confidence will happen, how many of 22 million households will be back into the economy from a boost such as the VAT affected and how much money on average they will save. cut and investment such as in the building of affordable homes would increase our tax revenues, help reduce the welfare bill and see borrowing fall in the medium term. Mr Davey: We are legislating to make sure that people will be on the lower tariffs, given their preferences. The Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): right hon. Lady always refuses to mention that. I believe Does my right hon. Friend agree that that much-needed that there is room for choice and to respond to people’s boost to the economy is precisely the message of preferences. encouragement that young people in this country need? That more than 1 million young people are unemployed is a damning indictment of the Government’s policies. Caroline Flint: There we have it, Mr Speaker. They cannot explain it because it was a false promise. The Caroline Flint: My hon. Friend is absolutely right, Prime Miner told this House 12 times that his Government but we are not just about providing answers on jobs—we would legislate to put everyone on the cheapest tariff; would expect something back too—which is why, under that is just not going to happen. our jobs guarantee, if someone did not take a job, they would lose benefits. Jim Dowd (Lewisham West and Penge) (Lab): My Several hon. Members rose— right hon. Friend will be aware of the great potential of smart metering to reduce people’s bills. Is she as Caroline Flint: I want to make some progress, because disappointed as I am, and the rest of the country, that there are only six minutes per speech, and I am sure that the Government have now delayed the roll out of smart many right hon. and hon. Members want to get in. metering by 12 months? Let us take a closer look at the real lives of hard-working Britain. On energy bills, the facts speak for themselves. Caroline Flint: Yes, further delays to that programme In just three years, bills have risen by more than £300, were announced last week. Whether it is smart metering, and, despite falling between 1997 and 2010, fuel poverty the green deal or changes to the feed-in tariffs, we have 521 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 522 seen one mistake after another and bad handling of Government—that is our legacy—and by tackling fuel what should be very good policies not just for consumers, poverty, the insulation programme through Warm Front but for creating jobs and growth in this country. and the decent homes programme we helped millions of Curbing the costs of energy for Britain’s households households. is very important, but the Government have introduced To answer honestly, I have witnessed things over the an energy market reform Bill that does nothing to past three years that have made me challenge what we reform the energy market. They have cut winter fuel need to do for the future in terms of how the energy payments for pensioners, despite promising not to. They market works. It is up to all of us to reflect on where we have halved the fuel poverty budget while claiming it is are today and on what has happened in the past three bigger and better than ever. They have closed Warm years and try to put it right. That is why we believe that Front, which helped well over 2 million households to we need to encourage new entrants, increase competition insulate their homes. They stand proudly as the first and ease the upward pressure on prices. Administration since the 1970s not to have a Government- One of our other proposals is to deal with Ofgem. funded energy efficiency scheme. When Ofgem removed price controls a decade ago, it If this was our Queen’s Speech, we would be providing did so in the belief that competition had developed real help now for people and reform of the energy sufficiently and that privatisation had delivered a functioning market for the long term. Here are three Labour policies competitive market. I believe it is clear now that that that we would have included. [Interruption.] Well, we was a mistake. We need to create a tough new regulator have been mentioning all these policies for the past year that people can trust and ensure that the regulator has and this is another opportunity to confirm them again. the power it needs to protect consumers. That is why we First, elderly customers, who are most vulnerable to the would abolish Ofgem and create a tough new regulator cold weather and most at risk of fuel poverty, are with a statutory duty to monitor the relationship between among the least likely to be able to access the cheapest the prices that energy companies pay for their energy online deals or to switch supplier. We would put that and the bills the public pay and the power to force them right and put all those over 75 on the cheapest tariff for to cut prices when wholesale costs fall. We believe that their gas and electricity. If we did that, as many as that is very important. 4 million pensioners—including nearly 8,000 in the Secretary of State’s own constituency—could save as Mr Davey: The right hon. Lady has explained to the much as £200 a year off their bills. [Interruption.] The House the Opposition’s policy to get rid of a regulator Minister of State, the right hon. Member for Bexhill and to replace it with another regulator. Given that we and Battle (Gregory Barker), might like to listen, as I need to attract £110 billion of investment in energy to am offering him this policy to put in the Energy Bill. this country, is she aware that one of the things that The energy companies know that that is our policy and investors prize about the UK is regulatory stability and they know that it can be done. The Government can certainty? Will her proposal improve that or make it have that policy for free; take it, put it in the Energy Bill worse? and get help to those who need it most. We also want everyone to benefit from a competitive Caroline Flint: Investment in the renewables sector in and more responsible energy market. That means wholesale this country has gone down; we are a less attractive reform of the way in which energy is bought and sold. place to invest. The Secretary of State makes much of At the moment, no one really knows what the true cost the so-called “decarbonisation target” in the Bill. The of energy is. If energy companies were forced to sell the truth is that there is no such target. Investors say to me power they generate into an open and transparent pool, that they need certainty, which is why we need to have anyone could bid to retail energy. strength behind a decarbonisation target to make sure But it does not stop with energy prices. Let us look at that that investment comes forward. another basic need on which every household relies; I also believe that we cannot have a regulator that water. Ofwat estimates that some 2.2 million households— people do not trust. It has not been doing the job it was one in 10—spend more than 5 per cent of their income asked to do; it is not fit for purpose. To get our energy on water and sewage. As my hon. Friend the Member market and sector into a better place, we need consumers for Wakefield (Mary Creagh) has pointed out, despite to have confidence in the regulator, which is why it Labour’s legislation, which allowed for new social tariffs needs to change. There is no point in trying to hold up a to help people squeezed by rising water bills, the regulator that does not command confidence. We need Government have washed their hands of any responsibility a regulator that does just that and can move us to a and are leaving it to water companies to decide whether better place, where energy has the certainty it needs for to introduce social tariffs. We think that that is a investment but also has the confidence of consumers. responsibility that the Government should take on and deal with. David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): Will the right hon. Lady give way? Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest) (Con): The right hon. Lady is coming forward with all these ideas now, but why did her Government spend 13 years neglecting Caroline Flint: No, I will not give way to the hon. the country’s energy needs? Why did they not bring Gentleman. those matters to the House during that time? Mr David Anderson (Blaydon) (Lab): Will my right Caroline Flint: I refute that accusation; investment in hon. Friend give way? energy was up, there were more starts in terms of renewables, some of which will be completed under this Caroline Flint: I will give way to my hon. Friend. 523 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 524

Mr Anderson: A very good decision by my colleague. waiting lists or forced to live in the private rented sector. Is not the truth that investors see this country as having Whereas this Government sit back and do nothing, stable regulation, but that they see it as wide open? That Labour would act now to change the private rented was the way that privatisation was set up in the 1980s, sector so that it works for all—landlords and tenants. so that companies can rip off the public and put bills up on a whim and do not care how they do that as long as Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): In my they can get away with it. Ofgem has failed continually constituency, both house prices and private rents went and it needs to be reformed; my right hon. Friend is up last year by 8%, which is eight times the rate at which absolutely right in what she says. wages rose. It costs £650,000 to buy the average property in my constituency and £800 a week to rent a three-bedroom Caroline Flint: I thank my hon. Friend for that house, yet the Tory response is to sell off council homes intervention. The truth is that we do not have a competitive when they become vacant and to put families into market: six large companies dominate 99% of it, so we bed-and-breakfast accommodation, at a cost of £1 million have to open it up. We need to make it more dynamic a year. and more transparent, so that the public feel they are paying a fair price for the energy they buy. Caroline Flint: My hon. Friend makes some important points. I seem to recall that we were told that the David Mowat: Will the right hon. Lady give way? Government’s housing policies would not lead to an increase in private rents, but the opposite has happened. Caroline Flint: No. I will make some progress; I have I, too, saw the headline—I think it was in the Evening taken a number of interventions. Standard a few weeks ago—about private rents in London rising eight times more than wages. I have discussed energy and water, but what about those families who get up to do the right thing and head If this was our Queen’s Speech, we would have had a off to work each day? Among them are hard-working housing Bill in it and we would be taking action to commuters forced to travel at peak time. Often, they encourage landlords to offer families longer tenancies, have moved a long distance away from their workplace so that they have security and stability.We would introduce to stand a chance of buying their own home. Their a register of landlords and empower local authorities to reward for doing the right thing, day in and day out, is strike off rogue elements, and we would end the rip-off season ticket price hikes of up to 9.2%. What understanding fees and charges imposed by letting agents. However, have the Government shown them? How about squeezing this Queen’s Speech offers nothing to address those them further by allowing new “super peak” fares? As concerns. It is a no-answers Queen’s Speech from a my hon. Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood tired, failing and increasingly fractious Government. (Maria Eagle) has made clear, if we were in government This Government promised change, but nothing is and if this was our Queen’s Speech, we would put changing for hard-working Britons. Our country faces passengers first, not siding with the powerful private big challenges, but this Government and this Queen’s train operators. Our consumers Bill would cap fares at Speech are not equal to the task. The Queen’s Speech no more than 1% above inflation in each year of this fails to provide a reboot for flatline Britain; it fails to Parliament and ban train companies from introducing address the rising cost of living; and it fails to listen to even higher “super peak” fares. hard-working people. The big question that those people are asking of Government is: how can they afford to Caroline Lucas: Would the Queen’s Speech of the secure a roof over their head, heat their home, feed their right hon. Lady’s party include a Bill to bring the family and get to work? However, this Queen’s Speech railways back into public ownership? Reports suggest has no answers for them. The promise is that we will get that doing so would save around £1 billion a year in there in the end, but like so much with this Government, administration costs. it is wearing thin. Even the Government’s own independent Office for Budget Responsibility is saying that British Caroline Flint: What we are clear about is that the rail people will be worse off in 2015 than in 2010. companies must prove themselves when it comes to I do not relish the rising levels of young people out of their franchises being renewed. On my local line—the work, or the months turning into years among the adult east coast line—the operator has done a remarkable jobless. I regret that our economy remains in the doldrums. job. Unlike some of the other operators, it has paid None of us has all the answers, but our amendment premium payments back into the Government’s coffers shows that there are ways to help people through these to spend on other things. However, we must ensure that harsh times. At no cost to the Government, we could each rail company is fit for purpose, and where a cap train fares, put the over-75s on the cheapest energy company is not doing the job and we need to take tariff and stop private landlords ripping their tenants action, we can make a decision on a case-by-case basis off. Labour’s amendment is about what is fair, what is at the time. reasonable and what is just, and I commend it to the On housing, as my right hon. Friend the Member for House. Leeds Central will set out in his speech later today, the Government are not just failing to tackle the housing Several hon. Members rose— crisis; their policies are making it worse. House building is at its lowest level since the 1920s, annual housing Mr Speaker: Order. Just before I call the first contributor starts are down and housing completions were lower in from the Back Benches, I remind the House that in light both years of this Government than in Labour’s last of the number of right hon. and hon. Members seeking year in power. As a result, more and more people are to contribute, I have had to impose a six-minute limit on locked out of home ownership, stuck on local authority each Back-Bench contribution. 525 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 526

2.5 pm HS2 would also optimise the under-utilised runway capacity at Birmingham airport, which would make the Mrs Caroline Spelman (Meriden) (Con): I support travel time competitive with London’s airports. The the Gracious Speech and commend the Secretary of runway at Birmingham is being extended to accommodate State for Energy and Climate Change on the important long-haul traffic, which reflects the preferred destinations measures that he has outlined, which will help the in the Indian subcontinent of west midlands manufacturers hard-working families in my west midlands constituency and exporters and, of course, those of the region’s with the cost of living. residents, many of whom have their origins there. It is the rising cost of global energy that has had such a huge knock-on effect on household bills, not least the I cannot outline the potential gains of HS2 without cost of travel to work. I therefore wish to speak about touching on the real pain suffered by my constituents the proposed investment in high-speed rail, which will whose homes will be blighted by the route. Properties run through my constituency. We will get both the pain have lost approximately 20% of their value. I say and the gain, as the first stop outside London will be “approximately” because it is actually hard to sell a Birmingham International, just 38 minutes from Euston. property at all, given the level of uncertainty. There is High Speed 2 throws a lifeline to the west midlands, a hardship fund, and I have helped many constituents which has been held back by a lack of transport investment to apply to it, but very few have received help. The down the years. blight compensation is to be calculated on a set distance The principle behind high-speed rail is the lack of from the rails, which can be harsh on those who are just capacity on the existing railways. There is already a lack beyond the eligible distance. This is why I introduced a of capacity, which is why freight has had to be moved ten-minute rule Bill calling for the use of noise contours, off the west coast main line, on to the Chiltern line or which might more accurately reflect noise nuisance. I the congested west midlands road network. That lack of hope that the paving Bill proposed in the Queen’s Speech capacity means that I frequently have to stand when will contain significant improvements to the compensation travelling at peak times to and from my constituency. package. Indeed, the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Hodge I urge the Government to look again at a property Hill (Mr Byrne) teased me as I read the contents of my bond scheme of the type proposed by Birmingham red box standing up when I was a Minister, but I airport when a second runway was on the cards. A reminded him about his note to the effect that there was property bond would enable people blighted by HS2 to “no money left” for us when we took power. move on with their lives. The evidence from HS1 is that, The Opposition claim that the Queen’s Speech does if the Government were to buy up their property today, nothing to tackle rail fares, but we are about to make a most of it would not lose value once construction was huge investment in rail infrastructure that will create completed and the perceived blight had lifted. There jobs and growth. Without that extra capacity, the might even be an uplift in value from the proximity to fundamental tool to meet rising demand will not exist. an improved transport network. I urge the Government With a renaissance in west midlands manufacturing to continue their efforts to improve and mitigate the and the success of companies such as Jaguar Land impact of HS2. Just today, I have heard that a new Rover, demand for rail will only increase, so we must tunnel will be constructed under Castle Bromwich in have a transport network to match the needs of the 21st my constituency, but as yet I have had no response to century as we compete in the global race for jobs. my request for a deep-bore tunnel that would protect the Greenway and villages such as Berkswell and Hampton- Jake Berry (Rossendale and Darwen) (Con): Does in-Arden, as well as keeping the surface around the my right hon. Friend agree that the Government’s interchange station free of rigid structures. commitment to rail travel is shown not only in HS2, but in the investment being made in Birmingham New The House would expect me, as a former Environment Street station at the moment? Secretary, to give consideration to the environmental impact of HS2, and of course there will be a loss of green space, but it is also possible to do something Mrs Spelman: I absolutely agree. That is an example really beneficial to the environment through biodiversity to west midlands constituents of the Government’s offsetting. During my time at the Department for commitment to growth, jobs and infrastructure, which Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, we introduced a is essential. tool that allowed us to calculate what had to be done to When I drive home up the M40, I frequently see compensate for the loss of nature where development transporter loads of newly made cars from Solihull, occurred. With such credits, a big scheme for the restoration representing our export-led recovery, but would it not of the environment can be achieved either near to or be so much better if there was capacity on our railways where the loss occurs. For example, the university of to take that freight straight to Southampton for export? Birmingham, in conjunction with the engineers Arup, Frequently, the motorway link between the M42, the has come up with a proposal to restore the Tame river M40 and the M6 is heavily congested, even with the valley, which was badly polluted by the industrial heritage innovative active traffic management system. There are of the west midlands. Biodiversity offsetting was one of strategic assets along the length of the M42—the Blythe the key tools in the natural environment White Paper, and Birmingham business parks, Birmingham airport and the HS2 project provides a good opportunity to put and the national exhibition centre—but what we need is it into practice. connectivity. The evidence from France is that the towns that really benefited from high-speed rail were those I hope that Ministers will accept some of these that managed to put such connectivity in place, and suggestions for how to build on and improve the legislation we have a Government who are committed to rail for a high-speed railway, which will need to demonstrate infrastructure. clearly the gains to the community it serves economically, 527 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 528

[Mrs Spelman] sub-economy. Nobody wants that; we want secure boundaries and legal, open migration that is properly socially and environmentally in order to be sustainable organised. and to expand public transport capacity to help with the cost of living. Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): I could not help but note, when the right hon. Gentleman said it was ridiculous to blame migrants for our economic woes—I 2.12 pm agree with him on that—that it might also be ridiculous to assume that they had nothing to do with our economic Mr David Blunkett (Sheffield, Brightside and woes. At the weekend, Lord Mandelson said: Hillsborough) (Lab): I often wonder on these occasions how Aneurin Bevan and Michael Foot would have got “In 2004 when as a Labour government, we were not only welcoming people to come into this country to work, we were on, having only six minutes to make a speech, but I will sending out search parties for people and encouraging them, in do my best. some cases, to take up work in this country.” Last week, my right hon. Friend the Member for Would the right hon. Gentleman care to comment on Dulwich and West Norwood (Dame Tessa Jowell) reflected that? on the current political dialogue, saying that “our political narrative has been characterised by a view of the Mr Blunkett: This talk of search parties is, frankly, worst of national human nature rather than the best.”—[Official risible. The fact was that we had a booming economy Report, 8 May 2013; Vol. 563, c. 28.] with enormous growth and we needed people to fill I regret to say that she is right. She is right because those jobs. We needed them to do so legally, rather than history teaches us that when politicians—particularly illegally. At the moment, however, illegal migration is those of governing parties—are prepared to stoop to growing and the message we are sending out, particularly the politics of blame and resentment, and when the to graduate and postgraduate students, is entirely wrong. fulcrum of politics shifts to looking to our communities, Of course there is an issue about integration and about rather than to the international financial and banking protecting people, but we need a sensible, rational dialogue, fraternity, to see who can be blamed for our problems, rather than one that fosters and engenders fear. that is when we see people turning on each other. That What about the welfare state? In 2005, we set out our is what we are seeing now. People are looking at those principles for welfare reform. Of course, earned entitlement on welfare as though they are living high on the hog, is crucial. We all accept that work is the best form of and looking at migrants as though they are responsible welfare, but turning those who are struggling on welfare for what has happened to their living standards, even into victims and suggesting that they are responsible for though they are not. the dilemmas that we face in these times of austerity is There is a danger that the current ridiculous debate frankly unacceptable. My right hon. Friend the Member on Europe could put our prosperity at risk. Today’s for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) mentioned the £1,700 debate is about the cost of living. If the debate on cut in average earnings, but this Government have also Europe continues as it is doing at the moment, the ratio frozen child benefit and cut tax credits. In-work benefits of the pound to other currencies internationally will have also been cut, creating a disincentive rather than worsen to the point at which our imports will be more an incentive to work. Goodness knows what is going to expensive and our cost of living will rise. The uncertainty happen when universal credit comes in later this year. will reduce inward investment into our country and, as Above all, the Government are punishing people who we have seen from the Prime Minister’s somewhat ill-timed are already struggling. The bedroom tax is the most visit to the United States this week, negotiations over iniquitous of the changes that the Government have international trade with China, India, the US and the brought in—[HON.MEMBERS: “It’s not a tax.”] Does Russian Federation which require a Europe-wide approach someone want me to give way? to achieve a scale that allows us to negotiate sensibly will be put at risk. Alec Shelbrooke rose— I simply ask Members on both sides of the House to be big enough to address the real challenges that we face as a nation, rather than turning individuals against Mr Speaker: Order. The hon. Member for Elmet and individuals and fostering the politics of grievance. Rothwell (Alec Shelbrooke) cannot opportunistically Historically, we seem continually to rewrite the issue of spring up in that way. He is showing a considerable migration to this country. There is nothing new about discourtesy to the House. The right hon. Member for using the politics of insecurity and uncertainty and the Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough (Mr Blunkett) fear of change and difference to turn one set of people should proceed unhindered with his speech. against another—usually the poor against the very poor— and we are seeing it again today. Mr Blunkett: I am grateful to you, Mr Speaker. Let us compare properly organised, legal inward I am talking about children under 10 who suddenly migration with the illegal migration that pushes people discover that their parents have to move and that they into the sub-economy, which would have happened had can no longer have their own bedroom, and about those we not reached the agreement to allow people to work with shared care not being able to look after their legally here and pay tax and national insurance from children at weekends. We could have provided incentives 2004. This is fact, not fiction: 40% of those people from for people to move, but I am not sure whether the eastern Europe who registered to work here in 2004 Government want them to move or whether they want were already in this country. They were working in the to punish them for having a house with two bedrooms. 529 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 530

Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): My right five years ago. Between now and 2015, nothing should hon. Friend’s brilliant contribution is reminding us all be allowed to distract the Government from that objective. of why he is such a towering force in politics. Does he It is impossible in the present context to ignore possible agree that the bedroom tax—it matters little what we distractions. call it; it is what it is—is a precise example of the politics Thankfully, the internal management of the Conservative of division that he has been talking so eloquently about? party is nothing to do with me, but speaking as someone who was a not entirely dispassionate observer of the Mr Blunkett: I am very grateful to my hon. Friend for Major Government between 1992 and 1997, I say that her kind words. I want to make the point that there were there are surprising echoes of that period in the current alternatives, including introducing incentives for people, turmoil of the Conservative party.It is worth remembering including older people, to move. It is often older people that that Government had very substantial economic who require smaller premises and who have larger premises achievements—to such an extent that the incoming that they can no longer manage. But we will not move Labour Government, with the right hon. Member for them, will we? We will not tax winter fuel or assumed Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) as Chancellor benefits for older people because older people vote in of the Exchequer, accepted the public spending proposals very much greater numbers than younger people. My of the outgoing Government. message today is that politics—democratic politics—can be our solution and that people should engage with it as If we undermine the authority of our Prime Minister, citizens in their community. They should engage with it we will undermine the credibility of our Government. If through voting, but they should not be misled by we undermine the credibility of our Government, organisations and parties such as UKIP that seek to we will undermine the economic objectives of that obtain their vote by building on resentment and hatred, Government. This is all the more the case when the which history shows us has brought countries to their coalition agreement contains a perfectly rational mechanism knees. for a referendum if constitutional change is made. Is it rational to spend the next two years on a fractious and Yes, we need strong borders; we need welfare reform; divisive debate over Europe when so much remains to we need a review of the European Union—but we need be done? I simply cite the example of Scotland, in fairness at home, too. Today, Sheffield city council’s respect of which every decision, every policy and every fairness commission, of all parties and no parties, has political statement has for some time—and it will continue presented to Downing street thousands of names on a for some time—had to be seen through the prism of the petition. I mean fairness, not just in respect of dealing referendum fixed for September next year. with the recession and austerity, but fairness in the sense of what Barbara Castle used to call the social If these events are a reaction to UKIP, let me offer a wage—the investment in our decent public services. sporting metaphor. Teams that chase the game are That is the message we should be putting out today. rarely successful. That applied, of course, to the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath when he sought to outbid the current Chancellor on the question 2.21 pm of inheritance tax, and as it did when he declined to call Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): It is a a further general election. Concessions rarely satisfy privilege to take part in this debate on the Gracious dissidents, who have the ghost of Oliver Twist among Speech, and it is a particular pleasure to follow the right them. hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough Another issue—that of Syria—should not allow us to (Mr Blunkett). be distracted from these economic goals. I retain my In view of recent events relating to the Government previously expressed reservations about the proposals side of the House, I think I should make it abundantly to arm the rebels. President Obama’s resistance to that clear that I intend to vote for the Queen’s Speech, that I is sometimes related to an inactivity—whether or not will support the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, and that is right is neither here nor there, but in my view his that I will vote against any amendment, tabled or selected. resistance is well founded. The objections are many, That I should feel the need to make such an assertion at including the emergence of Islamist Jabhat al-Nusra as the outset will underpin some of the observations I an increasingly influential part of the rebel forces, which shall make. raises the question of who would inherit any arms that I continue to support the restoration of economic we might deliver. The risk of a proxy war between the stability. That was the raison d’être of the coalition United States and Russia is another example, with each and it remains its overarching objective. To fulfil that matching each other in armaments supply. Once we commitment, I, like others, have had to subordinate my depart from non-lethal supplies, where would we stop? views on other subjects to that objective. I felt it necessary to do so because of the economic circumstances we Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con) rose— have inherited and because of the very obvious difficulties that exist in resolving them. Some of the decisions that have been made have been very painful—to me and to Sir Menzies Campbell: I am about to finish. others—but I believe them to have been necessary. Some have suggested a no-fly zone, but if we have We continue to make progress towards the objective. one, we must be ready to shoot down the aircraft that We have reduced the deficit; we have maintained low intrude into it and accept the risk of the aircraft enforcing interest rates; there has been no run on the pound—and it being shot down. We must also be ready to suppress although it is a volatile measurement, it is worth observing the air defences, many of which have in an entirely that the stock market, often seen as a barometer of deliberate but cowardly way been situated among the confidence, has in recent days returned to its levels of civilian population. 531 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 532

[Sir Menzies Campbell] Meg Hillier: Does my hon. Friend have the impression that the Prime Minister may be in power but not in I finish by noting that as Russia and the United control? States tentatively explore the possibility of a joint approach on Syria, this is no time to encourage the rebels to Jim Dowd: I see quite easily how a logical person believe that they need not subscribe to any political could reach that conclusion. settlement in the hope of outright victory. I myself am in favour of a referendum on the question of Britain’s continuing relationship with the European 2.27 pm Union, but I believe that it is a matter for the next Parliament. I hope that we can prevail on the Opposition Jim Dowd (Lewisham West and Penge) (Lab): I am Front Bench to include a manifesto commitment, but of delighted to have the opportunity to make a few comments course the manifesto for the next election is still two on the Queen’s Speech. This is the third anniversary of years away. the formation of this particular coalition, and this Queen’s Speech is the penultimate one, with only one David T. C. Davies: Am I to understand that the hon. more to go—Hallelujah! What is most remarkable about Gentleman is perfectly happy to support a referendum this Queen’s Speech is how thin it is, and how it is in the next Parliament, but believes that anyone who dominated by two particular elements. The first is just wants to give the people a chance to have a say in their how little the coalition parties can agree on—they seem future in Europe in this Parliament is a fruitcake? to have spent most of their time deciding not what should go into this Queen’s Speech, but what to keep out of it. That explains its paucity to some degree. Mr Speaker: Order. We must not pursue this exchange, whether in relation to fruitcakes or in relation to a The other element is the fear of the saloon-bar stage prospective amendment which has not been selected. that is Nigel Farage and UKIP. It was said at the end of The hon. Member for Monmouth (David T. C. Davies) the 19th century that the spectre of communism was should not seek to divert the hon. Member for Lewisham haunting Europe, but the spectre of UKIP now haunts West and Penge (Jim Dowd) from the path of virtue to the Conservative party to such a degree that it really which I think he had just about returned. does not know how to deal with it. There is widespread sympathy on the Conservative Benches for UKIP’s aims Jim Dowd: I can tell the hon. Gentleman quite honestly and objectives, and there is a degree of incomprehension, that I would not accuse him of being a fruitcake— as I observe it, of the fact that the natural home for right-wing fruitcakes is within the Conservative party. Mr Anderson: Why not? The acts of UKIP have clearly led to some confusion. The amendment tabled by the hon. Member for Jim Dowd: But I entirely understand that there may Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron) and predominantly, be those who would. although not exclusively, supported by Conservative The argument needs to be heard. The other day I Members is no amendment at all. I think the technical received a message from a constituent who was an expression for it is “pious”—it just expresses a view and avowed Tory voter at the last election—in the Bromley will have no impact whatever either for good or ill. If part of my constituency; there are not many Tory voters these Members were serious about voting against the left in the Lewisham part— Queen’s Speech, they could, of course, vote against the main motion, but they will not— Mr Anderson: Any Liberal Democrats? Mr Speaker: Order. I want to help the hon. Gentleman by gently saying that he would not think it right to start Jim Dowd: Afew. to debate an amendment that has not been selected. He is My constituent resented the suggestions that were an experienced and wily old hand, and I feel sure that he being made about the referendum, because no one had will be able to frame his remarks in an appropriate way. put the idea to the electorate at the last election. I expect the issue to be a key part of the next general election Jim Dowd: I am grateful for your guidance, Mr. Speaker, campaign, and I think that we should offer people a as, indeed, I always am. referendum on it. I think that this also reflects the enduring resentment Labour is the only party that has ever given people in among Conservative Members, and their failure to this country a referendum. Back in 1975, under the appreciate that they did not win the last election. They Wilson Government, the referendum was on whether try to behave as if they did, and they try to believe that we accepted the revised terms under which we would they can simply have their way in this matter, but that is remain in what was then the European Economic not the situation that the electorate gave them. I understand Community. Scottish and Welsh devolution, the forming their resentment, because if there was one election that of the Greater London Authority, the direct election of the Conservative party really ought to have won it was a Mayor of London and elected mayors in cities across probably the one that took place in 2010, but they failed the country have all spawned referendums, and all of to do so. them were instituted by a Labour Government. The The Prime Minister, of course, is away. He will not closest that a Conservative Government have ever got even be voting for the Queen’s Speech himself when it is was being forced into a referendum on electoral reform put to the vote tomorrow. He has thrown just a few and the alternative vote by the terms of the coalition titbits to the fruitcakes by saying that while Ministers agreement. must not vote for the amendment, others can abstain. He is trying to draw up a strange pact, the “pax Cameron”. Alec Shelbrooke: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? 533 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 534

Jim Dowd: No, I will not, tempted though I am. I It is not a matter of wanting to do something less have taken two interventions, and if I took another it than we might in terms of humanitarian intervention. I would come out of my speaking time. certainly supported humanitarian military intervention The deal over boundary reform, and not Lords reform, in Sierra Leone, and I was one of the first to call for was another part of the coalition agreement, but the military intervention to topple Miloševic. I have supported Liberal Democrats appear to have ignored that. Mind military action in other theatres, such as Afghanistan you, I am not complaining: both the boundary gerrymander and Iraq, and I even supported such action—albeit with and the equally ridiculous AV system were well worth considerable reluctance—in the case of Libya, given kicking into touch. Gaddafi’s explicit threat to the citizens of Benghazi. We must, however, consider two aspects when thinking Others speak of a “mandate referendum”, whatever about undertaking military intervention. One is the such a thing is. A Government have a mandate; and humanitarian consideration, but the other is the question what would be the question in this “mandate referendum”? of who will take over if that military intervention is “Should the Government seek every opportunity to successful. What concerns me is the possibility that the protect and promote the best interests of the British people who take over will become dominated by a people”? I believe that all Governments do that, although group allied to al-Qaeda who are even worse than the I do not agree with the way in which this Government Assad regime—and that is saying something. do it. I believe that the mandate stems from the general election. Who on earth is going to vote “No”? It is My mind goes back to the speech made by Tony Blair ludicrous. This is merely a distraction, an attempt to as Prime Minister in the run-up to the Iraq war. What confuse activity with action. did he say that so swayed the House in favour of My right hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, intervention? He said that his nightmare was the prospect Brightside and Hillsborough (Mr Blunkett) referred to of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands the way in which we are isolating certain people. While of al-Qaeda. We now know that either there were no we must provide fair access to public services, the weapons of mass destruction, or, if there were chemical Government must be careful not to fuel the flames of or biological weapons, they were not there by the time xenophobia. We should understand in this country that the allied forces went in. while there must be a genuine entitlement, and while a In this case, however, we know that there are weapons contribution must be made—according to people’s of mass destruction—chemical weapons; a big stockpile ability—the overwhelming majority of immigrants and of nerve gas—in Syria. What the Foreign Secretary has their descendants have contributed mightily to what the admitted at the Dispatch Box, repeatedly, is that there country is today. We should not allow that to be put at are, to use his own estimate, several thousand al-Qaeda- risk by any obsession at the margins, or try to reduce linked militants fighting alongside the Syrian opposition. what is a great record. I have raised the question at least five times since last As I said at the outset, the Queen’s Speech is thin. It is September, and I have had five answers, none of which clearly not up to the task of meeting the challenges that has satisfied me on the point. The point is this: how do face Britain today. The sooner this Government go, the we prevent that stock of deadly chemical weapons, better. which in the hands of Assad and his regime poses no threat to the west, from falling into the hands of al-Qaeda- linked militants, who would undoubtedly use them against 2.35 pm the west, with terribly adverse effects on our cost of Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): It was kind living and on our being able to stay alive? of you, Mr. Speaker, to allow a segment of today’s It is not beyond the realms of possibility that Carla debate to those of us who were concerned about the del Ponte may be right, because it certainly does not Opposition’s decision not to choose foreign affairs, defence make sense for the Assad regime to use chemical or, indeed, Europe as the subject of one of the themed weapons—the one thing that would cause the west to days of debate on the Queen’s Speech, so that we could intervene and overthrow him. If he did use them, why refer to some of those matters. I suppose that I ought to use them in such small quantities that they could not get the words “cost of living” into my speech from time have a decisive effect? If the intent was to intimidate the to time, and I shall endeavour to do so, but I hope that if opposition, why deny vehemently, as the Assad regime I fail, they will be taken as read. does, that it has used them? It does not make sense. Although the right hon. and learned Member for North East Fife (Sir Menzies Campbell) and I serve Alec Shelbrooke: What would be the direct effect on closely together on the Intelligence and Security Committee, the cost of living in this country if an al-Qaeda-led we are not best known for agreeing on issues such as the Government in Syria got together with the Shi’a-led future of the European Union or that of the Trident Government in Iran and took a direct look at the nuclear deterrent. On one issue, however, we find ourselves democracy in Iraq, which is diametrically opposed to in close agreement, and that is the question of whether their beliefs? or not we should arm the rebels in Syria, or become militarily involved in the civil war in other ways. Dr Lewis: I am sure that my hon. Friend is right in his implication that there would have to be a huge uplift in Alec Shelbrooke: Absolutely not. public expenditure on all forms of counter-terrorist techniques, and there would undoubtedly be a deleterious Dr Lewis: I think I am right in saying that my hon. effect on the freedoms of peoples in this country, which Friend’s view is quite widely shared on the Back Benches, would have to be restricted considerably if we found at least on this side of the House, and, I suspect, on the ourselves under attack from deadly chemical weapons other side as well. in the hands of an extremist group allied to our enemies. 535 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 536

[Dr Julian Lewis] families and young people, but 12 months later the situation is worse. More than 550 local people in my The hon. Member for Lewisham West and Penge constituency who were unemployed 12 months ago are (Jim Dowd) quoted Marx, without attributing the words still unable to find a job. More people are out of work to him, when he said that the spectre of communism is now than there were when this Prime Minister took haunting Europe. I am put in mind of a quotation office, and a growing number of food banks are now attributed to Lenin: opening across the country—these are the most visible “The capitalists will sell us the rope with which we will hang manifestation of the growing crisis of food poverty in them.” Britain. Food is the most basic of human requirements, We would have to be out of our minds to assist in the yet in one of the richest cities in the world, local families overthrow of one shocking regime and the coming into and children cannot afford to eat and are going hungry. place instead of a regime that was equally shocking and The Trussell Trust, which runs the largest chain of food atrocious but hostile to us and armed with chemical banks in the country, fed more than 34,000 people in weapons. London in the past year. In my borough of Hounslow two food banks have opened in the past two months Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): I am alone, with the local council, local charities, places of sympathetic to much of the hon. Gentleman’s argument, worship and volunteers doing all they can to help local but a humanitarian crisis in Syria has to be addressed. families and a growing number of children in poverty. Given the difficulties between the Russians, ourselves and the Americans in relation to an international conference, Andrew Selous: Perhaps the hon. Lady would like to how do we move a political settlement forward? put on the record the fact that food banks increased tenfold under her Government. Will she condemn the Dr Lewis: I am extremely grateful for that intervention, fact that her Government refused to let Jobcentre Plus as it leads me to my final point. Whenever we talk to signpost people to food banks because they were worried our Government spokesmen about this, they say that about the political damage? That was a callous way of the answer is a peaceful transition. It is abundantly treating people in need. clear that either there will be something peaceful and no transition, or if there is a transition, it will not be Seema Malhotra: Yet again, we see how the Conservative peaceful. If our concern is, above all, to stop the killing, Government are so out of touch and so complacent, we ought to be working with the Russians not for a not acknowledging any of the challenges—rising transition but for a cease fire. We ought to aim to freeze unemployment and a rising cost of living—that people the situation, the effect of which would be to stop the in Britain are facing today; they are not taking any killing but not to result in the transfer of the chemical responsibility. weapons stocks to the hands of an opponent of western A recent report by the London assembly found that civilisation that is even more deadly than the people more than 95% of teachers asked in London said that who currently hold them. children in their schools regularly went without breakfast— more than half of such instances were because families Mr Love indicated assent. could not afford food. That is completely unacceptable in modern Britain. The health, educational attainment Dr Lewis: I am grateful to see the hon. Gentleman and life chances of these children are threatened by nod in some agreement with that. We should be striving hunger, and the Government continue to do nothing to for a cease fire, not for a change of regime, atrocious help with the cost of living. though that regime happens to be. Meg Hillier: Teachers and head teachers in my 2.44 pm constituency have given me similar messages. One school Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): has what it calls a “tack room”, where it takes in young I am honoured to speak in this year’s debate on the people’s mobile phones or a deposit—little bits of money— Loyal Address and to make some comments on Her towards a blazer or school equipment, because the Majesty’s Gracious Speech. children cannot afford that or their school lunches. I join the sentiments expressed by other Opposition Members that Britain could and would have hoped for Seema Malhotra: My hon. Friend makes a moving so much more from this Queen’s Speech. After three contribution. We have seen how schools are increasingly years of low growth, rising unemployment, increased picking up the pieces so that children can have something borrowing and a rising cost of living, including fuel and to eat and at least then be able to study. food bills and transport fares, Britain deserved much The Government are even making things worse. A more. We got no answers on tackling the rising cost of recent Institute for Fiscal Studies report into child living, at a time when real wages have fallen by £1,700 poverty found that between 2010 and 2020 absolute since the election, and there was nothing to help the child poverty will increase by 55%, with the IFS saying increasing number of Londoners struggling to afford that the projected surge is a result of the fiscal and food. It is clear that, after three years of failure and social security policies of this Tory-led Government. A U-turns, this Government are out of touch, out of ideas great sign of weakness is not admitting when you have and unable to bring the change this country needs. got it wrong, and it is a shame that the Government did Last year, I spoke in my first Queen’s Speech debate not take the opportunity of this Queen’s Speech to put as the Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston. forward real solutions to meet the challenges our businesses I spoke of local unemployment and how Her Majesty’s and families are facing. As Labour’s alternative Queen’s Gracious Speech last year offered no hope to these local Speech argued, the focus should have been on those 537 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 538 matters that will make a real change: jobs; growth; active in the economy and the workplace. It is through tackling rising consumer prices; and banking reform to measures such as reforming how we organise child care back our British businesses. Last month, the International that that will be done. That is fairness and how we Monetary Fund published figures showing that in 2012 eradicate child poverty and improve the position of all the UK economy grew by just 0.2%. That was 0.7% less families throughout the country. than Germany, 2% less than the United States, and 3.8% less than India. We are, of course, in a global race, Andrew Selous: On child poverty, did my hon. Friend in which Britain can lead, although not under this note, as I did yesterday, that the Institute for Public Government if the last three years are anything to Policy Research, a left-wing think-tank, has now disowned go by. Labour’s approach to priority and is backing ours in The Queen’s Speech has been a missed opportunity— dealing with the causes of child poverty? That is good another chance missed to improve the prospects of news, as I am sure my hon. Friend will agree. Britain’s families. It is a no-answers Queen’s Speech from a tired and failing Government. They are out of Mrs Laing: I did indeed, and my hon. Friend makes touch, out of ideas and losing the global race for the point extremely well. Britain. My constituents in Feltham and Heston deserved There is something that has not surprised me, but let better. It is not too late for the Government to change me draw it to the House’s attention. The hon. Member course, and I look forward to the Minister’s response. for Feltham and Heston (Seema Malhotra) and many of her colleagues get excited about food banks because 2.50 pm they believe that it is in the power of the state to do everything to help people. We believe, as a matter of Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest) (Con): It is a principle, that power is with the people and it is up to privilege to support the Gracious Speech. Although I individuals to help each other, voluntarily, if they so appreciate that it is unfashionable to talk about conviction wish, in times of need. Food banks are not about politics, I suggest to the House that there is nothing entitlement. Entitlement and benefits are one issue, but wrong with having principles, talking about principles food banks are about relieving short-term need. It is and sticking to principles. The principles underlying the important that we should be able to do that voluntarily. Queen’s Speech are those of freedom, choice and individual responsibility as well as rights. Through those principles, It is not nasty to make difficult economic decisions, Conservative Governments throughout the ages have but necessary. It is not nasty to tell the truth about brought prosperity to Britain and improved the lives of having to cut public spending, but necessary. It is not British people. nasty to reduce the nation’s debt to secure the future for our children, but necessary. It is right to construct a The Labour party does not work on principle. It taxation and public spending regime that makes work works—[Interruption.] Labour Members are shouting; pay. That is what fairness is all about—taking people on if they have a principle to tell me about, let them get up lower incomes out of taxation and not requiring them and tell me the principle on which they oppose the to pay benefits for those who can work but find that Queen’s Speech. They work not on principle, but on there is no point because they are better off not working. short-term party political popularity. That is what Labour brought about, and it was wrong. Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) By reforming benefits and immigration laws, we are (Lab) rose— putting Labour’s mistakes right. It is wrong that people who have worked and saved all their lives have to sell Mrs Laing: Yes; let the hon. Lady have a go. their homes to pay for care in later life, and we are putting that right. It is wrong that enterprising people should be held back by the dead hand of an overbearing Debbie Abrahams: On principle, could the hon. Lady state. That is what Labour believe in and it is one of the say how the Government’s statement on and commitment reasons why they made such a mess for 13 years. It was to fairness in the Queen’s Speech relates to child poverty, wrong and, again, we are putting it right. which my hon. Friend the Member for Feltham and Heston (Seema Malhotra) has just been talking about? Something else is wrong. Most of us appreciate the benefits of the European single market. However, it is Mrs Laing: The hon. Lady makes my point for me. wrong that unnecessary rules and regulations from expensive The Queen’s Speech is all about fairness, to which I am institutions are hindering our businesses and restricting coming in a moment. Child poverty has arisen not our freedom. We must, as a nation, renegotiate the because of the content of the Queen’s Speech but because terms of our membership of the European Union. I am of 13 years of economic mismanagement by the last not going to mention any hypothetical amendments, Labour Government. Mr Deputy Speaker.

Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): Does Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): I know you my hon. Friend agree that the Queen’s Speech is fair to know better. women, through its raising of the personal tax allowance and doing so much for child care? Mrs Laing: Indeed. We are today debating the cost of living, an issue fundamental to the lives of everyone in Mrs Laing: Indeed it is. I thank my hon. Friend for Britain today. On these Benches, we care about the that point. It is important that we treat women fairly, prosperity of our country and the well-being of our and much in the Queen’s Speech will make it easier for people, so we want the freedom to run our economy women to go to work and look after their families and and the institutions of our country in a way that benefits do the two important jobs of being a mother and being the people of Britain. 539 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 540

[Mrs Laing] However, I pay tribute to the Government for listening to us on some of the welfare reform issues. They have I hope that the Queen’s Speech will be augmented by allowed Northern Ireland to develop its own flexibilities, a Bill that might come through the private Member’s such as direct payment to landlords, twice-monthly Bill route and that such a Bill will pave the way for a payments to claimants, and the splitting of the single referendum on our relationship with the European Union. household universal credit payment between two people. I fully understand, although some appear not to, why That is very welcome because it helps families in Northern such a Bill cannot be a Government Bill. We have to Ireland, especially those on low incomes, to manage appreciate that we are in the most unfortunate situation their money better. of being in a coalition, and one part of that coalition does not want a referendum on or a renegotiation of the Mr Anderson: The hon. Gentleman is making a very terms of our membership. However, many of us do detailed speech. I agree that those are good concessions want those things. We need a renegotiation and then a for his part of the world, but is there any reason why referendum for the simple reason that there is a silent they could not apply in the rest of the country, because majority of people out there who get on with their people in the north of England have similar circumstances everyday lives, work hard, look after their families, to those in the north of Ireland? contribute to their communities and look to this Parliament to hear their voice and give them the freedom to do the Ian Paisley: Like the hon. Gentleman, who is also a best for their country. great Unionist committed to the Union, I believe that the same benefits should flow whether in the north of 2.58 pm England or the northern part of Ulster. [Interruption.] Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): I want to speak That includes Donegal; we will get it back into the about the three Fs—fags, farmers and fairness. From Union at some point soon. time to time, fruitcakes may also creep into this speech; Families with a person who suffers from cancer may perhaps some will want to intervene, although I hope face difficulties. Macmillan Cancer Support recently they will not. produced an interesting report showing the significant I turn first to fairness and the cost of living. Today is impact on the cost of living of cancer sufferers, which the start of carers week, so it is an appropriate time for could amount to as much as a year’s mortgage payments. us to think about fairness for the most important people The Government should focus their attention on what in our society—people who give back, who care for additional support they can introduce to assist those others and who are in need. It is important that we people. make sure that the measures that will be presented to the House during this term of Parliament do most to Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): Will my hon. Friend deliver for those most in need, particularly carers or give way? those in receipt of benefit. There are 214,000 carers in Ulster, and they desperately Ian Paisley: Not at the moment, but I will shortly. need assistance. I look forward to the measures that will A disaster is coming to our farming community that be introduced to assist them. will dramatically affect the cost of living through the rising cost of food. We have had one of the harshest David Simpson (Upper Bann) (DUP): Child poverty winters ever. That is affecting, and will affect, the price has been mentioned in this debate. We all understand of foodstuffs to feed our cattle and our sheep in the that finances are very tight, but does my hon. Friend countryside. If next winter is equally harsh, I predict agree that it is vital that the cuts that the Government that this time next year the cost of food could be as have imposed do not penalise children? The Children’s much as double what it is this year. A bale of hay to feed Society estimates that 200,000 more children could go cattle can cost as much as £60 in Northern Ireland—almost into poverty, and that should not be allowed to happen. triple last year’s price. That will have a knock-on effect on the cost of living of ordinary households up and Ian Paisley: My hon. Friend hits the nail on the head. down the United Kingdom because it will affect how The people who most require fairness are the most much a person can purchase to feed their family. The vulnerable in our society, such as families in the low-income Government had better be warned about this now so bracket. One of the ways we can help to address that is that they can try to address the needs of the farming through the cost of fuel. Sixty per cent. of fuel costs are community across this country. duty or VAT. The Government could do something to The impact of the cost of living in our rural communities deal with that, and I look forward to them taking is leading to an increase in suicide. For example, there measures to do so over the course of the year. I welcome was a very saddening episode last week in the Republic the increase in the personal allowance for income tax, of Ireland, in County Monaghan, where a farmer shot because that is focused on the low paid. 40 of his livestock because he could no longer afford to Job creation is really where the Government’s attention feed them, and then turned the gun on himself. This is a should be directed. Over the past few days, many people diabolical situation that is starting to affect our economy have expressed concern about things not being in the and will see the price of food increase. Gracious Address, and one such thing is a change to I want to deal briefly with fags. Over the past few corporation tax levels in Northern Ireland. I am days people have talked about the impact of not having disappointed about that, because such a change would something in the Queen’s Speech. I want to commend have allowed us to create additional employment and the Government for taking a stand by not including stimulate the economy in the way that it needs to be measures on plain packaging, because that would have stimulated. driven people out of employment, and not only in 541 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 542

Northern Ireland; it would have affected shopkeepers European Central Bank could have seen banks dancing up and down the United Kingdom and destroyed people’s to the tune of a European regulator, they ensured a opportunity to make a living. double majority system to protect UK financial services. In addition, it is a giant con trick. I am a non-smoker We have also had to push back on greater justice and and I have four children who I never want to see home affairs integration. The Home Secretary has sensibly smoking. If I thought for one moment that plain packaging entered a reservation on 130-odd justice and home would stop them smoking, I would have been in favour affairs measures, including the European arrest warrant of it years ago. Indeed, the Labour party had the and DNA fingerprinting. chance to introduce this measure in 2008 and did not do so. I am glad that 18 members of the Labour party Meg Hillier: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? signed my open letter to Her Majesty’s Government to support my campaign to stop plain packaging because Mr Ruffley: I will not at the moment because time is of the impact it would have on smuggling, on counterfeit short. trade, and on all sorts of other aspects that would not It is also the case that, historically, we have been affect the health of the nation in any way. against greater integration. Why else did we secure an opt-out from the euro—that disastrous project that we Alec Shelbrooke: As a reformed smoker, perhaps it did not want anything to do with at the outset and that would be helpful if I told the hon. Gentleman that the we will not, I trust, wish to join in the future? We were branding of cigarettes did not make me start smoking. also, of course, one of the few EU countries to say that Smoking became an addiction and unfortunately I got we would have nothing to do with the Schengen hooked, but what was on the packet had nothing to do arrangements, whereby many of the other EU members with it whatsoever. decided to throw their borders wide open. The question of whether UK membership of the EU Ian Paisley: Let me say on this very important issue is in the national economic interest is being asked with that I was delighted that 18 members of the Labour increasing urgency. Telling interventions have been made party signed my open letter to the Government, as did a in recent days by Lords Lamont and Lawson and former Labour Cabinet Minister, the current Chairman Michael Portillo, who have asked a question that has for of a Select Committee, and three other former Ministers too long been ignored: what are the costs and what are of the Crown. They did so because they were concerned the benefits? They have come to the preliminary conclusion about the impact that the introduction of plain packaging that the costs probably outweigh the benefits, but it is would have on crime, including smuggling and not just the words of Conservative politicians of the counterfeiting. It would drive young people—over 18-year- past that we should take into consideration. olds—to smoke the illicit cigarettes that are smuggled Some important work has been done by Goldman over a country’s borders. I welcome the fact that the Sachs. Jim O’Neill, who to my knowledge is not a Government have taken a stand on this. Very few people card-carrying member of the Conservative party, has have been prepared to stand up to encourage and calculated that trade patterns are very much in flux. He defend them, but I certainly will. says that if we look at German trade patterns from 2000 to 2012 and extrapolate to 2020, we will find, interestingly, that Germany will export 25% of its exports to the BRIC 3.6 pm countries—Brazil, Russia, India and China—and a falling Mr David Ruffley (Bury St Edmunds) (Con): It is proportion of only 30% to the EU, and that 15% of always a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for North them will be to China alone and just over 8% to France. Antrim (Ian Paisley). The world economy and its trade patterns are in flux, and the idea that we have to be wedded, as an article of Our membership of the European Union affects, one faith, to the single market deserves serious scrutiny and way or another, the living standards of our constituents examination. and the prosperity of our people. Membership of the European Union has primarily been founded on an I regret the absence of a referendum Bill in the economic case that membership is in our economic Gracious Speech. In the case of any hypothetical interests. In 1973, the argument was principally that we amendment so regretting that omission, I will gleefully wanted to join a common market because it would raise and proudly support it for this reason and this reason living standards in this country. More recently, proponents alone: we have to have a rigorous and well-informed of our membership of the EU say that one fifth of all national debate about the costs and the benefits to our EU direct inward investment comes to the United Kingdom, people of membership of the European Union. representing a source of jobs. What our membership of the EU has never been, in 3.12 pm the eyes of the British people, is, to use the treaty Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ language, a project for Co-op): I draw the House’s attention to my entry in the “ever-closer union among the peoples of Europe” Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Since 2010, this Government and their Ministers have The cost of living in my constituency, as in others up been engaged in pushing back against the onward march and down the country, is a real concern. Wages have of greater economic integration and the attendant political been depressed, unemployment is still too high, and integration that follows from that. We saw that when many of the new private sector jobs that the Government our Ministers ensured that we did not contribute to the like to trumpet are zero-hours contracts or part time, bail-out mechanism for sovereign states in difficulty. with no opportunity for increased hours. I will not In the banking union proposals, where the rules of the repeat the comprehensive list that my right hon. Friend 543 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 544

[Meg Hillier] In addition to those housing costs there is the huge challenge of paying for child care. This Government the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) gave from have reduced tax credit and child benefit for those on the Front Bench about the challenges that face our higher incomes, as well as other work-related benefits. nation. No wonder there is a high turnover of population in my constituency, and no wonder young families are priced I want to focus on housing, particularly private rented out of the area. We have to take a serious look at what housing in my constituency, where the social rented sort of balance we want in our inner cities. People must sector accounts for 44% of households. Around 26% of not be driven out. We need an increase in housing my constituents are owner-occupiers and 29% are in the supply, on which the Government have a woeful record. private rented sector, which has increased exponentially. Their record on new starts over the past two years is the The number of people in the private rented sector is worst of any peacetime Government since the 1920s. In projected to be double the number of people who own the past year alone there has been an 11% decrease in and occupy their own home in the next 15 years or so. housing starts. Rents are high and growing. The proposed consumer rights Bill, which has not yet On Saturday I hosted the Hackney housing summit, been mentioned, is a real opportunity to improve the bringing together a range of people who are experts in rights and the lot of private tenants. Their rights should their field and on living in Hackney. We said that increase, including a right to repair and protections enough is enough. We in Hackney think that the against landlords who evict or who increase rents Government should listen to some of our solutions, but exponentially after reasonable requests for basic repairs. sadly the Queen’s Speech did not include any of them. We should also tackle the practices of unfair letting agents, particularly with regard to fees taken at source, My constituency epitomises the challenge facing private not just after the event, which has been addressed by a sector renters—generation rent—who have no opportunity welcome amendment that was agreed to the other week. to get on the housing ladder, if that is what they want, The decent homes standard should be applied to the and are trapped in an endless cycle of poor housing and private rented sector. We also need to see the licensing high increases in rent, evictions or the like through of landlords and to look again at section 21 notices, extortionate rent increases. As a percentage of London which are not fit for purpose, because they frequently rent, my constituency, across nearly all the quartiles, are misused by landlords to evict people on spurious has more than 100% the average rent for properties of grounds. every size in London, except for the highest priced four-bed properties. All my constituents pay more than I also call on the Government to look at rents. We the average and the cost is going up. Costs are high, need to grapple, on a cross-party basis, with the issue of rents are increasing without limit and housing supply is spiralling rents in the private sector without any notice woefully low. of the impact on tenants and their homes. This Government have a poor record: house building Jim Dowd: Does my hon. Friend accept that another is down, homelessness and rough sleeping are up, people facet of the spiralling cost of rent, particularly across are struggling to get mortgages and to get on the London, is the increased pressure it is putting on social housing ladder, and the rapidly growing private rented housing and local authorities? I am sure that she, like sector has so little security, with people having to pay me and many other MPs for London and for other increasing rents at a record high—not just in my parts of the country, is visited by more and more people constituency, although it epitomises the worst of it—and asking for assistance with regard to social housing on suffer poor quality accommodation. the grounds of cost. On Saturday we heard very moving testimony from Meg Hillier: Absolutely. Without the supply, none of Rosie about Digs, a private rented sector body in Hackney those issues will be solved. One man who came to see that has been set up to campaign against the challenges. me was a kitchen porter struggling to support his family—he In nine years living in Hackney, she has had to move had two children. The jobcentre asked him to go for nine times and only one of those moves was voluntary. jobs further afield, but the combined cost of extra travel She also spent £50,000 on rent during those nine years. and child care meant that he could not afford to travel a In order to buy an average sized home we would need couple of boroughs away. That is the reality of the cost an income of £81,000 and a deposit of £17,000. There of living and life in constituencies such as mine. This are, however, many Rosies out there; she is not alone. Government’s Queen’s Speech was detached from the lives of people who want to work hard but who often The Government must look again at the issue. I urge cannot get the extra hours and of private renters who them to look at Treasury borrowing rules. A strong cannot ever hope to earn in the required bracket. message from Saturday’s summit was that they should give local authorities the freedom to invest in new Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) (Con): I would homes. It would provide construction jobs and homes add to the hon. Lady’s list of housing costs the practices in the private rented sector. Why not allow a good local of some leasehold management companies, which trap authority to be a private rented landlord? The assets tenants with ever increasing service charges while not could ultimately be cashed in to pay off the initial allowing them the access they should to the right to investments, or they could be sold to the individuals, manage, thus increasing home ownership, or, in boroughs such as mine, I would like to think that they could be turned Meg Hillier: Absolutely. Although there has been into socially rented properties at affordable rents for good cross-party work in the House to reform leasehold local people so that those on the lowest incomes are not management, there is much more to be done. It is no driven out of my borough. wonder that there is a demand for home ownership in 545 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 546 this country, because it gives people greater control. Mike Crockart: I agree entirely. I would add that However, that is now out of the reach of so many unfair competitive practices are being used, especially people that reforming the rights of tenants is long where businesses are concerned. Small businesses are overdue across all sectors, but particularly in the private being locked into long-term deals and are missing windows rented sector, including leaseholders. to change to different suppliers. They are penalised by I call on the Government to look seriously at rents higher charges—sometimes 60% or 80% higher. Energy and at the growing housing benefit bill. The £45 billion for small businesses is a serious concern that needs a year that is spent on housing benefit could, if capitalised, consideration in the Energy Bill. provide a huge opportunity for bodies such as local authorities, housing associations and perhaps others to Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con): There is another invest in building new homes at affordable and intermediate side to the energy market, which is the supply side. Does rents, which would provide homes for the very people in my hon. Friend agree that after the rapid closure of our my constituency who are being driven out by high costs. coal-fired power stations because of EU regulation, the Finally, I want to touch on the Government’s policy new supply is not coming down the track fast enough, of providing new social housing at 80% of local private which will add to higher fuel costs? rents. I will give the private rents in my constituency to give the House a flavour. A two-bedroom flat in my Mike Crockart: I agree with the hon. Lady to a point. constituency in the lower quartile costs £300 a week. I believe that the Energy Bill will help to ensure that One in the upper quartile costs £400 a week. For a extra power generation of a cleaner and greener nature three-bedroom, family-sized property, the average rent will come further down the track. I will say a little about in the lowest quartile is £388. Even if only 80% of those that later, if I have time. rents is paid, how affordable are they? The Energy Bill will ensure that the changes for We need to tackle what affordability means if we are energy companies become legally enforceable from summer serious about helping people into work and getting the 2014. We are working with the companies and urging economy moving. If people are in work and have disposable them to implement the changes voluntarily ahead of income, they will spend. At the moment, they are struggling that date, but the signs of such voluntary change are to survive and the Queen’s Speech does nothing to help patchy. When I met one of the big six energy companies them. recently, it spoke animatedly of its plans for the future, but the talk was not of simplification. Instead, it talked 3.21 pm about personalising the tariff to my individual circumstances and tailoring the charges to mirror my lifestyle and Mike Crockart (Edinburgh West) (LD): It is a great work pattern. To put it another way, it made it so pleasure to speak in support of the Queen’s Speech. complex and confusing that the chances of me The Government recognise that household budgets understanding it and switching my energy supplier were are under extreme pressure. I am happy that we are minuscule. That is not the way forward. We want to taking action to support households with the cost of empower energy customers by untangling the maze of living. In the small time available to me, I will concentrate tariffs. The Bill will do just that and make energy on one aspect of those costs: the cost of energy. The suppliers more accountable and more focused on the consumer group Which? recently found that 82% of needs of their consumers. consumers list the cost of energy and fuel as a top We are raising awareness of and supporting collective financial concern. It matters not just to fuel-poor switching schemes. That is one way in which customers households, but is a key issue for millions throughout can save money on their energy bills. DECC allocated the UK, including many small businesses. That is why I £5 million to 31 successful projects in the Cheaper am glad that the Energy Bill will introduce radical new Energy Together competition, which spans 94 local measures to make energy tariffs fairer and to make councils and eight third sector organisations in Great energy suppliers more accountable to consumers by Britain. One of the successful bids came from South strengthening Ofgem’s role. East Scotland Together, which is delivered through By giving statutory backing to Ofgem’s retail market Changeworks. It received more than £400,000 to help review proposals, we will ensure that customers receive people in my constituency to save money. Such measures the best deal on their energy tariffs, which will mean a to ensure that consumers get the best deals on their radical reduction in the number of energy tariffs that energy prices reflect our determination to tackle rising are offered to consumers. That will be a huge improvement energy bills. on the old regime, in which the hundreds of complex Energy education for consumers is also key. I have tariffs have led to confusion and a complete lack of spoken in previous debates about the necessity of reducing transparency. Under the reforms, energy companies will energy use. Reduction is the one step that will not only be legally obligated to place households on the cheapest help households to reduce their bills, but help us to tariff for their individual payment and tariff preferences, achieve a greener future. To quote from the report by and to provide households with relevant personal the Energy and Climate Change Committee, information. “Demand-side measures…are potentially the cheapest methods Jim Shannon: Does the hon. Gentleman feel that of decarbonising our electricity system…reducing overall demand”. competition provides the motivation to reduce prices? Knowing how we use energy in our homes and workplaces In Northern Ireland, where there is not the same is key to reduction. That is why the single largest competition, energy costs for industries and businesses infrastructure project on which the Government are are 30% or 40% higher. That is an example of where embarking in this Parliament is to roll out smart meters competition could bring prices down. by 2019. 547 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 548

[Mike Crockart] The Government have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to decarbonise and ensure that there is As was acknowledged in a written ministerial statement a more competitive energy sector in the future. I am on 19 December last year, smart meters are the best tool proud that we are seizing that opportunity while delivering that we have in energy reduction. They have the potential policies to help families with the cost of living and to give customers accurate, real-time information about investing in the future of our economy. how much energy they are using and how much it costs. In my constituency, British Gas has installed 837 smart meters. With the average home saving 5% through the 3.30 pm use of a smart meter, that is a potential saving of Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): This Queen’s Speech has £54,405 in my constituency alone. More importantly, generated more debate about what is not in it that that is 5% of their energy use that we no longer have to about what is, and it has highlighted the Government’s generate. It is essential that smart meters have the dysfunctionality. As we heard from my right hon. Friend capacity for real-time management, as well as the ability the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint), the Prime to record the energy that is fed back into the distribution Minister made a big announcement about putting people network from co-generation sources, such as wind turbines on the lowest energy tariff, a promise that has proved and solar panels. completely worthless. There is nothing effective in the Unfortunately, the pressures on wholesale energy prices Queen’s Speech to protect consumers from the cost of mean that household energy bills will probably go up in energy bills. the medium to longer term. We must be clear that The Institute for Fiscal Studies published a report wholesale energy prices are a reason to increase our just before the Queen’s Speech showing that all the investment in renewables, which will increase our energy advances that had been made in tackling child poverty security and help to insulate this country from the would be wiped out by the benefit changes that the unpredictable wholesale market, rather than a reason to Government are introducing. There was nothing to deal run headlong towards the mirage of cheap shale gas. with that in the Queen’s Speech. Yet at the same time, Our commitment to a diverse, low-carbon energy mix is there is a millionaires’ tax increase. Those millionaires radical and positive. Our reforms will ultimately ensure share £27.4 billion of income, but they apparently deserve that people get the best value for money by shielding a tax cut while child poverty increases. them from the volatility of global fossil fuel prices. There are no coherent proposals for growth or job While we have been building a stronger, greener economy creation. and a fairer society, our support for the people who need those things has not wavered. In government, the Jim Shannon: Is the hon. Gentleman alarmed by Liberal Democrats are helping millions of low-income figures that seem to indicate that because of the changes and vulnerable households with the cost of living through to benefits, some 200,000 children will be added to the the warm home discount, which is available to about list of those in child poverty? 2 million households. That includes 1 million of the poorest pensioners, who are eligible to receive a rebate Clive Efford: I think the IFS puts the increase at 1 of up to £130 on their electricity bill during the winter. million children, but I take the hon. Gentleman’s point. There is the winter fuel payment for more than 12.6 million There are no proposals in the Queen’s Speech to pensioners in 9 million households, and additional cold stimulate the construction industry and build social weather payments, which during this year’s cold snap housing. It is worth remembering that the Government helped the most vulnerable people in my constituency inherited the biggest council house building programme to keep their homes warm. Last winter, 5.2 million for more than two decades, and then scrapped it as part individual payments were made in the UK, worth a of their austerity measures. In London, there were total of £129.2 million. That level of support for our 11,328 social rented housing starts in 2010-11. That most vulnerable is available only because, in 2010, the figure plummeted to 1,672 in 2012-13. That is a time coalition Government reversed Labour’s plans to reduce bomb hitting young people in London, and the problem the payment to £8.50 and instead made it £25 permanently. goes right up the social scale. It does not just affect I do not have time to talk in detail about the green people on low incomes who are in desperate housing deal, our Government’s flagship—[Interruption.] Iam need. People on above-average incomes who have children astounded that Members seem to find something funny cannot afford to rent or buy in the private sector in about the possibility of saving hundreds of pounds London. That time bomb will not go away, and the every year on their constituents’ bills. Queen’s Speech does nothing to address it.

David T. C. Davies: I cannot comment on the London Meg Hillier: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? statistics, but I know that social house building has fallen off a cliff over the past two years in Wales, an Mike Crockart: No, I will not, because I have only area that is run by a devolved Labour Government. one minute left. What does the hon. Gentleman say to that? Nor do I have time to talk about the UK Green Investment Bank, the excellent Edinburgh institution Clive Efford: I say that we need to build more houses. that has already invested £635 billion in green projects, I said that when we were in government, I am saying it leveraging the overall figure up to £2.3 billion. That now and I will continue to say it consistently. investment will ensure that there is enough secure, There is nothing in the Queen’s Speech on sport. We indigenous, low-carbon energy to provide for more than have just had the greatest year for sport that this country 2 million homes in the United Kingdom. has ever known, but the Government have not come up 549 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 550 with a coherent strategy across the whole of Government While that is going on—this, in my opinion, is where that will deliver sport in our communities and use the the public start to fall out of love with politicians—the armies of volunteers up and down the country who are Prime Minister is in the USA promoting on behalf of working hard in sport. We need a coherent strategy that the UK a trade agreement that will be negotiated directly will allow them to plan ahead for the long term and between the USA and Europe. He is enthusiastically deliver the elusive sporting legacy, but there was nothing supporting that agreement over there, while at the same of that in the Queen’s Speech. time his party over here is falling asunder on whether to All that we have had is the Government parties vote against its own Queen’s Speech because there is no falling into warring factions over different parts of their reference to a referendum on membership of the European own Queen’s Speech. It started with the Deputy Prime Union. No wonder the public are wondering what we as Minister saying within 24 hours of the Queen’s Speech politicians are about. that he was not happy about the changes to child care The word “omnishambles” has often been mentioned ratios in nurseries. We have heard from several people in relation to this Government, and I think it will enter who have been advising the Government on the matter, the vocabulary of the UK, just as “Fergie time” will. I such as Professor Cathy Nutbrown, whom they say to the coalition that it is playing in Fergie time, and commissioned to conduct an independent review of people out there are blowing their whistles and calling child care qualifications, and Dr Eva Lloyd and Professor time on this Government. Helen Penn, two more experts whom they commissioned. Professor Cathy Nutbrown said: 3.38 pm “Watering down ratios will threaten quality. Childcare may be cheaper, but children will be footing the bill.”, Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): The and Dr Eva Lloyd and Professor Helen Penn said: Gracious Speech by Her Majesty the Queen gives us a “Deregulation in the UK would lead to a reduction in quality.” programme for the year ahead in Parliament, and today’s motion on the cost of living is immensely important Meg Hillier rose— and integral to the world we live in today—especially, I would argue, in the wonderful, creative capital city of London. The UK is ranked 18th in the world for the Clive Efford: I hope my hon. Friend will forgive me, cost of living. Norway tops the ranking followed by but I do not have time to give way. Switzerland and Australia, and Japan and France are These things were known before the Queen’s Speech also above the UK. Real household income has almost was written, so it is incredible that the Deputy Prime doubled in the past 55 years, and living standards have Minister then discovered that he did not support the been transformed. In 1970, fewer than one in three measure included in it. He said: houses had central heating, but that is now 96%; just “When we as a government consulted on changing the number one third of people had a telephone, but that is now of little toddlers that each adult can look after, the response from 87%; and 65% of people had a washing machine, which experts, from parents, from nurseries was overwhelmingly is now 96%. negative…They felt that the risks outweighed the benefits and it wouldn’t necessarily reduce costs. So that’s what I still have reservations about, about this change.” Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/ That is the Deputy Prime Minister within 48 hours of Co-op): The hon. Lady cites interesting statistics, but is the Queen’s Speech to which he put his name. she aware that figures came out today showing that Britain has dropped seven places down the world family We are told that there is no reference to a referendum income table to 12th, which shows the squeeze that the on Europe in the Queen’s Speech because the bullying Government are putting on hard-working families? Liberal Democrats stopped the Conservative party including it. That may be so, but what about the little toddlers to Mary Macleod: If the hon. Gentleman bears with me, whom the Deputy Prime Minister referred? If he has a I will come shortly to what the Government are doing veto on a referendum on Europe, why did he not veto to help hard-working families. the measure on little toddlers and staff ratios in our nurseries? It seems to me that more than one party on The consumer prices index is steady at 2.8%, which is the Government Benches is obsessing about Europe, less than half its peak rate of 5.8% in September 2008. and that is the Liberal Democrats. They have clearly got However, it is true that, in recent years, consumers are their values wrong on this issue. paying a higher percentage of their household income for essentials such as energy, fuel, child care and housing. All Governments face rebellions—I have even rebelled myself in the past—but I have never heard members of The right hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline the Cabinet say that not only will they abstain on Flint) could not answer the question about borrowing, something, they will abstain on their own Queen’s Speech and nor did she apologise for leaving the country in the right at the start of the parliamentary Session. Can that state she left it when the current Government took over be right? Is that the way we expect our Governments to in 2010. What are this Government doing? First, they behave, by falling apart almost immediately? The Secretary are dealing with the budget deficit to ensure low interest of State for Defence has effectively issued a warning to rates and stability. Interest rates are at an historic low, his leader than unless a change in the deal with Europe benefiting all those who pay a mortgage. Mortgage is achieved, he will vote against us remaining in the rates are about 3.5%; in 2000, I was paying 7%. European Union. The Secretary of State for Education Secondly, the Government are putting money back has said that he intends to abstain if a motion is put into people’s pockets by lowering tax. As I have said, before the House on the matter of regretting the absence they are raising the personal allowance to £10,000 in of a referendum on membership of the European Union April 2014, and taking 2 million people out of tax in the Queen’s Speech. altogether. That will mean that 4,900 Brentford and 551 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 552

[Mary Macleod] claimants fell by 10% in the past year. Youthunemployment in my constituency is down by nearly 15% since last Isleworth residents in west London have been lifted out year and unemployment by 5.5%. We have done more of tax by the Conservative-led Government since 2010, to help by having events such as the west London jobs and that 49,000 people in my constituency will be more and apprenticeships fair, which I led in my constituency. than £700 better off each year. West London is a hub for great business, and I am glad that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Mrs Laing: Does my hon. Friend agree that the Communities and Local Government is in his place, provisions she has outlined will particularly help women, because I want to appeal to him on permitted development and therefore families and small children? rights and change of use from offices to homes. We really wanted the Great West road in west London, Mary Macleod: I completely agree with my hon. which is right next to Heathrow, to be exempt and Friend. In addition, more women are in work than ever protected, because we want to build businesses there. I before. invite him to come to the Brentford golden mile and see Thirdly, the Government are taking action on the what we can do for businesses and job creation for the things that impact most on the cost of living. On energy future. bills, they are ensuring that providers let consumers Britain is a great country for so many reasons. We know the best tariff by simplifying bills to make them have won 76 Nobel prizes for science and technology. easier for people to understand. The Government have We are the No. 1 location for European headquarters. We cut fuel duty. Fuel is 13p cheaper than it would have have the largest creative sector per head in the world. been under the Opposition. It will cost the average We are home to four of the world’s top 10 universities family in my constituency £159 less to fill up the car. and the world leader in offshore wind energy production I mentioned child care, which has been one of the and research. The Government are standing up for main barriers to women in the workplace and in creating business, for people who want to own their own homes new businesses. The changes will make an impact on and for people who work hard and aspire to get on in helping women to set up new businesses and to create this great country. The Government are standing up for growth and jobs in the years ahead. The Government Great Britain, and the Gracious Speech will help us to are extending free child care to women who work fewer deliver in that task. than 16 hours a week, and increasing entitlement to free education and care for three and four-year-olds to 3.46 pm 15 hours a week. We have also increased the free entitlement Mr Nick Raynsford (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab): to early education to two-year-olds from lower-income I intend to focus, as many other hon. Members have households, which is helping the poorest in society. done, not on what is in the Queen’s Speech, which is one From 2015, the Government will meet 20% of the first of the thinnest in recent memory, but on one of the £6,000 in child care costs per child for working families most serious omissions. I refer not to Europe, but to the with children under 12. absence of adequate measures to stimulate growth and On housing, I welcome the Help to Buy package—a improve housing output, and by doing so improve £5.4 billion package to tackle long-term housing market people’s living standards. problems. I also welcome the mortgage guarantee scheme As I propose to speak about the vital importance of to help first-time buyers and the funding for lending increased housing investment, I should at the outset scheme. Genworth Financial in my constituency proposes draw attention to my interests as recorded in the register. private sector involvement in the scheme. I look forward The figures speak for themselves. Housing starts last to working with it and the Treasury to see whether we year totalled just 98,000, 11% down on the already can make the scheme a success. hopelessly inadequate level of 111,000 the year before. Fourthly and importantly, the Government are boosting Those two years, 2011 and 2012, represent the worst business and encouraging aspiration. Ultimately, building output figures from any Government since the 1920s. growth in the economy by encouraging aspiration and Why has this happened? Clearly, the financial crisis supporting business to grow is how to address the cost which erupted in 2008 had a huge impact. Before that, of living. What have we done? We have lowered corporation housing starts totalled 183,000 in 2007—a level that was tax so that it is the lowest in the G20. We have national not sufficient, because a larger output was necessary to insurance breaks for businesses. We have deregulation meet the forecasts, but it was massively ahead of anything of businesses and less red tape. We have scrapped the we have seen since. beer duty escalator. Fuller, Smith and Turner, which is With the impact of the global meltdown, starts fell based in my constituency in Chiswick, says that scrapping to just 85,000 in 2009, the nadir, and then recovered to the escalator is excellent for British brewing, British some 110,000 in 2010. Since then, housing starts, like farming, British pubs and British jobs. the economy, have been flatlining. We have seen no Nearly 600 new businesses were founded in Brentford growth and no further recovery. The telling figure is and Isleworth in 2012, putting us in the top 10 of the that new starts in the second quarter of 2010—the entire country. We have worked with women in my quarter in which the Government changed hands—were constituency to help and encourage them to set up their the highest that have recently been achieved. No quarter own businesses. The hon. Member for Feltham and since then has matched the level of output in that Heston (Seema Malhotra) gave unemployment statistics second quarter of 2010. That reinforces the point about from her constituency. I am not sure which statistics the housing market flatlining, like the economy. she was looking at. Her constituency is next door to The case for doing something about the level of new mine and has the same London borough of Hounslow. starts is not just about meeting housing needs—although Jobseeker’s allowance claimants fell by 4.4% and youth that is a powerful case. It is also about the economy, 553 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 554 because the housing sector has a huge economic benefit. manufactured goods. I do not accept his premise that Not only is it labour intensive, but there is a considerable the science on climate change, on which our energy multiplier effect. It has a long supply chain, with all the policies are based, is settled. manufacturers and material suppliers who contribute to The theory is pretty simple: ever since we started house building, and all the firms involved in manufacturing industrialising at the end of the 1700s, we started pouring the white goods, furnishings and fittings that go into CO2 into the atmosphere. As a result, the temperature finished homes. Stimulating house building has real across the world has warmed up and we must do scope to create new jobs and create growth in the something about it—that is the basic theory our energy economy. So why are we not doing it? policy follows. There are various flaws in that argument. To be fair to the Government, they have been almost The earth has always gone through cycles of warming obsessive about trying to find ways in the past year to and cooling. Coincidentally, at a time when we started get the house building market going again. We have had to industrialise, we were coming out of a very cool endless announcements and proposals, some of which period—a time referred to as a little ice age—when even have been reasonably, if modestly, effective. Schemes the Thames used to freeze over. What is the total such as NewBuy and First Buy, which were of course increase in temperature on which we are basing our modifications of the previous Government’s homebuy policies and fears about climate change? According to schemes—I may have got the names wrong, because all the statistics, it is just 0.7° C, yet some of that is they change all the time, but the Minister knows what I clearly due to the fact that the earth was coming out of am talking about—have made a modest but useful that cool period. Nobody can answer this simple question: contribution. Others, however, have not. I am afraid how much of that 0.7° C is not down to CO2, but down that the new homes bonus has proved to be an to the natural warming that would have taken place extraordinarily expensive and ineffective measure, as anyway? the National Audit Office report devastatingly reveals. Then there is a problem with correlating CO2 levels There has been no measurable sign of real advances in with temperature increases in the past 300 years or so, stimulating local authorities to grant planning consents. because there is no straight line between the amount of Similarly, the Government seem to be tinkering CO2 in the atmosphere and temperatures going up. obsessively and endlessly with the planning system to Between 1940 and 1970, temperatures were going down, no demonstrable benefit whatsoever. The level of planning and that was at a time when we were putting enormous consents for new housing in the past two years has been amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Nobody can the lowest on record for a very long time. That has not explain why that is. Since 1998, there has been no been successful, and nor is it likely that the mortgage increase in average global temperatures—it has completely support scheme announced in the Budget will be of tailed off. Again, nobody can come up with a convincing great benefit. Acting to help to support demand when explanation for that. Yet despite all that, and many supply is absolutely inadequate is, as the Treasury other queries too, we are embarking on policies that will Committee has highlighted, likely to stimulate house put up costs for householders, through the use of subsidies price inflation. We need to act on supply. for solar and wind-powered energy, and put up costs for manufacturers, through the various taxes on carbon The Government need to focus on two areas, the first that we are levying. of which is the private house building sector. The big The most serious point is that we are doing so unilaterally: house builders are doing pretty well at the moment, but Britain is taking steps that nobody else in the world is are doing so on the back of very low volume. They are taking. Our carbon emissions are actually not that great seeing their balance sheets recover and their stock market compared with the rest of the world, yet we are unilaterally valuations rise, but they are not building many new punishing manufacturers, forcing them to take their houses. Their model is very much geared towards high-value, factories elsewhere, where they will continue to emit low-volume development. The small and medium-sized exactly the same amount of CO , taking their jobs and house builders are suffering desperately, yet they are the 2 forcing us into foreign exchange deficits as we buy people capable of providing greater volume and meeting goods that were originally made here. the middle market. The affordable and social housing sector is an even Alec Shelbrooke: My hon. Friend is eloquently putting greater priority. The Government were responsible, with the case for those who doubt that global warming is their ill-judged 60% cut in investment at the very start of down to climate change, and I am sure that many their time in office, for undermining disastrously the support his views, but does he agree that moving to a affordable and social housing programme. Reversing more renewable energy environment is important for that and investing in building new homes is a key energy security as much as anything else? priority. I regret that that is not in the Queen’s Speech, but I hope the Government change their mind and David T. C. Davies: My hon. Friend makes a good recognise its importance. point, because there is a lot that we can do to generate electricity without CO2 and one would think that the Greens would be the first to support it. We had a 3.52 pm proposal recently for a Severn barrage that could generate 20% of Britain’s electricity. It was an interesting proposal David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): May I turn to and one for which I would want to see more costings, the comments made earlier about our energy policy by but it was totally opposed by the environmentalists. We the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, know that we can generate large amounts of electricity the right hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton on demand and relatively cheaply from nuclear power (Mr Davey)? That policy will have an impact on the cost without emitting CO2, but where do the environmentalists of living for all householders and anyone who buys stand on it? They are totally against it. 555 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 556

[David T. C. Davies] longer in his place but who also referred to me as a fruitcake, that it was the fruitcakes who warned against In the United States of America, by exploiting shale the euro 10 years ago. We were accused of being fruitcakes gas, I understand that they have halved electricity prices then, but the fruitcakes were right. Fruitcake is a cheap and created a wonderful environment for manufacturers—so and reliable source of energy. I am for the fruitcakes. I much so that they are returning to the States. More am proud to be a fruitcake. Long may fruitcakes continue. importantly for the environmentalists, however, that has also reduced American CO emissions. One would 2 3.59 pm think that the Greens would be jumping for joy, but instead they are doing everything they can to prevent Mr David Anderson (Blaydon) (Lab): Follow that! the Government from encouraging those companies to Eleven hundred days into the fruitcake Parliament, get in there, drill and exploit the cheap shale gas that we we have the mid-term report. How did we get here? know we have and which could do so much. I question Everybody knows that the cost of living is going through what their beliefs really are. the roof, while the standard of living is going backwards. I hear the environmentalists saying to me, “The most The Government obviously have a narrative; they say it important thing to do is reduce our CO2 emissions”, but is all the Labour party’s fault. I agree with them to some whenever anyone puts solutions in front of them that extent. I agree that my party, when in power, was far too would reduce CO2 emissions and deliver the cheap lax with the banks. Its light-touch regulation was far electricity that we all need, they do not want to know. too light. The Conservative party then said that we were They are the same people who march against globalisation too severe, so how can they now say we got it wrong? and capitalism, who totally opposed any form of nuclear The truth is that it was working. In 2007, the net debt deterrent in the 1980s and who a few hundred years ago in the UK was only 38% of GDP—the second lowest in would have been the Luddites smashing up the spinning the G7 and almost the lowest in our history. Obviously wheels. These people live in a fantasy world, believing the whirlwind that hit the world when Lehman’s collapsed that if we could just get rid of technology, we could go affected everybody, but the Labour Government at the back to living in wonderful grass huts and things in time did not become paralysed in the way that the some Tolkienesque world, like the hobbits before the current Government have. We went for growth. We cut evil one started attacking them. They are totally opposed VAT to 15%. We introduced the car scrappage scheme. to the high standards of living that globalisation and We brought forward capital schemes, some of which capitalism have delivered in the west and are delivering were still going after the election only to be stopped by across the whole world. the Government, including £80 million-worth of new It is high time that the Government realised that school building in my constituency which could have these people will never support anyone in government. put people into work and given kids better schools. Only recently, Friends of the Earth ran a big campaign We have gone from growth at 1.8% when we left against increased energy costs, but one reason energy power, to the Government breathing a huge sigh of costs have increased is that the Government have been relief over the past three years just because we have not trying to follow policies recommended by that same gone into a triple-dip recession; they were even happier organisation—policies of supporting wind farms and with only a double-dip recession. The best that we have solar panels that are bound to increase energy costs. It is had is stagnation. It is clear that the programme put ludicrous for the people who have been advocating forward by the Government has not helped this country policies that will increase energy costs to demand that and we need to see changes. Why do we need change? we bring them down. Who is paying? It is the same people who always pay: the poor, the weak and the vulnerable. Caroline Lucas: I really did not want to intervene, Let us look at what has happened in the past three because I did not want to encourage the hon. Gentleman years to affect the poor, the weak and the vulnerable. and give him an extra minute in which to continue VAT has gone up. The child trust fund has been taken coming out with this rubbish. I thought that the discussion away. The educational maintenance allowance has been on Europe was where we found the fruitcakes, but I am taken away. Working tax credits have been frozen or cut. finding them this afternoon as well. Is he really suggesting Pensions and benefits have been changed from RPI to that it is not rising gas prices that are increasing people’s CPI. Child tax credit has been cut and child benefit fuel bills right now? It is not renewable energy, but the frozen. The sure start maternity grant has gone. The gas imports that are the problem. health in pregnancy grant has gone. Child benefit has been cut for better-off earners. We now have the bedroom David T. C. Davies: It is not rising temperatures that tax and cuts in council tax benefit. There is lots and lots the hon. Lady ought to be concerned about, but rising more. This is not about scroungers; it is about working tempers among the vast majority of the public, who are people who are trying to get on in the world and who fed up with paying higher fuel bills and bills for are struggling. manufactured goods for a problem that simply does not On top of that, almost 750,000 public sector workers seem to exist. have been sacked. They have been taken out of income I say to the Government that we need a proper tax all right: they have been sacked and are not paying cost-benefit analysis of our climate change policies it. They have been taken out of good, strong and stable before we embark on measures that will drive manufacturing jobs. People have been put into 1.25 million poor-quality elsewhere in an effort to solve a problem that quite jobs where they are underemployed and underpaid. possibly does not exist, and I say to the hon. Member Pensions have been cut, wages frozen and increments for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) and to the hon. stopped. Why is it right to incentivise the rich but not Member for North Antrim (Ian Paisley), who is no the workers? 557 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 558

The worst thing is that the strategy has failed; it has energy bills, because they would have funded the renewable flatlined. Even worse, the Government knew that it heat incentive and carbon capture and storage through would fail, because it has always failed. It has been tried levies on people’s energy bills, whereas we are funding before and has always failed. Martin Wolf said last those things from general taxation. year: Council tax is another area where the Government “What is clear from UK history is that growth is a necessary have done fantastic work to reduce the impact of the condition for successful management of public debt. The...cuts of the early 1920s failed to lower the debt…the economy then cost of living. Under the previous Government, council collapsed.” tax more than doubled—it went up by 109%. Thanks to the excellent stewardship of my right hon. Friend the Nobel prize winner Paul Krugman said that the infuriating Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, thing was that, half a century ago, any economist could we have managed to freeze council tax—certainly for have told policy makers principal authorities—for three years in a row. I remember “that austerity in the face of depression was a very bad idea”, that pensioners regularly came to see me in my surgeries, and millions of workers are paying the price for that and some would complain that they were spending up mistake. to a third of their income on their council tax. I have Barack Obama, the absentee Prime Minister’s new not had pensioners coming to see me about that in the friend, said that some people would say that last three years, because in real terms we have cut “The market will take care of everything…if we just cut more council tax by 10%. In fact, my own council tax bill has regulations and cut more taxes…our economy will grow gone down in cash terms in the last two years, thanks to stronger…And that theory fits well on a bumper sticker. But the excellent stewardship of Central Bedfordshire council here’s the problem: it doesn’t work. It has never worked.” and Studham parish council. We are talking about a Another Nobel prize winner, Joseph Stiglitz, said that council that has taken £52 million out of its budget and “austerity as the solution is just wrong. There won’t be a return to improved services. We now have a better leisure centre confidence—quite the contrary. So the direction Europe is going in Houghton Regis, the gutters are sprayed three times a is…I think the wrong direction.” year rather than twice a year and more potholes are There we have it: three Nobel prize winners—but being filled, despite £52 million being taken out of the they are wrong, aren’t they, because our Chancellor budget, which shows that it can be done. thinks that he is right? He ignores what happened in this We have an immigration Bill in the Queen’s Speech, country the last time we had a major recession. Keynes which is absolutely necessary. I am sorry that the right proved that you could not win with austerity and Roosevelt hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough proved it in the United States. But we have a Government (Mr Blunkett) is no longer in his place, because I would whose arrogance is only matched by their ignorance have liked to remind him that the Migration Advisory and now, as a result of his posturing, the Chancellor—even Committee—an independent body from the UK Border if he thought he was wrong—cannot back off. He has Agency that advises the Government—has pointed out painted himself into a corner and he knows that if he that the 2 million extra net migrants who came to this puts in place plan B, he will be skewered by the shadow country under the previous Government decreased wages Chancellor. Pig-headed obstinacy, pride and ideology for working people and meant that fewer UK citizens have combined to the detriment of this country. The job went into jobs. That is something that we need to be is far too big for the Chancellor. Now the Government mindful of when many of our constituents are looking are paralysed not only by their ideology and obstinacy, for work. Only two days ago, one of my constituents but by their internal fighting yet again about Europe. wrote to tell me that on the construction site he was on We are seeing the people of this country struggling in London he was virtually the only British worker; all to get by, with tax cuts for the wealthy and tax hits for the others were Albanian. I am not sure why they were the poor. The poor are getting poorer and the rich are there, given that Albania is not a member of the European getting richer. It is, sadly, the same old Tories. Union. These are genuine issues for our constituents. The people of this country are speaking to us loud and clear, and we would do well to heed what they are 4.5 pm saying. Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): I I hugely welcome the national insurance contributions think that all of us on the Government Benches absolutely Bill. We are talking about a tax off jobs. Up to 2.5 million recognise the increase in people’s bills, whether it is their employers will benefit and 450,000 of our smallest gas bill, their electricity bill, the bill to fill up their car businesses will no longer pay national insurance with petrol or diesel when they go to a garage, or their contributions. That means that every business could weekly food bill. We absolutely recognise the squeeze take on one extra employee on a salary of up to £22,400 that our constituents are experiencing and the fact that or four more on the minimum wage without paying any wages have not gone up to compensate, and in many more national insurance contributions. That is just the cases we have been extremely clear about that. thing that we should be doing. Nevertheless, because of the decisions that the Government have taken, it now costs people £7 less to fill up their cars than it would if we had gone ahead Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): How many with all the price increases that Labour legislated to businesses benefited from the Government’s previous introduce before they left office. Also, we heard from attempt to use national insurance to stimulate the economy? the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change My understanding is that very few did so. Why does the that our energy bills are 5% lower than they would have hon. Gentleman think that the current proposal will be been, again because of the decisions we have taken. We any more successful? He is talking about the future, but know that Labour would have added £193 a year to our what about the past three years? 559 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 560

Andrew Selous: All I know is that employers and jobcentre that insists they pay the £3.60 return fare to employers’ organisations up and down the country have travel to town rather than go to the centre that they strongly welcomed the employment allowance. It is a could walk to in an hour. They would rather do that tax off jobs. I remind the hon. Lady that the Labour than spend £3.60 of their dwindling weekly budget. Government were going to increase national insurance, Others may fear that they are being discriminated against had they got back into power. We believe in trying to because they are over 50 and, having worked all their get more people into work by taking costs off employers. life, now find themselves unemployed and having to The Pensions Bill will help savers by ensuring that compete with graduates for jobs. Others might fear they get the benefit from everything that they save for bankruptcy because of the loss of their home; they have their pension. That has not been the case in the past. been out of work for a year and the support they have The Care Bill will also help people by ensuring that they received is now drying up. Those people are the victims do not have to sell their homes to fund their care in old of this Government’s economic mismanagement. age. That is why it is even more galling that the only The Opposition have said that this is a thin Queen’s people who seem to have been given a break by this Speech, but it is not; it contains 19 Bills. Labour Members Government are those fortunate enough to earn more need to be careful not to confuse legislative activity with than £150,000 a year. They will benefit from the 50p tax the real business of government. A by-pass in my cut. They are the very last people who should be getting constituency was announced by the right hon. Member such a break right now. for Edinburgh South West (Mr Darling) when he was Transport Secretary in 2003. In the following seven Andrew Selous: Does the hon. Lady not recognise years of the Labour Government, however, not a shovel that the rich are going to pay more in tax in every single hit the ground. Nothing was done. All Governments year of this Government than they did in any year like to announce things, but the delivery mechanisms under the last Labour Government? and speeding up the ability to get things done are what matter. The planning system takes far too long to Catherine McKinnell: That is a spurious statistic. We achieve finality and get results in this country. We also know that the deficit needs to be paid down, but this need to look into the matter of judicial reviews. In 1998, Government have made a choice to give a tax cut to there were 4,500 judicial reviews, but the number trebled those on the highest incomes while leaving other people over the following decade. It is absolutely right that the to pay. It is not just me who thinks that. Conservative Prime Minister and the Secretary of State are looking at voters and, indeed, Conservative party members up and those issues to ensure that we can get things done more down the country are frustrated by the choices this quickly. Government have made. What we are doing on training and apprenticeships is absolutely right: 520,000 apprenticeships have been brought Debbie Abrahams: Does my hon. Friend agree that it into being by this Government. I am particularly pleased is an absolute disgrace that while there are commitments by what is happening on the higher apprenticeship to fairness in the Queen’s Speech, the 40% lowest-income route and by the technical baccalaureate announced by households will be worse off, with an average of £891 lost the Secretary of State for Education, which will be a by each household? type of vocational A-level. Those are very welcome indeed, as are the university technical colleges. It is also Catherine McKinnell: My hon. Friend makes a powerful vital that we export more. We have increased our exports point. Another point to remember is the disproportionate outside the European Union by 33% since the 2007 impact that this Government’s tax and benefit changes peak. We have done well in that regard, but there is have had on the lowest earners—and on the middle clearly much more for us to do in those growing world earners, too. markets. Let me get back to members of the Conservative party. Linda Pailing, for example, the deputy chair of 4.12 pm Harlow Conservative party—I see the hon. Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon) in his place—put it very starkly, Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) targeting her criticism squarely at the Prime Minister. (Lab): Without doubt, the rising cost of living, combined She said: with stagnating—or worse, falling—income, has to be “The national swing took us down and that is purely to do with one of the biggest worries for many people up and what Cameron and his cronies are doing with the national party. down the country. There is little sign of light at the end The voters are disillusioned with Cameron himself. They don’t of the tunnel. People rightly feel that they are working like the fact that he didn’t keep the 50p tax. This has really grated hard and putting in the hours, but they are at best and people feel here that he is not working for them, he is working standing still and some are going backwards. Others for his friends.” have found themselves out of work, and the little support I could not have put it better myself. that they get when that happens is dwindling every day. There could have been some acceptance of the I find my constituency surgeries ever more heart- Government’s approach—at least among their own wrenching, given the number of people coming to see supporters—if the 50p tax cut policy had boosted me not only because they have become unemployed, confidence and stimulated economic growth, which is which is clearly a tragedy for those affected, but because the only thing that could turn the situation round for they need help with the situation that they find themselves those feeling the squeeze, yet it has done precisely the in after that. Some might be looking for help to start up opposite. The approach has not only failed to address on their own but are unable to get past first base. Others the lack of confidence in the economy but compounded might be hoping for a more reasonable approach by the the lack of confidence in this Government. What kind 561 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 562 of right-minded Chancellor or Prime Minister would the TUC drew attention to the pay gap in the north-east turn a blind eye to the suffering of the vulnerable and in particular. It showed that since 2010, real wages had those struggling to make ends meet, slap on a VAT hike fallen by £23 per week and £1,196 per year in 10 out of and impose a bedroom tax, cuts to tax credits and 12 north-east local authority areas, and that the north-east in-work support while dishing out tax cuts to those who is the poorest region in United Kingdom. Some households need them least. have been squeezed by £4,000 more than was the case a year ago, given wage freezes, below-inflation pay rises Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Will the hon. Lady and public sector job losses throughout the region. acknowledge that this Government have taken 3,000 low- What hope did the Queen’s Speech offer to the millions income people in Harlow out of tax altogether and cut of people across the country who have been affected by taxes for 40,000 low-income Harlow residents? Why did the Government’s policies? We needed a Queen’s Speech she and her party vote against those tax cuts for lower that would create jobs and growth and give people earners? enough confidence in the economy to invest, but the Government offered nothing. The British people deserve Catherine McKinnell: I anticipated Members raising more. the issue of personal allowances, but the fact is that the Institute for Fiscal Studies has clearly shown that the overall impact of the Government’s changes to tax, 4.20 pm credits and benefits has left the very people for whom Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): This the change to personal allowances was supposed to help aspect of the Queen’s Speech—the issue of the cost of worse off. People will be worse off under this Government living—is essential to the Government’s fortunes, and, in 2015, too. in my view, goes to the heart of what they are trying to Then comes the ultimate betrayer of the Government’s do. I am in a good deal of agreement with what was said true intentions. First, someone claims Britons have earlier by my right hon. and learned Friend the Member never had it so good, completely downplaying the impact for North East Fife (Sir Menzies Campbell). It is what of the recession on those hard hit. Then, after resigning brought the coalition together in the first place. on the back of it, this person is reinstated and can now The essence of dealing with the cost of living is, first be heard extolling the virtues of starting a business in a of all, getting fiscal and monetary policy right, and I recession on the basis that have every confidence that we are doing that. Bearing “labour can be cheaper and higher quality, meaning that return down on the deficit is the key to ensuring that we have on investment can be greater”. low interest rates, and it is low interest rates that allow I was both alarmed and enlightened to read the people to pay their mortgages, remain in their homes, report in The Daily Telegraph of a leaked discussion and cope with the financial difficulties that they face. between pollsters and the Government’s key advisers. Many hon. Members have raised housing issues, but the When asked what kept them awake at night, those key to affordable housing is for people to be able to advisers replied “Nothing” at first, and then admitted afford their mortgages, and that is dependent on interest that it was their kids’ school fees that bothered them rates. The singular success of this Government lies in most. If that is the main issue affecting the lives of the ensuring that there is confidence in the fiscal plan laid Government’s key advisers, that is quite indicative. Lord out by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor, which has Young’s comments, cited above, are quite startling, showing ensured that interest rates have remained low and stable. him to be revelling in the strain that the jobs and wages The hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North squeeze is putting on people’s finances. There are 2.5 million (Catherine McKinnell) attacked the change in the highest people out of work at the moment, and nearly 1 million tax rate payable, but that was, without question, the young people out of work, with 500,000 out of work for right thing for the Government to do. It is not a two years or more. That is the highest number since the question of tokenism. It is not a question of saying “We end of the last Tory Government in May 1997. Since will have high rates in order to punish the rich, because 2010, the number of unemployed people has risen. we disapprove of their lifestyle.” It is a question of Lord Young should reflect more on that. deciding what rate of tax will raise the most revenue for the Exchequer. Mr Anderson: Will my hon. Friend give way? Let us look back at the history from 1979 onwards. When the highest rate of income tax was 83% and the Catherine McKinnell: I am afraid that I cannot. If I highest marginal rate on unearned income was 98%, we do, I will run out of time. saw that the top 1% of taxpayers contributed only 11% Living standards have come under increasing pressure. of the total income tax revenue. When the rate was cut, Average earnings are rising at the lowest rate since the the income generated for the Government increased. end of 2009. More worryingly, according to recent Exactly the same happened following the further cut analysis of figures from the Office for Budget Responsibility introduced by Lord Lawson in 1988. by the Resolution Foundation, that squeeze on average incomes is set to continue for many years. The foundation Debbie Abrahams: Is it not also the case that families estimates that, given the OBR’s projections, the gap with low incomes are more likely to spend their money between what people earn and what they would have in the local economy and thus to stimulate it? There is been earning had their wages risen in line with inflation strong evidence to that effect. will have risen to £3,200 by 2017. The squeeze on living standards has had a Jacob Rees-Mogg: I entirely accept the evidence that disproportionate impact in my region in the north-east. people with low incomes are more likely to spend the Analysis carried out recently by the northern branch of money that they receive. However, money flows within 563 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 564

[Jacob Rees-Mogg] Jacob Rees-Mogg: I will not give way any more because I do not get any more bonus points, so I must the economy are not limited to expenditure. The saving plough on, with apologies to the two hon. Ladies. of money increases deposits at banks and eases their That deals with the fiscal and monetary side. The loan-to-deposit ratios. It therefore ensures that the banks other part of keeping prices down is regulation, and we can lend more money both to prospective home owners have heard a good deal about energy price regulation and to businesses. and how it affects households across the country today. There is a view among Labour Members, which was My view is that the priority for my constituents is that also expressed during the Budget debates, of a very they should have cheap energy, not that we should insist closed financial system, but that is quite wrong. There on large subsidies for theories that some people find are flows within the financial system. There is a rule of attractive and others do not. I am more with my hon. money, that money must find a home. [Interruption.] It Friend the Member for Monmouth (David T. C. Davies) is very welcome to come to my home. If hon. Members than I am with the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion would like to send it in that direction, I shall not say no. (Caroline Lucas), even before I have heard her speak, That is the sort of tax I could do with. However, money although I look forward to that. So the issue of regulation does find a home, and that is in generating economic is key and, of course, that ultimately comes down to activity. Europe. On Europe, I will make one aside, which is that we are Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): Does negotiating a free trade agreement with the EU and the the hon. Gentleman believe it is right that the rich are United States of America. Singapore, not the largest getting richer while the living standards of the vast country in the world, managed a free trade agreement majority of the people in this country are going down? with the United States in 2004. The United Kingdom would have managed to do it a good deal quicker had Jacob Rees-Mogg: The important thing for the we not been tied in to the negotiating sloth of the Government to do is to lift the living standards of European Union. Had we been doing it for ourselves, everybody, but we do not improve the standard of living that would also have helped to bring down the cost of of the poor by impoverishing the rich. That is what living, because free trade ensures that there is more Labour tried when in government before and it singularly competition in this nation. failed. If everybody gets richer, the whole standard of Finally, on the constitutional issue of some amendments living of this country improves, and Government revenues that have been proposed, I am fascinated by the idea increase when rates of taxation are reduced. It is thought that there is to be a free vote on the Queen’s Speech. that the ideal rate to maximise the amount of revenue Previously, a Queen’s Speech not being carried has for the Treasury would be 37%, so I would be keen for effectively been a confidence vote in the Government. the Government to do this. It is a great error, for those These constitutional innovations are extremely dubious—it on all sides, to put short-term political advantage or would have been better if they had not happened—but debating points above the economic benefit of this as that free vote has been made available, I shall of country. Therefore, we should be bold about rates to course vote a Eurosceptic ticket. make sure that we get the revenue we need for the Government to be able to afford to do what they want to do, to keep taxation overall as low as possible, to pay 4.29 pm down the deficit and, ultimately, to reduce the national Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): I should debt. So on the fiscal side, the Government have got it like to concentrate on the final two words of the Gracious right. Speech, which, unfortunately, give the impression of The other aspect of prices is the monetary side, having been tagged on the end, almost as an afterthought. primarily handed over to the Bank of England, but Those words are “climate change”; I am sure that I will none the less with a Government target set in relation to not disappoint the hon. Member for North East Somerset inflation. If the monetary side were to get out of control, (Jacob Rees-Mogg) in what I am about to say. as we have seen historically that it can, the cost of living The forthcoming legislative programme shows that increases because of the monetary effect on prices. So the Government are failing in their first duty—to protect there is a careful balance for the Government to have. citizens—precisely by failing to address the causes of This Government, unlike our continental partners, have the worsening climate crisis. They are ignoring warnings, got it right by having a tight fiscal policy and a loose even from conservative bodies such as the World Bank, monetary policy, so that liquidity is available within the that without far more urgent and radical cuts in emissions, economic system, but the Government part of it is global temperatures will rise by an average 4° or more bearing down on the Government’s deficit and, ultimately, by the end of the century, with devastating impacts as a on the debt. That is the right balance, and it will result. encourage price stability. If we did things the other way around—with tight fiscal and monetary policies—we If the throwaway line at the end of the Gracious would have a degree of austerity that is unsustainable, Speech really does mean that progress on climate change as our continental friends have. If we have both loose will genuinely be part of the UK’s G8 presidency, then money and loose fiscal policy, we will end up with of course I welcome it, not least following reports that inflation that has pretty much disastrous consequences the Government have been blocking the attempts of the for the cost of living. French and German Governments to give the issue a high priority. Catherine McKinnell rose— However, for the Prime Minister to suggest that the Government are successfully taking sufficient action to Caroline Lucas rose— deal with climate change is simply dishonest. I do not 565 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 566 use that word lightly, but if we are to have a chance of we? Why not use the technologies that we know will get avoiding the worst of climate change, politicians of all our emissions down and keep the lights on much more parties and countries will have to get a lot more honest— cheaply, effectively and safely? honest about the scale of the threat that we face and the I turn to a report published last month by Carbon scope of the changes that we need to make. Tracker. It makes the point that we cannot go on using Just last week, for the first time in human history, the more and more fossil fuels. As Lord Stern explains in concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere the foreword, passed the milestone level of 400 parts per million. The “most fossil fuel reserves are essentially unburnable because of last time so much greenhouse gas was in the air was the need to reduce emissions in line with the global agreement” several million years ago, when the Arctic was ice-free, to keep temperatures below 2° warming. That 2° warming savannahs spread across the Sahara desert and the sea is the first critical number in the Carbon Tracker report. level was up to 40 metres higher. Governments around the world have agreed that we The difference between 399 and 400 parts per million should not exceed that level of warming. There is already may be small in its impact on the world’s living system, an increase of 0.8° in the atmosphere, so we are getting but it is overwhelming in its symbolism of our collective close to 2°, and 0.6° is locked into the atmosphere. If we failure to put the future of the natural world and its are not careful, we will get to 2° very fast, and many people above immediate self-interest and to tell the people believe that 0.5° would be a safer threshold. truth and admit that reliance on fossil fuels is not The second number is the 2,795 gigatonnes of carbon compatible with the urgent action needed on climate dioxide that industry figures indicate are locked up in change. Given the role that fossil fuel lobbyists play in the known, proven coal, oil and gas reserves around the influencing policy, including being seconded into world. Finally, the figure of 565 gigatonnes is the amount Departments to draft it in the first place, I am also of CO2 that research by the Potsdam Institute for Climate deeply disappointed that the Bill to introduce a register Impact Research identifies as remaining in our carbon of lobbyists has been dropped from the Government’s budget for the period 2011 to 2015. In other words, we plans. can safely burn only one fifth of known fossil fuel If coalition Ministers are comfortable in their state of reserves and still keep within the global carbon budget, denial about the climate crisis and their cosy relationships as the International Energy Agency confirmed in its with the fossil fuel industry, whose core business models recent report. are incompatible with keeping global warming below Many people will suggest that carbon capture and 2°, let it be on the record that young people in particular storage is the way out of this problem. However, even if certainly are not. We can see that in the reaction to the CCS were deployed in line with an idealised scenario by Education Secretary’s attempts to remove climate change 2050, that would extend fossil fuel carbon budgets by from the curriculum for the under-14s and we saw it last only about 125 gigatonnes, which is equivalent to only week when the fossil fuel divestment movement came in 4% of the total global budget. CCS is not likely to come the shape of huge opposition to a new partnership online in any serious way until at least 2030, by which between Oxford university and Shell—a partnership point the carbon budget may well have been used up. that would have been about getting yet more fossil fuels The implications of all this are clear. First, the out of the ground. We see it, too, in the concern that I decarbonisation target needs to be in place. We need to am sure is manifest in many hon. Members’ inboxes make sure that we do not have a second dash for gas. from people still lobbying for there to be a clear Most crucially, Ministers must require extractive companies decarbonisation target in the Energy Bill, not just promises to include the greenhouse gas emissions potential of that that might be looked at in 2016. fossil fuel reserves as part of an update on company If I am disappointed that we heard only one mention reporting regulations. If they do not, there is a real risk of climate change in the Gracious Speech, I am even that our financial markets will have a carbon bubble more disappointed by the lack of meaningful action on worth an estimated $16 trillion globally. Because we are fossil fuels. Ministers must be honest with themselves so over-exposed in the UK given the global role played and the public and admit that, if we are serious about by London, our financial centre, in raising capital, there avoiding the worst impacts of climate change, the vast is great concern that companies are inflating their worth majority of fossil fuel reserves must be left in the because of these reserves. ground. 4.36 pm David T. C. Davies: Is the hon. Lady going to address Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): I rise to the issue of why environmental groups will not support support the Gracious Speech. methods of generating electricity that do not produce Without any shadow of a doubt, we live in a global carbon dioxide emissions, such as nuclear power? economy. We have heard many speeches about the cost of living based on the domestic policies that are set Caroline Lucas: If the options were either nuclear or nationally, and there is indeed an important debate to more and more fossil fuels, obviously nuclear would be be had about that. However, like my hon. Friend the the least worst option. But that is a false choice that we Member for New Forest East (Dr Lewis), I regret the are not facing. There are plenty of technologies out fact that we will not discuss international affairs during there that need further support—solar, wind, geothermal the debate on the Gracious Speech. and many others that are now coming to be equal in An escalation of issues in the middle east would have terms of price parity. We do not need to go down the a very detrimental effect on the cost of living in this nuclear route, which is hugely expensive as well as country. Many hon. Members have talked about the dangerous. We do not need to go there, so why would cost of energy—oil and gas—in this country and the 567 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 568

[Alec Shelbrooke] that is ill-equipped to deal with that number. We will eventually be called upon to help with that humanitarian increase in fuel poverty. The stark truth is that that crisis and it is important that we will, again, be there for could increase only if we were to move towards a more our fellow man. I come back to the point that, when militarised conflict across the middle east. There are we debate the cost of living in this country and the serious concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but Government’s programme over the next year, we should that does not mean that we should take a unilateral also discuss international issues, because, importantly, decision, or a decision with any other nation, to take they are interlinked with everything we do. military action against that country. The mere suggestion In 1983, when I was a child of just six or seven years of moving forward there could result in oil price rises of age, the film “Threads” was made. I watched it across the world that would have a deep impact on the recently and am sure that a number of other Members people of this nation, without a single bullet being fired. have also seen it. It is set in Sheffield in the 1980s in the We do not get any oil from Iran; we got only 2% aftermath of a nuclear holocaust. It is a sobering film before the EU embargo came in. However, a vast majority and it should be watched. What struck me about it is of the oil coming into this country comes through the that those who made the decisions that caused the wars Straits of Hormuz, and if the oil traders believe that to take place did not feature in the film. Indeed, given there is a threat to those shipping lanes, oil prices will that it was set in Sheffield, the decisions were being inexorably rise. We must remember that oil is bought made 190 miles away in London and elsewhere in the three months in advance of when it is sold. If the oil world. That is the point I am trying to make: we have to traders believe that there may be difficulty in getting take notice of the innocent people on the ground and of that oil out of the Gulf and into our country, oil prices the impact of our decisions. will increase, and that will affect every aspect of the cost We live in a highly volatile world and have to be very of living in this country. It is not just about the careful about how we move forward, and it is regrettable straightforward issue of fuel prices. If we are on a bus that the debate on the Gracious Speech has not given us we have to get a bus ticket, or if we are on a train the the opportunity to address these issues, which could electricity has to be generated to run it. The price of oil have such a fundamental impact on our cost of living. affects the price of food in our shops, which has to be transported there using fossil fuels. That shows why we 4.44 pm should have discussed the effects of international affairs Geraint Davies (Swansea West) (Lab/Co-op): It is a on this nation during our debates on the Gracious pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Elmet and Speech. Rothwell (Alec Shelbrooke), although I do not think I do not think I am the only Government Member that the spot price of oil should be the determining who seriously questions the wisdom of relaxing the EU factor in whether we intervene in a country where arms agreement on Syria. If history has taught us 70,000 people have been slaughtered and 1 million more anything over the past 10 years, it is that picking a side have been made into refugees. That should not have and arming it will rarely lead to a useful outcome for been a consideration in Libya either. world stability. If we side with the opposition in Syria, The centrepiece of the Queen’s Speech, with respect who are we actually siding with? Many companies in to the cost of living, should have been a strategy for this country that employ many people are now banking growth. That was sadly missing from the rag-bag of old with Israeli banks, and that has a direct influence on ideas that we have seen before. Contrary to what was their strategic fiscal capability. Do we seriously want to said by the hon. Member for North East Somerset empower an opposition that has some, let us say, interesting (Jacob Rees-Mogg), who is no longer in his seat, under people on the Islamic fundamentalist side who are right this Government, the debt to GDP ratio will have gone next door to a country that the vast majority of Arab up from 55% in 2010 to 85% in 2015, debt is rising by countries would like to see removed from the face of the £245 billion and we have lost our triple A rating. The map? That instability, linked with Iran talking to Hezbollah idea that all is rosy in the garden is farcical. and a change in the dynamic in Syria, could have a direct consequence on the ability of companies to operate What we need is growth. To his credit, the Prime in this country. Minister is in Washington trying to negotiate an EU free trade deal with the United States. At the very same Dr Julian Lewis: Would my hon. Friend also like to moment, the Eurosceptics—or should I say Euroseptics— make an observation on whether the task of humanitarian are busy undermining that prospective agreement with intervention has been that much more difficult by the a great trading partner. That is very sad. way we went about it in Libya? We said that it would be Catherine McKinnell: My hon. Friend is making a a very limited, no-fly-zone-type intervention, but we powerful point about our international position. Does ended up intervening much more directly on one side, he share my concern over the figures from the Office for and in a strictly military way, in a civil war? National Statistics that came out today, which show that the UK has plummeted to 12th in the league table Alec Shelbrooke: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for of household incomes? That shows that not only are raising that point. That is a recent example of a country people suffering, but we are falling behind our international that we helped to liberate, but it led to issues for our neighbours and competitors. embassy and that of the US. That paints a picture. However good the intentions to solve a crisis may be, Geraint Davies: That is a key point. the question is: what comes next? We are always hearing that everything is all right in That is not to say that we should shirk our responsibilities the UK and the problems are someone else’s fault. towards humanitarian aid. More than 1 million refugees The EU does have problems, but there are emerging are flooding out of Syria into Jordan alone, a country opportunities in China, India, Brazil and elsewhere. The 569 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 570

Queen’s Speech should have provided a strategic platform that is growing old. We obviously need to manage for international trade to help us access the newly immigration properly and carefully, but we should consider emergent and massive middle classes who want to take that 6% of immigrants are on benefits compared with our consumer goods and who form the basis of inward 16% of indigenous people. capital investment. But no, we are busy being the one We are providing ammunition for people to blame nation, fish and chip shop, Eurosceptic Britain—the immigrants, and what was in the Queen’s Speech? Private nation of shopkeepers that Napoleon described us as. It landlords and health providers will have to find out is frankly pathetic. The Conservatives are not fit to be whether someone is an immigrant and whether they are in government. legal. What will be the easiest test of that? “Are you Between 1997 and 2008, we saw growth of 40%. Not white or are you black?” It is institutional racism. We enough Labour Members stand up and defend that. If are feeding the UKIP voters by saying, “The austerity our debt to GDP ratio is going from 55% to 85%, how problems aren’t Tory austerity problems, they’re because can we sort it out? One way is to cut debt and to stamp of all the immigrants.” Is that helping anyone and on the poor for the recklessness of the bankers, which is creating a united and strong Britain with a one nation what the Tories are doing. The other is to increase GDP future? No, it is creating a weak, divided nation of so that the ratio goes down. Under Labour, GDP went people who are being crushed by the Tories, and the up by 40% up to 2008. In 2008, my right hon. Friend the poorest are blaming the immigrants. It stinks. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) and President Obama put together the fiscal stimulus. David T. C. Davies rose— The EU’s fiscal stimulus was 2% of GDP. In the United States, it was 5% of GDP. Indeed, the United States put in $2 trillion of quantitative easing, whereas the EU put Richard Graham rose— in nothing. Britain did put in something, but we still have the economics of austerity here and in Europe. In Geraint Davies: I had better give way to the hon. the United States, where the economy was stimulated, Member for Monmouth (David T. C. Davies), because growth is projected to be 3% in the next year. In the EU, he is likely to say something more ridiculous, as a it is projected to be 1%. Why was nothing done about fruitcake. that in the Queen’s Speech? We have seen the emergence of massive youth David T. C. Davies: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, unemployment. In Greece, the rate is more than 60% not least because I am married to an immigrant and and in Italy it is 38%. In Greece, people are moving fully support the Government’s policies. towards the Nazis and extreme communists. In Italy, The hon. Gentleman mentioned a statistic, but 100% 25% of people voted for a comedian. I notice that that is of indigenous people in Britain are entitled to receive the same percentage of people who are voting for UKIP benefits. What percentages of those who have emigrated here. The British National party’s support has gone up here are entitled to receive them? I do not know, but it is fourfold from 1% to 4%. The response of the Tories is to much lower than 100%, so the statistic that he gave is run for the hills and emulate UKIP. inaccurate. Why has support for UKIP gone up? The first reason is that the Prime Minister has given it credibility by Geraint Davies: I certainly do not accept that. My saying that he will hold a referendum. People who used basic point about the cost of living, which is what we to say to me when I knocked on their doors, “You must are talking about, is that the bottom 10% of people in be joking. We’ve got millions of jobs involved in trade Britain spend 37% of their money on food, energy and with Europe. It’s the platform into China, India and the housing costs, whereas for the top 10% it is less than United States,” are now thinking, “Hold on. Cameron’s half that proportion at 17%. As basic costs escalate, offering us this option, so it must be a credible choice.” benefits are squeezed and the overall amount of money That gives oxygen to UKIP. that people have is crushed, including their working tax credit and the like, and the people right at the bottom Alec Shelbrooke: What is the hon. Gentleman’s reaction can barely survive while the people at the top are to the hon. Member for Lewisham West and Penge (Jim laughing. It is all very well saying that the rich are Dowd), who said that their party should support a paying more, but the wages of the top 10% have gone up referendum on Europe? by 11% in the past two years. I am not even talking about the 5% tax giveaway, but Geraint Davies: Obviously, I disagree with that. I do what a laugh that is, with the Government saying, “Oh, not agree with a referendum, but if the overwhelming we’ll raise more from a 45p rate than a 50p rate.” People majority of people in Britain want one, I accept that we on the top incomes can move their income between tax should have one. I am simply saying that the case for a years, so that is why there will be a lower take. There will referendum has been whipped up because of the be a behavioural change. If the 50p rate was ongoing, Conservatives’ fear of UKIP. They have fed it red meat, we would raise more. Indeed, some people already pay and it is coming back for more. 50%, because those who pay 40% also pay 12% in It is the same with immigration. Everyone is going, national insurance, so their marginal rate is already “Oh no, there’s too much immigration. It’s terrible, isn’t 52%. The only difference is that they do not have it?” However, immigration was part of the reason for accountants. It stinks. The reckless bankers, who were our economic growth. We prematurely let in some of two-thirds responsible for the deficit in 2010, are being the people from Poland who would have been able to rewarded in their pay packets while the poorest are come here anyway, and meanwhile Germany is saying being squeezed and we are giving a bit to the squeezed that it needs more immigrants to pay for the generation middle. 571 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 572

4.53 pm raises. Like the measures contained in the Budget, the action the Government are taking will provide significant James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): help for families in my constituency, and I shall be As I have knocked on doors around Halesowen and proud to support them. Rowley Regis over the past five years, a common theme has come up time and again. My constituents, and I I understand that it is this year’s fashion to talk about suspect those around the country, have been looking for matters that we wish had been included in the legislative reassurance that the Government are on their side as programme, and if I may make one plea to Ministers, it they go out to work and try to do the right thing and would be to add my voice to those of right hon. and take responsibility for themselves and their families. hon. Members—led by my hon. Friend the Member for Many families in my constituency are starting to see Harlow (Robert Halfon)—who are calling for measures things get better. There are now 3,000 more of my to stabilise fuel prices to be taken further. With wholesale constituents in work than there were before the general prices having fallen from their peak, it would be a good election. For many, however, things are still a struggle. time to revisit the idea of a fuel duty stabiliser to protect They want to see evidence that the Government understand families and businesses from some of the damaging that things are tough for them and their families. They effects of volatile fuel prices. Should the Government want action to make things a little easier, and they want return with such plans, I am sure they would enjoy not to have confidence that, at the very least, their Government only the support of the House but—more importantly— will not make things unnecessarily difficult. they would make a real difference to our constituents. I am pleased that the Energy Bill has been carried The positive action that the Government are taking over. It will give legislative force to the requirement on to address the cost of living stands in stark contrast to energy companies to put customers on the cheapest the record of the previous Government, although that tariff to meet their needs. When the Prime Minister is hardly surprising. Why would a party that had convinced announced that the Government would ensure that itself that it had abolished boom and bust worry about energy consumers were put on the cheapest available rising prices? A Government who believed that the tariff, the Opposition’s reaction was that it could not be benefits of boom would not be followed by the crisis of done, presumably because they knew that when they bust were happy to assume that they could go on were in government they had lacked the political will to handing out enough in benefits and tax credits, and that make it possible. They then changed to arguing that it a policy of uncontrolled immigration would provide would not be done—presumably because they knew enough cheap labour to keep service costs low. The they would not have done it—and they now seem to Leader of the Opposition may have started to talk argue that it is not worth doing. The truth is that it about energy costs, but he cannot hide from the fact could be done, it is being done, and it will benefit many that when he was the Cabinet Minister responsible for of our constituents, particularly the most vulnerable. such matters, he stood by while the margins of energy suppliers soared. As a humble Back Bencher, I hesitate to pick faults in the way Ministers choose to communicate the Government’s I am pleased to support the Government’s legislative achievements, but the message that a series of freezes in programme, and in particular actions to keep the cost fuel duty represents help for drivers tells only half the of living under control. People in Halesowen and Rowley story. Motorists will, of course, be the most obvious Regis who work hard and want to get on but who have direct beneficiaries of getting fuel costs under control, and been finding things tough can see that these measures drivers in my constituency will, on average, be £170 better will help to make things a little easier. They can see that off than they would have been had the Government this Government are on their side. gone ahead with the increase in fuel duty planned by the Labour party. However, I cannot help but think that 4.59 pm that message sells the Government short. Transport costs are a significant part of the cost that families pay Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): I should like in shops, particularly for food, and they have a real to address housing, which hon. Members on both sides impact on the cost of living for motorists and non-motorists of the House must start to take seriously. In 2012, the alike. Poor grain and fruit harvests last autumn have Institute for Public Policy Research showed that, in created significant pressures on food prices globally, the current spending review, nearly £95 billion will be and the Government’s action to prevent fuel costs from spent on housing benefit compared with just £4.5 billion needlessly rising and adding to those pressures will help on building affordable housing. That means that for to stop spiralling food prices that could hit hard-working every £1 spent on affordable housing, £19 will be spent families hard. on housing benefit. We should therefore not be surprised that the housing benefit bill has been rising. We accept Huw Irranca-Davies: What does the hon. Gentleman that, but the problem is that the Government have not make of the National Farmers Union’s repeated call analysed the reasons for it, and have decided to address over the past few months for an extension to allow housing benefit spending by trimming bits of money off seasonal agricultural workers from beyond EU borders— recipients of housing benefit here and there. For those places such as Moldova and Bulgaria—to come to the individuals, those bits of money are not insubstantial. UK and pick the crops in the fields because of that issue For somebody on £71.70 a week, losing £12 a week of affordable food? How does that tie in with the because they have to pay it towards their rent is extremely Government’s thinking on immigration? significant in their cost of living. The policy does not make sense for the country or for those individuals. James Morris: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his In the 1970s, 80% of housing expenditure was for intervention but my constituency contains, I think, half building houses—very little was spent on rent subsidy. a farm, so I am not qualified to speak on the matter he As a result, many working people, including people in 573 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 574 relatively low-waged jobs, had affordable housing in constituent who had separated from her husband two which to live. They therefore did not need to claim years ago. She had two children and no home to go to, benefits. No wonder people say, “Too much goes on so she applied to the council as homeless. She was in a benefits.” The money is going in at the wrong end. crisis—the relationship had been violent—so she accepted The previous Labour Government did not address a property under a private sector leasing scheme, in the problem in the way that I, as a councillor active in which the council leases properties from the private housing, would have liked. Many Labour Members sector. It was a relief to her at the time, because she had have said that for some time. I was pleased that the a safe home for herself and her daughters. She was not shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said working at the time; her life was in such a crisis that she recently in an article in the Evening Standard that one had had to give up her job as well as her home, so she principle of the next Labour Government would be to was receiving housing benefit to pay the very high rent. redress that. Two years on, my constituent is ready and anxious to get on with her life. She wants to get a job, but she is Geraint Davies: My hon. Friend will know that the stuck with a rent that is more than double the rent of a cost of housing benefit has doubled in the past 10 years council or housing association house. She has been to about £20 billion, but is she aware that 70% of the advised that if she got a job she would still get some increase is because of private sector rent increases? housing benefit to help pay the rent, but she would still Does that not make her case for building more affordable have to pay as much rent—from a fairly average wage—as housing, not just crushing the poor? she would have to pay on a council property. Everybody would lose out. My constituent would lose out, because Sheila Gilmore: As recently as February 2009, about it might not be worth her while to get a job, and 1 million private rented tenants claimed housing benefit. taxpayers would lose out because they would still have By October 2012, that number had risen to 1.7 million. to pay half the rent for her to live in a property that she Far more people in the sector need to claim housing does not now particularly need or want to live in. benefit, largely because they are on lower wages or have We have to solve this problem and we have to do so lost working hours because they are on poor contracts. quickly. The best way is to start investing directly in the building of affordable housing. If we do not do that, we Damian Collins (Folkestone and Hythe) (Con): Does will never be able to tackle the housing benefit bill. If the hon. Lady believe that mass immigration has contributed that had been in the Queen’s Speech, we could have to the massive increase in demand for social rents and made some real progress for many people. My constituent housing benefit? is not alone, she is just a recent example of how people can get stuck. In fact, that is her word—she is stuck and Sheila Gilmore: No, I do not believe that. In fact, the she would have welcomed some progress from the number of recent immigrants who are housed by councils Government in the Queen’s Speech. and housing associations is very small. The problem is the lack of building of affordable housing. Government policy is about to stoke that problem 5.7 pm further. They have decided to say that affordable housing Damian Collins (Folkestone and Hythe) (Con): Several is housing built at 80% of market value. They can hon. Members have touched on the initiatives that the therefore say, “We have replaced housing. We have built Government have put in place to try to address the cost affordable housing.” However, that will stoke the problem of living. I am pleased that my local authority, Shepway further, because more people in that form of housing district council, has frozen council tax for three years in will have to claim benefit to afford it. The policy does a row—as Kent county council did this year too. Measures not make sense. In 10 years’ time or even five years’ to stop increases in fuel duty have had a direct impact time, if that continues—hopefully it will not continue, on the lives on millions of people in this country, and I because there will be a change of Government—people congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow will turn around and say, “Why did the Government do (Robert Halfon) on his campaign on that issue. The that? Why did they yet again put all the onus on revenue Government have also taken the first steps any Government and give us an even bigger benefit bill?” have taken to bring in measures to guarantee that As it turns out, the problem is happening not just in consumers receive the lowest energy prices. I welcome England. There is also a cut in the amount going for all those measures. affordable housing in Scotland. We are building far One issue that has not been addressed in this debate is more mid-rent housing, as it is called in Scotland. It is the Labour party’s commitment to increase borrowing—it about 80% of market value. That is the only way in says in the short term—as part of its programme for which housing is being built. I do not see any reason for government. It is very reluctant to be drawn on this, but not having some mid-market rented housing as a it should be drawn on it, especially in a debate on the supplement to what is there already, but when it becomes cost of living, because of the consequences it would a substitute for truly affordable housing, we are storing have. The country direly needs to live within its means up problems with the balance of what we are spending. and reduce its debts and deficit. If it deviates from that Much has been made by this Government and the track because of the Labour party’s desire to spend previous Government about the importance of making more money—money that it does not have—we have to work pay. The cost of housing is one of the essential wonder how the money will be raised. Will it be raised determinants of whether work pays or not. People get in taxation—by asking people to pay higher taxes—or trapped by the lack of cheap, affordable housing. As my by higher borrowing, which will be passed on to consumers city is so short of housing, we introduced a scheme in higher mortgage rates? We have been down this track which solved the crisis for some people. I recently met a before and we have seen the consequences, which is why 575 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 576

[Damian Collins] claiming housing benefit but are not fit for habitation. Local authorities should use powers, which they already the Opposition are so reluctant to be drawn on the have, to take action against those landlords. I welcome, consequences of their policies and what they will mean in part, the measure in the Queen’s Speech that will for people’s lives. create an obligation for private landlords to ask whether people seeking accommodation are qualified to receive Huw Irranca-Davies: This morning I was at a breakfast it. That will ensure that they are in the country legally meeting with a contingent from the Civil Engineering and not in breach of the law. That is a good thing, Contractors Association, which has published a report because we will probably find that it is the rogue landlords that advocates increasing expenditure on infrastructure, who are happy to take the money and not ask any not necessarily through the public sector but through questions, and who are making money not out of people imaginative use of private sector investment, including who are here illegally, but from some of the poorest being underwritten by the Government at a time when people in our society. We should clamp down on that, interest rates are at a record low. Does the hon. Gentleman because it is public money, paid out through housing approve of that? benefit, that they are profiting from, and we should take firm action against it. Damian Collins: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his point, because it provides a neat segue for what I Geraint Davies: Does the hon. Gentleman agree that want to talk about next. Of course, the Government most landlords have a single property and rent it out welcome investment in major infrastructure projects themselves? They simply do not have the resources to that improve the competitiveness and underlying strength verify whether a prospective tenant is an illegal immigrant. of the economy, and of course that is something to be Making those landlords illegal is outrageous, quite apart welcomed and there are numerous schemes where that from promoting racism. is taking place. If I look at investment in jobs in my own area through the work of the regional growth funds, I see that £35 million is being spent in east Kent to create Damian Collins: I disagree with the hon. Gentleman. new jobs. Businesses such as Wooding in Hythe in my I think it is very easy to ask those questions and for constituency have already received £1 million and they those checks to be made. Most landlords will probably are hiring people on the basis of that investment. Of say that they are paying very large sums to agents to act course we welcome that type of investment, but we are on their behalf to make these checks. Hundreds of hearing from the Labour party a desire for a short-term, pounds are paid on every transaction by both the temporary cut in tax to act as a stimulus to the economy, tenant and the landlord in managing the private rented with no real sense of where that money will come from sector, so I do not see why those questions would not be or how it will be costed and paid for. My concern in this asked. Legitimate landlords have nothing to fear. It will debate on the cost of living is that the people who will be the rogue landlords, who rip people off and exploit end up paying for those policies will be the consumers. the illegal status of some of the people they give People will pay through higher taxes, and higher interest accommodation to by keeping them in cramped and rates on their mortgages if they are homeowners. unpleasant accommodation, who will have something to fear. It is good for the country that those people fear I will come back to the point made by the hon. such intervention. Member for Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies) on imaginative partnership with the private sector to increase investment, Many people, particularly young people saving to which also touches on the speech made by the hon. buy their first home, find the size of the deposit required Member for Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore) on the prohibitively large, and the attempt to save that extra housing sector. One of the biggest elements of the cost money undoubtedly bears on their cost of living. The of living is housing. Rent, servicing a mortgage or Help to Buy scheme, which will support people’s deposits finding the money in the household budget to try to when they buy a new home, must be welcomed as a save and buy one’s first home are all significant costs. I measure to help many people on to the housing ladder am attracted to schemes where local authorities seek to and to give them a far better standard of living and work with institutional investors to fund the building of accommodation. This positive initiative will also have a new homes that will be run by arm’s length management beneficial legacy for the construction sector, giving people associations and councils, effectively producing a private greater confidence to build on the property sites currently partnership with a local authority to build new council held in land banks that have planning permission, but houses and to borrow money from an institution over a which are not being built on because people are concerned 40-year to 50-year period. That is a sensible thing to do, that there are not enough people to buy. This scheme and what any organisation would do. If it is ultimately will give them the confidence to build, knowing that responsible for paying the rent through housing benefit, people will be able to afford the homes because their why would it not seek to control the end product too? deposits will be covered. That will give us more opportunities not only to provide Finally, on a subject linked to housing towards the people with lower cost homes to rent, but, in time, for end of people’s lives, the Care Bill will end the requirement even more people to benefit from the right to buy on people to sell the property for which they have scheme, and for the money to be reinvested back into worked and saved all their life in order to meet their providing new, high-quality homes. That would a good care costs in later life. It is unfair that people who have thing: it would reduce some of the costs of renting and made sacrifices throughout their lives are asked to make be a good thing for the housing market as a whole. the final sacrifice of selling their home to pay for some Such a policy would also help to do something to of their care costs, when others are not put in that address the scandal of the poor quality of many homes position. It is right to cap those contributions: it will in the private rented sector which are offered to tenants reward people’s hard work and aspiration and send out 577 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 578 a positive message about the sort of country we are and It is a similar with energy costs. The cost of gas has how we want people to make those sacrifices, work hard risen by 38% and the cost of heating oil by over 68% and put something by for themselves and their family to since 2009, meaning that consumers face annual bills have and use later in life. The Care Bill is a positive step that are over £600 more expensive than five years ago. in that direction. Many of those people are also facing deepening levels I welcome and commend the Queen’s Speech and of fuel poverty. In the supermarket, consumers are today’s debate. faced with a £20 rise in their weekly food shop. These factors—filling a car to drive to work, paying energy 5.16 pm bills and feeding a family for a week—are all compounded, leaving people constantly feeling under pressure. Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP): At the heart of this debate are two fundamental questions: I see very little evidence from the Queen’s Speech that what is the economy delivering for people and why does the Government grasp the fundamental challenges that it seem to be delivering more for some than for others? they face to restore growth and confidence to the economy. A functioning economy needs to work not just for those The Government should be creating investment, not at the top but for all those who contribute to our insecurity. There needs to be an economy to which businesses, industries and public services. We should all everyone feels connected, one that is grounded in a be concerned by the income gap and the disparity degree of fairness. between those at the bottom and those at the top, and More specifically and more immediately, I support we have a responsibility towards those who put in so measures such as the sectorally targeted VAT reduction much but currently get little of the reward. Since the on tourism and hospitality products, which has been 1970s, wages have grown twice as fast for the top 10% as successful in other European countries. I also call on for those earning medium incomes. the Government to deliver on the peace dividend that Such inequality is not just an abstract economic was promised for Northern Ireland back in 2007 in problem; it fosters division and can be linked to several order to pump-prime devolutionary measures, as well serious social problems. This should elicit not some glib as to ensure that our standard of living and rising response about the politics of envy, but a realisation of unemployment no longer create those social divisions interdependence in our economy. The Government’s that have been relevant for some time. In that regard, I proposed consumer rights Bill is to be welcomed, and I urge Cabinet Ministers to sit down with the Northern await the details with interest, but there is little in this Ireland Executive to put a proper long-term economic sparse legislative agenda to tackle the fundamental deal in place. economic problems we are facing. What message is being sent out when remuneration is clearly no longer 5.22pm tethered to economic worth and input, and what message are the Government sending out when they cut the top Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): I welcome this debate rate of tax while introducing a 1% cap on benefits that because I believe that the Government’s record should will hurt children and families? be welcomed for a number of reasons. First, despite a Currently people are having to work longer hours, number of factors outside their control, they have taken pay more at the pump, pay more for their weekly measures to help families—for example, with the cost of shopping and struggle to budget for the increased cost fuel and utilities. Secondly, the Government have recognised of keeping the heating on. Every day can become a that tax is the biggest brake on the cost of living and struggle. We have an economy with high inflation and have cut tax for low earners. Thirdly, the Government record fuel, food and energy prices, combined with high have realised that, besides tax, the best way to reduce unemployment and wage stagnation. That is the real the cost of living is to encourage people to move from pain that people are feeling in Northern Ireland. Growth welfare to work by increasing their skills. has been non-existent under the coalition Government, Before I look at these things, however, we should look which again is not an abstract consideration, but is at how Labour has undermined the cost of living. As being felt by people on a daily basis. A recent poll by the some Members have commented, the right hon. Member Consumer Council for Northern Ireland found that for Birmingham, Hodge Hill (Mr Byrne) has said that nearly 50% of people were extremely concerned about the wages of our constituents have fallen by £1,700 a their ability to make ends meet and that people in their year since the election and that our constituents are 30s and 40s were most concerned that they might lose getting poorer. But as the Resolution Foundation made their job, while those in their 20s were concerned that clear, median real wages stopped rising in 2003, a full they could not find one. This paints a picture of a seven years before the coalition came to power. We population that has lost faith in the economy and no should not forget that Labour left office with 2.5 million longer believes that it will meet their aspirations. people unemployed. Many Members have today discussed the pressing I believe that the Government are listening and I problems of rising fuel, food and heating costs, and this welcome the action they have taken to ease the cost of is especially the case in Northern Ireland where we have living, particularly the cost of fuel: they have frozen fuel experienced the highest fuel prices in the UK and duty for three years and cut it by 1%. All these measures Ireland every month in 2013. The latest AA report for were opposed by Labour. Yet 800,000 families still lose April 2013 indicates that Northern Ireland is the second a quarter of their income at the petrol pump, and the most expensive place to buy diesel in the EU. The cost average cost of unleaded petrol has risen by 60% since of filling up an average saloon car with a 50 litre engine January 2009. Fuel duty is not just a tax on fuel; it is a is now £75, and 90% of customers report that they are tax on everything. It pushes up the cost of public spending more than they did two years ago, despite transport and of food. With 71% of us still driving to consciously trying to use their cars less. work, fuel is an essential. 579 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 580

[Robert Halfon] 5.28 pm

It is also right that we should have transparency. I Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): I want to have argued that the Government should make it raise two matters in this debate on the Queen’s Speech compulsory for receipts to display how much of what that are of serious concern for my constituents: food the customer pays for fuel is tax. That would show that, prices and the price of public transport. despite the fuel duty freezes and the decrease in the cost However, although we are talking about the cost of of oil internationally, oil companies continue to increase living today, it is important first to recognise that people the cost of fuel. News is emerging today to suggest that are facing a significant amount of insecurity in their major oil companies have rigged the oil market. This is working lives. The Department for Work and Pensions being investigated by the European Commission, and if has recently been rapped for the way it uses statistics. it is true, I believe—I argued this last year in a debate in Nowhere is that happening more than in its communication this House—the Government should not only fine the about what is going on in our labour market, as people oil companies but consider imposing a windfall tax on face the prospect not only of employment but them and passing those tax receipts back to the consumer underemployment. To be frank, many people in my through lower fuel duty. constituency face a perfect storm of not getting enough hours to get money coming in and prices increasing at I am pleased that there is a water Bill in the Queen’s the shops. Speech. Water companies are making big profits. In 2011, they paid out £28 million in bonuses, yet for Global food price inflation is serious and significant; families feeling the squeeze, water bills have risen by we have seen two large price spikes recently, in 2008 and 82% over the last 10 years. I asked the Government to 2011. These high, volatile prices are causing serious take further action to break the monopolies and to problems at home and around the world. As a global increase competition between water companies, which issue in countries without systems of social protection would allow for reinvestment in the water system that for the poorest people, they are a total, unmitigated would keep bills low in the long term. A windfall tax disaster, but the problem of food prices is also troubling should also be considered so that money could be every community in Britain—not only the classic poor handed back to consumers. areas, however we might define them, but every town in our country. I welcome the fact that the Government recognise that the biggest brake on the cost of living is taxation. I I pay tribute to the people who volunteer their time am pleased that they are making progress in reducing and effort, and their own cash, to help the charities that taxation, including taking 3,000 lower earners out of are trying to put a sticking plaster on the wound. Their tax altogether in my constituency of Harlow. I have efforts are welcome, but the long-term solution must be urged the Government to reintroduce the 10p tax band to support small agricultural producers to help them to that Labour scrapped in 2008 for those earning up to grow, and to ensure that we have a system of social £12,500, which is the level of the minimum wage. That protection that works well to support people’s incomes, would give a cash boost to minimum wage workers of so that they can afford the food in the shops. I would £250 a year. also add that, from a global perspective, we need to support measures such as fair trade. Locally in Wirral, One of the biggest problems in meeting the cost of we are not going to stand by and let people face those living is the bill for the taxpayer from the welfare state. rising food prices on their own, even if the Government The average taxpayer on lower earnings pays £1,220 a are adding insult to injury with their economic management. year on welfare from the tax they pay. The Government Wirral council is coming up with a food plan, which will are right to build an economy in which those who work help farmers and producers as well as helping people to are rewarded. It is right that the welfare bill is reduced. access nutritious, affordable meals. I look forward to The reality of Labour’s policy to increase the welfare adopting that approach on my patch. bill is that it would increase the tax bills of millions of lower earners across the country. On transport prices, bus prices are high in Merseyside. This particularly hurts young people trying to get to The final way to address the cost of living is to deal college or to work. Whenever I meet groups of young with the skills problem. It is no accident that those with people in schools, at youth clubs or at scouts or guides, I the lowest skills are those with the lowest pay. The consistently hear about the difficulties they face in Government are tackling that by investing in half a getting to work, to college or to after-school activities million apprentices—the number of apprentices in Harlow because of the price of public transport. has increased by 78% in the past year alone—and the As we have seen in recent years, cities offer a real building of 24 university technical colleges. We have chance for growth. Places such as Liverpool and Manchester also talked about the technical baccalaureate and other are progressing and their populations have risen as they measures that the Government are making to improve have successfully built themselves up as part of our new vocational training. These are all the kind of things that economy. Connections within and between our cities will help with the cost of living in the long term. must improve, however. We need to look not only at I end with a quotation from a former Labour Prime capital infrastructure costs but at the day-to-day costs Minister, Jim Callaghan, who understood that to reduce for people who are just trying to get around. Labour’s the cost of living the deficit had to be brought under policy, which we have put forward as an alternative to control. He said: the Queen’s Speech, involves bus deregulation exclusion “We used to think that you could spend your way out of a zones and represents the right approach to getting more recession and increase employment by cutting taxes and boosting accountability in the provision of public transport. Government spending. I tell you in all candour that option no Such a policy would ensure that my constituents could longer exists.” afford to get around. 581 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 582

We know that, when people are thinking about their but the confusing nature of eligibility means that many job options, they factor in not only the length of time it people simply have no idea of what they are entitled to will take to get to work but the cost involved. I find that receive. Some of the criteria for eligibility may seem just people on the lowest incomes who are thinking about as odd as the furniture requirement of the 1909 state moving into work or changing to a better job are often pension. What is clear, however, is that when the safety rightly risk-averse on account of the transport costs net fails to support the most vulnerable, we know involved. That is why it is incumbent on all of us here to something must be done. ensure that people can get around. Equally, there is no such thing as a job for life. I The hon. Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon) has remember growing up in a south Manchester council just quoted James Callaghan, in a kind of parody of estate in the 1970s. My neighbourhood had three what Keynesian economics is all about. I would say to industries—the textile industry, the aerospace industry the hon. Gentleman that, although it has occasionally and the growing pharmaceutical industry—and most been a challenge for me as a progressive politician to get people worked within them. Forty years later, there is the paradox of thrift on to leaflets, I think that everyone no textile industry, there is no aerospace industry and now understands that this Government have gone too the pharmaceutical industry is consolidating by moving far and too fast. abroad. That means communities have to reinvent themselves, just as we as individuals have to reinvent 5.34 pm ourselves and just as our country has to reinvent itself to compete in a highly competitive 21st century world. Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con): It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Wirral South (Alison With the rise of new technologies, we should be McGovern). It was interesting to hear what she had to encouraging entrepreneurs to take their own initiative say about James Callaghan. Growing up on a south and build their own businesses. That is why I welcome Manchester council estate during the Labour years is the inclusion of the self-employed in these reforms, one reason why I am on the Government Benches and based on national insurance contributions. We can thus not on the Opposition Benches. Callaghan’s was a encourage business and growth, while guaranteeing a complacent Government who were totally out of touch; pension for those young entrepreneurs as well. as we all know, he was replaced by a certain Margaret These reforms are not about our future, but are about Thatcher. our children’s future—and, indeed, our children’s children’s I rise to support the Gracious Speech, and I am future. We are setting up a system whereby this country’s pleased to be able to make a short speech on the cost of under-25s will have the security of knowing exactly living and people’s ability to save for their retirement. what to expect from their state pension. They are safe in When we consider the nature of our roles in this place, the knowledge that the new, single-tier pension will be it is extraordinary to look at our society now and in the uprated in accordance with higher earnings and will future, as no real reform to pensions has been made in always be above the escalating cost of living. Government generations. The world around us has changed so much Members are safe in the knowledge that we acted in the and our expectations of living standards and life expectancy national interest, took the long-term view and are making exceed anything that could have been imagined when the big changes necessary to secure our children’s future. the first state pension of five shillings for those over That is why I welcome the Queen’s Speech and the 70 was introduced in 1909—in the famous “People’s underpinning objective of this Government—that it Budget” introduced by the then Liberal Government. always pays to work and it always pays to save. The pension age remained at 70 until 1928, when the Conservative Government under Stanley Baldwin reduced it to 65. Conservative Governments have always been 5.39 pm reforming Governments, particularly when it comes to Huw Irranca-Davies (Ogmore) (Lab): It is a delight to pensions. Back then, there were limits on what one’s speak in this Queen’s Speech debate, focusing on the private income could be and having too much furniture cost of living. It is also a delight to follow the hon. could prevent people from being eligible for the state Member for Weaver Vale (Graham Evans), who referred pension. back to sunny Jim Callaghan, who was a Cardiff MP. I This House has tried time and again to keep pace would like to pick up on the hon. Gentleman’s theme of with changes to the average person’s working life, but pensions. He says that what happened under sunny Jim instead of there being a clear, logical plan to make sure and subsequently made him end up on the Conservative that every person in this country can look to a retirement side of the House. One of the reasons for my ending up where there is certainty and continuity, the issue has on the Labour Benches was the fact that before I came become complicated and confusing. As the relative here in 1997, the state pension was £64 and there were worth of the basic state pension has dropped, additional searing, scandalous levels of pensioner poverty. I say to payments have been tacked on, which have led to a the hon. Gentleman, with all due respect, that it was generation heading to retirement age without knowing clear that something had gone horrendously wrong what to expect from their pensions, how they need to when people were literally dying of hypothermia in save or what the cost of living will be. their homes. We do not see that nowadays, and it is The increased dependence on means testing, with all something to which we cannot return. the complications that result from it, has meant that a As my right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition third of pensioners do not claim the pension credit to has said, the pension reforms that will introduce a more which they are entitled because they have not received contributory basis are very welcome. It is good that it the information they need. That is not to say that will be possible to lift everyone out of means-testing so Governments have not tried to take steps to reach them, that people can have what should be theirs as of right, 583 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 584

[Huw Irranca-Davies] A Government Member of the House of Lords, who claims that he was misreported, recently said, in effect—in including carers, and mothers can stay at home and the context of that long litany of problems, such as the contribute to family life. However, when Labour came driving down of pay and conditions—that this was a to office we responded to a very real crisis in the good time for someone to take the opportunity presented country. by those problems and set up a business, because it Earlier today, a Member asked my right hon. Friend could now be done on the cheap. Let me say this to the Member for Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough Government Members as well as those on the Opposition (Mr Blunkett) what Nye Bevan would say about something. Benches: yes, let us encourage start-up enterprises—we Everyone goes back to Nye Bevan quotations: what rely on small and medium-sized enterprises in this would Nye Bevan be saying if he were speaking here country—but let us not do it on the backs of others. Let today? There is a tremendous panoply of such quotations, us ensure that people are properly rewarded. Let us but I recall that when his party was in opposition he consider those who, if they had the right jobs and the said, facing the then Prime Minister across the Dispatch right pay in their hands, would be spending money like Box, there was no tomorrow, because they would actually “The Prime Minister has an absolute genius for putting flamboyant have to. labels on empty luggage.”—[Official Report, 3 November 1959; Vol. 612, c. 870.] Andrew Gwynne: Is it not an absolute scandal that That is what this Queen’s Speech is. It is indeed a since the Work programme was introduced long-term flamboyant label—it is the Queen’s Speech—but the Queen youth unemployment in this country has risen by 355%? is travelling very light indeed in the new parliamentary That is disgraceful, is it not? Session.

Alison McGovern: While we are wondering what the Huw Irranca-Davies: It is an absolute scandal, and if great Nye Bevan might have said, may I ask my hon. we had a Labour Government now, that would be on Friend whether he thinks that, if Nye Bevan were the front page of the papers every single day—and it around today, he might have said “Vote Labour”? should be, because that is the real scandal. We all want to see people in jobs, so let us get them those jobs and Huw Irranca-Davies: Nothing but, and never anything put them into those jobs. We can attach conditionality else! to welfare to ensure that they take those jobs if they I should have liked to see, in the rather light luggage have been unemployed, but give them the jobs, for that we are carrying, a consumers Bill to tackle rising goodness’ sake. energy costs, train fares and so forth. I should have liked A Welsh Government study published in February to see a housing Bill that would take action against the estimates that the benefits changes—and two thirds of real scandal in housing: rogue landlords and extortionate the people affected are in work—will suck nearly fees and charges in the private rented sector. At present, £600 million out of the Welsh economy in 2014-15. The when people come to my constituency office and complain impact will be felt not only on wages and standards of about that, I have to say that we can do little about it. living, but on public health, on levels of debt—thousands The Bill that I should really have liked to see, however, of people must now be flooding through MPs’ constituency is a jobs Bill that would have given the long-term offices every week—and on overcrowding and housing; unemployed a duty to go to work, but would also have there will also be an increased demand for emergency guaranteed that jobs would be there for them. That bail-outs and emergency services. It really is a tragedy. would have been a good way to tackle an unemployment Although we were not on track—we were slightly rate of 2.56 million—or whatever the figure is now—and slipping—Labour in government lifted 1 million children the massive youth unemployment that we see in my out of poverty. Unsurprisingly, the Child Poverty Action local communities. Group has already forecast that 1 million children will Let me make a point that I suspect Nye Bevan would be put back into poverty because of the benefits changes. have made if he were here today. Let me give the House Not only are Labour Members giving this message, but a reality check. For many people in my constituency—not the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the Rowntree Trust and all of them, because some are weathering the storm others are repeating it. Everyone is saying that we are very well—the main problem is under-employment. They going backwards at a rate of knots. cannot secure the hours of work that they want so that In debates in this Chamber, Members of Parliament they can put food on the table. Wage reductions are have a duty to stand up not only for people in their forced on them, or they have to accept them because of constituencies who are managing, but for those who are the economic climate. suffering. I will finish with a quote, because what we I had thought that the scandal of zero-hour contracts should be doing today is discussing the cost of living had disappeared a decade ago, but they are back. People and what is missing from this very light Queen’s Speech; are being told “We will pay you when you are on the till; Nye Bevan said: but then you must go home and sit in a corner, and we will pay you when a customer comes through the door “This is my truth, tell me yours.” again.” It is an utter scandal. We did not crack down This is my truth, and it is the truth for my constituents. sufficiently on the abuse of the national minimum wage In all of this debate, all the good things being applauded ourselves when we were in government, but my goodness, by the Government Members are not being seen by my we need to crack down on it now. Yes, we are seeing jobs constituents, who are struggling. They are struggling in being created, but my goodness, we are seeing jobs food banks and struggling to pay the bills—it is not being lost. everyone, but it is a large and growing proportion. Can 585 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 586 we not work together to deal with that, as well as with Richard Graham: I am afraid that I do not share that all the good things that the Government Members have view at all. The statistics are clear—there is less been applauding? unemployment now than there was. Jobs, immigration, energy, pensions and care—those 5.47 pm are the core themes of the Queen’s Speech and they address issues that need to be addressed in tough times Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): It is always a for all our constituents. pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies), who reminds us of the quality of rhetoric Let me now share with the House some of the journey from Wales. that my city has gone through in the past few years. I welcome the Queen’s Speech because, above all, it During new Labour’s time in government, 6,000 business focuses on the core issues that will make a real difference jobs were wiped out in my city of Gloucester. The to the cost of living for my constituents. Let me quickly symbol of the city’s failure were the many hectares of highlight four key points. First, the National Insurance wasteland at its entrance, known as the railway triangle. Contributions Bill will, through the employment allowance, Cheltenham and Gloucester, a well known and respected provide £2,000 and should therefore eliminate entirely former building society, was a casualty of the disastrous national insurance bills for 450,000 small businesses Lloyds-HBOS merger, which was encouraged, if not throughout the country, encouraging them, and, above engineered, by the previous Government. One of our all, small employers in my city, to take on more employees. secondary schools, Bishops college, sunk to having the The hon. Members for Ogmore and for Denton and second worst GCSE results in the country. Our specialist Reddish (Andrew Gwynne) commented on the absence engineering training company was on its knees, with of jobs, but let us not forget that 750,000 more people only 25 apprentices a year. Perhaps saddest of all was are in work today than there were at the time of the last the closure of the profitable Kingsholm post office, general election. Let us hope that there will be more which meant that 500 pensioners had to walk one and a after the national insurance contributions Bill takes half miles to collect their pensions. effect. Today, our businesses are in much better shape. The Secondly, the Immigration Bill will ensure the deportation independent Dupont survey shows that in 2012 Gloucester of dangerous foreign-national criminals, with appeals was having its fastest ever growth in new businesses. only after they have been deported, and will prevent Our manufacturers are thriving and expanding. immigrants having access to public services to which Gloucestershire Engineering Training is in new premises, they are not entitled. As Lord Mandelson said yesterday, with four times as many apprentices, and the new railway Labour’s overseas search parties for immigrants meant triangle light industrial park is on schedule to provide that up to 1,000 new jobs, with half starting later this year. “the entry to the labour market of many people of non-British Most important of all, perhaps, is the new Gloucester origin is hard for people who are finding it very difficult to find jobs”. academy, a merger of two underperforming schools improving every term and later this year moving into The hon. Members for Ogmore and for Denton and new buildings funded by a £15 million Government Reddish should reflect on those comments. grant. That demonstrates what investment in education, Thirdly, we are all agreed that the cost of energy has our young and aspiration, and giving everyone the risen significantly and is a hard burden for many poor chance to succeed, can achieve. and older constituents especially, and the Energy Bill will enable all our constituents to have clearer information Let me not pretend that everything in the country or and get on to the best energy tariff. That will be a my city of Gloucester is rosy. There is much regeneration significant and necessary achievement to help them left to carry out, especially in the city centre and Blackfriars. combat the rising costs of living. However, we have exciting plans and ideas to take forward. I would like our social housing manager, Fourthly, I turn to pensions; I declare an interest as Gloucester City Homes, to play a role in housing chair of the all-party group on pensions. I absolutely regeneration and to fund new social housing. The support the Pensions Bill’s new flat rate from April help of the Department for Communities and Local 2016. Above all, it will reward women who took time Government and the Treasury in debt write-off is critical. out of the workplace to look after their children and We have traffic issues at the C and G roundabout off will now, rightly, get a full state pension at a much Barnett way and our application to the Department for higher rate than the basic state pension today. Transport for pinch-point funding is vital. Above all, Lastly, there is the Care Bill, which will guarantee we have to continue to help people get into jobs. That is that none our constituents will have to sell their homes the crucial task that we are focused on. As I mentioned during their lifetimes and puts a cap for the first time on earlier, I will host my seventh jobs fair this Thursday. the cost of care. Many of us who have had parents with dementia, for example, realise how difficult that situation It is true that some good things happened under new can be. Labour. But one that was disastrous for many of my constituents was the doubling of council tax. They are I now give way to the hon. Member for Oldham East now paying more than £700 more than in 1997. We have and Saddleworth (Debbie Abrahams). frozen council tax for three years, yet at the end of the process the Leader of the Opposition has said simply Debbie Abrahams: I want to ask the hon. Gentleman that freezing council tax involves a small amount of whether he is aware that the employment rate is lower money that will not make a huge amount of difference. now than in 2008; that relates to a remark he made A £700 increase represents a huge amount of money to earlier. my constituents. 587 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 588

[Richard Graham] Lindsay Roy (Glenrothes) (Lab): Would my hon. Friend like to add that there is nothing to tackle the The right hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside and mushrooming of food banks, which is calamitous in a Hillsborough (Mr Blunkett) said that we needed welfare society like ours? reform, but what welfare reform do the Opposition believe in? They have opposed every welfare reform Nic Dakin: I was about to come to food banks. My that the Government have proposed. By contrast, the hon. Friend is exactly right. There were no food banks Government are focused on rebuilding the economy, in the Scunthorpe area when I was elected, and now stimulating businesses to create jobs, cutting back Labour’s three have opened up across north Lincolnshire. That fuel duty by £5 a tank, lowering the income tax for illustrates the needs of people locally, and it is matched 44,000 of my constituents and taking almost 4,000 out across the country. Although we recognise the excellent of tax altogether. They are introducing free care for work that volunteers and trusts do, it is a shame on us 1,200 two-year-olds in my city later this year. that it is necessary in the 21st century in one of the We are tackling living costs in difficult times, rebuilding richest countries in the world. public finances, mending the economy, raising skill Some 1.2 million young people living in poverty do levels and encouraging more apprenticeships. That is not receive free school meals because their parents are the right way forward. We must keep the focus on in work. The Queen’s Speech should have taken the helping our constituents and strengthening our country. opportunity to ensure that everybody who needs a free I welcome the measures in the Queen’s Speech. school meal can have one, including 16 to 18-year-olds who attend colleges and are not eligible for free school Several hon. Members rose— meals even though they would otherwise meet the criteria. That is a huge shame, especially when the scrapping of Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. I education maintenance allowance has made life so much inform the House that eight Members still wish to speak more difficult for those 16 to 18-year-olds in continuing in this debate and we have to start the wind-ups at their education. 20 minutes to 7. That means that people should speak This year, according to the debt charity StepChange, for six minutes or less, which includes any interventions there has been a dramatic rise in the number of families they take. Otherwise some Members will be unable to seeking help with their utility bills, council tax and rent speak despite the fact that they have sat in the Chamber arrears. Over a third of those seeking help from the all afternoon. charity are in arrears on at least one household bill. That is staggering. At the same time, the charity has seen the number of people seeking help with payday 5.55 pm loans double. In 2012, it helped 36,413 people with Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): It is a real pleasure to payday loan debts, almost 20,000 more than in 2011. follow the hon. Member for Gloucester (Richard Graham), The payday loan debts of those seeking help from whose optimism I greatly admire. I respect him for StepChange were, on average, £1,657, up from £1,267 the recognising that not everything in the garden is as rosy previous year. One hopes that the consumer rights Bill as he sometimes sees it. announced in the Queen’s Speech will take action to Many people in my area are struggling to make ends tackle the outrage caused by the payday loan industry. meet as the economy continues to flatline. Having inherited It should also provide an opportunity to tackle energy an economy with slow but steady growth, the Government prices, rail fares and unsolicited phone calls and text immediately took action to depress demand and deepen messages from companies up and down the land. All the recession by hiking VAT, cutting services and taking those measures should be included in the Bill, and I spend out of the economy. Sadly, I see nothing in this hope they will be. Queen’s Speech to put more demand back into the In the meantime, the capacity of trading standards economy. MPs in all parts of the House are saying, like bodies throughout the country to tackle such things my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham West and locally has been decimated, which is a cause of real Penge (Jim Dowd), that it is a thin Queen’s Speech, the concern. There is also chaos as a result of how the thinnest they can remember—light luggage, as my hon. Government have dealt with Consumer Focus: they Friend the Member for Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies) scrapped it three times before appearing to rebadge it put it. It certainly looks pretty anorexic to me. There is recently as Consumer Future. I hope that the consumer nothing on tackling the crisis in youth unemployment, rights Bill will tackle the issues raised by Which? and nothing on housing when new home completions are other organisations that know what they are talking now at their lowest level since the 1920s, nothing to stop about, such as competition abuses and damages. the undercutting of wages by tackling the exploitation I will finish now because, despite what Madam Deputy of immigrant labour, nothing to back small businesses Speaker said, I appear to have been given an extra struggling to get credit, and nothing on living standards minute after taking an intervention. All in all, the while families see the costs of energy bills and train consumer rights Bill gives us an opportunity to make fares rise out of their reach. much needed changes as soon as possible. The Children’s Society draws attention to the Government’s own impact assessment estimating that 6.1 pm as a result of not uprating benefits in line with inflation, 200,000 more children will be pushed into poverty, Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): I have sat including 100,000 in working families. This should not through the entire debate and have been increasingly be happening in one of the richest countries in the frustrated by the contrast between the contributions world in the 21st century. made by Members from opposing sides of the House. I 589 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 590 am genuinely delighted at what the hon. Member for It is wrong, it is blackmail and it will hit consumers Gloucester (Richard Graham) had to say about how desperately hard. The Government know that it is well things are going in his constituency, but that contrasts happening and are doing nothing to prevent it. starkly with what is happening in constituencies such as mine. Surely a Government should govern for all the The Bill will fail to prevent situations like the one that people, not just some, and improvements in one area occurred last year, when the big six companies followed should not be made at the expense of others. one another in announcing huge increases in energy prices. British Gas went first, increasing its gas prices by I want to discuss the impact of the Government’s 18% and its electricity prices by 16%. It was quickly failure to get growth moving and to create jobs. In followed by Scottish and Southern and the other four. particular, I want to discuss the impact of the rising British Gas attempted to defend its massive prices increases cost of energy on people’s lives. My hon. Friend the by saying that the bills were driven up because 50% of Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine its energy is bought on the international wholesale McKinnell) referred to a report in last week’s Observer market and it had been selling it at a loss to consumers which said that Lord Young, a former Cabinet Minister in this country. That is simply not true. We all accept and now the Prime Minister’s adviser on enterprise, has that capital has to make a fair return on its investment, told the Cabinet that the current economic downturn, but this is not a fair return; it is daylight robbery of the which is causing so much pain and damage to people in British consumer while the Government stand back and this country, is an excellent time for businesses to boost do less than nothing. Some even argue that the Energy profits, because labour is cheap and can be driven down Bill will make it easier for energy companies to rip off further. customers.

Nigel Adams (Selby and Ainsty) (Con): Will the hon. I will finish because others want to speak. I simply Lady give way? want to say that the Government’s record on energy is not good and the Energy Bill will make the situation worse. It will make energy companies richer and consumers Pat Glass: No, I am not going to take interventions. poorer. I ask the Government to look at it again while Those comments came from a man who has already they have the opportunity. Energy companies are using been forced to resign once for downplaying the impact blackmail and the Government have the ability to of the recession on people and who, it appears, only stop it. opens his mouth to change feet. I want to tell Lord Young and his ilk about the reality of a recession and the effect that it and the policy of driving down wages has on the lives of real people. 6.6 pm The gap in wages in the north-east is growing. Weekly Mr Iain McKenzie (Inverclyde) (Lab): As we have wages have fallen on average by £23 a week and by heard throughout this debate, times are hard and the almost £2,000 a year at a time when all other costs are cost of living across the country seems to keep rising. increasing. I have spoken many times in this Chamber The Queen’s Speech is further evidence, as if we needed about energy prices and their impact on people’s lives it, that the Government are increasingly incapable of and about how the Government are systematically failing making positive changes to the cost of living for hard- to put in place safeguards to prevent the big six energy pressed families. companies from manipulating the market to achieve massive profits at the expense of the consumer and at Prices are still going up faster than wages for those virtually no risk to themselves. who are fortunate enough to be employed and we are all Last October, the Prime Minister, under pressure, aware of the unacceptable levels of unemployment across promised that the Energy Bill would force energy companies the UK. Yet we continue to witness banks paying out to offer the lowest tariff to all their customers, but I bonuses while families struggle. It is therefore not surprising have looked carefully at the Bill and cannot see that it that most people feel that nothing is changing for delivers anything like that. I was amazed to hear the them, and the Government seem intent on following hon. Member for Halesowen and Rowley Regis (James a failing economic plan—a plan that, bizarrely, asks Morris) speak positively about it. We have clearly not millions of families and pensioners to pay more, while been reading the same Bill. 14,000 millionaires are given a tax cut of more than £40,000 each. Many of my constituents find that quite The Energy Bill was hailed by the Government as a unbelievable in the face of plummeting living standards new way forward that would reform the market, deliver for most people in the country. a better deal for customers and curb energy company profits, but my reading of it is that it fails on all those Across my constituency, families, pensioners and objectives. It fails to put in place safeguards to prevent businesses are struggling. They have told me so time energy companies from manipulating the market to and again. People tell me of their shock during their achieve massive profits at the expense of consumers. In weekly visit to the supermarket, when they find less in fact, the Bill’s proposed energy auction gives yet more their basket and more money going into the till. I opportunities for energy companies to manipulate the witness more and more families having to go to greater market by decommissioning and mothballing stock, lengths to keep within their budget for food, desperately holding it back to create shortages and then demanding shopping around to track down bargains on the most greater prices at future auctions. That is happening basic of food items. Those who cannot make it from now; we just have to look at Scottish and Southern week to week have the food banks. Frighteningly, the Energy to see it mothballing stock for those purposes. number of people going to food banks continues to rise. 591 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 592

[Mr Iain McKenzie] 6.12 pm Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) Families are losing their tax credits. Some 84,000 families (Lab): Last week’s Queen’s Speech was delivered at a in Scotland are set to lose an average of £511 a year. time when most people’s wages are being frozen or cut That is money that they would have spent in the local and both measures of inflation—the consumer prices economy on essentials such as food and clothing. Families index and the retail prices index—are above the Bank of across Scotland will lose £43 million a year from cuts to England’s target of 2%. The sad fact is that many tax credits. That is an enormous amount to take out of people, in work as well as out of work, are struggling. the Scottish economy. Fuel bills are horrendous. An We have heard examples from my colleagues, and I have increasing number of people are having to choose between regularly had people in my surgeries in tears at their food and fuel because they cannot afford both. Families plight. Last week, I had somebody who had just had a in this country are facing an unprecedented assault on heart bypass operation and had been made homeless. their living standards. She had been living on her in-laws’ couch for the past The granny tax will hit hundreds of thousands of three months. Such is the plight of many people across pensioners in the UK and 400,000 pensioners in Scotland. the country. Pensioners will face an average income tax hike of With energy prices increasing by 20% since 2010, £83 a year by 2015-16. We all know the impact that nearly 8,000 households in my constituency—nearly will have. one in four—live in fuel poverty. Given that there was To date, there is little in the Government’s programme no change in economic and social policy in the Queen’s that will help those who need it most. It has been pain Speech, the situation is set to get worse. Nationally, it is all the way, hurting working people, families, pensioners estimated that by 2016, 9 million households will be and even the disabled. They are all finding it difficult to living in fuel poverty. The knock-on effects will be felt make ends meet. Since the last election, average energy particularly by our health service and social carers. bills have gone up by £300 a year, and the Government My local Oldham council is doing all that it can to need to address the soaring cost of living, particularly address the problem, through the fair energy campaign. rising electricity prices. Families are under severe pressure It is getting households to sign up to a collective energy to afford the basics in life, such as heating their home. deal, using people power to negotiate with energy companies During the past year most bills have ballooned, such as for the cheapest energy tariff for consumers. That contrasts gas, which is up by 17%, electricity, which is up by 10%, starkly with what the Government are doing. We know and food, which is up by 3%, and it is still too expensive that the Warm Front initiative, which we introduced to fill up a car with fuel. many years ago, closed in January, and the new scheme If the Government do not take action, what is the that the Government have introduced provides less than alternative? Debt. Debt experts warn that many families half the support that Labour provided. On top of that, are facing extreme difficulty in managing their finances, the Government have cut the winter fuel payment for and that they have seen an increase in the number of older people by £50 for the over-60s and £100 for the people coming to the citizens advice bureau on the over-80s, in the full knowledge that every winter tens of subject of debt. As I have said before, the Government thousands of older people become seriously ill or die as should help families immediately by taking measures a result of the cold. In 2010-11, there were 25,000 excess that would address the cost of living crisis and stop winter deaths just as a result of cold, and there are fears rip-off prices for power and fuel. that the number will be larger as energy prices rise. Labour supports measures that would help families The warm home discount scheme, which is meant to and offer practical, affordable ways to help people right help households at risk of fuel poverty, has been shown now and get our economy moving again. The country to help only a fraction of those intended—25,000 families, needs a Government who are in touch with families instead of the 800,000 it was supposed to help. As during the recession, and the Government clearly need some of my constituents have already discovered, the to make different choices and set different priorities. A Government’s green deal is another white elephant because start would be to stop handing over £40,000 tax cuts to the interest payments alone are set to exceed the cost of millionaires and to stop the raid on families’ tax credits the energy efficiency measures they are meant to support. by reversing the pension tax break for those earning I wish to raise a couple of other points in the few more than £150,000. They should help pensioners by minutes remaining, the first of which is food banks. A forcing energy firms to cut gas and electricity bills for number of colleagues have already mentioned increased the 4 million over-75s, and they should use the money demand for food banks, and the Trussell Trust recently raised by a tax on bank bonuses to create real jobs with reported that demand has exceeded its estimations by a living wage, which would provide young people with a 170% since last year. My constituency of Oldham has decent standard of living. had a food bank for the first time in its history. In the This country needs a change in economic direction past three months, demand exceeded that of all the now if it is to raise the living standards of hard-working previous year, and it is set to get worse. Figures I have families. For many people in the UK, things have got just received indicate that the number of people accessing worse, not better in the past three years. Last Wednesday, food banks has increased by nearly 100 times in the past the Government set out their programme for the coming two years. When I visited my food bank recently, I was year and told us what we already knew: that they are a told that it is desperately in need of people to contribute, tired Government who have run out of ideas for working and that is the sort of thing we have to contend with in people, young people, families, pensioners and even the different ways. disabled—in fact, it would seem, for everyone except millionaires. David T. C. Davies: Will the hon. Lady give way? 593 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 594

Debbie Abrahams: I am sorry but I cannot. the bedroom tax, he said they should go out and make A week or so ago I took up Oxfam’s Live Below the some money. How out of touch can he be? People in my Line challenge, living on £1 of food a day. From my constituency work hard, but many find well-paid work experience, that makes it incredibly tough not only to or any work at all difficult to find, thanks to the get the necessary nutrition, but to get food that will Government’s stagnating economy and the slowest recovery sustain someone for the day—I certainly will not be for 100 years. eating baked beans for a while. People are not only struggling with low wages; many With the benefit changes introduced last month the find it extremely difficult to cope with rising transport, situation is expected to get much worse. In addition to food, fuel and energy bills. Some 420,000 families are in the bedroom tax, the abolition of crisis loans for living fuel poverty in Wales—I am sorry to say that the expenses and other so-called reforms of social security proportion is higher than in any English region—and are driven by the Government’s ideologically led cuts. yet the Minister of State, Department for Environment, Ministers are fond of making unsubstantiated and Food and Rural Affairs told a Committee a few months misleading claims about the effects of their so-called ago that food poverty was not a useful concept, which welfare reforms or the level of health spending, but they was extraordinary. are far more reticent about data that reveal the cumulative The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change effect of their changes to tax, tax credits and benefits, was unwilling to make a causal link between Government and which mean—as I mentioned earlier—that the 40% policies and food banks, but I will make that case and lowest-income households are worse off. The average underpin it with evidence. Food banks in Wales trebled household is estimated to lose £891 per year, with in the past year, and their use has increased by 118%. A millionaires gaining an average of £100,000. There is survey by the Trussell Trust, which asked people why nothing fair about that. they accessed food banks, revealed that 45% did so The Queen’s Speech mentions the need to ensure that because of benefit changes and delays; nearly 20% did every child has the best start in life, but how can so because they were on a low income; and one in 10 did increasing absolute child poverty by 55% between 2010 so because they were in debt. My hon. Friend the and 2020, and relative child poverty by 34%, be said in Member for Swansea West (Geraint Davies) spoke earlier any way to give children the best start in life? More than of the terrible increase in the use of payday loans. In 1.1 million children are set to be living in poverty by Wales, from 2007 to 2012, payday loans rose from 2020, which is completely unfair— 17,000 to 30,000. What a sorry indictment. Those statistics are reflected in the stories of constituents Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. who come to see me in my surgeries and whom I meet on the streets of Cardiff and Penarth every week. One 6.18 pm constituent was subjected to a break-in the other night. I asked her about security lighting and putting on lights Stephen Doughty (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/ to deter would-be burglars. She told me that she often Co-op): As a new Member in my first Queen’s Speech had to sit in the dark to save on her electricity bills. A debate, I was naively looking forward to having a busy middle-aged man hit by the bedroom tax told me he and meaty legislative programme to discuss. How wrong would consider stealing food from the shops. Another I was. Instead, we have a Queen’s Speech that clearly constituent was looking hard for work, but had to cut demonstrates the disagreement, division, lack of vision back on their travel, fuel and internet usage at exactly and lack of ambition of this sorry Government. Not the wrong moment in their job search. only are they running out of business, they are running The tragedy is that we could have had an alternative out of reasons to exist. Queen’s Speech—one with a jobs Bill featuring a jobs Many of my constituents will be looking at the chaos guarantee; tough measures on energy prices; and measures over Europe this week and asking why the Government properly to enforce the minimum wage and stop the are having to spend so much time fixing divisions on undercutting of wages. The Government could have their own Benches, instead of fixing the stagnating focused on the concerns of people throughout the country, economy and taking action on jobs, prices, and the and not on divisions on the Government Benches. concerns of small businesses. They will be asking why I shall conclude on one other disappointment with the Government are not taking action over the increasing the Queen’s Speech. In 2010, the Prime Minister promised squeeze, not only on the poorest and most vulnerable in that he would not balance the books on the backs of the our society, but on hard-working families across my poor. Thousands of campaigners up and down the constituency and the country, who are increasingly country are looking to him to hold to that promise. Rob struggling to get by. Green, from my constituency, works with Results. He Figures from the House of Commons Library show makes the case forcefully for the Government continuing that wages in Wales have fallen by £1,700 since 2010—the their investment in tackling hunger and under-nutrition biggest fall among the UK nations and equivalent to an in the poorest countries of our world. Where is the 0.7% 8% cut. Real wages are forecast to decline even further Bill in the Queen’s Speech? Why has the Department for due to rising inflation over the coming months. The International Development underspent by 8% this year? consequence, as Office for National Statistics figures Why is No. 10 briefing sweet words to disgruntled Back show, is that Wales has the lowest household disposable Benchers via the Daily Mail that the aid promise will be income of any UK nation. met, but only through a cash-grab by other Departments? That is why my constituents will be amazed to have What do the Liberal Democrats have to say for themselves? heard Lord Freud’s evidence to the Select Committee They back the Government, but that was a key promise on Welsh Affairs this morning. When asked how my of theirs. Hollow promises, smoke and illusions are just constituents and people throughout Wales should pay not good enough. Like the rest of the Queen’s Speech, 595 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 596

[Stephen Doughty] local businesses in our communities cannot get loans. Lending to business is still falling, when we all know that failure is symptomatic of a weak Prime Minister, a that unless we invest, we will not get growth. The weak Deputy Prime Minister and a weak and discredited Financial Services (Banking Reform) Bill will do nothing Government. to address those issues. Companies in Ayrshire, of all places, are now going abroad to bank, because our banks will not respond to the need. 6.23 pm The Queen’s Speech should have been about jobs and Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): It is a growth. Instead, the political debate is dominated by an pleasure to follow my hon. Friend the Member for internal political squabble in the Tory party about a Cardiff South and Penarth (Stephen Doughty). Oppositions referendum on Europe, and no doubt we will hear more often say that the Queen’s Speech is a missed opportunity. about that tomorrow. Many of us will remember stock As has been said many times in the debate, there is not a markets tumbling and the near collapse of the banking huge amount, or a huge amount of legislation, in the system in 2008. Few in this country would have thought Queen’s Speech. My view is that there is a huge need for at that time that the response to that challenge, and Government action, whether by legislation or other the real predicament we face now, would be to make means. the rich richer and to attack the living standards of the Many Government Members are resistant to the poorest in the country. These policies of austerity are state having a role in solving the challenges we face. not restricted to the UK, but wherever they are being They often say that they wish to roll back the state, but implemented they are not working. We are seeing real the challenges that we face are so massive that only state cuts in the living standards of ordinary people in this intervention can get us out of our economic predicament. country. Anyone listening to speeches by Government Members There has been much discussion in this Chamber would think that we do not have many problems, but about public sector cuts and the Government’s so-called the Office for Budget Responsibility has downgraded welfare reforms. There is no doubt that those policies the growth figures in every Budget that the Chancellor are having a big effect on the unemployed and those has given, and we have appalling growth figures—if we who stay at home, but they are also having a massive have any growth at all. We are seeing real cuts in living effect on those who work, and living standards are standards, with real wages down £1,700 since the election. plummeting. Government Members say that they want We are living through the longest lasting slump since to see people stand on their own two feet, but to do that the 19th century. The economy is flatlining and we have people have to have jobs to go to, with pay that they can a real problem, particularly in constituencies such as live on. If we pursue the policies outlined in the Queen’s the one I represent, with youth unemployment and Speech, that will not happen; the rich will continue to long-term unemployment. get richer and the poor will get poorer. In the past year, pay has gone up by 1.2% while prices have increased by 2.8%. I am pleased that so many Several hon. Members rose— speeches by my hon. Friends have focused on the real challenges that ordinary people face. For example, over Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Inowhave the past five years the cost of food has increased by to bring in a five-minute limit so that I am able to call 30%. Energy bills have increased by more than £300 those on the Front Bench at 6.40 pm. since the Government came to power—and I use the words “came to power” rather than elected, because 6.29 pm neither coalition party was elected with a mandate to Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): do what the coalition Government have been doing It is a pleasure to follow my hon. Friend the Member over the past three years. Bus fares have gone up by 32% for North Ayrshire and Arran (Katy Clark) in this in the past five years, while the operating profits of bus important debate on the Gracious Speech. You will of companies have increased by more than 7% each year. I course keep me in order, Mr Deputy Speaker, if it is not wish the Queen’s Speech had contained legislation to appropriate to call it the Government’s Queen’s Speech, address some of those issues. We should regulate bus given that so many Government Members seem already services and bring them back under public ownership, to be regretting it. They say that success has many because the current model simply is not working. Train parents, but failure is an orphan. Given the number of fares have also risen nearly three times faster than wages Government Members who are distancing themselves since the recession. All those factors are having a major from it, it seems that the continued failure of the effect on the economy. Government to deliver on living standards is absolutely Britain has the second largest share of low-paid certain, and it is about living standards that I wish to workers in the developed world. Only the United States speak. is ahead of us. The Resolution Foundation estimates It was reported this week that when policy advisers in that if employers paid their work force the living wage, No. 10 were asked what was keeping them awake at the Government would save £3.6 billion a year. The night they said, “School fees.” Now, I know what keeps number of people sleeping rough has gone up by more far too many people in Newcastle awake at night: the than 30% in the past two years and 75,000 children were cost of living. The TUC recently compared actual wages homeless last Christmas. The Queen’s Speech addresses in 2012 with what they would have been had they none of those issues. increased in line with inflation, to discover a localised I am on the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee, pay gap. In the north-east, it is more than £1,100 a year, and there is a cross-party consensus that we want to see or £23 a week. In Newcastle, it is £7 a week. Not much, our banks lending to business, but we all know that some might think—a couple of café lattes, and nothing 597 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 598 in comparison with the private school fees keeping the At the same time, Shelter says that two thirds of Ministers’ advisers awake. However, for those getting by Londoners are either falling behind or struggling to pay it makes all the difference between security and despair. their rent. The estate agents, who love all this of course, That is something the Government do not understand. say that prices are Indeed, the Prime Minister’s adviser on enterprise thinks “going like a steam train”, that this is an excellent time for businesses to boost their while the National Housing Federation says: profits on the back of falling wages. Such crass comments highlight that the Government are a narrow clique with “Rents will continue to rise in London until we start building no idea of the real issues facing real people. enough affordable homes. That won’t happen while this Government spends over £100bn on housing benefit in five years but only The hon. Member for Hereford and South Herefordshire £4.5bn on building new homes.” (Jesse Norman) said recently that the Prime Minister’s I know which of those versions I prefer. We thus have chumocracy should be made up of old Etonians, because policies actually fuelling the rise in house prices, the they have a unique “commitment to public service” that lowest number of housing starts since the 1920s, and a is not found in other schools. It is the voices of those 68% cut in the number of affordable homes being built. experiencing this unprecedented squeeze on living standards This is not just neglect; these are active steps. In my that should now be heard. Instead of blaming those constituency, 10% of affordable homes that become struggling to get by for not having jobs that are not vacant are immediately sold off at market prices, while there, the Prime Minister should listen to what they whole blocks of council flats are kept empty until have to say. private developers can take them over and develop them The Government argue that by attacking the public and whole estates are knocked down. Some 20,000 new sector, giving tax breaks to millionaires and reducing homes will be built in Hammersmith and Fulham over tax credits for working people, we will liberate individual the next 10 years, but not one will be affordable to local entrepreneurship. I can testify to the entrepreneurship people. of many Geordies. As the birthplace of the steam I briefly left the debate earlier to talk to Jobcentre engine in the 19th century and ScreachTV in the Plus, which is busy tracking down the 800 households in 21st century, we have a long history of innovation. Hammersmith and Fulham whose incomes will be reduced However, crushing poverty crushes creativity, as I know by £100 or £150 a week, in many cases, because of the both from my own childhood and from my surgeries. benefit cap being introduced. We have families being When every waking moment is spent worrying about forced out of their homes, therefore, and hundreds of making it to the end of the week; when the electricity flats standing empty. At the same time, according to the bill means borrowing to buy food—as one in 10 people results of a freedom of information inquiry I received in Newcastle have had to do; when 50p on a pound of today, 365 families are in bed-and-breakfast margarine means not being able to afford the bus to the accommodation, costing local taxpayers £860,000 last library to e-mail CVs to prospective employers; when year. The Government are not just out of touch; they the bedroom tax means that the kids are not able to stay are following quite extreme policies. How can they leave and there is a worry about how they are growing up, hundreds of good quality affordable homes standing then unleashing one’s own inner market forces is next to empty, while, at huge cost to the taxpayer, putting impossible. families in bed-and-breakfast accommodation and forcing If the Government had advisers with that kind of others out of their homes and out of London entirely? experience, they would not have produced a Queen’s My right hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Speech so devoid of help or hope for those working Brightside and Hillsborough (Mr Blunkett) made an hard just to get by, and who need only a helping hand to excellent speech about the demonisation of migrant succeed and thrive. The Prime Minister should overlook communities, which is another feature of the Queen’s the accents of his old school tie and invite the hard Speech. Yesterday, the former Prime Minister, my right working and struggling to write a new Queen’s Speech. hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown), said this about the Conservative party: 6.34 pm “A party which was once pro-Europe is now anti-Europe, a Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): Given the party which was once anti-Powellite on immigration is now time, I shall confine my comments to the biggest cost- becoming very close to being Powellite on that issue. The party of-living issue facing my constituents, which is the cost once for the welfare state now appears to be against it in so many of housing, an issue that illustrates just how out of aspects of the welfare state.” touch this Government of millionaires are from the That is how the Conservative party has changed within lives of ordinary people. my lifetime, and there is no better illustration of that I said earlier in an intervention on my right hon. change from a mainstream to an extremist party—long Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) that before the rise of UKIP and completely unrestrained by the average price of a house in my constituency was the Liberal Democrats—and nothing bites deeper than £650,000 and that renting a three-bedroom house would the fact that the Government are no longer prepared to cost £800 a week. Well, it might as well be 10 times provide or invest in decent affordable homes for thousands those figures—£6.5 million—because no one, not just of my constituents and millions of our fellow citizens people on benefits or low or average incomes, can afford across the country. them. No one can afford market housing in west London, unless they are a City or foreign investor, and yet 6.39 pm Government policies are actually increasing prices, with an 8% rise in the last year. An independent study last Hilary Benn (Leeds Central) (Lab): I draw the House’s week showed that the Help to Buy scheme could push attention to my indirect interest, previously declared up house prices by another 30% by the end of 2015. and recorded in Hansard. 599 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 600

[Hilary Benn] People want to see an effort being made and some action, even if all the problems cannot be solved We have had a good debate in which my right hon. immediately. It is precisely because of the absence from Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) the Gracious Speech of any practical help with living made a powerful and forensic opening speech, in sharp standards—the “empty luggage” that my hon. Friend contrast to the contribution from the Secretary of State the Member for Ogmore described in quoting Nye for Energy and Climate Change. By my reckoning, 40 Bevan—that we have tabled our amendment. Members have contributed to the debate. I suppose that A number of Members referred to the housing crisis. traditionally one would say it has been a wide-ranging We have had plenty of housing announcements over the debate, but certainly that term has been given new last three years: 300 of them, and by my count four meaning by some of the contributions we have heard classed as major housing launches. If we look at the today. The right hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman) record, whether of starts or completions, we see that the referred to High Speed 2, and we heard about UKIP story is the same: both are down. The rate of from my hon. Friends the Members for Lewisham West homeownership is falling and, as we have heard— and Penge (Jim Dowd) and for Swansea West (Geraint particularly from my hon. Friends the Members for Davies). We heard two very contrasting speeches on Hackney South and Shoreditch (Meg Hillier) and for climate change from the hon. Member for Brighton, Hammersmith (Mr Slaughter)—private rents have Pavilion (Caroline Lucas)—who is, I think, right; 400 continued their relentless rise, made worse by some parts per million is a significant moment—and from the letting agents charging very high fees. On lettings agents, hon. Member for Monmouth (David T. C. Davies), who a redress scheme is welcome. I suppose that in the end railed against environmentalists in general. the Minister for Housing realised that he could not The hon. Member for North East Somerset (Jacob argue with himself and against the points that he had Rees-Mogg) was, I think, at one point inviting us to made previously when calling for regulation. But redress send our tax contributions to him at home, but I do not helps only after one has been ripped off—we should be think he will be very successful because he forgot to give stopping it happening in the first place. us his address. We heard serious contributions on Syria On housing supply, my right hon. Friend the Member from the hon. Members for New Forest East (Dr Lewis) for Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr Raynsford) and my and for Elmet and Rothwell (Alec Shelbrooke), as well hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh East (Sheila as from the right hon. and learned Member for North Gilmore) made a powerful case, not least because of the East Fife (Sir Menzies Campbell), who also touched on economic benefit that would be felt, for house building. Europe and said, rather plaintively, that if we undermined We have called for the proceeds of the 4G auction to be the credibility of our Prime Minister, we undermined used to build 100,000 affordable homes. What has been the Government. I would simply observe that it seems the Government’s contribution? They have cut the affordable to me that the Prime Minister is doing a pretty good job housing budget by 60 per cent. No wonder starts and of that himself. completions are down. We have also heard powerful testimony as to the There have been lots of promises, but precious few impact on living standards of what is happening at delivered. On the Help to Buy scheme, I said at the time the moment, most notably from my right hon. Friend that we welcomed steps that would make a difference, the Member for Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough but the Treasury Select Committee was not terribly (Mr Blunkett) who represents many people who are impressed by it, was it? It found the Chancellor’s affected in that way and warned us of the dangers, argument—that it would lead to an improvement in especially in tough times, of those who would point the supply—unconvincing. The Secretary of State was asked finger at others and try to blame them for their troubles. in the Budget debate who would be eligible and particularly We also heard strong speeches from my hon. Friends whether foreign buyers would be able to benefit from the Members for Feltham and Heston (Seema Malhotra), the Help to Buy scheme. He could not have been clearer for Eltham (Clive Efford), for Newcastle upon Tyne in his reply. He said: Central (Chi Onwurah), for Newcastle upon Tyne North “This scheme will not be available for foreign buyers; this (Catherine McKinnell), for Blaydon (Mr Anderson), is a scheme to help people from this country.”—[Official Report, for South Down (Ms Ritchie), for Wirral South (Alison 25 March 2013; Vol. 560, c. 1311.] McGovern), for Ogmore (Huw Irranca-Davies), for When my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow North Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin), for North West Durham (Pat (Ann McKechin) and I both tabled a written question Glass), for Inverclyde (Mr McKenzie), for Oldham East to the Secretary of State on this matter—in particular, and Saddleworth (Debbie Abrahams), for Cardiff South asking whether foreign nationals from the EU would be and Penarth (Stephen Doughty) and for North Ayrshire eligible for assistance from the Help to Buy scheme—we and Arran (Katy Clark), all of whom spoke with feeling did not get that straight answer. Instead, we got a reply about the experience of their constituents, as did that frankly could have been drafted by Sir Humphrey: Conservative Members, particularly the hon. Members “In our approach to revising the rules on access to such for Harlow (Robert Halfon) and for Halesowen and schemes, we are carefully taking into account the restrictions and Rowley Regis (James Morris). obligations that stem from EU directives. We will be making a further statement in due course on the steps we will be taking.”— Given what we have heard, it is perhaps not surprising [Official Report, 25 April 2013; Vol. 561, c. 1126W.] that there is a crisis of confidence in politics in this country. People are wondering if, as politicians, we have That reply is eloquent, but as clear as mud. the answer. Are we on their side? Are we doing things to I have a very simple question to put to the Secretary help make a difference? That is why there is a particular of State, and I will happily give way to enable him to responsibility on Government to do the right things, to answer it. Will EU nationals who have come to the UK show that they are helping people in very difficult times. to exercise their treaty rights be eligible for assistance 601 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 602 from the Help to Buy scheme—yes or no? I will happily the Gracious Speech. It does not rise to the challenges give way to him. [Interruption.] The reason I keep doing that we face, it will not restore confidence in the it is that the Secretary of State shows a remarkable Government, it will not help those who need help most, propensity to be unable to answer the simplest of questions. and it reminds us why this coalition, as it ekes out its If he cannot answer my question, I wonder whether the remaining two years in increasing disharmony, was not Minister for Housing can. [Interruption.] Perhaps even the answer to the crisis of confidence in the first place. I the planning Minister, who is so voluble, could come to urge the House to support the amendment. the Dispatch Box and aid the House by giving a reply. Those watching will notice that there is no reply. 6.49 pm That brings me to the big question in this debate: are those with the broadest shoulders bearing the cost of The Secretary of State for Communities and Local dealing with the global crash, or is it those in society Government (Mr Eric Pickles): As the right hon. Member who have the least? A couple of weeks ago, I sat down for Leeds Central (Hilary Benn) has said, this has been with the hard-working staff at the local advice centre in a full and wide-ranging debate, covering energy prices, Burmantofts in east Leeds to hear about the impact of climate change, housing policy, heavily fruited confectionery the council tax benefit cuts and the bedroom tax. We and a brief excursion into the world of J. R. R. Tolkien. talked about the estimated 41,000 people in Leeds who The debate was opened by the Secretary of State for will be affected. There are eight constituencies in Leeds, Energy and Climate Change, my right hon. Friend the but 30% of those 41,000 people live in one constituency, Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey) who, Leeds Central—12,600 of the least well-off families among other things, gave the House a masterclass on struggling to get by. What are the Government doing to Professor Hills’ theory of fuel poverty. That clearly help them? They are sending them letters telling them demonstrated that my right hon. Friend is completely that they have to pay more council tax and letters telling on top of the job. them they have to pay higher rent, and that they must The right hon. Member for Don Valley (Caroline hand over £2.8 million from their pockets and purses to Flint) announced three Labour policies. Just like buses—you pay for those council tax bills and those rents. [Interruption.] wait around for ever, then three come along in quick The planning Minister finds that funny, but it is not succession. She rather dampened the House’s excitement, very funny for my constituents who are in that situation. however, when it was discovered that she was merely What will be the consequences for those people? reheating some old policies. They will have less money to spend on food and heating My right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden and they will be at greater risk of ending up in debt to (Mrs Spelman) spoke knowledgeably about the need for payday lenders or, even worse, loan sharks. There will biodiversity offsetting. My right hon. and learned Friend also be rising council tax and rent arrears because, as the Member for North East Fife (Sir Menzies Campbell) the workers in the advice centre know better than reminded the House why the coalition was formed: it almost anybody else, a lot of these people are desperate was to deal with Labour’s poor record in Government. because they do not have the money. The Secretary of He went on to speak with great knowledge about the State for Energy and Climate Change said in his opening current situation in Syria, as did my hon. Friends the remarks that the Government were about protecting the Members for New Forest East (Dr Lewis) and for Elmet vulnerable, but those are words that will ring very and Rothwell (Alec Shelbrooke). hollow with my constituents. My hon. Friend and neighbour, the Member for What the Government are doing to my constituents Epping Forest (Mrs Laing), spoke about conviction fails the basic test of fairness. It will not help their living politics. My hon. Friend the Member for Bury St Edmunds standards. When someone says to them, “These are (Mr Ruffley) warned about an ever-closer union. My tough times; we have to make tough decisions,” I point hon. Friends the Members for Brentford and Isleworth out that the number of poor people being hit is 12,600, (Mary Macleod) and for North East Somerset (Jacob which is almost exactly the same as the number of Rees-Mogg) spoke of the effect of interest rates on the millionaires—13,000—who will benefit from the cut in cost of living. My hon. Friend the Member for Monmouth the top rate of tax. That choice, which is the wrong (David T. C. Davies) spoke about climate change and choice, has defined the values that lie behind what the the lack of sustainable development in Middle Earth. Government are doing, and it fails— My hon. Friend the Member for Halesowen and Rowley Regis (James Morris) made some telling points about Andrew Selous: Will the right hon. Gentleman give the impact of fuel duty on the cost of living, and my way? hon. Friend the Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Damian Collins) talked about the need for co-operation Hilary Benn: No, I cannot give way; I would love to, between the private sector and local authorities. but time is short. We must congratulate my hon. Friend and neighbour, What the Government are doing fails the fundamental the Member for Harlow (Robert Halfon), on being test of what a Government should be doing in hard perhaps one of the most influential Back Benchers and times, which is to help those who have least. We see that on the marvellous work he has done on fuel duty. He in the biggest cuts falling on the most deprived local spoke about the effects of taxation. My hon. Friend the authorities, in the lack of action in this Gracious Speech Member for Weaver Vale (Graham Evans) said that he to help the rising number of long-term unemployed had grown up on a council estate under the James young people, in the lack of action to cap rail fares and Callaghan Government, and that that was why he in the Government’s failure to deal with the energy was a Conservative. I am slightly older than him, and I market, as my right hon. Friend the Member for Don grew up on a council estate under the Harold Wilson Valley said. That is the judgment that will be made of Government. That is why I am a Conservative. 603 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 604

[Mr Eric Pickles] Huw Irranca-Davies rose—

As my hon. Friends the Members for South West Mr Pickles: No. Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous) and for Gloucester (Richard These measures will save taxpayers’ money, cut waste Graham) said, council taxes more than doubled under and help keep council tax down. Labour, taking bills up to £120 a month for a band D home. The coalition Government have worked with councils to freeze the council tax, and bills have fallen Clive Efford: Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? by 10% in real terms. The freeze was opposed by Labour, however. The leader of the Labour group in the Local Mr Pickles: The Deregulation Bill will promote the Government Association, Councillor David Sparks, said right to buy by further extending eligibility and undoing that councillors were wrong not to increase their taxes. John Prescott’s cuts. This complements our £20 billion Labour’s local government spokesman in the Commons, affordable housing programme, our £10 billion programme the hon. Member for Derby North (Chris Williamson) for rented sector guarantees and our new help-to-buy said that the freeze was scheme to help people up the housing ladder. By contrast, “nothing more than a gimmick”.—[Official Report, 17 January Labour’s alternative Queen’s Speech called for more red 2011; Vol. 521, c. 531.] tape and would add costs to housing. The party that The Leader of the Opposition dismissed it as involving gave us home information packs now wants a £300 a “small amount of money”. Actually, the freeze has million a year tenants’ tax in the form of compulsory resulted in a cumulative saving of up to £425 on average registration of all landlords. Those costs will be passed band D bills over the last three years. For most people, on to tenants in the form of higher rents. £425 is a lot of money, but I recognise that, for Labour This is the party whose Labour councils for years members, it is nothing. For the right hon. Member for turned a blind eye to exploitation by rogue landlords Leeds Central, it is probably just an average morning’s building “beds in sheds”. It is a party that intentionally takings in the tea room at Stansgate Abbey. let immigration rip. Those buildings have been propped We have reformed council tax support as well. Spending up overnight, with Labour councils such as Ealing and on council tax benefit doubled under Labour, but we Newham doing nothing until it was too late to solve the are getting it under control. Such benefits cost taxpayers problem. This Government have given councils clear £4 billion a year, which is equivalent to roughly £180 a guidance on the use of their already extensive legal year per household. powers to clamp down on rogue landlords, and have provided extra funding to target the problem areas. Geraint Davies rose— What do we think of the alternate Queen’s Speech?

Mr Pickles: I wish I had time, but I cannot give way. Huw Irranca-Davies rose— Welfare reform is vital to tackle Labour’s budget deficit. Under the last Administration, more taxpayers’ Mr Pickles: Perhaps the hon. Member for Ogmore money was being spent on benefits than on defence, (Huw Irranca-Davies) would like to think about this. education and health combined. We do not need an alternative speech; we need to look only at Labour in government in Wales. Let us look at Huw Irranca-Davies: Will the Secretary of State give Labour’s record on housing there. Labour has failed to way? boost house-building starts by a mere 1% as compared to 19% in England. Mr Pickles: I am sorry, but I do not have time. I always give way, but not when I do not have time. Huw Irranca-Davies: Will the right hon. Gentleman give way? Labour is not short of ideas on new taxes. Labour councillors such as Barnsley’s leader Steve Houghton or the Local Government Association’s Labour leader Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. As Councillor David Sparks have lobbied the Government the Secretary of State has pointed out, he does not have to abolish the single person’s discount on council tax. time to give way. Voices can be saved for tomorrow. This would increase tax bills on 8 million people—from elderly widows to young professionals. A Bridget Jones Mr Pickles: I am most grateful, Mr Deputy Speaker. tax is not what I call one-nation government; it is the Labour in Wales hit the housing market with extra politics of division. red tape, adding £13,000 to the cost of building a new home in comparison with England. Labour has cut the Huw Irranca-Davies: Will the right hon. Gentleman right to buy, abolishing it completely in parts of Wales. give way? Labour has failed to introduce support for new home buyers. Their new-buy scheme will not start until next Mr Pickles: No. year. The Local Audit and Accountability Bill, as part of Whether it be in England or Wales, Labour’s economic this Queen’s Speech, will further help deliver value for policy could be summed up, to paraphrase Ronald money. The abolition of the Audit Commission regime Reagan, as “If it moves, tax it; if it keeps moving, will save taxpayers up to £1.2 billion over the next regulate it; if it stops moving, subsidise it”. Labour 10 years. The Bill will help defend an independent free wants to tax enterprise and hard-working people to pay press from corrosive town hall pravdas that harm local for the same old borrow-and-spend policies. It wants to democracy and waste taxpayers’ money. regulate small business, high streets and landlords— 605 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 606

Mr Alan Campbell (Tynemouth) (Lab) claimed to move Hamilton, Fabian Murphy, rh Paul the closure (Standing Order No. 36). Hanson, rh Mr David Murray, Ian Harman, rh Ms Harriet Nandy, Lisa Question put forthwith, That the question be now put. Hendrick, Mark Nash, Pamela Question agreed to. Hepburn, Mr Stephen O’Donnell, Fiona Question put, That the amendment be made. Hillier, Meg Onwurah, Chi Hodge, rh Margaret Owen, Albert The House proceeded to a Division. Hodgson, Mrs Sharon Paisley, Ian Hoey, Kate Pearce, Teresa Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): I ask the Hood, Mr Jim Perkins, Toby Serjeant at Arms to investigate the delay in the No Hopkins, Kelvin Phillipson, Bridget Lobby. There seems to be some type of blockage that he Hosie, Stewart Pound, Stephen needs to remove. Hunt, Tristram Qureshi, Yasmin Irranca-Davies, Huw Raynsford, rh Mr Nick The House having divided: Ayes 254, Noes 316. Jackson, Glenda Reed, Mr Jamie Division No. 1] [6.59 pm Jamieson, Cathy Reed, Mr Steve Jarvis, Dan Reynolds, Emma Johnson, rh Alan Reynolds, Jonathan AYES Johnson, Diana Riordan, Mrs Linda Abbott, Ms Diane Cruddas, Jon Jones, Graham Ritchie, Ms Margaret Abrahams, Debbie Cryer, John Jones, Helen Robertson, Angus Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Cunningham, Alex Jones, Mr Kevan Robertson, John Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Cunningham, Mr Jim Jones, Susan Elan Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Ali, Rushanara Cunningham, Sir Tony Jowell, rh Dame Tessa Rotheram, Steve Allen, Mr Graham Curran, Margaret Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Roy, Mr Frank Anderson, Mr David Dakin, Nic Keeley, Barbara Roy, Lindsay Ashworth, Jonathan Danczuk, Simon Khan, rh Sadiq Ruane, Chris Austin, Ian Darling, rh Mr Alistair Lammy, rh Mr David Ruddock, rh Dame Joan Bailey, Mr Adrian David, Wayne Lavery, Ian Sarwar, Anas Bain, Mr William Davidson, Mr Ian Lazarowicz, Mark Sawford, Andy Balls, rh Ed Davies, Geraint Leslie, Chris Seabeck, Alison Banks, Gordon Denham, rh Mr John Lewell-Buck, Emma Shannon, Jim Barron, rh Mr Kevin Dobbin, Jim Lewis, Mr Ivan Sharma, Mr Virendra Bayley, Hugh Dobson, rh Frank Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Sheridan, Jim Beckett, rh Margaret Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Long, Naomi Simpson, David Begg, Dame Anne Doran, Mr Frank Love, Mr Andrew Skinner, Mr Dennis Benn, rh Hilary Doughty, Stephen Lucas, Caroline Slaughter, Mr Andy Benton, Mr Joe Dowd, Jim Lucas, Ian Smith, rh Mr Andrew Berger, Luciana Doyle, Gemma MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Smith, Nick Betts, Mr Clive Dromey, Jack Mactaggart, Fiona Smith, Owen Blackman-Woods, Roberta Dugher, Michael Mahmood, Mr Khalid Spellar, rh Mr John Blears, rh Hazel Durkan, Mark Mahmood, Shabana Stringer, Graham Blomfield, Paul Eagle, Ms Angela Malhotra, Seema Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Blunkett, rh Mr David Eagle, Maria Mann, John Tami, Mark Bradshaw, rh Mr Ben Edwards, Jonathan Marsden, Mr Gordon Thomas, Mr Gareth Brennan, Kevin Efford, Clive McCabe, Steve Thornberry, Emily Brown, Lyn Elliott, Julie McCann, Mr Michael Timms, rh Stephen Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Ellman, Mrs Louise McCarthy, Kerry Trickett, Jon Brown, Mr Russell Engel, Natascha McClymont, Gregg Turner, Karl Bryant, Chris Esterson, Bill McDonagh, Siobhain Twigg, Derek Buck, Ms Karen Evans, Chris McDonald, Andy Twigg, Stephen Burden, Richard Farrelly, Paul McDonnell, Dr Alasdair Vaz, rh Keith Burnham, rh Andy Field, rh Mr Frank McFadden, rh Mr Pat Vaz, Valerie Byrne, rh Mr Liam Fitzpatrick, Jim McGovern, Alison Walley, Joan Campbell, Mr Alan Flello, Robert McGovern, Jim Watts, Mr Dave Campbell, Mr Gregory Flint, rh Caroline McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Weir, Mr Mike Campbell, Mr Ronnie Flynn, Paul McKechin, Ann Whitehead, Dr Alan Caton, Martin Fovargue, Yvonne McKenzie, Mr Iain Williamson, Chris Champion, Sarah Francis, Dr Hywel McKinnell, Catherine Wilson, Phil Chapman, Jenny Gapes, Mike Meacher, rh Mr Michael Winnick, Mr David Clark, Katy Gardiner, Barry Meale, Sir Alan Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Clarke, rh Mr Tom Gilmore, Sheila Mearns, Ian Wishart, Pete Clwyd, rh Ann Glass, Pat Miliband, rh Edward Wood, Mike Coaker, Vernon Glindon, Mrs Mary Miller, Andrew Woodcock, John Coffey, Ann Godsiff, Mr Roger Moon, Mrs Madeleine Woodward, rh Mr Shaun Connarty, Michael Goggins, rh Paul Morden, Jessica Wright, David Cooper, Rosie Goodman, Helen Morrice, Graeme (Livingston) Wright, Mr Iain Cooper, rh Yvette Greatrex, Tom Morris, Grahame M. Corbyn, Jeremy Green, Kate (Easington) Crausby, Mr David Griffith, Nia Mudie, Mr George Tellers for the Ayes: Creagh, Mary Gwynne, Andrew Munn, Meg Tom Blenkinsop and Creasy, Stella Hamilton, Mr David Murphy, rh Mr Jim Heidi Alexander 607 Debate on the Address14 MAY 2013 Debate on the Address 608

NOES Howell, John Norman, Jesse Hughes, rh Simon Nuttall, Mr David Adams, Nigel Dorries, Nadine Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Offord, Dr Matthew Afriyie, Adam Doyle-Price, Jackie Hunter, Mark Ollerenshaw, Eric Aldous, Peter Drax, Richard Huppert, Dr Julian Opperman, Guy Alexander, rh Danny Duddridge, James Hurd, Mr Nick Ottaway, Richard Amess, Mr David Duncan, rh Mr Alan Jackson, Mr Stewart Paice, rh Sir James Andrew, Stuart Dunne, Mr Philip James, Margot Parish, Neil Bacon, Mr Richard Ellis, Michael Javid, Sajid Patel, Priti Baker, Norman Ellison, Jane Jenkin, Mr Bernard Paterson, rh Mr Owen Baker, Steve Ellwood, Mr Tobias Johnson, Gareth Pawsey, Mark Baldry, Sir Tony Elphicke, Charlie Johnson, Joseph Penrose, John Baldwin, Harriett Eustice, George Jones, Andrew Percy, Andrew Barclay, Stephen Evans, Graham Jones, Mr Marcus Perry, Claire Barker, rh Gregory Evans, Jonathan Kawczynski, Daniel Phillips, Stephen Baron, Mr John Evennett, Mr David Kelly, Chris Pickles, rh Mr Eric Barwell, Gavin Fabricant, Michael Kennedy, rh Mr Charles Pincher, Christopher Bebb, Guto Farron, Tim Kirby, Simon Poulter, Dr Daniel Beith, rh Sir Alan Field, Mark Knight, rh Mr Greg Prisk, Mr Mark Bellingham, Mr Henry Foster, rh Mr Don Kwarteng, Kwasi Pugh, John Beresford, Sir Paul Fox,rhDrLiam Laing, Mrs Eleanor Raab, Mr Dominic Berry, Jake Francois, rh Mr Mark Lamb, Norman Randall, rh Mr John Bingham, Andrew Freer, Mike Lancaster, Mark Reckless, Mark Binley, Mr Brian Fullbrook, Lorraine Lansley, rh Mr Andrew Redwood, rh Mr John Boles, Nick Fuller, Richard Latham, Pauline Rees-Mogg, Jacob Bone, Mr Peter Gale, Sir Roger Laws, rh Mr David Reevell, Simon Bottomley, Sir Peter Garnier, Sir Edward Leadsom, Andrea Reid, Mr Alan Bradley, Karen Garnier, Mark Lee, Jessica Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Brady, Mr Graham Gauke, Mr David Lee, Dr Phillip Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Brake, rh Tom George, Andrew Leech, Mr John Robertson, rh Hugh Bray, Angie Gibb, Mr Nick Lefroy, Jeremy Robertson, Mr Laurence Bridgen, Andrew Gilbert, Stephen Leigh, Mr Edward Rosindell, Andrew Brine, Steve Gillan, rh Mrs Cheryl Leslie, Charlotte Rudd, Amber Brokenshire, James Glen, John Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Ruffley, Mr David Brooke, Annette Goldsmith, Zac Lewis, Brandon Russell, Sir Bob Bruce, Fiona Goodwill, Mr Robert Lewis, Dr Julian Rutley, David Buckland, Mr Robert Gove, rh Michael Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Sanders, Mr Adrian Burley, Mr Aidan Graham, Richard Lidington, rh Mr David Sandys, Laura Burns, Conor Grant, Mrs Helen Lloyd, Stephen Scott, Mr Lee Burns, rh Mr Simon Gray, Mr James Lord, Jonathan Selous, Andrew Burrowes, Mr David Grayling, rh Chris Loughton, Tim Shapps, rh Grant Burstow, rh Paul Green, rh Damian Lumley, Karen Sharma, Alok Burt, Alistair Greening, rh Justine Macleod, Mary Shelbrooke, Alec Burt, Lorely Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Main, Mrs Anne Simpson, Mr Keith Byles, Dan Griffiths, Andrew Maude, rh Mr Francis Skidmore, Chris Cable, rh Vince Gummer, Ben May, rh Mrs Theresa Smith, Miss Chloe Cairns, Alun Gyimah, Mr Sam Maynard, Paul Smith, Henry Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Hague, rh Mr William McCartney, Jason Smith, Julian Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Halfon, Robert McCartney, Karl Smith, Sir Robert Carswell, Mr Douglas Hames, Duncan McIntosh, Miss Anne Soames, rh Nicholas Chishti, Rehman Hammond, rh Mr Philip McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Soubry, Anna Chope, Mr Christopher Hammond, Stephen McPartland, Stephen Spelman, rh Mrs Caroline Clappison, Mr James Hancock, Matthew Mercer, Patrick Spencer, Mr Mark Clark, rh Greg Harper, Mr Mark Metcalfe, Stephen Stanley, rh Sir John Clarke, rh Mr Kenneth Harris, Rebecca Mills, Nigel Stephenson, Andrew Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Hart, Simon Milton, Anne Stevenson, John Coffey, Dr Thérèse Harvey, Sir Nick Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Stewart, Iain Collins, Damian Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Moore, rh Michael Stewart, Rory Colvile, Oliver Hayes, rh Mr John Morgan, Nicky Streeter, Mr Gary Cox, Mr Geoffrey Heald, Oliver Morris, David Stride, Mel Crabb, Stephen Heath, Mr David Crockart, Mike Heaton-Harris, Chris Morris, James Stunell, rh Andrew Crouch, Tracey Hemming, John Mosley, Stephen Sturdy, Julian Davey, rh Mr Edward Henderson, Gordon Mowat, David Swales, Ian Davies, David T. C. Hendry, Charles Mulholland, Greg Swayne, rh Mr Desmond (Monmouth) Herbert, rh Nick Mundell, rh David Swinson, Jo Davies, Glyn Hinds, Damian Munt, Tessa Swire, rh Mr Hugo Davies, Philip Hoban, Mr Mark Murray, Sheryll Tapsell, rh Sir Peter Davis, rh Mr David Hollingbery, George Murrison, Dr Andrew Teather, Sarah de Bois, Nick Hollobone, Mr Philip Neill, Robert Thornton, Mike Dinenage, Caroline Hopkins, Kris Newmark, Mr Brooks Thurso, John Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Horwood, Martin Newton, Sarah Timpson, Mr Edward Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Howarth, Sir Gerald Nokes, Caroline Tomlinson, Justin 609 Debate on the Address 14 MAY 2013 610

Tredinnick, David Whittaker, Craig aHUS patients. However, earlier this year health Ministers Truss, Elizabeth Whittingdale, Mr John decided to refer Eculizumab to the National Institute Turner, Mr Andrew Wiggin, Bill for Health and Clinical Excellence for a further review of Tyrie, Mr Andrew Willetts, rh Mr David its affordability. Some patients have already been waiting Uppal, Paul Williams, Mr Mark over 18 months for a decision, and an announcement is Vaizey, Mr Edward Williams, Roger not expected until December. The petition urges that Vara, Mr Shailesh Williams, Stephen Walker, Mr Charles Williamson, Gavin action should be taken to ensure that all aHUS patients, Walker, Mr Robin Wilson, Mr Rob including those already on the drug, should be given Wallace, Mr Ben Wollaston, Dr Sarah access to Eculizumab without delay pending the outcome Walter, Mr Robert Wright, Simon of NICE’s review. Ward, Mr David Yeo, Mr Tim Following is the full text of the petition: Watkinson, Dame Angela Young, rh Sir George [The Petition of Miss K Bazzichi and Miss E Woodward Zahawi, Nadhim Webb, Steve Trustee Officers of aHUSUK, Wharton, James Tellers for the Noes: Wheeler, Heather Greg Hands and Declares that aHUS patients should be given access to White, Chris Mr Robert Syms Eculizumab when they need it, without delay, and not be disadvantaged by the Ministers’ decision not to implement the AGNSS recommendation ahead of a review by NICE. Question accordingly negatived. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of 7.17 pm Commons issues instructions to the NHS CB to take such action, whilst waiting for NICE’s decision. The debate stood adjourned (Standing Order No. 9(3). And the Petitioners remain, etc.] Ordered, That the debate be resumed tomorrow. [P001176]

PETITIONS 7.19 pm

Access to Eculizumab Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for North Devon (Sir Nick Harvey). The 500 signatures on my petition should be 7.17 pm added to the 30,000 signatures on his. I was approached Sir Nick Harvey (North Devon) (LD): I rise to present by my constituent, Trevor Murby, of Abbots Road, a petition on behalf of the sufferers of atypical haemolytic Leicester, because his grandson, Finley Murby, was uraemic syndrome, known as aHUS, a rare disease that having great difficulty in accessing this drug. As a result causes irreversible kidney failure. Until recently there of the work of Trevor Murby and so many other people was no effective treatment for this condition, which has involved in the campaign, he was able to get the drugs 139 known patients in England, of whom 20 live in that he needed. I concur with the hon. Gentleman that Devon. I am presenting the petition to press for aHUS it is really important that everyone who needs this drug sufferers’ access to Eculizumab, a new drug that has has access to it and that action is taken immediately to been proven to cause a dramatic improvement in kidney help those who are disadvantaged. function and, indeed, in the quality of life of patients Following is the full text of the petition: diagnosed with aHUS. The petition has received almost [The Petition of Mr T Murby and Mr Finley Murby 30,000 signatures nationally and is presented on behalf Trustee Officers of aHUSUK, of the national group, aHUS Action. It was brought to me by one of my constituents, Elena Lilley, who suffers Declares that aHUS patients should be given access to from aHUS. She received Eculizumab as part of a Eculizumab when they need it, without delay, and not be clinical trial three years ago and it has transformed her disadvantaged by the Ministers’ decision not to implement life, avoiding the need for her to be put back on dialysis the AGNSS recommendation ahead of a review by NICE. and enabling her to resume a full-time job. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of The Advisory Group for National Specialised Services Commons issues instructions to the NHS CB to take such has recommended that Eculizumab should be nationally action, whilst waiting for NICE’s decision. commissioned by the NHS, emphasising its life-saving And the Petitioners remain, etc.] potential and ability to improve the quality of life of all [P001177] 611 14 MAY 2013 Council Sport Provision 612

Council Sport Provision report. One recommendation was that the council provider’s chief responsibility should be to provide levels 1 to 7 of Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House the Amateur Swimming Association’s Learn to Swim —(Mr Swayne.) do now adjourn. pathway. Again, so far so good. 7.21 pm However, Bristol city council interpreted that recommendation—I believe perversely—as meaning that Charlotte Leslie (Bristol North West) (Con): I want only the private provider should provide levels 1 to 7 of to raise the issue of councils inflicting an enforced Learn to Swim. That recommendation did not have the monopoly, run by a private sector provider, on the support of the local swimming clubs, but they were community, often crushing successful and voluntary pushed into accepting it largely because they did not provision. The specific case that I will discuss relates to have any choice or voice to change the decision, despite sport—specifically swimming—which is relevant to my rather cosy talk in all the documents of “partnership constituency and others, including that of the right working”. hon. Member for Doncaster North (Edward Miliband). I would be interested to hear of any other such cases. Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): I thank the hon. The Minister responded to yesterday’s Adjournment Lady for bringing this matter to the House. In my debate, so I am particularly grateful to him for his constituency, Ards borough council has a very good presence for the second day running. I reassure him that relationship with the local swimming club. They work this debate is not about sport as such—although the together to ensure that everybody has an opportunity to subject has a powerful impact on sport—but is far more swim. The council owns the premises and Ards amateur about procurement and tendering practice. swimming club does the renting. Does she agree that I declare an informal interest in this subject, which that is a prime example of what can happen if a council centres on the crushing of swimming club provision, in and a club work together for the benefit of all, so that that I used to be a swimmer, but sadly I am not as fit any some young people can become champions, whether more. As a youngster I ploughed up and down swimming provincial, Commonwealth or Olympic? pools at silly o’clock in the morning for four hours a day—and sometimes 10 times a week— in my unfortunately Charlotte Leslie: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his thwarted hope of becoming an Olympian. My skin intervention. What is so sad about this case is that, as he would smell of chlorine when it rained and I had said, when clubs, councils and private providers work perpetual goggle marks. For many years I swam under together, they can become more than the sum of their the excellent supervision of one of Bristol’s finest coaches, parts and there can be huge success stories. All parties Eric Henderson. should have the interests of children and swimming, or Being part of a club was part of my identity when I whatever sport it is, at their centre. What is so tragic was growing up. It was a proper community and I am about this case is that for some reason that I am yet to still proud of and treasure my first swimming club fathom, Bristol city council has been stubbornly determined tracksuit from Thornbury swimming club. It was very to stifle good provision and not to work in partnership much part of what has made me who I am, and it all with clubs. When any objection is raised, it says that the started when my mum took me to a club to learn to clubs should know better and that it does work in swim. partnership. However, as we know, partnership is not Learning to swim and making progress with clubs is just a word in a report, but involves communication, not for everyone, but it is a vital part of a choice of liaising and understanding from both sides. This situation provision. It is particularly vital for producing our next does not need to exist and we should all be thinking generation of competitive swimmers, and it is also about the good of the swimmers. important—as illustrated by the Portway swimming The council and SLM set about ensuring that even club in my constituency, which will feature heavily in my clubs that had been providing a successful and valued speech—for non-competitive swimmers who want to Learn to Swim programme, with high demand and swim slightly more than is possible under council or waiting lists, no longer did so in council-run pools. That private provider provision. has led to an extraordinary situation at swimming clubs The good news is that clubs are generally thriving such as Portway in my constituency that hire an agreed and many have waiting lists for their Learn to Swim amount of pool time from SLM in which intermediate programmes, particularly those for beginners. That is and Learn to Swim swimmers both train. Following the why the phenomenon of some councils acting to stifle ruling that came into force on 1 April, the club is forced successful club provision is so perverse, as the situation to vacate the area of the pool that is used for Learn to in Bristol illustrates. Swim. The children, many of whom have older siblings In 2007, Bristol city council secured a contract with in the more advanced swimming lessons, are forced to Sports and Leisure Management to run eight leisure sit on the side and not enter the water because they centres in the city for 10 years. So far, so good. That was cannot be taught to swim, even though the qualified supposed to be done in partnership with the city council, volunteer teachers are present and the pool space is not which, despite the fact that it had outsourced provision being used by anyone else. If the young children were to a private provider, still took it upon itself to prescribe doing another activity, such as attending a children’s in some detail how the provision was to be made. party, and were not being taught to swim, it would be Swimming in Bristol has not had a particularly happy okay for them to use the pool. That does not seem very history, as a Google search or a trawl through newspapers sensible. from the mid-’90s will reveal. A recent attempt to reshape The club has been forced to take its Learn to Swim the city’s swimming came in the form of the now slightly programme to a pool in a neighbouring local authority, notorious—in Bristol swimming circles—Rick Bailey South Gloucestershire, which has a slightly less perverse 613 Council Sport Provision14 MAY 2013 Council Sport Provision 614 and draconian attitude towards Learn to Swim. That I finish by saying to the Minister that we all believe in means an extra journey for parents to a pool that is localism, but this case demonstrates some of the perverse much further away, which is very difficult for single behaviour of councils that, instead of facilitating the parents. That may also clash with the commitments of big society, are crushing it. I am pleased that our new other siblings, swimming or otherwise, and many parents elected mayor, George Ferguson, who inherited the are forced to choose which of their children’s commitments difficult situation, is sympathetic to the clubs’ plight to honour. and fully understands the perversity of such a council- enforced monopoly, whether in sport or any other service. The key thing to note is that the small number of I look forward to working with him on this extraordinary children who are being taught to swim in a club situation. environment, which cannot be replicated by a private I ask that the Department examines such instances provider in terms of the continuity and focus that are in which smaller providers of any sort, not necessarily provided by the teachers, does not impact on SLM’s in sport, are literally bullied out of existence by local market share of Learn to Swim children. The number councils that act in every way contrary to any conception of children in Bristol is increasing and there are certainly of the big society. more than enough children who need to be taught to swim to go around. 7.32 pm Nobody is suggesting that clubs should have a monopoly The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for on provision or even preferential treatment, only that Communities and Local Government (Brandon Lewis): I they should be allowed to meet the significant demand am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol for their services, which they have hitherto met very North West (Charlotte Leslie) for securing the debate, successfully. The result is that children are denied the and I congratulate her on putting her case so clearly choice of the benefits that club swimming at an early and succinctly. She not only outlined the specific issue level provides, such as community and continuity of of the club in Bristol but gave us a chance to highlight a teaching. One club coach put it well in saying that the wider potential problem with how local authorities deal two lessons a week at the club not only give children the with procurement, which is important for us to note. I ability to swim, but inspire them to become a swimmer. will try to touch on both issues. Of course, the impact on competitive swimming will My hon. Friend set out the case involving the Portway be significant, too. To put it in perspective, in a recent swimming club, which feels that it has been frozen out Bristol schools competition, it was estimated that despite of opportunities to teach beginners’ swimming lessons there being about 3,000 children who were taught by at Bristol’s public pools due to the contract that she SLM compared with only 200 who were taught in clubs, mentioned. I know that she is an accomplished swimmer club swimmers made up about 50% of the finalists. In herself and feels passionate about sports provision, and other words, if my maths is correct, club swimmers were I know that her community will appreciate all that she is about seven times more likely to be finalists than non-club doing to support the local swimming clubs. swimmers, which is significant. I understand that guidance on who should teach Learn to Swim lessons has been issued by the ASA, and There are other impacts. Many coaches come through that it is recommended that clubs seek support from their a club system and then go on to coach either in their county and regional ASA boards on how the scheme parent club or in other clubs, or with private providers operates locally. The boards will be keen to support the such as SLM. Clubs are also vital social and community sustainability of their clubs and offer support for the hubs, raising money for charity and, as I have said, relationships between clubs and operators. In time, that providing youngsters with a sense of special identity can serve to protect their future membership income. and pride, as Thornbury, Southwold and City of Bristol I understand that my hon. Friend also has more swimming clubs did for me. general concerns about how local authorities use their However, the Minister will be pleased to hear that procurement practices to create monopolies of service this debate is not specifically about sport. It serves to provision with private providers. My Department holds demonstrate to him the possible perversity of a council policy responsibility for local government, including monopoly that is imposed with such odd determination. promoting best practice on commissioning and procurement Indeed, the clubs, the provider, a representative of processes and strategies. I would expect any procurement Gloucester ASA and the councillor with the relevant exercise to engage effectively with and examine the cabinet brief had a meeting about the matter, at which impact on community groups and the voluntary sector. the councillor, Simon Cook, was extremely good. He Indeed, the best value guidance published in September brokered a proper, common-sense solution to allow one 2011 set out clearly how councils should work with the of the clubs to keep offering Learn to Swim in a council voluntary sector when facing difficult funding decisions. pool until some kind of common-sense compromise Statutory guidance states that local authorities should had been reached. I was alarmed that his decision was actively engage with organisations in the community on completely ignored, which shows us something about the future of a service and any knock-on effect on the accountability there. It was ridden roughshod over, assets, and allow them to put forward options on how particularly by one council officer, Colleen Bevan, who to reshape the service. Good local authorities will therefore I understand has now gone off to work for a private work with their local voluntary sector at all stages of leisure provider. The private providers told the club that service design and delivery, to make best use of their contrary to what had been agreed in the meeting, it local knowledge and influence. could not continue with its pool time. I should mention Overall, local authorities are having to reduce costs that we have set up a petition at www.keepclubswimming. and we encourage them to follow the example of leading bristolpetitions.com, in case anyone wants to sign it. councils that are taking the opportunity to think creatively, 615 Council Sport Provision14 MAY 2013 Council Sport Provision 616

[Brandon Lewis] Contrary to popular myth, councils can support local growth at the same time as delivering efficiency savings re-design their services, and commission intelligently and improving services—those things are not mutually and co-operatively with all sectors of their local community, exclusive. Council officers should embrace transparency not just large private providers. Local areas need the on spending, tenders, contracts and property assets. That freedom and flexibility to innovate and commission can help clubs and businesses better understand the services services that best fit the needs of their communities. We being tendered, thereby allowing them an opportunity cannot, and will not, prescribe from Whitehall how to submit better proposals. individual local authorities should conduct each I would always encourage local authorities to hire procurement exercise, because it is not a one-size-fits-all the best—not necessarily the biggest—firms, and they situation. Neither will we intervene in local issues or should assess organisations on their ability to get the specific contracts, which, as I am sure hon. Members job done for the benefit of the community, rather than will appreciate, is simply not appropriate. on their turnover. Markets can be narrowed, as my hon. We believe that local authorities can and should use Friend outlined, by contracting only with big organisations, their procurement processes to improve efficiency while because that puts those organisations in control, rather also achieving better outcomes for service users. We than the council. A diverse supply side promotes know that poor practices and long-held myths can slow competition between suppliers and gives the council down the procurement process and lead to bad decisions, and—importantly—its residents, more choice. Breaking costing taxpayers money and affecting the standard of up contracts into smaller bite-sized chunks, or sub- service. Councils such as Bristol must be sure that they contracting, can open up procurement by introducing are doing everything they can to remove those barriers, more competition on price and attracting smaller firms. in consultation with local providers. I am pleased to That can lead to even more local job creation, specialisation hear that the new mayor is going down the road of and innovation in service delivery. working with the community, as my hon. Friend outlined. I appreciate my hon. Friend giving me the chance to In my meetings with him he has been keen to do that, outline general aspects of procurement and what councils which is a good sign for Bristol in the future, and can do to involve local community organisations and probably a real endorsement of how the local accountability small businesses. However, I want to be clear that of a directly elected mayor can work for a city. localism means doing everything at the most direct possible Opening up procurement practices to all local providers level, with residents fully involved in making decisions can make a massive difference, and councils have a duty about their areas. Central Government should be involved to their residents to act now. Councils should publish only when absolutely necessary.The Government’s approach their tenders and contracts online, which would allow to localism is to pass power down to citizens—greater everyone to see clearly the procurement opportunities power to hold local authorities to account and to help available and helps councils to get better deals with them to make a difference in and for their communities. taxpayers’ money. Contracts Finder is one way of doing As we have seen recently, local communities hold their that, and as a secure, central and well-recognised website councils to account ultimately through their voting it is already accessed by hundreds of thousands of power in local elections. In voting for a directly elected businesses and organisations. Bristol city council uses mayor, the community in Bristol has hopefully made a an e-procurement portal, Twitter, and a blog to advertise decision that will mean Bristol has a better future, with contracts and engagement opportunities. That is a positive direct, clear local accountability. step and I encourage more councils to be as open and The Localism Act 2011 introduced the community transparent as possible with all data and procurement right to challenge, which enables communities and the decisions. voluntary sector to question how services are provided, Myths often surround European Union procurement to have the ambition to challenge that, and to make rules, but those rules apply only once a contracting plans to take services over. As my hon. Friend will authority has made a decision to procure goods or realise, I am unable to comment on the specifics of a services. Such rules are often used or misunderstood to contract—as she has said, I have not seen the specific prevent any form of communication, but they do not details. Hopefully, I have taken this chance to set out and should not. Council officers can still work with all the Government’s approach. I hope I have outlined how sectors and providers prior to the bidding process, and local authorities can act to ensure that such situations support diversity in the supply chain by skilling-up and do not happen. I support her concern. Local authorities improving potential tenders. The Government would should embrace local community groups and the voluntary always encourage local authorities to procure wherever sector during any procurement process, and in their they can and wherever is appropriate locally. That can policy on sports provision and access. I congratulate her create new jobs and sustain existing ones, support the on raising the issue in this debate. creation of new businesses and clubs, help to tackle Question put and agreed to. worklessness and low skills by supporting apprenticeships, and boost spending locally, as well as help develop and 7.41 pm build a community through its clubs and organisations. House adjourned. 29WS Written Ministerial Statements14 MAY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 30WS

see real budgetary restraint in the EU. They will not Written Ministerial support a request for additional payments from the EU budget for 2013. The Government are committed to Statements continue to work hard to limit EU spending, reduce waste and inefficiency, and deliver the best possible deal for taxpayers. Tuesday 14 May 2013 Savings taxation and mandate for negotiations of amendments to the Savings Taxation agreements with third countries ECOFIN will seek to reach a political agreement on a BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS proposal for a Council directive amending the EU savings directive, and to adopt the mandate for negotiations of amendments to the savings taxation agreements with Government Chemist third countries. The Government support an agreement of the amending proposal to the EU savings directive and an adoption of the mandate as soon as possible. The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Draft Council conclusions on tax evasion and fraud Willetts): The 16th annual review of the Government Chemist has been received. The review will be placed in ECOFIN will seek to adopt Council conclusions on the Libraries of both Houses plus those of the devolved tax evasion and fraud. The Government believe tackling Administrations in Wales and Northern Ireland. The tax evasion and fraud is as an important issue for review will also be laid before the Scottish Parliament. protecting revenues and for ensuring public confidence in the fairness and effectiveness of our tax systems, which needs a combination of action at both domestic and international level. TREASURY Macro-economic Imbalances Procedure: In-depth reviews Council will seek to endorse Council conclusions on Child Trust Funds the macro-economic imbalances procedure: In-depth reviews. Towards a deep and genuine Economic and Monetary The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Sajid Javid): Union: Commission communications The Government have today launched a consultation The Commission will present the two communications on whether they should permit the transfer of savings on a deep and genuine economic and monetary union held in child trust funds to junior ISAs, and, if so, on which were published on 20 March. These cover the what basis. The Government propose that voluntary introduction of a convergence and competitiveness transfers from child trust funds to junior ISAs should instrument and ex ante co-ordination of plans for major be allowed if requested by the registered contact for an economic policy reforms. account, usually the parent or guardian. Follow-up to the G20 Finance Ministers and Governors The purpose of the consultation, which runs until (18-19 April) and IMF/World Bank (19-21 April) 2013 6 August, is to obtain further evidence on potential Spring meetings in Washington. USA costs, benefits and other impacts of the Government’s proposal, as well as asking for opinions on any alternative The presidency and Commission will debrief Ministers proposals, before deciding whether to proceed with any on the main outcomes of the G20 Finance Ministers changes. and Governors and IMF/World Bank spring meetings. I will deposit copies of the consultation document in Pilot Initiative on automatic exchange of information the Libraries of both Houses. There will be a presentation to Council by the G5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) on their pilot project on automatic exchange of information in ECOFIN the area of taxation. The UK is committed to tackling tax evasion through exchanging tax information between countries and, with France, Germany, Italy and Spain, The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne): the UK is aiming to embed multilateral automatic A meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council exchange of information based on Foreign Account will be held in Brussels on 14 May 2013. The following Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) agreements with the US items are on the agenda to be discussed. as the new single global standard. Banking Recovery and Resolution There will be a state of play discussion on the banking recovery and resolution directive. Disclosure and Barring Scheme Current legislative proposals The presidency intends to give a state of play update The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David on the revision of the anti-money laundering (AML) Gauke): The Government are introducing legislation to directive and the revised rules for markets in financial exempt from income tax any benefit arising where an instruments directive/regulation (MiFID/MiFIR). employer pays or reimburses fees for the disclosure and Draft Amending Budget No 2 to the General Budget 2013 barring service (DBS) online update service and, in ECOFIN will seek to reach a political agreement on some circumstances, fees for Criminal Record Bureau this. The Government have been clear that they want to (CRB) checks. 31WS Written Ministerial Statements14 MAY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 32WS

The update service is a new subscription service being While veterans’ health is the responsibility of the introduced in June 2013. It lets individuals keep their Department of Health and the devolved Administrations, DBS certificates up to date and allows employers or the Ministry of Defence complements the national health prospective employers to carry out free, online, instant services’ delivery through the veterans and reserves checks to see if any new information has come to light mental health programme, which includes provision of since the certificate was issued. mental health assessments for veterans. We also support There is a fee to join the update service. Where the Big White Wall, a web-based peer support platform, employers pay for or reimburse the cost of the fee, there and the Combat Stress 24-hour mental health helpline. would normally be a taxable benefit in kind for the 1 In addition to the 237 UK armed forces deaths during the employee concerned—this legislation will remove that campaign, four personnel from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, six liability. from the Merchant Navy and eight Hong Kong sailors also died In addition, the Government are also exempting fees (as well as three Falkland islanders). This study does not include any follow up for these populations. paid or reimbursed by employers for CRB checks when the employee has applied for or holds an active subscription to the update service. This supports the Government’s commitment to overhaul FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE the criminal records regime to give individuals greater control of their own information, allow DBS certificates to be reused when applying for similar jobs, and reduce Balance of Competences Review the red tape burden on employers. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth DEFENCE Affairs (Mr William Hague): I wish to update the House on the progress of the balance of competences review. My written statement last year, 23 October 2012, Official Falkland Islands Veterans’ Mortality Data Report, column 46WS, set out the time lines for the review. I am pleased to report that the review is progressing and on track. The six first semester reports covering a The Minister of State, Ministry of Defence (Mr Mark synopsis of the internal market, taxation, foreign policy, Francois): In 2010 Defence Statistics (previously known development co-operation and humanitarian aid, health, as Defence Analytical Services and Advice (DASA)) and animal health and welfare and food safety are was asked to undertake a study to determine the number currently being drafted and will be published in early of suicides among the cohort of service personnel who summer. We will launch calls for evidence for the nine deployed to the Falkland Islands during the 1982 campaign. reports in semester two this week. The intention of the study was to examine claims by some ex-service organisations that there have been more Calls for evidence for the first semester reports were lives lost to suicide among this cohort than the 2371 published in November and were open for three months. service personnel lost during the 1982 conflict itself. The evidence received has been high quality, and has The study has been extended to investigate the total provided a firm foundation to analyse the impact of EU number of deaths for this Falklands cohort, grouped by competence in these areas. While responses were mainly cause. The figures are published today as an official from interested parties in the UK reflecting the focus on statistic notice on the defence statistics website (http:// the national interest, we also received some evidence www.dasa.mod.uk) and a copy will be placed in the from foreign partners and international organisations. Library of the House. We intend to publish information on who submitted evidence alongside the final reports, subject to the provisions Key points to note in the data are: of the Data Protection Act. These statistics confirm that the number of suicides among UK veterans of the 1982 Falkland Islands Reports will undergo rigorous internal scrutiny to conflict (over the period 14 June 1982 to 31 December ensure they are comprehensive, robust and evidence-based. 2012) does not exceed the number of service personnel They will then be presented to the European Affairs who lost their lives during the 1982 conflict itself, as Committee for approval prior to being published. previously claimed by some groups. Calls for evidence for the nine reports in semester two All causes of death are lower than the equivalent will be launched this week. Lead Ministers for each general population; in particular the 95 deaths due to report will inform the House separately when their call suicide among this cohort (including in-service suicides for evidence is published. As with the first semester, and open verdict deaths) indicate a 35% decreased Government Departments will consult widely, including risk compared with the UK general population. Parliament and its committees, business, the devolved Administrations, and civil society in order to obtain Moreover, there were significantly fewer deaths in the evidence to contribute to their analysis of the issues. Falkland Islands veterans’ cohort compared to an Our EU partners and the EU institutions will also be equivalent group of the general population (1,335 invited to contribute evidence to the review. actual veterans’ deaths compared to an estimated 2,079 for an equivalent general population, which equates to a 36% decreased risk). Expo 2020 Any suicide is a tragedy for the individual and the family involved, but we believe these statistics will enable ongoing well-informed debate to ensure that the nation The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth continues to invest in the right mental health support Affairs (Mr William Hague): Brazil, Russia, Thailand, for service personnel and veterans. Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates have all officially 33WS Written Ministerial Statements14 MAY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 34WS bid to host Expo 2020. A decision on which country We welcome discussion of action to be taken on tax. will host this event will be made by the BIE general The Prime Minister has been driving work on this area assembly in November this year. This is an extremely through the UK presidency of the G8 and will take a strong field of contenders. leading role in pursuing global action to tackle tax I am pleased to announce that the UK has decided evasion and avoidance, including through the EU. Our to support UAE’s bid for Dubai to host Expo 2020. principal objective at the May European Council is to If successful in this bid, Dubai would bring Expo to ensure that EU action on tax complements action being the middle east for the first time in history. carried out through the G8, G20 and OECD and We assess that the Dubai bid is exceptionally strong: contributes to a global tax agenda which clamps down focused on global connectivity and accessibility, on tax evasion and avoidance. underpinned by its geographical location and its position On energy, the European Council will discuss the as a global logistics and transport hub. All these would energy challenges confronting the EU in the context of allow exhibitors to reach a large and varied international the EU’s competitiveness agenda. President of the European audience. Council, Herman van Rompuy, and President of the We are also convinced that holding Expo 2020 at a European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, have both time of great change in the region would send a positive sought to focus work on completing the internal energy signal to the world that this is a region of dynamism, market, boosting investment in modern energy innovation and vast human potential. infrastructure and the challenge of high energy prices. Over 100,000 British citizens live and work in the The UK energy market has historically been one of UAE and co-operation between our nations now ranges the most open and transparent in Europe and we have from our thriving educational and tourism links, joint consistently supported and called for the completion of defence projects, security and foreign policy issues, to the internal energy market. We remain committed to our increasing investment in each other’s economies. ambitious action on climate change but want to ensure Expo 2020 and its prelude will provide great opportunities that energy supply is maintained during the low-carbon to further strengthen the relationship between our two transition. We will support revisions to the EU’s state countries. aid rules to facilitate investments in low-carbon power generation and we will be seeking to avoid unnecessary General Affairs Council EU restrictions on member states, who should be free to decide on their own energy mix. 27-28 June European Council preparation The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): I will attend the General Affairs Council (GAC) on 21 May We expect discussion of the agenda for the June in Brussels. The GAC will be chaired by the Irish European Council agenda at the GAC. The June European presidency and will focus on the multiannual financial Council will focus on economic policy. This includes the framework (MFF), the preparation for the 22 May European semester, which is the annual cycle of economic European Council and the preparation of the 27-28 June policy co-ordination in the EU, the growth compact European Council as well as follow-up to previous which will look at further economic and monetary European Councils. union within the eurozone, following the last discussion on this in the March European Council, and industrial Multiannual financial framework (MFF) draft amending competitiveness. budgets The agenda for the June European Council may also We expect the Irish presidency to give a presentation discuss foreign policy priorities, which will evolve closer on the progress made in the “trilogue negotiations” to the Council itself. following an informal trilogue meeting which took place on Monday 13 May. The Irish presidency represents the Report on the European Council follow-up European Council in these negotiations, which are between Finally the Irish presidency is expected to present a the European Council, the European Commission and report on the follow-up and implementation of European the European Parliament. The President of the European Council conclusions. We do not expect much discussion Parliament, Martin Schulz, has made clear that they see on this point. If a discussion does develop, however, I the MFF as linked to discussion of the large, ¤11.2 billion will emphasise the need to maintain momentum on draft amending budget for 2013. I will emphasise that progress towards fulfilling the objectives outlined in the we see the two as distinct issues and progress on the Prime Minister’s EU growth agenda, which focuses on MFF should not be hindered by the separate discussions trade, reducing the burdens of regulation and deepening on the draft amending budgets. There is no evidence at and strengthening the single market, including through this early stage in the annual budget cycle that extra the creation of a digital single market. funding is needed or justified. I will continue to argue, along with our like-minded allies, that this is far too JUSTICE large and there is insufficient evidence to justify these requests. On the MFF we will continue to encourage the Deaths of Service Personnel Overseas European Parliament to consent to the deal as soon as possible, and that the ceilings from the February European The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice Council agreement must be respected. (Mrs Helen Grant): My right hon. Friend the Minister 22 May European Council preparation for the Armed Forces and I wish to make the latest of The 22 May European Council will focus on tax our quarterly statements to the House to report progress evasion and avoidance and energy. There will be an with inquests into the deaths of service personnel on update on the latest developments on economic and active service overseas. Once again we want to record monetary union (EMU), and there may also be discussion our deep gratitude to and admiration for all our service on foreign policy priorities. personnel who have served in the Iraq and Afghanistan 35WS Written Ministerial Statements14 MAY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 36WS operations. Their determination, their professionalism The Wiltshire and Swindon coroner has retained nine and their courage on behalf of us all have been totally of the open inquests and the Oxfordshire coroner has dependable. We remember those service personnel who retained 19. Coroners closer to the next of kin are have made the ultimate sacrifice, and their families left conducting the remaining 16 inquests. Two hearing behind. We particularly remember the families of the dates have been set. four service personnel who have given their lives since Deaths of service personnel who returned home injured our last statement in January. There are five open inquests into the deaths of service In this statement we give details of inquests conducted personnel who returned home injured but died of their by the Oxfordshire coroner, the Wiltshire and Swindon injuries. Two hearing dates have been set. When coroner and other coroners in England and Wales. This investigations into the remaining three deaths are completed, statement gives the position at 6 May 2013. they will be listed for hearing. We have placed tables in the Libraries of both Houses We will continue to inform the House of progress. providing additional information to supplement this statement. The tables show the status of all current cases and include information about cases where a board of inquiry or a service inquiry has been held or TRANSPORT has been directed to be held. Our Departments continue to work together to improve Balance of Competences Review: Transport our processes and ensure that they are as effective and timely as possible. As we have previously informed the House, the Chief Coroner for England and Wales is in The Minister of State, Department for Transport post and will have a number of specific powers and (Mr Simon Burns): Further to the written ministerial duties in relation to service personnel inquests. Section statement by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of 12 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 came into force State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs launching last year and enables deaths of service personnel killed the second semester of the review of the balance of abroad on active duty to be investigated in Scotland, competences today, we are publishing a call for evidence where this is appropriate. The remainder of the chief for the transport report. coroner’s powers are due to come into force this summer. The transport report will be completed by winter We will continue to support the coroners who are 2013 and will cover the overall application of EU conducting inquests into the deaths of service personnel. competence in transport. Responsibility for transport We are sincerely grateful to coroners, their staff and all policy is shared between the EU and individual member who help and support bereaved families throughout the states. The EU has an important role in ensuring a inquest process. seamless, sustainable and efficient transport network Since October 2007 both Departments have made across the EU as part of its internal market objectives. funding available for additional resources for the coroners The transport report is an opportunity to look at this for Wiltshire and Swindon and for Oxfordshire. This is role and to examine the evidence concerning the impact to help the coroners conduct the inquests of service of EU competence in transport on the UK’s national personnel who have been repatriated to airbases in their interest. districts. These are RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire, the The report will focus on the development of the airbase for repatriations from 1 April 2007 to 31 August common transport policy and the main cross-cutting 2011, and RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where themes where the EU’s exercise of competence in transport repatriations have taken place since 1 September 2011. has had an impact; economic, social, environmental, The funding prevents any backlog of inquests and helps infrastructure and external relations. the coroners to balance the service personnel inquests The call for evidence period will last for 12 weeks. within their community workload. The Department will draw together the evidence into a first draft, which will subsequently go through a process CURRENT STATUS OF INQUESTS of internal scrutiny before publication in winter 2013. Since we made our last statement there have been We will take a rigorous approach to the collection 11 inquests into the deaths of service personnel on and analysis of evidence. The call for evidence sets out operations in Iraq or Afghanistan. A total of 569 inquests the scope of the report and includes a series of broad have been held into the deaths of service personnel who questions on which contributors are invited to focus. have fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan or have died in the The evidence received (subject to the provisions of the UK from injuries they sustained in those operations. Data Protection Act) will be published alongside the There are three cases where no formal inquest has been final report in winter 2013. held. In one case, a serviceman died from his injuries in The Department will pursue an active engagement Scotland, and it was decided that a fatal accident inquiry process, consulting widely across Parliament and its would not be held. In the other two cases, the death was committees, the transport sector and the devolved taken into consideration at inquests into the deaths of Administrations in order to obtain evidence to contribute other service personnel who died in the same incidents. to our analysis of the issues. Our EU partners and the EU institutions will also be invited to contribute evidence OPEN INQUESTS to the review. Deaths in Afghanistan The result of the report will be a comprehensive As at 6 May 2013, there are 44 open inquests into the analysis of EU competence in transport and what deaths of service personnel in Afghanistan. Three of this means for the United Kingdom. It will aid our these inquests relate to deaths in the last six months. understanding of the nature of our EU membership; 37WS Written Ministerial Statements14 MAY 2013 Written Ministerial Statements 38WS and it will provide a constructive and serious contribution and the European Union: Transport” has been placed to the wider European debate about modernising, reforming in the Libraries of both Houses. It is also available and improving the EU. The report will not produce online at: specific policy recommendations. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/eu- “Call for evidence on the Government’s review of the balance-of-competences-review-transport-call-for- balance of competences between the United Kingdom evidence

103W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 104W Written Answers to ATTORNEY-GENERAL

Questions Crown Prosecution Service

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General Tuesday 14 May 2013 when the Crown Prosecution Service decided to procure 4,700 tablet computers from Logica. [154128]

PRIME MINISTER The Solicitor-General: As an integral part of the department’s Transforming Through Technology Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting programme the Crown Prosecution Service decided in principle to procure tablet style devices for use by advocates in court in June 2011 when standard laptops Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Prime Minister whether were assessed as not fit for purpose for in-court presentation he discussed his possible attendance at the upcoming of digital cases. The decision to procure the model “HP Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Elitebook 2760p” from Logica was made in November Colombo during his recent bilateral meeting with Prime 2011. Minister Harper of Canada. [155074]

The Prime Minister: I discussed a number of issues, Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General with Official including the Commonwealth, with Prime Minister Harper reference to his answer of 24 April 2013, Report, during our recent meeting. column 926W, on Crown Prosecution Service: training, for what reason there were no places on the Females Crown Prosecution Service in-house advocacy course in 2011-12 and 2012-13. [154647] Kate Green: To ask the Prime Minister which (a) The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service’s women’s sector organisations and (b) women’s interest (CPS) in-house Crown Advocacy training courses have groups Councillor Laura Trott has met in her role as been run on the basis of need, such as in the case of new Special Adviser to the Prime Minister since February appointments, promotions and professional development. 2012. [155080] The training consists of three separate courses, each of which must be passed before advocates, whether solicitors The Prime Minister: Special advisers have meetings or barristers, are permitted to prosecute in the Crown with a wide range of organisations and individuals on a Court on behalf of the Service. In 2011, the requirement range of subjects. to train more advocates ceased, as there were sufficient numbers of Crown Advocates who had passed the India relevant levels of training course, to meet the current (at the time) and future needs of the CPS for the purposes Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Prime Minister what of public prosecutions in the Crown Courts. criteria were used to select which backbench hon. This situation has continued, therefore, in-house advocacy Members would accompany him on his recent trip to courses were not run in 2011-12 and 2012-13. India; and what the cost was of travel and board for those hon. Members. [154881] Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General how The Prime Minister: Representatives from the three much was spent by the Crown Prosecution Service on main political parties accompanied me on my recent external advocacy in (a) 2012-13 and (b) each of the trip to India and they were selected on the basis of their preceding 10 years. [154667] expertise and experience. The cost will be accounted for in the published list of Ministers’ visits overseas. The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) accounting data show that in 2012-13 and each Policy Unit of the preceding 10 years expenditure on external advocacy services (including advisory work) was: Mr Jenkin: To ask the Prime Minister what relationships the hon. Members appointed by him serve on the CPS expenditure on advocacy services (£) Conservative Policy Board have with the Downing Street Policy Unit; whether they (a) have access to government 2003-04 145,934,187 papers, (b) are required to make a declaration of interests 2004-05 160,916,796 in the same manner as Ministers of the Crown and 2005-06 156,474,715 (c) are bound by government collective responsibility. 2006-07 153,729,171 [155187] 2007-08 146,929,334 2008-09 133,014,046 The Prime Minister: Members of the Conservative 2009-10 141,291,173 Party Policy Board are not members of the Government 2010-11 137,492,243 and therefore will not be bound by Government collective 2011-12 114,071,793 responsibility. Nor will they have access to Government 2012-13 118,688,986 papers. 105W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 106W

Enfield Goldman Sachs

Nick de Bois: To ask the Attorney-General how Paul Flynn: To ask the Attorney-General if he will much funding (a) the Law Officers’ Departments and set in train proceedings to prosecute Goldman Sachs (b) each of the non-departmental public bodies for for tax evasion. [154817] which he is responsible has allocated to the London Borough of Enfield in each of the last five years. The Solicitor-General: The responsibility for determining [154507] whether there are grounds to pursue a criminal investigation against an individual or company in relation to alleged The Solicitor-General: None. tax evasion falls to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, G4S which is operationally independent from the Attorney- General. Where a criminal investigation has taken place Mr Sheerman: To ask the Attorney-General what it falls to the Crown Prosecution Service to decide the current level of expenditure by the Law Officers’ whether or not a prosecution for a criminal offence is Departments is on contracts with G4S; and how much justified. was spent by his Department on contracts with G4S in each year since 2008. [154546] Prosecutions The Solicitor-General: The Serious Fraud Office and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate have not Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General how incurred any expenditure with the G4S group of companies many prosecutions were discontinued in the magistrates’ during this period. court by way of a written notice under section 23 of the TSol has spent £9,257 with the G4S group of companies Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 in (a) 2012-13 and since 2008. Apart from the expenditure in 2011, which (b) each of the preceding 10 years. [154655] relates to training services provided to the AGO, the remaining expenditure relates exclusively to the maintenance The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service of a security system provided for a building in Taunton, (CPS) holds figures for the number of defendant which TSol leases, but does not occupy. The following prosecutions discontinued in the magistrates court by table summarises total expenditure with the G4S group way of a written notice under section 23 of the Prosecution of companies for each year since 2008. of Offences Act 1985 for the last nine financial years.

£ Prosecutions with outcome— Discontinued S.23 2008 1,897 2004-05 40,001 2009 3,041 2005-06 39,596 2010 2,185 2006-07 37,513 2011 1,112 2007-08 33,200 2012 1,022 2008-09 30,226 Total 9,257 2009-10 30,665 TSol has not incurred any spending with the G4S 2010-11 32,540 group of companies since 2012. 2011-12 30,226 The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has spent £210,701 2012-13 26,809 with G4S group companies since 2008. During this time G4S have supplied security services such as key holding, Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General how guarding and maintenance of building control systems. many prosecutions were discontinued in the magistrates In August 2012 the department awarded a new facilities court because the defence successfully applied for the management contract with Europa Facilities Services prosecution to be stayed in (a) 2012-13 and (b) each of Ltd and the majority of services previously supplied by the preceding 10 years. [154656] G4S are now delivered under this contract. G4S remain under contract at a small number of sites and as these The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service agreements expire or if it is cost effective to do so (CPS) holds figures for the number of defendant earlier, these services will also be added to the Europa prosecutions discontinued in the magistrates court after contract. Current expenditure with G4S Group companies a successful defence application for the prosecution to is approximately £2,500 per month. The following table be stayed for the last seven financial years. These are set summarises total expenditure with G4S group companies out in the following table. for each year since 2008. Prosecutions with outcome— £000 prosecution stayed

2008 27 2006-07 185 2009 36 2007-08 178 2010 45 2008-09 144 2011 48 2009-10 122 2012 48 2010-11 210 2013 7 2011-12 156 Total 211 2012-13 184 107W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 108W

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General how Magistrates court Crown court many cases were dropped because the Crown Prosecution Service considered that the cost of prosecution would 2007-08 95,513 12,509 not be warranted by the likely final sentence in (a) 2008-09 80,661 12,198 2012-13 and (b) each of the preceding 10 years. [154657] 2009-10 78,901 12,930 2010-11 80,942 15,041 The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service 2011-12 75,612 12,670 (CPS) does not decide to terminate proceedings on the 2012-13 68,128 11,338 factor of cost alone. Prosecutors are asked, under the revised Code for Crown Prosecutors, to consider whether a prosecution is proportionate. The cost to the CPS and Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General what the wider criminal justice system is taken into account the Crown Prosecution Service’s conviction rate has where it could be regarded as excessive when weighed been in cases where the defendant has pleaded not against any likely penalty but prosecutors must also guilty in each of the last 10 years. [154661] consider other factors in accordance with The Code for Crown Prosecutors when making an overall assessment The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service of the public interest in prosecuting. (CPS) maintains a central record of the outcomes of cases where the defendant has pleaded not guilty and Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General how the prosecution proceed to trial. The number of many (a) magistrates’ court and (b) Crown court prosecutions (by defendant) that resulted in a conviction cases were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service following a plea of not guilty for the last nine financial (i) pre-charge and (ii) post-charge in (A) 2012-13 and years are as follows: (B) each of the preceding 10 years. [154658] Convictions Unsuccessful Total The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service contests following a (CPS) does not drop cases pre-charge; rather prosecutors NG plea decide in the most serious and sensitive cases, whether Number Percentage Number Percentage Number or not a person should be charged with a criminal offence. This decision is made in accordance with the 2004-05 71,053 70.8 29,302 29.2 100,355 Code for Crown Prosecutors in relation to whether 2005-06 64,264 68.6 29,467 31.4 93,731 there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of 2006-07 56,092 66.5 28,241 33.5 84,333 conviction and that such a prosecution is in the public 2007-08 57,678 68.0 27,137 32.0 84,815 interest. The number of cases where the CPS has decided 2008-09 53,579 66.4 27,082 33.6 80,661 to take no further action is provided for the last eight 2009-10 53,273 64.5 29,291 35.5 82,564 financial years. During this period the category of cases 2010-11 52,434 64.4 29,024 35.6 81,458 in which the CPS advised on charge has changed so that 2011-12 50,885 65.9 26,285 34.1 77,170 now 72% of CPS prosecutions result from charging 2012-13 46,532 64.6 25,503 35.4 72,035 decisions made by the police. Please note that these figures include cases where a No prosecution defendant has pleaded guilty to some, but not all, of the Financial Total pre-charge charges and the prosecution has continued to trial on year Evidential Public interest decisions the charges, where a not guilty plea has been entered. 2005-06 163,880 14,280 562,140 2006-07 169,821 16,319 582,760 Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General 2007-08 147,797 13,154 547,050 what the Crown Prosecution Service’s conviction rate 2008-09 130.450 10,445 532,427 has been in cases in which the defendant has pleaded 2009-10 119,682 7,820 477,522 not guilty of (a) rape, (b) murder, (c) murder where 2010-11 114,558 5,586 468,656 the case was prosecuted by a single counsel and (d) murder where there were multiple defendants and a 2011-12 85,030 4,074 369,564 single prosecution counsel in each of the last 10 years. 2012-13 70,844 3,072 309,315 [154662] The CPS maintains a central record of the outcomes of prosecutions (by defendant) that conclude in both The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service the magistrates and Crown courts. Dropped cases include (CPS) maintains a central record of the outcomes of those where the CPS discontinue, withdraw or offer-no cases where the defendant has pleaded not guilty and evidence; or where the prosecution or indictment is the prosecution proceeded to trial. Cases where suspects stayed or charges are left to lie on file. are considered for offences of rape are identified by way of a monitoring flag. Flagged data are available for the The number of prosecutions (by defendant) dropped last seven financial years. The outcomes of cases where in the Crown and magistrates court for the last nine a rape flag has been applied and the defendant has financial years are shown as follows: pleaded not guilty are as follows:

Magistrates court Crown court Convictions Unsuccessful All contests 2004-05 145,496 13,955 Number Percentage Number Percentage Number 2005-06 126,124 12,663 2006-07 107,651 12,290 2006-07 701 51.1 670 48.9 1,371 109W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 110W

Such data could not be reasonably obtained locally or Convictions Unsuccessful All contests nationally other than by undertaking a manual exercise Number Percentage Number Percentage Number of reviewing individual case files at a disproportionate cost. 2007-08 805 55.6 643 44.4 1,448 2008-09 809 55.9 639 44.1 1,448 Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General with 2009-10 878 53.3 769 46.7 1,647 reference to the answer of 23 April 2013, Official 2010-11 988 51.8 920 48.2 1,908 Report, columns 825-6W, on criminal proceedings, if he 2011-12 1,064 57.4 791 42.6 1,855 provide a breakdown by offence of the cases in which 2012-13 1,026 56.0 806 44.0 1,832 the prosecution offered no evidence in the Crown Court and Magistrates’ Court in (a) 2012-13 and (b) The CPS’s case management system does not allow the five preceding years. [154740] the monitoring of murder cases. However, the principal offence category, which indicates the most serious offence with which the defendant is charged at the time of The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service finalisation, allow the disaggregation of cases where the (CPS) records prosecution cases according to its principal most serious offence has been categorised as ’Homicide’. offence category (POC). The POC indicates the most The homicide category will include murder cases but serious offence with which each defendant is charged also prosecutions for manslaughter and other offences. at the time of finalisation. The POCs of the cases Data are available for the last eight financial years. The reported in the answer of 23 April 2013, Official Report, outcomes of cases identified as homicide cases where columns 825-26W, are provided in the following tables. the defendant has pleaded not guilty are as follows: Principal offence categories for cases where the CPS offered no evidence Convictions Unsuccessful All Crown court contests 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Homicide 58 27 41 26 51 2005-06 537 76.7 163 23.3 700 Offences Against 3,057 3,373 4,188 3,387 2,793 2006-07 485 76.1 152 23.9 637 The Person 2007-08 503 76.3 156 23.7 659 Sexual Offences 852 826 998 881 696 2008-09 630 82.7 132 17.3 762 Burglary 679 758 870 935 892 2009-10 514 76.1 161 23.9 675 Robbery 773 745 916 924 863 2010-11 474 81.7 106 18.3 580 Theft and 843 904 1,101 943 733 2011-12 433 82.5 92 17.5 525 Handling 2012-13 484 79.3 126 20.7 610 Fraud and 312 397 509 569 567 Forgery Please note that these figures include cases where a Criminal Damage 99 116 106 133 87 defendant has pleaded guilty to some, but not all, of the Drugs Offences 474 572 626 623 618 charges and the prosecution has continued to trial on Public Order 689 821 991 676 548 the charges where a not guilty plea has been entered. Offences The CPS do not hold a central record of the outcomes All Other 628 728 898 774 641 of murder cases prosecuted by a single counsel or of Offences murder cases which involved multiple defendants (excluding Motoring) and such information could be provided only at a Motoring 136 122 124 120 103 disproportionate cost. Offences No Category 1,134 1,148 1,101 658 620 Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General what the cost to the Crown Prosecution Service was of delays caused by trials that were ineffective because of prosecution Magistrates court error in (a) 2012-13 and (b) each of the preceding 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 10 years. [154665] Homicide 16 5275 Offences Against 8,987 9,793 10,750 10,831 10,625 The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service The Person (CPS) maintains no central record of the proportion of Sexual Offences 87 75 89 86 76 trials that were ineffective because of prosecution error. Burglary 521 493 539 563 535 Such data could not be reasonably obtained locally or Robbery 320 274 267 312 294 nationally other than by undertaking a manual exercise Theft And 2,018 1,851 2,041 2,075 2,208 of reviewing individual case files at a disproportionate Handling cost. Fraud And 155 130 119 121 195 Forgery Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General what Criminal Damage 1,625 1,607 1,656 1,536 1,482 the cost to the Crown Prosecution Service was of trials Drugs Offences 303 258 254 248 279 that were cracked because of prosecution error in (a) Public Order 2,779 2,640 2,702 2,151 1,748 2012-13 and (b) each of the preceding 10 years. [154666] Offences All Other 1,462 1,317 1,421 1,310 1,199 The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service Offences (excluding (CPS) maintains no central record of the proportion of Motoring) trials that were cracked because of prosecution error. 111W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 112W

Scotland Magistrates court 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Pete Wishart: To ask the Attorney-General what Motoring 6,685 6,082 5,734 5,410 4,934 meetings (a) he and (b) officials in the Law Officers’ Offences Departments have had with the right hon. Member of No Category 811 732 533 306 305 Edinburgh South West as part of the Scotland Analysis Programme. [154815]

Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 The Solicitor-General: Neither I and the Attorney- General or any of our officials have met with the right hon. Member for Edinburgh South West (Mr Darling), Hazel Blears: To ask the Attorney-General what as part of the Scotland Analysis Programme. steps the Law Officers’ Departments are taking to implement the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 Sexual Offences: Victim Support Schemes in its procurement procedures; and what guidance he has given to the Law Officers’ Departments’ executive Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General what agencies and non-departmental public bodies on recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of implementation of that Act. [154524] State for the Home Department about extending the provision of independent sexual violence advisers. The Solicitor-General: All of the staff working on [154125] procurement in the Law Officers’ Departments are aware of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 and the The Solicitor-General: None, though the Secretary of need to consider it when letting new contracts for State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend services. the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), chairs the The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has a centralised Inter Ministerial Group on Violence against Women procurement function and the Treasury Solicitor’s and Girls (VAWG), which I attend. This group monitors Department, Attorney-General’s Office and HM Crown and discusses progress against the VAWG action plan, Prosecution Inspectorate have transferred their procurement which includes actions in relation to the network of function to the Crown Prosecution Service under a independent sexual violence advisers. shared service arrangement. Procurement staff are aware of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 and the need to consider it when letting new contracts for HOME DEPARTMENT services. In line with Government Procurement Policy, all of Asylum: Afghanistan the Law Officer’s Departments use pre-tendered pan- government contracts wherever possible for the supply Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State of services. Such contracts will have been awarded for the Home Department what her policy is on the following an open competition process led by either the granting of political asylum to Afghan political interpreters; Government Procurement Service or another Government and what assessment she has made of differences in this Department or public sector body. policy and that previously applied to Iraqi interpreters Where a requirement for services cannot be met who had worked with UK armed forces. [154136] through a pan-government contract services will be tendered for directly, usually following an open competition Mr Harper: Our policy is to consider all asylum process. Tenders are evaluated on total value for money applications made in the United Kingdom in accordance and not price alone. Where appropriate and in addition with our obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention to considering the Public Services (Social Value) Act and grant asylum if the individual establishes a need for 2012 at the pre-procurement stage, tender evaluation protection. criteria will consider the bidders response in areas such Work is progressing on reviewing how to make as apprenticeships, training schemes, environmental appropriate provision to support locally employed civilians management and the use of Small and Medium Size as we draw down our combat mission in Afghanistan. Enterprises to deliver the service. As part of this work we have considered both the UK’s previous assistance scheme for Iraq and the arrangements that other members of the allied forces have put in place Rape: Prosecutions in Afghanistan. We continue to recognise our clear commitment to treat locally engaged staff fairly and appropriately, and to take all reasonable steps to ensure Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General how their safety and security beyond the term of their many rape prosecutions have been preceded by a employment with Her Majesty’s Government. pre-trial interview between the prosecutor and the complainant in each of the last five years. [154127] Detainees: Overseas Students

The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for do not maintain a central record of the number of rape the Home Department how many foreign nationals prosecutions that have been preceded by a pre-trial detained under immigration powers, were detained interview. Such data could not be reasonably obtained following closure of their educational establishment as locally or nationally other than by a manual exercise a result of action by her Department, in each quarter which would incur a disproportionate cost. since January 2009. [154070] 113W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 114W

Mr Harper: Information on the reasons for detention Moreover, under section 2A of the Sporting Events are not recorded centrally and would require examination (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985 it is an offence to of individual records at disproportionate cost. carry flares without lawful authority at a designated sporting event or sports ground. Driving Offences: Bassetlaw Immigrants: Detainees John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fixed penalty notices Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the were issued to motorists in Bassetlaw constituency in Home Department how many people are currently held 2011. [154168] in immigration detention centres. [154961]

Damian Green: The Home Office does not centrally Mr Harper: The latest published figures show that collect data on fixed penalty notices (FPNs) issued for there were 2,685 people who were detained in immigration motoring offences at constituency level. Available data removal centres, short term holding facilities and pre relate to FPNs issued at police force area level and were departure accommodation as at 31 December 2012. published on 18 April 2013 in the National Statistics The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual internet-only release ‘Police Powers and Procedures, statistics on the number of people detained in the UK England and Wales 2011/12’, which is available in the within Immigration Statistics. The data on people in Library of the House and from the following link: detention as at the last day of each quarter are readily https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/police-powers- available in the latest release, Immigration Statistics: and-procedures-in-england-and-wales-201112 October to December 2012, table dt.09.q from the Nottinghamshire police issued 35,812 FPNs for motoring Gov.uk website: offences in 2011. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office/ series/immigration-statistics-quarterly-release Enfield Figures on people held are those detained in the United Kingdom solely under Immigration Act powers and exclude those in police cells, Prison Service Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for the establishments, short term holding rooms at ports and Home Department how much funding (a) her Department airports (for less than 24 hours), and those recorded as and (b) each of the non-departmental public bodies for detained under both criminal and immigration powers which she is responsible has allocated to the London and their dependants. Borough of Enfield local authority in each of the last five years. [154517] Members: Correspondence

James Brokenshire: The Home Department has given Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for grants to the London borough of Enfield as stated in the Home Department when she intends to reply to the the following table. However, no funding has been given letter to her dated 2 April 2013 from the right hon. as grants by any of the non-departmental public bodies. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr T N Tchinda. [154475] Financial year Amount per year (£)

2008-09 849,403 Mr Harper: I have written to the right hon. Member 2009-10 996,868 today. 2010-11 862,242 2011-12 263,648 Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012-13 640,429 the Home Department when she intends to reply to the Total over five years 3,612,590 letter to her dated 27 March 2013 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr Mohammad Yahya Butt. [154478] Fireworks Mr Harper: I have written to the right hon. Member Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for the today. Home Department whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to make possession of (a) smoke Metals: Theft bombs and (b) flares in a public place a criminal offence. [154824] Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many instances of metal Damian Green [holding answer 13 May 2013]: There theft there have been in (a) the North West, (b) are no plans to create new offences in respect of smoke Lancashire and (c) Pendle constituency in each of the bombs or flares as legislation already exists to deal with last three years. [154681] inappropriate use of such items. If an individual was to carry these items with the Mr Jeremy Browne: The information requested is not intent to cause an injury, that individual would be currently available from the police recorded crime statistics committing an offence of carrying an offensive weapon. collected by the Home Office. It is an offence under section 1 of the Prevention of Metal theft offences have been recorded as part of Crime Act 1953 for any person to have with them an the annual data requirement for the first time for financial offensive weapon in a public place year 2012-13 and these will be published later in 2013. 115W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 116W

Police in the force, but PCCs are required to keep themselves informed about the chief constable’s handling of those Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the complaints. Home Department (a) how many and (b) what proportion Where it appears to the PCC that the chief constable of police officers were in each NRS social grade in each has not complied with a legal obligation in relation to of the last 30 years. [154793] the handling of complaints or has contravened an obligation, the PCC may direct the chief constable to Damian Green: The Home Office does not collect take whatever steps the PCC thinks appropriate. This is information on police officers by social grade. set out in greater detail in the IPCC’s statutory guidance which can be found at: IPCC.gov.uk. Police Authorities Police: Freedom of Information Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether local police authorities are Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for the required to collect data for the user satisfaction survey. Home Department what the average length of time is [154291] for a response to a Freedom of Information request made to (a) South Yorkshire police force and (b) West Damian Green: Police forces are required to collect Yorkshire police force; and what steps she is taking to data from user satisfaction surveys and submit this help these forces improve the efficiency of their replies quarterly to the Department as part of the Annual to Freedom of Information requests. [153919] Data Requirement (ADR). Police Authorities were disbanded on 22 November 2012 following the election Damian Green [holding answer 13 May 2013]: Forces of Police and Crime Commissioners. have a responsibility to comply with the requirements set by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 which Police Remuneration Review Body include timescales. Accountability for complying with those requirements Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for rests with chief constables and Police and Crime the Home Department what discussions she has had Commissioners and no information on timeliness is with Ministers in the devolved administrations of her collected centrally. Department’s proposals for the new Police Remuneration Review Body. [154883] Police: Pensions Damian Green: Home Office Ministers and officials have meetings and discussions with a wide variety of Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for the partners, as part of the process of policy development Home Department how much funding her Department and delivery.As was the case with previous Administrations, provided for the police pension top-up grant in 2011-12 it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of and 2012-13. [154948] all such meetings. The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill Damian Green: The funding of police pensions operates was introduced on 9 May. Clauses 112 to 115 of the Bill such that each police force pays employer and officer and paragraphs 83 to 88 of the Explanatory Notes contributions into a separate account. These funds are reflect the Government’s proposals on the Police then used to offset the police pensions in payment by Remuneration Review Body and the devolution implications that police force. Where the income into the police of that policy, following consultation and discussions force’s pensions account from contributions (plus other with the relevant partners, including the devolved payments such as inward transfer values) is insufficient Administrations. to meet the cash cost of pensions in payment now, it is topped up by Home Office grant. Police: Complaints The Home Office has provided the following top-up funding for 2011-12 and 2012-13 as follows: Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the £ million Home Department what the role of police and crime commissioners is with regards to public complaints 2011-12 1,064 about police handling of their cases. [154184] 2012-13 *1,232 *The figure for 2012-13 is based on police forces’ initial forecasts. The Damian Green: Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) total may be adjusted once information on police forces’ actual are directly elected to represent the public and ensure income and expenditure has been finalised. they have a voice in how their force is policed, as such they will be taking a keen interest in the public’s views Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 on these matters. A PCC is the appropriate authority for complaints Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for the relating to the chief constable. This means that PCCs Home Department how many procurement contracts are required to deal with complaints against chief constables awarded to police forces in England and Wales have in accordance with legislation. The chief constable, incorporated the social value clauses from the Public rather than the PCC, is the appropriate authority for Services (Social Value) Act 2012 since implementation complaints relating to the other police officers and staff of that Act. [154113] 117W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 118W

Damian Green: Since implementation of that Act, the Figures have been calculated using data collected over three Home Department has not awarded any contracts to years; 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12 in order to provide more police forces that require a clause under the Public robust estimates of the number of victims. Using this method it is Services (Social Value) Act 2012. estimated that there were 8,879 victims of serious sexual assault aged 16-59 where the perpetrator was unknown to the victims and 88,742 where the perpetrator was known. These figures are based Publications on the number of respondents who said they were a victim in the 12 months prior to interview, averaged across the three survey years. Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for the The CSEW also asks victims of serious sexual assault whether Home Department how much her Department spent they reported the incident to the police; however due to the on subscriptions to academic journals published by (a) relatively small numbers involved it is not possible to provide a Reed-Elsevier, (b) Wiley-Blackwell, (c) Springer and robust estimate of reporting rates broken down by victim offender (d) any other academic publisher in each of the last relationship. five years. [154497] Surveillance James Brokenshire: The Home Department’s spend with Reed-Elsevier, Wiley-Blackwell, Springer and other Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the academic publishers for the period from June 2011 to Home Department if she will provide an analysis of all December 2012 can be found in the following table. The data requests which have been made and approved Home Department is unable to provide figures prior to under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 June 2011 as the data are not centrally held and could since the implementation of that Act. [153927] be obtained only at disproportionate cost. James Brokenshire [holding answer 13 May 2013]: It There are other publications ordered on an ad-hoc is the role of the Interception of Communications basis but this information is not readily available and Commissioner to provide oversight of the systems in could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. place for acquiring communications data under the Spend, June 2011 to December 2012 Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. The analysis Publisher £ of these requests is set out in his annual reports. Copies Reed-Elsevier 0 of the reports have been placed in the Library of the House; however a copy of the latest report, dated 2011, Wiley-Blackwell 2,271 can be found at the following link: Springer 0 Sage 1,807 http://www.intelligencecommissioners.com/docs/0496.pdf Oxford 693 The 2012 annual report will be released later this Informa Healthcare 1,273 year. Taylor & Francis 2,681 Telecommunications

Sexual Offences Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what (a) organisations and (b) Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the public authorities have provided information in Home Department how many sexual assaults occur, response to her Department’s request for business cases where the perpetrator is (a) unknown and (b) known for access to communications data; and if she will to the victim in each year; and what estimate she has make a statement; [154262] made of the number of unreported sexual offences in (2) what local authorities have provided information cases where the perpetrator is known to the victim. about their ongoing requirement for communications [154180] data in response to her Department’s request for business cases for access to communications data; and Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the if she will make a statement; [154263] Cabinet Office. (3) if she will place in the Library copies of the The information requested falls within the responsibility information received from all local authorities in of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority response to her Department’s request for business cases to reply. for access to communications data; and if she will Letter from Glen Watson, dated May 2013: make a statement; [154264] As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (4) if she will place in the Library copies of the (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Questions information received from the (a) Charity Commission, asking for the number of sexual assaults where the perpetrator is (b) Environment Agency, (c) Food Standards Agency, (a) unknown and (b) known to the victim; and the number of (d) Gambling Commission, (e) Health and Safety unreported sexual offences in cases where the perpetrator is Executive, (f) Office for Communications, (g) Pensions known to the victim [154180]. Regulator and (h) Royal Mail in response to her Domestic abuse is known to be under reported in face-to-face Department’s request for business cases for access to surveys therefore the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) communications data; and if she will make a statement. includes a self completion module which asks 16-59 year olds [154265] about their experience of Intimate Personal Violence (IPV). The module asks respondents if they have been a victim of sexual assault in the past 12 months, however it does not ask how many James Brokenshire: The Government is committed to times they have been a victim. As a result, the number of victims ensuring that only those public authorities that can can be provided but not the number of incidents of sexual justify their access to communications data retain these assault. powers in the longer term. A number of public authorities 119W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 120W that have current access to communications data have Alistair Burt: We are aware of reports that Ms Al submitted their cases for continued access and these Asfoor and Ms Al Mosawa have been charged with remain under consideration. activities relating to terrorism following their arrest on The public authorities who have provided further 20 April at the Grand Prix circuit. They have both been information are listed as follows: sentenced to an initial 60 days in prison, after which Ambulance Services another hearing will take place to determine their further detainment or release. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills We encourage the Government of Bahrain to ensure Charity Commission that due process is followed as this case continues. Civil Nuclear Constabulary Criminal Cases Review Commission Eritrea Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Ireland) Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs discussions he has had with the Eritrean authorities regarding the alleged kidnapping of refugees from East Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (Northern Ireland) Sudan. [154754] Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland) Mark Simmonds: We remain concerned about allegations Department of Health—Medicines and Healthcare products of kidnapping of Eritrean refugees from Eastern Sudan. Regulatory Agency In April the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Africa Department for Transport—Accident Investigation Branches Director raised the issue with a senior representative of and Maritime and Coastguard Agency the Eritrean Government. In the same month, our Department for Work and Pensions (including in relation to ambassador in Asmara met the Eritrean authorities functions formerly the responsibility of the Child Maintenance alongside EU partners to press for full cooperation with and Enforcement Commission) UN High Commission for Refugees. In November 2012 Environment Agency migration officials visited Asmara to discuss anti-trafficking Financial Services Authority and victim protection. Fire and Rescue Services Israel Food Standards Agency Gambling Commission Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Gangmasters Licensing Authority Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference Health and Safety Executive to his answer of 22 April 2013, Official Report, Independent Police Complaints Commission column 637W, on Israel, which of the Israeli companies Information Commissioner that participated in the UK Israel Tech Hub mission Local authorities (a) are based in a settlement in the Opt or the Golan Ministry of Justice (NOMS and Contracted Out Prisons) and (b) have provided equipment, services or infra- structure to such a settlement. [155084] NHS Business Services Authority Northern Ireland Office (Prison Service) Alistair Burt: None of the Israeli companies that The Office of Communications (Ofcom) participated in the UK Israel Tech Hub mission to the Office of Fair Trading UK in April are based in illegal settlements in the The Pensions Regulator Occupied Palestinian Territories or the Golan Heights. Ports Police—Dover and Liverpool We have no information on whether these companies Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland have provided any equipment, services or infrastructure to any such settlements. Royal Mail Serious Fraud Office North Korea Scottish Environment Protection Agency UK Border Agency—including Border Force Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for All of these are being considered. As was indicated in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take the Gracious Speech on 8 May 2013, we will bring steps to ensure that the commission of inquiry to investigate forward proposals for the investigation of crime in crimes against humanity in North Korea, mandated by cyberspace in due course. the UN Human Rights Council in March 2013, is adequately resourced to conduct an investigation and make recommendations by March 2014. [154911]

Mr Swire: The resolution mandating the Commission FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE of Inquiry (COI) on human rights abuses in North Korea includes a provision requesting the Secretary-General Bahrain to provide the Special Rapporteur and the COI with adequate staffing, mechanisms and the support of the Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has Human Rights. received on the detention of Nafeesa Al Asfoor and The COI will be funded through the UN regular Rayhana Al Mosawa in Bahrain; and if he will make a budget, to which the UK contributes approximately statement. [154367] 5%. The British Government will work with partners to 121W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 122W ensure the COI is provided with all assistance to carry to urge Sudan and South Sudan to establish immediately out its mandate effectively within the prescribed time the institutions set out in the Agreement on Temporary frame. Arrangements for the Administration and Security of the Abyei Area signed on 20 June 2011 and to make North Korea: China urgent progress towards resolution of Abyei’s final status.

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he his Department has had with the government of China has received on the reported assassination of Kwol on refugees from North Korea in China and on Deng, the Paramount Chief of Abyei; and if he will arrangements for such refugees to be resettled in third make a statement. [154444] countries. [154910] Mark Simmonds: As I made clear in my public statement Mr Swire: Officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth of 5 May, we are very concerned about the incident in Office (FCO) raised the issue of refoulement and Abyei on 4 May in which Paramount Chief Deng Kwol resettlement of refugees from the Democratic People’s Deng and a UN peacekeeper were killed in an exchange Republic of Korea at the most recent UK-China Human of fire between an armed group of Misseriya and UN Rights Dialogue in January 2012. The issue was also forces. We understand that two UN peacekeepers were raised in the 2012 FCO Human Rights report, published also seriously wounded, but reports of other casualties in April 2013, and at the March 2012 session of the remain unconfirmed, The circumstances which led to United Nations Human Rights Council. the exchange of fire also remain unclear. We are closely monitoring developments, urging restraint from all sides, South Sudan and calling for a swift and transparent investigation so that those responsible are held to account. We continue Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for to urge Sudan and South Sudan to establish immediately Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he the institutions set out in the Agreement on Temporary has received on casualties amongst UN peacekeeping Arrangements for the Administration and Security of forces or others during the reported assassination of the Abyei Area signed on 20 June 2011 and to make Kwol Deng, the Paramount Chief of Abyei. [154442] urgent progress towards resolution of Abyei’s final status. Sudan Mark Simmonds: As I made clear in my public statement of 5 May, we are very concerned about the incident in Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Abyei on 4 May in which Paramount Chief Deng Kuol and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he Deng and a UN peacekeeper were killed in an exchange has had with the Sudanese authorities regarding the of fire between an armed group of Misseriya and UN alleged kidnapping of refugees from East Sudan. [154753] forces. We understand that two UN peacekeepers were also seriously wounded, but reports of other casualties Mark Simmonds: The Office of the United Nations remain unconfirmed. The circumstances which led to High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates the exchange of fire also remain unclear. We are closely that up to 70% of people entering and registering in monitoring developments, urging restraint from all sides, refugee camps in Eastern Sudan leave shortly afterwards, and calling for a swift and transparent investigation so for a range of reasons. UNHCR’s assessment is that a that those responsible are held to account. We continue high percentage of those leaving the camp do so voluntarily to urge Sudan and South Sudan to establish immediately and travel either within or outside of Sudan in search of the institutions set out in the Agreement on Temporary employment and livelihood opportunities. Some however Arrangements for the Administration and Security of do become victims of trafficking. the Abyei Area signed on 20 June 2011, and to make The plight of those trafficked is of deep concern. The urgent progress towards resolution of Abyei’s final status. UK, together with other donors, has provided support to the awareness raising and protection activities of Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for humanitarian agencies through the Common Humanitarian Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it Fund (CHF). We are working closely with the lead his policy that there should be a full UN investigation agencies. UNHCR and the International Organisation into the reported assassination of Kwol Deng, the for Migration (IOM). and we have raised concerns Paramount Chief of Abyei, including what is known of about trafficking in discussions with the Sudanese the perpetrators and from whom they received orders. Government. The British embassy in Khartoum also [154443] convened a meeting in mid-February of interested embassies to discuss the situation in Eastern Sudan, in which the Mark Simmonds: As I made clear in my public statement question of trafficking was a central point. We will of 5 May, we are very concerned about the incident in remain engaged with this important issue. Abyei on 4 May in which Paramount Chief Deng Kuol Deng and a UN peacekeeper were killed in an exchange of fire between an armed group of Misseriya and UN forces. We understand that two UN peacekeepers were EDUCATION also seriously wounded, but reports of other casualties Academies remain unconfirmed. The circumstances which led to the exchange of fire also remain unclear. We are closely Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for monitoring developments, urging restraint from all sides, Education with reference to the answer of 16 April and calling for a swift and transparent investigation so 2013, Official Report, column 360W, on academies, if that those responsible are held to account. We continue he will publish anonymised details of the complaints 123W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 124W concerning the conduct of academy brokers and the Children: Local Government Services outcome of any investigations by his Department. [155098] Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Timpson: The Department requires the highest Education which local authorities (a) are in intervention standards of conduct from academy brokers, who do a and (b) have been issued with improvement notices for very difficult job in the face of opposition to the children’s services. [155165] government’s programme to turn around failing schools. Six formal written complaints have been made to the Mr Timpson: The following table shows the list of Department about the conduct of named academy local authorities which are subject either to a Direction, brokers in the 12 months up to 16 April 2013. Five improvement notice, or where, following an inadequate investigations have been concluded and resolved to the Ofsted inspection, we are considering the appropriate Department’s satisfaction; the majority were found to form a departmental intervention might take. be without basis. Directed using In each case the complainant was given feedback on statutory powers Issue date Focus the investigation and was informed of how they could pursue their complaint further if they were not satisfied Doncaster 12 March 2009 Children’s services with the outcome. In two cases, complaints were partially Birmingham 18 March 2013 Social care upheld. One investigation is on-going. (Safeguarding and Adoption) Basic Skills: Bassetlaw Improvement John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Notice what assessment his Department has made of the level Barnsley 27 November 2012 Social care of literacy and numeracy of (a) primary school leavers (Safeguarding and Looked After and (b) secondary school leavers in Bassetlaw constituency Children) in each of the last five years. [154148] Bexley 26 October 2012 Social care (Safeguarding) Elizabeth Truss: The information requested is provided Blackpool 2 November 2012 Social care in the following tables: (Safeguarding) Primary school leavers achievements at the expected level1 by pupils at Calderdale 8 April 2010 Social care the end of key stage 2 in Basset law parliamentary constituency2: (Safeguarding) Years 2008-123 Coverage: Bassetlaw constituency4 Cambridgeshire 7 February 2013 Social care Percentage of KS2 (Safeguarding) pupils achieving Cumbria 3 August 2012 Social care expected level in: 2008 2009 2010 2011 20125 (Safeguarding) English 79 78 78 83 86 Herefordshire 14 February 2013 Child protection/ Children’s Services Maths 8080818284 Kent 8 March 2011 Social care 1 IncludespupilswhoachievedLevel4orabove.Level4isthe (Safeguarding and expected level of achievement for pupils at the end of key stage 2 Adoption) 2 Parliamentary constituency figures are based on the postcode of the school. Kingston upon 15 October 2012 Social care 3 Data is final data for all years. Thames (Safeguarding) 4 Includes state-funded schools including academies. Figures do not Peterborough 29 June 2010 Social care include pupils recently arrived from overseas. (Safeguarding) 5 In 2012, English was calculated from reading test results and writing Rochdale 9 April 2013 Child protection/ teacher assessment rather than from reading and writing tests as in Children’s Services previous years. English in 2012 is, therefore, not comparable to Sandwell 23 March 2010 Social care previous years. (Safeguarding) Source: National Pupil Database Sefton 1 December 2012 Social care (Adoption) Secondary school leavers percentages of pupils at the end of key Slough 27 November 2011 Social care stage 4 achieving A*-C grades in English and mathematics GCSEs1 in (Safeguarding) Basset law constituency2 Years: 2007/08 to 2011/123 Coverage: Sutton 27 November 2012 Social care Bassetlaw constituency4 (Safeguarding) Percentage of KS4 Torbay 31 January 2011 Social care pupils achieving an (Safeguarding and A*-C grade in: 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 Adoption) Walsall 2 November 2012 Social care English 45.3 45.5 49.3 54.7 67.4 (Safeguarding) Maths 42.1 44.2 48.0 53.9 65.0 West Sussex 15 March 2011 Social care 1 Full GCSEs only have been included (Full GCSEs, double awards, (Safeguarding) accredited international certificates and their predecessor iGCSEs Wiltshire 25 September 2012 Social care and AS levels). Figures from 2007/08-2008/09 exclude iGCSEs, 2009/10 (Safeguarding and figures onwards include accredited iGCSEs. Adoption) 2 Parliamentary constituency figures are based on the postcode of the school. 3 Data is final data for all years. In process of 4 Includes state-funded schools including academies. Figures do not issuing a Direction include pupils recently arrived from overseas. Isle of Wight. Following Ofsted’s inadequate judgment of Source: child protection (published 15 January 2013) National Pupil Database 125W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 126W

Priority School Building Programme Directed using statutory powers Issue date Focus Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he expects to announce the first batch In process of of the priority school building programme. [155097] issuing an Improvement Notice Mr Laws: The first two batches of schools being Medway Following Ofsted’s inadequate judgment of delivered under the Priority School Building programme child protection (published 15 February 2013) were released to the market in October last year and a further six batches of schools were released to the market earlier this year. Construction work will start on Decision pending the first school later this month. Northamptonshire Following Ofsted’s inadequate judgment of child protection (published 21 December The full announcement regarding the release of batches 2012) can be found via: Norfolk Following inadequate judgment for Ofsted http://dfe.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/schoolscapital/ protection of children (published 22 February priority-school-building-programme/a00224812/priority- 2013) school-building-programme-announcement Cheshire East Following Ofsted’s inadequate judgment of child protection (published 23 April 2013) Skills Funding Agency

Dominic Cummings Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when the Skills Funding Agency will produce Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for its property data survey. [155096] Education with reference to the answer of 25 April 2013, Official Report, columns 1170-1W, on Dominic Matthew Hancock: I will write to the hon. Member Cummings, (1) who else attended the meetings held in for Cardiff West with the information requested. his Department described as being for discussion on Teachers funding pressures on (a) 27 January 2011, (b) 27 January continued, (c) 1 February 2011 and (d) 2 February 2011; [155166] Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to enhance the (2) what outcomes and decisions arose from the professionalism of teachers. [155086] meetings held in his Department described as being for discussion on funding pressures on (a) 27 January 2011, Mr Laws: We have taken steps to ensure that teaching (b) 27 January 2011 continued, (c) 1 February 2011 is an attractive career proposition for the brightest and and (d) 2 February 2011. [155167] best graduates; we now have the highest ever number of graduates with good degrees applying to train as teachers. Elizabeth Truss: The meetings held at the Department With our reforms to Initial Teacher Training they will for Education on funding pressures that took place on increasingly do so in a system that is led by schools, 27 January 2011, 1 February 2011 and 2 February 2011 with high-quality training designed and delivered by the were attended by the relevant officials working on funding profession itself. and strategy within the Department. The Department does not disclose details of decisions made at departmental We have significantly reduced central prescription meetings. and bureaucracy; devolving greater responsibility for decisions to those who are best placed to make them using their professional judgment—teachers and head Free School Meals teachers. We have created opportunities for teachers to take charge of establishing and running schools themselves. Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Education A profession should determine its own standards; whether he plans to consult on eligibility for free school that is why we asked a group of leading teachers and meals ahead of the introduction of universal credit. head teachers to develop a new set of Teachers’ Standards [153906] which define the essentials of good teaching. These clear new standards—created by teachers for teachers—are Mr Laws: We are working very closely with other now used to assess performance and to help teachers departments, including the Cabinet Office and the plan their professional development. Department for Work and Pensions, to simplify free school meals criteria under universal credit, while ensuring Teachers: Training that free lunches continue to be available to the families who need them most These discussions, which include Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for consideration of a phased implementation timetable, Education what recent assessment he has made of proposals are in recognition of the significant number and complexity for the establishment of a Royal College of Teaching. of passported benefits across Government, most of [155087] which have different eligibility criteria. We will allow good time to enable schools, local Mr Laws: The establishment of an independent authorities and children’s charities to comment on our professional body for teachers would represent an important proposals before we introduce new entitlement criteria step in helping the teaching profession to realise greater for free school meals under universal credit. autonomy and self-determination, like the medical 127W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 128W profession. We welcome the current debate, which sends Michael Fallon: In his role as Head of UK Trade a hugely important signal about the aims and aspirations Investment Defence and Security Organisation, Richard of the teaching profession. Paniguian has discussions about equipment requirements However, we recognise that, if it is to be successful, with officials from many countries, including Bahrain. an emergent professional body must have its genesis within, the profession itself. Any role for Government Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, would depend on how such a body proposed to operate, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on the sale of and how it wished to work with Government. Nevertheless, military equipment to Bahrain. [154067] we are firmly in agreement with the view that an effective professional body for teachers could play a vital role in Michael Fallon: The Export Control Organisation further raising standards of teaching, championing within the Department for Business, Innovation and excellence and enhancing the status of the teaching Skills administers the UK’s strategic export licensing profession. system, which relates to controls on the export from the UK of specified military and dual-use goods. Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for All export licence applications are assessed on a Education what steps he is taking to encourage continuing case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and professional development for teachers. [155088] National Arms Export Licensing Criteria taking into account all relevant factors, including the prevailing Mr Laws: Research suggests that the most effective circumstances in the recipient country and the stated types of professional development are collaborative, end-use. A licence would not be issued if it was inconsistent sustained; closely linked to teachers’ classroom practice with any of the Criteria. and supported by expertise. We are creating a national network of Teaching Schools to improve the capacity of Central Sussex College schools to take the lead in the training and development of teachers and create more opportunities for peer-to-peer Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for learning. Business, Innovation and Skills if he will arrange an The new Teachers’ Standards set a clear benchmark urgent review of the financial situation of the Central for the level of practice expected of all teachers, and Sussex College. [155110] provide a valuable tool to help head teachers and teachers identify and address development needs through regular Matthew Hancock: Steps have already been taken to appraisal. review urgently the financial situation of the College. While we increasingly expect schools and teachers to The Chief Executive Skills Funding Agency has met the take more responsibility for their own professional Principal and further investigations and discussions are development, there are some areas where we have provided taking place, involving the College’s Audit and management additional support, such as the National Scholarship teams and officials in the Agency. Fund, through which we are encouraging more teachers to deepen their subject knowledge and SEN expertise. Climate Change We have recently announced £2 million funding so that the best computing teachers can help train thousands Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for more teachers. Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the answer of 15 April 2013, Official Report, column 261W, Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for on climate change, what statistical models were used in Education what plans he has put in place to monitor any analyses done to calculate significances. [153909] School Direct trainees’ subsequent employment within their training school or group of schools; and whether Mr Willetts: The analyses used the statistical model their employment will be on a permanent or temporary developed by Brohan et al and published in the following basis. [155095] peer-reviewed paper: Brohan, P., J. J. Kennedy, I. Harris, S. F.B. Tett, and P.D. Jones (2006), Uncertainty estimates Mr Laws: Employment of School Direct trainees will in regional and global observed temperature changes: A be monitored through the existing six month employment new data set from 1850, J. Geophys. Res., 111, D12106, survey that initial teacher training providers are currently doi:10.1029/2005JD006548. required to undertake, and the DFE school workforce survey. These will include whether employment is on a Copyright permanent or temporary basis. Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will bring forward legislative proposals to make it illegal to strip BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS copyright metadata and other information which identifies the copyright holder of a piece of work. Arms Trade: Bahrain [154678]

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Jo Swinson: Section 296ZG of The Copyright Designs Innovation and Skills whether Richard Paniguian, Head, and Patents Act 1988 (as amended) already provides UKTI Defence and Security Organisation, discussed protection against the deliberate removal or alteration the sale of military equipment to Bahrain during his of electronic rights management information such as recent visit to that country. [154066] metadata from copyrighted works, where there is knowledge 129W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 130W or reason to believe that by doing so the person is 1 April 2012 1 May 2013 inducing, enabling, facilitating or concealing an infringement of copyright. Cardiff 5 5 Energy: Bassetlaw Chatham 1 1 Chester 7 5 Croydon 5 5 John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Exeter 5 3 Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the current value of the energy sector to the Gloucester 4 2 economy of Bassetlaw constituency; and what estimate Hull 9 6 he has made of the value of the energy sector to the Ipswich 4 3 economy of Bassetlaw constituency in (a) 2018 and Leeds 12 9 (b) 2023. [154160] Leicester 7 5 Liverpool 4 3 Michael Fallon: Estimates of the financial contributions London 12 8 of sectors are not available at the constituency level nor Manchester 6 4 are forecasts made of such data. Newcastle 3 1 Data from the Business Registers Employment Survey Northampton 4 2 (BRES) indicate that the energy sector (defined here, in Norwich 10 5 accordance with Section D of the Standard Industrial Nottingham 10 5 Classification Codes as the supply of electricity, gas, Plymouth 2 1 steam and air-conditioning) supported around 700 jobs Sheffield 4 1 in the Bassetlaw constituency in 2011. Reading 3 3 Southampton 3 3 Enfield Southend 4 3 St Albans 4 3 Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Stockton 4 3 Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding (a) Stoke 4 3 his Department and (b) each of the non-departmental Swansea 6 3 public bodies for which he is responsible has allocated Whitstable 6 3 to the London borough of Enfield local authority in 195 129 each of the last five years. [154506]

Jo Swinson: Core BIS has made payments to the In December 2012 some 52 L1 examiners were declared London borough of Enfield local authority as follows: surplus. A number chose to voluntarily leave The Insolvency Service under an exit scheme or have found other Financial year £ employment. The Insolvency Service is currently assisting those remaining in seeking alternative employment. 2008/09 157 The reduction in L1 examiners is as a result of 2009/10 19,993 overcapacity, caused by falling debtor petition bankruptcy 2010/11 172,744 numbers, and not due to any delivery strategy. 2011/12 122,331 The number of L1 examiners needed in the future 2012/13 99,182 will be kept under review in light of fluctuations in case 2013/14 (up to 10 May 2013) 0 input numbers and any efficiency gains resulting from Insolvency Service future process reviews.

John Healey: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Minimum Wage Innovation and Skills how many L1 examiners at each location are employed by the Insolvency Service; and how many such examiners (a) were employed at each Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for location before implementation of restructuring under Business, Innovation and Skills (1) if he will take steps the Delivery Strategy and (b) will be employed at each to implement the Low Pay Commission’s recommendation location after that restructuring is complete. [155093] in its 2013 report to publish on gov.uk effective, clear and accessible guidance on all aspects of the minimum Jo Swinson: On 1 April 2012 and 1 May 2013 respectively wage; [154958] there were 195 and 129 L1 examiners employed by The (2) with reference to the answer of 25 February 2012, Insolvency Service at the following locations: Official Report, column 291W,on entertainers, if he will implement the Low Pay Commission’s recommendation 1 April 2012 1 May 2013 to provide sector-specific guidance on the national minimum wage for the entertainment sector. [154906] Birmingham 19 10 Blackpool 10 7 Jo Swinson: We are taking a number of steps to Bournemouth 4 4 publish clear guidance regarding national minimum Brighton 5 2 wage legislation and to make it more accessible. Bristol 4 3 Cambridge 5 5 The first step was to transfer key messages from Directgov and Business Link to Gov.uk. 131W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 132W

The next step is to publish detailed guidance and There is no set running cost for courses. Funding for examples of specific areas of national minimum wage the Offenders’ Learning and Skills Service phase 4 legislation. The most recent guidance to be published is follows similar principles, rules and evidence requirements the Worker Checklist, which helps both employers and to those for the Skills Funding Agency’s main adult individuals to understand the characteristics of a worker learning budget. Each learning aim has a published rate and therefore, the situations where the national minimum per learner, with 20% of funding generated when the wage should be paid: learner achieves the learning aim, and the remaining https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national- funding split into monthly payments based on the number minimum-wage-worker-checklist of months between the learning start date and the We will continue to work with the Government Digital planned end date. Service to publish further detailed guidance, including Public Houses entertainment sector specific case studies. These will appear on Gov.uk in due course. Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Pay Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking to better regulate public houses and breweries. [154102]

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Jo Swinson: The Government seeks to support a Innovation and Skills what guidance his Department healthy, thriving and diverse pubs sector. We have launched issues on the actions that would result in the suspension a consultation on establishing a statutory Code of Practice or removal of a bonus payment to an official in his and an independent Adjudicator to enforce the Code, to Department; what the process is for clawing back such govern the relationship between pub companies and bonuses; and on how many occasions this has happened their tenants. We welcome evidence about the impact in each of the last five years. [154990] such proposals would have on the pubs industry. Jo Swinson: An element of the BIS overall pay award The consultation and associated short online for staff below the Senior Civil Service (SCS) is allocated questionnaire closes on 14 June 2013, and can be found to non-consolidated, non-pensionable pay related to at: performance. There are two types of award: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/pub- companies-and-tenants-consultation 1. In-year awards that recognise strong performance in particularly demanding tasks or situations. This consultation forms part of the Government’s 2. Annual performance awards, that reward staff based on wider work to support the pubs sector, including abolishing their annual performance rating. These are non-consolidated, the beer duty escalator and cutting beer duty this year. non-pensionable pay awards, used to drive high performance and have to be earned each year against pre-determined targets and Public Sector: Procurement do not add to future pay bills. The payments made for both types of award are entirely related to staff performance. Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Performance awards for the SCS are part of the pay Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions system across the whole Senior Civil Service, and are he has had with the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, used to reward high performance sustained throughout Investment and Cities in the Scottish Government regarding the year, based on judgments and about how well an public procurement. [154429] individual has performed relative to their peers. The performance related pay scheme is designed to Jo Swinson: The Secretary of State for Business, help drive high performance and support better public Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member service delivery. Performance awards are non-consolidated for Twickenham (Vince Cable), has had no recent and non-pensionable and do not add to future paybill discussions with the Scottish Government about public costs. procurement. There are no contractual entitlements to any Performance John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Awards in BIS. All of the awards are paid after the work Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the that they recognise has been completed. Therefore the answer of 22 April 2013, Official Report, column 719W, Department does not issue any guidance on what actions on public sector: procurement, what discussions he has would result in the suspension or removal of an award, had with the European Commission regarding the proposed and there are no processes for clawing awards back. changes. [154604] Prisons: Education Jo Swinson: Cabinet Office is the lead Department for policy matters relating to Government efficiency, Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, transparency and accountability. This includes leading Innovation and Skills what educational courses are on this Government’s active involvement in negotiations offered to prisoners; and what the running cost is for with the European Commission on the EU procurement each such course. [154397] rules in their entirety.

Matthew Hancock: I refer my hon. Friend to the John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the Witham (Priti Patel), on 13 May 2013, Official Report, answer of 22 April 2013, Official Report, column column 84W. 719W, on public sector: procurement, when he expects These offenders were funded via the Offenders’ Learning his Department to generate a policy on the proposed and Skills Service (OLASS) budget. changes. [154605] 133W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 134W

Jo Swinson: The timing of the delivery of any Michael Fallon: The development of a pilot critical departmental policy in relation to the new EU procurement resources dashboard is being led by the Environment rules is dependent not only on the finalisation of the Sustainability Knowledge Transfer Network (ESKTN). revised directives, but also the approach taken to and A prototype site is available at: timing of the transposition of the revised directives into www.resourcedashboard.co.uk UK law. The ESKTN has been working to develop the site and The new EU procurement rules are still in negotiation. gather further data, working with other partners including Cabinet Office is the lead department for policy matters the British Geological survey and the Waste and Resources relating to Government efficiency, transparency and Action programme. The ESKTN expect to make further accountability. This includes leading on this Government’s announcements about the launch of the dashboard by active involvement in negotiations with the European the Summer. Commission on the EU procurement rules in their entirety. Sussex University Cabinet Office will also lead on UK transposition. The transposition period and activities will include the Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for generation of cross-government and departmental policies Business, Innovation and Skills what funds from his on this and other changes in readiness for the as yet to Department have been received by the University of be determined UK implementation date. Sussex in each of the last five years; and to what use such funds have been put. [155107] Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 Mr Willetts: Section 65(1) of the Further and Higher Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Education Act 1992 makes the Higher Education Funding Innovation and Skills what steps his Department is Council for England (HEFCE) responsible for taking to implement the Public Services (Social Value) administering the funds made available by the Secretary Act 2012 in its procurement procedures; and what guidance of State to HE institutions. The following table shows he has given to his Department’s executive agencies and the funding which HEFCE has allocated to the university non-departmental public bodies on implementation of of Sussex for the period requested. The Further and that Act. [154523] Higher Education Act 1992 requires that these funds be used for the purposes of teaching, research and associated Jo Swinson: The Department ensures that Cabinet activities. Office Procurement Policy Notes (PPN) are circulated to the Department’s Partner Organisations and to UK Academic year Funding (£ million) Shared Business Services Ltd (UK SBS) who provide 2008/09 56.6 Strategic Procurement services to the Department. 2009/10 60.0 A PPN on the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 2010/11 56.3 was issued by Cabinet Office in December 2012 ahead 2011/12 48.8 of the 31 January implementation date. 2012/13 41.2 Through UK SBS, the Department is aligned with the Act’s requirements with consideration being given in the pre-procurement phase to economic, environmental Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for and social benefits and the resultant procurement approach Business, Innovation and Skills (1) if he will review the being designed accordingly. regulatory and accountability regime of the University of Sussex; [155108] Publications (2) if he will conduct a financial and academic audit of the University of Sussex. [155109] Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Department Mr Willetts: The Higher Education Funding Council spent on subscriptions to academic journals published for England (HEFCE) is responsible for administering by (a) Reed-Elsevier, (b) Wiley-Blackwell, (c) Springer the funds made available by the Secretary of State to and (d) any other academic publisher in each of the HE institutions. HEFCE agrees a Financial Memorandum last five years. [154487] with all the institutions it funds which sets out the regulatory and accountability framework. Under this Jo Swinson: The Department has not made any payments framework, HEFCE monitor financial and accountability to (a) Reed-Elsevier, (b) Wiley-Blackwell, or (c) Springer information from institutions on an annual basis and during each of the last five years. In addition, the carry out assurance visits to institutions on a five-yearly Department does not hold a central record of spend on cyclical basis. HEFCE last carried out an assurance subscriptions to academic journals. visit to the university of Sussex in October 2008. HEFCE also acts as principal regulator of HE institutions which, Risk Management like Sussex, are exempt charities under the Charities Act 2011. Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what progress his UK Trade and Investment Department has made towards the launch of the critical resources dashboard; [154468] Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) when the critical resources dashboard will be Business, Innovation and Skills (1) if he will consider launched. [154469] privatising UK Trade and Investment; [154255] 135W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 136W

(2) what discussions he has had with the Chancellor Distributive Trade of the Exchequer about privatising UK Trade and Investment. [154256] Mr Robin Walker: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many people were employed in the (a) retail Michael Fallon: The Government have no current sector, (b) e-commerce and online retail sector and (c) plans to consider the privatisation of UK Trade and wholesale and distribution sector on (i) 1 March 2010 Investment (UKTI). and (ii) 1 March 2013. [154435] Where there is alignment with its longer term strategy needs, UKTI is taking the opportunity to bring in Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the private sector personnel expertise. It is also outsourcing responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have the delivery of certain services to the private sector by asked the authority to reply. the use of incentivised contracts. Letter from Glen Watson, dated May 2013: This is done in those areas where UKTI lacks existing As Director General for the Office for National Statistics strength and where it is considered that private sector (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary expertise is more beneficial to UKTI’s customers. Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office the number There have been no discussions between the Secretary of people employed in the (a) retail sector, (b) e-commerce and of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the right online retail sector and (c) wholesale and distribution sector on (i) hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), and the 1 March 2010 and (ii) 1 March 2013 [154435] Chancellor of the Exchequer, the right hon. Member In answering queries relating to employment by industry, ONS for Tatton (Mr Osborne), about privatising UK Trade provide Workforce Jobs (WFJ) estimates. This is the preferred measure of jobs by industry, and is the sum of employee jobs and Investment. (EJ), self-employment jobs (SEJ), government-supported trainees Urenco (GST) and Her Majesty’s Forces (HMF). To compare monthly data, seasonally adjusted data is most suitable; however WFJ is only available on a seasonally adjusted Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for basis at industry Section level. The WFJ estimates for March Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has 2012 and December 2012 for Section G; ‘Wholesale & retail made of the revenue to be accrued to the Government trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles’ are as follows: through the sale of its shares in Urenco. [155102] Number (thousand) Michael Fallon: The Government do not estimate expected proceeds from individual asset sales. To do so March 2010 4,794 would prejudice the Government’s commercial position December 2012 4,881 in ongoing and future sale processes. In assessing any Estimates for March 2013 are yet to be published. potential sale a priority for the Government, alongside ONS does produce a more detailed industry breakdown for ensuring the protection of our security and non-proliferation seasonally adjusted data, but just for employee jobs (EJ); as interests, will be to achieve value for money for the shown in the table below. Employee Jobs account for approximately British taxpayer. 92% of Workforce Jobs in Section G. Employee jobs Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Thousand (seasonally adjusted) Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects the Wholesale, sale of the Government’s shares in Urenco to be retail trade Wholesale Retail trade, completed. [155103] and repair of trade, except except of motor vehicles of motor motor vehicles Michael Fallon: The timing of any proposed sale has and vehicles and and not yet been determined and will be conditional on a motorcycles motorcycles motorcycles number of factors, including further discussions with March 2010 473 1,081 2,862 our Urenco partners. Further announcements will be December 2012 468 1,115 2,922 made in due course. Jobs estimates for e-commerce and online retail are not produced by ONS.

CABINET OFFICE G4S Civil Servants: Pay Mr Sheerman: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the current level of expenditure by his Office when he will next meet representatives of the Department is on contracts with G4S; and how much PCS Union to discuss pay and conditions for civil was spent by his Department on contracts with G4S in servants. [154425] each year since 2008. [154547]

Mr Maude: I meet regularly with representatives of Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office has no current trade unions to discuss a range of issues. expenditure with G4S. As part of my Department’s transparency programme, As part of my Department’s transparency programme, details of ministerial meetings with external organisations it has been Cabinet Office policy since January 2011 to are published on the Cabinet Office website at: publish details of all contracts with a value of £10,000 https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/cabinet-office/ or more on Contracts Finder: series/ministers-transparency-publications www.gov.uk/contracts-finder 137W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 138W

In addition, Cabinet Office expenditure over £25,000, Internet: Barrow in Furness is published at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/cabinet-office-spend- John Woodcock: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet data Office what estimate he has made of the number of Inflation households in Barrow and Furness constituency which do not have access to the internet. [155089] Mr Jenkin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will ask the Office for National Statistics to provide Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the a list of all known official uses of (a) the retail price responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have index measure of inflation, (b) the consumer price asked the authority to reply. index measure of inflation and (c) any alternative Letter from Glen Watson, dated May 2013: measure of inflation. [155048] As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office what estimate has been asked the authority to reply. made of the number of households in the Barrow and Furness constituency which do not have access to the Internet. (155089) Letter from Glen Watson, dated May 2013: Estimates of household internet access are published on an As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I annual basis by the Office for National Statistics and are also have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question concerning available on our website. These estimates are derived from the the known official uses of the retail prices index (RPI), consumer Opinions and Lifestyle Survey. It is not possible from this survey, prices index (CPI) and any alternative measure of inflation. due to its small sample size, to produce accurate estimates of (155048) household internet access at a lower level of geography than The uses have been described in an article ‘How ONS consumer region. price statistics are used’: The latest available estimate (in respect of 2012) of the number http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/cpi/consumer-price-indices/ of households in the North West without access to the internet is july-2011/how-ons-consumer-price-statistics-are-used.pdf 0.7 million. The article adds more detail to the following summary. Both CPI and RPI are used as macroeconomic indicators of inflation particularly by Her Majesty’s Treasury to inform decisions Ministerial Policy Advisers: Vetting on economic policy and to monitor the effectiveness of policy. A range of government departments also use both measures to monitor how prices for specific goods and services compare with Mr Watson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet general levels of inflation and to remove the effect of price Office (1) how many current Government special advisers changes when forming policy. have been subject to (a) all forms of personnel security The RPI is used to uprate the redemption values of index-linked control, (b) a counter terrorism check, (c) a security gilt-edged securities and national savings certificates. check and (d) developed vetting; [155094] The CPI is used: as the basis of the government’s inflation target. (2) how many times the Security Vetting Appeals Panel has met since May 2010; [155177] to deflate ONS retail sales estimates and relevant components of the national accounts, such as household final consumption (3) how many special advisers have used the appeals expenditure, to constant prices so that the effects of price change process to challenge an adverse vetting decision since are removed from the series. May 2010. [155182] in the uprating of state pensions (alongside the average weekly earnings index), public service pensions and most state benefits. Mr Maude: As was the practice under the previous Two new official measures of inflation - CPIH and RPIJ - were Administration, each Government Department is introduced in March. CPIH is a new measure of consumer price inflation that includes owner occupiers’ housing costs. These are responsible for determining its personnel security controls the costs associated with owning, maintaining and living in one’s and any related vetting requirements, in line with the own home. RPIJ is an improved variant of the Retail Prices Index HMG Security Policy Framework. Information on the which is calculated using formulae that meet international standards. framework is available via: ONS currently classifies these new series as experimental statistics https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hmg-personnel- and they are being assessed by the assessment team of the UK security-controls Statistics Authority to determine whether they should be awarded National Statistics status. Since they have only recently been Information relating to internal discussion and advice is introduced, there are unlikely to be many official uses as yet. not normally disclosed. Information about individual There is, additionally, a family of indices behind the headline security clearances is not held centrally. measures that is used for a variety of official purposes. For example, CPIY is the CPI excluding price changes which are directly due to changes in indirect taxation. This is used, for Population example by HM Treasury, to assess inflation at times when the headline CPI is directly influenced by Government-driven changes to taxes and duty. Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet The CPI is also the UK’s official measure of inflation provided Office how many residents of each parliamentary for the purposes of the European Union. In that context it is constituency in England and Wales were born in Northern referred to as the harmonised index of consumer prices (HICP). Ireland. [154296] HICPs provide the official measure of consumer price inflation in the euro-zone for the purposes of monetary policy in the euro area and assessing inflation convergence as required under the Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Maastricht criteria. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have These are the official uses known to ONS. asked the authority to reply. 139W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 140W

Letter from Glen Watson, dated May 2013: My officials have looked into this matter and I am As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I satisfied that there are sufficient measures in place to have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking ensure that public sector organisations with legally separate the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many residents of each identities make the greatest possible use of alternative parliamentary constituency in England and Wales were born in dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. My officials do Northern Ireland. (154296) not believe that further investigation will yield greater A file containing an extract from 2011 Census Table KS204EW, savings in this area. which provides the information you requested for Westminster Parliamentary Constituencies in England and Wales, will be There are three core measures that require or encourage stored in the Library of the House. public sector organisations to use mediation or arbitration, where possible, before resorting to court proceedings: Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet The Dispute Resolution Commitment (DRC) 2011 updates Office how many and what proportion of the residents and replaces the Alternative Dispute Resolution Pledge 2001 and of each constituency in England and Wales were born covers all Government Departments and agencies. in (a) England and (b) Wales. [154796] The Local Authority DRC, soon to be launched, will promote the proportionate management and early resolution of local Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the government disputes. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have The Pre-Action Protocol for Judicial Review expects parties to asked the authority to reply. consider ADR procedures. It is supported by current Government proposals to reform Judicial Review and develop a simpler, quicker Letter from Glen Watson, dated May 2013: and more proportionate justice system. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Collectively, the work undertaken by the Government have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question on (a) how many and (b) what proportion of the residents of each to ensure greater public sector use of ADR methods constituency in England and Wales were born in (i) England and has saved taxpayers an estimated £360 million over the (ii) Wales. 154796. last decade. A file containing an extract from 2011 Census Table KS204EW which provides the information you have requested for Westminster Unemployment Parliamentary Constituencies in England and Wales, will be stored in the Library of the House. Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Public Administration Select Committee Reports Office what comparative assessment he has made of differences in unemployment levels between (a) white, Mr Jenkin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (b) mixed race, (c) Indian, (d) Pakistani, (e) Bangladeshi, (1) when the Government intends to publish its response (f) Chinese and (g) black ethnic groups. [154617] to the Public Administration Select Committee’s sixth report of Session 2012-13 on the report, Special advisers Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the in the thick of it; [155052] responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have (2) when the Government intends to publish its response asked the authority to reply. to the Public Administration Select Committee’s third Letter from Glen Watson, dated May 2013: report of session 2012-13 on Business appointment As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I rules. [155053] have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office what comparative assessment Mr Maude: The Government welcomes the Committee’s has been made of the differences in unemployment levels between reports on these two important issues and will respond (a) white, (b) mixed race, (c) Indian, (d) Pakistani, (e) Bangladeshi, as soon as possible. (f) Chinese and (g) black ethnic groups. 154617 Public Sector: Civil Proceedings The tables provided show the latest available estimates regarding the information requested. Estimates of unemployment by ethnic group are derived from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). As with Stephen McPartland: To ask the Minister for the any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject to a Cabinet Office with reference to the answers of 5 March margin of uncertainty. Indications of the quality of the estimates 2013, Official Report, columns 973-74W, on written provided are given in the tables. questions: Government responses, and 10 September Estimates of unemployment by ethnic group are published 2012, Official Report, column 120W, on public sector: quarterly in a supplementary table to the Labour Market Statistical civil proceedings, when he expects to provide a full Bulletin (Table A09), last published in February 2013 via the update. [154064] following link: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/lms/labour-market-statistics/ Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office does not currently february-2013/table-a09.xls receive or hold information on the number of legal The estimates provided in this answer contain some small claims between public sector organisations, or their revisions that were not available for the table published in February costs. 2013.

Unemployment of people aged 16 and over by ethnic group, each quarter, 2012, United Kingdom, not seasonally adjusted Total1 White2 Mixed Indian Pakistani Level Rate4 Level Rate4 Level Rate4 Level Rate4 Level Rate4 (thousand) (%) (thousand) (%) (thousand) (%) (thousand) (%) (thousand) (%)

Q1 2,594 8.2 2,144 7.5 43 14.5 77 9.8 71 18.0 Q2 2,519 7.9 2,075 7.3 50 17.3 74 9.0 69 16.6 141W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 142W

Unemployment of people aged 16 and over by ethnic group, each quarter, 2012, United Kingdom, not seasonally adjusted Total1 White2 Mixed Indian Pakistani Level Rate4 Level Rate4 Level Rate4 Level Rate4 Level Rate4 (thousand) (%) (thousand) (%) (thousand) (%) (thousand) (%) (thousand) (%)

Q3 2,601 8.1 2,134 7.4 40 13.1 82 9.9 66 15.1 Q4 2,471 *7.7 1,997 *6.9 48 ***15.5 67 ***8.3 78 ***18.4

Annual 2,546 7.9 2,088 7.3 45 15.1 75 9.2 71 17.0 Average

Bangladeshi Chinese Black/African/Caribbean Other3 Level Level Level Level (thousand) Rate4 (%) (thousand) Rate4 (%) (thousand) Rate4 (%) (thousand) Rate4 (%)

Q1 19 12.9 13 10.2 141 18.4 85 11.1 Q2 18 13.5 18 13.3 123 15.5 91 11.6 Q3 30 18.8 15 10.9 134 16.0 100 12.2 Q4 33 ****20.0 14 ****9.3 135 ***15.8 99 ***12.2

Annual 25 16.3 15 10.9 134 16.4 94 11.8 Average 1 Total includes people who have not stated their ethnic group. 2 ’White’ also includes respondents in England, Wales and Scotland identifying themselves as ’White-Gypsy or Irish Traveller’ and respondents in Scotland identifying themselves as ’White-Polish’. 3 Includes respondents in Northern Ireland identifying themselves as ’Irish Traveller’; respondents in all UK countries identifying themselves as ’Arab’ and any other ethnic group not elsewhere classified. 4 Unemployment level as a percentage of the economically active population. Guide to Quality: The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 with a CV of 5% we would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220. Key: * 0 = CV<5%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered precise ** 5 = CV <10%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered reasonably precise *** 10 = CV <20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered acceptable **** CV = 20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered too unreliable for practical purposes CV = Coefficient of Variation Source: Labour Force Survey

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Homelessness: Bassetlaw

Homelessness John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many people Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities in Bassetlaw constituency were homeless in the latest and Local Government how many households are currently period for which figures are available. [154167] homeless in each region. [153998] Mr Prisk: The following table shows both the (i) Mr Prisk [holding answer 13 May 2013]: As outlined number of homelessness acceptances of households in the written ministerial statement of 18 September and (ii) the number of households in temporary 2012, Official Report, columns 32-33WS, my Department accommodation for the local authority Bassetlaw for no longer publishes statistics by Government office the most recent period for which figures are available. region. The latest available local authority figures for the Number of households numbers of households accepted as homeless under accepted1 as owed a main Number of households homelessness duty during in temporary homelessness legislation and numbers of households in the quarter October to accommodation2,asat temporary accommodation, from which regional estimates December 2012 31 December 2012 can be calculated, can be found in Live Table 784a at: Bassetlaw 19 3 https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live- 1 Households eligible under homelessness legislation, found to be tables-on-homelessness unintentionally homeless and in a priority need category, and consequently We have invested £470 million over four years (2011-12 owed a main homelessness duty. to 2014-15) through local authorities and voluntary 2 Households who have been accepted as owed the main homelessness duty, those pending inquiries or review, and those who were found to organisations to help prevent homelessness. be intentionally homeless but are being accommodated for a reasonable Homelessness is around half the average rate it was period by the LA. under the last Administration, and remains lower than Source: in 27 of the last 30 years. DCLG P1E Homelessness returns (quarterly) 143W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 144W

The Bassetlaw constituency falls wholly within the Mr Prisk [holding answer 13 May 2013]: Total capital area of Bassetlaw district council, which also includes expenditure on housing by local authorities in England part of the Newark constituency. Figures are given for in the years from 2008-09 to 2012-13 was as follows: Bassetlaw district council, the lowest geographical level for which the Department collects them. £ million

We have invested £470 million over four years (2011-12 2008-09 4,901 to 2014-15) through local authorities and voluntary 2009-10 4,514 organisations to help prevent homelessness. 2010-11 4,063 Across England, homelessness is around half the 2011-12 3,274 average rate it was under the last Administration, and 2012-13 (forecast) 4,685 remains lower than in 27 of the last 30 years. These data are as reported by all local authorities in Housing England on the annual Capital Outturn Return and Capital Estimates Return. Forecast estimates for 2013-14 onwards are not yet available. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities However, to place this answer in context, I note that and Local Government how many households are currently the last Administration’s spending plan would have (a) in private rented housing, (b) in social rented involved cuts to the overall DCLG budget. DCLG and housing and (c) homeless. [153999] local government were not protected budgets under the last Administration’s plans (HM Treasury, Pre-Budget Mr Prisk [holding answer 13 May 2013]: The latest Report 2009, p.8) and the last Administration was data from the English Housing Survey indicates that in planning spending cuts of £52 billion by 2014-15, with 2011-12 there were 3.8 million (3,843,000) households £14 billion of cuts falling in 2011-12 (HM Treasury, in private rented housing and also 3.8 million (3,808,000) Spending Review 2010, October 2010, p.78). households in social rented housing. I also observe that the last Prime Minister remarked According to the latest data collected from local in April 2010 that: authorities, there were 53,130 homeless households in “housing is essentially a private sector activity … I don’t see a temporary accommodation (statutory homelessness) need for us to continue with such a big renovation programme.” as at 31 December 2012, and 2,309 rough sleepers in (BBC Newsnight, 30 April 2010). autumn 2012. By contrast, the coalition Government’s Affordable Homelessness is around half the average level it was Homes Programme is levering in £19.5 billion of public under the last Administration. Homelessness acceptances and private investment from 2011 to 2015, thanks to remain lower than in 27 of the last 30 years. innovations like Affordable Rent.

Housing: Disability Social Rented Housing: Business Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities Communities and Local Government what steps he has and Local Government how many houses in each local taken to remove the barriers to social tenants running a authority have been adapted or constructed for accessibility business from home. [155186] to individuals with spinal cord injuries. [154873] Mr Prisk: The Government is committed to removing Mr Prisk: The Department for Communities and the barriers that prevent social tenants running businesses Local Government funds the Disabled Facilities Grant from their homes. To this end, in November 2010 I which is administered by local authorities in England wrote, together with my right hon. Friend the Member and provides adaptations to the homes of disabled for Welwyn Hatfield (Grant Shapps), to social landlords people to help them to live as independently as possible urging them to ensure that tenants are provided with in their own home. In 2011-12 the grant provided encouragement, help and advice on how to work from adaptations for around 40,000 households, but data on home. A copy of this has been placed in the Library of adaptations provided specifically to individuals with the House. spinal cord injuries is not collected. At our encouragement, the Chartered Institute of The Department secured £725 million for the grant in Housing produced a guide for social landlords on the the 2010 spending review for the period 2011-12 to matter, including advice on how to develop an 2014-15 and over the last two years the Government has organisational policy, how to promote to tenants the invested a further £60 million in the Disabled Facilities potential opportunities that exist to run a business from Grant, bringing the total grant in 2011-12 to £200 home and how to support them with the information million and in 2012-13 to £220 million. they need. The guide can be found at: http://www.cih.org/publication-free/display/vpathDCR// Housing: Finance templatedata/cih/publication-free/data/ Running_a_business_from_home

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities Travellers: Finance and Local Government what the total amount of capital spend was on housing in (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010, Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for (d) 2011 and (e) 2012; and what he expects it to be in Communities and Local Government how much the (i) 2013, (ii) 2014 and (iii) 2015. [153997] Homes and Communities Agency has spent on provision 145W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 146W of services and facilities for Travellers in each of the last are the highest ever recorded and the RPA has just three years; and how much the Homes and Communities delivered the most successful payment record in the Agency intends to spend on such provision in each of agency’s history, getting vital funds out to farmers the next three years. [154396] sooner than ever before.

Mr Foster: The Homes and Communities Agency has Ash Dieback Disease provided funding to local authorities and other registered providers to support the construction and refurbishment Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for of authorised traveller pitches. The funding provided in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research each of the last three years (2010-11 to 2012-13) and the his Department is funding into an antidote for ash funding forecast for 2013-14 and 2014-15 is set out in dieback disease. [155111] the following table. Government spending in 2015-16 is subject to the current spending review. Mr Heath: The process to evaluate the possible usefulness against Chalara of various chemical treatments submitted Programme Year Funding (£) by a number of producers is covered in the Chalara Gypsy and Traveller Site 2010-11 15,187,000 Management Plan, published on 26 March. Based on Grant scientific advice and other European countries’ experience of Chalara we are advised against expecting to find a Traveller Pitch Funding 2011-12 2,839,050 treatment that can be widely applied to protect woodland or treat an infected wood or forest. However, in some 2012-13 1,482,073 circumstances treatments may have a role in protecting 2013-14 19,800,000 individual trees or groups of trees, or reducing production 2014-15 34,300,000 of spores, level of damage and rate of spread. Out of a total of more than 80 products that were suggested to DEFRA and the Forestry Commission as possible treatments for ash dieback, 14 will be tested in ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS the laboratory at the Food and Environment Research Agriculture: Pay Agency (Fera). Some of these products along with two others, potassium phosphite and urea, will be tested in field studies using potted ash trees. The purpose of Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of these studies is to investigate how effective the products State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what are at preventing infestation by this disease. estimate his Department has made of the number of new and enhanced contracts awarded to agricultural The shortlist of products includes examples of the workers in the last 12 months. [154200] fungicide groups that are considered most likely to be effective and, where possible, products with a single Mr Heath: DEFRA does not collect data on the active ingredient have been preferred to mixtures for the number of contracts awarded to agricultural workers. purpose of the laboratory screen. However, for the purposes of the impact assessment Further details of the actual products and how they on abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board, DEFRA were selected are available on the Fera website: assumed that 5% of the permanent agricultural labour http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk/plants/plantHealth/ force were issued new contracts each year, and all pestsDiseases/chalaraInfo.cfm temporary workers. Temporary workers represent around one third of the agricultural workforce. Floods: Insurance

Agriculture: Subsidies Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to the answer of Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for 15 April 2013, Official Report, column 73W, on floods: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is insurance, if he will make it his policy to require providers taking to ensure that payments to farmers under the of flood insurance to take account of flood prevention single farm payment scheme are made on time. [154101] measures put in place by local authorities when calculating premiums and the terms on which continuing cover will Mr Heath: The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) published be offered. [154719] a five-year plan in February 2012, designed to build stability and improve performance during the remaining Richard Benyon: DEFRA, with the Association of part of the Single Payment Scheme (SPS). The RPA British Insurers (ABI) and others, has established a business plan for 2012-13 was published in June 2012, common methodology for reporting the impact of setting new, more stretching performance indicators for property-level protection measures in reducing potential every area of operations including, for example, speed flood damages. A template and guidance has been and accuracy of payments, levels of customer satisfaction published which will help insurers incorporate that and financial controls. information into their risk assessment and pricing decisions. The RPA achieved its end of March SPS payment This information is available on the Environment Agency’s target more than five weeks ahead of schedule, exceeding website. both of its domestic performance targets this year, and Constructive discussions continue between Government achieving the benchmark set by the EU (to pay more and the ABI and others about the future of flood than 95.238% of the scheme fund value by the end of insurance. Issues such as affordability and pricing are June) a full four months early. Farmer satisfaction levels part of these discussions. However it would not be 147W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 148W appropriate to provide details of discussions while they (2) what assessment he has made of benefits to (a) are ongoing. I will endeavour to provide a public update the milling industry and (b) other businesses of the at the earliest appropriate opportunity. Bread and Flour Regulations 1998; [154471] (3) whether the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998 Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, will be affected by the Government’s Red Tape Food and Rural Affairs with reference to the answer of Challenge. [154472] 15 April 2013, Official Report, column 73W, on floods: insurance, what steps he is taking to ensure that insurance Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for premiums and terms of cover take account of all relevant Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment flood mitigation measures not just recently-installed, he has made of the effect on public health if fortification property-level measures. [154720] of bread and flour with key nutrients were no longer mandatory; [154452] Richard Benyon: Insurance companies each take different (2) what assessment he has made of the potential approaches to assessing flood risk and on how they effect on low income groups if fortification of bread incorporate information about flood mitigation into and flour with key nutrients is no longer mandatory; their risk assessment and pricing decisions. [154453] Constructive discussions continue between Government (3) what assessment he has made of whether to and the Association of British Insurers and others revoke the Bread and Flour Regulations as part of the about the future of flood insurance. Issues such as Government’s Red Tape Challenge; [154456] affordability and pricing are part of these discussions. (4) what assessment he has made of the Scientific However it would not be appropriate to provide details Advisory Committee on Nutrition’s report on the of discussions while they are ongoing. I will endeavour nutritional implications of repealing the Bread and to provide a public update at the earliest appropriate Flour Regulations 1998; [154743] opportunity. (5) when the Government plans to announce its decision on the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998 Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, consultation; [154744] Food and Rural Affairs if he will undertake (a) an audit of the flood prevention measures implemented by (6) what assessment he has made of the potential local authorities in each of the last five years and (b) an effect on the milling industry and costs to other businesses analysis of the relationship between such expenditure of revocation of the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998; and the cover offered and premiums charged to [154746] householders occupying premises at historic risk of (7) what assessment he has made of the potential flooding. [154721] effect on business certainty if the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998 are to be revoked in England but Richard Benyon: Flood risk management in England remain in place elsewhere in the UK; [154747] is managed by a range of bodies, including the Environment (8) what assessment he has made of the regulatory Agency, local authorities and internal drainage boards, burden on business if the Bread and Flour Regulations as set out under the terms of the 2010 Flood and Water 1998 are to be revoked. [154748] Management Act. The Environment Agency holds information on the Mr Heath: DEFRA is currently coordinating a review flood prevention measures implemented by all risk of the national rules relating to bread and flour as they management organisations involved in flood and coastal apply to England. It has held a public consultation erosion risk management. seeking views on possible deregulatory options which closed on 13 March 2013. We are currently analysing However, it would be difficult to determine the the 47 responses received in conjunction with the relationship between such expenditure and pricing decisions Department of Health. The Government is committed by insurers because: to ensuring that any policy decision on the removal of the level of insurance premiums and excesses are affected by a mandatory fortification will take into account an assessment range of factors making it difficult to separate out the part that of the health impacts, the impact on industry, the reflects flood risk. For example, a policy will take account of implications for other parts of the United Kingdom, other risks such as fire and subsidence and will also take into and the interests of consumers. The Government intends account the size of the property; and to announce its decision before the summer recess. it is very difficult to collect specific information of this type on a national scale. Both the insurance companies and the public regard personal financial matters as confidential. Forest Enterprise England Taxpayers’ money is best spent on reducing flood risk in the first place. John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff are employed by Forest Enterprise England in Cumbria; (a) Flour: Additives and what proportion of such staff are paid at and (b) above the relevant level of the living wage. [155090]

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Mr Heath: Forest Enterprise England currently employs Food and Rural Affairs (1) when he plans to announce 39 people in full and part-time positions who are based the Government’s decision on the outcome of its at locations in Cumbria. They are all paid above the consultation on the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998; Living Wage Foundation’s living wage of £7.45 per [154470] hour. 149W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 150W

Horse Meat There are no plans to introduce a unilateral ban on imports of horsemeat from Canada and Mexico. DEFRA Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for will continue to work with the Food Standards Agency Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to to monitor the situation and will act if it is in the public audits carried out in Canada and Mexico by the European interest to do so. Commission’s Food and Veterinary Office between 2010 and 2013, which found evidence of shortcomings in Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for North American systems for preventing horsemeat Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to contaminated with banned substances entering the food the written ministerial statement of 15 April 2013, chain, whether he plans to take steps to reduce import Official Report, columns 13-15WS, on horsemeat of horsemeat from North America. [154040] fraud, when he expects to announce the timing and details of the strategic review of the horsemeat fraud Mr Heath: Products of animal origin (POAO), including incident and its implications for the food chain and meat, which are imported from third countries must regulatory framework. [154750] have been produced to standards at least equivalent to those in the European Union (EU). POAO imported Mr Heath: The Secretary of State for Environment, from third countries must: Food and Rural Affairs will announce the timing and details of the strategic review of the horsemeat fraud come from an approved country; incident shortly. come from a country with an approved residue plan; come from an approved establishment/plant; be accompanied by appropriate animal and public health certification; DEFENCE enter the EU through a Border Inspection Post (BIP) where Afghanistan checks are carried out to ensure that import conditions have been met. The European Commission’s Food and Veterinary Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Office (FVO) is responsible for carrying out inspections what the cost has been of the recall and changes made in the third countries from which POAO is imported. to equipment sent to Afghanistan under the auspices of Particular account is taken of: Purple Gate; and if he will make a statement. [154565] an exporting country’s disease status and the health status of livestock and other domestic animals; Mr Dunne [holding answer 13 May 2013]: Specific cost data for equipment uniquely used in Afghanistan, its rules on prevention and control of diseases, including its transported to the UK, upgraded and returned back to rules on its imports from other countries; Afghanistan is not held. the use of veterinary medicinal products, including rules on their prohibition or authorisation; and Armed Forces: Malaria the organisation of the competent veterinary authorities and inspection services. Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Horsemeat imported from Mexico has been subject Defence (1) on what scientific evidence his Department to EU wide safeguard measures since 2006. Every relies in prescribing mefloquine hydrochloride as first-line consignment entering the EU has to be tested for residues malaria chemoprophylaxis for troops deploying to or of veterinary substances at the BIP. Following the most exercising in sub-Saharan Africa; [154568] recent FVO audits in Mexico, the Commission services (2) what assessment his Department has made of the asked the Mexican authorities to submit an action plan reasons for the United States reserving mefloquine for in response to the recommendations made in the audit third or fourth-line chemoprophylaxis only; and if he report. An action plan has now been provided and is will make a statement. [154569] being considered by the Commission and the FVO. Consignments of horsemeat from Canada are also Mr Francois [holding answer 13 May 2013]: The inspected and sampled at the EU border. There was a Ministry of Defence (MOD) malaria prevention policy positive case in a consignment from Canada in July is closely aligned to United Kingdom national advice, is 2012 indicating the presence of Clembuterol and kept under continual review and includes the consideration Phenylbutazone. Following this unfavourable result of all various drugs used for chemoprophylaxis. consignments of horsemeat from Canada have been Mefloquine is a licensed and extremely effective drug subjected to reinforced checks. No further positive results at preventing malaria; it is used by the military in many have since been found. (but not all) parts of the world where British troops Should there be an outbreak of disease or other deploy.There is currently no evidence that United Kingdom circumstances likely to present a risk to human or service personnel are at a particular increased risk from animal health, EU legislation allows member states to adverse drug events related to mefloquine use for take appropriate safeguard action, which may include a chemoprophylaxis. If compelling evidence is produced ban on imports of POAO from all or parts of that from the body of global scientific evidence regarding country. Any such action would need to be endorsed by the use of mefloquine then it is likely that the UK the European Commission and it is likely that a common licence would be reviewed and advice from the Advisory EU position would be quickly adopted. Committee on Malaria Prevention (ACMP) would change. There is no record of any horsemeat being imported The UK ACMP,whose membership comprises national into the UK from any third countries during 2012 and experts on the subject (including the MOD’s Defence January to April 2013. Consultant Adviser in Communicable Diseases), advises 151W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 152W on the key elements with respect to choice of drugs for Location Agency total anti-malaria chemoprophylaxis. The ACMP, which was established by the Health Protection Agency, now known Warminster 29 as Public Health England, is the authoritative source of Woolwich 4 guidance in the United Kingdom. Total 203 The Ministry of Defence does not hold information regarding United States policy on this matter. All agency personnel have a basic security level check, which is the level required of the majority of the Defence Armed Forces: Railways Support Group’s work force. A number of higher level security level checks are required of agency personnel depending on which equipment platforms they are working. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the annual cost to the public purse is Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence of the HM Forces Railcard; [154082] which Defence Support Group sites have the capacity (2) how many individuals have received an HM to service and maintain nuclear biological chemical Forces Railcard to date. [154083] clean air supply in military vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [154566] Mr Francois: The HM Forces Railcard scheme is essentially self-funding with no direct cost to the public Mr Dunne [holding answer 13 May 2013]: The Defence purse. The Association of Train Operating Companies Support Group currently has the capacity to undertake (ATOC) is reimbursed quarterly for railcards received the servicing and maintenance of nuclear, biological by the Ministry of Defence and the cost is then recovered and chemical air supply units at both Bovington and from individuals when the railcards are sold. Care is Donnington sites and carries out inspections and testing taken to avoid excessive stocks being held. of units at the Ashchurch site. The railcard is available to both serving personnel and their spouses. It is valid for 12 months. Although G4S information on the volume of sales is held centrally, and is provided in the following table, it does not distinguish Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for between renewals and first purchases. It is therefore not Defence what the current level of expenditure by his possible to determine the number of individuals involved. Department is on contracts with G4S; and how much HM forces railcard sales 2009 to date was spent by his Department on contracts with G4S in each year since 2008. [154549] Sales

2009 32,690 Mr Dunne: The current level of expenditure in financial 2010 52,230 year 2013-14 i.e. from 1 April 2013 with G4S and its 2011 66,610 associated companies is £307,000 as at 12 May 2013. 2012 71,980 Expenditure for each year from 2008-09 to 2012-13 is 20131 17,560 shown in the following table: 1 January 2013 to end April 2013. £ million Defence Support Group 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence MOD 6.325 6.999 7.444 8.705 4.471 how many agency workers are employed at each Defence 0.003 1 0.003 0.002 0.020 0.000 Science Defence Support Group site; what the security vetting and level is of each such worker; and if he will make a Technology statement. [154564] Laboratory

Mr Dunne [holding answer 13 May 2013]: The number The UK Hydrographic Office and the Defence Support of agency workers currently employed at each Defence Group have not committed any expenditure with G4S Support Group site is shown in the following table: and its associated companies since 2008. HMS Tireless Location Agency total Abingdon 1 Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Aldershot 2 with reference to the answer of 15 April 2013, Official Andover 2 Report, column 59, on HMS Tireless, what the duration Ashchurch 78 of the leak was in hours and minutes; what the volume Bovington 11 of the lost coolant was; whether the reactor closed Catterick 9 down or tripped as soon as the leak occurred; whether Colchester 12 such a leak automatically closes down or trips the Donnington 29 reactor in this class of submarine; whether the leak has Longmoor 9 been investigated to ascertain if the reactor was in Sealand 5 operation for any length of time before the leak was Sennybridge 3 discovered; when a radiological analysis of the leaked Stafford 1 coolant was carried out or estimated; what the radiological inventory of the leaked coolant was; what clean-up Tidworth 8 action was required inside the submarine as a result of 153W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 154W the leak; whether any radioactively contaminated solids Mr Dunne: The budget for the centralised Ministry of or liquids were off-loaded at Devonport; and whether Defence Science and Technology Programme under the any of the leaked radioactively contaminated coolant Department’s chief scientific adviser for 2013-14 is was discharged to sea. [154050] £410 million, rounded to the nearest £5 million.

Mr Dunne [holding answer 13 May 2013]: The duration from the initial report of the problem to the cessation of the leak was approximately 192 hours, throughout which ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE normal radiological monitoring of the reactor compartment was conducted. Buildings Although the extremely sensitive radioactivity monitors indicated that elevated levels of airborne radioactivity John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy had been detected, the coolant leak was not sufficient to and Climate Change what the total running costs were produce a measurable quantity of liquid or affect the for each building used, owned or rented in central normal operation of the reactor, which was in operation London by his Department, its agencies and non- throughout. departmental public bodies in each of the last three On return to Devonport the reactor compartment financial years. [154243] was surveyed and a small amount of dry surface radioactive contamination was detected in the vicinity of the leak. Gregory Barker: Please see as follows for the reply The area was cleaned, following standard nuclear from the Department of Energy and Climate Change procedures, after which no further surface contamination (DECC) in relation to central London buildings used, was detected. owned or rented by the Department and its agencies. No liquids associated with the leak were offloaded at Please note the figures incorporate rent, rates, insurance Devonport or discharged at sea, and solid wastes arising (where applicable), core facilities management (service) from the cleaning and subsequent repair work have charges and utilities (including electricity, gas and water). been removed in accordance with normal waste disposal DECC HQ—Occupation of 55 Whitehall with effect from July 2011. procedures. An area of one floor in 1 Victoria Street (HQ for the Department for I am withholding the information regarding the details Business, Innovation and Skills) with effect from August 2012 of the radiological inventory as its disclosure would, or £ would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness 3 Whitehall Place 55 Whitehall 1 Victoria Street or security of the armed forces. 2010-11 6,722,529 n/a n/a Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 2011-12 6,831,006 359,118 n/a 2012-13 17,349,055.93 558,118.52 537,680 Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for 1 March 2013 gas bill as yet not received. Defence (1) how many defence procurement contracts Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA)—Moved from 65 have used social value clauses from the Public Services Buckingham Gate to Eland House in September 2011 (Social Value) Act 2012 since implementation of that £ Act; and what the estimated value of these contracts 65 Buckingham Gate Eland House has been; [154112] 2010-11 432,123.87 n/a (2) what steps his Department is taking to implement 2011-12 188,345.15 183,037.40 the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 in its 2012-13 n/a 354,821.79 procurement procedures; and what guidance he has The Committee for Climate Change (CCC)—Moved from Manning given to his Department’s executive agencies and House to 7 Holbein Place after year 2010-11 non-departmental public bodies on implementation of £ that Act. [154528] Manning House 7 Holbein Place

Mr Dunne: Current Ministry of Defence (MOD) 2010-11 324,641 n/a guidance sets out that sustainability, which includes 2011-12 n/a 319,642 social, environmental and economic impacts, should be 2012-13 n/a 293,779 considered at all stages of the acquisition cycle. This guidance will be updated specifically to reflect the Energy Companies Obligation: Rural Areas requirements of the Public Services Social Value Act 2012, although it should be noted that a significant number of MOD contracts fall under the Defence and Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 and are Energy and Climate Change how much has been spent therefore outside the scope of the Act. by energy companies on the rural safeguard sub-obligation delivering their carbon saving communities obligation To provide details of which contracts may include to rural low income houses to date; and how many (a) social value clauses would require individually checking oil-fired and (b) LPG-fired boilers have been replaced with each MOD project team and could be provided under the Affordable Warmth Scheme of the Energy only at disproportionate cost. Companies Obligation to date. [153907] Research Gregory Barker: We will be publishing information Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for relating to ECO measures which have been delivered Defence what the level is of his Department’s research and notified to Ofgem in an Official Statistics release in budget; and if he will make a statement. [155137] June. However, this data will not be able to distinguish 155W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 156W between oil-fired and LPG-fired boilers. For further G4S information about measures available under ECO please see: Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Sustainability/Environment/ECO/ Energy and Climate Change what the current level of Info-for-suppliers/Documents1/ expenditure by his Department is on contracts with Energy%20Companies%20Obligation%20ECO%20- G4S; and how much was spent by his Department on %20List%20of%20Measures%20and%20Additional%20 contracts with G4S in each year since 2008. [154551] Information.pdf Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Energy: Prices Climate Change does not hold any contracts with G4S and therefore has not incurred any expenditure. Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to Green Deal Scheme make energy bills more easily understood. [155085] Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Gregory Barker: Ofgem’s Retail Market Review final Energy and Climate Change (1) how many staff from proposals include mandating that prompts to consider the Behavioural Insights Team have advised his Department energy options and essential tariff information are provided on consumer take-up of the Green Deal to date; in prominent and noticeable positions on bills, and [155104] introducing industry consistency where appropriate. It (2) what progress the Behavioural Insights Team has also proposes new rules designed to increase consumers’ made in advising his Department on how to encourage awareness of alternative tariffs and to help compare consumer take-up of the Green Deal. [155105] tariffs. The Government has introduced clauses into the Gregory Barker: The Behavioural Insights Team, the Energy Bill so that it can act to implement these important Green Deal Team and DECC’s Customer Insight Team reforms in the event that Ofgem’s proposals are frustrated have collaborated on a range of projects over the past or unduly delayed. two years, and findings have been used to inform development of the Green Deal programme and consumer Enfield take-up. Pay Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much funding (a) his Department Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for and (b) each of the non-departmental public bodies for Energy and Climate Change how many staff in his which he is responsible has allocated to the London Department received bonuses in excess of (a) £1,420, borough of Enfield local authority in each of the last (b) £2,000, (c) £5,000, (d) £10,000, (e) £20,000 and five years. [154513] (f) £50,000 in 2012-13. [154930]

Gregory Barker: Most expenditure by the Department Gregory Barker: The number of Department of Energy is for the benefit of the country as a whole and cannot and Climate Change staff who in 2012-13 received a be related to specific local authorities. A small number non-consolidated performance related award above the of schemes are allocated to particular localities and specified thresholds are shown as follows: under an interest-free loan scheme for public sector 129 staff received a non-consolidated performance related organisations the London borough of Enfield has received award in excess of £1,420 £300,000 in 2010-11 and £4,415,000 in 2012-13. Of these, 99 staff received non-consolidated performance related No non-departmental public body expenditure has awards in excess of £2,000 been allocated specifically to the London borough of Of these, 23 workers received non-consolidated performance Enfield. related awards in excess of £5,000 and Six of these received a non-consolidated performance related Fuel Poverty award in excess of £10,000 and No staff received a non-consolidated performance related award in excess of £20,000. Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change with reference to the answer Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for of 14 March 2013, Official Report, column 471, on fuel Energy and Climate Change how many officials in his poverty, what evidential basis he used to state that fuel Department received bonuses in 2012-13. [154934] poverty increased between 1997 and 2010. [155059] Gregory Barker: A total of 911 officials received Gregory Barker: The Secretary of State for Energy in-year and end-of-year non-consolidated performance and Climate Change, the right hon. Member for Kingston related awards for 2012-13 from the Department of and Surbiton (Mr Davey), did not state that fuel poverty Energy and Climate Change. increased between 1997 and 2010. As shown by official statistics, under the previous Administration fuel poverty Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy rose from 1.2 million to 3.5 million households in and Climate Change what guidance his Department England in the period 2004-10 and from 2 million to issues on the actions that would result in the suspension 4.75 million households in the UK over the same period. or removal of a bonus payment to an official in his 157W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 158W

Department; what the process is for clawing back such support the above five technologies. Further details-are bonuses; and on how many occasions this has happened available in the Government response document: in each of the last five years. [154996] https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/tariffs-for-non- pv-technologies-comprehensive-review-phase-2b Gregory Barker: DECC’s performance management policy, in line with most of the public sector, do not Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for provide a contractual right to a bonus payment. The Energy and Climate Change with reference to his reply Department’s performance management policy sets out to question 37 at the sitting of 15 January 2013 of the a right for staff to be properly and fairly assessed Public Bill Committee on the Energy Bill, when he against established performance criteria. plans to publish the consultation paper on a community Discretionary bonus payments form part of DECC’s energy strategy. [155183] performance management policy. The Department has not issued specific guidance on the actions that would Michael Fallon: Later this year, we will publish a result in the suspension or removal of a bonus payment Community Energy Strategy. To inform the strategy, we that has been paid to a member of staff. We would look will publish a Call for Evidence this spring, seeking to use other HR policies to deal with any issues that responses from a wide range of organisations and may call into question whether or not a bonus payment individuals. should have been paid. Community energy is on the rise in the UK, reconnecting There have been no instances in the last five years of communities to the energy they use, with community bonuses being “clawed back” by the Department. projects and initiatives focused on reducing, managing, generating or purchasing energy. Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 Wind Power Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what steps his Department is Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for taking to implement the Public Services (Social Value) Energy and Climate Change how many planning Act 2012 in its procurement procedures; and what guidance applications for onshore wind farms were (a) approved he has given to his Department’s Executive agencies and (b) rejected in 2012. [154935] and non-departmental public bodies on implementation of that Act. [154531] Gregory Barker: According to the Renewable Energy Planning Database (REPD), 215 onshore wind projects Gregory Barker: The Secretary of State for Energy were consented over the whole of the UK from January and Climate Change, the right hon. Member for Kingston to December 2012: and Surbiton (Mr Davey), has taken the following steps https://restats.decc.gov.uk/app/reporting/decc/monthlyextract to implement the Public Services (Social Value) Act Over this same period, the number of projects that 2012: were refused planning consent was 115. The Cabinet Office has circulated across Government a For completeness, you may also wish to know that Procurement Policy note which has been circulated to all there were a further 84 applications for onshore wind procurement staff to make them aware of the Public Services projects that were withdrawn from the planning system Act 2012. during this period. The Department takes part in across government discussions with the Procurement Knowledge Network spreading awareness and discussion of implementation of the Act with staff. Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how much onshore wind The Department’s procurement and legal team have discussed the Public Services Act 2012 and implications for policy teams. capacity (a) received planning approval and (b) was rejected in 2012. [154936] The Department’s Executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies follow guidance from the Cabinet Office regarding implementation of the Public Services Act. Gregory Barker: According to the Renewable Energy Planning Database (REPD), 1892.97 megawatts installed capacity of onshore wind was consented over the whole Renewable Energy of the UK from January to December 2012: https://restats.decc.gov.uk/app/reporting/decc/monthlyextract Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whether (a) fuel cells and Over this same period, 829.73 megawatts installed (b) hydrogen are being considered as suitable for a capacity of onshore wind was refused planning consent. feed-in tariff by April 2014. [155106] For completeness, you may also wish to know that applications for a further 320.88 megawatts installed Gregory Barker: The GB feed-in tariff scheme supports capacity of onshore wind were withdrawn from the five technologies, wind, solar, hydro, anaerobic digestion planning system. and micro-CHP; of these, micro-CHP can be fuelled by fuel cells or hydrogen. Winter Fuel Payments We recently completed the first comprehensive review of the FITs scheme, as part of this consultation we Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for considered whether to extend support to other forms of Energy and Climate Change whether he has had discussions technology. We received no significant evidence of a with the Department for Work and Pensions on measures need to extend the scope of the scheme and therefore to enable payment of winter fuel allowance earlier for announced in July 2012 our intension to continue to off-grid customers. [154776] 159W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 160W

Gregory Barker: DECC and the Department for Work (3) how the review process by the Radiotherapy Clinical and Pensions work closely together on a range of issues. Reference Group into selective internal radiation therapy This particular issue has been considered on a number will be conducted; and if he will make a statement. of occasions, including at a recent roundtable discussion [154955] on off gas issues chaired by the Minister of State for Energy. Anna Soubry: The Secretary of State for Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), has made no requests to the Radiotherapy HEALTH Clinical Reference Group (CRG). There is not currently national clinical consensus on Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation the value that Selective Internal Radiotherapy (SIRT) provides to patients and it is not routinely funded by Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for NHS England. Health what steps he is taking to ensure that the needs of patients of all ages and from across the UK are Patients may access SIRT through clinical trials open provided for in the composition of the Advisory in the United Kingdom and NHS England encourages Committee on Resource Allocation. [155081] clinicians to discuss this possibility with eligible patients. Clinicians may also apply for SIRT treatment on behalf Dr Poulter: The future role of the Advisory Committee of patients through the individual funding request process. on Resource Allocation will be to provide advice to NHS England requested that the Radiotherapy CRG both NHS England on allocations to clinical commissioning undertake an assessment of the latest clinical evidence groups and the Department on ring fenced public health base underpinning SIRT in order to inform a grants for local authorities, facilitated by a secretariat commissioning policy statement. A draft policy statement that is based in NHS England. has now been agreed by the relevant CRG Chairs and The membership of the committee and its subgroups will be considered by the Specialised Services Portfolio is now being reviewed by NHS England to develop Board on 14 May 2013. proposals that ensure that it continues to have the right expertise for its important work, including the right mix Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for of academics, clinicians, national health service managers, Health (1) what the review process is for NHS patients local authority managers, and representatives of patients for cancer treatments excluded from the Cancer Drugs and service users. The membership will be agreed between Fund national list from April 2013; [154952] NHS England and the Department. (2) what estimate his Department has made of the number of newly presenting NHS patients who will not Babies: Screening receive cancer treatment from 1 April 2013 as a consequence of the transition of the Cancer Drugs Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Fund to the national list. [154954] what recent assessment the UK National Screening Committee has made of the merits of compulsory Norman Lamb: NHS England has reviewed the former oximetry tests for newborns; and if he will make a strategic health authority Cancer Drugs Fund priority statement. [154273] lists and published a national list of cancer drugs covered by cohort policies. Clinicians can apply to the national Dr Poulter: The Department commissioned research Cancer Drugs Fund for the inclusion of a drug within into the accuracy of pulse oximetry as a screening test the national list, which is regularly reviewed and updated. for congenital heart disease. A National Institute for This approach has resulted in improved consistency of Health Research Health Technology Assessment (NIHR access for patients. HTA) programme trial was undertaken at six hospitals in the West Midlands to determine this. The NIHR Regional clinical panels will continue to consider HTA reported in 2012 and the United Kingdom National individual patient applications where a patient is considered Screening Committee (UK NSC) is currently reviewing to be exceptional to a cohort policy or where use under the results of the, trial and the world-wide clinical a cohort policy has not been considered due to the literature against their criteria. A consultation is scheduled rarity of the condition. to start in the autumn of 2013 for a recommendation NHS England advises that no newly-diagnosed patients early next year. will be denied access to cancer treatment as a consequence The UK NSC will decide whether to recommend that of the transition of the fund to the national list. pulse oximetry be added to the routine clinical examination Clinical Commissioning Groups of new born babies. Cancer: Drugs Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish all calculations undertaken in Pauline Latham: To ask the Secretary of State for the process of allocating resources to clinical commissioning Health (1) when he first asked the Radiotherapy groups for 2013-14; and what (a) formulae and (b) Clinical Reference Group to put in place a review criteria were used in each such calculation. [155092] process for NHS patients excluded from the Cancer Drugs Fund national list from 1 April 2013; [154950] Dr Poulter: Decisions on the allocation of resources (2) what funding mechanism has been available from to clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) are a matter 1 April 2013 to allow NHS patient access to selective for NHS England, who would publish any supporting internal radiation therapy prior to the outcomes of the information. review by the Radiotherapy Clinical Reference Group; We are informed by NHS England that all CCGs’ [154953] baseline allocations were increased by 2.3% for 2013-14. 161W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 162W

Clinical Commissioning Groups: West Midlands G4S

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will direct the area director of NHS Health what the current level of expenditure by his England in Shropshire and Staffordshire to publish (a) Department is on contracts with G4S; and how much the delegated budgets for the clinical commissioning was spent by his Department on contracts with G4S in groups in (i) North Staffordshire, (ii) Stoke-on-Trent, each year since 2008. [154554] (iii) South Staffordshire and (iv) Shropshire in the year ending 31 March (A) 2013 and (B) 2014 and (b) what Dr Poulter: Information held by the Department those budgets are per head of population in each such where available for the last-five financial years 2008-09 to 2012-13 is contained in the following table. area in each financial year. [154327] Departmental spend excluding VAT Dr Poulter: We are informed by NHS England that £ North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, South Staffordshire Supplier Grand and Shropshire are the old primary care trust (PCT) name 2008-09 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 total areas. G4S 630 3,098 790 790 5,308 Table 1 shows the clinical commissioning groups Assessment (CCGs) budget for 2013-14 (supplied by NHS England). Services This covers the areas of the four above PCTs. It is (UK) LTD difficult to map the old PCTs to the new CCG areas. Group 4 47,107 — — — 47,107 This is the first year of CCG allocations hence 2012-13 Technology data is not available. LTD Table 1: CCGs budget for 2013-14 Grand 47,737 3,098 790 790 52,415 Budgets are per total 2013-14 (£ Registered head of population CCGs million) population (£) The Department also has a contract with Group 4 Total Security Limited for the provision of key holding North 248.40 212,949 1,166.48 and call out services for one alarmed premises. The Staffordshire Department cannot provide a total contract value until Stoke-on-Trent 334.60 278,920 1,199.63 the end of the contract in 2014 as the contract is volume Cannock 149.20 131,900 1,131.16 related and dependent on the number of call outs. Stafford and 154.30 144,598 1,067.10 Surrounds In July 2008, the Department implemented a new business management system (BMS) which collects East 135 134,185 1,006.07 Staffordshire enhanced detail on the categorisation, purpose and Shropshire 342.90 298,133 1,150.16 value of orders. This has now given the Department the South East and 219.60 211,331 1,039.13 scope to be more specific about the nature of each of Seisdon the consultancy commissions. However, information on Peninsula the period of engagement for each case is not held on Telford and 185 172,239 1,074.09 BMS. Wrekin Source: Hospitals: Television NHS England Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Emergency Services: Counselling Health what guidance his Department issues to NHS hospitals regarding the amounts charged to patients for Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for using television. [154409] Health what the average waiting time is for emergency service personnel waiting to receive trauma counselling. Dr Poulter: The Department does not issue guidance to national health service hospitals regarding the amounts [154288] charged to patients for using television. Dr Poulter: This information is not held centrally. The bedside televisions in hospitals are operated and managed by providers who charge the patients on a pay per use basis. Emergency Services: Suicide Each provider is responsible for setting its own charges in agreement with the NHS trust it is contracted to. The Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Department is not party to these contracts and therefore Health what research his Department has commissioned is not involved in setting the charges for the bedside into the rate of suicide amongst emergency services television and telephone services. personnel. [154289] Influenza Dr Poulter: The Department has not commissioned research specifically into suicide among emergency services Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health personnel. The Department’s National Institute for Health what contingency plans his Department has to respond Research and Policy Research Programme (PRP) fund to the potential spread of a human variant of the a range of research relating to suicide. Last year the H7N9 influenza virus; and which Ministers have PRP launched a research initiative to support responsibility for civil contingency planning relating to implementation of the national suicide prevention strategy. an influenza pandemic. [155178] 163W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 164W

Anna Soubry: The “UK influenza pandemic preparedness Dr Poulter: The information requested is not centrally strategy 2011”is aimed at guiding and supporting integrated held in the format requested. Information on the number contingency planning and preparations for spread of a of full-time equivalent (FTE) qualified nursing, midwifery new influenza virus both in health and social care and health visiting staff at County Durham and Darlington organisations and more widely across government and NHS Foundation Trust is shown in the following table public and private sector organisations. It provides for the dates requested. information on the likely impact of an influenza pandemic County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust and sets out some of the key assumptions for use in FTE qualified nursing midwifery response planning. and health visiting staff Additionally, it describes the Government’s strategic May 2010 1,551 approach to responding to a pandemic and the arrangements within which organisations responsible January 2013 2,361 Notes: for planning, delivering or supporting local responses 1. University Hospital Durham is part of County Durham and should develop and maintain integrated operational Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (FT). arrangements. 2. Full-time equivalent figures are rounded to the nearest whole The Department of Health is the lead Department number. 3. As a consequence of Transforming Community Services the former for planning for a human influenza pandemic, working provider arm of some primary care trusts (PCT) may have transferred in close conjunction with the Civil Contingencies Secretariat into local acute trusts. This can be seen in the large increase in staff of the Cabinet Office and the Health Ministers in the numbers at County Durham and Darlington NHS FT, which subsumed devolved Administrations. However, given the wide impacts staff from Darlington PCT in September 2011. of a pandemic all Government Departments are involved 4. IC seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations in planning to mitigate its impacts. providing the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data quality where changes impact on figures already published. This NHS England is assessed but unless it is significant at national level figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses. Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for 5. As from 21 July 2010 the IC has published provisional monthly NHS workforce data. As expected with provisional statistics, some Health if he will direct the Board of NHS England to figures may be revised from month to month as issues are uncovered publish all minutes of its meetings that do not pertain and resolved. The monthly workforce data is not directly comparable to commercial confidentiality. [155091] with the annual workforce census; it only includes those staff on the Electronic Staff Record (i.e. it does not include primary care staff or bank staff). There are also new methods of presenting data (headcount Anna Soubry: NHS England holds open board methodology is different and there is now a role count). This information meetings—in line with the Public Bodies (Admission to is available from September 2009 onwards at the following website: Meetings) Act 1960—and publishes the minutes of the www.hscic.gov.uk meetings. Source: The Information Centre for health and social care (IC), Provisional Details of NHS England’s board meetings can be Monthly Workforce Statistics found on its website at: www.england.nhs.uk/category/board-meetings/ TREASURY Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 UK Companies: Third World Markets

Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Q17. Naomi Long: To ask the Chancellor of the how many procurement contracts issued in relation to Exchequer if he will take steps to ensure that UK the running of the NHS have used the social value companies operating in third world countries are more clauses within the Public Services (Social Value) Act transparent and accountable regarding the tax they pay 2012 to date; and what the estimated value of these in those countries. [153864] contracts has been. [154115] Sajid Javid: The UK plays a leading role in supporting Dr Poulter: The Department does not hold information developing countries to access sustainable sources of on how many procurement contracts issued in relation revenue, including through increasing transparency in to the running of the national health service have used the extractives sector to address corruption. the social value clauses within the Public Services (Social One of the Governments key priorities on tax and Value) Act 2012 to date centrally. development is to ensure that developing countries can The responsibility for compliance with relevant benefit from international advances on tax transparency procurement regulation rests with individual NHS and exchange of information as these are important organisations, where they are acting as the contracting tools in identifying and tackling international tax avoidance authority. and evasion. Autumn Statement: Upratings University Hospital of North Durham: Nurses Q18. Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of State for Health how many nurses there were at University working households that will be affected by the changes Hospital Durham in (a) May 2010 and (b) the latest to the uprating of tax credits and other payments month for which figures are available. [154197] announced in the autumn statement 2012. [153865] 165W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 166W

Sajid Javid: The 1% uprating from 2013-14 of working- Greg Clark: This Government has moved quickly to age discretionary benefits and tax credits is estimated to correct the fundamental errors in the regulatory system affect 6.5 million working-age households by 2015-16. that, in part, caused the financial crisis. A further 2.9 million households are affected in 2015-16 In two and a half years we have replaced the failed by the 1% uprating of child benefit from April 2014. system with: A financial Policy Committee of the Bank of England to National Infrastructure Plan identify and prevent systemic risks A new Prudential Regulation Authority Q19. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the A dedicated conduct regulator Exchequer what progress he has made on implementing And in the Banking Reform Bill, currently before this the national infrastructure plan. [153866] House, we will require everyday banking services to be ring-fenced from more risky investment banking activities. Sajid Javid: Two of the top 40 priority investments are due to complete later this year, including the King’s Child Poverty Cross station improvements, worth over £500 million and a roads programme. Q24. Rushanara Ali: To ask the Chancellor of the Also, Budget 2013 confirmed that the first UK guarantee Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the for a commercial sponsor has been agreed—£75 million effect of Government fiscal policy on child poverty. for Drax Power Station. [153871] To build on this success, from 2015-16, the Government will increase its spending plans by £3 billion per annum. Sajid Javid: The Government has protected vulnerable This will mean £18 billion additional investment over groups as far as possible while urgently taking action to the next Parliament. tackle the record deficit it inherited. Work remains the best and most immediate way out Heseltine Review of poverty and the Budget took action to support families and make the tax and welfare system fairer: Q20. John Stevenson: To ask the Chancellor of the including further increasing the income tax personal Exchequer what steps he is taking to implement the allowance to take 2.7 million people on low incomes out recommendations of the Heseltine review. [153867] of tax altogether.

Q21.Diana Johnson: To ask the Chancellor of the Financial Services: Business Exchequer what his policy is on Lord Heseltine’s proposal for the devolution of regeneration funding to Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Chancellor of the local enterprise partnerships. [153868] Exchequer (1) what assessment he has made of the number of people who have been wrongly advised by a Greg Clark: The Government will enthusiastically financial adviser and have subsequently gone out of implement the recommendations of Lord Heseltine’s business in each year since 2010-11; [154848] report. (2) what (a) recourse and (b) compensation is Local growth deals will be negotiated with every local available to people who have gone out of business as a enterprise partnership to transfer power and resources result of being wrongly advised by a financial adviser. from Whitehall to the cities, towns and counties of our [154849] country. Sajid Javid: Businesses which have complaints about High-carbon Assets the advice which they have received from their financial adviser may be able to pursue compensation through Q22. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the the courts or, if they are a micro-enterprise, through the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had on risks Financial Ombudsman Service. to UK financial stability from investment in high- Where there has been a breach of relevant requirements carbon assets. [153869] the Financial Conduct Authority has powers to intervene in certain circumstances and may be able to require Greg Clark: The independent Financial Policy Committee firms to take remedial action. For example, it has powers (FPC) of the Bank of England which has the primary to impose industry or single firm redress schemes. However, objective of identifying, monitoring and taking action it is not within its remit to resolve individual cases. to remove or reduce systemic risks to the UK financial system. Should the FPC conclude that investment in Minimum Wage high carbon assets poses a systemic risk to the financial system, it is required to report and explain that risk in Jim Sheridan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer its six-monthly Financial Stability Report. what plans he has for the minimum wage over the remainder of this Parliament. [154758] Financial Sector: Reform Jo Swinson: I have been asked to reply on behalf of Q23. Damian Hinds: To ask the Chancellor of the the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Exchequer what steps he is taking to reform the The Government remains committed to the national regulation of the financial sector. [153870] minimum wage (NMW). 167W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 168W

The Government annually reviews the minimum wage £18 billion from welfare spending in 2014-15. Autumn rates that should apply and makes its decision on the statement 2012 announced welfare reforms saving a basis of recommendations from the Low Pay Commission. further £3.7 billion in 2015-16. We intend to continue with this approach. Total welfare expenditure in 2013-14 is projected to On 15 April 2013 we announced the minimum wage be £204 billion. Further information on welfare expenditure, rates that will apply from 1 October 2013 and I refer the including forecasts, can be found at: hon. Member to the written ministerial statement given http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/ by the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and expenditure_tables_Budget_2013.xls Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), on 15 April 2013, Official Report, columns Working Tax Credit 1-3WS. In addition, we are consolidating the numerous NMW Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer regulations into a single set of regulations. This is how many households in receipt of the childcare element because we want to reflect the simplicity and clarity of of working tax credit claimed for the maximum eligible the NMW rules within a single set of regulations. We childcare costs for (a) one child and (b) two or more will introduce the improved set of regulations, following children; and how many such households incurred childcare consultation, during this Parliament. costs in excess of these limits in each year since 2005-06. [155079] Public Expenditure: Scotland Sajid Javid: Tax credit rules state that the maximum Mr David Hamilton: To ask the Chancellor of the amount a family can claim in childcare costs is £175p/w Exchequer what formula his Department will use to for one child and £300p/w for two or more children. adjust the block grant to Scotland to reflect the The following table details the number of families implementation of the new taxation powers contained claiming the childcare element of working tax credit, in the Scotland Act 2012. [155174] and the weekly childcare costs being claimed for by the family. The number of families claiming childcare costs Danny Alexander: The Government has agreed a of £175p/w and £300p/w has also been provided. block grant adjustment mechanism with the Scottish Information on whether the families with these costs Government in relation to the Scottish rate of income are claiming the maximum amount is only available at tax, whereby the adjustment will be indexed against disproportionate cost. growth in the UK non-savings non-dividend income tax Data for 2011-12 is unavailable, HMRC is due to base. Discussions on an adjustment mechanism in relation publish the 2011-12 Tax Credits Finalised Annual awards to Stamp Duty Land Tax and Landfill Tax are ongoing. at the end of May 2013. Further information is contained in the Government’s first annual report on the implementation of the Scotland Numbers (thousand) Act 2012, available at: 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/first-annual- report-on-the-implementation-of-the-financial-provisions-of- Under £20 45 44 44 44 the-scotland-act-2012 £20-£39.99 73 71 69 67 £40-£59.99 65 64 63 62 Tax Allowances: Married People £60-£79.99 60 58 55 52 £80-£99.99 50 49 48 46 Tim Loughton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer £100- 38 39 38 36 whether he plans to introduce transferable tax allowances £119.99 for married couples. [154907] £120- 33 35 36 33 £139.99 Mr Gauke: The Government is committed to recognising £140- 29 30 29 24 marriage in the tax and benefit system and will bring £159.99 forward proposals in due course. £160- 33 35 33 25 £179.99 Welfare State: Reform Of which 15 17 16 12 is £175: Lindsay Roy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer £180- 1116 what estimate his Department has made of the £199.99 expected percentage reduction in welfare expenditure £200- 11 12 12 10 that will be achieved through changes to the benefits £249.99 £250 or 13 15 14 11 [154838] system. more Of which 6765 Sajid Javid: Welfare spending rose by 20% in real is £300: terms in the decade before the financial crisis, leaving reduced resources available for other public services. Information on families’ actual incurred childcare Reforming the welfare system will not only put welfare costs in excess of the weekly thresholds is only available spending on a more sustainable footing, but will also at disproportionate cost. reduce pressures on public services. The Government are making a sustained investment The Government have made a series of reforms that in early education and childcare. The Government have impact on welfare expenditure. Prior to autumn statement already extended the free entitlement to 15 hours of 2012, the Government announced measures saving early education and childcare for all three-four year 169W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 170W olds, and is investing an additional £760 million a year The programme is managed by Creative and Cultural to extending this provision to 260,000 two year olds Skills and will distribute £15 million to the programme from lower income families by 2014-15. which completes in 2015. On 20 March 2013 the Government announced that Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 it would develop a new Tax-Free Childcare scheme that is simple and easy for parents to access. The new scheme will expand support for affordable childcare to 2.5 million Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for families, not just the 450,000 or so who are fortunate Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department enough to work for an employer that offers employer is taking to implement the Public Services (Social support childcare (ESC). From autumn 2015 working Value) Act 2012 in its procurement procedures; and families will be able to claim 20% of childcare costs of what guidance she has given to her Department’s up to £1,200 per child aged under twelve (£2,400 for two executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies children, £3,600 for three children etc.) under a new on implementation of that Act. [154527] Tax-Free Childcare scheme. Hugh Robertson: The requirements of the Social Value Act have been translated into the Department’s procurement policy, which has been communicated to all staff within CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT the Department. The Department has made ALBs aware Apprentices of their responsibilities under the Act and these considerations will take place at the pre-procurement stage of future tendering exercises. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many apprenticeships have been created in (a) the tourism sector and (b) libraries in (i) Barnsley Central constituency, (ii) South Yorkshire and TRANSPORT (iii) England in (A) 2010, (B) 2011 and (C) 2012. [154888] Blue Badge Scheme

Mr Vaizey: Six travel services apprenticeships have Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport been completed in South Yorkshire (including Barnsley) whether he has any plans to bring forward legislative since April 2012; five intermediate apprenticeships and proposals to enable temporary Blue Badges. [154847] one advanced. People 1st have advised that the number of apprenticeship Norman Baker: It is important that we ensure the completions for April 2012 by Pathway in England are: scheme remains sustainable and protects preferential parking facilities for people with permanent disabilities Intermediate Advanced affecting their ability to walk. Pathway (Level 2) (Level 3) I recently considered this issue as part of the wider Catering and Professional Chefs Blue Badge reform programme but have taken the decision not to extend eligibility to people with temporary Food Production and Cooking 2,536 — impairments. Professional Cookery 1,960 409 It would be costly to implement at a time of pressure Patisserie and Confectionary — 35 on public sector resources with over 2.5 million badges on issue. Hospitality Hospitality Services 4,619 — Bus Services Food and Beverage Services 3,459 — Housekeeping 572 — Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Front of House Reception 254 — Transport which regulations affecting the bus industry Hospitality, Supervision and Leadership — 1,953 have been withdrawn since May 2010. [155246]

Travel Norman Baker: The Department for Transport published the outcome of the Road Transportation Red Tape Travel Services—Leisure and Business; 334 — Tour Operators, Head Office; Tour Challenge, which includes regulations relating to buses, Operators, Field Staff in December 2011. This document is published on the Travel Services—Leisure and Business — 352 internet at the following address and can be made Tour Operators—Field Staff — 22 available in the Library of the House: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/road-transport- Data for 2010 and 2011 is not available. red-tape-challenge We are not aware of any apprenticeships having been Although no repeals have yet taken effect, the created in public libraries for the geographical areas or Department is now preparing legislation which will give the years requested. However, there is potential for effect to some of these measures. apprenticeships in libraries in the future through Arts Council’s Creative Employment Programme which was Directly Operated Railways launched in March 2013. It supports the creation of traineeships, apprenticeships and internships for young Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for unemployed people aged 16 to 24 wishing to pursue a Transport which rail passenger franchises Directly career in the arts and cultural sector including libraries. Operated Railways are currently on standby to take 171W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 172W over if negotiations between his Department and the Mr Simon Burns: The Secretary of State has the incumbent operator for a contract extension are not responsibility under the Railways Act 1993 as amended, successful. [155153] to maintain the continuity of passenger rail services. Under Section 30 of the Act the Secretary of State has Mr Simon Burns: The Secretary of State for Transport, the power to transfer the operation of services to an my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales ″operator of last resort.″ Directly Operated Railways (Mr McLoughlin), announcement on Rail Passenger fulfil the function of that ″operator of last resort.″ In franchising on 26 March 2013 setting out the Government’s the event that the Department is unable to successfully future franchising programme including the proposals conclude negotiations for a Direct Award with the for Direct Awards. At that time, the Department made incumbent train operating company, we do not foresee it clear that the Government’s preference is to negotiate any problem with Directly Operated Railways continuing direct awards with the current operators but that Directly to fulfil the Secretary of State’s duty under the Act. Operated Railways will be readied in case agreement cannot be reached. This remains the case and the company Ferries: Registration has plans in place to ensure that it can take over any franchise where commercial agreement cannot be reached as part of the direct award programme. Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many vessels with valid licences to operate in the UK ferry sector are registered under (a) non-UK and Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) non-EU flags. [155067] Transport what assessment he has made of Directly Operated Railways’ capacity to take over the operation Stephen Hammond: The number of individual vessels of rail passenger franchises if it proves impossible to currently operating in the UK ferry sector is as follows: conclude negotiations successfully with the incumbent operator for a contract extension. [155154] Number

Mr Simon Burns: The Department has made a full (a) Non-UK 95 assessment of the capacity required for Directly Operated (b) Non-EU 20 Railways to take over the operation of rail passenger franchises if it proves impossible to conclude negotiations with the incumbent operator for a Direct Award. A G4S detailed plan has been submitted by Directly Operated Railways on how they will resource for each competition Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for following the announcement of the Rail Franchise Schedule Transport what the current level of expenditure by his on 26 March. Department is on contracts with G4S; and how much was spent by his Department on contracts with G4S in Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for each year since 2008. [154560] Transport for how many rail passenger franchises Directly Operated Railways could take over responsibility in the Norman Baker: The current level of expenditure to event that it is not possible for his Department to the nearest pound by my Department on contracts with successfully conclude contract extension negotiations G4S, as well as spend in each year since 2008, is shown with the incumbent train operating company. [155155] in the table below.

Agency 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14* TOTAL

DfTc £3,247 £4,272 £5,739 £8,817 £5,811 £0.00 £27,887 DSA £30,532 £38,834 £55,127 £15,362 £6,746 £371 £146,971 DVLA £218,969 £240,217 £258,121 £209,714 £22,766 £0.00 £949,788 GCDA/GCS £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 HA £0.00 £1,267 £387,459 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £388,726 MCA £51,821 £17,697 £14,185 £15,718 £24,287 £3,513 £127,222 VGA £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 VOSA £103,000 £102,000 £95,000 £103,000 £19,000 £4,000 £426,000 TOTAL £407,569 £404,287 £815,631 £352,611 £78,610 £7,884 £2,066,594 * Spend up to 10 May 2013

High Speed 2 Railway Line Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reasons his Department’s High Speed 2 Environmental Report is not intended to be displayed Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport at the (a) Little Chalfont and (b) Chalfont Street Peter when his Department intends to publish and introduce libraries in Chesham and Amersham constituency. the High Speed 2 Preparation Bill as announced in the [154909] Queen’s Speech of 8 May 2013. [154905] Mr Simon Burns: HS2 Ltd are aiming to send copies Mr Simon Burns: The High Speed Rail (Preparation) of the relevant documents to two libraries per community Bill was introduced into the House of Commons and forum area. As a result, both Chalfont St Giles Community published on Monday 13 May. Library and Amersham Library will be provided with 173W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 174W the relevant documentation in the Chesham and Amersham will not be possible to consider this before the franchise Constituency. This is felt to be a reasonable approach starting in 2016 as there will be no more diesel trains given the Government’s overall policy of ’digital by available to operate this service before this date. default’ and that the documents will also be available online, will be available upon request, and will be available Railways: Franchises at public events proposed for each community forum area. Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Network Rail Transport whether his Department is subject to a legal duty to undertake a consultation exercise on the content of rail franchises prior to issuing an invitation Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for to tender. [155144] Transport whether train operating companies are able to bid for contracts tendered by Network Rail. [155152] Mr Simon Burns: The Department is under no express statutory duty to consult the public on the content of Mr Simon Burns: Train operating companies are restricted rail franchises but is subject to an overriding duty to act under the terms of their Franchise Agreement from fairly in the exercise of its functions. The Railways Acts carrying out any business or activities other than the do include obligations to consult with certain devolved provision and operation of its Franchise Services (as so Administrations, Passenger Transport Executives and defined in their Franchise Agreement) unless they have other bodies before issuing an Invitation to Tender. In the prior written consent of the Secretary of State. the past we have carried out a public consultation on the service specification for each franchise prior to the Railways: East of England issue of an Invitation to Tender and we expect to do so for future competitions. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will commission a study to outline the Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for feasibility and initial cost of introducing a half-hourly Transport whether his Department is required to publish train service between Cambridge and Stansted Airport. the results of consultations over the content of rail [155075] passenger franchise contracts; and if he will publish the results of any such consultations concluded in the last Mr Simon Burns: It is not currently possible to enhance two years. [155145] the service between Cambridge and Stansted airport as there are not enough available diesel trains to operate Mr Simon Burns: The Government’s guidance for this service. This situation will change when electrification consultation can be found on the Cabinet Office website in the north of England is completed. It is possible then at that the Department would consider whether or not it is https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/consultation- appropriate to enhance the frequency of services between principles-guidance Cambridge and Stansted airport. This first opportunity For rail franchises we have published a summary of to consider this issue is the East Anglia franchise starting responses as part of the pack of documents issued with in October 2016. the Invitation to Tender for each franchise and we would expect to continue to do this. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the cost to the public The Department carried out formal consultation on purse of introducing a half-hourly train service between the three current franchises (Essex Thameside; Thameslink, Cambridge and Stansted Airport. [155076] Southern and Great Northern (TSGN); and InterCity East Coast) in 2012. The summary of responses for the Mr Simon Burns: The Government has not yet conducted consultation carried out on the Essex Thameside franchise an assessment of what the cost to the public purse is of was published with the ITT in July 2012 providing half-hourly service between Cambridge and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/essex- Stansted airport. We would normally consider this as thameside-franchise-invitation-to-tender part of developing the proposition for the franchise. In We expect to publish a summary of responses to each of the specific case of East Anglia it will not be possible to the TSGN and InterCity East Coast consultations in consider this before the franchise starting in 2016 as summer this year. there will be no more diesel trains available to operate this service before this date. Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department plans to undertake Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport further consultation on the content of contracts for rail what assessment he has made of the potential gross passenger franchises prior to issuing any new invitations value added to the economy of the East of England by to tender for such contracts, in light of the (a) revised improving rail links between Cambridge and Stansted rail franchise schedule published on 26 March 2013 and Airport. [155078] (b) recommendations of the Brown review of the rail franchising programme; and if he will make a statement. Mr Simon Burns: The Government has not yet conducted [155146] an assessment of the potential gross value added to the economy of the East of England by improving rail links Mr Simon Burns: The Government is in frequent between Cambridge and Stansted airport. We would dialogue with the rail industry, local authorities and normally consider this as part of developing the proposition passengers regarding the development of rail franchises. for the franchise. In the specific case of East Anglia it The Department has previously carried out formal 175W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 176W consultation on each specific franchise prior to the issue of Man), is not held by the Maritime and Coastguard of the Invitation to Tender for them and we intend to Agency (MCA). Records may be maintained separately continue to do so. by the other individual Category 1 Administrations. The Department has previously consulted on the The MCA does however maintain a record of Certificates Essex Thameside; Thameslink, Southern and Great of Competency that it issues to (a) UK nationals, (b) Northern; and East Coast franchises. When formulating EU nationals, (c) REG nationals and (d) Non EU the Invitations to Tender for these competitions we will nationals. This information is provided in the following take into account the views expressed in the responses table detailing the number of Certificates of Competency to these consultations alongside the recommendations issued to personnel working on board all types of of the Brown review, which Richard Brown stated should vessels including Deck, Engine, Yachts, Tugs and Inshore be, Craft during 2011 and 2012. ″implemented on a phased basis″. Number of certificates issued Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Seafarer nationality 2011 2012 Transport if he will list the EU (a) regulations and (b) directives his Department has taken cognisance of when UK Nationals 1275 1343 awarding (i) contract extensions and (ii) temporary Non UK Nationals 5938 2326 contracts to incumbent rail passenger franchisees. Total 7213 3669 [155150] Red Ensign Nationals 1276 1344 (including UK National) Non Red Ensign 5937 2325 Mr Simon Burns: In some cases the Department is Nationals exercising an existing contractual right to extend the Total 7213 3669 franchise and in others the Department is negotiating EU Nationals (including 2843 1970 with incumbent operators with a view to entering into a UK National) new, directly awarded franchise agreement for a further Non EU Nationals 4370 1699 term before an invitation to tender can be issued and a Total 7213 3669 full open competition held to operate the relevant franchise. In all cases, the Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin), is cognisant of all of his duties and Shipping: Conditions of Employment obligations under the Railways Acts (including Section 26 and his policy published thereunder) and under Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport domestic and European procurement, competition and what estimate he has made of the total number of state aid law, including in particular Regulation 1370/2007 commercial vessels over 500 gross tonnage working on on public passenger transport services by rail and by routes to and from UK ports that will not be covered by road. laws implementing the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 after the Convention comes into force. [155066] Rescue Services Stephen Hammond: The Maritime and Coastguard Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Agency estimates there are currently 107 commercial how many and what proportion of shifts were staffed at vessels over 500 gross tonnage operating from UK ports below risk-assessed levels across all maritime rescue which will not be subject to survey or inspection under co-ordination centres in April 2013. [154282] regulations implementing the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 after the convention comes into force. Stephen Hammond: Out of the 960 watchkeeping However, many of the UK standards implementing shifts worked across all Maritime Rescue Co-ordination the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 apply to all Centres (MRCCs) during April 2013 172.8 individual seagoing ships, including these vessels. shifts were staffed at below risk assessed levels. These situations are mitigated by ’MRCC pairing’ where each MRCC is connected to at least one other MRCC which Shipping: Registration is available to provide mutual support.

Shipping Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of the ships over 500 gross tonnage working on commercial routes to and from UK ports Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport were registered under (a) non-UK and (b) non-EU what proportion of seafarer (a) ratings and (b) officers flags in each of the last five years. [155065] working on vessels registered under the (i) UK and (ii) Red Ensign Group flag were (A) UK nations, (B) non-UK nationals and (C) non-EU nationals in the latest period Stephen Hammond: The proportion of commercial for which figures are available. [155029] ships over 500 gross tonnes arriving at UK ports that are registered under non UK and non EU flags can be Stephen Hammond: Information on the proportion seen in the following table. of seafarer ratings and officers working on vessels registered On average, over the last five years, 68% of all commercial on the flags of the UK and other Category 1 members ships over 500gt arriving at UK ports were registered of the Red Ensign Group (REG) (Bermuda, British under (a) non-UK flags, and 54% were registered under Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar and the Isle (b) non-EU flags. 177W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 178W

Proportion of arrivals for ships over 500gt (percentage) London by her Department and its non-departmental Country of public body in each of the last three financial years. registration 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 [154246] (a) 72 71 66 64 67 Non-UK Mr Duncan: DFID occupied premises at 1 Palace (b) 57 57 52 51 55 Street, London, SW1, over the last three years. The Non-EU total running costs for this building were as follows: Please note that 2011 is the latest year currently £ available. 2010-11 8,214,704 Tonnage Tax 2011-12 8,703,838 2012-13 19,069,918 Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 1 Estimate. how many new training roles for UK seafarers were created under the approved core training commitments DFID vacated this building in early 2013, and moved submitted by company groups that qualified for the to smaller, freehold premises in Whitehall. The tonnage tax scheme for 2012-13. [155056] corresponding running costs are expected to be around £2,500,000 p.a., and it will save £62.5 million over the Stephen Hammond: Approved core training commitments next seven years. for the 2012-13 training commitment year are around In addition, the Independent Commission for Aid 600 for new first year officer trainees. Additionally, Impact has occupied space within the Scottish Office in company groups are required to provide second and Whitehall. Their costs, since their, creation, were as third year training for trainees taken on during the follows: previous two years when they were in the tonnage tax. The cumulative training commitment for 2012-13 is £ therefore around 1,800 officer trainees. 2011-12 20,090 John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012-13 120,080 Transport what the current total is for Payments in 1 Budget figure, to be confirmed in ICAI’s Annual Report to the Lieu of Training made by shipping company groups House of Commons International Development Committee in June that qualified for the tonnage tax scheme in 2012-13. 2013. [155241] EU Aid Stephen Hammond: The tonnage tax training requirement is monitored on the basis of training commitment years, Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for which run from October to September, rather than on a International Development how much funding her financial year basis. Payments in Lieu of Training (PILOT) Department gave to (a) EuropeAid and (b) the European are made to the Maritime Training Trust, the independent Development Fund; how such spending is scrutinised industry body set up for this purpose. The current total and relates to each other; and if she will make a statement. of PILOT payments due for Period 1, October 2012 to [154210] January 2013, is £380,514. This figure may change when outstanding End of Period Adjustment returns are Lynne Featherstone: DFID’s funding (a) towards the received. General EU Budget for external assistance and (b) of Traffic Commissioners the European Development Fund are shown for the last three available years in the following table. Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on the future regulatory £000 role of traffic commissioners in respect of the bus 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 industry; and if he will take steps to (a) expand the General EU 788,851 833,029 802,706 regulatory remit and (b) increase the resourcing of Budget traffic commissioners. [155209] European 397,452 435,534 417,370 Development Norman Baker: I have no plans to change the regulatory Fund role or resourcing of Traffic Commissioners in respect Source: of the bus industry at this time. Table 18, Statistics on International Development 2012 The Department is due to carry out a review of the The quality of the programme spending is examined role of Traffic Commissioners later in the year. by independent audits, the results-monitoring system and evaluations published by EuropeAid Evaluation Unit. Before the Commission can adopt individual programmes the UK (and all EU member states) formally INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT scrutinise projects and their funding for the European Buildings Development Fund and other external aid instruments.

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the total running costs International Development what her policy is on UK were for each building used, owned or rented in central funding towards the European Defence and Security 179W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 180W

Policy which is then marked against the UK’s Overseas The future of the European Development Fund will Development Assistance target; and if she will make a next be reassessed when the Cotonou Agreement, the statement. [154297] Partnership Arrangement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, and Lynne Featherstone: The Statistical Directives issued the European Union, expires in 2020. by the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for (OECD) set out what spending can be recorded as International Development with reference to the answer Official Development Assistance (ODA). The costs of of 22 April 2013, Official Report, column 608W, on EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions aid, how decisions on funding to Europaid and to the are funded as part of our assessed contributions to the European Development Fund are made; what the reasons European Union (EU). In accordance with these Directives, are for differing amounts of funding being allocated to the costs of CSDP civilian led EU missions are recorded each; and if she will make a statement. [154803] as ODA. Civilian CSDP missions have played, and continue to play, an important role in areas such as Lynne Featherstone: At the February 2013 European supporting Rule of Law, Border Management, and Council, EU Heads of State agreed the funding ceilings Justice Sector Reform. The costs of Military CSDP for the next budget cycle, 2014-20, for the European operations are mostly recorded as non-ODA due to the Development Fund (EDF) and for the General EU nature of the activities undertaken. Identified ODA Budget including external assistance. The funding ceiling eligible activities are scored as such. and member states shares for the EDF are now finalised and allocation to individual EDF spending priorities is These missions are all funded through the Conflict being negotiated by member states. Settlement, managed tri-departmentally by DFID, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of EU Budget financial ceilings are now subject to Defence. negotiation and agreement with the European Parliament. External assistance programmes funded from the EU Budget will then be agreed by member states. UK’s Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for financial shares for these programmes will be determined International Development how she influences how as part of our overall EU Budget share. funds are spent and projects scrutinised by (a) Europeaid EuropeAid, the European Commission Directorate- and (b) the European Development Fund. [154622] General responsible for designing EU development policies and delivering aid programmes, manages both the EDF Lynne Featherstone: A UK Representative sits on all and the EU aid instruments under the General EU the committees to take decisions on funding and Budget. programming of EU development spend. I and my officials have regular dialogue with our Commission G4S counterparts, including EuropeAid, the European Commission Directorate-General responsible for designing Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for EU development policies and delivering aid programmes International Development what the current level of under both the European Development Fund and the expenditure by her Department is on contracts with EU aid instruments under the General EU budget. G4S; and how much was spent by her Department on The UK currently has a particular opportunity to contracts with G4S in each year since 2008. [154556] influence EU external assistance spending. Negotiations on the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework for Mr Duncan: The following table gives details of the period 2014-20 are enabling the UK to secure better expenditure with G4S, including current year to date focused EU programmes around greater support to the spend. No expenditure has been recorded before 2011-12. poorest, a greater focus on results and to enhance systems used by the Commission to identify what results Spend (£) have been achieved. 2011-12 394,252 Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012-13 415,976 International Development with reference to the answer 2013-14 52,409 of 22 April 2013, Official Report, column 608W, on EU aid, what the relationship is between Europeaid and the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 European Development Fund; whether there are any plans to combine those two funding streams; and if she Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for will make a statement. [154790] International Development what steps her Department is taking to implement the Public Services (Social Value) Lynne Featherstone: By decision of the European Act 2012 in its procurement procedures; and what guidance Council in February 2013, the European Development she has given to her Department’s non-departmental Fund remains outside the general EU budget and is public body on implementation of that Act. [154535] funded by voluntary member state contributions. Along with the other development related external assistance Mr Duncan: DFID applies Social Impact Appraisal instruments it is implemented by EuropeAid, the European as part of its standard Business Case process. Commission Directorate-General responsible for designing The Cabinet Office has been working closely with EU development policies and delivering aid through organisations such as Social Enterprise UK and the programmes across the world. National Housing Federation to organise a series of 181W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 182W regional events to raise awareness of the Act across Period Publisher £ local government commissioners and social enterprises. Representatives from various Government Departments Palgrave MacMillan 10,244 have been in attendance and collectively HMG is looking & Reed to encourage positive change in the way that public Business 2,848 services are commissioned. International Ltd AAAS Publications Oxford University 3,480 Press Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Taylor & Francis 27,765 International Development how much her Department BMJ Publishing 3,253 Group spent on subscriptions to academic journals published by (a) Reed-Elsevier, (b) Wiley-Blackwell, (c) Springer Sage 2,418 and (d) any other academic publisher in each of the ICE 2,475 last five years. [154498] IWA Publishing 1,015

Mr Duncan: DFID spent the following on its academic journal subscriptions from 2010 to 2013. Expenditure South Africa for previous financial years can be compiled only at Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for disproportionate costs. International Development (1) when she reached agreement Period Publisher £ with the South African government to end the UK’s bilateral aid programme to South Africa in 2015; 1 April 2010 to (a) Elsevier 44,383 [154879] 31 March 2011 (2) with which South African government department (b) Wiley-Blackwell 80,564 it was agreed that the UK’s bilateral aid programme to (c) Springer 0 South Africa should end in 2015; [154964] (d) Other (3) if there is a written record confirming the South publisher(s): African government’s agreement to the UK ending its Palgrave MacMillan 5,254 bilateral aid programme to South Africa in 2015. & Reed [154875] Business 2,563 International Ltd Justine Greening: Ministers and officials from DFID AAAS discussed our intention to end the UK’s bilateral aid Oxford University 2,656 programme from 2015 with the South African National Press Treasury, Department of International Relations and Taylor & Francis 25,001 Cooperation, and Presidency on various occasions over BMJ Publishing 1,478 the last year. Group Sage 4,212 We will have further discussions about the nature and scope of our future development relationship with South Africa including at the next Bilateral Forum. 1 April 2011 to (a) Elsevier 45,273 31 March 2012 (b) Wiley-Blackwell 13,996 JUSTICE (c) Springer 0 (d) Other Data Protection: Crime publisher(s): Palgrave MacMillan 9,698 Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice & Reed what consideration he has given to making breach of Business 3,823 section 55 of the Data Protection Act 1998 a recordable International Ltd offence. [154831] AAAS Cambridge 492 Mrs Grant: Following Lord Justice Leveson’s inquiry University Press into the culture, practices and ethics of the press, it is Oxford University 3,310 the Government’s intention to conduct a public consultation Press on the full range of Lord Justice Leveson’s data protection Taylor & Francis 26,552 recommendations, including on whether to make an Sage 3,710 Order introducing custodial sentences under section 77 BMJ Publishing 3,012 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 Group (CJIA).

1 April 2012 to (a) Elsevier 44,971 Driving Offences: Fines 31 March 2013 (b) Wiley-Blackwell 14,998 John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (c) Springer 0 how much has been collected from motoring fines issued in (a) Bassetlaw constituency, (b) South Yorkshire and (d) Other publisher(s): (c) Nottinghamshire in each of the last five years. [154159] 183W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 184W

Mrs Grant: HM Courts and Tribunals Service systems Prison Service do not identify amounts collected for specific offences or for specific constituencies. This information could be Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice provided only at disproportionate cost as it would require how many times employees of the Prison Service have a manual search of all live and closed fine accounts. been found guilty of criminal activity in the workplace in each year since 2003, by category of offence. [154023] HM Courts and Tribunals Service Jeremy Wright: The information requested is not available centrally and could be obtained only at Karl Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice disproportionate cost. what plans he has for commercialisation of HM Courts and Tribunal Services. [154685] Prisons: Electronic Equipment

Mrs Grant: As set out in the written ministerial Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice statement of 26 March 2013, Official Report, columns how much was spent on (a) televisions, (b) games 94-95WS, my Department has been asked to explore consoles, (c) subscription television channels and (d) proposals for the reform of the resourcing and DVD players in publicly-run prisons. [154314] administration of HM Courts and Tribunals services. This includes considering options to raise the revenue Jeremy Wright: On 30 April, we announced changes and investment necessary to modernise the infrastructure to the Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) scheme, and deliver a better and more flexible service to users. under which prisoners earn access to in cell television, An update on this work will be provided in due course. games consoles and DVD players. The changes, which will come into effect from 1 November, will ensure that privileges are appropriate and earned not just through Police Cautions good behaviour but also through the demonstration of positive behaviour targeted at rehabilitation. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice The provision of in-cell television in both public and how many cautions were issued for (a) triable either private sector prisons is entirely self-financing; the money way offences and (b) indictable-only offences in each comes from payments made by prisoners. Some year from 2002 to 2012 in (i) total and (ii) each police establishments may have televisions in other areas of authority area. [153938] the prison; for example, in public areas or for education provision. Jeremy Wright: The use of cautions is at its lowest In the adult estate, all games consoles are purchased level for more than five years, as is the number of at prisoners own expense. No public funds must be used cautions issued to those who have a previous criminal to purchase games consoles and equipment. Access to record. However, the public and victims have a right to games consoles is restricted to prisoners who are on the expect that people who commit serious crimes should enhanced level of the Incentives and Earned Privileges be brought before a court. On 3 April 2013 we launched (IEP) scheme. Separate arrangements are in place in the a review into the use of cautions which will focus on the under-18 estate. use of cautions for serious offences and persistent offenders. Subscription television channels are not available in Among other things, the review will examine whether publicly run prisons. The changes we are introducing to there are some offences for which the use of simple the IEP scheme mean that access to subscription television cautions is generally inappropriate, the reasons why channels is being removed from contracted out prisons. multiple cautions are given to some criminals and the Where prisoners are permitted to purchase DVD difference in the use of cautions by police force areas. players, under local IEP schemes, this is at their own The review is a significant step to ensuring that cautions expense. Some prisons may use DVD players as part of are used correctly, in the interests of justice, and command education provision. the confidence of the public. The National Offender Management Service’s central The decision whether to offer a caution is an operational accounting system does not hold separately expenditure matter for the police and in some circumstances the details on televisions, games consoles for the under 18 CPS depending on the circumstances of the offence and estate, or DVD players used outside of cells in publicly-run offender. Court will always be the right place for serious prisons. In order to obtain the costs, local records and contested cases and those involving prolific offenders. would need to be examined at each establishment. The However, there will always be exceptional cases in which costs would then need to be extracted, disaggregated a prosecution for what appears to be a relatively serious and then centrally collated and reviewed. To establish offence is not in the public or the victim’s interest. these costs would therefore incur a disproportionate While we should not remove police officer discretion, cost. the public have a right to expect that people who commit serious crimes should be brought before a court. Prisons: Mental Health Services The number of cautions issued for indictable only and triable either way offences, and the caution rate by Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice type of offence in each police force area in England and what mental health treatment options are available to Wales in each year from 2002 to 2011 (latest data prisoners; whether there is proven-cost-effectiveness available), can be viewed in the tables placed in the for those treatments; and what the average cost is of Library. Statistics on out-of-court disposals in 2012 are prison-based mental health treatment per prisoner. planned for publication in May 2013. [154959] 185W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 186W

Norman Lamb: I have been asked to reply on behalf The nDelius system has been rigorously tested by a of the Department of Health. significant number of front-line staff in advance of the Prisoners have the same mental health problems as system being accepted from ICT suppliers. In addition everyone else. Treatment is based on National Institute the new system completed an operational business pilot for Health and Care Excellence guidelines and wherever during November/December 2012 to confirm it was possible is equivalent to that provided in the community. suitably fit for business implementation. Prior to entering There is therefore a range of medication, individual and business pilot the system also went through an OGC group therapy. Gateway 4 Review to confirm readiness for live service. From 1 April 2013 NHS England has been responsible As with all large ICT systems deployed by NOMS there for the commissioning of mental health services for is a rigorous acceptance into service process which prisoners. seeks to ensure that the known risks of migrating to any new ICT system are minimised. The information requested about cost effectiveness and average cost is not held centrally. The nDelius system has now been in full live service since 4 February 2013. The service is proving stable, and Probation initial feedback from the early trusts using the system has been encouraging—particularly in respect of system Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice usability; Assistive Technology compliance; and the how much his Department has spent on installing the connectivity that National Delius allows with other nDelius system to date; and how much it expects to national systems. The system is planned to remain a key spend on the system in total. [153941] part of the case management infrastructure for probation services, used by the public sector and a range of Mrs Grant: The nDelius (National Delius) system is contracted out providers in the future, further to the in the process of being rolled-out across probation reforms put in place under the Government’s Transforming Trusts in England and Wales, with the project scheduled Rehabilitation programme. to complete in October 2013. This new case management system for Probation Trusts is currently in daily use within seven of the 35 probation Trusts, including the DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER whole of Wales. The cost to date of delivering this new Electoral Register ICT service is approximately £48 million. This cost is fully inclusive of the design, IT development, testing, Chris Ruane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what and business implementation. The cost includes full assessment he has made of the outcome of his Department’s NOMS spend with suppliers as well as internal NOMS matching of the electoral register with Department for costs. Work and Pensions data in communities with (a) seaside towns and (b) towns with high student populations; The project is projecting that a further £7.7 million and what effect this work will have on the size of will be spent in 2013-14 to complete business electorates in these constituencies. [154454] implementation. This forecast spend is fully aligned with the project’s overarching business case which was Miss Chloe Smith: As part of the transition to Individual reviewed and approved by the Treasury in September Electoral Registration (IER) entries on the electoral 2012. The system is planned to remain a key part of the register will be matched against data held by Department case management infrastructure for probation services, for Work and Pensions (DWP) for the purposes of used by the public sector and a range of contracted out confirming existing electors, a process which will simplify providers in the future, further to the reforms put in the transition for the majority of existing electors. Last place under the Government’s Transforming Rehabilitation year the Cabinet Office undertook pilots to test this programme. process and we published our evaluation of these pilots A proposal that the retained public sector continues earlier this year which is available to download from: to use nDelius and other providers have secure access to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/simplifying-the- the nDelius dataset is designed to underpin cost effective transition-to-individual-electoral-registration delivery and innovation, ensures that a national case The evaluation report includes an analysis of match view of offenders managed in the community is maintained rates by population groups and while no specific analysis and effective management information is provided. The was undertaken of seaside towns the results did suggest availability of a single national case management system, that match rates were lower in areas with high student coupled with a national risk management system (OASys- populations. However, anyone who cannot be confirmed R-recently successfully deployed and operating across will still be invited to register individually and will all prisons and probation trusts), better facilitates new retain their ability to vote in the 2015 general election. business processes and the necessary organisational changes By using confirmation to simplify the process for the being made at pace with risks better managed. majority of electors it means resources can be focused on maximising registration among those people who Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice cannot be confirmed, including individuals who are not if his Department undertook a risk assessment of the currently registered. We are also currently running a installation of the nDelius system. [153942] separate set of pilots exploring whether data matching against DWP and other trusted national data sets can Mrs Grant: In answering this question it has been be used to find potential electors who are not currently assumed that it refers to the new National Delius (nDelius) registered but may be eligible to do so, in order to invite system being implemented across all 35 probation trusts. them to register. The results of the pilots, which are This is distinct from the Delius system which is used specifically targeted at boosting registrations among currently within five probation trusts and is scheduled students, attainers and home-movers, will be published to be replaced by the new national system. in the summer. 187W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 188W

WORK AND PENSIONS Disability living allowance recipients aged 16-64 with a main disabling condition of ‘Cystic Fibrosis’ by mobility component rate Disability Living Allowance: Cystic Fibrosis Date Higher rate Lower rate

August 1998 1,400 1100 Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work August 1999 1,400 1100 and Pensions how many people aged between 16 and August 2000 1,500 1100 64 years old whose main disabling condition is cystic August 2001 1,600 1100 fibrosis have been in receipt of the (a) mobility and (b) 1 care component for disability living allowance at the August 2002 1,600 100 1 (i) lower, (ii) standard and (iii) higher rate in each year August 2003 1,700 100 1100 since 1992. [154415] August 2004 1,800 August 2005 1,800 1100 Esther McVey: The information requested is given in August 2006 1,900 1100 the following tables. August 2007 1,900 1200 August 2008 2,000 1200 Disability living allowance recipients aged 16-64 with a main disabling 1 condition of ‘Cystic Fibrosis’ by care component rate August 2009 2,200 200 1 Date Higher rate Middle rate Lower rate August 2010 2,100 100 August 2011 1,890 190 August 1300 1400 — August 2012 1,930 1100 1992 1 Figures of 500 or less are subject to a degree of sampling variation August 1300 1400 1200 and therefore should be used as a guide only to the correct situation. 1993 Notes: August 1300 1400 1300 1. Figures up to August 2010 are taken from 5% Sample data have 1994 been uprated to be consistent with WPLS data and are rounded to the August 1400 600 1300 nearest 100. Figures for August 2011 and August 2012 are from 100% 1995 data arid are rounded to the nearest ten. 2. ‘–‘ denotes nil or negligible August 1500 700 1400 Source: 1996 DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate, 5% sample August 600 600 600 and Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100% data 1997 August 700 1500 600 Employment: Females 1998 August 800 700 700 Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for 1999 Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of August 900 800 1500 recent trends in female employment in (a) Clwyd South 2000 constituency, (b) Wales and (c) the UK. [154118] August 900 1,000 1400 2001 Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the August 900 1,200 1500 Cabinet Office. 2002 August 1,000 1,300 1500 The information requested falls within the responsibility 2003 of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority August 1,100 1,300 1500 to reply. 2004 Letter from Glen Watson, dated May 2013: August 1,200 1,300 1500 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I 2005 have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking August 1,300 1,400 600 the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for the recent trends 2006 in female employment in (a) Clwyd South constituency, (b) Wales August 1,300 1,400 600 and (c) the UK. (154118) 2007 The ONS compiles Labour Market Statistics for areas below August 1,500 1,500 700 the UK following International Labour Organisation (ILO) definitions 2008 using the Annual Population Survey (APS). August 1,600 3,200 600 Table 1 shows the number of women aged 16 and over in the 2009 requested geographies who were in employment in the week prior August 1,700 3,000 700 to interview for the 12 month period January 2012 to December 2010 2012, the latest available period, and for the 12 month period August 1,270 1,640 700 January 2011 to December 2011 from the APS along with the 2011 change in the number between the two periods. August 1,310 1,710 740 Table 2 shows the employment rate in the requested geographies 2012 for women aged 16 to 64 in the week prior to interview for the 12 month period January 2012 to December 2012, the latest Disability living allowance recipients aged 16-64 with a main disabling available period, and for the 12 month period January 2011 to condition of ‘Cystic Fibrosis’ by mobility component rate December 2011 from the APS along with the change in the Date Higher rate Lower rate number between the two periods. As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject August 1992 600 — to a margin of uncertainty. A guide to the quality of the estimates August 1993 700 — is given in table 1. August 1994 800 — A wide range of other labour market data for parliamentary August 1995 1,000 1100 constituencies and local authorities are also published on the August 1996 1,100 1100 Office for National Statistics’ Nomis website: August 1997 1,300 1100 www.nomisweb.co.uk 189W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 190W

Table 1: Employment level for women aged 16 and over housing benefit through increases in non-dependant Thousand deductions and (ii) cost to the public purse of any such 12 months ending increase in (A) Brighton and Hove local authority area Change between and (B) total; and if he will make a statement. [154110] 12 month periods December December ending December 2011 1 Steve Webb: It is a long-established principle that 2011 2012 and December 2012 someone living in a housing benefit claimant’s home Clwyd 15 **17 1 should be asked to contribute towards the rent. The South Government have now restored that contribution to the Wales 620 *623 3 level it would have reached had it not been frozen in UK 13,414 *13,568 155 2001. 1 Coefficients of Variation have been calculated for the latest period as The Department has no current plans to update the an indication of the quality of the estimates. See Guide to Quality research to which this question refers. Further, no assessment below. Guide to Quality: is available on the potential impacts of non-dependant The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of an estimate, deductions in housing benefit in respect of (i) or (ii). the smaller the CV value the higher the quality. The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an estimate of 200 Incapacity Benefit: Bassetlaw with a CV of 5% we would expect the population total to be within the range 180-220. Key: John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Work * 0 = CV<5%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered and Pensions how many people in receipt of incapacity precise benefit in Bassetlaw constituency have elected not to be ** 5 = CV <10%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered reassessed for any successor benefit; and if he will make reasonably precise *** 10 = CV <20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered a statement. [154169] acceptable **** CV ? 20%—Statistical Robustness: Estimates are considered too Mr Hoban: The information requested is not available. unreliable for practical purposes However, the Department regularly publishes official CV = Coefficient of Variation statistics on the outcomes of employment and support Source: Annual Population Survey allowance (ESA) work capability assessments for new Table 2: Employment rate for women aged 16 to 64 claims made to ESA and for incapacity benefits claimants Percentage being reassessed for ESA. The latest publication was 12 months ending released in April 2013 and includes a breakdown of Change between incapacity benefits reassessment outcomes by local 12 month periods authority. It can be found on the internet at the following December December ending December 2011 link. 2011 2012 and December 2012 Employment and support allowance: Outcomes of Clwyd 70.3 71.3 1.0 work capability assessments, Great Britain: South http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/ Wales 66.7 67.3 0.6 index.php?page=esa_wca UK 70.0 70.6 0.6 Source: Jobcentre Plus Annual Population Survey Food Banks Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions with reference to the answer of Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 22 April 2013, Official Report, columns 702-3W, on and Pensions whether his Department issues guidance Jobcentre Plus, which of his ministerial colleagues visited to local authorities on engaging with food bank each of the Jobcentre Plus centres listed in the last providers and donors to ensure adequate and balanced 12 months. [154880] coverage in their area. [154206] Mr Hoban: The answer to your question is in the Mr Hoban: Food banks are not part of the welfare following table: system and as such DWP does not offer advice or guidance to local authorities on engaging with them. Minister Jobcentre Plus Office Chris Grayling—Minister for Hounslow JCP Housing Benefit Employment Dartford JCP Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Haverhill JCP Work and Pensions with reference to paragraph 26 of Chatham JCP the equality impact assessment of the income-related benefits change to the non-dependant deduction rates Darlington JCP published in February 2011, if he will commission Nottingham JCP research to update the conclusions of that paragraph; if Wolverhampton JCP he will (a) make and (b) place in the Library an Mark Hoban—Minister for Hammersmith JCP assessment of the (i) potential increase in the number of Employment non-dependants between the ages of 16 and 24 leaving City Tower JCP the parental home and claiming housing benefit in their Grimsby JCP own right following the reduction of their parents’ 191W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 192W

Esther McVey: The personal independence payment Minister Jobcentre Plus Office computer system will record the primary disabling Morriston JCP condition, using a code based on the International Leicester JCP Classification of Diseases which includes cystic fibrosis, together with any number of additional disabling conditions. Wood Green JCP London Bridge JCP Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 Loughton JCP Gloucester Benefit Centre Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Maria Miller—Minister for Bootle Benefit Centre and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to Disabled People implement the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 Esther McVey—Minister for Bootle Benefit Centre Disabled People in its procurement procedures; and what guidance he Peel Park Model Office has given to his Department’s executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies on implementation of Runcorn JCP that Act. [154543] Lord Freud—Minister for Stretford JCP Welfare Reform Mr Hoban: DWP policy has been developed and Eastgate JCP implemented which incorporates the principles of the Derby Contact Centre new Act. This includes embedding sustainability by Folkestone JCP supporting the SME and diversity and equality agendas Wigan JCP which are at the heart of the Social Value Act, at the Warrington JCP initial and very high-level stages of a proposal, which require ministerial and key stakeholder support. A policy evaluation tool supports this and provides evidence as Jobseeker’s Allowance: Internet required. Further embedding sustainability at project stage is John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Work achieved by undertaking deeper analysis, as more detail and Pensions what proportion of new claims for jobseeker’s becomes available, via a sustainability evaluation tool allowance were made online (a) in total and (b) by which includes greenhouse gas analysis. claimants living in Bassetlaw constituency in each of Additional steps, where relevant and appropriate, the last 12 months. [154164] include contractual specifications and contract performance conditions that suppliers to the Department are required Mr Hoban: The following table shows the total percentage to meet. These relate to environmental issues, diversity of new claims made for jobseeker’s allowance online and equality issues and use of apprenticeships in supply nationally. chains and are included in specific contract clauses and Data for claimants living in the Bassetlaw constituency schedules that are subject to on going review with is not available in the format requested. suppliers. All DWP non-departmental public bodies have been National (MISP measure) (percentage) made aware of and are expected to follow this policy.

May 2012 23.4 Publications June 2012 29.5 July 2012 30.9 August 2012 32.1 Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for September 39.0 Work and Pensions how much his Department spent on 2012 subscriptions to academic journals published by (a) October 2012 39.3 Reed-Elsevier, (b) Wiley-Blackwell, (c) Springer and November 41.9 (d) any other academic publisher in each of the last five 2012 years. [154505] December 45.5 2012 Mr Hoban: The Department does not purchase academic January 2013 51.4 journals from publishers directly. Instead a subscription February 52.9 agent and content aggregators are used to achieve economies 2013 of scale. Content aggregators provide full text database March 2013 55.2 access to a large number of journals, thus achieving April 2013 66.3 efficiency savings and rendering significant amounts of individual subscriptions unnecessary.Due to the aggregation Personal Independence Payment: Cystic Fibrosis process and the use of a single agent it is not possible to differentiate the cost by publisher.

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Social Security Benefits: Telephone Services and Pensions if he will make a record of the main disabling condition for claimants of the personal independence payment; and if he will include cystic Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for fibrosis as a category of main disabling condition in any Work and Pensions what the principal access numbers such record. [154414] are for those calling the benefits helpline number; which 193W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 194W such lines (a) are free to the caller and (b) may incur a the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The charge to the caller; and if he will take steps to ensure telephone numbers shown are the Department’s service that all calls made to these helplines are recorded. lines for new claims to benefit and inquiries for working [154298] age and pensions benefits. Mr Hoban: Please find following a table of principal All calls made to the Department’s 0800 and 0845 access numbers for all benefit service lines operated by service lines are recorded as a matter of policy.

Cost Incurred/Free (if Free to call from mobile Business Service Line Telephone Number calling from a BT landline) providers?1

JCP First Contact 0800 0556688 Free Yes JCP First Contact Welsh 0800 0121888 Free Yes JCP Maternity Allowance 0845 6088610 Cost Incurred No JCP Maternity Allowance Welsh 0845 6088674 Cost Incurred No JCP Primary Benefit Inquiries 2— Cost Incurred No JCP Primary Benefit Inquiries Welsh 0845 6003018 Cost Incurred No (ENQUIRE and IB Migration) JCP IB Migration 0845 6008192 Cost Incurred No JCP Social Fund 0845 6036967 Cost Incurred No JCP Workplace Pension Information Line 0845 6001268 Cost Incurred No JCP Workplace Pension Information Line 0845 6008187 Cost Incurred No Welsh JCP Personal Independence Payment 0845 8503322 Cost Incurred No Inquiries PDCS Pension Service 0845 6060265 Cost Incurred No PDCS State Pension Claim Line 0800 7317898 Free Yes PDCS Pension Credit Claim Line 0800 991234 Free Yes PDCS National Pension Centre 0845 3013011 Cost Incurred No PDCS International Pension Service 0845 6010008 (0191 Cost Incurred No 2187777) PDCS Disability Living Allowance and 08457 123456 Cost Incurred No Attendance Allowance Helpline PDCS Carers Allowance 0845-6084321 Cost Incurred No PDCS Benefit Inquiry Line 0800 882200 Free Yes PDCS Disability Living Allowance Helpline 0845 6020194 Cost Incurred No (DWP) PDCS Disability Living Allowance— 0845 6020197 Cost Incurred No Motability PDCS Disability Living Allowance—Third 0845 9000121 Cost Incurred No Party PDCS Pension Tracing Service 0845 6002537 Cost Incurred No PDCS Pensions Savings for Later Life 0800 6781132 Free No PDCS State Pension Equalisation 0845 6005362 Cost Incurred No PDCS PDCS TPS Pension Credit 0800 7314811 Free Yes″ PDCS State Pension Deferrals 0800 7315413 Free No PDCS National Pension Centre—Home 0800 9177306 Free No Responsibilities Payments PDCS Local Service (DWP Visiting) 0800 9179149 Free No PDCS Winter Fuel Helpline 08459 151515 Cost Incurred No PDCS State Pension Welsh 0800 7317936 Free Yes PDCS Changes (Welsh) 0845 6060275 Cost Incurred No UC Universal Credit Inquiries 0845 6000723 Cost Incurred No 1 DWP has reached an agreement with O2, Everything Everywhere (formerly Orange and T-Mobile), Vodafone, Three (also known as Hutchison 3G), Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Cable and Wireless. This agreement allows many DWP customers to make free mobile phone calls from their participating networks to the Department’s 0800 customer numbers. 2 Various 0845s—see Table 2 for all 73 English 0845 numbers.

Table2 Table2 Primary Benefit Inquiry Primary Benefit Inquiry 0845 numbers 0845 numbers

Aberdeen 0845 608 8749 Birkenhead 0845 608 8529 Barnsley 0845 608 8560 Bolton 0845 608 8531 Basildon 0845 608 8575 Bristol East 0845 608 8597 Bathgate 0845 608 8630 Burnley 0845 608 8502 Belfast 0845 608 8770 Bradford 0845 608 8556 195W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 196W

Table2 Table2 Primary Benefit Inquiry Primary Benefit Inquiry 0845 numbers 0845 numbers

Bury St Edmunds 0845 608 8618 Worthing 0845 608 8715 Caerphilly 0845 608 8562 Wrexham 0845 600 3016 Cannock 0845 608 8676 York 0845 608 8550 Canterbury 0845 608 8501 Textphone Services Carlisle 0845 608 8545 Cost Incurred/ Chester 0845 608 8534 Free (if calling Chesterfield 0845 608 8521 from a BT Chippenham 0845 608 8621 Business Service Line Number landline) Chorlton 0845 608 8504 JCP First Contact 0800 023 4888 Free Clyde and Fife 0845 608 8582 English and Clydebank 0845 600 1506 Welsh and Coatbridge 0845 608 8645 E-Claims Helpline Cosham 0845 608 8573 JCP Workplace 0845 850 0363 Cost Incurred Derby 0845 608 8506 Pensions Doncaster 0845 608 8508 JCP Social Fund/ 0845 608 8553 Cost Incurred Exeter 0845 608 8564 Maternity Glasgow 0845 603 6347 Allowance Gloucester 0845 608 8624 JCP Primary Benefit 0845 608 8551 Cost Incurred Greenock 0845 608 8598 and Ben Cap Hackney 0845 600 6334 Halifax 0845 608 8548 PDCS State Pension 0800 731 7339 Free Handsworth 0845 608 8648 Claim Line Hanley 0845 608 8673 0800 731 7013 Free Hastings 0845 608 8757 Hull 0845 608 8546 PDCS Benefit Inquiry 0800 243 355 Free Huyton 0845 608 8535 Line Hyde 0845 608 8526 PDCS Pension Credit 0800 169 0133 Free Claim Line Ilford 0845 600 2612 PDCS Future Pension 0845 3000169 Cost Incurred Kilmarnock 0845 608 8632 Centre Leeds 0845 608 8590 PDCS National Pension 0845 301 3012 Cost Incurred Leicester 0845 608 8525 Centre Lincoln 0845 608 8532 PDCS International 0800 032 6436 Free Lisahally 0845 603 5759 Pension Centre Llanelli 0845 608 8554 Luton 0845 608 8627 PDCS Changes 0845 60 60 285 Cost Incurred Mansfield 0845 608 8518 PDCS 0845 60 60 295 Cost Incurred Makerfield 0845 377 6001 Merthyr Tydfil 0845 608 8552 PDCS Carers 0845 604 5312 Cost Incurred Newport 0845 608 8569 Allowance Norwich 0845 608 8571 PDCS DLA and AA 08457 22 44 33 Cost Incurred Nottingham 0845 608 8528 Main Line Newcastle 0845 608 8642 Oldham 0845 608 8523 State Retirement Pensions Preston 0845 608 8524 Peterborough 0845 608 8603 Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Plymouth 0845 603 6095 and Pensions if he will review the amount which an Ramsgate 0845 608 8626 estate of an individual who has earned extra state Ravenhurst 0845 608 8657 pension can claim at the time of their death. [154410] Sheffield 0845 600 1267 St Austell 0845 608 8578 Steve Webb: At the moment, the estate of a single St Helens 0845 608 8503 person may make a claim on behalf of the deceased for Stockton 0845 600 1651 up to three months of the state pension that was unclaimed Sunderland 0845 608 8637 at the time of the death. We have no plans to amend Stratford 0845 600 0148 these rules. Totton 0845 608 8620 Our proposals for state pension reform are set out in Walsall 0845 602 0206 the draft Pensions Bill announced in the Queen’s Speech Watford 0845 608 8583 and published on 10 May 2013. Wellingborough 0845 609 4904 Wolverhampton 0845 600 3115 Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will change inheritance rules so that Worcester 0845 608 8665 an individual can transfer any extra state pension 197W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 198W entitlement they have earned to a family member of Mr Hoban: The information requested is not available pension age who is not a spouse or civil partner at the for (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency as time of their death. [154450] sample sizes are too small to yield reliable results for this geographical area. Steve Webb: We have no plans to change the rules on Once universal credit (UC) is fully implemented we inheritance for the current state pension scheme, and expect around 700,000 households to receive UC in (b) our proposals for changes in the future are set out in the Scotland and around 8 million households in Great Pension Bill published on 10 May 2013. After the Britain. implementation of the single-tier pension entitlement The impact of universal credit in Northern Ireland is to a state pension will be based on an individual’s a matter for Department for Social Development in contribution record only and the facility to inherit or Northern Ireland. derive any part of entitlement to state pension based on the national insurance contributions of another individual Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for will end, with some transitional arrangements. Under Work and Pensions (1) how many people he expects to these arrangements it will not be possible to transfer be in receipt of universal credit by April 2014; [154956] any extra state pension entitlement that may have been (2) what assessment he has made of the earliest date built up by the deceased from the deferral of their single on which one million people will be in receipt of tier pension. The detailed mechanics of the process are universal credit. [154957] laid out in a policy paper entitled state pension entitlements derived from a current or former spouse’s or civil partner’s national insurance contributions, published on GOV.uk. Mr Hoban: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply I provided him with on 13 May 2013, Official Report, column 69w on how many people have claimed universal credit in the pathfinder to date; and what Universal Credit estimate he has made of the total number of new claims for universal credit that will be processed by all the Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for pathfinders. Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the We expect around 7,000 claims to universal credit in number of families who will receive universal credit the pathfinders. Plans continue to be developed to support and have one or more members in work but will not the gradual roll-out from autumn 2013 within Budget. have a member eligible to pay income tax in 2015-16. [154215] Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what milestones for the delivery of IT Mr Hoban: The universal credit caseload in 2015/16 support for universal credit he expects not to be met. is subject to the detailed approach to migration. The [155188] exact timing and sequence of the migration process will be adjusted in the light of experience, not least from Mr Hoban: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the operating the pathfinder service in the Greater Manchester reply I provided him with on 13 May 2013, Official area from April 2013. Report, column 69-70w to his question on universal credit, and whether our expected timescale for the Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for completion of the IT development for universal credit Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of of spring 2013 for live pathfinders and autumn 2013 is the potential effect of the housing cost contribution on track. under universal credit on (a) levels of homelessness The first milestone, to support the start of the Pathfinder and (b) the number of people aged from 21 to 25 years on April 29, has been met. Plans continue to be developed making a separate claim for universal credit to cover to support the gradual roll-out from autumn 2013 housing costs. [154372] within budget.

Steve Webb: The Government thinks that it is reasonable Universal Credit: Nottinghamshire that someone living in a claimant’s home should be asked to contribute towards the rent. The contribution John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Work under universal credit is set at around £16 per week. and Pensions how many single parent families in (a) This contribution will be expected only where the person Bassetlaw constituency and (b) Nottinghamshire will is either in work or there is an expectation that they be in receipt of universal credit by the time that scheme should be working. It will not be expected if the person is fully implemented; and how many such families will is a carer, responsible for a young child or in receipt of a have a (i) higher and (ii) lower entitlement under specified disability benefit. universal credit than the present system. [154145] No assessment is available on the potential impacts of the housing cost contribution in universal credit in Mr Hoban: The information requested is not available respect of (a) or (b). as sample sizes are too small to yield reliable results for these geographical areas. Jim Sheridan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work The impacts of universal credit are presented in the and Pensions what estimate he has made of the universal credit impact assessment available at. potential number of future universal credit claimants https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ in (a) Paisley and Renfrewshire North constituency, attachment_data/file/174996/universal-credit-wr2011- (b) Scotland and (c) the UK. [154766] ia.pdf.pdf 199W Written Answers14 MAY 2013 Written Answers 200W

Vacancies: Advertising Work Programme: Bassetlaw

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Work John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much has been paid to Work programme and Pensions what proportion of jobs advertised on providers as a result of residents in Bassetlaw constituency the Universal Jobmatch website in (a) Bassetlaw being placed in employment which generated a job constituency and (b) the UK were for self-employment outcome to date. [154144] since the introduction of that website. [154163] Mr Hoban: The total paid to Work programme providers Mr Hoban: The proportion of self-employed new job in the UK is £377.9 million from the start of the vacancies posted on Universal Jobmatch from the programme through to 30 July 2012, ie the period introduction of the website up to 30 April 2013 in covered by the Statistical Release. Due to commercial in Bassetlaw constituency is 25.2%. For the same period in confidence considerations we are not able to release the UK the proportion is 14.4%. financial data below the national level at this time.

ORAL ANSWERS

Tuesday 14 May 2013

Col. No. Col. No. TREASURY ...... 477 TREASURY—continued Arck LLP...... 490 Housing Market...... 477 Average Earnings ...... 492 Income Tax ...... 480 Banking Industry: Code of Conduct...... 490 Municipal Bond Market ...... 491 Construction...... 482 Private Sector Job Creation...... 485 Corporate Tax Evasion ...... 488 Procurement...... 483 Economic Recovery ...... 487 Topical Questions ...... 492 Economy: North-East...... 484 Youth Unemployment...... 479 Government Expenditure...... 491 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Tuesday 14 May 2013

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 29WS JUSTICE...... 34WS Government Chemist ...... 29WS Deaths of Service Personnel Overseas...... 34WS

DEFENCE...... 31WS TRANSPORT ...... 36WS Falkland Islands Veterans’ Mortality Data ...... 31WS Balance of Competences Review: Transport ...... 36WS

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 32WS TREASURY ...... 29WS Balance of Competences Review...... 32WS Child Trust Funds...... 29WS Expo 2020...... 32WS Disclosure and Barring Scheme ...... 30WS General Affairs Council ...... 33WS ECOFIN...... 29WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Tuesday 14 May 2013

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 104W CABINET OFFICE—continued Crown Prosecution Service...... 104W Distributive Trade ...... 136W Enfield ...... 105W G4S...... 136W G4S...... 105W Inflation...... 137W Goldman Sachs...... 106W Internet: Barrow in Furness ...... 138W Prosecutions...... 106W Ministerial Policy Advisers: Vetting ...... 138W Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012...... 111W Population ...... 138W Rape: Prosecutions...... 111W Public Administration Select Committee Reports .. 139W Scotland...... 112W Public Sector: Civil Proceedings...... 139W Sexual Offences: Victim Support Schemes ...... 112W Unemployment ...... 140W

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 127W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 141W Arms Trade: Bahrain ...... 127W Homelessness...... 141W Central Sussex College...... 128W Homelessness: Bassetlaw...... 142W Climate Change ...... 128W Housing ...... 143W Copyright...... 128W Housing: Disability ...... 143W Energy: Bassetlaw ...... 129W Housing: Finance...... 143W Enfield ...... 129W Social Rented Housing: Business ...... 144W Insolvency Service...... 129W Travellers: Finance ...... 144W Minimum Wage ...... 130W Pay...... 131W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 169W Prisons: Education...... 131W Apprentices...... 169W Public Houses ...... 132W Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012...... 170W Public Sector: Procurement...... 132W Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012...... 133W Publications ...... 133W DEFENCE...... 150W Risk Management...... 133W Afghanistan ...... 150W Sussex University ...... 134W Armed Forces: Malaria...... 150W UK Trade and Investment...... 134W Armed Forces: Railways...... 151W Urenco...... 135W Defence Support Group...... 151W G4S...... 152W CABINET OFFICE...... 135W HMS Tireless ...... 152W Civil Servants: Pay ...... 135W Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012...... 153W Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE—continued HOME DEPARTMENT—continued Research ...... 153W Immigrants: Detainees ...... 114W Members: Correspondence ...... 114W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 186W Metals: Theft ...... 114W Electoral Register...... 186W Police ...... 115W Police Authorities...... 115W EDUCATION...... 122W Police: Complaints ...... 115W Academies...... 122W Police: Freedom of Information...... 116W Basic Skills: Bassetlaw...... 123W Police: Pensions...... 116W Children: Local Government Services...... 124W Police Remuneration Review Body...... 115W Dominic Cummings...... 125W Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012...... 116W Free School Meals...... 125W Publications ...... 117W Priority School Building Programme ...... 126W Sexual Offences...... 117W Skills Funding Agency ...... 126W Surveillance...... 118W Teachers...... 126W Telecommunications ...... 118W Teachers: Training...... 126W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 177W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 154W Buildings...... 177W Buildings...... 154W EU Aid ...... 178W Energy Companies Obligation: Rural Areas ...... 154W G4S...... 180W Energy: Prices ...... 155W Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012...... 180W Enfield ...... 155W Publications ...... 181W Fuel Poverty...... 155W South Africa ...... 182W G4S...... 156W Green Deal Scheme...... 156W JUSTICE...... 182W Pay...... 156W Data Protection: Crime...... 182W Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012...... 157W Driving Offences: Fines...... 182W Renewable Energy...... 157W HM Courts and Tribunals Service...... 183W Wind Power ...... 158W Police Cautions ...... 183W Winter Fuel Payments...... 158W Prison Service ...... 184W Prisons: Electronic Equipment...... 184W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Prisons: Mental Health Services...... 184W AFFAIRS...... 145W Probation ...... 185W Agriculture: Pay ...... 145W Agriculture: Subsidies ...... 145W PRIME MINISTER...... 103W Ash Dieback Disease ...... 146W Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting ... 103W Floods: Insurance ...... 146W Females...... 103W Flour: Additives...... 147W India ...... 103W Forest Enterprise England ...... 148W Policy Unit...... 103W Horse Meat...... 149W TRANSPORT ...... 170W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE .... 119W Blue Badge Scheme...... 170W Bahrain ...... 119W Bus Services ...... 170W Eritrea...... 120W Directly Operated Railways...... 170W Israel...... 120W Ferries: Registration...... 172W North Korea ...... 120W G4S...... 172W North Korea: China...... 121W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 171W South Sudan ...... 121W Network Rail ...... 173W Sudan...... 122W Railways: East of England ...... 173W Railways: Franchises ...... 174W HEALTH...... 159W Rescue Services ...... 175W Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation ...... 159W Shipping...... 175W Babies: Screening ...... 159W Shipping: Conditions of Employment...... 176W Cancer: Drugs...... 159W Shipping: Registration...... 176W Clinical Commissioning Groups ...... 160W Tonnage Tax ...... 177W Clinical Commissioning Groups: West Midlands... 161W Traffic Commissioners ...... 177W Emergency Services: Counselling ...... 161W Emergency Services: Suicide ...... 161W TREASURY ...... 164W G4S...... 162W Autumn Statement: Upratings ...... 164W Hospitals: Television ...... 162W Child Poverty ...... 166W Influenza...... 162W Financial Sector: Reform ...... 165W NHS England ...... 163W Financial Services: Business...... 166W Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012...... 163W Heseltine Review...... 165W University Hospital of North Durham: Nurses ..... 163W High-carbon Assets...... 165W Minimum Wage ...... 166W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 112W National Infrastructure Plan...... 165W Asylum: Afghanistan ...... 112W Public Expenditure: Scotland...... 167W Detainees: Overseas Students...... 112W Tax Allowances: Married People...... 167W Driving Offences: Bassetlaw...... 113W UK Companies: Third World Markets...... 164W Enfield ...... 113W Welfare State: Reform ...... 167W Fireworks...... 113W Working Tax Credit ...... 168W Col. No. Col. No. WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 187W WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Disability Living Allowance: Cystic Fibrosis...... 187W Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012...... 192W Employment: Females...... 188W Publications ...... 192W Food Banks...... 189W Social Security Benefits: Telephone Services ...... 192W Housing Benefit ...... 189W State Retirement Pensions...... 196W Incapacity Benefit: Bassetlaw...... 190W Universal Credit...... 197W Jobcentre Plus ...... 190W Universal Credit: Nottinghamshire ...... 198W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Internet ...... 191W Vacancies: Advertising ...... 199W Personal Independence Payment: Cystic Fibrosis... 191W Work Programme: Bassetlaw...... 200W 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 21 May 2013

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CONTENTS

Tuesday 14 May 2013

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 477] [see index inside back page] Chancellor of the Exchequer

Operation Herrick [Col. 499] Statement—(Philip Hammond)

Debate on the Address [Col. 510] Amendment—(Caroline Flint)—on a Division, negatived Debate adjourned

Petitions [Col. 609]

Council Sport Provision [Col. 611] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 29WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 103W] [see index inside back page]