Monday Volume 540 20 February 2012 No. 265

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 20 February 2012

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clearly some shortfalls were identified. I must say that House of Commons the finger must point primarily at those European members of NATO that fail to spend the target 2% of their GDP Monday 20 February 2012 on defence. We will be looking to them to contribute the additional resources required to make good the shortfalls.

The House met at half-past Two o’clock Mr James Arbuthnot (North East Hampshire) (Con): I am delighted to hear that my right hon. Friend is close to balancing the books. Does that mean that we can PRAYERS look forward to an early set of accounts that are not qualified by the auditors, so that we can have confidence [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] in what the books say.

Mr Hammond: Speaking candidly, I can say to my right hon. Friend that it will be a number of years yet, Oral Answers to Questions as the Department has made clear, before it is able to get an unqualified set of accounts. As Labour Members will know, that is largely due to a legacy problem associated with MOD inventory and the large quantity DEFENCE of stock items held in a form that the National Audit Office is not able adequately to audit. A solution is The Secretary of State was asked— being put in place—a new IT system will resolve this problem over the next couple of years—and it should Departmental Budget then be possible to get unqualified accounts.

1. Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con): What Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP): Scottish taxpayers steps he is taking to balance his Department’s budget. contribute more than £3 billion a year to the MOD, but [95277] according to its own statistics, nearly one third of that is not spent in Scotland. Why is that? The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): The Ministry of Defence is undertaking its annual Mr Hammond: The last time I checked, most of the budget-setting process, in which I am personally engaged. people we were needing to defend the UK against were I am increasingly confident that we will achieve a sustainable not in Scotland. I think that Scottish taxpayers, like and balanced defence budget for the first time in a taxpayers in the rest of the UK, would expect that we decade or more, and I hope to be in a position to make deploy our military forces and structure our military an announcement to the House shortly. posture to deal with the threats that we are facing.

Nadhim Zahawi: I thank my right hon. Friend for Contracts (Small Businesses) that answer and for the good news that we will be balancing the budget. Will he say a little more about 2. Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): What research and development co-operation with France on steps he is taking to help small businesses secure more the unmanned fighter drone and on other matters? How contracts with his Department. [95279] will that affect our ability to balance the budget? The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence Mr Hammond: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for (Peter Luff): Innovative and efficient smaller businesses his question. As he will know, I was with the Prime make an important contribution to defence, beyond the Minister in Paris last Friday, when we confirmed that obvious benefits to the wider economy. That is why the we will take forward the assessment phase of the medium “National Security Through Technology” White Paper altitude long endurance unmanned aerial vehicle with sets out a wide range of measures to make defence and the French. Clearly, we can co-operate on many areas security procurement as accessible as possible to even with France, a country with a broadly similar industrial the smallest of enterprises. I attach particular importance base and defence budget to our own. Such co-operation to the establishment of a new small and medium-sized will be to the benefit of both countries, and I intend to enterprises forum, which meets regularly under my explore all those opportunities. chairmanship to discuss and inform subsequent action on issues of concern to small businesses. Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): The military action over Libya showed that among the European members Julian Smith: What steps are the Minister and his of NATO there was a shortage of precision guided Department taking to engage with Britain’s 3,000 defence missiles, of air-to-air refuelling capacity and of airborne SMEs much earlier in the procurement process? drones to identify targets. Clearly we need to acquire more capacity in those fields, so how sure is the Secretary Peter Luff: First, I congratulate my hon. Friend on of State that his budget will enable the UK to play its the part he plays in the Skipton and Ripon Enterprise part in building a stronger European capacity? Group. I know that he takes a close interest in SMEs in general and I am grateful for his interest in defence Mr Hammond: The hon. Gentleman correctly identifies SMEs. We are taking a wide range of steps to achieve one of the lessons from the Libya campaign. Much of precisely what he asks for, and the SME forum is but what came out of that campaign was positive, but one example of that. He is particularly interested in the 589 Oral Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Oral Answers 590 use of pre-qualification questionnaires. Their use is reducing the total numbers for the purchase of the joint being minimised for procurements of under £100,000, strike fighter, but they have changed the profile of those and we are working to simplify or even eliminate them. purchases. Other partner nations have indicated that We are already adopting the new core questionnaire, they will reduce their offtake. That is likely to have which is standardised across government. Many steps implications for JSF prices, particularly those acquired have been taken to encourage SMEs to engage earlier in the early stages of the process, which is when this and more effectively with the Department, but if he has country intends to acquires its JSFs. We are watching any ideas I would welcome them. those implications carefully, and I am happy to talk to the hon. Lady separately about the implications for Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): A the UK. written statement on the White Paper that was recently published indicates that the Government will no longer Medical Emergency Response Team (Helmand) prioritise UK suppliers when buying defence equipment. For the sake of small companies, and for BAE Systems 3. Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): How many workers at Brough, 850 of whom face redundancy, times the medical emergency response team has been ought we not to have a debate on the Floor of the called out in Helmand province in the last year. [95280] House about that change in Government policy? The Minister for the Armed Forces (Nick Harvey): Peter Luff: I have to say to the hon. Lady that such The UK Forward Aeromed capability, commonly referred matters of debate are largely for the Backbench Business to as the medical emergency response team, has been Committee to determine. No one would relish more called out around 480 times in Helmand province in the than me an opportunity to explain the defence White past year. As air evacuation assets like this are shared Paper and the gross misrepresentation that she has just between coalition nations, not all call-outs will have given. I would welcome such a debate, and I hope that it been for UK personnel, as the team provides medical happens. evacuation for UK and other international security assistance force troops, as well as Afghan security forces Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): The Minister and civilians when appropriate. solicits ideas on this front. The Ministry of Defence necessarily requires strict security credentials from its Mrs Moon: I am sure that the House will want to put business contractors, but that sponsorship can act as a on record its appreciation for the dedication and barrier to competition. Will the Minister consider giving professionalism of the members of the medical emergency new businesses wishing to seek contracts with his response team, many of whom are civilians who risk Department the opportunity to apply in advance for their lives helping personnel who have been injured. security clearance for their personnel entirely at their One of the issues I am greatly concerned about is the own cost to level that playing field? capacity to rescue people who may have suffered spinal injuries from heavily armoured vehicles, and whether Peter Luff: Actually, I think there is a widely shared appropriate rescue and cutting equipment and release misunderstanding in the SME community of the issues mechanisms for doors and roofs are available so that that it faces. I refer my hon. Friend to the box on when people are removed further damage to their spine page 61 of the White Paper, which explains in detail the is limited. Will the Minister confirm that such equipment security requirements and how the obstacles that I is available for MER teams? accept some small and medium enterprises think they have experienced can, in practice, be dealt with. Nick Harvey: It certainly has not been put to us that there is a problem in that respect, but in the light of the Mr Speaker: Order. I do not think that the House has concerns expressed by the hon. Lady, I will take that access to the box in question, but we are immensely issue away, look at it in detail and write to her. grateful to the Minister. Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): In Will the Minister explain what efforts have been made view of the important role that SMEs play in some of to improve the capacity and efficiency of medical emergency our bigger programmes, and their need to be confident response teams over the past 12 months? in the process and to have security of outcome, will the Minister give the House some clarity on the intention Nick Harvey: We are not aware that there are any for the F-35 programme? In particular, given rumoured specific capacity problems. In fact, calls on the service reductions in orders from the USA, Australia and Canada, over the past 12 months have been rather reduced from does he expect the price that the MOD pays for each the level experienced in the previous 12 months. That F-35 to rise, and does he have a view on the exact point reduction reflects both reduced kinetic activity in the at which they become unaffordable for the UK? area of operations and improved efficiency in the way in which the task is shared across Regional Command Peter Luff: First, I apologise unreservedly to you for Southwest. I believe that the position has improved my earlier answer, Mr Speaker, but you have encouraged significantly, and that there are no specific capacity me to be pithy in the past, and it would have been quite difficulties at the moment. a long answer to give the details in full. Addressing the concern of the hon. Member for Mr Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire) (Lab): On Helmand, Plymouth, Moor View (Alison Seabeck), the honest up until 2 February the UK Government had a clear answer is that we do not know. The Americans are not position in Parliament, in NATO and with the country 591 Oral Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Oral Answers 592 about a conditions-based withdrawal, and for the medical Mr Howarth: I thank my hon. and gallant Friend for emergency teams and all our forces to return home and that extremely helpful and gallant question. If I may say for the Afghan forces to take the lead on security by so, looking at the shadow Secretary of State, that was a 2014. On that date the US Secretary of Defence announced scheme set up by the current Opposition, who were then a 2013 timetable for Afghan forces to take the lead and in government. It was a three-year scheme. They believed within hours the UK Government followed that timeline. in performance-related pay and so do we. What changed on the ground in Afghanistan in that week for the UK Government policy to change so Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab): dramatically? There is a belief in industry that we will lose at least 30,000 jobs in the defence sector over the coming period. Nick Harvey: There has been not been a dramatic Although people in that sector applaud the Government’s shift of policy on the part of the US, ISAF or the UK stated export support, they fear that it has no substance Government. What the American Secretary made clear, if it is not backed up by a strategy, no matter what title as have the French, is that they will be accelerating the Government choose to use for that. There is not a the pace at which they hand to Afghanistan forces the free market. If the Government do not develop some lead responsibility, but there is no suggestion that the kind of defence strategy, other nations will gain at our commitment of the ISAF countries is reducing or that expense, as they are potentially doing in India with a the numbers are necessarily reducing. Simply, the speed product inferior to that which we have to offer. Will the at which the Afghan national security forces are developing Government think about the need for some kind of is enabling them to take the lead more. The shift will defence strategy, which they clearly do not have, despite therefore be more into a training, support and mentoring what they say? role, but that does not affect the overall strategy, and the Lisbon agreement among ISAF countries remains in Mr Howarth: It is pretty rich for a former Labour place. Secretary of State for Defence to criticise us when his Government did not have a defence review for 13 years. Defence Exports We have undertaken that defence review and indicated that we have a strong policy of support to industry. The Under-Secretary of State for Defence, my hon. Friend 4. Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): What steps he is the Member for Mid Worcestershire (Peter Luff), has taking to promote defence exports. [95281] set out his White Paper in which we support British industry. This Government, led by the Prime Minister, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence have done more than any previous Labour Government (Mr Gerald Howarth): We have made exports a high to support British defence exports. That is a strategy. priority and are supporting the UK Trade and Investment The 16 visits that I have made overseas are beginning to Defence and Security Organisation through an active bear results. Just to give one example, BAE has sold and innovative defence diplomacy initiative. I have recently three offshore patrol vessels to Brazil. returned from a successful visit to India where I led a delegation of some 25 British defence companies to Mr Russell Brown (Dumfries and Galloway) (Lab): promote the best that Britain has to offer. The White The Minister’s good friend the Minister of State, Paper “National Security Through Technology”published Department for Work and Pensions, the right hon. this month by the Under-Secretary of State for Defence, Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling), has my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Worcestershire urged employers to give the nation’s unemployed priority (Peter Luff), reaffirms our support to defence and security for new positions. How exactly does that square with exports. the Department’s White Paper, which states: “The MOD does not consider wider employment, industrial, Charlie Elphicke: Over the past few months we have or economic factors in its value-for-money assessments.”? heard much concern expressed about the Typhoon contract. Will the Minister tell the House a little more about the Mr Howarth: Our job as Defence Ministers is to get exports that he is working on so that buyers are not the best equipment for our armed forces, but it is also gulled into buying second-rate outdated equipment? true that we have a thriving defence industry, to which the right hon. Member for Coventry North East Mr Howarth: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the (Mr Ainsworth)referred. There are some 300,000 British question. It is important that we recognise that in the Defence jobs and it is important to ensure that while we United Kingdom we are fortunate. We do not rely just have to make savings as a result of the appalling budget on major defence companies such as Thales, BAE Systems deficit that we inherited from the previous Labour and QinetiQ. We have a raft of medium-sized companies Government, we give support to British industry to such as Cobham, Ultra, Chemring and Martin Baker, export their goods overseas. I have heard from British well known for its ejector seats, and those companies industry that it has never had such strong support from have a rich supply of high technology to offer other Government as they are getting from this coalition countries. I can assure my hon. Friend that we are Government. working hard to promote those companies as well. Olympics (Security) Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): However successful civil servants may be in trying to get defence exports, 5. Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) (Con): What will the Minister reassure the House that they will not contribution the armed forces will make to security at get bonuses in excess of what a colonel might make in the London 2012 Olympics; and if he will make a salary every year? statement. [95282] 593 Oral Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Oral Answers 594

The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): Mr Hammond: I am delighted to see my hon. Friend In support of the police and other civil and Olympic here. His exercise in expectation management was not authorities, the armed forces will provide up to 13,500 required. regular and reserve personnel to ensure the Olympic In my initial response I said that we thought long and and Paralympic games are safe and secure. Up to 7,500 will hard about whether it was right to call out reserves for support the smooth running of Olympic sites, while the the Olympics and the decision was that we would call remainder will use their specialist capabilities and equipment out reserves only where both the reservists themselves to contribute to the delivery of Olympic security. are willing volunteers and their employers have signified I announced to the House earlier today by written that they are willing and able to release them for that statement that an order has been made under section 56(1A) period. This call-out will be on an entirely voluntary of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 to enable up to 2,000 basis for both the employer and the reservists. reservists to be called out to support Olympic security. The Army will apply its policy of intelligent selection Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): How many troops for the Olympics. Only those reservists who volunteer does the Secretary of State expect to be in London for and who have the support of their employers will be the Olympics, as opposed to regional areas, and could called out in connection with the Olympic games. he clarify for me what military command and control is, as related to Home Office police responsibility? Stephen Hammond: I thank my right hon. Friend for the scale of support that he has announced. I recently Mr Hammond: We do not yet have numbers for the visited the regional fire control centre that is opening in final distribution between the different locations, but my constituency, which will provide emergency fire clearly the major venues will be in London and I would control at the Olympics. Will my right hon. Friend offer expect the majority of armed forces personnel deployed some insight to the House about who might be in to be at those venues. With regard to command and overall command of an emergency or of security, and control, the police are in overall control. The specific what procedures he is putting in place to ensure that arrangements for integrating the military into the command both the civil and military authorities concerned with structure will vary from place to place and task to task. the Olympics security will work together? A series of exercises is now taking place, one purpose of which is to test the proposals for integrating military and police command and ensure that they are robust. Mr Speaker: I thank the Secretary of State, who had intended to group Question 5 with Question 11. He did not, so I do so on his behalf. I know he will be grateful. Redundancies (Armed Forces)

Mr Philip Hammond: I had understood that Question 11 6. Mark Lancaster (Milton Keynes North) (Con): had been unstarred. Perhaps I misunderstood. What criteria his Department uses when determining individual redundancies in the armed forces. [95283] Mr Speaker: I think the Secretary of State did, and I The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence did too. However, the hon. Member for Pudsey (Stuart (Mr Andrew Robathan): Personnel are selected for Andrew) says that he never withdrew it in the first place. redundancy by selection boards that are convened by A gremlin got into the system. each service. The boards assess evidence contained in individuals’ appraisal reports against selection criteria, 11. Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con): What contribution which include performance, potential experience, the armed forces will make to security at the London qualifications and the relevance of their skill sets to the 2012 Olympics; and if he will make a statement. [95290] future needs of the service. The services will select applicants where possible, but they may select non- Mr Philip Hammond: I am sure we look forward to applicants where that is necessary to ensure that the my hon. Friend’s supplementary question. right balance of skills is maintained across the rank structures. In answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Wimbledon (Stephen Hammond), I can say that the safety and security of the games is the responsibility of the Home Mark Lancaster: I commend the Minister for the Office and will be police led. The national Olympic resettlement package that the Government are putting security co-ordinator is the principal co-ordinating police together, but I would like to highlight one anomaly. officer for the delivery of national safety and security Some servicemen and women serving in Europe—for operations. Military personnel will remain under military example, in Norway, Italy and France—and administered command and control arrangements. Defence is working by the European support group have no access to closely with the police and other civil authorities to funding for travelling back to the United Kingdom for ensure that that co-ordination between them is effective their resettlement packages. I ask him to look into the and that the games are safe and secure. matter and ensure that all our servicemen and women are treated equally.

Stuart Andrew: I fear that the House will be sorely Mr Robathan: I thank my hon. Friend for raising this disappointed. important matter. I think that exceptions can be made. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that if reservists If he would like to write to me on the matter, I will write are deployed for Olympic security, the services will work back with the details. I understand that a small number with employers to minimise as much disruption as of people are affected, and we should certainly look possible to those businesses? after them properly. 595 Oral Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Oral Answers 596

Susan Elan Jones (Clwyd South) (Lab): Will the Beith at least until the Spearfish torpedo has been Minister be kind enough to tell us how many military converted to a single-fuel system, when the need for service personnel who have been made redundant were specialist facilities may lapse. The conversion programme within a year of pensionable age? is expected to be completed around 2018.

Mr Robathan: I do not have the numbers at my Katy Clark: I thank the Minister for that answer. Is fingertips— he willing to meet me and trade union representatives of the work force at DM Beith to discuss what future Mr Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire) (Lab): Why not? contracts might be available to the depot? Peter Luff: I am delighted to repeat the invitation Mr Robathan: In answer to the shadow Secretary of that I made in a letter early last year, to which the hon. State, it is quite complicated. However, I can say that Lady has not so far replied, and to extend it once again the immediate pension that people might have earned on the Floor of the House. Of course I should be after 22 years is now available after 18 years, so anyone delighted to meet her to have the precise discussion that made redundant within four years of the immediate she seeks. pension date will receive the immediate pension straight away. Gemma Doyle (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab/Co-op): Will the Minister provide some more details on how Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): As the Army is cutting the MOD policing budget in half will impact on reduced to the size it was at the time of the Boer war, the policing and guarding of defence munitions sites although there is to be no reduction in the number of such as Beith, and the armaments depot at Coulport, Ministers, does the Minister accept that it would be in which my constituents are particularly interested? untenable for any member of 16 Air Assault Brigade, Specifically, will he respond to concerns that the policing who could have served in up to three deployments to of those sites will have to be downgraded and that those Helmand province, to be made compulsorily redundant? sites will no longer be protected by armed guards or, indeed, with dogs? Mr Robathan: The decisions made on 16 Air Assault Brigade and elsewhere are quite rightly made by the Peter Luff: I understand and respect the hon. Lady’s individual services, not Ministers. Also, we believe that concern, but she is simply wrong. We will maintain our fighting capabilities are somewhat greater than they effective and proportionate levels of security on all our were during the Boer war. sites, including Coulport and Beith.

Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): An internal Falkland Islands MOD document states that the Department considers the UK force structure to be 8. Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): What “out of proportion with modern working practices”. plans he has for defence deployments to the Falkland With the reduction in the number of armed forces Islands; and if he will make a statement. [95286] personnel, why is the Minister doing nothing to correct the top-heavy force structure and the imbalance by 12. Mr Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con): making cuts across all ranks? What plans he has for defence deployments to the Falkland Islands; and if he will make a statement. Mr Robathan: I know that the hon. Gentleman is an [95291] avid reader of Hansard. If he goes back to about 1994, he will see that I raised this matter then in the House of 15. Simon Kirby (Brighton, Kemptown) (Con): What Commons—I have been here too long. He is right that plans he has for defence deployments to the Falkland there is a disproportionate number of senior officers. Islands; and if he will make a statement. [95296] They are excellent people, but we are looking to reduce that disproportionate number so that there are fewer 16. George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): What senior officers in relation to bayonets on the ground. plans he has for defence deployments to the Falkland Islands; and if he will make a statement. [95297] Defence Munitions Beith The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): The Ministry of Defence routinely deploys a range of 7. Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): military assets in defence of the Falkland Islands and in What plans he has for the future of Defence Munitions fulfilment of our standing Atlantic Patrol, South task. Beith; and if he will make a statement. [95285] Despite media speculation to the contrary, there has been no recent change to force levels. There is no The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence evidence of any current credible military threat to the (Peter Luff): There are no current plans to change the security of the Falkland Islands, and therefore no current status of Defence Munitions Beith. The weapons end-to-end plan for significant changes to force deployments. However, initiative is working on the best through-life support Her Majesty’s Government are committed to defending solution for the MOD and industry, taking into account the right of the Falkland Islanders to self-determination, the strategic requirement, value for money and the and plans exist for rapid reinforcement of the land, sea linkage with associated industries. This is a wide and and air forces in and around the islands should any such complex piece of work. There is a need to maintain threat appear. 597 Oral Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Oral Answers 598

Amber Rudd: I thank my right hon. Friend for that Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): I answer. May I press him on the defence plans? Is he spent some time with HMS Montrose in September last confident that the United Kingdom has sufficient naval year before it sailed to the south Atlantic. During the assets in the area to prevent any naval attack? discussions over deployment, it became clear that the supply routes to the Falklands for fresh provisions were Mr Hammond: Yes, we are quite confident that we being severely impeded. Will the Secretary of State say have sufficient naval assets in the area, and we have the something about the security of supply to the Falklands ability to reinforce those naval assets should there be of fresh food and other services, and about the deployment any evidence of intent to carry out any form of attack. of the Navy?

Mr Swayne: Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Mr Hammond: As the hon. Lady knows, an air bridge withdrawal of HMS Endurance some 30 years ago is operating via Ascension island and other routes into prompted a subsequent invasion, and that although the Falklands are available. The Government are concerned there is no intention whatever to militarise the south about the actions and statements of some states in Atlantic, proper precautions are absolutely necessary? respect of access to their ports for Falkland Islands-flagged Mr Hammond: My right hon. Friend is right on two vessels. We will keep this issue under close scrutiny. We counts. First, it is absolutely necessary to ensure that always have the option of increasing the frequency of our intentions are not capable of being misinterpreted. the air bridge, should that become necessary. We have the strongest possible intention of defending the Falkland Islanders’ right to self-determination and Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): Are not the strongest intention to defend the islands. Equally, Admiral Sir Sandy Woodward, Admiral Lord West and we have no desire or intention to increase the heat General Sir Mike Jackson absolutely right when they around the debate. We are not seeking to take actions say on the record that were the Falklands again to be that are provocative or cause unnecessary alarm. We occupied, Britain would not be able to retake them will defend the islands—nobody should be under any because this Government do not have any naval aircraft illusion about that—and we will deploy the forces necessary. carriers on the high seas? We are in our weakest position in five centuries of naval history, and it is happening on Simon Kirby: May I press my right hon. Friend on the watch of a Conservative Government. that very matter? Will he do whatever it takes to ensure that the only time that the Falkland Islands will not be Mr Hammond: The right hon. Gentleman has succumbed British is when the Falkland Islanders themselves decide slightly to hyperbole. The Government’s position is that they do not want to be? clear. Our approach is to make clear to Argentina our intent to defend the islands, to deploy the necessary Mr Hammond: That is the position of Her Majesty’s military forces to provide a credible defence of the Government. We will not discuss the issue of sovereignty islands, and to ensure that we are not placed in the of the Falkland Islands unless at any time it becomes invidious position of having to mount a long-range the islanders’ wish that we should do so. invasion to retake the islands.

George Freeman: Does my right hon. Friend agree Falkland Islands (Argentine Forces) that the UK has important strategic interests in the south Atlantic, not least in energy security, the important work done by the British Antarctic Survey on climate 10. Mr Dominic Raab (Esher and Walton) (Con): change and the geopolitics of the Antarctic? Will he What assessment he has made of the capacity of armed update the House on any discussions that he has had forces from Argentina to enter the Falkland Islands by with our allies regarding the defence of the Falklands? force. [95289] Mr Hammond: The defence of the Falklands is an The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): integral part of our overall military tasks, and I regularly We pay close attention to developments in Argentina’s discuss the conduct of those tasks with our allies as military capability. There is no current evidence of the appropriate. intent or the capability to launch a credible military threat to the Falkland Islands. However, we are committed Sir Gerald Kaufman (Manchester, Gorton) (Lab): to the protection of the islanders’right to self-determination Does the right hon. Gentleman accept that the and will remain vigilant in our posture. determination of the people of the Falkland Islands to remain British must be respected and protected, as it Mr Raab: I thank the Secretary of State for that rightly was when a fascist dictatorship grabbed the answer. What impact will the ban on Falklands-flagged Falklands 30 years ago? If there is any sign from this ships in Latin American ports have on Britain’s ability crew in Buenos Aires that they are going to try it on to defend the islands? Which Governments in the region again, will he ensure that they are stopped? can we count on as allies in the unlikely event—let us hope that it remains a very remote possibility—of hostile Mr Hammond: I can answer the right hon. Gentleman Argentine action? unequivocally by saying yes. It is important that we also recognise that the crew in Buenos Aires, as he puts it, is Mr Hammond: As I have said, the statements that quite a different crew from the fascist dictatorship that some Governments have been induced to make about invaded the Falkland Islands using conscripts back in access to their ports for Falkland Islands-flagged vessels 1982. We are dealing with a democratic Argentina that are most unwelcome, but we judge that they will have has publicly eschewed the use of military force in pursuing no material impact on our ability to defend the islands its claim to the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. or reinforce the islands, should that be necessary. I hope 599 Oral Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Oral Answers 600 my hon. Friend and the House do not mind, but it The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence would not be in the interests of the UK’s national (Peter Luff): At the beginning of this month, I was security or of the Falkland Islands to explore in public pleased to see published our White Paper, “National which regional nations might be friendly to us if there Security Through Technology”, which emphasised the were a need for military action at any time in the future. contribution that using, sustaining and developing technology makes to our national security.The Government Arctic Convoy Veterans are therefore prioritising investment in defence science and technology.The White Paper makes clear our intention to end a long period of declining budgets and maintain 13. Caroline Dinenage (Gosport) (Con): What recent the Ministry of Defence’s investment in science and progress has been made by the independent review into technology at a minimum of 1.2% of the defence budget granting a medal to the Arctic convoy veterans; and if as protection for our future. he will make a statement. [95292] Henry Smith: Before asking my supplementary question, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence I would like to pay tribute to my constituent Corporal (Mr Andrew Robathan): The Government have agreed Jay Baldwin, who was recently seriously injured while that there should be a fresh review of the rules governing serving in Afghanistan and who is now being treated in the award of military medals. It will be conducted by an the Queen Elizabeth hospital at Edgbaston. I am sure independent reviewer with full consultation with interested the whole House will join me in sending him and his parties. The terms of reference and further details will family our best wishes. be released shortly. How does the Minister believe that investment in Caroline Dinenage: I am grateful to the Minister for science and technology supports not only our defence that response, but I am not entirely happy with it. The industry but our economy and companies such as Thales veterans endured the most unimaginable hardships to UK in my constituency? protect this country during the second world war. Given that many of them are now in their late 80s and early Peter Luff: I obviously join my hon. Friend in his 90s, does the Minister agree that it is imperative to be tribute to his constituent and hope that he makes a quick? We need to know when the review will be concluded. rapid and full recovery. Of course, investment in science and technology is Mr Robathan: We all owe a huge debt to those of our about not just industry but protecting and securing our fathers’ and grandfathers’ generation who gave up their troops, and I am glad to say that we are having phenomenal youth in the service of this country to keep it and the success in that regard in Afghanistan. I am glad to tell world free from fascism. In the context of my hon. my hon. Friend that Thales is one of the many companies Friend’s question, that particularly applies to those who and trade organisations that welcomed the White Paper endured astonishingly awful conditions in the Arctic, when it was published earlier this month. They recognise and I pay tribute to them for their courage and resilience. that investment in science and technology is crucial for Medals are not awarded by me, and it is quite right their future as successful, enterprising and competitive that there is to be an independent review that will not be companies operating here in the UK. Perhaps one of led by the Ministry of Defence. I share my hon. Friend’s the most exciting recent examples of the importance of concern, but I can assure her that I am told that it will that investment was the four-year £40 million future be a swift review and will take place shortly. combat air systems focused research contract, which we announced in December. It will generate capability for 18. [95300] Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) the future and provide important work for the high-tech (LD): Does the Minister agree that the review should advanced manufacturing businesses of the UK. be open, should consult widely and should be conducted outside the oversight of the MOD? Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): What emphasis is the Department placing on the development of unmanned Mr Robathan: As I have just said, the review is not air reconnaissance and attack vehicles? Surely that has being led by the MOD. I understand that it will be able to be the future for all three of our armed services. to consult widely, and I look forward to seeing the terms of reference and details shortly. It is not being led Peter Luff: My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and by the MOD, so it is not up to us to determine exactly that was a major feature in the UK/French summit that when it will happen. occurred last Friday, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said earlier. The future of the unmanned combat Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell and Wishaw) (Lab): Who air sector is very important, which was exactly why I chose those who are on the independent review? highlighted in my earlier answer the contract with BAE Systems. That contract will take forward technology in Mr Robathan: I do not know who is on the independent a number of crucial areas and ensure that our skill base review, because it is not being led by the Ministry of is sustained, maintained and can take advantage of the Defence. opportunities that the sector will provide in the future. Pakistan and Afghanistan Defence Science and Technology 17. Gregg McClymont (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and 14. Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): What plans he Kirkintilloch East) (Lab): What discussions he has had has for future investment in defence science and with his NATO counterparts on Pakistan’s involvement technology. [95293] in Afghanistan. [95298] 601 Oral Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Oral Answers 602

The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): Peter Luff: I am afraid that I cannot answer the hon. Pakistan is an important player in the regional politics Gentleman’s question, because we simply do not know and will play an important role in Afghanistan’s future, the answer. In answer to the hon. Member for Plymouth, so Pakistan’s involvement is routinely discussed during Moor View (Alison Seabeck), I talked about the possible regular talks on regional issues with my NATO price implications for the joint strike fighter as a result counterparts, most recently at the NATO Brussels summit of the Americans’ decisions in rescheduling their profile. that took place on 2 and 3 February. Lasting stability Similarly, we are still doing the work on the precise cost and security in Afghanistan is, I believe, in Pakistan’s of the conversion. We will report to the House in the interests. We continue to encourage Pakistan to support usual way. That will be part of the major projects the Afghan-led reconciliation process fully, recognising report, so all the normal processes will be followed. I that progress could help pay a peace dividend on both understand the importance of the hon. Gentleman’s sides of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. question.

Gregg McClymont: The Secretary of State will be Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): Whatever aware of the history of the Pakistani intelligence services’ the cost of the carriers, is not a key argument in their role in the emergence of the Taliban. Is he as concerned favour that if—God forbid—the Falklands were, despite as I am about recent reports that the Pakistani intelligence all our preparations, taken in a surprise attack, it would services continue to operate inside Afghanistan? Does be essential to have a carrier to regain them? Does not that have implications for Afghanistan after NATO that prompt the question of why we do not have one at leaves the country? the moment?

Mr Hammond: The hon. Gentleman underlines the Peter Luff: I understand my hon. Friend’s concern, fact that Afghanistan and Pakistan are inextricably and I am aware of the arguments, for example, about linked, largely by the big overlap of the Pashtun population the use of carriers off Libya. However, I think that the in the border areas. We should never forget, as well, that correct decisions were taken in the strategic defence and Pakistan has suffered more from terrorism than any security review regarding the Tornado aircraft, which other country, with more than 30,000 Pakistanis having enabled us to fight that war very effectively. I repeat lost their lives to acts of terrorism over the past decade. what my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State said: We continue to look carefully at how Pakistan’s security the Falklands are well protected; we live in a different forces and others interact with their Afghan counterparts, world; and the suggestion that aircraft carriers play an and we continue to encourage Pakistan to play a positive important part in the Falkland Islands in the near and dynamic role in stabilising the area. future is unhelpful at this stage.

Patrick Mercer (Newark) (Con): The Secretary of Topical Questions State will be only too aware of the febrile relationship at the moment between the United States of America and T1. [95302] Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): If Pakistan—apparent allies. What concerns does he have he will make a statement on his departmental and what can be done about the safety of Pakistani responsibilities. nuclear sites, which are so close to the Afghan border? The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): Mr Hammond: Obviously, the safety of Pakistani My departmental responsibilities are to ensure that our nuclear missile and nuclear weapon sites is of the utmost country is properly defended, now and in future, through importance, not only for regional stability but for counter- the delivery of the military tasks for which the MOD is terrorist efforts across the world. The Pakistan military mandated; that our service personnel have the right regard that as a very high priority, and all the information equipment and training to allow them to succeed in that I have seen suggests a very high level of security those military tasks; and that we honour our armed and security assurance around Pakistani nuclear sites. forces covenant. It is clear to me that in order to discharge those duties I have a responsibility to ensure Carrier Programme that the Department has a properly balanced budget and a force generation strategy and defence equipment 19. Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): What recent programme that are affordable and sustainable in the assessment he has made of the cost of the UK carrier medium to long term. programme. [95301] Ann McKechin: Ministers have already made reference The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence to last week’s meeting between the Prime Minister and (Peter Luff): The overall cost of the Queen Elizabeth-class President Sarkozy, where they agreed to move on to the aircraft carrier programme is continually informed by procurement phase on the unmanned aerial vehicle the conversion development phase, which is developing project. How many new jobs does the Secretary of State a much greater understanding of the costs and risks estimate will be created in the UK as a result of this involved. We will publish the findings as soon as we can agreement, and how will he maximise the potential for and will keep the House informed in the usual manner. job growth?

Nick Smith: May I press the Minister to say what will Mr Hammond: The announcement made at the summit be the total project cost after converting the carriers for last week was to advance the assessment phase of the the carrier variant aircraft? If he cannot tell us—and it unmanned aerial vehicle project, which involves £44 million does not look as though he can—does he recognise that of expenditure split between British Aerospace and that is a worrying, unfunded liability? Dassault. I cannot give the hon. Lady an exact estimate 603 Oral Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Oral Answers 604 of the number of jobs that that will create in BAE, but capable of undertaking alone if necessary. We hope that I am happy to write to her to give her the best estimate we will have support from others, but that cannot be I can. our planning scenario.

T3. [95306] Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) T6. [95309] Mr Stephen Hepburn (Jarrow) (Lab): What (Con): Can the Secretary of State update the House on is the current position concerning the aircraft carrier progress made at the recent Anglo-French summit—if project? Has there been any change in strategy as far as any? the design and build are concerned?

Mr Hammond: The Anglo-French summit consisted The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence of two separate parts. First, there was a defence meeting (Peter Luff): I think I can give a very short answer to where we were able to have direct discussions with my that question: no. counterpart in France and talk about all the joint procurement programmes and opportunities that we T5. [95308] Gareth Johnson (Dartford) (Con): I welcome see for collaborating together in future—for example, in my right hon. Friend’s decision to purchase the new the combined joint expeditionary force—and for procuring C-17 aircraft for the Royal Air Force. Is that not evidence together as both defence budgets come under financial of the benefits of tackling the Ministry of Defence pressure. The broader summit conducted between the budget, which is vital to securing the future effectiveness President and the Prime Minister reasserted at the of our armed forces? highest level the desire of the two countries to work together in areas such as nuclear collaboration and the Mr Philip Hammond: I am grateful to my hon. Friend. unmanned aerial programme. In fact, the acquisition of the eighth C-17 aircraft was an extremely high priority for the military. It reinforces the Afghanistan air bridge at a time when the ground Mr Jim Murphy (East Renfrewshire) (Lab): Due to lines of communication through Pakistan are closed. the nature of this question, I will ask it gently. Forces children receive a service pupil premium, but it has The purchase was possible because the MOD is moving recently come to light that a child who is orphaned due forward with the process of delivering a credible and to the bravery of their parent in combat also loses that sustainable budget with which Treasury officials are payment. I welcome the fact that the Government say comfortable. Trust between the Treasury and the MOD they will act upon that, but have they now implemented has been the crucial missing ingredient in the past, and the change? How many children receive the premium? rebuilding it has allowed the Treasury to sign off the Can the Minister guarantee that no child will lose the acquisition of the new aircraft from an in-year underspend. premium as a result of a seriously injured parent being The Treasury would traditionally have been very reluctant discharged from Her Majesty’s forces? to do so without seeing MOD hard numbers for the following year. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence T7. [95310] Mr Iain McKenzie (Inverclyde) (Lab): I (Mr Andrew Robathan): This is an important issue and thank the Minister for his reply to my right hon. Friend the Government were concerned about what we read. the Member for East Renfrewshire (Mr Murphy) on However, it must be understood that the premium is the service premium. However, was the Secretary of given to schools, not to children, to compensate for the State aware that extra support would be cut off if a way in which armed forces children move around. We serving parent dies in the service of their country before have instigated scholarships for the children of casualties it was disclosed in The Sun and other newspapers, which in Afghanistan so that they can go into higher education. pressured the Government into a U-turn? The pupil premium is a Department for Education responsibility, but Defence Ministers are concerned and we wish to ensure that nobody is disadvantaged. The Mr Robathan: The hon. Gentleman also raises that Department for Education is looking at the matter. We important point. The truth is that that is a Department certainly do not wash our hands of it and we are for Education responsibility. Let us remember that this concerned, but the right hon. Gentleman will understand Government introduced the pupil premium, and it is that once a child is settled in a school, the need for a therefore new, but it would be fair to say that we in the premium is somewhat changed. Ministry of Defence had not appreciated that this might happen. The Department for Education is looking to ameliorate any problems, but let us remember that the T4. [95307] Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) pupil premium is about the transience of service children (Con): Having served with the present commander of attending schools—[Interruption.] Well, that is why we British forces in the Falklands, I think the Argentines introduced it. Circumstances change when a child is would be very foolish even to contemplate any sort of settled, but we do not wish them to be disadvantaged. military intervention, but does the Secretary of State agree that a strong statement of support from the Mr Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Lochaber) (LD): United States would be helpful? Is the Ministry of Defence able to offer the longer term reassurance, of the type that it gave last July for the Mr Philip Hammond: Clearly, strong statements of MOD bases in South Uist and St Kilda, for the Sound support from any of our allies are always helpful, but of Raasay, Rona and the Kyle of Lochalsh bases in my the realistic situation, which we have long recognised in constituency, not least because in the last couple of this country, is that the defence of the Falkland Islands weeks QinetiQ, the operator, has published half-year is a task for which the UK must be prepared and profits that were up—commendably—by 45%? 605 Oral Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Oral Answers 606

Mr Philip Hammond: As my right hon. Friend will have suggested. Obviously, the precise speed and order know, the whole issue of bases is currently under review. of events depend on circumstances on the ground, but The Army is undertaking a large rebasing exercise in the direction of travel is clear. All international elements conjunction with the new Defence Infrastructure are signed up to it and it is progressing well. Organisation, and I hope to be in a position to make an announcement to the House in the not too distant Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): I welcome future. the review of the awarding of medals, but will it also look at the service of police officers who have served T8. [95311] Eric Joyce (Falkirk) (Lab): The Minister with distinction on the police training mission in both with responsibility for veterans will be aware of the call Iraq and Afghanistan? by the shadow Secretary of State for a £1 million legacy veterans fund, to be funded by cuts at the top end. The Mr Robathan: The review is of military medals. I Minister is well known to be a commonsensical man: believe that those police officers who serve are entitled will he stand up and say that he agrees with my right to campaign medals. I am sure that they can make hon. Friend? representations, but as they already receive those medals, I do not think that it will affect them. I am not responsible Mr Robathan: I always accept compliments, from for the terms of reference. whatever surprising quarters they come. I was not aware of the £1 million veterans fund suggestion, but I will look into it when I have heard from the shadow Secretary John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): Further to of State. Question 6, what structures exist to allow concerns about the biggest Army cuts of all time to be raised Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): The Secretary further up the chain? I am thinking of the sorts of of State’s excellent decision to deploy an anti-air warfare concerns raised earlier by hon. Members on both sides Type 45 destroyer to the Falklands certainly ensures of the House. that the islands are protected against aerial attack. That still leaves the danger of surface attack. In the absence Mr Philip Hammond: I and my colleagues are asking of aircraft carriers, can my right hon. Friend confirm ourselves, “What’s he talking about?” I’m not quite sure that a nuclear-powered submarine is available to protect what the hon. Gentleman is referring to. Is he talking our warship and the sea lanes approaching the Falklands? about whether the Army is top-heavy? [Interruption.] I am at a loss to know exactly what he is talking about, Mr Philip Hammond: First, I should make it clear but we intend to reduce numbers in the senior ranks of that the deployment of HMS Dauntless to the south the Army in order to address the disproportion there. Atlantic is a routine deployment and she will rotate with other vessels of the fleet in due course. Secondly, as Mr Speaker: I think that arrangements can be made I suspect my hon. Friend knows, we never comment on for a conversation outside the Chamber, possibly over a the deployment of our submarines of any description. cup of tea—who knows?—if the hon. Member for As he has raised the issue, I will take the opportunity to Leyton and Wanstead (John Cryer) is lucky. make one thing clear. There has been some speculation in the press and by Argentine Ministers about the Jessica Lee (Erewash) (Con): I welcome the forthcoming deployment of nuclear weapons to the south Atlantic. review into the awarding of military medals and I thank The United Kingdom has a clear and publicly stated my right hon. Friend for his recent correspondence policy that we will neither use nor threaten to use our regarding the survivors of the 1940 Lancastria disaster nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear state that is a and their campaign for a medal, but may I press him for compliant member of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, further details on the timing and remit of this important so the Argentine republic need have nothing to fear on and timely review? that count.

Dan Jarvis (Barnsley Central) (Lab): The Government Mr Robathan: It should happen speedily. The problem have willed an end-date for combat operations in is that this is a responsibility across Government and Afghanistan, but not yet an endgame for how we disengage led, I believe, by the Cabinet Office. We want it announced militarily. Can the Secretary of State give an assurance swiftly and we want it to take place swiftly so that we that the sacrifice and outstanding efforts of those who can understand the rules. I am sorry that I can only give have served and continue to serve in Afghanistan will be this answer, but I think that everyone will be glad to underpinned by a departure that is properly planned, know that I am not responsible for it. co-ordinated and commensurate with conditions on the ground? Mrs Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab): When members of the armed forces are facing a two-year pay The Minister for the Armed Forces (Nick Harvey): freeze and 20,000 are losing their jobs, how can the The ISAF strategy for transition in Afghanistan has Secretary of State justify bonuses, some of five figures, been worked up in detail and continues work that the to senior officers in the MOD civil service? previous Government had started before we took office. The strategy is clear—it is a progressive transition to an Mr Philip Hammond: I think we have covered this Afghan security lead, which is taking place area by area one already. The arrangements for performance-related throughout Afghanistan. It is proceeding well and on a pay were put in place by the previous Government and time line that gives every indication that we can make were a decision taken by them with which I concurred the withdrawal from the combat role at the date that we entirely. It is the right way to incentivise senior civil 607 Oral Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Oral Answers 608 servants. By paying non-consolidated performance-related Mr Hammond: The hon. Gentleman might not have pay, we reduce the total cost to the Department. The heard my previous answer when I stated the fact that scheme was introduced in lieu of pay increases. this contractual, performance-related pay system was put in place by the previous Government. I happen to Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): What approve of it; I consider it the right way forward. If he assessment has the Secretary of State made of the wants to ask about the details of its design and why it impact of reported collusion between the Taliban and was done the way it was, perhaps he should ask the right Pakistan on our troops serving in the region? hon. Member for East Renfrewshire (Mr Murphy) or one of his many right hon. Friends who served in the Mr Hammond: The situation on the Afghan-Pakistan previous Government as Secretary of State for Defence. border is extremely complex, as my hon. Friend will know. As I said, the Government’s position remains Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): that we repeat continually to the Pakistanis that it is in RAF Fylingdales and RAF Staxton perform key duties their interest to engage with the peace process and the as listening and radar stations. There is concern locally reconciliation talks, and to ensure long-term stability in about the impact of wind farms on them. May we have the region. a rejection of any wind farm applications on the grounds that they will interfere with the RAF’s work? Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): What precise act of brilliance justifies the payment of an £85,000 bonus Peter Luff: I am not sure whether this will be good to one of the Secretary of State’s civil servants? Will the news or bad news for my hon. Friend, but we are Secretary of State make a bid for his own bonus for making increasing strides towards finding radar systems today becoming the first Minister to stop blaming the that do not interfere with RAF operations, so this previous Government for all his problems, and tell the particular obstacle to wind farm applications is diminishing. House on what precise date the coalition Government That is probably not the news that she wanted, but it will take responsibility for their own conduct? happens to be the truth. 609 20 FEBRUARY 2012 Office for Fair Access 610

Office for Fair Access Mr Clappison: Let me make it clear that, in the questions that I want to ask, I in no way want to express any disrespect for Professor Ebdon, who is an academic of great distinction. However, there are questions to be 3.34 pm answered. I think the Secretary of State has rather tiptoed Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con) (Urgent around the question of the Select Committee’s approach, Question): To ask the Secretary of State for Business, because my understanding is that the Committee did Innovation and Skills if he will make a statement on the not express confidence in Professor Ebdon and suggested appointment of director of the Office for Fair Access. that the advertising process—indeed, the whole process—be reopened with a view to appointing a different candidate as the director of OFFA. Is the Secretary of State aware The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and that this is only the second time that a Select Committee Skills (Vince Cable): I thank the hon. Gentleman for his has been overruled in this way? The first such occasion question and for giving me the opportunity to tell the did not set a particularly happy precedent. What effect House why the Government think that Professor Ebdon does he think his decision will have on the authority and is the right candidate for the post of director of fair standing of Select Committees of this House, and on access. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Universities the confirmation processes that they carry out? Although and Science would happily have been here to respond, he may technically have the power to overrule the Select but he is currently in Antarctica. Committee, is it not deeply unsatisfactory for him to First, I would like to pay tribute to the work of the have done so with this appointment? current director, Sir Martin Harris. Sir Martin has been What confidence can students, universities and parents the director of fair access since the post was created in have in this appointee if the Select Committee does not 2004. Under his leadership, universities have committed have confidence in him? What confidence can the public themselves to a 50% increase in spend on access by have in the appointment, when the Select Committee 2015-16. In recruiting Sir Martin’s replacement, we says in its conclusion that were looking for someone who could build on that “we were not convinced by Professor Ebdon’s descriptions of the achievement. There is much that remains to be done. root causes of the obstacles to accessing universities”— Progress over the last few years in securing fair access to the most selective universities remains limited. Only something that is rather more fundamental than the around 50 pupils out of the 80,000 on free school meals presentational skills to which the Secretary of State currently make it to Oxbridge. All parts of the education referred? sector need to work together to ensure that all with the Would not the implementation of the views expressed potential to succeed are identified and nurtured. by Professor Ebdon, to the Select Committee and elsewhere, have serious consequences for the achievement of high We conducted the search for a replacement for Martin standards in our universities? How can the Secretary of Harris in a fair, competitive and transparent way.Professor State say that he believes in the principles of university Ebdon has considerable experience. He is a prize-winning autonomy and admissions on merit when his appointee analytical chemist with a PhD from Imperial, and he says that he is prepared to threaten universities with transformed the finances and the quality of his own what he chose to describe as the “nuclear option” of university for the better. We undertook two long, thorough fines and deprivation if they do not meet his centrally searches to ensure that we found the right candidate for decreed targets? the post. I have no doubt that Professor Ebdon has the qualities and determination to help students from low- Finally, may I gently remind the Secretary of State, income and under-represented groups to secure the and his Liberal Democrat colleagues who are here places in higher education that their attainments and today, what he and they promised in their 2010 manifesto, potential show they deserve. when they said that they would Following receipt of the Select Committee on Business, “Strengthen the House of Commons to increase accountability,” Innovation and Skills report, which raised questions and about Professor Ebdon’s presentational skills, Ministers “increase Parliamentary scrutiny…of government appointments”? considered carefully whether the report presented any How does he square what he has done in this case with new, relevant facts about the candidate’s suitability for that promise? Or is it the case that his hands were tied the post. As the Chair of the Select Committee—I think by the coalition and he has been forced to carry out this he is here now—has said today: process? “It is clear that both Vince Cable and David Willetts feel Professor Ebdon is the right man for the job.” Vince Cable: I recognise the hon. Gentleman’s positive He has also said today: and generous introductory comments about Professor Ebdon, which were absolutely right. I also congratulate “The committee’s report was advisory only; the secretary of state was under no obligation to follow our recommendations. him on a report that he and three of his colleagues produced this morning, entitled “Achieving Fair Access: I am pleased to note that both Mr Cable and Professor Ebdon Removing Barriers, Realising Potential”. I agree with have taken the committee’s concerns seriously and strongly agree much of it. We are all concerned with the same objectives; that Professor Ebdon should appear before the committee at the issue is one of how this should be done and the regular intervals,” balance between the responsibilities of universities and as he will. After due consideration, I have decided to those of schools, but we have much in common in terms proceed with the appointment. of what we are trying to achieve. 611 Office for Fair Access20 FEBRUARY 2012 Office for Fair Access 612

The hon. Gentleman mentioned the authority of the admissions. Contrary to the Opposition’s predictions of Select Committee, whose Chairman I have quoted. The doom and gloom, applications from low-income students hon. Member for Hertsmere (Mr Clappison) is right to have been almost wholly unaffected by the changes in say that we must treat Select Committees with respect, the financing arrangements. This owes a great deal not and we do so. The obligation on me, as Secretary of just to the outreach work—particularly that led by my State, was to establish whether any new evidence had right hon. Friend the Member for Bermondsey and Old emerged from the hearings, and I found that none had. Southwark (Simon Hughes)—but to the very generous Had the report been unanimous and based on cross-party provisions that have been put in place for scholarships consensus, we might have responded differently to it, and other support for low-income families. Access to but it was not. universities has been considerably enhanced as a result The hon. Gentleman has been very eloquent on this of these changes and not in any way diminished. subject, and I know that he is anxious that we should not introduce prescriptive quotas for admission to Mr Rob Wilson (Reading East) (Con): I welcome the universities. That is his primary concern. Let me be fact that the Secretary of State has dropped the plan to clear that that is not Government policy and it is not the charge students interest on early repayment of their policy of OFFA. The independence of universities in loans. Does he accept, however, the overwhelming evidence regard to admissions is enshrined in law, and Professor set out in the report today showing that skewed access Ebdon has gone firmly on record as saying that he will to our top universities is the result not of a failure of respect the diversity of the sector and its institutional admissions policy but of a lack of adequate preparation autonomy. in our secondary schools?

Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): Let me start Vince Cable: I should congratulate the hon. Gentleman by congratulating the Business Secretary on securing as a co-author of this very good report on fair access—on his preferred appointment to this post. We have no removing barriers and realising potential. I repeat that I objection to it. We have other concerns, however. agree with much of what it says. The problem that the Notwithstanding the support of the Minister in Antarctica, authors of the report have produced is, I think, the the distinct impression has been given that this appointment creation of an artificial binary distinction by claiming has been secured as part of some trade-off in the that access to universities is entirely an issue of schools’ ongoing turf war in Government over higher education policies as opposed to the admissions policies of universities. policy. Is that the case? It has been well briefed that the Clearly, there is an element of both, and a great deal Education Secretary is thoroughly opposed to this needs to be done to raise performance levels in schools, appointment and, indeed, to the Business Secretary’s as the hon. Gentleman and his co-authors have argued, continued responsibility for our universities. The sector but equally there is an obligation on universities, as this needs certainty in order to plan, and this turf war is excellent report says, to help raise aspirations by improving deeply unhelpful. We are firmly of the view that higher the quality of choices of A-level subjects and making education policy should remain the responsibility of the other such advances. Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. What assurances can he give us that that will remain the case? Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op): The Secretary of State is correct to say that issues Mr Ebdon has served the universities sector very well arising from Professor Ebdon’s interview were raised in for more than 40 years. He knows a thing or two about the Select Committee on Business, Innovation and Skills, the higher education sector; some might say that he and those issues will have been raised with him. However, knows considerably more than many of his critics on the clear political dividing line in the subsequent voting the Conservative Benches. Does the Business Secretary demonstrates that a political perspective was involved agree that the opprobrium heaped on Mr Ebdon by in the final decision. I think that is regrettable; it is the Conservative Members will do nothing to encourage first time my Committee has ever produced a report others to come forward and take up high-profile public that was not founded on a unanimous, consensual basis. positions of this sort? Will the Secretary of State assure me that, contrary to Finally, does the Business Secretary agree that we the press speculation, there was not some sort of back-room should not lose sight of the purpose of this appointment? deal to offset an allowance for early repayment of The Office for Fair Access was set up to promote and tuition fees in return for ratifying this appointment? safeguard fair access to higher education for lower income and other under-represented groups. What are Vince Cable: I thank the Chairman of the Select the right hon. Gentleman’s achievements to date in Committee for his role: he has made his own views clear increasing access? He has trebled tuition fees, overseen while protecting the integrity of his Committee, which a cut in student places of 15,000 and presided over a is his duty in Parliament. As far as this so-called deal is 7.4% drop in university applications this year compared concerned, there is no such deal. We have made it clear with last year. The appointment of Mr Ebdon today for some time that we intended to listen to the results of does not alter those salient facts. the consultation on prepayment. This consultation was absolutely clear that this was not an attractive way Vince Cable: On the hon. Gentleman’s first, rather forward, so we have pursued other ways of assuming a desperate, point about turf wars, let me make it absolutely fair and progressive system of graduate contributions. clear that this is a Government appointment that is supported by all my colleagues, and that responsibilities Mr Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Lochaber) (LD): for higher education will remain exactly as they are. On I welcome my right hon. Friend’s decision, the reasoning his more general point about access, I am sure that he behind it and the appointment. On the last point that he will have been following the recent evidence on UCAS dealt with—the so-called back-room deal—there will 613 Office for Fair Access20 FEBRUARY 2012 Office for Fair Access 614

[Mr Charles Kennedy] work or further study within six months; last year it was given one of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise; it was be considerable reassurance politically, but also among given top quality assurance in the most recent audit; the academic and would-be student community, from the and, in the most recent research assessment exercise, it statement he has made. Will he emphasise again that was complimented on its world-class research. Those the spin and speculation we have seen in the media are the things that we should remember about Professor over the past few days to that effect is no more than just Ebdon’s achievements in his existing university. spin and speculation, and that there is no substance to it at all? Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): Six months ago, it was my pleasure to present Professor Ebdon with a Vince Cable: Yes, I can give my right hon. Friend lifetime achievement award. I think that some of my absolute assurance on that score. I would like to pay hon. Friends may have wished that that had been the tribute to him for the work he has done on universities, end of his career. particularly on promoting fair access, for many years. Is it not true that Professor Ebdon has brought Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Before he went analytical rigour to all the tasks that he has undertaken, off to the south pole, did the Universities Minister say, that he has over 40 years of experience in the sector, and “I’m just going out. I may be some time”? Will the that if we continue to heap public opprobrium on Secretary of State give us an absolute assurance that no people who step forward to serve their country—as was Minister communicated with any Conservative member the case with Stephen Hester, and as has been the case of the Select Committee in an attempt to influence the with Professor Ebdon in the press—fewer people will ratification of this appointment? step forward to give our country that help?

Vince Cable: It would have been quite improper to Vince Cable: I consider that to be a very fair and have done so. To the best of my knowledge, that has generous assessment of Professor Ebdon by, I believe, certainly not happened. The decision is a Government the local Member of Parliament. decision, and we all stand behind it. Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): I congratulate Mr Brian Binley (Northampton South) (Con): I am the Secretary of State on his statement, on behalf of, I sure that you would want me to reassure you, Mr Speaker, believe, the majority of members of the Business, Innovation that no plot whatsoever—preordained or otherwise—was and Skills Committee. Will he, however, answer the organised within the Select Committee, causing it to question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff reach the decision that it reached, by Conservative West (Kevin Brennan)? Can he give a categorical assurance Members. However, given that the Committee was unable that no pressure was brought to bear on Conservative to endorse Professor Ebdon’s appointment and instead members of the Committee in the ambush of Professor called for a new recruitment exercise, is it not deeply Ebdon at the pre-confirmation hearing? regrettable that Ministers have been so unwilling to engage with its concerns? Does this exercise not prompt serious questions about Ministers’ approach to higher Vince Cable: I have already answered that question. I education, especially as training appears to have been have explained very clearly that the decision was made given more priority than the views of Parliament? jointly by me and my coalition colleague, the Universities Minister. No pressure was brought to bear on us; we Vince Cable: I would never accuse the hon. Gentleman made a decision on the merits of the case. of plotting. I know that he is a totally straightforward and much respected colleague. I will say, however, that Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): It comes as no surprise what we have engaged with is a very thorough process. that the Secretary of State wants to appoint someone We went through two rounds of applications in order to who is moving the agenda of social engineering forward attract a high-quality applicant for this important post, and the agenda of merit backward, but just so that we and Professor Ebdon and the other two gentlemen who can sort out the wheat from the chaff on the Back made the final shortlist were regarded as eminently Benches, will he be specific about which Ministers in his appointable by independents on a completely non-political Department were in favour of the appointment and basis. which were against it, and about how many Ministers in the Government contacted him privately to express Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): As the Secretary their concerns about it? of State will know, I concurred with his decision about the appointment. Does he share my concern about the apparently organised campaign of vilification against Vince Cable: I have just answered that question. The Professor Ebdon in the Tory media, many of whose Universities Minister and I were involved in the decision, members are friends of the Secretary of State for Education? and it was made by us and by no one else. As for the Will he also tell me how the Secretary of State for general political drift of the hon. Gentleman’s question, Education will help the professor in his new role? I think it fair to point out—as some of the national newspapers did not—that among the institutions that Vince Cable: The one aspect of the so-called campaign Professor Ebdon has advised on higher education policy of vilification that does concern me is that slights have is the Conservative party. been cast on the reputation of Professor Ebdon’s university, which is in fact excellent. Here are some of the key Mr Kevin Barron (Rother Valley) (Lab) rose— facts: 90% of the university’s graduates are engaged in [Interruption.] 615 Office for Fair Access20 FEBRUARY 2012 Office for Fair Access 616

Mr Speaker: Order. I want to hear from the right which stated, on page 88, that they would give Parliament hon. Member for Rother Valley (Mr Barron) and I hope power to approve Government appointments. Why has that that House will be courteous enough to allow me the Minister failed to respect the views of the legislature to do so. on this occasion when he had promised to do so?

Mr Barron: When a Select Committee reaches a Vince Cable: Both the Chairman of the Select Committee conclusion on an overtly party political basis, it is easy and I have already answered the hon. Gentleman’s for the Executive to ignore it, and the Committee should question. We treat the Select Committee’s report and not be used in this way. Is the Secretary of State the legislature with respect. Criticisms have been made concerned that people seeking such appointments in the and they will be addressed through the Select Committee. future will not want to put themselves through the This is a good process and we will continue to uphold it. machine that has been set against Les Ebdon in the past few months, in the media and elsewhere, and that we Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): Between 2006 and 2010, will end up with a second XI batting for Britain, not a five students only from Wrexham were admitted to first XI? Oxford university—regrettably, there was no right of appeal to the Select Committee on Business, Innovation Vince Cable: This is a first-class appointment, which and Skills. Does the Secretary of State agree that admission was arrived at in a proper, open and fair manner. As I by interview prevents transparent consideration of said, I welcome the role that the Select Committee admissions criteria and of the effect of those criteria? plays; I used to serve on the Treasury Committee, and the critical reviews it gave the members of the Monetary Vince Cable: I do not want to get into criticising Policy Committee were very valuable. Critical comments universities. I have already made it very clear that they have been made in this case, they have been addressed are independent bodies responsible for their own admissions by Professor Ebdon and by me, and he will therefore policies. The access agreements that they sign will improve come before the Select Committee on a regular basis to access—that is why those agreements are in place and report. I think that the Select Committee scrutiny process that is what Professor Ebdon is there to do. I do not, as has been very valuable. a Minister, want to lecture universities on how they admit particular students. Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): I have the privilege of representing three excellent universities. Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): After 50 years Clearly, the head of OFFA has a lot of work to do to of comprehensive education, why do we have this tragedy balance improved access and high standards. Will my that only 50 pupils receiving free school meals are right hon. Friend assure me that Professor Ebdon will getting into the top universities? How are we going to get full governmental support in his role, particularly solve this? The Secretary of State says that he is not from the Department for Education, because far too going to dumb down standards. Is it not a fact that the many pupils, particularly those from black and ethnic era of the greatest social mobility—the most opportunities minority backgrounds and those who receive free school for poor people—was when there was a grammar school meals, are still not given the chance to reach their full in every town? potential while they are at school? Mr Speaker: In answering, the Secretary of State will Vince Cable: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to want to focus on the appointment of the director of the stress that the origins of the access problem and the Office for Fair Access. lack of fair access are frequently found in the schools—I think that that was the point of the original question—not Vince Cable: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right just in university admissions. It is important to pay to say that I have no intention of dumbing down tribute to the reforms that my colleague the Secretary of standards. The access agreements that are being reached State for Education is making, in terms of improving through OFFAand which will be implemented by Professor standards and the introduction of the pupil premium, Ebdon will not dumb down standards either. for which my hon. Friend and I have campaigned. It will undoubtedly raise standards in schools. Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): As a member of the Select Committee who attended the Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): I congratulate the hearings and was aware that all the Conservative members Secretary of State on sticking to his guns, but what attended for the full meeting and made the strongest message does he think this political football chaos and possible representations opposing the appointment, may confusion about this appointment sends to prospective I ask the Secretary of State whether he was aware before students and their families? the Committee met that it was likely that Conservative MPs were going to try to block the appointment? Vince Cable: I think it sends a very positive message that public appointments are open to scrutiny and that Vince Cable: No, I was not aware, and it is not the best person gets the job. appropriate for me to investigate how the Select Committee came to its conclusions. I have already responded to it, Mr Douglas Carswell (Clacton) (Con): On 19 October and its Chairman, in a very proper way, has set out how 2009, the then Conservative Opposition obtained an it operates. urgent question following the decision by a Labour Minister to appoint the Children’s Commissioner in Mrs Anne Main (St Albans) (Con): It is notable that, defiance of the relevant Select Committee. In April having defied the Select Committee, there have been no 2010, the Liberal Democrats published a manifesto comments about why a minority report was not produced 617 Office for Fair Access20 FEBRUARY 2012 Office for Fair Access 618

[Mrs Anne Main] determined and tough? Professor Ebdon, like Sir Martin Harris, amply fulfils that requirement, and will be an in the event that some people did not concur with the excellent leader to change what universities so far have findings of the Select Committee. I therefore suggest sometimes failed sufficiently to do. that, by ignoring the Select Committee, we are doing a disservice to those Members who spent time considering Vince Cable: Yes, that is a very good summary of the the representations to the Committee. May I urge the conclusions that the Minister for Universities and Science Secretary of State to give the House an assurance that and I reached after interviewing Professor Ebdon and we will not allow the nuclear option to discriminate the other candidates. against pupils from high-achieving schools such as mine Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): in St Albans? What message does the open political split in the Vince Cable: I have already made it clear that there is Government sends to universities, given their responsibility no question of discriminating against people with ability. to provide the reality of fair access to all our youngsters? My constituency has two of the most successful independent Vince Cable: I think that universities will be greatly schools in the country. I fully support their activities, reassured that they have an excellent man to lead OFFA and frequently visit them and work with them, so there in future, as Sir Martin Harris has done in the past. It is no question whatever of discrimination. Access is a has been a good process, we have a good outcome, and much broader concept: it is helping people to realise universities have absolutely nothing to be afraid of. their potential, and what can possibly be wrong with that? Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con): As someone who once conducted interviews of Gregg McClymont (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and undergraduates at Oxford, my experience is that Oxford Kirkintilloch East) (Lab): As someone who spent several was a university that admits on merit, rather than years as an admissions tutor in one of our leading considering the background of candidates, and was universities, may I tell the Secretary of State that it is always looking for ways to widen access. Oxford spends difficult to make judgments on the merits of individual double the sector average on financial support for lowest applicants? Contextual data are absolutely critical in income students, but given concerns expressed today trying to achieve a fair admissions process, so will he about Professor Ebdon’s appointment, does the Secretary endorse their use? of State agree that decisions about admissions to universities Vince Cable: Contextual data are already used by must remain the ultimate decision of those universities, universities, including both Oxbridge universities, as a as they are best placed to make that judgment? useful aid to establishing someone’s potential, but it is not the Government’s job to prescribe particular systems Vince Cable: Yes, of course I agree, and I repeat what of admission, and we have no intention of going down I have said several times in the past. Indeed, the ultimate that road. assurance that the hon. Lady has are the terms of the legislation under which OFFA operates, the Higher Sir Peter Bottomley (Worthing West) (Con): May I Education Act 2004, which said that the director of join my right hon. Friend in paying tribute to our OFFA colleagues who, in the fair access report, have drawn “has a duty to protect academic freedom”, attention to the need for aspiration, attainment and including determining eligibility while preserving autonomy and excellence? “the criteria for the admission of students”. Will he work with the Department for Education so That is absolute. that what Michael Rutter discovered in the 15,000 hours study—and with the 70,000 hours that people spent Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): May outside school in preparation for university or college—will I press the Secretary of State on whether he agrees that make it less necessary to have any kind of OFFA in the quota policy espoused by Professor Ebdon puts the future? In time, the Secretary of State should seek the cart before the horse, and whether we should be pushing abolition of the office, so that people can, on merit, schools to produce better students, rather than tempering grow up and, on merit, be considered by universities our universities’ freedom to choose students on merit? and colleges. Otherwise both students and universities will ultimately suffer. Vince Cable: I am among the people who paid tribute to that report, and I acknowledge that there is a lot of Vince Cable: As far as I am aware, Professor Ebdon good material in it. One of the things that it emphasised has never advocated the use of quotas. He is certainly was the importance of helping with aspirations in schools, not on record that I have seen. changing the expectation that many people have that they have no prospect of going to university, and working Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): This is a at the level of individual schools. I think we will continue case of Parliament v. the Executive. On only two occasions to see OFFA concentrating on that, and not on penalties have Select Committees not endorsed a senior appointment, of various kinds, about which some hon. Members one of which was under Labour. When we were in appear to be concerned. opposition, we created merry hell about it and said that the Executive were ignoring Parliament. What is different Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) this time? (LD): Given that both coalition parties are committed to improving social mobility and that the Office for Fair Vince Cable: What is different is that the Executive Access is increasingly important as an agent for doing are not ignoring Parliament. We are aware of the criticisms that, is it not right that the director should be qualified, that were made of Professor Ebdon’s interview and we 619 Office for Fair Access20 FEBRUARY 2012 Office for Fair Access 620 have asked him to appear on a regular basis before the Stephen Williams (Bristol West) (LD): Fair access, Select Committee to demonstrate that he has its full particularly to research intensive universities, is of confidence. That is what is different. paramount importance, because it is from that body that the media, the professions, and membership of this Stephen Lloyd (Eastbourne) (LD): Over the past few House are drawn. In the four and a half years that I days there has been an enormous amount of media shadowed higher education for the Liberal Democrats hype of the issue and some hyperbolic language, “social in the last Parliament, I met more than 100 vice-chancellors, engineering” being one of the terms used. To get down and Les Ebdon sticks in my mind as someone who is to some facts, more than 20 Oxbridge colleges made no passionately committed to the agenda of widening offers to black students for undergraduate courses in participation and fair access in particular. I congratulate 2009, with one college not having admitted a single my right hon. Friend on the appointment, and I hope black student for five years. Meanwhile, four elite that he will give Professor Ebdon all the support that he independent schools have sent more pupils to Oxbridge will need for the very important job that lies ahead. than 2,000 state schools. Would the Secretary of State— Vince Cable: Yes, indeed. Despite the considerable Mr Speaker: Order. May I very gently say to the hon. cuts that the Government have had to make as part of Gentleman that there is a lot to get through, so I feel fiscal consolidation, we have made commitments to sure he will reach a question mark before very long? increase the resources available to OFFA and substantially to increase the scholarship programme, of which my Stephen Lloyd: Will the Secretary of State confirm hon. Friend is aware and, I think, was one of the that the new director of fair access will have sufficient architects. resources to make a real difference to this deplorable Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk) (Con): Only record? 50% of comprehensive school sixth forms offer further maths, which is a requirement to study maths and Vince Cable: Yes, he will. He has been given additional physics at most of the top universities. I am very concerned resources in order to do his job properly. The issue on that we are getting a mismatch between what students which my hon. Friend focuses, under-representation of are able to do and what universities are able to offer. at least some ethnic groups, is a particular focus of the What specific steps will the Secretary of State and letter that I, together with the Universities Minister, OFFA take to ensure that there is more availability of sent to the previous director as something that he this important subject in schools so that our students should work on. can go on to study maths and science?

Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) (Con): Vince Cable: The hon. Lady is quite right that that is Given that the Secretary of State feels that it is his role one of the major problems. As I recall, under the last to intervene in these matters, will he tell us how many Government, a report was commissioned by the pupils who qualify for free school meals should be Department for Education and Skills from Professor going to Oxbridge by the end of Professor Ebdon’s Smith, which looked specifically at mathematics teaching tenure? If that number is not reached, will he intervene in schools, as a result of which I think that there has yet again on Professor Ebdon? been a significant increase in the recruitment of maths teachers and the level at which maths is now taught. Vince Cable: I have not intervened beyond making the appointment, and Professor Ebdon has clear terms Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): Will the Secretary of of reference. But since the hon. Gentleman has set out a State consider establishing an advisory body for OFFA standard, let me remind him and other colleagues of the so that a range of opinions can be considered? current position. Pupils from independent schools are 55 times more likely to go to Oxbridge than children Vince Cable: Yes, we will do that. As I understand it, with free school meals. That is the imbalance that we this does not require legislation, and we are looking at are trying to address. the feasibility of doing that and how to get the best advantage from it. Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): Does the Secretary of State agree that the brightest pupils from Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Given that the poorest backgrounds would be far better off if, explaining the Government’s new access arrangements regardless of who its director is, the Office for Fair and the new tuition fee regime is a complicated task at Access, which as far as I can see is no more than an best, why is the Secretary of State prepared to appoint expensive and unnecessary quango that is engaged in somebody who has doubtful presentation skills? social engineering, was scrapped and the money used to Vince Cable: He may well have had doubtful presentation support directly the outreach programmes of our top skills on this particular occasion, but he is the spokesman universities? for a substantial group of universities, million+, and I do not think that it underestimates his ability to present Vince Cable: Actually, one of the main purposes of his case. OFFA will be to promote those outreach programmes and to draw from the lessons and experience of different Several hon. Members rose— outreach programmes, which as far as I am aware have not been systematically evaluated. That will be one of Mr Speaker: Order. I am grateful to the Secretary of Professor Ebdon’s tasks. State and to colleagues. 621 20 FEBRUARY 2012 UK Border Agency 622

UK Border Agency ID when it was introduced from 2009, it finds that Ministers and senior Border Force officials believed that secure ID should be a mandatory check. 4.12 pm In May 2011, when officials asked for permission sometimes to suspend secure ID checks, I explicitly The Secretary of State for the Home Department refused. The report finds that, despite that clear instruction, (Mrs Theresa May): With permission, Mr Speaker, I secure ID checks continued to be suspended at Heathrow. would like to make a statement on border security. In It also confirms that checks on the biometric chip, November last year, it became apparent that certain which contains a second photograph and no further border security checks had been suspended without information, were sometimes suspended without ministerial ministerial approval. As a result, the head of the UK approval. Border Force was suspended with immediate effect, full The report makes it clear that the suspensions of controls were reinstated, and I commissioned John Vine, checks were, as I told the House last year, entirely the independent chief inspector of the UK Border separate from the pilot I authorised. I remind the House Agency, to report on what had happened. Today, I have that that pilot meant that in limited circumstances EEA laid the report before the House and copies will be national children travelling with their parents or as part available from the Vote Office. of a school group would be checked against the warnings The Vine report reveals that security checks carried index only when assessed by a Border Force official to out at the border have been suspended regularly and be a credible risk. It also allowed Border Force officials applied inconsistently since at least 2007. In June of the discretion, in limited circumstances, to judge when that year, Ministers accepted a policy that allowed the to open the biometric chip, which contains a second limited suspension of warnings index checks on certain photograph, in the passports of EEA nationals. health and safety grounds, but the Vine report found The pilot was designed to focus resources on the that those checks were suspended on many occasions highest risk passengers and journeys and allow Border for other reasons. Force officers to conduct more targeted, intelligence-led, In July 2008, Ministers approved the relaxation of checks. As the Home Affairs Select Committee concluded, warnings index checks for school coach parties at specified it could have been a promising framework for a new French ports, but the Vine report found that the Border approach to border security. However, as a result of the Force had waived checks for other passenger groups unauthorised suspension of checks, it is impossible to over and above what had been approved by Ministers. know fully what effect the pilot had. Although we can The report also uncovered evidence that, between 2007 remain open-minded about the principle of risk-based and 2011, warnings index checks were not carried out checks, they must be implemented only in a controlled on European economic area nationals travelling to the and authorised way. UK on Eurostar services from a number of French The Vine report also uncovered a local initiative at resorts. This is likely to have resulted in 500,000 EEA Heathrow that allowed students from supposedly low-risk nationals not being checked against the warnings index. countries to enter the UK even when they did not have To put those numbers into context, around 100 million the necessary entry clearance. There was no ministerial passengers enter the UK each year. These Eurostar authorisation for this activity. The report finds that passengers are judged to be low risk and they still had Operation Savant, as it was called, was potentially their passports checked, but the fact remains that these discriminatory and unlawful. The Home Office permanent suspensions were completely unauthorised and that is secretary is undertaking a review of this activity and simply not acceptable. will decide whether any disciplinary action should follow. That review will report by the end of March. The Vine report is clear that the risk to the border The Vine report reveals a Border Force that suspended needs to be kept in perspective. No one was waved important checks without permission; spent millions on through, everyone had their passports checked, and new technologies but chose not to use them; was led by warnings index checks were almost always carried out managers who did not communicate with their staff; so that those who had previously come to the attention and sent reports to Ministers that were inaccurate, of the authorities would still be identified and refused unbalanced and excluded key information. The report entry. Quite reasonably, Ministers in the previous makes a series of recommendations on how to improve Government gave permission for warnings index checks the operation at the border, and I accept them all. Many to be suspended in limited circumstances, but the report of them we are already implementing, and the rest we shows that the Border Force went much further, suspending will implement in full. Most importantly, I want to those checks in unauthorised circumstances and abandoning make it clear to the House that all the suspensions them entirely for some passengers. The report is clear detailed in the report have now been stopped. We will that that happened without the authorisation of Ministers shortly issue an operating policy on the use of secure ID in either this or the previous Government. fingerprint checks, and we will follow it up by implementing The report also makes it clear that the suspension of a new operating mandate for border control. This will checks of which I informed the House in November detail the minimum level of mandatory checks for all occurred without ministerial approval. I have just described passengers; set out which additional checks apply to the suspensions of warnings index checks, which date which groups of passengers; and cover the opening of back several years, but the report also finds that secure chips on passports, interviews for visa holders and the ID, the system for checking the fingerprints of foreign use of secure ID. It will detail explicitly the additional nationals who require a visa to come to Britain, was checks that border officers can apply at their discretion. suspended on a number of occasions without ministerial It will specify the record-keeping standards to be maintained approval. Although the report makes it clear that there and make it clear that no unauthorised suspension of should have been a policy setting out the use of secure checks is acceptable under any circumstances. 623 UK Border Agency20 FEBRUARY 2012 UK Border Agency 624

As part of our wider work to improve the border, we zero times in 2007, zero times in 2008, six times in 2009, have already made a number of other important 33 times in 2010 and 50 times in the first nine months of improvements. We have separated immigration policy 2011. The report states: work from operations. We have created a Strategy and “Although the figure for 2011 only covered nine months to the Intelligence Directorate to analyse intelligence; measure end of September, this represented a 51% increase over the performance; develop rules, procedures and guidance; previous year. The Agency should assess whether this increase and monitor compliance with those rules. We have can be attributed to changes in port infrastructure, increases in established a new UKBA training academy to raise passenger numbers, a reduction in staff or a combination of all professional standards and are reviewing service standards three.” for queuing times and staffing levels. But I do not So the clear suggestion in the report is that a lack of believe that the answer to the very significant problems staff may have increased the problems at the UK Border exposed in the Vine report is just a series of management Agency in the past year, but the Home Secretary in her changes. The Border Force needs a whole new management statement to Parliament has hidden that information. culture, and I can tell the House today that I have On secure ID, the report states that it was suspended appointed Brian Moore, currently the chief constable 482 times under this Government. The Immigration of Wiltshire police, as the interim head of the Border Minister approved the reduction in secure ID checks as Force. In addition, from next year the new National part of the risk-based approach in January 2011, and Crime Agency will be charged with improving our again the Home Secretary has not explained how far intelligence capability at the border, investigating serious Ministers’ authorisation, even if provisional, contributed and organised border crime and tasking law enforcement to the downgrading of secure ID checks. assets across all the relevant agencies. On the Immigration Minister’s further agreement to There are many hard-working and dedicated members proposals, the report quotes the former head of the of staff in the Border Force. They want to get on with Border Force, who said: their work securing our border, and I want to make it “The Immigration Minister was clear that this did not require clear that this report is in no way a criticism of them, Home Secretary sign-off and he had followed up with a note but, as the Home Affairs Committee and its Chairman stating that we should progress with the implementation.” have argued consistently, there is no getting away from Time and again the Home Secretary has not set out the the fact that UKBA, of which the Border Force is part, full information in the report. has been a troubled organisation since it was founded in 2008. From foreign national prisoners to the asylum-seeker On the level 2 pilots, the report is clear that they were backlog and the removal of illegal immigrants, it has downgraded over 2,000 times. That is not occasional, or reacted to a series of problems instead of positively under the “limited circumstances”that the Home Secretary managing its responsibilities. told us about last year. We have asked the Home Secretary before about the I believe that, with a new chief executive and a plan operational instruction that states: for comprehensive change, UKBA is in better hands for the future, but I believe also that the extent of the “We will cease routinely opening the chip within EEA passports.” transformational change required—in the agency’s casework She told the House on 9 November 2011 that that functions and in the Border Force—is too great for one operational instruction did reflect Government policy, organisation. I can therefore tell the House that from and that is the very guidance that led to checks being 1 March the UK Border Force will split from UKBA downgraded 2,000 times, for hours at a time, covering and become a separate operational command, with its huge numbers of people. own ethos of law enforcement, led by its own director On page 12, the report states: general and accountable directly to Ministers. “We found that the language used in both the ‘Summer pressures’ Many of the changes that I have outlined today submission to Ministers and the response provided, was not clear cannot happen overnight; they will take time, but we and as a result was open to misinterpretation… For example, the will make them as quickly as possible. They will ensure written response from the Home Secretary’s office said that ‘the not only that we have a stronger border in future, but change in checks should not be a routine measure but only used when the queues get beyond a reasonable length.’ As the key that the Border Force becomes the disciplined law terms were not clearly defined, we found this had been interpreted enforcement organisation that it was established to be. I and operated in different ways at different ports.” commend this statement to the House. The report is clear that: “Given the importance of decisions to suspend border security 4.21 pm checks, it is imperative that the language used is absolutely clear and unambiguous.” Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) Clearly, the language from the Home Secretary’s private (Lab): I thank the Home Secretary for early sight of her office was not clear and unambiguous, and that led to statement, in which she makes important points about huge confusion in the Border Force across the country. the fiascos at our border last summer, but it does not There is no evidence in the report of proper monitoring cover everything in the report from John Vine. In less by Ministers. It is scathing about the way in which than the hour that we have had to look at the report, we checks were downgraded and talks about unauthorised have found that it says something very different from activity. Why on earth were Ministers not asking for the points that the Home Secretary has made. information and not properly monitoring the pilot that For example, on the watch index checks from Calais, they had authorised and introduced? One of the updates, the Home Secretary’s statement today gives the House which it appears did not go to Ministers, makes it clear reason to believe that the problems had been going on that secure ID was suspended as part of the checks over since 2007. In fact, the watch index checks were suspended the summer. Why did that update not go to Ministers 625 UK Border Agency20 FEBRUARY 2012 UK Border Agency 626

[Yvette Cooper] without ministerial authorisation, and that unauthorised suspension had nothing to do with the pilot that I and why did they not ask for that information? Why did authorised last summer. they accept only three updates over the course of the The right hon. Lady makes a number of claims in summer, when seven were provided? Why were Ministers relation to the report. I suggest that she consider her not visiting the ports to ensure that the pilot that they track record on such claims. The Vine report exposes had introduced was being properly implemented? Ministers everything that she claimed last November as plain decided to roll back the principle that had been in wrong. She said that the pilot was reckless, but the Vine operation for many years—that we should gradually report shows that Labour Ministers approved similar strengthen and tighten our border checks, using new measures. She said that the pilot gave the Border Force technology and biometrics—and to introduce a huge the green light to suspend other checks, but the report experiment with border security. They made no proper shows that the suspensions were unauthorised. checks to see what was happening during the fiasco last The right hon. Lady said that by sometimes suspending summer. warnings index checks on certain children, we risked an Finally, when confronted last November with the increase in trafficking. Not only is that wrong, but the problems that had arisen, the Home Secretary told us Vine report makes it clear that Labour Ministers approved that the suspension of checks on children. She said that we “initial UKBA statistics show an almost 10% increase in the should have known about the unauthorised suspension detection of illegal immigrants and a 48% increase in the identification of checks, but the Vine report makes it clear that of forged documents compared with the year before.”—[Official information was withheld from Ministers and that Report, 9 November 2011; Vol. 535, c. 318.] unauthorised suspensions have been going on since at She said that that had happened as a result of her pilots. least 2007. She repeated that Labour increased checks However, the facts in the report show something very on passengers and improved security, but the Vine report different. The Heathrow data alone show that the number shows that it did not. of people refused entry was more than 100 lower each The right hon. Lady mentioned information about month—not higher—compared with 2010. The official what happened during the pilot. I did indeed report statistics show a 10% drop in the number of non-asylum figures to the House in November. They were the ones seekers who were stopped at ports compared with the that were available at the time, and I faithfully reported previous year. Will the Home Secretary take this them to the House. Since then, the chief inspector has opportunity to apologise to the House for giving it discovered that unauthorised suspensions were made, premature and inaccurate information about the supposed so it is not possible to give a full picture of what effect success of her pilots, when clearly they were a huge the pilot had. We remain open-minded about risk-based failure in controlling the border? checks, but they must be implemented in a controlled The Home Secretary told us that her pilots did not and authorised way. weaken border security. The report states that The right hon. Lady blamed what has happened on “it is not possible to quantify the extent of the risk that these cuts. I know that is her Pavlovian response to everything, measures presented to the border.” but I would have thought she had noted that on the second page of the Vine report the chief inspector states The implications of that for our border are very serious, that the suspensions were yet the Home Secretary continues to hide. She has hidden behind a report and not set out its full consequences, “affected by a number of factors including…the numbers of staff just as she has blamed officials, hidden from the media deployed”— and hidden behind spurious statistics. In opposition, the numbers deployed, not the numbers employed. As she said of a former Immigration Minister: with the police, the right hon. Lady seems to find it very difficult to get her head around that. Just in case she has “I’m sick and tired of…government ministers…who simply blame other people when things go wrong.” forgotten, I remind her that the previous Government planned to cut UKBA budgets. That is what she is doing now. It is time for her to stop hiding and to take responsibility for things that have The right hon. Lady talked about information that happened on her watch: the unclear instructions from was available to Ministers about the pilot. I remind her her office, the policy decisions to downgrade our border that the Vine report makes it clear that updates to controls, the failure to monitor and check what was Ministers on the pilot going on, and her failure to take responsibility. This “were not balanced…presented an inaccurate picture of performance” mess escalated on her watch with every month that went and by. Unless she accepts responsibility for this fiasco, she “could not be relied upon to determine the success or otherwise of will fail to sort it out and she will fail to reassure the Level 2.” House that she can cope with future fiascos and that she There is nothing more important than the security of is the Home Secretary to keep our borders secure. our border, so it is a shame that the right hon. Lady has taken the approach that she has and has not addressed Mrs May: The shadow Home Secretary’s mock outrage the measures that we are undertaking to secure our would have rather greater credibility if she had shown border and ensure that the Border Force is the law any real interest in immigration or border control at any enforcement agency it should be. We did not hear any of stage over the year for which she has been doing her job. her views on the recommendations in the Vine report, I remind her that the Vine report states that security the proposal to take the Border Force out of the UKBA checks have been suspended without ministerial or the proposal to change the approach that the Border authorisation since at least 2007. The suspension of Force takes, because she has nothing positive to say checks of which I told the House in November happened about immigration or border security. 627 UK Border Agency20 FEBRUARY 2012 UK Border Agency 628

Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): As someone organisation that she is creating, that there should be who supports what the Home Secretary is trying to do proper parliamentary scrutiny of the agencies. I warn to get better control over our borders and a risk-based her that if she does not reform the organisation, it will approach, may I ask her what explanation she has been come back and bite her and other Ministers in future. offered of the failure of some officials to accept ministerial I therefore welcome her proposals. instructions? There is no point in having Ministers and Parliament if officials ignore everything that they tell them. Mrs May: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for the serious and constructive way in which he has engaged Mrs May: Sadly, the chief inspector describes in the in his comments. As I said, he and the Home Affairs report poor communication and poor managerial oversight Committee have consistently, over a number of years, in the Border Fore. He makes it clear that the information pointed out the problems at UKBA. Through the Vine systems within the UKBA and the UK Border Force report, we see in depth the problems that were occurring, were not being used properly to enable proper assessments particularly in the Border Force. He is absolutely right to be made of the proposals that were being made. that this is about a change of culture within the organisation. That is why we have separated the Border Force from Mr Jack Straw (Blackburn) (Lab): May I take it from UKBA, and we have a new chief executive at UKBA what the Home Secretary has said that she agrees with who has already made a number of changes that are my right hon. Friend the shadow Home Secretary that starting to change the culture. We will have a new the number of those refused entry is 100 lower than she interim head of the Border Force, which will be separate claimed, rather than higher? Will she say briefly what from UKBA, and that can be the start of the culture she thinks she has learned in the past 18 months about change, but it does take time to change a culture. how she manages her Department? Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): Will Mrs May: I did not say in November that the overall the Home Secretary set out what regular performance number of refusals was higher. The report does indeed assessment of UKBA there will be to ensure that it does say that the number of refusals was lower, which was a not fall back into the ad-hoc, events-driven approach to result of the chief inspector’s investigation of what was border security and management that was so prevalent happening at the border. We reported to Parliament under the previous Government? about certain numbers of individuals who were stopped and about numbers of drug seizures. Mrs May: We will issue the UK Border Force with a new operating mandate that makes absolutely clear the Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): It is clear from the circumstances in which certain discretion may be applied Vine report that some immigration checks have been and which checks should be mandatory at our borders. suspended since at least 2007 and that they were abandoned We are already receiving more detailed reports on what without ministerial authority.However, is not the important is happening in relation to the Border Force and UKBA. point that the country and our constituents do not want UKBA’s task will be to deliver the Government’s to hear a lot of huff and puff from Opposition Front immigration policy, and I am very pleased to say that Benchers trying to score points but to know that Ministers we intend to deliver that policy by the next general are now taking action to make our borders more secure? election. Will my right hon. Friend reiterate to the House, so that the information does not get lost, the new action that Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): Does the Home she is taking to make sure that our borders are more Secretary agree with the report that it is imperative that secure than they have been in the past? the language used by ministers is absolutely clear and unambiguous? If so, does she agree that her key terms Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for his question. were not clearly defined because the pilot was interpreted He is absolutely right that the public want to know that and operated in different ways in different ports—or we are dealing with these issues. That is why I have will she just blame the officials again? appointed the chief constable of Wiltshire police to be the interim head of the Border Force and why the Border Mrs May: I assure the hon. Lady that we have looked Force will be separated from UKBA. We will put a much in detail at every criticism made in the report, and that greater focus on the Border Force as a control body that where it is necessary for changes to take place in the is securing our borders and has a greater emphasis on Home Office, they will take place. law enforcement. At the same time, we have made a number of changes to the way in which UKBA operates— Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con): for example, we have taken policy away so that there is a The Home Affairs Committee report found that one greater concentration on operations. primary reason the problem continued for so long undetected was that the chain of communication from Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): I welcome the fact Ministers to senior managers to front-line staff at UKBA that the Home Secretary is to implement all the had become convoluted and fragmented. Today we hear recommendations by John Vine. This is about a root that the Vine report finds that Border Force senior and branch reform of a very troubled organisation. She managers felt themselves unaccountable to Ministers. was right not to personalise the matter, because it is a What does the Home Secretary intend to do to put an cultural problem to do with the way in which UKBA end to that culture once and for all? operates. Only last week, as Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee, I wrote to the chief executive to ask Mrs May: That is one of the issues with how the for certain information, which he refused to give. It is UKBA was originally set up—it was one those so-called very important, not only for UKBA but for the new arm’s length agencies. Separating the Border Force from 629 UK Border Agency20 FEBRUARY 2012 UK Border Agency 630

[Mrs May] Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): Does the Home Secretary agree that because the previous Labour UKBA and making it part of the Home Office—the Government were so uninterested in protecting our director general will be within the Home Office—means borders, they allowed the bizarre culture of ignoring that it will be directly accountable to Ministers. ministerial direction to embed itself at the head of the UKBA? Will she assure the House that that culture will Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP): When the scandal not be allowed to continue following this Government’s broke last year, it was reported that checks were suspended measures and the Vine report? at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Prestwick airports. In her previous statement, the Home Secretary said she Mrs May: The precise reason for separating the UK would be happy to speak to Scottish Ministers about Border Force from UKBA is to give the UK Border that. What discussions has she had with Scottish Ministers Force a much clearer focus on its key job of maintaining and what discussions did John Vine have with the security and conducting controls at our borders. However, authorities in Scotland? More importantly, what will I am bound to comment to my hon. Friend that, as he the impact of a new Border Force, with its own operational knows well, this Government have a proper immigration command, be for border and port security in Scotland? policy and are doing our best to control it.

Mrs May: The hon. Gentleman is right to raise the Alun Michael (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op): impact on Scotland. We will discuss the impact of the Does the Home Secretary understand one of the points report with Scottish Government Ministers and my made by the Home Affairs Committee, which is that the hon. Friend the Immigration Minister will write to Border Agency, of which the Border Force is a part, is them today about the implications. We will obviously not a separate agency but an integral part of the Home take up more detailed discussions on the precise operations Office, for which she is responsible? Does she accept at official level—[Interruption.] that communications within the Home Office, including that agency, were poor and sometimes shambolic, which is why officials frequently thought that Ministers knew Mr Speaker: Order. I appeal to the hon. Member for what Ministers should have known? Will she now publish, Blyth Valley (Mr Campbell) to calm himself. Perhaps alongside the Vine report, the document on which she he should take up yoga. It is only Monday, and I know relied in giving evidence but which she has denied so far that he will want to hang on every word of the Home to the Home Affairs Committee? Can we have it all out Secretary—[Interruption.] Idonotknowwhatheis in the open? chuntering about with such good nature from a sedentary position, but it cannot be as interesting as what the Mrs May: I am interested in the comments that the Home Secretary has to say. right hon. Gentleman makes about the relationship between Ministers and the UK Border Agency and the Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con): Having UK Border Force. I return to the point I have made heard the bluster from the shadow Home Secretary, will previously that of course what we saw was decisions the Home Secretary confirm to the House one thing: being taken within UK Border Force that were contrary that the Vine report entirely vindicates what she and the to ministerial authorisation, not just under this Government Immigration Minister said last November, and that all but under the previous Government as well. the suspended checks that she told the House about in November occurred without ministerial authorisation? Several hon. Members rose—

Mrs May: The report makes it clear that the suspension Mr Speaker: Order. There is pressure on time. I am of checks outside the limited pilot that had been approved keen to accommodate all colleagues, but to do so I took place without ministerial authorisation. The shadow require brevity, to be exemplified by Mr Robert Halfon. Home Secretary raised an issue in her opening remarks about my hon. Friend the Immigration Minister. He Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Will my right hon. and I have made it clear that his comments on the Friend confirm that the suspension of border checks proposed pilot early last year were provisional; that, had nothing to do with budget cuts and began under crucially, no new operating instructions were issued to the previous Government when budgets were rising and staff as a result; that there was no change to policy as a our immigration system was in a shambles? result; that secure ID checks were suspended before January last year until May; and that, sadly, despite my Mrs May: My hon. Friend is absolutely correct. The explicit instruction that the checks should not be suspended suspension of checks did start under the previous after May, they continued to be suspended. Government. As I told my hon. Friend the Member for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris), this Government have Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): Does the Vine report a proper immigration policy and intend to control include any criticism of, or comment on, the behaviour immigration. We also need to ensure that UK Border of Ministers? Force is the law enforcement agency with control at our borders that we all want it to be. Mrs May: The Vine report goes through the facts of what happened over a period in relation to the potential Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): suspension of checks. It makes it clear that, sadly, the When the Home Secretary made her statement to the UK Border Force was undertaking checks without House on 7 November, there was some initial confusion ministerial authorisation, and that it withheld information about whether Manchester airport was included in from Ministers and gave inaccurate information to them. the pilot. Can she now confirm how many passengers 631 UK Border Agency20 FEBRUARY 2012 UK Border Agency 632 passed through Manchester airport without biometric Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): Given or fingerprint checks during the period of the pilot that the Home Secretary’s decision to split the Border Force was authorised by Ministers? from the UKBA, can we expect a corresponding reduction in the salary of the UKBA’s chief executive to reflect his Mrs May: I can confirm to the right hon. Gentleman reduced responsibilities, or will this end up costing us that Manchester airport was indeed part of the pilot scheme, more and adding to the complexity of a situation that but one of the problems—as shown in the report by the Ministers are already struggling to control? chief inspector—is that some of the record-keeping at ports was not complete in relation to the operation of Mrs May: I am happy to remind the hon. Gentleman—I the pilot and the suspension of checks, and that records am sure that he is already aware of this—that the were kept on a different basis between different ports. current chief executive is paid significantly less than While the chief inspector has put the figures into his was his predecessor, who was appointed by the previous report as far as he is able, it is not possible to get the Labour Government. complete picture of the operation of the pilot precisely because the records are incomplete. Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con): Apart from the political posturing and point-scoring attempted by the Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con): I welcome shadow Home Secretary last November, will my right my right hon. Friend’s statement. As part of the culture hon. Friend remind me when the Opposition Front-Bench change to which she refers, will she ask the management team last took the slightest interest in immigration and of the successor bodies whether they will use English of border control? a type that is understandable to the rest of the English- speaking world? Mrs May: I understand that the last time there was an immigration debate in the House, not a single speech was made from the Labour Back Benches. Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend and I know that this is a campaign that he pursues at every opportunity. Indeed, when I appeared before the Home Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ Affairs Committee he raised the issue of the language Co-op): One of the Government’s first acts was to that was being used. We will make every effort to do abolish plans to put fingerprints in British passports. what he requests. We now hear that the Immigration Minister gave the impression to officials that it was okay to implement the suspension of secure identity checks. Does he have Mr Nick Raynsford (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab): the Home Secretary’s full confidence? On occasions such as this, when Opposition Back Benchers have not seen the report that is the subject of the Mrs May: Absolutely, and I have already answered statement, we depend on a comprehensive and non-partisan the points about the Immigration Minister’s comments. presentation of the report by the Minister responsible. The hon. Lady needs to recognise that secure identity The Home Secretary has given us the impression that checks were suspended before January/February 2011, the report is in no way critical of Ministers, but we have that they were suspended until May and sadly, despite heard suggestions that the report does contain criticism the fact that I explicitly said that they should not be of a lack of clarity in the language used by Ministers in suspended in May, they remained suspended. That was their instructions to the Border Agency. Is there criticism without ministerial authorisation. It is high time that she in the report, and if so will she apologise for her and her right hon. and hon. Friends recognised what Department’s failings? was happening without ministerial authorisation.

Mrs May: In a number of aspects, the report does indeed Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): The establishment refer to the need for greater clarity in communications of a new operational command for the UK Border of all sorts that were taking place in relation to what Force and the appointment of its interim head sound was happening at the border. That is part of the work like positive and constructive steps forward, but they that will be done by the Home Office and the UK come just five months before the London Olympics. Border Agency. Will the Home Secretary ensure that the interim head has all the resources he needs to cope with the increased Kris Hopkins (Keighley) (Con): The failure of the number of visitors that this country can expect? previous Government to manage our borders and even know how many immigrants had come into the country Mrs May: I can assure my hon. Friend that the UK was rightly punished by the electorate at the election. Border Force has already undertaken a great deal of Does the Home Secretary agree that, unlike Labour, work within the UKBA, and will continue to undertake this Government will not tolerate failure by the Border it, to ensure that we can accommodate people coming Agency? to London and other parts of the country for the Olympics and Paralympics. We are doing a great deal of Mrs May: Indeed, that is why we are responding fully work, including, crucially, with the airport operators. to the recommendations of the Vine report. Furthermore, as I have made clear to the House, we are changing the Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): A couple of months structure of the UKBA and the UK Border Force so ago, I toured the border controls at Dover. I would like that we can focus more on the need for the Border Force to make the Home Secretary and the excellent Immigration to secure our borders. That is what people want it to do, Minister aware of the following: first, the problems at and it is what we want it to do. Calais are the result not of budget cuts but of coaches 633 UK Border Agency 20 FEBRUARY 2012 634

[Charlie Elphicke] Points of Order queuing back on to the motorway, causing the police to 4.55 pm put pressure on the UKBA to hurry people through; Mr Speaker: On a point of order relating to the Code secondly, the previous Government also did nothing of Conduct, on which no further points of order may about eye scanners that did not work properly; and, arise, I call Mr Mark Simmonds. thirdly the previous Government supplied laptops that did not work properly and took too long to load up. Mark Simmonds (Boston and Skegness) (Con): It has While she is addressing the problems of the past, will been brought to my attention that on 31 January and she take an interest in those things too? 16 March 2011, I inadvertently omitted to draw the House’s attention to my entry in the Register of Members’ Mrs May: My hon. Friend, given his constituency, Financial Interests relating to strategic advice that I provide takes a particular interest in border matters. He is to a social enterprise health care provider. I would assiduous in dealing with these issues, in liaising with like to take this opportunity both to correct the record those at Dover port responsible for such matters and in and to apologise. taking up any issues with Ministers. He raised several Mr Speaker: We are grateful to the hon. Gentleman. matters. I am happy to say that despite this weekend being the busiest weekend for returning school coach Mr Iain Wright (Hartlepool) (Lab): On a point of parties—the thoughts of the House must be with those order, Mr Speaker. You may have seen reports last week affected by the terrible school coach accident in France—the that while on a conference in India an official from the UKBA, by working with the French authorities and Office for Nuclear Regulation lost a memory stick putting in place mitigating measures, achieved a greater containing information and plans relating to Hartlepool throughput than was achieved previously. There were nuclear power station. I have yet to be informed of this also fewer problems with coaches on the motorway. by the Government. Going back many years, Ministers faced with data loss have come to this House to answer Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): I welcome the questions and explain their actions. Given that precedent Home Secretary’s announcement of the separation of and the paramount importance of securing and the UK Border Force as a separate entity, but it is clear safeguarding our civil nuclear industry, is it in order that the organisation urgently requires a period of stability. that the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate In order to provide it, will she say when she envisages a Change has chosen not to inform me or to come to this permanent head being appointed? House? What powers do you have, Sir, to ensure that I can receive notification and provide reassurance to my constituents on this important breach of data? Mrs May: We will, of course, be holding an open competition for people to apply for that post. I hesitate Mr Speaker: It is a matter for Ministers to make to give my hon. Friend a date, because we have to be statements as and when they judge appropriate, if policy cognisant of the fact that, with the Olympics and options or announcements are due. From what the hon. Paralympics coming up, we need to ensure minimum Gentleman has said so far, it is not immediately obvious disruption to the Border Force. It is with that in mind to me that there is any matter of order on which the that an appointment will be made, at an appropriate Chair need rule, but his words are on the record, and I time. shall take particular pleasure in observing them for a second time when I read the Official Report.IfIhave any further thoughts on the matter at that point, he will be the first to hear; meanwhile his constituents will know of what he has said. Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. As you will be aware, the Scotland Bill is still making its way through Parliament. Last week the Prime Minister made a visit to Scotland, where he announced that he is now in favour of more devolution and that his proposal is “on the table”. Given that the UK Government repeatedly say that a lack of detail about constitutional change causes uncertainty, will you confirm whether Ministers have sought to make a statement about any changes to the Scotland Bill? Mr Speaker: I can confirm that they have not, and if I were a more cynical fellow than I am, I might be tempted to conclude that the hon. Gentleman was seeking to dress up in the language of constitutionalism an important point—a fundamental point; and, for him, an urgent point—that was nevertheless overwhelmingly a political point. But as I am not so cynical, I will not so conclude. 635 20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 636

Mr Baron: I want to make some progress, then I will Backbench Business try to accommodate all colleagues who wish to intervene. The fact that there is no evidence of attempts to [UN-ALLOTTED DAY] produce nuclear weapons or of a decision to do so was confirmed by Peter Jenkins, the UK’s former permanent Iran representative to the IAEA. Robert Kelley, a former director of the agency, highlighted the fact that the Mr Speaker: Because of the level of interest in speaking report contained only three items that referred to in this debate, I have imposed an eight-minute limit on developments after 2004—the year in which the American most Back-Bench contributions. That does not apply to intelligence services concluded that Iran had ceased its the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron), nuclear programme. Indeed, the agency spends 96% of who is opening the debate. He will be aware of his time a 14-page annexe reprising what was already known. I limit, to which I know he will faithfully adhere. therefore ask the Foreign Secretary to highlight for the House today the paragraphs in the report that provide 4.59 pm evidence of a nuclear weapons programme. He has referred to this matter many times, but I can see no such Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): I beg evidence in the report. Is he willing to highlight those to move, paragraphs for the benefit of the House now? I am That this House believes that the use of force against Iran willing to take an intervention from him. would be wholly counterproductive and would serve only to encourage any development of nuclear weapons; and calls upon the Government to rule out the use of force against Iran and Robert Halfon: Will my hon. Friend give way? reduce tensions by redoubling diplomatic efforts. May I start by thanking the Backbench Business Mr Baron: I shall just wait for the Foreign Secretary. Committee for supporting my application to debate this His silence speaks volumes. I shall therefore take an subject today? Statements by the Government allow intervention from my hon. Friend. opportunities to ask a question, but rarely allow a thorough examination of the issue. I also thank those Robert Halfon: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for Members who supported me in calling for this debate. giving way— Many did not agree with the motion, but all felt that such a debate was long overdue, as is borne out by the Mr Speaker: Order. We cannot have two Members number of people who have put in to speak this evening. standing up at the same time. The hon. Member for The debate is urgently required. With tough new Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron) is perfectly tall sanctions in place and further ones threatened by Iran, enough. We can see him; he has nothing to worry about. with naval forces mustering in the Persian gulf and with state-sponsored terrorism ongoing inside and outside Robert Halfon: I congratulate my hon. Friend on Iran, this might be the only opportunity for Back securing the debate. Is he aware that paragraph 43 of Benchers to discuss the topic before hostilities begin. the IAEA report states that Iran worked Israel is contemplating an air strike, and we could be on “on the development of an indigenous design of a nuclear weapon the brink of a regional war. I called for today’s debate including the testing of components”? because I believe that we need a fresh approach. The sanctions and the sabre-rattling are yesterday’s failed Mr Baron: Yes,Iamawareofthat,butitisnot policies, and the fact that we are once again on the brink concrete evidence; it is circumstantial— of military conflict is testament to that failure. My motion calls on the Government—and, by implication, the west—to rule out the use of force in order to reduce Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD) rose— tensions and bring us back from the brink of war and military conflict, and to redouble diplomatic efforts. Mr Baron: I will take and answer one intervention at That would give us time to reflect on some of the a time, if I may. inconvenient truths that the west chooses to ignore, and We need to be careful when considering the report. on the need for a fresh approach. Much has been made of the circumstantial evidence I shall start by outlining some of the inconvenient and of western intelligence reports, but Iraq should truths. The catalyst for the latest round of condemnation have taught us to be careful about basing our foreign was the report published by the International Atomic policy decisions on secret intelligence and circumstantial Energy Agency last November. The United States and evidence. That is a lesson that we should have learned the United Kingdom chose to see the report as evidence from Iraq. that Iran was building nuclear weapons, and further financial sanctions followed, which led directly to the Martin Horwood: Another section of the report talks storming of the British embassy in Tehran, inexcusable about the though that was. We should be careful about accepting “acquisition of nuclear weapons development information and such reports at face value, however. Close reading of the documentation from a clandestine nuclear supply network”. report reveals no smoking gun: there is no evidence of attempts to produce nuclear weapons, or of a decision It concludes that: to do so. “While some of the activities identified in the Annex have civilian as well as military applications, others are specific to Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Will my hon. Friend nuclear weapons.” give way? How else are we to interpret that? 637 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 638

Mr Baron: That does not answer the actual question. Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op) rose— That is circumstantial evidence; it is not concrete evidence of a nuclear weapons programme. It is as straightforward Mr Baron: If I am not going to get an intervention as that. I challenge the hon. Gentleman who asked the from the Foreign Secretary, I shall take one from the question: if he could point to concrete evidence, it Labour Back Benches. would be useful for the House. Mike Gapes: I am grateful. The hon. Gentleman Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): Will refers to lost opportunities. Does he agree that the my hon. Friend outline when in his view circumstantial Iranian regime was at fault in rejecting President Obama’s evidence becomes actual evidence—it is when the bomb initiative when he first came to office? Is that not a sign has dropped, for example? that the regime in Tehran is afraid of international engagement and is pursuing this course relentlessly? Mr Baron: It is very straightforward. There has to be evidence of nuclear weapons. We were told, for example, that there was no shortage of circumstantial evidence Mr Baron: I am the first to agree that Iran was about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, but it completely wrong on President Obama’s offer. Let me turned out that there were no WMD there. That shows make it clear that I am not an apologist for Iran. No how careful we need to be and how clear we need to be one can agree with its human rights record, its sponsoring about the difference between circumstantial evidence of state terrorism or the storming of our embassy—all and concrete evidence. are terribly wrong—but they are not arguments for military intervention; they do not justify war. Rather, I suggest that no one’s hands are clean in this region, Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Is the hon. Gentleman including our own, particularly after the invasion of aware of any IAEA evidence on Israel’s nuclear weapons Iraq on what turned out to be a false premise. Opportunities programme? have been missed on both sides. I would have thought there can be little doubt about that. Mr Baron: The hon. Gentleman makes a fair point. In certain quarters in the middle east, it is felt that Let us get to the nub of the issue and think the double standards are being applied in that Israel has unthinkable. Let us assume, despite the lack of substantive developed nuclear weapons and the west does not seem evidence, that Iran is moving towards the option of to worry about them. [Interruption.] My right hon. and nuclear capability. Hon. Members will be fully aware learned Friend the Member for Kensington (Sir Malcolm that there is a world of difference between nuclear Rifkind) suggests that the evidence is circumstantial, capability and possessing nuclear weapons. This is perhaps and I am willing to grant him that point. understandable. We in the west underestimate the extent to which status is important in that part of the world. Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): Can my The reason Saddam Hussein did not deny possessing hon. Friend name any experts in the field who would weapons of mass destruction, despite the fact that he explain how enrichment to a 20% threshold, currently did not have them, was that it was in his interest not to being undertaken by the Iranian regime, could plausibly deny it. He had, after all, failed in his invasion of Iran. be for civilian and not military use? Iran’s insecurity is also understandable. Those who view the map from Tehran’s point of view will see that she is surrounded by nuclear powers: Russia, Pakistan, a United Mr Baron: My hon. Friend makes a fair point, which States naval presence, and Israel. All those powers I will address later in my speech, but I say to him now contribute to Iran’s feeling of encirclement. that there is a world of difference between nuclear capability and actually having nuclear weapons. I am I am very conscious, as the House will be, of the sure that the House would accept that difference. argument that if Iran develops nuclear weapons, that will lead to a nuclear arms race in the region but A second inconvenient truth relates to the usual without the safety mechanisms that existed during the depiction of Iran as intransigent and for ever chauvinistic cold war, which in itself could lead to a nuclear escalation. in her foreign policy. Western Governments, I suggest, However, I do not accept that argument. There is no too easily forget that Iran is not totally at fault here. reason why the theory of nuclear deterrence to which There have been opportunities to better relations between the west adheres should not be equally valid in other Iran and the west, but the west has spurned those parts and regions of the world. Paul Pillar, the CIA’s opportunities. We forget, for example, that following national intelligence officer for the middle east between 9/11, Iran—unlike many in the middle east street—expressed 2000 and 2005, recently wrote that there was solidarity with the US. We forget also that attempts were made to develop contacts during the early stages “nothing in the record of behavior by the Islamic Republic that of the Afghan war. What was Iran’s reward? It was to be suggests irrationality”. labelled or declared part of the “axis of evil” by President That view was reinforced by Ehud Barak, the Israeli Bush, which led directly to the removal of the reformist Defence Minister, last year. and moderate President Khatami. Despite that, there India and Pakistan have fought wars, yet both have were further attempts at co-operation in the run-up to shown nuclear restraint. As the House is well aware, the Iraq war, but those efforts were similarly rebuffed. only one country has ever used nuclear weapons in Again, I ask the Foreign Secretary whether he is anger. Furthermore, the view that an Iranian nuclear prepared to deny that the west has made mistakes in its capability would start a nuclear arms race in the region dealings with Iran and has missed opportunities to does not take into account the possibility that regional better relations. I would genuinely like to hear his views allies of the west will opt to shelter under a US nuclear on that and would welcome an intervention. umbrella. That happens in Japan and in South Korea. 639 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 640

Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): I am Mr Mousavi, the unofficial leader of the green movement afraid that this is sounding terribly like an appeasement and one of the great hopes of the west, said during the argument. If the hon. Gentleman does not wish his 2009 presidential campaign that any backtracking on position to be characterised as such, will he say something the nuclear issue would be tantamount to surrender. about what the western powers should do to support Iran’s statement that it is introducing an oil embargo for legitimate protest in Iran by the people who are pushing certain countries shows that it is impervious to sabre-rattling, for regime change, whom we have supported in other yet we in the west still pursue that policy when confronting countries and whom we should support in this instance? Iran. Indeed it is considered “naive”—I have heard that word used a lot—to rule out the use of force. We are Mr Baron: I ask the hon. Gentleman to be patient. I told that all options must be left on the table. Some promise to deal directly with that later in my speech. people go further: there seems to be a hairshirt auction At this point, many invoke President Ahmadinejad’s among Republican candidates for the presidential call for Israel to be wiped off the face of the map. nomination in America as to who can be toughest on Surely, they say, that is proof of irrationality; surely Iran, with Mitt Romney openly advocating war over the that is evidence that Iran cannot be allowed to develop nuclear issue. I would counter that by saying that what nuclear weapons. However, a careful examination of the is naive is pursuing a policy that has clearly failed. translation suggests that President Ahmadinejad was Sanctions and sabre-rattling are yesterday’s policies and badly misquoted. Even The New York Times, one of the they have brought us to the brink of a military conflict, first outlets to misquote Ahmadinejad, now accepts which is hardly the sign of success. that the word “map” was never used. A more accurate What compounds the error of that approach is that translation offers most agree that a military strike would be counter- “the regime occupying Jerusalem must vanish from the page of productive to the point of being calamitous. It would time”. reinforce the position of the hard-liners at the expense Given that Ahmadinejad compared his desired option—the of the pragmatists within Iran, just as the Iran-Iraq war elimination of “the regime occupying Jerusalem”—with boosted patriotic support for the regime and helped to the fall of the Shah’s regime in Iran, it is quite clear that cement the revolution. Military intervention would not he was talking about regime change and not about the work; the US Defence Secretary judges that it would destruction of Israel itself, just as he did not want delay the Iranians for only a year at most. Knowledge the end of Iran in his comparison. The pedantry over cannot be eradicated by military intervention, and such the translation is important. Some Members may scoff, intervention will only delay the inevitable. If Iran has but this is a terribly important point. The immediate set herself on acquiring nuclear weapons, she will not be reaction to Ahmadinejad’s speech in 2005 was the then scared away; and if she has not, a military strike would Israeli Prime Minister’s call for Iran to be expelled from encourage her to do so. We even hear voices from within the United Nations, and the US urging its allies to “get Israel against a strike. Meir Dagan, the hard-line former tougher” on Iran. chief of Mossad—nobody could accuse him of being a pussycat—has referred to an attack on Iran as “a stupid That mistranslation is used to this day, even by former idea.” Foreign Secretaries outside the House. I wonder why the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not provided I ask hon. Members to reflect on a wider historical more clarity on the point. I hope that it is not to do with point. It is perhaps relevant to reflect more generally a hidden agenda. Perhaps it is to do with a shortage of that military action often has an embedding effect: it properly qualified Farsi speakers, but we would appreciate reinforces the position of the existing regime. For example, clarity from the Foreign Secretary in due course. I ask communism has lasted longest in those countries where him to tell us whether he denies at least the possibility the west intervened militarily—North Korea, China, that President Ahmadinejad was misquoted. Cuba and Vietnam.

Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): My hon. If the hon. Gentleman is so dismissive of Iran’s statement Friend talks about the verdict of history. Is the verdict that Israel should be wiped off the face of the earth, can of history not also that when dealing with tyrannies it is he explain why, in February 2011, Ayatollah Khamenei unwise to rule out force in defence, and that sometimes repeated the statement that Israel was a “cancerous it is wise to keep tyrannies guessing as to one’s intentions? tumour” that must be removed? Mr Baron: Yes, although I suggest an exception: Mr Baron: If the hon. Lady will forgive me, I must keeping an option on the table that heightens tensions say that we need to examine these statements very and makes a peaceful outcome less likely is less worthy, carefully, because that translation too is open to dispute. and we have to examine that position. It is all very well coming to the House with these translations, but Farsi is a complex language, as she will Alec Shelbrooke: Will my hon. Friend give way? know, and we have to make sure that we get them right. Many scholars outside this place verify that President Mr Baron: No, I am going to make a little progress. Ahmadinejad’s original statement was misquoted—theses have been written about it—which is why I ask the Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. May I Foreign Secretary to clarify the situation. We need to remind Mr Baron that he has already taken 20 minutes? get this quote clarified. This is an over-subscribed debate, and we will impose There can be little doubt that the west’s policy of an eight-minute limit on speeches after the Front-Bench sabre-rattling and sanctions has failed; the Iranians are contributions. He would be generous to his colleagues if not going to back down on their nuclear programme. he began to draw his remarks to close. 641 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 642

Mr Baron: I very much take that on board, Mr Deputy that point with Iran. As such, it is my intention to test Speaker. If hon. Members will forgive me, I will not the will of Parliament by dividing the House on the accept any more interventions. motion tonight. A strike by Israel or the west would unite Iran in fury and perhaps trigger a regional war, and it would certainly Several hon. Members rose— encourage the hard-liners to push for a bomb. Despite that, the present policy is to refuse to rule out the use of Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. Will force. Such a policy is not only naive, but illogical: we hon. Members resume their seats? I will explain the are keeping an option that we all know would be a procedure to be applied so the House can follow what is disaster, against a country that chooses to ignore it, yet going on. I will call an Opposition Member next. The that option heightens tensions and makes a peaceful Speaker has selected the amendment in the name of Sir outcome less likely. That is nonsense. Malcolm Rifkind, whom I will call after the first speaker A fresh approach is required. Israel will not attack from the Opposition side. I will then call another Opposition Iran if Washington objects. Now is the time for the US Back-Bench Member, then we go to both Front Benches. to make it clear to Israel that force should not be used. The time limit will then be formally applied. I say to Ruling out the use of force would have the immediate those Members whom I call before that if they exceed effect of reducing tensions and making conflict less eight minutes, plus two minutes for interventions taken, likely. That would lessen the chance of another accident I will cough loudly. I may become even more explicit like the shooting down of Iran Air 655, which could than that. I call Michael McCann. spark conflict. Such a policy in the longer term would give diplomacy a greater chance of success. Iran will not 5.24 pm be persuaded to give up her pursuit of nuclear technology. We need to understand and engage better with Iran, Mr Michael McCann (East Kilbride, Strathaven and and offer the prospect of implicit recognition of Iran’s Lesmahagow) (Lab): I welcome the procurement of the status as a major power in the region—a status we debate by the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay created ourselves through our misguided invasion of (Mr Baron), but I fear that many of the Members who Iraq, which fundamentally altered the balance of power contribute to it will not support the position that he in the region. outlined. I will support the amendment. There is a precedent for recognising that new status. I should start by declaring that my sister is married to In the 1960s, when the US presence in Asia was waning an Iranian and that I have strong links with the Iranian and China was beginning to flex her muscles, Nixon did community in the west of Scotland. I have taken the not respond by denying the reality of Chinese power. community’s temperature on this issue. His visit to China in 1972 took everyone by surprise, but We know that every Government face challenges, it was the right decision—it was a defining moment. I foreign and domestic, during their period in office. The suggest that the US needs to realise that this is one of longer the Government are in power, the more likely those defining moments, which needs to be seized. that challenges will come along and that their frequency Israel and Iran are two proud nations but they are will increase. The foreign challenges that we face focus perhaps uncertain about the best course of action. The public attention, at times, on making decisions or US needs to put behind it the underlying antagonism considering military options that will put our people in towards Iran that defines this crisis. That will not be harm’s way. Sadly, over the past decade or so, we have easy, but speaking as an ally of the US, too often in the seen many challenges in foreign lands—Kosovo, Sierra past the US approach has been to overwhelm an issue Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan. Most recently, the coalition rather than to solve it. This is not one of those occasions. Government deployed UK forces in Libya. In conclusion, the US needs to adopt a wider perspective: On each occasion each Member of the House has it needs to make it clear that an Israeli attack would be had to come to a view on where they stand on the issues. unacceptable, and then to engage better with Iran. That Some will always adopt a pacifist approach. Others will would be in Israel’s long-term interests. No one is weigh up other factors. The pacifists among us will suggesting it is an easy option, particularly given the always have respect and legitimacy for the principled presidential elections in both countries, but without it position that they hold, but they must also recognise discussions on Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and a host of that their position lacks remedies in the harsh territory— other issues will remain needlessly difficult. The west underestimates the opportunity to influence Iran. She is a state in transition, with multiple centres of authority Mr Baron: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? and constant power struggles. The challenge for the west is to influence those internal debates and struggles. Mr McCann: I shall make progress. The hon. Gentleman Crude threats of military intervention and sanctions, has just had the opportunity to move the motion. He along with talk of regime change, only reinforce the should not try to come in again so swiftly. hard-liners’ position. The pacifists among us do not always recognise that We need a better understanding of what makes Iran their position lacks remedies in the harsh territory of tick. We need to better understand the culture, the international conflict and that at times it can be seen people, the history, the religion—the British Museum’s as a white flag in the face of tyranny. What is more current Hajj exhibition is a well worth a visit. We need difficult to absorb are those non-pacifists who disagree to renounce the option of a military strike and go the with a particular decision and then seek to stand astride extra mile for peace. War should always, I remind the the moral high ground after the event and lecture us House, be the measure of last resort, to be used when all about how they did not support the action in the first other avenues have been exhausted. We have not reached place. 643 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 644

Iraq is the most obvious recent controversy. I have taking part in all the ordinary political discourse that often mused about what would have happened in March we would expect in any other country. Does he agree 2003 had the French and Russians put their vested that that is consistent with the anti-Semitism that we interests aside and supported a united final UN resolution. have seen in many of the public pronouncements of the Would Saddam have capitulated? We will never know. I regime? have no issue with those who seek to post-rationalise events, but I do have an issue with those who seek to do Mr McCann: Sadly, it is a consistency that runs so in a manner which neglects to mention that they did through the regime, like lettering through a stick of not have a feasible proposition to resolve the original rock, alongside all the actions of the Iranian Government problem—in the Iraq context, Saddam’s refusal to abide and the Iranian leadership. What it tells me about the by the will of the international community. Now we leadership that we are dealing with is that we must look to Iran. consider all possible measures to determine how to I do not support the motion; I support the amendment. move forward. In reaching that decision I have examined the actions of Do I believe, as the motion suggests, that the use of the Iranians thus far, and in particular the prospects for force against Iran would be wholly counter-productive? a negotiated settlement of the issues. What actions have I do not know the precise answer to that question, but the Iranians taken thus far? The International Atomic what I do know is that ruling it out would be counter- Energy Agency stated on 8 November 2011 that Iran productive. It would say to an extreme set of people that had sought to design a nuclear warhead, that Iran was their tactics have paid off, and the willingness of the continuing its atomic weapons programme research, Iranian regime to ignore the international community that it could have a nuclear bomb in months and that and six UN Security Council resolutions, and to repress preparations to install a nuclear warhead on a ballistic the Iranian people’s rights, tells me that diplomacy and missile were taking place. sanctions should not be our only options. The Foreign To this I add the Iranians’ rhetoric that the holocaust Secretary pointed out on television yesterday, quite did not take place and President Ahmadinejad’s declaration properly, the complex nature of the threat, and for that Israel should be wiped off the map; I refer to the those reasons, nothing should be ruled out. comments of the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay. I appreciate that many wish to speak, so I will finish If that declaration was somehow misinterpreted, were on this point. Two weeks ago at a local high school in the Iranians also misinterpreted when they said that the my constituency, I listened to a gentleman named Harry holocaust did not take place? We must also question the Bibring, who, as a 12-year-old in March 1938, witnessed Iranians’ close relationship with Syria. Nazi troops march into Vienna. Days later, the persecution of the Jews started in that city. In that same year, the Alec Shelbrooke: It appears that President Ahmadinejad Peace Pledge Union, a British pacifist organisation, likes to cherry-pick his arguments. Clearly, he is an asked people to make this pledge: anti-Semite who is intent on getting rid of the Jewish “I renounce war, and am therefore determined not to support people by denying the holocaust. He also talks about any kind of war. I am also determined to work for the removal of getting rid of the occupation of Jerusalem, but that is all causes of war.” just looking at the past hour’s news. Look at the years I am sure that all would agree that those are laudable before that, when the Jews were there before the Muslims. aims and that all of us would be prepared to sign up to When President Ahmadinejad makes such statements, that pledge to remove all causes of war. But I am also his intent towards the Jewish people is clear. acutely aware of Edmund Burke’s quote: “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do Mr McCann: Absolutely. The question is the degree nothing.” to which President Ahmadinejad is an anti-Semite rather That is why I oppose the motion and will support the than whether he is an anti-Semite in the first place. amendment. The close relationship with Syria is headline news at the moment, and there is also state sponsorship of Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Thank you for terrorism. your self-restraint. I am sure that Sir Malcolm will do likewise. Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) (Con): Will the hon. Gentleman give way? 5.33 pm

Mr McCann: I will make some progress and then I Sir Malcolm Rifkind (Kensington) (Con): I beg to will be happy to give way. move an amendment, to leave out from “House” to the end of the Question and add, At home in Iran—this is important for Iranian ‘supports the Government’s efforts to reach a peaceful, negotiated communities throughout the United Kingdom—there solution to the Iranian nuclear issue through a combination of is the suppression of Iranian citizens, with 650 people pressure in the form of robust sanctions, and engagement led by executed in 2010 alone, and the violent suppression of the E3+3 comprising the UK, US, France, Germany, China and democracy protests across the region that we in this Russia; and recognises the value of making clear to Iran that all House have championed. options for addressing the issue remain on the table.’. I have a genuine respect for my hon. Friend the Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): Will my hon. Friend Member for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron). It is add to the list of crimes committed by the Iranian courageous sometimes to put forward a view that may regime the horrific way in which the Ahwazi Arabs have have very little support, but as I listened to his speech, been treated for many years? Many of them have been I could not but irresistibly be reminded of the remark tortured to death and many have been prevented from that was made about a Minister in the 1930s, who had 645 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 646

[Sir Malcolm Rifkind] The Government at the time rightly said that under no circumstances was that an option, because it would the reputation of being very logical. It was said of him have been an incredibly disproportionate response, and that starting from a false premise he had moved inexorably that was of course the right position to take. to the wrong conclusion. I say to my hon. Friend in all However, we are not in such a situation. When a honesty that I feel that he is in that situation. country is contemplating acquiring nuclear weapons, as Of course, we all want to see a peaceful resolution of the rest of the world believes Iran is, even if my hon. this dispute by negotiation. I agree with my hon. Friend Friend does not, and when we know that that would that there is a powerful case to see if we can have a dramatically alter the geopolitical balance of power in normalisation of relations between the United States the Gulf—the capability of producing a nuclear weapon and Iran, but it takes the two to have such a negotiation, in a few weeks is as serious as actually having one—that and, as he himself conceded, when President Obama is a huge threat. We can debate whether it is a legitimate put forward such a proposal, it was rejected in Tehran. threat, but the possibility of using conventional force to There is no evidence that Tehran has changed its position. destroy that capability in order to prevent the emergence If it has changed it, it would be very easy for it to say so. of such a nuclear weapon state is not inherently I want to go straight to the question raised in the unreasonable, extreme or irrational. motion rather than to the wider issues involved, and that is whether there is a powerful or persuasive argument Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): Is it not in Israel’s at this moment in time for renouncing the use of force. gift to de-escalate the situation and move away from a I presume my hon. Friend means not by the United nuclear arms race by declaring its own nuclear capability? Kingdom, but by the west—the international community in general. I believe he is profoundly wrong for three Sir Malcolm Rifkind: That might be an option, but reasons. First, if the United States—the key country in the political reality is that Israel has had nuclear weapons this regard—the west and the international community for 30 years and that has not led to Arab countries renounced the use of force at this stage, I believe that threatening seriously to develop their own nuclear capability. Israel would be more likely to decide to act unilaterally. The reason the Saudis and others have reacted in such a The Israelis know perfectly well that their military hostile way to Iran is that they know that Iran is intent capability is far less than that of the United States and on geopolitical dominance in the Gulf region by being that the Americans, with their cruise missiles, bunker-busting the only country of the Muslim world, other than bombs and other capabilities, stand a much better chance Pakistan, to have nuclear weapons capability or the of destroying or severely degrading Iran’s nuclear capability. reality of it. I believe that we cannot rule out a military As long as the United States has not ruled out that response because the potential for such a response must option, the Israelis are under much greater pressure be part of the equation. to allow the negotiations the best possible opportunity to produce the desired result. If that option is removed from the table, particularly by the United States, the Paul Flynn: Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman Israelis will say, “We are sorry, but sanctions are not give way? working and the negotiations are going nowhere. Every week that passes creates a more dangerous Iran. If no Sir Malcolm Rifkind: I do not want to accept too one else will act, we will.” I say to my hon. Friend that, many interventions, for the reasons you have mentioned, for anyone who understands the Israeli position, this is Mr Deputy Speaker. not scaremongering, but the most likely consequence. Thirdly, the use of force will never be a desirable response, but it might be the least bad one if all else John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): If fails. In considering that, let me put to the House what the Israelis do act unilaterally, what sanctions should be I think is a very important point. Many commentators applied to them? have drawn attention to all the downsides of a military response. They suggest that an attack by the United Sir Malcolm Rifkind: The Israelis acted unilaterally States—let us concentrate on the United States at the against Iraq when they removed the Osirak reactor, and moment—would lead to a hike in the oil price, which is both the western world and the Arab world breathed a correct. They suggest that it might lead to increased huge sign of relief. It would ultimately depend on how terrorist support by Iran for Hezbollah or Hamas and successful the Israelis could be, and that is a separate to attempts to block the strait of Hormuz and all that question. that would entail, and they are right. There are various Secondly, this is inevitably an extraordinarily complex other downsides, too. But, when we think about it, we period of diplomacy and, as other hon. Members have find that almost all the examples—the correct examples noted, diplomacy requires maximum pressure. It requires that have been given—of the adverse consequences of a carrots and sticks. To reduce unnecessarily the pressure military strike by the United States are relatively temporary. we can apply would be to act fundamentally against our They are short to medium-term: they might last a few own interests. There are circumstances—very limited days, weeks or possibly even months, but they would circumstances—when it is right to rule out the use of gradually cease to have any impact. force in advance. Let me give an example, because it is a The alternative, however, of an Iran with nuclear question of disproportionate responses. When Argentina weapons capability is not temporary; it is permanent. occupied the Falkland Islands, some rather foolish people Therefore, we have to come to—we cannot avoid coming said, “The United Kingdom has a nuclear weapon, so to—a judgment. If diplomacy fails, if negotiations go why does it not just threaten Argentina that it will use nowhere and if sanctions do not deliver, we will at some it if it does not withdraw from the Falkland Islands?” stage still have to come to an honest judgment: whether 647 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 648 the downside, which I do not deny exists, nevertheless with all the inflammatory consequences of American has to be borne if the long-term objective is either to troops in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf on a permanent destroy or seriously to degrade Iran’s nuclear capability. basis. That brings us to a crucial question: would such The stakes are very high, and my hon. Friend cannot action in fact do so? Do the Americans have the capability? just sleep quietly, saying, “I don’t think we should have That is ultimately a military question, and we are not the military option, and everything would be peaceful if privy to the military advice that the President may be only people accepted the judgment that I have come receiving. If the advice is, “No, it wouldn’t,” it is not to.” It has to be an option. We must hope that it never worth considering the option, but, if the advice is that comes to that, but it cannot be ruled out at this stage. we could either destroy or seriously degrade Iranian It is no one’s interests that it should, and therefore I nuclear capability so that it is pushed back five or commend the amendment to the House. 10 years, that is a different argument. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): I call Mr Jack Mr Baron: I am listening very carefully to my right Straw. The same unofficial time guidelines still apply. hon. and learned Friend, but does he not accept that even the US Defence Secretary admits that a successful Mr Jack Straw (Blackburn) (Lab): Do I understand military strike would only delay the programme for you correctly that the time limit is now on, Mr Deputy about a year—those are his words, not mine—and that Speaker? what my right hon. and learned Friend ignores is the possibility that a strike could actually do much worse Mr Deputy Speaker: It is not yet official. and inflame a regional war? 5.44 pm Sir Malcolm Rifkind: Panetta was probably referring to the consequences of an Israeli attempt to damage Mr Jack Straw (Blackburn) (Lab): First, I declare Iranian nuclear capability which, because the Israelis do that I co-chair the all-party parliamentary group on not have cruise missiles or bunker-busting bombs, would Iran, along with the hon. Member for Wyre and Preston clearly have a much more limiting effect, even if it had North (Mr Wallace). I congratulate the hon. Member some limited success. for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron) on securing this important debate. I was one of the people who supported In the interests of time, I shall share my final point him in obtaining the debate, although it will be noted with the House. Sometimes the inference of those who that I have not signed his motion. If there is a vote, as I argue against even the option of a military response is suspect there will be, I will vote for the amendment in that the world would be a much more peaceful, happy the names of the right hon. and learned Member for and gentle place if only we renounced the use of force, Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind) and many other even as an option, in resolving this dispute. I say to my right hon. and hon. Members. hon. Friend, however, that we have to contemplate— I will first offer the House briefly my experiences of for a very brief moment, Mr Deputy Speaker—the negotiating with the Iranians as Foreign Secretary. I consequences of Iran becoming a nuclear weapon state. visited Tehran on five occasions and I am the only There is not just the one response, to which my hon. Foreign Secretary who has visited Tehran since the Friend referred—whereby the Saudis themselves, pretty Iranian revolution in 1979. I will also offer a brief certainly, feel obliged to become a nuclear weapon state, assessment of where we are today. Egypt and Turkey perhaps follow them and, therefore, the middle east, which is already the most dangerous I want to make it clear to the House that in supporting part of the world, becomes incredibly volatile for all the the amendment, I do not for a moment believe that we perfectly obvious reasons that I do not have to go into. are anywhere near reaching the bar for military action. I The only alternative, which my hon. Friend touched on, am sure that I speak for my right hon. and hon. Friends is that in order to discourage any Saudi, Egyptian or on the Front Bench in saying that none of us are giving Turkish response of going nuclear the United States the Foreign Secretary carte-blanche approval for military would have to give a nuclear umbrella guarantee to the action, and I am sure that he would not see it that way. Arab and Gulf states of the region, just as it has to The other side of the coin—I say this to the hon. Member NATO members, to Japan and to South Korea. In each for Basildon and Billericay—is that I do not think it case, when the United States gives such a guarantee, reasonable to ask the British Foreign Secretary, on behalf however, the guarantee is not credible unless the United of the British Government and Parliament, to negotiate States has bases in the area, as it has had in western on this difficult issue, but to remove one option that Europe and has in the far east. may, in distant circumstances, be necessary. My hon. Friend’s view leads to the point that, if Iran Some may ask how I square that position with the became a nuclear weapon state, to have any prospect of statement that I made in November 2004, when I was discouraging the Saudis and others from becoming asked on the BBC whether I thought that Israel or the nuclear powers themselves, we would have to envisage United States would go in for the bombing of Iran. I not just for a few weeks, a few months or the odd year said: or so, but for the indefinite future, the middle east as a “Not only is that inconceivable but I think the prospect of it region where the United States, far from disengaging, happening is inconceivable.” became more committed and involved than it ever That was my judgment at the time. The fact that it has has—committed by guarantee not just to go to war, but not happened in the intervening seven and a half years if necessary to use its nuclear weapons in the defence of may suggest that I was not far off the mark. The more what would then be its allies, in the sense that NATO is important point is why I made that intervention as an alliance, alongside the need for bases in the region, stridently as I did. One reason was that we were engaged 649 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 650

[Mr Jack Straw] Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): We have yet to hear whether the right hon. Gentleman in two wars, as was the United States. It was inconceivable is going to support the amendment or the motion—[HON. at that time, given the difficulties in both theatres, that MEMBERS: “The amendment.”] I beg his pardon. Were the United States would wish to engage in a further the implicit military threat to be taken off the table, military action even if it had the capability, which I with whom in the current regime would we negotiate? Is doubt it did. The second reason was that we were that not a matter of considerable complexity? I am all in making progress in negotiations with the reformist regime favour of negotiation, but with whom should we negotiate? in Iran. Is that not part of the problem? I accept what the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay said about there having been a number of Mr Straw: I have had a serious problem in my right missed opportunities in dealing with Iran. Tony Blair ear since 1981, and I can tell the hon. Gentleman that asked me to go to Tehran as a positive response to there is a very good consultant just across the river at President Khatami’s reaching out to the west straight St Thomas’s, on the NHS. I have been treated there for after 9/11. Mr Blair took a risk there. He responded in a 30 years. I think it was within the hearing of the House positive way by sending me. We had the support of the and Hansard when, within about my first two sentences, US Department of State. I am sad to say that our I spelled out that I would support the amendment efforts were partly undermined by the line in President moved by the right hon. and learned Member for Bush’s speech at the end of January 2003 and by other Kensington. I apologise if it did not quite get as far as efforts to undermine the strategy, although not by the the bubble in which the hon. Gentleman sits. State Department. That said, we made progress with Khatami. After an extraordinary and tense negotiation Paul Flynn: Does my right hon. Friend agree that the in October 2003, when Joschka Fischer, Dominique de current situation is very similar to the prelude to the Villepin and I came very close to walking out altogether, war in Iraq? Does he really think that going to war on we got the Iranians to agree to a series of measures, the basis of what proved to be non-existent weapons of including effectively abandoning their work on a nuclear mass destruction was worth the loss of 179 British lives? programme and signing an additional protocol under the non-proliferation treaty. The effectiveness of that agreement is shown by the US national intelligence Mr Straw: The two are very different, and in any case estimate from four years later, which stated: I have already said that I do not regard us as being “We judge with high confidence that in fall 2003, Tehran remotely close to the bar for military action at present. halted its nuclear weapons program”. It is important that Members, particularly those who support the amendment, are cautious and do not get themselves into a lather, as some but not all did in Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): On reflection, respect of Iraq and other issues. It is very important to does the right hon. Gentleman think that the war in acknowledge the evidence. Iraq increased the stability or the instability of the middle east? If the House refers to paragraph 53 of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s report of November, it will see Mr Straw: I hope the right hon. Gentleman will allow that it states: me not to go down that particular rabbit hole. I have “The Agency has serious concerns regarding possible military given endless evidence to the inquiry into Iraq, and I do dimensions to Iran’s nuclear programme.” not resile from my support for that military action, However, it continues that information not least for the reasons that my hon. Friend the “indicates that prior to the end of 2003, these activities took place Member for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow under a structured programme, and that some activities may still (Mr McCann) gave. We can have that debate on another be ongoing.” occasion, but it is incontrovertible, as the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay showed, that the Iraq war The truth is that—until recently, we think—the major changed the balance of power in the region. We knew part of the programme stopped in 2003. It is my judgment, that it was going to do that, but that provides still more but no more than conjecture, that Iran’s aim has been reason for us to use better our relations with the US. to build up a nuclear weapons capability on paper, but not to turn it into a nuclear weapons programme. With Progress was made, but for a variety of reasons, respect to the right hon. and learned Member for including errors by the US, the reformists lost out and Kensington, there is a big difference between the two. President Ahmadinejad came to office in the summer of 2005. Since then, there has been a gradual deterioration Finally, I urge caution. I hope that we hear less of the in relations with Iran, despite, in my judgment, the best suggestion that were Iran to get a nuclear weapons efforts of successive British Governments and many capability, there would automatically be an arms race in others. I wish that I shared the view of the hon. Member the middle east. I do not believe that. A senior Saudi for Basildon and Billericay about whether it will be diplomat said to me, “I know what we’re saying publicly, possible to achieve a shift by the current Administration but do you really think that having told people that without any pressure. I have literally sat across a table there is no need for us to make any direct response to from President Ahmadinejad trying to negotiate with Israel holding nuclear weapons, we could seriously make him—an interesting situation that did not lead to any a case for developing a nuclear weapons capability to great progress. Since 2009 and the disgraceful attitude deal with another Muslim country?” of the Iranian authorities towards the elections, and This is a complicated issue, and we need a resolution then following their reaction to the Arab spring, things to it. We need to ensure that the Foreign Secretary does have got worse, not better. not go into negotiations without options open to him, 651 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 652 but I also believe that with sensible negotiations, and I hope the hon. Gentleman listened to my right hon. and working with the United States, Europe and other allies, learned Friend the Member for Kensington, who pointed we can ensure that there is a peaceful solution. out that it could very well be argued that adopting the policy prescribed in the motion would increase tension and the likelihood of military conflict in the near term. 5.56 pm I certainly hold to that view. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Another part of the IAEA report says that Affairs (Mr William Hague): I congratulate my hon. “in 2005, a senior official in SADAT”— Friend the Member for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron) that is, the Section for Advanced Development Applications on securing the debate and welcome the opportunity to and Technologies— set out the Government’s policy towards Iran. I pay “solicited assistance from Shahid Behesti University in connection tribute to two distinguished predecessors of mine who with complex calculations relating to the state of criticality of a have just spoken with the benefit of their enormous solid sphere of uranium being compressed by high explosives.” experience. My right hon. and learned Friend the Member A solid sphere of uranium being compressed by high for Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind) made a compelling, explosives can be found only in the core of a nuclear almost unanswerable, case for his amendment and against weapon. the motion tabled by my hon. Friend. The right hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw), to whom I have Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab): I often paid tribute in the House for his efforts to reach a am a signatory to the amendment tabled by the right rapprochement with Iran—I do so again today—spoke hon. and learned Member for Kensington (Sir Malcolm with his great experience of the difficulty of trying to Rifkind), but I was very concerned about his belief that arrive at an accommodation. I did not agree with quite an American military attack would have only temporary everything he said, but he said many wise words about consequences. I am not suggesting that it be taken off the current situation. the table, but would the Foreign Secretary care to give Iranian nuclear proliferation risks one of the most us his own thoughts on the consequences if we were to serious crises in foreign policy that the international face such a situation in which the Americans intervened community has faced in many years. As Iran moves militarily in order to stop the programme? closer to acquiring the capability to build and deliver a nuclear weapon, and as it continues its confrontational Mr Hague: It will be clear from my remarks that that policies elsewhere in the world, that crisis is coming is not what I am calling for, although I will shortly come steadily down the track. Three years after Iran’s secret to some of the arguments about it. It is very difficult to nuclear site at Qom first came to the attention of the speculate about what the actual physical impact of a world, it is expanding its uranium enrichment programme military strike would be, as it would depend on who did in defiance of the United Nations Security Council, it, what they did it with, and exactly which facilities and it is enriching uranium to 20% on a scale greater were struck. However, it is not something that we are than that needed for a civil nuclear power programme. advocating, as will be clear from my speech. It remains in breach of its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions and it is not meeting the requirements Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): Would of IAEA resolutions. my right hon. Friend like to disabuse the House of the My hon. Friend the Member for Basildon and Billericay notion that were it not for 9/11 there would have been a asked me to read the relevant extracts from the IAEA rapprochement with the Iranian regime, given that well report of November. The right hon. Member for Blackburn before that period Iran was the leading state sponsor of has already referred to one of them. Paragraph 53 international terrorism, as we have seen most recently in states: Azerbaijan and Bangkok? “The Agency has serious concerns regarding possible military dimensions to Iran’s nuclear programme. After assessing carefully Mr Hague: I am about to come to that point, so I will and critically the extensive information available to it, the Agency make some more progress in doing so. finds the information to be, overall, credible. The information It is our assessment and that of our allies that Iran is indicates that Iran has carried out activities relevant to the keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons—that development of a nuclear explosive device.” is in line with what the right hon. Member for Blackburn The report goes on to make the points to which the said—and is steadily developing the capability to produce right hon. Gentleman referred. such weapons should it choose to do so. A nuclear-armed Iran would have devastating consequences for the middle Paul Flynn: Does not the right hon. Gentleman see east and could shatter the non-proliferation treaty. On the danger that increasing tension between the west and that point, I differ from the right hon. Gentleman, because Iran might well persuade it to expel the IAEA inspectors I believe, given everything that I have seen and heard in from its land, meaning that the transparency that we the region as Foreign Secretary so far, that if Iran set have now will end? about the development of nuclear weapons, other nations in the middle east would do so as well, and that there Mr Hague: First, it is of course not the IAEA’s view would be a nuclear arms race in the region. that Iran has been fully transparent. Indeed, it states in As my hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough paragraph 52 of that report that (Mr Jackson) suggests, our well-founded concerns that “the Agency is unable to provide credible assurance about the Iran’s intentions may not be purely peaceful are heightened absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran, and by its policies in other areas. It is a regime that recently therefore to conclude that all nuclear material in Iran is in conspicuously failed to prevent the sacking of our peaceful activities”. embassy premises in Iran; that conspired to assassinate 653 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 654

[Mr Hague] in world affairs to believe that this programme had entirely peaceful purposes and that no possible provision the Saudi ambassador to the United States on American was being made for the development of nuclear weapons. soil; that only last week was accused of planning and My hon. Friend must remember, too, that the regime carrying out attacks against Israeli diplomats; that is deliberately concealed—we do not know for how long, providing assistance to the Syrian Government’s violent because western nations revealed it—the construction campaign against their own people; and that supports of the secret underground facilities at Qom. It has a armed proxy groups including Hezbollah and Hamas. strong track record of deliberately concealing aspects of Taken together with Iran’s nuclear activities, this behaviour the nuclear programme, and that might lead him to be threatens international peace and security. That is why just a little bit suspicious about its purposes. Iran is one of the very top priorities in foreign affairs for this Government, just as it was for the last Government. Mike Gapes: Will the Foreign Secretary make it clear to the Iranian people that we are opposed not to Iran Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell and Wishaw) (Lab): On having nuclear technology but to the breach of the the taking over of the UK embassy in Tehran, has the non-proliferation treaty? The regime could have accepted Foreign Secretary’s office or the Iranian Foreign Minister’s the Russian proposal on Bushehr, for example, which office made any approaches towards meeting one another would have resolved these issues. since the day when the attack took place? Mr Hague: The hon. Gentleman is right. I will make Mr Hague: The Iranian Foreign Minister and I spoke that clear when I come to that that point. twice during and after those events, so we were in touch at the time and immediately afterwards. We are now in Mr Redwood: Given the amount of blood and treasure direct touch with the Iranians at official level to clarify that we have shed in the middle east in recent years, with each other the arrangements for protecting our does my right hon. Friend agree that in this difficult and embassies in each country. Of course, we continue to be potentially dangerous situation we should look to the able to discuss matters with Iran in multilateral forums, considerable regional powers to take the lead, in consultation as well as bilaterally should we choose to do so. We have with the United States of America, and not rush in not broken diplomatic relations with Iran. ourselves?

Mr Roy rose— Mr Hague: Of course we need to work on this with all the regional powers. My right hon. Friend can be assured Mr Hague: I had better continue, because the embassy that the regional powers are extremely concerned about is a bit of a side point. Iran’s nuclear programme. However, we also have our Our quarrel emphatically is not with the Iranian responsibilities as a member of the United Nations Security people: we want them to enjoy the same rights, freedoms Council, and we must live up to those responsibilities and opportunities as we do and to live dignified lives in on this, as on all other occasions. a prosperous society. Today, they labour under a repressive political system that attempts to stifle all opposition Mr Angus Brendan MacNeil (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) and has incarcerated more journalists and bloggers (SNP) rose— than that of any other country in the world, on top of its appalling wider record on human rights. Let there be Mr Hague: I will give way later, but I must have no doubt that the Iranian Government’s current policies regard to the number of hon. Members who wish to endanger the interests of the Iranian people themselves, speak. as well as undermining global security. Our Government’s objective is simple. It is shared by the international community as a whole and, I believe, Mr Baron: One does not condone the human rights by this House and by our country. We wish to see a record of Iran; there are many regimes around the peaceful, negotiated diplomatic settlement to the Iranian world that have abysmal human rights. May I bring my nuclear crisis by which Iran gives the world confidence right hon. Friend back to the report? Does he agree that that it is not developing, and will not develop, nuclear there is a world of difference between moving to the weapons. All our efforts are devoted towards such a option of capability and what we have sometimes heard peaceful resolution. about evidence suggesting a nuclear weapons programme Our strategy to achieve this and to prevent an Iranian or a decision to develop one? He has still failed to nuclear weapon coming about has two elements: first, present the House with proof that nuclear weapons are diplomacy and engagement with Iran; and, secondly, being developing or that a decision has been made to pressure on Iran in the form of peaceful and legitimate do so. sanctions. Mr Hague: I read out some quite interesting paragraphs from the IAEA report. My hon. Friend should also Mr Tom Clarke (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) consider the evidence that is now coming out of Iran (Lab) rose— saying that it will use its expanding stockpile of near-20% enriched uranium to make fuel for the Tehran research Mr Hague: I think that I must carry on with my reactor. That reactor is designed to produce medical argument for a few minutes. isotopes, but its capacity is being expanded to produce This strategy of diplomacy and pressure has been near-20% enriched uranium to levels far beyond what reflected in six consecutive United Nations Security would be required for that purpose. On that basis, one Council resolutions backed by all its permanent members would have to be extraordinarily trusting and innocent including Russia and China, which work alongside 655 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 656

Britain, the United States, France and Germany as the Mr Hague: I will give way a couple more times, first E3 plus 3 to negotiate with Iran on behalf of the of all to the hon. Member for Na h-Eileanan an Iar international community. These resolutions have shown (Mr MacNeil). that the world is united in opposing Iranian nuclear proliferation and in supporting a diplomatic solution. Mr MacNeil: The right hon. Member for Blackburn The UN sanctions target companies and individuals (Mr Straw), a former Foreign Secretary, has said that he associated with Iran’s nuclear activities and ballistic reckons the bar for military action is quite far away. missile programmes. On top of this, European Union Does the current Foreign Secretary agree with his analysis? member states have adopted successive rounds of sanctions, including, most recently, an embargo on Iranian oil Mr Hague: I will come to that point. As I made clear exports into the EU that will come to effect on 1 July. in interviews over the weekend, we are not calling for or advocating military action, although we do not agree Sajid Javid: Will the Foreign Secretary give way? with the terms of the motion moved by my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon and Billericay.

Mr Hague: I am going to carry on for a few minutes. Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): Thus Those are unprecedented sanctions and we have been far, our debate has concentrated on the political and the at the forefront of bringing them about. Members will pragmatic, but does the Foreign Secretary feel reinforced be aware that Iran announced this weekend that it in the attitude he has just expressed from the Dispatch would end oil exports to the UK and France. Given that Box by the fact that, under customary international law, we are already imposing an oil embargo, that will have there is an obligation to exhaust all possible political no impact on Britain’s energy security or supplies. Britain and diplomatic alternatives before embarking on military has also adopted stringent sanctions against Iran’s financial action? Is that not what we are engaged in? sector, severing all links between British banks and Iran, alongside similar measures taken by the US and Mr Hague: Absolutely—force is a last resort in any Canada. situation, and it is not what we are calling for now.

Several hon. Members rose— Mr Tom Clarke: As one who supports the amendment, I welcome the tone of the Foreign Secretary’s remarks in the past few minutes, as I believe engagement is Mr Hague: I shall finish the argument on sanctions important. He might recall that some years ago four before I give way again. hon. Members of the House, including me, were asked Sanctions are designed to show the Iranian Government to go to Iran to meet the leaders and negotiate on the that there is a considerable price attached to their release of Terry Waite, John McCarthy and Brian Keenan. current policies and to urge them to change course. The I am saying not that it was a pleasant experience or that sanctions have a practical impact, slowing Iran’s progress we succeeded immediately, but that we made a contribution towards a nuclear weapons capability. They are also to an improved situation and their release. As somebody necessary to uphold the authority of the UN and the much better than I once said, to jaw-jaw is better than IAEA, which have called on Iran to suspend its enrichment to war-war. programme—demands that Iran would otherwise flout with impunity. The Iranian Government can act to Mr Hague: That is very much what we want. This may bring sanctions to an end. be an opportune moment for me to update the House Sanctions, however, are a means to an end, not an end on where we are now on negotiations. in themselves. Our ultimate goal is a return to negotiations On 21 October last year, Baroness Ashton, who chairs that addresses all the issues of concern about Iran’s the E3 plus 3 in her capacity as EU High Representative, nuclear programme and the successful conclusion of the wrote to Iran to ask it to set a time and place to resume negotiations. The door of negotiations has been open meaningful negotiations. In the last few days, Iran’s to Iran at every stage over the past eight years and it chief nuclear negotiator, Mr Jalili, has finally responded remains open today. to that letter. Mr Jalili states in his letter that Iran is willing to resume negotiations with the E3 plus 3 on the Mr Tom Clarke: Will the Foreign Secretary give way? nuclear issue. We are studying the letter in consultation with our American, French, Russian, German and Chinese counterparts to assess whether it amounts to a serious Mr Hague: I will give way in a moment—I want to intention by Iran to negotiate with the international conclude this point. community, which would permit talks to resume. As the To help bring Iran to negotiations, the E3 plus 3 has Prime Minster has said: offered it help to develop civil nuclear power stations—a “If there is going to be dialogue then Iranians need to enter it point that was just made—and its economy in the form in a new spirit and recognise they are taking a different path.” of economic and agricultural assistance, provided Iran We hope the Iranians do so in respect of any such satisfies the concerns of the international community negotiations as we study that response. about its nuclear programme. That offer was most We will continue to intensify our diplomacy and the recently put to Iran again at talks in Istanbul in January peaceful, legitimate pressure on Iran. There is still time last year. It remains on the table and we urge Iran to for peaceful diplomacy to succeed. That remains the respond to it in good faith. best course available to achieve the goal of an Iran without nuclear weapons and to avert the risk of any Several hon. Members rose— military conflict. 657 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 658

Sajid Javid: Will my right hon. Friend give way? Mr Hague: I would be very disappointed if that took place, but I believe the sanctions will be well upheld Mr Hague: I shall speak for a few minutes before I across the EU. Some countries have difficulties because give way again. Otherwise I will take too much time. of the extent of their supplies from Iran, which is why we have phased in those measures. The sanctions will That is why the Government are not seeking, advocating also be well supported by many nations outside the EU. or calling for military action against Iran. One hundred Other major consumers of Iranian oil have indicated per cent. of our efforts is devoted to the path of diplomacy that they will reduce their purchases or that they have and peaceful economic pressure. Our strategy is designed already done so. My hon. Friend may have seen press precisely to increase the pressure for a peaceful settlement, reports this morning that Iran is currently having difficulty not to lead to any conflict. I am on record in this House selling a large part of its oil production. saying that although Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon would be a calamity, the consequences of military action might well be calamitous themselves. As the Prime Minister Sajid Javid: My right hon. Friend’s approach on has stated in this House, sanctions is to be warmly welcomed, but I wanted to follow up directly on the previous intervention, and “nobody wants military action, by Israel or anyone else, to take particularly on press reports that Iran is speaking to place”.—[Official Report, 28 June 2010; Vol. 512, c. 580.] China and India. We clearly and rightly have warm That is our position, and the effort we have put into relations with India. As he knows, we have a large aid negotiating, securing and implementing sanctions on programme in India and rightly support its desire to be Iran is testament to our determination to pursue robust a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Can diplomacy, which we are pursuing daily. We are in regular we use our warm relationship with India to put pressure contact with our E3 plus 3 partners about Iran, and I on it as our ally not to help Iran with its sanctions-busting discuss the issue frequently—daily—with other Foreign programme? Ministers from around the world. An entire unit—one of the largest in the Foreign Office—is devoted to Mr Hague: We have made and will make that point to finding a diplomatic way forward with Iran. We confirmed India, as we have to many other nations. My hon. our commitment to engagement by not completely breaking Friend mentions China, which, perhaps for other reasons, off diplomatic relations with Iran even after the outrageous has substantially reduced its purchases of oil from Iran provocation of the attacks on our embassy compounds, in the past two months. We will energetically make the which made it necessary to withdraw our diplomats. argument that he calls on us to make. We also play a leading role at the IAEA and support its efforts to work with Iran to address the concerns Chris Bryant: I wholly support everything that the about the military dimensions of its programme. Senior Foreign Secretary has said about diplomatic efforts and IAEA officials are visiting Iran today and tomorrow. I want to achieve the same outcome as every other hon. They are seeking co-operation from Iran in addressing Member, but my anxiety is that diplomatic language, by the agency’s findings about the “military dimensions” moving from forceful to robust to pugnacious to belligerent, of the programme, including access to a sensitive site at can sometimes have a ratchet effect that makes the use Parchin. We urge Iran to co-operate with the IAEA and of violent force almost inevitable. I hope that he will to permit access to that site. The House will join me in stick with forceful and assertive, and move no further. paying tribute to the dogged and painstaking work of the IAEA in Vienna and on the ground in Iran, under very difficult circumstances, and we look forward to the Mr Hague: It is certainly our approach to be forceful next meeting of the IAEA board on 5 March, at which and assertive without being belligerent, and I hope that Iran will be discussed. we will be able to continue with that posture. We have had many occasions to be forceful in our language All those efforts will continue, and diplomacy remains about Iranian behaviour over recent months. the driving force of our policy towards Iran, but the motion moved by my hon. Friend the Member for Our policy is that while we remain unswervingly Basildon and Billericay calls for the Government to committed to diplomacy, it is important to emphasise take a course that no responsible Administration could to Iran that all options remain on the table. This policy take on this issue, namely unilaterally to rule out the use is not new. It was the position of the previous Government, of force. and it is the position of our closest allies not to rule out the use of military force while emphasising that peaceful diplomacy is the way forward that we all wish to see. Sajid Javid rose— No United States President has made a more powerful appeal to Iran peacefully to negotiate an end to its Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con) rose— differences with the international community than President Obama, and yet as he said in his State of the Union Mr Hague: I will discuss that before concluding my address last month, remarks, but I will give way to each of my hon. Friends. “America is determined to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon and I will take no options off the table to achieve that Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: Given all that my right hon. goal.” Friend has said, especially on the unanimity on the six That is the approach of our Government, and it was also UN resolutions, was he as disturbed as I was at reports the approach of the previous Government. The former in today’s press that some of our friends and allies are Prime Minister, the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy engaging in barter deals to weaken the unprecedented and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown), said when asked in July sanctions to which he and the E3 plus 3 have agreed? 2007 if he would rule out a military strike against Iran: 659 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 660

“I firmly believe that the sanctions policy that we are pursuing of our allies and create the appearance of division and will work, but I’m not one who’s going forward to say that we rule uncertainty between leading members of the international out any particular form of action”. community. We would send the wrong signal to our It is also the position of France and Germany, and I allies in the region, and we would weaken the diplomatic believe that on this issue we and our key allies should pressure on the Iranian regime at the time when our stand united together. efforts to persuade Iran to return to negotiations are Iran has the largest inventory of ballistic missiles in more vital than ever, giving the impression that our the middle east, some of which are deemed capable of determination to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons carrying a nuclear warhead. Iranian revolutionary guard is waning, and possibly emboldening those within the corps commanders have repeatedly hinted at their ability regime who favour a more aggressive approach. This and willingness to strike at their opponents overseas. would be the wrong course of action for this country Iranian officials have threatened to use military force to and for all those who wish to see a peaceful resolution close the strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital of the crisis. Far better is the approach that the Government trading corridors, including for the passage of oil supplies. are taking with our allies of diplomatic engagement Under these circumstances, no prudent Government, combined with robust pressure pursued with will, energy despite what the motion implies, could rule out any use and determination. That strategy is the world’s best of force in the future. Let me be clear that ruling out hope of averting any military confrontation with Iran, other options would be irresponsible given the serious with all the very serious risks and consequences that nature of our concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme that might bring. and the consequences of Iran developing a nuclear Today the message that this House should send out is weapon. We should not relieve Iran of any of the to call on Iran to suspend its nuclear enrichment activity; pressure it is currently facing. If we rule out military to comply with the resolutions of the United Nations action, Iran might perceive that it can get away with and the IAEA; peacefully to negotiate a settlement to aggressive actions. Taking other options off the table its differences with us and with the international community; might cause Iran to respond by stepping up its aggressive to abandon any intent to acquire nuclear weapons now and destabilising activity in the region. Taking options or in the future; to turn away from confrontation; to off the table would also have implications for the positions stop support for violence and terrorism; and to allow of several nations in the Gulf and potentially undermine the Iranian people the full benefits that would flow their security. This adds up to a compelling case to keep from their nation enjoying its rightful place in its region the policy that we have. and the world at large. To send this message to Iran with one voice today there is no course for this House but to Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) (Con): The Foreign reject the motion and vote in support of the amendment. Secretary is making a brilliant speech, and I agree with every word he has said. Can he shed light on Ahmadinejad’s 6.26 pm standing with his own people? Does Ahmadinejad’s belligerence command the backing of the Iranian people, Mr Douglas Alexander (Paisley and Renfrewshire or are we simply talking about the Iranian regime? South) (Lab): I commend the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron) for securing this debate and Mr Hague: That is a hard thing to determine in a welcome the timely opportunity for the House to debate country in which opposition is not free to operate in the the subject of Iran. Like the Foreign Secretary, I will way it should. Just last week we commemorated the one urge hon. Members to support the amendment in the year under house arrest and effective imprisonment of name of the right hon. and learned Member for Kensington both main opposition leaders. It is not easy to assess the (Sir Malcolm Rifkind). state of democratic opinion in such a country. We know I shall start with the broader regional context of the that there are many divisions in the regime and that issues before the House this evening. Iran stands more there is much discontent about many issues in Iranian isolated today than it has for many years. As several society. I doubt that support for the policies of the hon. Members have suggested, in recent years Iran has President overall is universal. sought to build its influence across the middle east, supporting groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah and Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): I am deeply heartened backing repressive regimes that could help to enhance by much of what my right hon. Friend says, but my Iran’s network of influence in the region, most notably understanding of article 2 of the United Nations charter that of Assad in Syria. Today, however, the regional and the Kellogg-Briand pact, which I understand is still balance of power has shifted away from Tehran. Recent in force, is that the United Kingdom is not entitled to events in Syria leave Iran further isolated, and in time hold military force as an option on the table and that we Iran will lose this vital state ally in the Arab world and long since delegated that power to the United Nations— its main proxy for the arming of Hezbollah. Iran’s hold [Interruption.] on the region is slipping, and even previously reluctant players, such as the Saudis, have now publicly condemned Mr Hague: Not all international law is in the charter, Iran and given their support to the EU oil boycott by as my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for promising to fill the gap in Europe’s energy demands. North East Fife (Sir Menzies Campbell), with all of his Sanctions today, unlike those in the past, are showing legal experience, says. It is the view of many of the signs of having an impact and the Iranian regime seems leading nations in the United Nations that we are fully to be struggling to contain their effect. entitled to retain that position. The Iranian regime’s response to declining domestic If we were to adopt the course of action proposed by legitimacy and increasing international isolation has my hon. Friend in his motion today, we would break been to channel discontent towards external enemies with longstanding British policy, abandon the position beyond its own borders. The regime continues to support 661 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 662

[Mr Douglas Alexander] “essential” that Iran provide additional information and access to the IAEA. We are right to heed the terrorist groups across the region, and by its sponsorship IAEA’s warnings. of terrorism threatens the lives of British service personnel today in Afghanistan. In particular, members of the Mr Baron: Can the right hon. Gentleman provide any regime have directed their hatred towards Israel, from evidence that the theory of nuclear deterrence would their denial of the holocaust to the continued threats to not be effective in this region, as it has been in others? the people and state of Israel, and for those statements India and Pakistan have fought wars and shown nuclear and threats they deserve our clear and unequivocal restraint. The evidence suggests that Iran is no more condemnation. Israel should know that the international irrational than any other country. Can he provide the community is united in condemnation of this violent evidence to counter that assertion? and abhorrent rhetoric and the world view that it reveals— there can be no excuse and no defence for such outrageous Mr Alexander: The environment in the middle east—the and inflammatory language about any member of the sectarian divides, the history of tension and its multifaceted international community, and it should be condemned nature—surpasses even that of India and Pakistan in without qualification—but Israel should also understand its potential threat not just to regional security but to that its friends in the international community see Iran global security. It would be a very brave or very naive acquiring nuclear weapons as affecting not only Israel’s individual who, in the absence of the sorts of security alone, but the security of the broader region and communication that were the foundation of our capacity indeed the world. to maintain peace over the 50 years of the cold war, The non-proliferation treaty is clear: Iran can have presumed that we could feel confident that, whether civilian nuclear power, but it must not have nuclear intentionally or inadvertently, there would not be a weapons. If Iran were to acquire a nuclear weapon, its heightened risk of nuclear conflict in the region. That is capacity to destabilise the middle east would be enhanced. why it is right that the House tries today to speak with It is disconcerting to be at odds with a distinguished one voice in urging on the Iranians a different course former Foreign Secretary on my own Benches, my right from the one implicit in the scenario that the hon. hon. Friend the Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw), but Gentleman depicted, which is the development of nuclear I believe that the potential response from Turkey, Saudi weapons. Arabia, Egypt and others would put at risk the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. In so unstable a region, the Sir Malcolm Rifkind: My hon. Friend the Member chance of a nuclear weapon being used again would for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron) has twice mentioned significantly increase. nuclear deterrence, but would the right hon. Gentleman agree that nuclear deterrence requires a threat from Several Members have mentioned the IAEA’s latest a nuclear armed state to deter another country with a report, issued last November, which sent the clearest nuclear weapon? Other than the Saudis and other Arab warning yet that Iran had carried out tests states themselves becoming nuclear weapon states, that “relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device”. would require an American nuclear umbrella guarantee, As this debate takes place, IAEA representatives are in with all its implications, including American bases in Iran having talks aimed at clarifying the possible military the region, for the indefinite future? aspects of its nuclear programme. Everyone in the House is aware of the decades of failed negotiations, despite Mr Alexander: I listened with great care to the point the best efforts of some Members present today, and the that the distinguished former Foreign Secretary made numerous Iranian breaches of the terms of the NPT. about the American security guarantee and the potential Iran is a signatory of the treaty and so is under obligations for basing within the Gulf and elsewhere. I would also to comply with its terms, but despite that, Iran hid an suggest, though, that given the financing of A. Q. Khan enrichment programme for nearly 18 years. As a result, in the past, one would also need at least to countenance the Security Council has rightly decreed that until Iran’s the possibility that, rather than rely on an American peaceful intentions can be established it should stop nuclear umbrella, other states in the region might take all enrichment, and has imposed seven rounds of UN matters into their own hands. Although it might take sanctions in the face of continued Iranian defiance. 10 or 15 years for the development of nuclear technology, it could spur the acquisition of nuclear weapons by The IAEA report sets out clearly that Iran is not other means, principally financial, rather than through complying with its international obligations and therefore research. We should work extremely hard to avoid any the intentions behind its nuclear activities cannot be of those scenarios in these circumstances. accounted for. Alongside the deception, secrecy and concealment that has characterised Iran’s relationship Angie Bray (Ealing Central and Acton) (Con): Does with the IAEA, the report for the first time highlights the right hon. Gentleman agree that there would be not evidence to suggest that Iran is undertaking activities only a scramble among other nations in the middle east that could indicate a military dimension to its nuclear to get hold of nuclear weapons to balance things out, programme. To quote directly from the report: but a danger that some of the weapons would fall into “The information indicates that Iran has carried out the following the hands of terrorists and so be even more difficult to activities that are relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive control? device.” Following the publication of that most recent report, Mr Alexander: We must do everything in our power the IAEA board of governors passed a resolution expressing to avoid nuclear weapons first proliferating and secondly “deep and increasing concern” over the possible military falling into the hands of non-state actors. When we dimensions to Iran’s nuclear programme and said it was reflect even for a moment, as the Foreign Secretary did 663 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 664 for the elucidation of the House, on the track record of not say that the cold war is the perfect historical parallel. the regime in Tehran in supporting non-state actors and First, it involved a global struggle for supremacy, and it their violent methods, even in recent days, we should mischaracterises the threat that we are confronting in redouble our efforts to avoid a scenario in which Tehran the middle east to suggest that there is a perfect parallel would have that choice. That would be a deeply worrying with a global struggle for supremacy. Secondly, it is fair prospect not only for its immediate neighbours but for to say that mechanisms were developed during the cold global security more generally. war that allowed for a peaceful resolution. In that sense, it was in some ways a prospect more favourable than Mr Stewart Jackson: Does the right hon. Gentleman that which we are facing now, unless we find a resolution agree that it would be foolish to take any options off the as I have described. table, given that many foreign policy specialists believe I have been generous in taking a number of interventions. that President Ahmadinejad is under severe threat, that I would now like to make a little progress. What would he and his supporters might be removed from the I, on behalf of the Opposition, argue is the way forward? parliamentary elections in 2012, and that he might be In my view, there has been too much discussion in recent excluded from the presidency in 2013 and replaced by days of possible military action and too little discussion revolutionary guard-supported politicians and a more of how diplomacy can still succeed. As one of my theocratic, militarist, jihadist regime? colleagues suggested, we must avoid talk of the possibility of military action becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. Mr Alexander: For the reasons that I have outlined Our efforts must focus on how we can use all the and will continue to outline, I believe that it would be diplomatic tools available to force the Iranian Government wrong to take those options off the table. When calibrating to change course. In the past, Iranian leaders have the way forward, one has to factor in the potential for adjusted their behaviour in the face of international change within the Iranian regime, given the prospect of pressures—ending the war with Iraq in 1988 and stopping elections next month. We are facing some critical months assassinations of Iranian dissidents in the 1990s are just in terms of judgments to be reached in Tehran and some of the most significant examples. elsewhere. That is why the responsible course at this juncture is to advance the twin-track approach that has Evidence is now accumulating that the sanctions are characterised the attitude of the international community. beginning to put unparalleled pressure on the Iranian regime. Sanctions in place for many years now on Paul Flynn: Does my right hon. Friend think that, exporting materials relevant to the development of nuclear although the Foreign Secretary rightly condemned what weapons have slowed Iran’s nuclear programme and were probably terrorist attacks by Iran, he failed to directly hindered its ability to develop next-generation attack incidents involving major explosions in Tehran, centrifuges. The combined effect of international sanctions a cyber-attack against Tehran and the murder of four of on the Iranian financial sector, including steps taken by Iran’s scientists? If we are to be taken as honest brokers, the Government last year, has triggered an enormous is it not right that we attack terrorism on both sides and currency devaluation, which the regime is struggling to insist on transparency not only in Iran but in Israel? contain. The Iranian Government can no longer access reputable sources of international credit, insurance for Mr Alexander: There is surely consensus on both its merchant fleets or investors for its state-led infrastructure sides of the House on the desire for a peaceful resolution programs. Crucially, Iran is struggling to find investors to this crisis. That is why I argue that the strengthening to revitalise its dilapidated energy infrastructure, which of the sanctions regime to an unprecedented level is a requires billions in new investment if production levels necessary response to the growing tensions. All of us are to be maintained. Alongside that, the oil embargo, have an interest in a peaceful resolution. of which we have already heard a little, is increasing the strain on the Iranian regime even before the EU embargo Sir Menzies Campbell: I do not want to embark on a comes into full force on 1 July. theological discussion about deterrence, but does the Despite rejecting offers of talks in past years, Iran right hon. Gentleman accept that the effectiveness of has now signalled that it is willing to resume talks with deterrence depends on the party against which nuclear the E3 plus 3, and reports suggest that Iran’s supreme weapons might be used being unwilling to accept the national security council replied last week to a letter consequences of using them? To base the whole issue of from Cathy Ashton, on behalf of the European Union, non-proliferation in the middle east on something so inviting Iran to resume those talks without preconditions. uncertain—the regime is renowned for its uncertainty— Those are encouraging signs, but let me be clear that we would be very dangerous. must remain vigilant against the prospect of Iran seeking to draw out talks while continuing its nuclear programme Mr Alexander: I have some sympathy with that view. unabated. The Opposition welcome the diplomatic steps I will argue that there have been instances where the that the international community has so far taken: the regime in Tehran has come to judge where its own United Nations Security Council has passed seven self-interest lies, and the continued pursuit of sanctions resolutions on Iran in less than six years, and the EU, reflects that reality. That said, I sympathise with the the US, and the UK Government and others have all right hon. and learned Gentleman’s broader point about taken important steps in recent months to increase what is implicit within a relationship of deterrence. further the pressure on Iran. However, despite those That is why, despite my appearance on the “Murnaghan” efforts, we have seen too little progress. What is needed show on Sky television yesterday morning, I was rather now is a more concerted and co-ordinated international restrained in my mild rebuke to the Foreign Secretary response. At this crucial time, it is vital that we remain over his cold war analogy. He was more accurate in focused on pursuing the twin-track approach, which describing the potential risk of an arms race, but I would remains our best route to resolving the crisis. 665 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 666

[Mr Douglas Alexander] Mr Alexander: I remain unconvinced. I listened with care to the explanation of his remarks in The Daily As we have heard, sanctions are not designed to Telegraph that the Foreign Secretary offered on the punish the Iranian people. They are intended to increase Andrew Marr programme yesterday morning, but it is pressure on the regime, and those pressures now seem to really up to him to elucidate the analogy he chose to set be mounting. This month, the Iranian Parliament voted before the public. My view is clear: this is a point at to hold a special session to force President Ahmadinejad which we need clear minds and cool heads. We need to to account for some of the dire economic and social ensure that the language we use is consistent with the indicators in Iran today. Unemployment is high, growth approach, which I welcome, that the Foreign Secretary is low and anger is mounting. The Iranian regime is set out before the House today: that there should be a beginning to show signs of doubt as to whether the cost 100% focus on finding a diplomatic resolution. of international isolation is simply too great a price to In line with the arguments that I have put to the pay. Alongside that, parliamentary elections to elect House, the Opposition support the amendment, which new members of Islamic consultative assembly are due is supported by two former Foreign Secretaries as well to be held in Iran on 2 March. They may offer yet as by Members from across the House. In the spirit of another opportunity for the regime to change course that amendment, we agree that the Government should and for a new leadership to steer Iran away from the focus their efforts on finding a negotiated solution to brink of international isolation. The Iranian political the nuclear issue and recognise the value of making it calendar, the internal political dynamics, and the domestic clear to Iran that all options remain on the table, but the economic and social pressures all imply that the next threat of military action must not be allowed to become few months could be crucial. a self-fulfilling prophecy. Now is not the time for a The motion focuses on the use of military action, pre-emptive strike on Iran. Now is the time for redoubling which has rightly been the subject of much debate in the our diplomatic efforts to capitalise on the progress that House today. The risks facing the region are real, but I is being made. believe we must make it clear to our friends in Israel Let no one doubt that Iran presents a real and urgent that now is not the time for a pre-emptive strike. However, threat. We should be doing all we can to dissuade Iran notwithstanding our view that pre-emptive action should from acquiring a nuclear weapon. With Iran feeling the not be taken now, we are firm in our view that all pressure from co-ordinated international sanctions, I options must remain on the table. That is because the believe that the prospects for finding a diplomatic resolution prospects for a diplomatic resolution are enhanced, not have been enhanced, not diminished. The coming months undermined, by all options remaining on the table at are crucial. To digress, deviate or dither at this crucial the present time. Leaving all options on the table actually stage would be to undermine the months and, indeed, strengthens the international community’s hand in years of diplomatic and co-ordinated efforts to increase negotiations and therefore increases the likelihood of pressure on the regime and promote dialogue as the achieving a peaceful resolution, to which I believe the path to a peaceful resolution of this issue. whole House is committed. Several hon. Members rose— Mr Leigh: Wars often start because of an element of uncertainty, so let us be quite clear: notwithstanding the Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. The fact that the Opposition favour negotiations at this eight-minute limit now comes into effect, with the usual point, is it the Labour party’s position that we must not injury time for interventions. tolerate Iran being nuclear-armed? 6.48 pm Mr Alexander: I have said on the record previously that the cost of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons is too Richard Ottaway (Croydon South) (Con): I congratulate high. I could not be clearer that this is an issue not simply my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon and Billericay for Iran’s immediate regional neighbours, but for the (Mr Baron), who is a valued member of the Select whole international community. That is why I am grateful Committee on Foreign Affairs, on securing this debate. for the Foreign Secretary’s gracious acknowledgment He is at least consistent: he voted against the intervention that the position being advanced by the British Government in Iraq, the intervention in Libya and the Foreign Affairs today is entirely consistent with the position that was Committee report on Afghanistan, and now he wants advanced when Labour was in office. to rule out an attack on Iran. I respect his point of view, but I believe that he is underestimating the challenge Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con): The right facing the western world and the civilised world. hon. Gentleman has been gracious in most of his remarks The Iranians are tough so-and-sos. As the Foreign about the Foreign Secretary, but as he has said, he did Secretary rightly pointed out, they have sacked our not agree with the cold war analogy. Will he clarify the embassy in Tehran, they are propping up the regime in Labour party’s position on that? Is it not the case that, Syria, they are undermining peace efforts in Afghanistan as my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for and Syria, and they are supporting terrorism around Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind) pointed out, we are the world. In my view—it is quite clearly also the view talking about the difference between a hot war—a fiery of many people in this Chamber—it is critical that we and more immediate conflagration—and a cold war-type do not blink first. The production or potential production scenario, where Iran has a nuclear device, with all the of nuclear weapons has the ability to destabilise the hostilities and the fractious situation that would evolve region, with profound global impact. My hon. Friend from that, potentially over the very long term? The says that the threat of military action is counter-productive. analogy with the cold war is therefore quite accurate in I am sorry to say this, but I simply do not agree. I the circumstances. believe that if we take this option off the table, the 667 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 668

Iranians will go full throttle, as my right hon. and number of South American states. The common factor learned Friend the Member for Kensington (Sir Malcolm for all those regimes is that their democracy is either Rifkind) pointed out, in a speech of lucidity that I can weak, non-existent or new. only envy. It ill behoves anyone to quote Chairman I have to confess that I am a reluctant interventionist. Mao in support of their argument, but it was he who I was quite prepared to oppose the intervention in said that peace comes from the end of the barrel of a Libya until the United Nations resolution went through. gun. That is particularly pertinent here, and we must It is hard to oppose a successful campaign in those keep the option on the table. circumstances. I would hesitate to intervene in Syria There are four ways through the growing mess: without UN backing, although diplomacy is clearly diplomacy, sanctions, a military strike or learning to failing. I was not persuaded that the UN resolutions on live with a nuclear Iran. Diplomacy has clearly not Iraq gave proper cover for military intervention, and I succeeded, despite countless United Nations resolutions. was against such an intervention until the then Prime I remember when the right hon. Member for Blackburn Minister stood at the Dispatch Box and persuaded me (Mr Straw) was making regular visits to Tehran. I was a that the security of the western world was threatened. member of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the time, This illustrates that the only occasions on which we should and I remember meeting him there on one occasion. He intervene in such circumstances are those in which we tried valiantly, but I felt at the time that he should have have the backing of a UN resolution or those in which pushed harder and that we should have threatened our interests are threatened. sanctions at a much earlier stage. I was left with the In these circumstances, our interests are threatened feeling that he was trying to do something about the by a nuclear Iran. It has been pointed out that there is situation without having any conviction as to what it a possibility of a nuclear arms race in the middle east. I might achieve. believe that Saudi Arabia will want a bomb, and that it will be in contact with Pakistan to ask it to supply one. Mr Straw: If the hon. Gentleman looks at the record, What really worries me about Iran having a nuclear he will see that we were working in concert with Germany weapon is that I am left with the feeling that it might, in and France, and with the tacit but quite active support certain circumstances, actually use it. Many countries of the United States. This was before the E3 plus 3 with nuclear powers hold them exclusively for the purpose architecture got going. Those negotiations were tough, of self-defence. The Iranians might not use the weapons but they produced a positive result at the time. That is themselves. They might use them in a proxy manner, what followed from the October 2003 negotiations. supplying terrorists with radioactive material for a dirty Furthermore, it is my belief that had President Khatami bomb to be used in a western capital. Either way, this is been allowed to stay in place, with all that that would going to be messy. have entailed, we could have made further progress. It As my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for was others in the regime who decided to undermine him Kensington said, if there were to be a military strike, and the progress that we had made. moderate Arab opinion would not be too upset. The hard-liners are now distracted: Syria, Libya and Egypt Richard Ottaway: I do not want to be unduly critical are out of action, and Russia and China might huff and of the right hon. Gentleman. I recognise that he believed puff, but I do not believe that they would make a serious that he was doing the right thing at the time, but, as move in the event of a strike. I genuinely believe that we history illustrates, it was not enough to deter the regime. would live to regret Iran getting the bomb, and that an A second course of action involves sanctions and, as attack might be the least bad option. I have said, I wish that they had been imposed much earlier. It is possible that they might work, and one can Angie Bray: Does my hon. Friend accept that there only hope, genuinely and passionately, that they will. They are certain movements in Iran, notably the green movement, must be as tough as possible, and I look with dismay at that are working below the surface for change? What the slow speed with which our European Union partners weight does he attach to the argument that too much wish to impose them. I understand that Greece, of all sabre-rattling could alienate such movements from the countries, is holding up their full imposition until it can pro-western stance that they have been taking? get its own oil contracts in position. Sanctions can be effective. The United States has the ability to jam up the Richard Ottaway: There is a confusing situation in financial markets and the oil trading markets, which Iran. My hon. Friend is right, however. As the shadow would have a significant and profound impact. Foreign Secretary pointed out, progress is being made, and negotiations are starting again. I am slightly cynical The Iranians have threatened to shut the straits of about how effective they will be at this stage, however. Hormuz; I believe that to be a completely hollow threat. I repeat that an attack is the least bad option, and we The straits are defendable. When I served in the Royal can only pray that either sanctions or sanity will prevail, Navy in the 1960s, I was based in Bahrain. Even in so that this whole debate becomes completely academic. those days, we had a game plan for the region. Now, the Iranians are faced with the full might of the US sixth fleet, which, I have to say, I would not want to take on in 6.57 pm these circumstances. Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC): I If sanctions fail, there will be no other choice than congratulate the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay that between a military strike and learning to live with a (Mr Baron) on securing this important and timely nuclear Iran. I am sorry that my hon. Friend has left the debate. I will not go through the history of the sanctions, Chamber. We are having a debate about intervention. but I believe that more effort needs to be made along Support for non-intervention is a perfectly respectable diplomatic lines. We need to consider smart sanctions point of view that is held by Russia and China and a and to think about hitting the elite in Iran rather than 669 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 670

[Mr Elfyn Llwyd] the least; the stereotyping of a country so that it could be easily demonised through the media; and the ramping the most vulnerable, as has happened in the past. One up of rhetoric to justify an invasion that could not be problem with sanctions is that they can sometimes be a substantiated in international law or by the pretext of blunt tool. humanitarian assistance. I anticipate being in a small minority this evening when I vote for the motion. I was in that position in the Zac Goldsmith: I share the right hon. Gentleman’s Iraq debate, but I believe that I was right. The evidence views on Iraq, which is why I strongly opposed the war. was not in the least convincing, and the evidence now is I agree with most people that war is an appalling not in the least convincing either. However many people prospect in any circumstances and I concur with his criticise the way in which I vote this evening, I shall do scepticism about the intelligence, but does he not agree so according to my conscience, and according to what I that if this House were to rule out the possibility of war have learned, read and understood. We are all sensible and if other Parliaments around the world were to do to the fact that every possible effort will be made to go the same, it would almost guarantee giving Iran a green down the diplomatic route; everyone wants that to light to develop the bomb, which we all so fear? happen. I believe, however, that the sabre-rattling and leaving the threat of military force on the table could Mr Llwyd: The hon. Gentleman is right that that is ratchet up the tension, making a diplomatic resolution the core of the debate. It is where he and I disagree. He impossible. may be right; I may be right. I know not, but this is the The Russia Today news channel reported two weeks debate we are having. I do not pretend to be an expert in ago that the United States was carrying out military international law, but I heard it said that Iran will not be drills based on simulations of the shape and width of favoured; nobody wants to favour its position. the straits of Hormuz. The Iranians were participating in their own war games in the straits at the end of Paul Flynn: Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that December, and if those news reports are true, they the immediate priority is to ensure that the present war could indicate that the US is even now preparing for a of words does not deteriorate into a war of weapons, stand-off, or worse. Similarly, concern has been expressed and that our task should be to reduce tension, not to by Israel about the possibility of Iran developing nuclear increase it? weapons. The assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists and the threat of pre-emptive strikes from Israel both Mr Llwyd: That is absolutely right. I referred to bring their own sense of chill. That would, of course, be sabre-rattling, and the hon. Gentleman puts it succinctly. the quickest possible way to inflame the situation outside That is not the way to have a diplomatic dialogue with of international diplomacy, and it would be a step that any country. nobody in this Chamber or elsewhere wants to see. The same might be true of Saudi Arabia, which has spoken We might not like the Government of Iran. Its human of increasing its nuclear power technology and has rights record remains appalling, despite reports last explicitly linked it with weapons technology. This has week that it is looking at revising its penal code. There taken place in the context of various UN resolutions, are many Governments around the world, however, with which it has to be said Iran is not fully complying—no with whom we would not agree. Iran is a highly developed one could say that it is. and complex society, and stereotyping makes it easier to demonise and create an atmosphere of fear based around It is important to have a level playing field in our simple sketches of society and the dehumanisation of approach to the middle east. That is why I believe the those within it. It seems we have quickly forgotten the US diplomats who have spoken, via WikiLeaks, about scenes in Tehran in 2009 when the green revolution was Mr Amano are making a grave mistake and performing taking place and millions voted for Mousavi. Iran has a a grave disservice. They said: highly developed middle class, which often disagrees “This meeting, Amano’s first bilateral review since his election, with Ahmadinejad. My point is to remind us all that the illustrates the very high degree of convergence between his priorities and our own agenda at the IAEA. The coming transition period spirit of democracy is alive and well, and that when we provides a further window for us to shape Amano’s thinking make international judgments we should remember that before his agenda collides with the IAEA Secretariat bureaucracy.” the Government are not always representative of the We need to show that international organisations are views of their people. neutral, but that kind of talk is not conducive to such As a party, we believe in being internationalist and in thinking, and I believe it will only inflame the situation being committed to peace and justice. We are also so far as Iran is concerned. strong believers in the importance of international law There has been criticism of the positions adopted by and diplomacy. We support the United Nations and we Russia and China at the UN Security Council and of would like to see it strengthened. We reject weapons of their unwillingness to support the US and UK position. mass destruction and military alliances based on the We saw similar frustration over Syria a few weeks ago, possession thereof. We support a role for the European when those two powers used their veto. Although the Union in conflict prevention and peacekeeping. These, impulse to act is understandable, so is the rational I think, must be our core aims, but as we speak, the concern that acting in haste might lead to a greater drums of war are beating—and they are a ghastly echo problem. That is clear for all to see if we reflect on what of the run-up to the Iraq conflict. We must ensure that happened in Iraq, for example. we do everything possible through every diplomatic Some comments made about Iran sound like the means to silence those drums of war. echoes of the run-up to war in Iraq a decade ago—for I hope that the IAEA’s mission in Tehran this week is example, the assertion that nuclear weapons existed, unequivocally successful. With elections in Iran and in even though they could not be pinpointed or proved in the US this year, we know that there is a lot of political 671 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 672 mileage in talking tough and ramping up the rhetoric. However—like every other Member who has spoken—I Our role in this House, however, is surely to listen to the fear an Israeli attack on Iran, and I do not agree with facts, make a calm and reasoned examination of the the former Foreign Secretary, my right hon. and learned situation and scrutinise the actions taken on our behalf Friend the Member for Kensington, that the effects of by our Government. I hope that every effort is made to such an attack would be purely temporary. I think that pursue each and every diplomatic avenue vigorously in it would lock in the Islamic republic for a generation, order to avoid war and the accompanying destruction that it would cement the appalling Syrian regime, that it of countries and lives. We should pause and listen to would radicalise Arab opinion at a moment of the most reason from informed observers. delicate long-term, difficult transition, that it would One such person is Hans Blix, whose essay was ignite Hezbollah on the Lebanese border, and that it published in the New Statesman of 20 February. He would boost Hamas. It would undoubtedly lead to a said that the idea of a nuclear-weapon-free zone for the series of violent terrorist acts, it would propel the price middle east was originally advanced in 1974 in a UN of oil through the roof and trigger a possible regional General Assembly Resolution sponsored by Egypt and war and, at best, it would set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions Iran. That was obviously aimed at Israel. He continued for only a few years. by saying that Although there are no circumstances in which I would “the idea of an agreement between the parties in the Middle countenance a renunciation of the use of force, and East—including Israel and Iran—to renounce” although I wholly support the amendment tabled by my nuclear weapons right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Kensington, I also support the Foreign Secretary’s admirable “does not seem far-fetched to me”. determination that diplomacy, negotiation and constant, He went on to refer to a recent poll in Israel in which a unremitting effort to resolve this matter should be the substantial majority of Israeli people said that they order of the day. thought it would be better to have no state in the middle east with nuclear weapons than to have two states with Mr Straw: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? them. I commend this article to all those listening to this debate. I believe that the motion is consistent with Nicholas Soames: I will not—oh, well, of course. the good thinking of that article. Mr Straw: I am extremely grateful to the right hon. 7.7 pm Gentleman, who is making a powerful point. Would he care to add the further point that as a result of the Arab Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): I start by warmly spring, the popularity of President Ahmadinejad and congratulating my right hon. and learned Friend the the Iranian regime throughout the Arab world has Member for Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind) on plummeted—according to all the polls—from about what was a remarkable, almost unanswerable, speech. I 85% before those events began to between 5% and 10%? also congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon Were this conflagration to happen, that would of course and Billericay (Mr Baron) on giving the House this change radically. opportunity to conduct this important debate. Although I am afraid that I cannot agree with him, I greatly Nicholas Soames: I agree. I think that the Arab spring respect the consistency and sincerely held nature of his is a very fragile flower, and that we must guard it with views. Naturally, I agree with some of them. great care. It is impossible not to agree that we are right to be The role of the British Government should be clear: deeply distrustful of the Iranian regime. It is, after all, in we should encourage every effort to ease tensions, and, breach of so many of its most serious obligations, and it for our own part, try to repair diplomatic relations. In is responsible for the brutal suppression of its people, that regard in particular, our strong connections and for endless tail-tweaking and interference with its neighbours relationships in Oman, Qatar and the United Arab and elsewhere—putting it beyond the pale in many Emirates are extremely important in maintaining stability respects. It is safe to say that the mistrust is entirely and retaining peace in the region. We need to work mutual, so where do we start? alongside them, the United States and Saudi Arabia. It is difficult to be optimistic about the opportunities I hope that our Government will be bold, and will be in 2012. Without wanting to be rude about our revered prepared to explore—either with or without our immediate American friends’ almost unbelievable campaign rhetoric, allies and if necessary, of course, in secret—the options I think it unlikely that any approach to Iran would be for setting the choreography, which is always so critical regarded as anything other than appeasement. At the in these difficult matters, of who does what and in what same time, Iran has its own elections this year. No order. I remember well that, in the midst of the cold war doubt its contempt for the great Satan and his friend the negotiations with the Soviet Union, it was considered United Kingdom will be on further public show. essential for us to develop confidence-building measures In common with my hon. Friend the Member for so that each side could convince itself, through some Basildon and Billericay, I was taken by Peter Jenkins’ small but significant successes—that could convince article in The Times recently, in which he argued that if everyone—that it was worth working with the other side, we made a deal and allowed the Iranians to continue to and thus allow diplomacy to bear fruit. We in Britain enrich uranium, it would be in the interests of all for must remember those lessons. there to be a proper monitoring regime consistent with Given the American elections on the one hand and the IAEA rules. If that were possible and Iran volunteered the Iranian elections on the other, this is a good time to some confidence-building measures, it would be very think about some specific steps that could be taken in much in our interest to have constant inspection. regard to confidence-building. I am sure that the IAEA 673 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 674

[Nicholas Soames] peaceful means, hopefully through negotiation or sanctions, and I think it is essential for all international efforts to will have some very good ideas on the technical side, be directed towards that end. and perhaps we could promote a protocol to prevent I want to explain in my brief speech why this matter “incidents at sea”. I believe that it is only a question of is of such concern, and why it is of international concern. time before some ill-disciplined patrol boat sets off a First, the Iranian regime is domestically a savage major shooting match in the strait of Hormuz. Perhaps regime that attacks dissent. Last year alone, more than we could also co-operate in dealing with drugs from 600 dissenters were executed. The UN’s special rapporteur Afghanistan. Iran, the United States and Afghanistan, has reported attacks on, and persecution of, groups perhaps with specialist European Union help, might be including Arabs, Kurds, Christians, Baha’is, and gay people. able to work together on controlling the flow of narcotics On 3 February this year, 11 violent raids were made on from Afghanistan into Iran. We know that Iran is the homes of Baha’i people in Shiraz. That was just the worried about that, and of course we are very worried latest episode in official attempts to eradicate the Baha’is about it too. as a group, and it is just one example of Iran’s persecution of its own peoples. Paul Flynn: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? Secondly, Iran threatens international peace, because it exports terrorism and provokes conflict, preventing Nicholas Soames: I will not, if the hon. Gentleman peaceful solutions to long-standing conflicts. I refer will forgive me. specifically to its support for Hezbollah in Lebanon and Whatever steps are taken, they must not loosen the for Hamas in Gaza. There is clear evidence that it is not sanctions regime or, indeed, involve a renunciation of just promoting terrorism, but supplying weapons and the possible use of force, but must rather show that we training to those groups. One of its main aims is to are serious about progress and the possibility—if it prevent a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian could be there—of reaching a peaceful agreement. conflict. Until the events of the Arab spring earlier this I do not believe that Iran has any interest in outright year, we were told that that conflict was the only issue in war, whether with the United States or with the wider the middle east. We now know that that is not correct, international community. In my judgment, its actions but Iran’s efforts were and still are designed to prevent a and reactions must be seen through the prism of coercion. peaceful solution there. It is applying what coercive tools it has—for example, the ability to restrict traffic through the strait of Hormuz, Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con): I congratulate or the use of terrorist proxies around the world—in the hon. Lady on her comments. Does she agree that, as response to the west’s application of its own coercive well as supporting terrorist proxies in the middle east, tools, such as the escalation of sanctions. New sanctions Iran has been responsible for an attempt to assassinate will cause damage to Iran. They will almost certainly an ambassador—the Saudi ambassador—on American enrich its strongmen, but they will not directly affect the soil, has sacked the British embassy in Tehran, and in nuclear programme. Unless we are prepared to break many other ways has behaved in the international out of the conventional approach, this dance will get community in a way that is completely inconsistent with worse and worse. the behaviour of a civilised nation state? The Foreign Secretary and his fellow Ministers have re-marshalled and re-energised the efforts of the foreign Mrs Ellman: I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman. service to the great advantage of this country, and are in Iran exports terrorism, and is a force for instability. Last the process of revitalising the new global networks that year 80 Iranian Katyushas went to Gaza and continued will in future constitute a global super-highway through the conflict there, and in March 2011 the Israeli navy which great diplomatic and international disputes will seized 50 tonnes of weapons from Iranian-loaded ships be settled. I was very impressed by the line taken by the bound for Gaza. Those attempts by Iran—the supporting Foreign Secretary tonight, and with the commitment of terrorism and the provision of arms to perpetuate that he showed. I appeal to him to ensure that we in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—are underlined by its Britain use all our resources, all our relationships, and continually expressed theological objection to the very all our influence and help—quite apart from our relationship existence of the state of Israel. with the United States of America, and our conventional Another major reason for being concerned about the relationships in the Commonwealth, the European Union, possibility of Iran promoting and perhaps using nuclear the United Nations and the IAEA—to get ourselves weapons is its pro-genocidal activities. It has repeatedly into a position in which we can at least agree on some called for Israel to be wiped off the face of the map. future ground rules for engagement and progress in the That, combined with repeated holocaust denial, including future. I fear that, in the absence of such action, this the outrage of holding an international conference in dispute has the potential to have the most dreadful Iran to see who could produce the “best” cartoon on long-term consequences, and we must avoid those at all holocaust denial, is just another example of Iran’s costs. motivation and Iran’s danger. In February last year, Ayatollah Khamenei referred once again to Israel as a 7.15 pm “cancerous tumour” that had to be removed, and this February, his chief strategist stated: Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): I join others in congratulating the hon. Member for “In the name of Allah, Iran must attack Israel by 2014.” Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron). It is important for I cite those examples to illustrate the danger that Iran us to have a full opportunity to discuss the growing poses to peace, not only in the middle east, but throughout concerns about Iran’s activities to develop nuclear weapons. the world. As my right hon. Friend the shadow Foreign I fervently hope that those activities can be stopped by Secretary said, what Iran does in the middle east has 675 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 676 repercussions outside that region, potentially in the We have to ask ourselves the question: what happens whole world. That is why it is so important that this if Iran produces a bomb? Both Pakistan and India genocidal regime, which already exports terrorism by produced a bomb, as did North Korea, in isolation. If practical means, must be prevented from acquiring nuclear Iran does produce a bomb or gets close to doing so, we weapons. I fully support all international efforts to must ask ourselves what the plan B is and what we are secure that by negotiation and by sanctions, if necessary, to do. That is where the question for the United Kingdom but it is vital that everyone understands how important becomes separate from the question for Israel and the it is to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed United States. The question for Britain and Her Majesty’s power. If it were to acquire nuclear weapons, as it now Government is: is it in Britain’s interest to take military seems determined to do, that would provoke a new action? I know what is in Israel’s national interest, and arms race across the middle east, and it would mean the I defend Israel’s taking that action to defend itself, but exporting of more terrorism and perhaps the equipping that is not the same as what is in Britain’s national of those terrorists with nuclear weapons. That is why I interest. The challenge for the policy makers and for the will be supporting the amendment and why I hope it Government will be to prove to this House and to my will receive universal support. constituents why taking some form of military action, most likely outside the United Nations and perhaps in 7.22 pm support of only one or two other countries—Israel and Mr Ben Wallace (Wyre and Preston North) (Con): At the United States—is in the interests of my constituents the outset, may I declare that I co-chair the all-party and in the interest of the national security of Britain. group on Iran with the right hon. Member for Blackburn That is a much further jump to make from today’s (Mr Straw), and that I have held that position for the situation. past six years? We need to point out differences between Iraq and I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon Iran. Until recently, Iran certainly ruled by consent—we and Billericay (Mr Baron) on securing this timely debate, did not like it and we did not choose the policies, but it because it is important that the House moves to more ruled by consent. Saddam Hussein never ruled by consent discussion of Iran. From what I have heard so far, the and was a military dictator in the region, and although debate has been very good, and I have certainly enjoyed we should rightly be concerned about Iran’s moving—it the contributions of my right hon. Friend the Member is more than drifting—towards being a totalitarian for Mid Sussex (Nicholas Soames), whose speech was state, we must remember that there are differences. extremely good and clear about where we are trying to We must also remember how things appear from an go and the problems we face, and the right hon. Member Iranian point of view. If you are an Iranian, your for Blackburn. I also congratulate the Foreign Secretary neighbourhood is not very nice; Saudi Arabia is ideologically on making it clear that the Government are not advocating opposed to the Shi’a sect and thinks that you are force or even calling for force to deal with this problem. heretics. I come from and live in Lancashire, where in One of the problems I have with the motion is that the 17th century puritans and Catholics were hammering although I do not think military action is the correct each other, and the view is the same in this region. way forward, given the current position in Iran, I also Pakistan developed a nuclear weapon and was rewarded do not believe that we should ever tie a Government—I with a seat at the top table. That part of the world is do not believe in the principle of ruling something out unstable, and the arms race has already started; Israel of such a policy. We have to examine events as they possesses a nuclear weapon and it refuses to sign the come and see what develops. nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Iranians will feel that I am not going to argue the point about the International there is an inconsistency in the west’s position. A number Atomic Energy Agency and whether Iran is developing of resolutions, both at the IAEA and the UN, have a nuclear weapon. It might be more suitable to have this asked Israel to sign up to that treaty, but it is has debate after the inspection is completed and we see the consistently refused to do so. That consistency is where reports from the recent access in Iran. What worries me we have to start. is what happens after this stage. In the six years that I We could also try to redouble our efforts on other have done this job in the all-party group, I have never measures. I congratulate the Foreign Office on the met an official in the United States Government, in the investment that has been made in the past few years Foreign Office or in the Israeli Government who privately to try to double our presence around the world, or has not said to me, “If Iran thinks it wants a bomb and to increase it in many embassies. However, we have to is really determined to have one, it will get it.” know our opponent when we are dealing with Iran. It is I am also yet to find many officials who say that they full of a separation of powers and full of personalities, think sanctions will work in the long term to prevent because that is how the politics is decided there. The Iran from getting what it has desired not for five or right hon. Member for Blackburn knew that when he 10 years, but since 1968. In fact, the Americans helped tried that communication. the Shah to build the reactor in Iran; General Electric was involved in that. It has been a long-standing ambition Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): My hon. Friend of Iran to possess nuclear power for energy and, I mentions differences within Iran, and there are huge suspect, for nuclear weapons to add to its view that it is differences of opinion with Ahmadinejad; hundreds a superpower in not only the region, but the world. It were killed after he was elected, five people were hanged did not launch a tortoise and an insect up into space a last night in Tehran and the middle classes are against few years ago just for fun; it did so to show that it, too, him. We may well find in the next few months or years could enter the space race. Unfortunately, Iran was that he cannot stay in power and is replaced. Let us just entering that race about 40 years too late, but that was hope that that happens and sense comes from the very much about the psyche of Iran and Iran saying, people of Iran, because I am not sure that we can do “We, too, can do it. We, too, can be a superpower.” very much from the outside. 677 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 678

Mr Wallace: I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s United Nations sanctions. It would be worrying to set intervention. He rightly says, first, that Ahmadinejad off down that path if we did not remember that, at the will not be able to stay in power, because he is term limited; end of the day, if we were going to take the next step to this is the end of his term as President and someone else military action, we did not have UN sanctions. I urge will emerge in the next elections. My hon. Friend is also the Government, who are doing the right thing—the right about maintaining the momentum of the Arab Foreign Secretary made the position clear—to ensure spring. We must double our efforts on maintaining the that we never stop the effort to achieve a peaceful momentum on the street. I approve of BBC Persian and resolution to this problem. I approve of doing much more work to support, externally and internally, opposition groups on the streets of Iran. I have not forgotten the lesson of the cold war, where 7.33 pm Poland and the printing presses made so much difference. Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab): I We should bring those lessons into Iran as much as apologise, Mr Deputy Speaker, for any mix-up that may possible. have occurred. We need to maintain the momentum of the Arab There are two people to whom the House ought to be spring, although Persia is not Arab, and be consistent in grateful including, first, the hon. Member for Basildon Bahrain and Syria. If we unlock Bahrain and Syria, I and Billericay (Mr Baron). I attended the Backbench would pledge that, in that instance, Iran would start to Business Committee with him to push for this debate. I turn and those middle classes and those on the streets made it clear that I did not agree with the motion he would begin to see a difference. In Bahrain, where the had drafted, but that it was important that it should be Shi’a majority rose up against a Crown prince, we saw tabled. He has come to the Chamber to express an a rather lukewarm response from the west, but it was unpopular point of view. Long may people do so, because different in Libya and Syria. Let us be consistent, and challenging the consensus in the House, as elsewhere, is push that momentum, which will help to make a difference enormously important. He has done so tonight to good to solving the problem. effect, although I disagree with the motion and will not On the diplomatic track, I am delighted that the vote for it. I will vote for the amendment tabled by the Foreign Secretary has reiterated that we have not broken other Member who has made a particularly important off diplomatic relations with Iran. I urge the Foreign contribution tonight: the right hon. and learned Member Office to examine whether we can send a diplomat back for Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind). to Iran. We do not have to open up the embassy—we We ought to be grateful to the right hon. and learned did not break relations. We need to be there. The Union Gentleman because I have the greatest respect for his Jack means something to many people on the street, knowledge and experience, and for a Member with such and it means something to the opposition. The embassy knowledge and experience to reveal that he believes that is well used to co-ordinated protests, stones, and streets an American military intervention in Iran would have being called Bobby Sands avenue next to it as a reminder, temporary, limited consequences is of great value. It apparently, of British imperialism. The Foreign Office reveals—and he is not alone in this—that there is, both used to stand for the Union Jack around the world, and in America and in this country, what can only be we should be a bit stronger than that. described as a war party. That justifies the motion tabled by the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay Mike Gapes: Is there not a big difference between in the first place: the notion that American could intervene what happened to British embassies in previous years militarily in yet another Muslim country with only and what was carried out, co-ordinated by elements in limited, temporary consequences is believed, but it is the regime, just a few months ago? It is not just the complete and utter nonsense. naming of streets but the ransacking of diplomats’ The consequences of an American military intervention, homes and of the embassy complex. let alone an Israeli intervention, in Iran would be profound and long-lasting, as has been said by many other Members, Mr Wallace: I fully agree that it is very different. I do and it should be avoided. That is not to say that we not propose that we open the embassy as if nothing should take the option of military intervention off the happened. If we had a diplomat in another embassy, as table. We are dealing with a police state. Iran is a proud we have done before, we could provide visas. The strength country with a rich culture, a strong middle class and is to open and maintain transport links to and from a young population, but they have been repressed by a Iran so that people can see what is going on in Iran. bunch of paranoids. Yes, those people put a religious Iranians could come and see what is going on in the real connotation on that, but we are dealing with a police world outside, away from some of the manipulation. If state. History surely teaches us that we do not deal we could secure a consulate section in another embassy, effectively with a police state by telling it before we even that would help. talk to it that, in the final analysis, if all else has failed, Every protest outside the embassy was co-ordinated we will do nothing about it. by the regime, and that has been the case for 30 years. Let us be equally wary of the people we are dealing It is not new—most of this is not new. In dealing with with who are repressing the people of Iran, and of the Iran, we have to know them as well as they know war party, which is happy, whether it does it in the tones themselves if we are to secure a diplomatic solution. of the right hon. and learned Member for Kensington Trying to do that in isolation, or trying to do it with the or in the more belligerent tones of some American E3 plus 3 that sometimes works, but sometimes does politicians who are pushing us towards an end that we not, depending on the mood of China and Russia, is are all—one would hope that people in Iran wish this one of our biggest challenges. Most of the sanctions too—desperate to avoid. Let us voice our desperation at that have been mentioned are unilateral, and are not the same time as our determination to find a reasonable 679 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 680 solution that suits the Iranian people as well as peace in 7.41 pm the region and peace in the world. That is enormously important. Martin Horwood (Cheltenham) (LD): It is a pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for Coventry North Bob Stewart: We are already doing as much diplomatically East (Mr Ainsworth). I agree with a great deal of what as we can, but we have to put as much effort as we can he said. I am pleased to support the amendment that into encouraging the growth of democracy and encouraging stands in his name and in the names of the right hon. those people who are against the Iranian Government and learned Member for Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind), so that somehow they have the courage and support my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for North from outside to break out and get rid of the hoodlums East Fife (Sir Menzies Campbell) and many others. who are running the country and causing so much I also agree with quite a lot of what the hon. Member chaos throughout the world. for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron) said in his opening remarks. It is rather a shame that in the wording Mr Ainsworth: That is exactly the point that I want to of the motion and in some of his emphasis on the come on to: the limitations of soft power on its own nature of the evidence that we have, he has almost when dealing with a regime such as Iran. extracted disagreement from potential agreement. In There are two issues that I want to raise: first, satellite particular, he gave the unfortunate impression at times communications to the people of Iran have been jammed that he was searching for excuses for the Iranian regime, locally, with possible health consequences because of when none should be given. He concentrated a great the powerful jamming equipment that is used, and they deal on the difference between circumstantial and actual have been jammed at source as well. We are effectively evidence, when the difference is between evidence for doing nothing about that. The victims have been punished, the existence of nuclear weapons, which I do not think but not the perpetrators. The Iranian regime has jammed anybody is asserting, and the clear evidence, which I those signals, but when Eutelsat and other providers think is in the IAEA report, of intent to develop nuclear raised that with the Iranians, they were told, “Oh, weapons. The IAEA is pretty clear about that and dreadfully sorry, there’s not a lot we can do about it.” produces convincing evidence for that. Then we wind up the BBC Persian service, with Farsi1, Asia News Network and Voice of America being taken Mr Baron: May I correct the hon. Gentleman, for the off those satellite platforms, which would effectively be record? He is wrong to suggest and almost alone in shut down if that did not happen. We are depriving the believing that I was trying to make excuses for the Iranian population of access to international opinion. Iranian regime. I was making the point that mistakes We are allowing those stations to be closed, rather than have been made by both sides and opportunities have taking effective legal, international action against the been missed by both sides, as has been acknowledged regime, which prevents its own people from listening to by speakers on both sides. As for his point about the world opinion. We have to do something about that. report, there is a world of difference between nuclear I ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and capability and developing nuclear weapons and a decision Commonwealth Affairs, the hon. Member for North to do so—something that is not recognised enough by East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), who is on the Treasury the hon. Gentleman. Bench, to take effective action within the European Union and within the international forum of the United Martin Horwood: I agree with the hon. Gentleman Nations to prevent such activity to the maximum extent about that important point, to which I shall return. He possible. is right to emphasise the importance of evidence and There is one other area in which we can help. Increasing that the international community on this occasion acts numbers of diplomats and others are defecting from in response to and with proper observation of the Iran. “Defecting” is a cold war word that has almost evidence, in contrast with what has happened on other slipped out of our vocabulary, but there are people who occasions. However, if we are going to trust the evidence are so contemptuous of what they are being asked to do of the IAEA, two things follow. First, we must believe by the Iranian regime that they are walking away from the IAEA when it says that there are elements of the their jobs and defecting. We are not making them as nuclear programme in Iran that can only be contributing welcome as we should and thereby encouraging others towards the development of a nuclear weapons programme. to do the same. We are not allowing them access. We are If we are trusting the IAEA to produce the evidence, we not giving them visas or platforms to tell us what is must believe it when it says that. Secondly, there is the going on within the system to the extent that we should contrast with the situation before the war in Iraq, when do in order to expose the iniquities of the regime. we did not spend long enough listening to the evidence I appeal to the Government to consider how those from the weapons inspectors, Hans Blix and his colleagues. defectors can be encouraged. Yes, I know there is a In effect, military action pre-empted the end of the political imperative to deal with the immigration regime, weapons inspection process. With hindsight, we know but let us look at visas for that category of people so that there were no weapons of mass destruction present that we can be educated about what they are being at that time, and we went to war, in my view, on a false asked to do that is against the interests of their own prospectus. That is an important contrast to make. people. Those are two areas of soft power that we ought There are other contrasts with what happened in Iraq to make work. and the more recent military action on Libya. The Although I do not support everything he said tonight, Foreign Secretary said there were three important I totally support the amendment of the right hon. and characteristics to the military action that the international learned Member for Kensington and the tone and content community took in respect of Libya: first, it had a clear of the speech from the Foreign Secretary.That is absolutely legal and humanitarian justification; secondly, there the right policy, which we must stick to. was clear regional support; and thirdly, there was explicit 681 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 682

[Martin Horwood] Martin Horwood: Yes, I think I agree with that. Moreover, it is not always wise to say that one rules UN sanction. All those features were present in the something out even if one would not actually do it. I intervention in Libya; none of them was present in still support the instinct of the Liberal Democrat manifesto the intervention and the invasion of Iraq, which is why I pledge. We can say that we still oppose preventive am still proud that Liberal Democrats opposed that at military action against Iran and that we should pursue the time; and those conditions are not present now in every possible option. The Foreign Secretary expressed the case of Iran, either. That is why we should be clear exactly those sentiments. He said that we are not seeking, that we should not be talking about an attack on Iran. advocating or calling for military action. One might be There is a further parallel with Iraq which is extremely able to quote that to him in a few months’ or a few important: that is, just how unpredictable military action years’ time and ask if he still sticks to that, in the same can be. We all remember George Bush on an aircraft way that hon. Members quote the Liberal Democrat carrier in the Gulf rather prematurely celebrating victory manifesto at me now. The instinct expressed is that that in the war in Iraq, whereas as we know, it turned into an is the absolute last resort; that is not something that one incredibly complex, costly and painful conflagration should risk bringing about. The objective must be a and insurgency, where allied troops ended up embroiled peaceful and negotiated settlement. We must also avoid in an almost interminable series of interlocking and bringing about such an eventuality by accident. We violent episodes. We must hesitate before we get embroiled must be careful not to box Iran into a situation where in anything similar in the case of Iran. war or military action is the only action that it can take and retain what it regards as its national pride. The Foreign Secretary’s remarks over the weekend, which were clearly intended to discourage others from Sanctions do have to be imposed and they have to be getting involved in such a potential conflagration, were robust, otherwise Iran would be able to act with absolute well made. His clear messages to our friends and allies impunity; but we also have to explore every possible in the United States and in the region were similarly well avenue to de-escalate tension, to reduce tension and to made. It might well be that a military attack to get rid of engage diplomatic channels to try to address this crisis. a potential nuclear programme is impossible in practice. That could include support for the work of the weapons It might require a sustained campaign of bombing over inspectors or support for a regional conference on a number of sites across the entire country. We know non-proliferation, which might allow Iran a pathway that the nuclear programme has been dispersed in Iran, out, but it could also include diplomatic action that so it would be a very dangerous undertaking in any case. does, as the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay The hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay was said, draw a distinction between nuclear capability and right: we should go the extra mile for peace. I want to the actual possession of nuclear weapons. That is a make it clear that the Liberal Democrats believe that a situation that we have tolerated in Japan for many preventive attack on Iran would probably be illegal and decades quite happily. We must not talk ourselves into a quite possibly be unsuccessful, and it could destabilise war in the area of Iran, and we must seek every possible the entire region and lead to the ignition of a war over avenue for peace. I think that that is the Foreign Secretary’s which we would then have no control. As the right hon. instinct, and I was very happy with his words today. Member for Mid Sussex (Nicholas Soames) said, it I am happy to support the amendment. might well boost the likes of Hamas, Hezbollah and even al-Qaeda in the region and could undermine the 7.52 pm fledgling democracies of the Arab spring and any potential Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): It is a pleasure for an equivalent Persian spring in Iran. to follow the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Martin Horwood). We can certainly say that the next Lib Dem Mr Baron: Do I take it from my hon. Friend’s comments manifesto will be categorical in not ruling anything out that he will stay true to the Liberal Democrat manifesto for certain or ruling anything in. It will be fairly open. A promise to rule out the use of force when it comes to lesson has been learned, judging by what he has said. Iran? It is a pleasure to take part in this timely debate, which Martin Horwood: I wondered whether that would deals with one of the most important issues facing the come up. That is the phraseology in the hon. Gentleman’s world today, and I congratulate the hon. Member for motion today, but it is not the phraseology that we used. Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron) on securing it, We talked about opposing military action against Iran. along with others. I pay tribute to the Backbench Business That was written before—[Interruption.] No, it is not weasel Committee, which has again demonstrated its great words. It is about moving with events. It was written before worth in providing time for this important debate. I will the attack on the British embassy and before Iran, in be voting in favour of the amendment tabled and so effect, threatened the use of military force to close the eloquently proposed by the right hon. and learned straits of Hormuz. It would have been better to say Member for Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind). clearly that we opposed preventive military action against The regime in Iran is undoubtedly the major threat to Iran. That is why I do not support the motion, which peace and security in the world, and while some—not rules out the use of force, apparently in any circumstances. necessarily in the House today—have sought to minimise We have minesweepers in the Gulf: if those came under the threat that Iran poses, it is becoming clear that Iran attack, would we really rule out the use of force? is determined to acquire both the capability to build its own nuclear weapons and to develop the weapons Alec Shelbrooke: Is not the real point about the themselves. In the past week, we have had clear reports Liberal Democrat manifesto that one simply cannot that Iran has completed the preliminary work that rule anything in or rule anything out in what is always a would allow the rapid expansion of its uranium enrichment moveable feast? programme at its mountain facility near the holy city of 683 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 684

Qom. Like others, I believe that no nation has the right of worship and religion. We in the west have no particular to deny other countries the right to develop their nuclear selfish interest in that—this is not about our citizens. It capabilities for domestic and non-military purposes, is, however, about the right of people to practise religion but it is clear that Iran is intent on developing a nuclear and worship as they want to, regardless of their ethnic weapon, and that must be stopped. Not only would a background, and their right to speak out and to have nuclear-armed Iran mean great regional instability, but freedom of speech. it would lead to other countries in the region wanting to What position should we in the United Kingdom acquire nuclear weapons. The proliferation of nuclear adopt? Clearly, we need to continue to support the capability in a region as volatile as the middle east is Government in their view that the way forward is sanctions something that we should all be concerned about, and and co-ordination at an international level to bring we must do what we can to stop that happening. about a diplomatic solution, but it is vital that sanctions Clearly, the No. 1 threat is directly posed to Israel, are effective. It is clear from some press reports today first and foremost. The regime in Iran has made its that some countries—Turkey and China have been views on Israel absolutely clear. I do not intend to mentioned—are working to undermine sanctions. I would repeat some of the quotes from President Ahmadinejad, be grateful to know how effective the Government think but it is clear that he not only denied the holocaust, but sanctions are. It is vital that sanctions are made to work. on the 60th anniversary of the state of Israel he made The financial restrictions order imposed by Parliament it clear that last year rightly targets those who seek to use British “the reason for the Zionist regime’s existence is questioned, financial institutions in their quest to fund the nuclear and this regime is on its way to annihilation.” weapons programme, and we support such sanctions. In 2010, he said; We support the twin-track approach, but it is essential that the sanctions work. They will be judged effective “The nations of the region are able to eliminate the Zionist regime from the face of earth,” only if they actually stop Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. Hon. Members have already described the vista we adding that the Israeli might see if the plan does not work—we have to face up “regime has no future. Its life has come to an end.” to the fact that it might not work. The idea of living Anyone who suggests that the use of the word “regime” with an Iran with a nuclear weapon is simply unthinkable, refers to a particular Government as opposed to the not only for Israel and people in the west, but for the nation state is stretching credulity. world as a whole, the countries in the middle east and In November 2011, as reported in Reuters, he said: the citizens of Iran themselves. It is absolutely essential that we face up to these issues. “This entity”— that is Israel— Martin Horwood: The right hon. Gentleman says that “can be compared to a kidney transplanted in a body that living with a nuclear Iran is simply unthinkable, yet we rejected it… Yes it will collapse and its end will be near.” have tolerated a number of states developing nuclear There are many other examples of such statements, weapons, including North Korea, which was a signatory both from him and other senior Iranian figures. They to the non-proliferation treaty. A laborious process is demonstrate the thinking of the regime towards Israel going on to try to denuclearise that country, but no one and its people, and that should be a cause of great has suggested invading it. concern in the House. While such language may appear abhorrent and so over the top to many of us here in the Mr Dodds: We have learned in recent years that each west that they can be almost dismissed, the tragedy is country is different and has different circumstances. that many people who say these things, in Iran in Some of us might like to go back in time and take particular, really mean them. That can be seen in the different approaches. We have seen different approaches fact that there is so much support in Iran for terrorism to intervention in Libya and Syria, for instance. We are and in the clear evidence of the way in which Iran is dealing with Iran, and I believe that there is an opportunity exporting terrorism across the world. to do something to prevent Iran getting hold of nuclear Clearly the threat is not only against Israel directly, but weapons, but I believe that Iran, given its dire and direct against the west in general. The most immediate threat threats against the state of Israel and its particular is more of an economic threat—the threat to close the threat to the people of the entire world, poses a unique straits of Hormuz. That will affect oil prices, which will threat. We should be conscious of that and we must be affect everything from food prices to energy costs and prepared, if necessary, to do something about it. travel costs. The idea that a nuclear-armed Iran could I commend the bravery and courage of the hon. exist without posing a long-lasting and permanent threat Member for Basildon and Billericay in proposing the to energy supplies to the west is simply not credible. motion, but I am afraid that its terms remind me of the Last Friday, oil reached $120 a barrel, and it is clear motion that was once proposed in the Oxford Union—that that in the event of Iran getting nuclear weapons, the this House will in no circumstances fight for its King price of oil would go through the roof, with all that that and Country. The word “appeasement” has been used. means for the west and elsewhere. I think that the motion, if passed, would smack of Iran is a threat on a number of fronts. It is a threat appeasement. It is vital that we send out a strong message. not only to Israel directly and to the west, but to its own citizens. Members on both sides of the House have Mr Baron: I am giving the right hon. Gentleman an highlighted the vicious nature of the Iranian regime as extra minute to wind up his speech, so I hope that he seen in its treatment of its own citizens, particularly but will smile upon me accordingly. The word “appeasement” not only religious minorities. Whole sections and sects has been used several times. A number of us in this have been targeted and there are restrictions on freedom House are former soldiers and have medals to prove 685 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 686

[Mr Baron] produce nuclear weapons. If it manages to acquire that capability, I am pretty certain that it will use it. I do not that we are not appeasers. There is no doubt about that. think that we disagree thus far. We believe in the case for a just war. I have seen I am sorry that the right hon. Member for Dwyfor comrades killed by the enemy. The right hon. Gentleman Meirionnydd (Mr Llwyd) is no longer here, because in must surely accept that the policy of sanctions and the debate in this House on 24 September 2002 on sabre-rattling that has characterised the west’s approach whether to go to war with Iraq I said that I doubted has failed. Iran will not step down, so is this not the whether the dodgy dossier was true and whether there right time for a fresh approach that recognises her were any weapons of mass destruction. I went on to say regional status? that if we weakened Iraq we would have problems with Iran, and that is exactly what we are seeing today—Iranian Mr Dodds: I am glad that I was able to give way to the interference in Iraq on a huge scale. It is trying to hon. Gentleman just before the time limit. It remains to destabilise the schools, and I doubt whether President be seen whether the policy of sanctions and negotiations Maliki can do very much without authorisation from has failed, because we are in the middle of that process. his Iranian paymasters. I have the utmost respect for him and others who have served in Her Majesty’s forces and I fully respect his personal position, but that in no way detracts from the Mr Brian Binley (Northampton South) (Con) indicated ability of others to describe the policy they enunciate in assent. the terms we have used. The significance of the famous debate in the Oxford Union was the message it sent out Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: As my hon. Friend, who is to those in Nazi Germany who were following the often spot on, will know, Iraq is virtually a proxy state policy. If the motion is carried tonight, this House will of Iran. That is a hugely important step for the world, be sending a strong signal to the Iranian regime to carry because both countries combined have 19% of the on and aim for nuclear weapons, because we will do world’s proven oil reserves, so instability in the region nothing about it. We need to send out a clear message will lead to a real problem. That compares with a figure that is the reverse of that, which is that we will not stand of about 7% in Kuwait and about 2% in the United for that kind of approach. Arab Emirates. To put it into context, the figure for the proven oil reserve in the hands of Iran and Iraq is very 8.4 pm significant indeed. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): I felt The Iranian regime not only promotes instability and like intervening on the right hon. Member for Belfast terror in its own country—the example was given of North (Mr Dodds) to give him a fourth minute of extra five executions only last night—but is one of the greatest time, but I restrained myself. I congratulate my hon. exporters of terror around the world. I have always Friend the Member for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron) been a supporter of Israel, but I would shudder to live on securing the debate, but that is as far as I can go, in Israel today, with Hezbollah from the Syrian state because I disagree with almost every word he said. I and Hamas from the Palestinian state. The Israelis are strongly agree with my right hon. and learned Friend in a very difficult position. If war were to break out in the Member for Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind), Iran, I agree with my right hon. Friend the Member for who moved the amendment. We need to be very careful Mid Sussex that the proxies in the region, such as about how the tone of the debate comes across and Hezbollah and Hamas, would become even more active ensure that it is not bellicose. I agree with almost than they are at present. everything he said, with one exception: I think that any I agreed with my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary military intervention in Iran would not be a short-term when he said at the weekend that Iran acquiring nuclear matter and would become a longer-term matter, as my weapons could trigger an arms race in the middle east. right hon. Friend the Member for Mid Sussex (Nicholas One or two Members have disputed that, but we should Soames), who is no longer in his seat, made clear. look at history and the example of Pakistan and India. Having said that, the Iranians—the Persians—are The moment one got nuclear capability, the other had a proud nation with a very ancient history. They have a to have it. If Iran acquires a nuclear capability, Saudi very educated middle class, and I doubt very much that Arabia will probably do so, the Syrian regime, if it they approve of what the Iranian leadership is doing. survives, will certainly want to, and perhaps other states Nevertheless, they do have such a leadership. There will in the middle east will, too. be elections on 22 March for the legislative assembly and next year for the presidency. As has been said, Mr Baron: Given that Israel’s acquiring nuclear weapons President Ahmadinejad cannot stand again, so there has not led to its Arab neighbours acquiring them, why will inevitably be a change of regime. As we heard from does my hon. Friend believe that Iran’s Muslim neighbours the former Foreign Secretary, the right hon. Member would have a greater urgency to do so? for Blackburn (Mr Straw), a change of regime can bring about a change of policy, so we do not know what will Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: I knew somebody was going follow in Iran when President Ahmadinejad retires. We to make that point to me, so I anticipated it. Of course do know that Iran has defied six UN Security Council Israel, although never acknowledged, has a nuclear resolutions. President Ahmadinejad recently said that capability, but the difference between Israel and Iran is he will secure an important nuclear achievement, and that Israel is a stable democracy and Iran is an unpredictable we know that he is trying to achieve the 20% threshold. country—under its current regime. That is not to say I appreciate the semantics my hon. Friend the Member that under a future regime it will not change, but under for Basildon and Billericay used, but I am in no doubt its current regime I should not predict the circumstances that the regime is trying to acquire the capability to in which it might or might not use such nuclear capability. 687 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 688

The whole essence of the cold war—Russia, America, that the consequences for Afghanistan and Pakistan of Britain, France—was that none of us dared use nuclear a conflict involving Iran would be dire. Anybody who weapons even if we had the inclination, which I am sure has been, as I have, to Herat, the Afghan city close to we never did, because we knew the destruction that they Iran, and seen how calm and peaceful the area is will would cause, having seen it in Japan during the second recognise that it is no accident; it is because that border world war. It is a huge thing to press the nuclear button, between Afghanistan and Iran is stable and calm, and so, despite my hon. Friend disagreeing with me, I think that would not necessarily be the case if there were a that we have to be very careful about reaching such a conflict involving Iran. situation with Iran. Similarly, Iran’s borders are very complicated. Reference The other point that I wish to make, in the rapidly has already been made to some Gulf states, including shrinking time that I have this evening, is that I wholly Bahrain, but other neighbours such as Qatar and Kuwait support the efforts of my right hon. Friends in the coalition are in range of Iranian missiles, and the Iranians would to bring about a diplomatic solution. That solution has not even need to send missiles; they could send people to be backed up with sanctions, and I wholly believe with bombs in bags or in suitcases. that we must have the military option available to us Reference has been made also to Iraq. when we go into the diplomatic negotiating chamber. I profoundly disagree with my hon. Friend and the right Alec Shelbrooke rose— hon. Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd (Mr Llwyd), because if we rule out that option before we have even Mike Gapes: I will give way in a moment. completed diplomatic negotiations we will be in a With the Defence Committee several years ago, I considerably weaker position. visited the KBOT terminal at the top of the gulf of Of those three legs to the stool, we need to concentrate Hormuz, just south of Basra, from where, along with on sanctions, and the greatest role that the British Foreign the ABOT terminal, most of the Iraqi oil from Basra Office—our Government, our Ministers—can play is to leaves. That was a few weeks after motor launches from get some of our allies on side: to get Russia, China, Iran had set off bombs underneath the terminal to try Turkey and India all on side to make those sanctions to destroy it. The area is now much more strongly effective. If the reports in the newspapers today are to protected, but the potential for a conflagration involving be believed, and Turkey, China and India are participating Iran, leading not necessarily to a blockage of the strait in barter deals to get around our banking sanctions, of Hormuz, but at least to attacks on facilities, urban that very considerably weakens them. I hope that my centres or bases in the area, is great. We as an international hon. Friends on the Front Bench take that point well community therefore need to be careful and measured and truly on board. and to send out clear signals, whether in relation to mad This country has always been very good at soft power. speeches by Newt Gingrich or to the Israeli Government, Our diplomatic service has always been the best and our that the use of language referring to military action is British Council has always been the best, but in this not necessarily the best solution to the crisis. situation one of the greatest contributions we can make I can understand why politicians in Israel are worried. to resolving the problem without the necessity of going I would be worried if not just the President of a country to war—I cannot stress enough that I do not advocate war, but a succession of its leaders had said that they wanted which is the last thing we want to see—is, as the right to wipe out my state, which they regarded as a cancer, hon. Member for Coventry North East (Mr Ainsworth) but we need also to point out, as senior figures in Israel said, to look very carefully at the BBC World Service. have, that military action by Israel will not be in its own The BBC’s Farsi service can contribute a huge amount long-term interests regarding its relations with the Arab to the situation, and we should go the extra mile to world. ensure that it is not jammed, that we do not cut the service and that we broadcast the optimum number of Bob Stewart: Military action would be extremely difficult. hours on shortwave, over the internet and on television, There are at least 10 different nuclear sites in Iran, and for those middle class people in— trying to obliterate them would be almost impossible Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. for Israel alone, so military action by Israel alone is probably very unlikely or, at the very least, unwise. 8.13 pm Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): It is a pleasure Mike Gapes: I agree, and that allows me to move on to follow the hon. Member for The Cotswolds (Geoffrey to what I think is actually happening. Clifton-Brown), and I endorse entirely what he said Somebody once said that war was diplomacy by about the importance of the BBC World Service. I other means, but we have a third way, which is Stuxnet, congratulate the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay targeted assassinations and unexplained events. I am (Mr Baron), a fellow member of the Foreign Affairs not sure whether we can attribute blame or responsibility Committee, on initiating the debate, but I will not support in any particular direction, but it is quite clear that over him in the Lobby. I will support the well drafted and recent months and years various things have happened measured wording of the amendment, not because I believe to aspects of Iran’s nuclear programme, and events have that we should be engaged in military action against occurred which might indicate that, without having a Iran, but because I want to stop military action against war, attempts are being made to delay the nuclear Iran and a war that would be a precursor to a conflagration programme, the development of centrifuges and other in the region. things. I am concerned about the potential consequences of If the Iranian regime is really determined to get the current crisis. I recently held discussions with a nuclear weapons, and I fear that elements of it are, it senior figure in the Pakistani Government, who said will do so at whatever cost, but others in Iran, including 689 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 690

[Mike Gapes] but this is a courageous and necessary debate. Perhaps it flies a kite—I do not say that with any disrespect to some in the regime, recognise that there are benefits to my hon. Friend. By golly, it is a kite that needs to be be gained not by acquiring nuclear weapons but by saying, flown. This situation has been referred to as white-hot “We are a proud country and we want to be noticed, so dangerous by distinguished analysts in the United States we will give the impression that we are moving in that and other parts of the world. direction so that people notice us, states in the Gulf region become fearful of us and the rest of the world Mr Dodds: I think that I made it very clear that I says, ‘Iran is a country that matters.’” admire the courage of the hon. Member for Basildon The Foreign Affairs Committee went to Iran in 2007. and Billericay (Mr Baron). I made it clear that I laid the Mention has been made of its chief nuclear negotiator, charge not against those who proposed the motion, but Mr Jalili. I was involved in an hour-long exchange with against the argument. I hope that the hon. Member for him in a meeting. It was a fascinating exchange, because Newark (Patrick Mercer) will accept that and see what he started off by explaining that having a nuclear weapon I was saying in a different light. was un-Islamic and forbidden. We went on to have a long discussion about the additional protocol, the non- Patrick Mercer: Of course I do. I was trying to make proliferation treaty and various issues to do with the a point. The right hon. Member for Belfast North has IAEA. I came away realising that he was very intelligent made his point. In defence of my hon. Friend the and calculating. He must be a tough person to negotiate Member for Basildon and Billericay, I know his record with. I was not involved in real negotiations. Speaking and his background. I watched the 3rd Battalion the with me was like practice for him before he dealt with Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in action in the native city the Ministers. It was apparent that Iran is clear in the of the right hon. Member for Belfast North and they way that it uses the arguments. never appeased anyone. It is a fine battalion and he is a I suspect, as the Foreign Affairs Committee said in fine officer. 2007, that Iran will at some point get to breakout capability. However, as was said earlier, that does not Some fascinating statements have been made tonight. necessarily mean that it will have a nuclear weapon. It I cannot support my hon. Friend the Member for will have the capability to get a nuclear weapon quickly Basildon and Billericay, despite my admiration. I find when it gets to that technological position. However, it the amendment interesting. I found the comment from might choose not to go that far, but to have just the my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for potential, because that will make people notice it. Iran Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind) that American action is a country that wants to be noticed. might be acceptable or amenable—forgive me, I am paraphrasing and have not quite got the right phrase—in The tragedy is that Iran has a young, dynamic population the short to medium term wholly remarkable in the that wants to engage with the rest of the world. Anybody light of what has happened in Iraq and what is happening who has been to Iran knows that. People come up to in Afghanistan on the Pakistani border. I really do not visitors in the street and talk to them openly. They accept that. criticise their Government openly in a way that does not happen in all other countries in the region; and yet, at the same time, Iran has a theocratic regime at its cap. I Sir Malcolm Rifkind: Perhaps I can explain to my do not think that it matters who succeeds Ahmadinejad, hon. Friend what I was saying. I think that it will be because he is not the power in Iran. The power is clear from the record, if he reads it tomorrow. I was Ayatollah Khamenei, who is the supreme leader. It is he saying that there would of course be serious consequences who rejected the approach from President Obama. It is from a military intervention by the United States, which he who determines where the political process goes, could last weeks, months or even one or two years—who including who can run as a candidate and who can knows? However, if the alternative is Iran having a stand for election. Iran has a quasi-pluralistic and quasi- nuclear weapon on a permanent basis, which would democratic system, but with a theocratic cap. Somehow mean a massively enhanced threat from a nuclear weapon or other, that system will have to change. Revolutions state, one cannot simply dismiss the military option run out of steam. At some point, the voice of the because there would be a significant downside for one Iranian people will come through. We have to be clever or two years. and not undermine that in the way that we handle this crisis. Patrick Mercer: I am most grateful to my right hon. and learned Friend. However, the words still sit uneasily 8.22 pm with me. I do not believe that we are in the business of tinkering with world peace. Patrick Mercer (Newark) (Con): It is a great pleasure I found Defence questions earlier today very depressing. to follow the hon. Member for Ilford South (Mike The right hon. Member for Belfast North said in this Gapes), who, as ever, made some perspicacious and debate that this situation is the biggest threat to world penetrating points. peace. We are already involved in a regional war in this I congratulate my hon. and gallant Friend the Member area. As my hon. Friend the Member for The Cotswolds for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron). I regret that he (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown) made so very clear, the country had to defend himself against the charge of appeasement that we are talking about borders Afghanistan, and the from the right hon. Member for Belfast North (Mr Dodds). regional war stretches through Afghanistan, into Pakistan I resent that charge on my hon. Friend’s behalf. This is a and touches nuclear-tipped Russia at one end and the motion not of appeasement, but of courage. I may not potentially nuclear-tipped Iran at the other. We cannot agree with it and other Members may not agree with it, afford any ill-judged military action. 691 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 692

I do not want to sound like a stuck record and to go body—have experienced war at first hand. They understand through all the points that have been made about Iran’s what weapons of mass destruction are like, and my hideous rhetoric; the fact that she may be working on a opinion is that if they are allowed to get hold of such weapons programme; the fact that, as we speak, she has weaponry, they will probably use it. troops involved in an exercise in southern Iran, called in That puts us in an exceedingly difficult position on support of the military leadership; the fact that she is the one hand and an exceedingly powerful position on threatening to close the strait of Hormuz; and so on. the other hand. I say to the Foreign Secretary and the However, I will say this. When I visited Tehran, some Defence Secretary that if we want our military position interesting things came to mind. For instance, until I to be credible, let us make it so. Let us not have instances was taken down the boulevard of Bobby Sands—there such as we had in the past of the Royal Navy being is a boulevard of that name in the centre of Tehran—I embarrassed in the Gulf. Let us ensure that our operations had not realised that Great Britain, and Iran’s relationship are above reproach. We cannot be anything less than with Great Britain, had such high relevance in Iranian credible. and Persian thinking. I had not realised that Great In the current white-hot and dangerous situation, we Britain punched above its weight in Iranian thinking. have the opportunity to negotiate. When it comes down I had not realised that Iran saw Britain as being perfidious to it, no side really wants to fight. Let us therefore take Albion—I am generalising hugely, of course. the opportunity for Great Britain to prove that she is Much of the west’s foreign policy is seen, obviously not perfidious, and to speak to her friends in Israel and wrongly, as being dictated by ourselves as a tiny but America and lead the way. We can use our influence, to important nation. I had not realised that a Tehranian use an awful aphorism, to punch above our weight. might say, “Heavens above, it’s raining again. It’s typical Although we have the military option, let us pray that British weather.” All the ills of the world seem to be laid we never, ever have to use it. at this country’s door. That puts us in an extremely important position in negotiating with Iran. Many of 8.33 pm the Foreign Secretary’s comments therefore give me heart. John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): I When I was in Iran, the Iranians said to us, “Are you join other Members in commending the hon. Member honestly suggesting that we support al-Qaeda? Please for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron). I say to him that demonstrate.” Of course, we said, “Well, we have the being in a minority does not necessarily mean that someone evidence.” “Do you?” “No, we only have circumstantial is not right, and that when the House is unanimous, it is evidence.”Of course, we are used to hearing misinformation invariably wrong. I will support his motion. and black propaganda—we need look no further than our intervention in Iraq under the last Government, in Like the hon. Gentleman, I find it important when the second Gulf war. In Iran, we said, for instance, “We we have these debates to have a prologue condemning have heard that the central shura of al-Qaeda is resident the theocratic regime in Iran. I am one of the Members here in Tehran”. The reply was, “Please point it out, who consistently table motions supporting human rights because it is not. There is no evidence to suggest that campaigns in Iran, most recently on the Tehran bus workers that is the case.” and on the persecution of the film director Panahi, whose release we have been successful in securing. I Similarly, we asked British troops in Afghanistan agree with the right hon. Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd whether they could demonstrate whether any of the (Mr Llwyd). I am fearful of again treading down the weapons being used against them had come from Iran. path that starts with rumours of weapons of mass The answer was yes, but there were also weapons that destruction, goes on to sanctions, sabre-rattling and covert had come from France, the USA, Germany and Britain operations, and then develops a momentum that carries herself. There was nothing to indicate a relationship us into military action, death and destruction, and between al-Qaeda and Iran, despite everything that we increased terrorism and instability. My right hon. Friend were hearing from the western press. the Member for Coventry North East (Mr Ainsworth) Here is the rub: the single most important thing I is not in his place, but I, too, worry about the approach heard in Iran was that the current generation of leaders whereby we try to negotiate peace by threatening war; it there fully understand what it is like to be involved in a does not work that way. war of national survival. Many of the individuals who Hon. Members need to be very clear about the decision are now of political maturity were young men of military that they take tonight. Those who vote against the age during the Iran-Iraq war. One Member—forgive motion and for the amendment will be sanctioning the me, I cannot remember which—said earlier that nuclear threat of military action. In my view, if one threatens weapons had only ever been used once. That is true, but something. one has to ensure that one understands the let us not forget that in the Iran-Iraq war, when hundreds full implications of acting on the threat, and I am not of thousands of men were killed in action and millions sure that there is clarity in the House about why this of people died, weapons of mass destruction were used threat is being made. The notion of Iran being close to willingly. having nuclear weapons is open to doubt as there is no solid evidence, but as the hon. Member for Basildon Bob Stewart: I am sure my hon. Friend would agree and Billericay said, the issue is really about nuclear that that war was started by Iraq and, to the best of my capability. Nuclear capability is a threat only if one knowledge, Iran has not started a war. believes that nuclear weapons will be used. Even in Israel, people do not believe that there will be a nuclear Patrick Mercer: I thank my hon. and gallant Friend strike, and that is true of wise heads around the world. I and entirely agree. My point is that many of the current cannot find any advisers in the US who are recommending generation of decision makers, if that is the right phrase to the President that action should take place on the in Iran—we cannot look at them as one cohesive political basis of a nuclear threat. Like the hon. Gentleman, 693 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 694

[John McDonnell] military action, which gains momentum that results in loss of life, including the loss of British soldiers and I have listened to some of the spokespeople in Israel. I military personnel. have also listened to a former head of Mossad, Efraim Halevy, who said that it is all about scaremongering and 8.40 pm that there is no threat to the state of Israel as a result of this supposed escalation. Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): I pay Why are we being implicated in the threat of military tribute to the gracious stance taken by my hon. Friend action? First, as the right hon. and learned Member for the Member for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron) Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind) said, the threat is and to the articulate and sincere way in which he put his based on the danger not of a military attack but of Iran case. That is as much as I can say to him, because I will becoming a regional superpower. At the moment, the vote not for his motion but for the amendment moved implications of that are not, by any means, sufficient to by my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for justify the threat of military action. Secondly, there is Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind). I share much of my the argument about nuclear proliferation. If we are hon. Friend’s analysis, but unfortunately from his point anxious about nuclear proliferation, we have to start of view I reached an entirely different conclusion. with the root cause, which is Israel illegally gaining I should like to focus on the political background in nuclear weapons. Unless we attack that root cause, the Iran, which was touched on by my hon. Friend, and to issue will not go away. Thirdly, it is about Israel’s own test the efficacy of sanctions, if they are plan B. It is not domestic political agenda: the crisis atmosphere suits too fanciful or exaggerated to say that we might be in a Netanyahu and the hawks who surround him. similar moment to Europe in the mid-1930s. Iran is a Fourthly, as the right hon. and learned Member for state that presents an existential threat to its neighbours Kensington said, we are being blackmailed by Israel to and has designs on regional and possibly global hegemony. the effect that if we do not support military action, it The Foreign Secretary was right at the weekend to will. After Iraq and Afghanistan, and in the midst of describe it as having the potential to set off a chain the global economic crisis, there is no appetite in the US reaction cold war in the proliferation of nuclear weapons for war. That is why the Americans sent General Martin to Saudi Arabia, Turkey and other states. Iran also has Dempsey to Tel Aviv in January to let the Israelis know a record of significant lack of compliance with IAEA that there was no such appetite. It is now time for us to inspectors and an appalling human rights record, which face down Israel and ask what sanctions we are willing was mentioned in a Westminster Hall debate last month to exercise against it if it seeks to threaten military in which I was fortunate enough to participate. action. I fear that the debate is gaining the momentum We are at an historic juncture, and the Foreign Secretary for a military strike, which will make matters worse, not is right to point out the dangers to the world of a better. nuclear Iran. However, unlike, for instance, North Korea, We are already at war by proxy in undermining the Iran is not a monolithic regime. It has varied centres of potential for peace and change in Iran. The sanctions power and influence. There is institutional conflict within are a siege of Iran. Its currency is collapsing, imports of the regime and among the dominant conservative strain grain staples are drying up, and people are becoming within the elite, particularly between the supreme leader, impoverished. That is not undermining the regime but Ali Khamenei, and President Ahmadinejad. There is a hardening support for it by giving it the excuse that an battle between theocracy, republicanism, nationalism external enemy is causing the impoverishment and hunger. and clericalism. As I mentioned in an intervention, The covert military actions carried out by organisations there is a chance that President Ahmadinejad will be and individuals whom we now know, as a result of impeached or removed before or in 2013. exposés in Der Spiegel, were trained by Mossad, have One important factor in the development of a jihadist, prompted more terrorism around the world through militarist theology is the impact that the revolutionary Iran-sponsored attacks in India, Thailand and elsewhere. guards could have on parliamentary elections and in The cyber-war that was launched under Stuxnet, with suppressing the green movement, as we saw in 2009. the worm or bug that was put out to undermine Iran’s There is also an ongoing power struggle between the industrial complexes, has provoked even more retaliation, President and Parliament over political appointments. which has undermined some of the ability of Iran’s freedom movement to communicate with the outside We should bear in mind in all decisions we take— world. I would welcome information on that extremely particularly any decision to remove the option of military complicated cyber-attack. Did Israel sponsor it or its action from the table, or decisions on the current sanctions development? Was GCHQ alerted to it? regime and the positions we lay out in Israel, Europe and The actions that have taken place have escalated the the United States—that we could still see the consolidation potential for conflict, and they are strengthening the of the power of hard-line clerics, the revolutionary hard-liners in Iran and hurting the Iranian people, who guards and their militia, the Basij. The starting point are desperate to throw off the yoke of that theocracy. could be that a candidate much more extreme than The way forward was spelt out by our former ambassador, Ayatollah Khamenei is in place by the end of 2013. A Richard Dalton, who said that we needed multilateral military regime with a theocratic basis would threaten negotiations to secure a nuclear-free zone across the the greater middle east region and the world. We face middle east. Unless we tackle the issue of Israel holding that prospect. nuclear weapons, we cannot confront Iran sensibly or No one seriously thinks that Iran has not developed a creatively. nuclear capability. Its enrichment of uranium to 20% of I reiterate that we cannot negotiate peace by threatening the threshold can be for no other reason than military war, and I fear that we are again on a path that we have use—it has no plausible civilian use. The IAEA has witnessed time and again in the House. We are threatening previously said that Iran has 5 tonnes of low-enriched 695 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 696 uranium of 3.5% and if enriched to 90% this would be are being denied access to legal counsel during judicial enough fissile material for four to five nuclear bombs. proceedings despite official assurances to the contrary. Experts have predicted that once Iran acquires more A 2007 US Department of State report pointed out that than 150 kg of uranium enriched to 20%—by, say, early although in theory defendants had the right to a public 2013—it would need just two weeks to produce enough trial, a lawyer of their choice and the right of appeal, in fissile material for a bomb. practice these rights were not respected by the regime. In short, the regime has the knowledge, technology We know that women and young people were at the and resources to create a nuclear bomb. Specifically, it heart of the pro-reform green movement in 2009, with has the high-explosive test site at Parchin, computer young people comprising 40% of the electorate, yet the models, precision detonators and—most importantly— regime has launched a vicious counter-offensive by missile delivery systems. If plan B is sanctions, will they resorting to the mass detention of young activists and work, given that Iran has set its face against the west expulsions from universities, and by widening the powers and a more peaceful negotiated settlement of this issue? of its youth paramilitary forces. Many Iranian women People make much of the EU oil sanctions, and it is have resisted the imposition of a religiously justified true that 18% of Iran’s exports are oil to the EU—450,000 patriarchal structure that systematically discriminates barrels a day. Severe disruption to the oil industry against them. would be problematic for the state, given that oil revenues From extensive interviews with men and women inside are 60% of the Iranian economy, 80% of exports and, and outside Iran, Human Rights Watch has documented more importantly, 70% of government revenues. We widespread patterns of arbitrary arrest and torture know, however, that other countries would take up the based on sexual orientation and gender identity. As the slack. South Korea and Japan each take 10%, and UN discovered in 2010, the regime’s failure to meet China and India take 34% of Iran’s oil exports between young people’s socio-economic expectations is a major them and would surely step in to buy the oil rejected by cause of its internal unpopularity: about 70% of the the EU. unemployed in Iran are young people; youth unemployment Iran may discount oil prices, but it is estimated that has doubled in the past 20 years; and even graduates even with a 10% drop in shipments, the reduction would take on average about three years to find a job. be just $24 billion in a $480 billion economy. Sanctions Abhorrent though the regime is, pre-emptive military will undermine state spending and perhaps cause a action, whatever its origin, would be as wrong as it was deficit of up to 2% of GDP, but Iran has a low debt to in Iraq a decade ago. But we must not take the options GDP ratio—only 9%, as against well over 100% for off the table. The attitude of the young people of Iran some EU countries, as we know. Raza Agha of the will shape its future in the coming decades, which is why Royal Bank of Scotland says: we should stand with them, attempt to engage with “The public finance impact seems manageable in the immediate those parts of Iranian society that believe in co-operation future…given the bulwark of public sector deposits and other with the rest of the middle east and the west, while domestic financing options”. being firm in our opposition to the regime’s internal Iran has also put its interest rates up for long-term bank repression, its state sponsorship of terrorism elsewhere deposits, so it has plenty of foreign reserves to see it in the middle east and its belligerence over the status of through the difficulties of short and medium-term sanctions. Israel. We can take options, including military action, off Following the attacks on the Israeli embassies in the table only if we are absolutely certain that sanctions Tbilisi and New Delhi last week, the Government of will work and will force Iran back to the negotiating Iran and their agent, Hezbollah, are increasingly isolated table. Sanctions may serve to destabilise the existing in the middle east, as many of their traditional supporters political regime in Iran. The west faces the most profound have been alienated by a perceived pro-Shi’a favouritism foreign policy problem since the Cuban missile crisis in in Syria, Lebanon, Bahrain and Iraq. Syria acts as a 1962, and for that reason we have to have courage, prime channel to Hezbollah in Lebanon, as a base for firmness of purpose and intellectual coherence in facing Hamas leaders running Gaza, as a front-line ally in the down this problem. Israel will perhaps attack Iran before confrontation with Israel and the United States and as a the end of June. None of us wants war, but the alternative political and commercial pathway into the Arab world. of a militaristic, jihadist country threatening its neighbours may be a lot worse. The Iranians know, however, that in Syria the political balance between the minority Alawi Shi’a regime in Damascus and the Sunni majority has shifted to Iran’s 8.48pm distinct disadvantage, and that their main regional ally Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): Iran is could soon fall. The Iranian regime knows that if the Arab a historic nation with a proud and brave population. spring topples the Assad regime in Syria, its greatest Many hon. Members will, like me, have friends in Iran threat will be from revolution from within. and know of the hospitality of its people. There is little The true purpose of Iran’s nuclear enrichment doubt, however, that the Iranian regime is one of the programme is difficult to establish comprehensively, most oppressive anywhere in the world. It is a sponsor which leads to suspicions about its motives. The RAND of terrorist activities, is involved in systematic persecution Cooperation think-tank published a paper recently stating of the opposition and minorities, and is attempting to that Iran would be able to acquire the threshold capabilities isolate its people from the outside world. to build a weapon within the decade, but its view was The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2008 democracy that Iran did not yet have the will to develop nuclear index ranked Iran 145th out of 167 countries and listed weapons. Analyses by those such as the Royal United it among 49 countries considered authoritarian. Amnesty Services Institute, Stratfor and even the IAEA concur International has reported regularly that trial hearings that there is no conclusive evidence, as yet, that Iran has are often heard in private and that political detainees decided to build a nuclear weapon. Rather, they believe 697 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 698

[Mr William Bain] sadly not been the case in the Foreign Office over the past 15 years—indeed, at a meeting with a previous that Iran’s aim is to reach a stage where it can let the Minister, who has now left this place, I was assured that international community know that it has the ability the People’s Mujahedin of Iran had not renounced its and resources to have the option of acquiring the bomb pledge to give up weapons and fight for peaceful internal rather than to actually do so. Nevertheless, last November’s change in Iran. The fact that the Foreign Office was not IAEA report remains suspicious of the regime’s intent in control and that it had that information in its hands given its concealment of the third enrichment facility six years after that position was stated and agreed is near Qom. very worrying indeed. My hon. Friend the Member for There is evidence that sanctions that focus on Iran’s Newark (Patrick Mercer) made the point that much central bank might secure a diplomatic solution to the misinformation has been accepted as information by crisis. The new restrictions, announced by the US the Foreign Office, which has been harmful to our cause. Administration last week, target banks that handle I wanted to talk at length about the Iranians’ human proceeds from the sale of Iranian oil imports if the rights record, but many others have paid heed to that country that they belong to has not significantly reduced problem. It is indeed a scar on the face of humanity, as the volume of oil that it imports from Iran by the end of we all know. We also know that the Iranian regime is June. The sanctions complement the EU embargo on not one that we can do business with as a trusted ally, Iranian oil imports, to be introduced by 1 July. As and it never will be. We should, however, strive for Dennis Ross, President Obama’s special assistant on the robust and honest relations with Iran. There are Iranians middle east between 2009 and 2011, wrote in The New who share that appetite for positive dealings. Sadly, York Times last Tuesday, through Iran’s backing of the until a few months ago our approach to them was Assad regime in Syria there are signs of diminishing variable. Our dealings with the PMOI and with Camp support for Iran in the middle east, and it may be Ashraf are symptomatic of that weakness. As I said, the seeking “a way out”. Iran cannot obtain credit or do PMOI stated in 2002 that it was working for a peaceful business with any reputable international bank. It cannot transition to a democratic Iran, but that aim was not insure its ships or find energy investors. Its currency has recognised. Ministers need to make decisions based on dramatically declined in value against the US dollar in the best and most reliable information, but there have recent months. All this has led the Iranian Foreign been serious concerns about the quality of analysis and Minister, Ali Akbar Salehi, to indicate that Tehran will the currency of the information available. seek to resume negotiations with the five permanent I remind Members that Camp Ashraf is home to members of the UN Security Council and Germany, as 3,500 Iranian dissidents, including 1,000 women, living well as to discuss Russia’s proposals for resolving the in Iraq. All members of the PMOI, they originally dispute, which it point-blank refused to consider when opposed the mullahs’ regime. The PMOI is the largest they were first drawn up last year. opposition group and the greatest thorn in the side of A diplomatic solution is best for the stability of the the present Iranian regime, as proved by the fact that entire middle east. Although all options should remain more than 90% of the 120,000 political prisoners executed open, constructive dialogue should be the aim of the by the regime have been members of the PMOI. It is policy of this Government and the United Nations. In that group’s success in harnessing widespread support the event of a military attack on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, that engenders the hatred directed towards it by the the Iranian leadership could use its connections and regime. That is why the blacklisting of the PMOI was regional influence to cause regional breakdown, and an initial Iranian precondition for participation in deploy its paramilitary allies elsewhere in the region, international talks in 2002. The right hon. Member for such as Hezbollah and Hamas, and insurgent groups Blackburn (Mr Straw) sadly acceded to that request as in Syria and Afghanistan to create mayhem. As Colin a result of attempting to appease Iran. The talks, of Kahl, the former US deputy Assistant Secretary of course, never happened. Defence for the middle east said last month, “force…should remain…a last resort, not a first choice.” Mr Leigh: No one doubts the courage of members of the PMOI, but how will attacking Iran help them? 8.57 pm Mr Brian Binley (Northampton South) (Con): I, too, Mr Binley: I will explain. My hon. Friend asks how congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon looking at the case of the PMOI will help to resolve the and Billericay (Mr Baron) on his courage. I fear that Iranian situation. The truth is that cruelty and inhumanity my conclusions might mean that I cannot go through have been visited on Camp Ashraf residents as a matter the Lobby with him, which is saddening. May I also of routine by the Iraqis at the behest of Iran—the Iraqis pay tribute to Lord Corbett of Castle Vale, who sadly have acted as Iran’s proxies. Ensuring that the Iraqi died very recently? He was a great contributor to Prime Minister, Mr al-Maliki, and the Iraqi Government debates on Iran, and I know that many Members of change their attitude, as they should do, would diminish this House would wish to join me in saying how greatly Iran’s position in the middle east and weaken its role in he will be missed. the wider world. That is how changing attitudes towards This is an opportune moment to consider Iran. The the PMOI and to the people who live in Camp Ashraf conduct and ambitions of the Government of Iran run can be of help. counter to our interests and to the peace and security This is not just a matter of a few thousand Iranian of the region. We must not lose sight of that fact. We dissidents in Camp Ashraf, however. The situation raises therefore need a credible and sustainable response, and fundamental questions about the entire region, and our actions should be based on the most up-to-date beyond. The al-Maliki Government’s flagrant disregard information and analysis. To my knowledge, that has for human life, universal rights and international laws 699 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 700 should ring alarm bells. When people see that the depth We should look at the evidence before us now of the of cruelty and inhumanity following western intervention threat from a missile in Iran with a range of 6,000 miles. is not much better than it was under Saddam Hussein, Members will recall that we heard of this threat three or is it any wonder that they are cynical about our motives four years ago when America wanted to set up missile and actions? When they see that the al-Maliki Government’s sites in Poland and the Czech Republic. The Russians actions present him as a western-supported puppet of were quite rightly angry about this, but the pretext for it the Iranian regime, are they not entitled to ask why we was the protection of the Russians and the Poles from sacrificed so much blood to achieve that objective? If missiles from Iran. It was a wholly implausible threat we are to find an effective way to tackle the crisis of and we have not heard much of it since, but now that an intransigence and hostility from the Iranian Government, election is coming up in America, the myth has been it will not be done through examples of that kind. resurrected. That is why I call on the Government tonight to I claim some pedigree in opposing nuclear weapons promise to act to ensure the removal of Iraqi forces and nuclear technology in Iran. I raised the subject in from the perimeter of Camp Ashraf, to end the siege December 1992 in parliamentary questions—I shall not and to lift the ban on journalists, parliamentary groups, bore the House with the details—to the then Minister, lawyers and families of residents entering the camp. Michael Heseltine. At that time, we were told that it was Residents, particularly those who have been wounded, absolutely right to hand over nuclear technology to our must be given immediate access to medical services in ally at the time—the Shah of Persia. public hospitals. There must be an independent inquiry One Conservative Member said, “We must still punch by a panel of jurists into the actions perpetrated at the above weight.” Why? Punching above our weight means camp. Residents should also be entitled to the return of dying beyond our responsibilities. A young soldier from their personal belongings. Such actions would, I repeat, south Wales died last month, but he will not be counted immediately undermine al-Maliki’s role and position as among the 398 dead in Afghanistan. He was shot twice a proxy of the Iranians, which would be in the interests there and was slightly injured in two further incidents of us all. involving improvised explosive devices, but the event We have heard some bold attacks by the Minister of that destroyed him was watching his virtually limbless late, and they are most welcome, but I regret the fact that best friend die in his arms. He came back broken in we have not pressed the United Nations to take action mind, and last month he took his life. on Camp Ashraf. I look to the Minister tonight to say We have lost 398 and at least 1,000 others are also that we will do so, if for no other reason than respect for broken in mind and body because we as a House decided the lives lost in Iraq, which we should honour and can that we wanted to punch above our weight in the world. honour, by protecting the very people now under attack That was our decision, and we cannot escape from it. by the Iraqi regime. If we are to overcome the real The present Government and previous Governments threat of Iran, we must stop appeasing the regime as we have tried to minimise the extent of the bereavement are in relation to Camp Ashraf and the PMOI. and the loss. Those who have suffered because of this, Following the failed adventures in Iraq, Iran is much the loved ones and the bereaved, will face an awful more powerful. Threatening it with military adventures situation in the future. When the death toll reaches 400, is not the answer, but we need to stop being weak in the which it surely must, although we all regret it, all the face of the Iranian bullies and work with those best grief will be churned up again and there will be attention placed to bring about positive change for Iran, in Iran to it. To get the list of the dead on to the Order Paper and by Iranians themselves—many of them young people requires 24 early-day motions, but what we should look who have a vision far more positive than Ahmadinejad at is what those people will see. Many of them were and his supporters. consoled by the belief that their loved ones died in a noble cause—that they died preventing terrorism on the 9.6 pm streets of Britain. What conclusion will they reach Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): This House engaged when, in a few years’ time, we hand over the government in a war with Iraq that was based on non-existent of Afghanistan to the very people whom we said we weapons of mass destruction, and 179 of our brave were fighting against, to the very same threat? We will British soldiers died along with an uncounted number be handing it back to the Taliban. of Iraqis. We remained in Afghanistan and went into The hon. Member for Northampton South (Mr Binley) Helmand on the basis of a non-existent terrorist threat was absolutely right. The effect of our intervention in to the United Kingdom from the Taliban. When we Iraq was to replace one rotten, cruel, oppressive regime went into Helmand, two British soldiers had died in with another rotten, cruel, oppressive regime, and the warfare and five more in other ways; having gone into result in Afghanistan will be the same. A bad regime, Helmand, however, the figure is now 398. We are now in the Taliban, will go out, and we will replace it with a position of stumbling into another war on the basis of what? With the Taliban again. It seems extraordinary non-existent nuclear weapons and non-existent missiles. that we have to behave as though we were still in the Some of us present when those decisions were taken 19th century and that Britannia still rules the waves. We vividly remember how the decision on Iraq went through do not have to take on these situations. We do not have this House—not on the basis of truth or evidence, but to be the Little Sir Echo to American policy. because this House was bribed, bullied and bamboozled There is an unsolved riddle in the House about how into taking a decision that many thought was wrong. we have been represented. There was an investigation of The hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron) the conduct of the last Defence Secretary that was was one Member and the right hon. and learned Member alleged to constitute a breach of the ministerial code, for Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind) another who but the investigation itself constituted a breach of the opposed that decision because the evidence was not ministerial code because it was not carried out by there. the sole enforcer of that code, Sir Philip Mawer. He has 701 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 702

[Paul Flynn] Mr Stewart Jackson: We are neglecting to acknowledge that Afghanistan was the incubator for a violent jihadist, resigned within the last couple of months and someone Islamist ideology that resulted in the deaths of 3,000 men, else has been put in his place. There is great concern women and children on 11 September 2001, and we that the person involved in this matter, Adam Werritty, should not casually disregard that. who was the adviser to— Mr Leigh: Not for a moment does anyone in this Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. I am House casually disregard it. I have always argued that sure that the hon. Gentleman is about to return to the there had to be a means, through special forces or even subject of Iran. I am sure that that is where he is through the limited use of air strikes, to have controlled heading next. a Taliban Government. However, I am with the hon. Member for Newport West so far and, to an extent, I Paul Flynn: This is precisely about Iran, because it am also with him and with others who opposed the has been claimed that Adam Werritty and the former Libyan conflict. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Secretary of State were in meetings with Israelis—indeed, Member for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron), and it is a proven fact that at least five meetings took I also accept the argument that we should not assume place—and that the subject of those meetings was Iran. that deterrence would break down if Iran acquired a That has been reported in many of our national newspapers. nuclear weapon. However, Iran’s having a nuclear weapon However, the investigation has yet to be carried out. We would be of a different geopolitical order from what we have seen a brief investigation by a civil servant who were confronting in Iraq. Iran with a nuclear weapon was not entitled to carry it out, and we have seen the would be a calamity, but a pre-emptive strike at this resignation of the person who is the sole enforcer and stage would be calamitous. Therefore, we are in an who told a Select Committee that he believed that he, extraordinarily dangerous position. I do not need to do not Gus O’Donnell, should have conducted the this, because it is so obvious, but as a Government we investigation. need to urge our American and Israeli allies to proceed We have yet to find out what on earth was going on. with extreme caution. Did we have a Secretary of State who was conducting There has not been a great deal of debate so far about his own foreign policy on Iran and perhaps bringing us what is actually happening on the ground. I do not to closer to war? The Select Committee has yet to finish accept the argument that all the evidence is circumstantial. its report, but a fortnight ago I asked Philip Mawer’s The Fordow site has enriched uranium to 20%. Enrichment successor, “If the Committee decides that you are not of 90% to 95% is required for weapons, whereas only a fit person to take on this job”—because he has not 5% is required for less sophisticated civil reactors and shown the robust independence that is necessary to the more sophisticated reactors run on 3% or less. There is job—“what will you do?”He said that he would relinquish no doubt that this enrichment is for military purposes. his position. That has yet to be decided. I am not necessarily arguing that Iran would take the Finally, let me say that the hon. Member for Basildon final step to acquire a capability to deliver these nuclear and Billericay deserves great praise for introducing the weapons, but I believe that we are in a very dangerous debate. He has already succeeded— position. An attack would be extraordinarily difficult. It would Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. I call not be simple like the Israeli attack on the Iraqi Osirak Mr Edward Leigh. reactor in 1981. As we have heard, the Iranian programme is geographically, as well as functionally, extensive. It 9.14 pm includes not 15 sites, as was mentioned earlier, but up to perhaps 30 sites, which could not be destroyed in a Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): The hon. single attack—it would likely take an air war lasting Member for Newport West (Paul Flynn) knows that I several weeks to do that. In addition, as we know, the followed him into the Lobby to vote against the war in Qom facility was kept secret. I do not believe that Israel Iraq, doing so because I place great belief in the traditional alone could stop Iran’s nuclear progress; only America concept of deterrence. I have never been a unilateral could reliably destroy the nuclear capability.The conclusion disarmer, but I have always been a multilateral disarmer must be that Israel does not have the capability to and I always assumed that deterrence would work with attack effectively; it could wound but not kill, which Iraq. I must admit that I was not that prescient and that might be the most dangerous thing of all. Israel does I, like everybody else, assumed that Iraq did have some not have the capability and America does not have the sort of weapons of mass destruction and was astonished will, and if Israel were to attack, it is plausible that Iran when none were discovered. But I did oppose that war would retaliate against not only Israel, but, much more and I have since visited Iraq, when I saw the agony of worryingly, Saudi Arabia. the country and of the mothers who had lost their sons; it is not just British troops who, sadly, lost their lives, Saudi Arabia is only 150 miles from Iran at its closest but tens of thousands of people there. So I am with the point and shares a maritime border with Iran along hon. Gentleman on Iraq and I am also with him, to a the length of the Gulf. There are only 258 troops from certain extent, on Afghanistan—I have, again and again, US central command in Saudi Arabia at the moment. questioned that. There is no doubt in my mind that the General Hossein Salami, the deputy commander of the Taliban are remaining there and that there is a great elite revolutionary guard, has threatened retaliation, danger that after the terrible loss of life of British stating: troops we will end up with another Taliban Government. “Any place where enemy offensive operations against the Islamic I believe that it was and is possible to keep their heads Republic of Iran originate will be the target of a reciprocal attack down. by the Guard’s fighting units”. 703 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 704

There is no doubt in my mind that if there were an do so. As I said, when dealing with tyrannies—surely, attack on Iran it would elicit an immediate and perhaps this is the verdict of history—we have to keep them devastating response against Saudi Arabia. Israeli planes guessing. would experience problems, even in attack, and would The Foreign Office had a policy of keeping our have to overfly a combination of Syria, Iraq, Jordan potential enemy guessing in the 1930s, but ultimately and Saudi Arabia just to reach Iran. that policy, too, was disastrous, because there was no Will economic sanctions work? We have to proceed certainty about our intent, which brings me to my on that basis, but they may not, which is why I come on conclusion that there should be no pre-emptive strike. to the second part of my speech. I am sorry that there is We should keep talking, and keep them guessing. Ultimately, not a simple solution, but I cannot follow the hon. the Iranian regime must know that if it is on the brink Member for Newport West in saying that we can do of acquiring nuclear weapons, the west—namely America nothing—that we can accept the motion and rule out and Israel—will act at that stage, and must do so to force and that somehow things will be all right. Yes, it is defend all our freedoms and to defend stability in the calamitous to attack, but it is even more of a calamity if entire region. that country acquires nuclear weapons. 9.23 pm Paul Flynn: Does the hon. Gentleman think that it Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): I was with the hon. would be better if he followed the example of Harold Member for Gainsborough (Mr Leigh) for much of his Wilson in Vietnam, rather than the example of Tony speech until he reached the very end. The same is true of Blair in Iraq? the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron). I confess that I began the day rather sympathetic to his Mr Leigh: That is a very different situation, if the motion, largely because the preferred profession for hon. Gentleman will forgive me for saying so. I am not many people in my constituency, as has been shown in sure that what was going on in Vietnam was a direct many opinion polls—and this is true across many former threat to us or to the whole region. mining constituencies—is the armed forces. I do not What happens if Iran acquires nuclear weapons? We want to send more British armed forces—young people cannot just dismiss that and say that deterrents would from the Rhondda—to go to fight in a war a long way work. It is widely believed—and I think that it is true—that from home that may have no discernible goal, and may Saudi Arabia would acquire nuclear weapons very rapidly. have a very uncertain future. However, I did not find his Could we forgive it for doing so, if Iran developed a argument persuasive. In fact, I found it the opposite of nuclear weapon? Saudi Arabia is reported to have made persuasive. I found it deeply unpersuasive and I will not a deal with Pakistan on buying nuclear warheads in be able to support him tonight. exchange for the substantial assistance that it gave This is not about whether we like or dislike the Pakistan during its nuclear development in the 1980s. If Iranian regime. I do not think there can be anybody in the Israelis attacked, there would doubtless be a response the House who likes the Iranian regime, perhaps because from Hezbollah. Iran is perhaps the worst governed of its phenomenal and extraordinary use of the death country in the region, because of strong ethnic identities penalty. It owned up to 252 cases last year but the figure and the opaque system of government we have heard is far more likely to be 600, which puts Iran second only about. No doubt there would be a confused and difficult to China, which is a much larger country. There are response. currently 143 people under the age of 18 on death row in Iran. It is a security state, in the way that the former What is my conclusion from all those difficult Archbishop of Canterbury, William Temple, described conundrums? As my right hon. and learned Friend the the term in the late 1930s. It has laws against harming Member for Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind) said, national security, against disturbing public order and there is no good solution, there is only the least bad also against insulting public officials. The regime uses solution. I believe that any attack on Iran would have them whenever it wants to repress dissent. negative consequences for stability in the middle east in general, and would directly affect our allies in the I found the hon. Gentleman’s argument about Israel region. Iran is extremely volatile, and it could easily to be naive. I would rarely use that term in the House, overreact to provocation, so an attack at this stage but a pedantic argument about the semantics of what would be disastrous. Any attack without American Ahmadinejad said or did not say is neither here nor there. support would hinder but not stop the Iranian nuclear The truth is that there is a powerful body of opinion within programme. My right hon. and learned Friend is right, the leadership in the Iranian regime which is wholly inimical however, that taking the possibility of an attack off the to the success of the Israeli state. Whatever criticism table would make Israel more likely to act unilaterally I may have about Israel and its failure to adhere to to retard Iran’s programme. United Nations resolutions and the rest, I believe that Israelis have the right to self-determination and to So what do we do? The only thing that we can do is believe that they can live in their country in security. continue with economic sanctions and be realistic about their likely impact; we must recognise Iranian concerns, Mr Baron: The hon. Gentleman should be a little and not engage in sabre-rattling; and we must recognise careful with his words. I did not argue for one moment that it is a proud nation that feels that it is surrounded. that there are not those within Iran—many within All of that is very wise. We should try to take the issue Iran—who loathe the state of Israel. There are many off the boil and keep them guessing. That is why I am Arabs and Jews within the state of Israel who disagree sorry that I cannot support the motion tabled by my with their own Government on many issues, but that hon. Friend the Member for Basildon and Billericay, cannot justify military intervention. He needs to be as it would be wildly dangerous to remove from the careful when he talks about naiveté. I would suggest to table the threat of military action. It is not necessary to him that it is naive to pursue failed policies. 705 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 706

Chris Bryant: The hon. Gentleman has not heard the Foreign Secretary said, there clearly still are better rest of what I am going to say. Perhaps he will be less means that we have not yet exhausted and that we need unhappy with some of that. I would argue back to him to pursue to their logical end. that the theocratic argument that is used by many in Would there be a clear goal if military action were to Iran, including very senior figures in the regime and be taken against Iran? It is difficult to see what that clear those who have direct access to military power there, goal would look like. Similarly, would it be achievable if may at some point lead to direct assaults on Israel. It we knew what that goal was? As the hon. Member for would be understandable for the Israelis to want to protect Gainsborough (Mr Leigh) said, it is difficult to see how themselves. In that set of circumstances, Ahmadinejad it would be possible to achieve that secure goal. Would could easily have said, “I’m terribly sorry. I gather there’s it be proportionate, not only to the aggression being been a terrible misinterpretation of what I said which shown, but to the action that we choose to take in other has gone around the world, and I would like to correct cases, because otherwise we might be accused of hypocrisy? it because I did not mean that Israel could be wiped That is undoubtedly true for many countries when they from the map.” look at how we choose not to force the implementation There are other reasons why I hate the regime. Its of UN resolutions in relation to Israel but force their record on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, implementation in relation to others. Similarly, is there which I have referred to in many speeches over the a danger that the outcome of military action might be years, is shocking, but it is getting worse. In September even worse than the result of not engaging in military last year three young men were executed for homosexuality. action? That is always the toughest question. We look at In the past the regime has tried to maintain that such what is happening in Syria at the moment, and our cases were non-consensual homosexuality.On this occasion heart goes out to the people there, but would military it owned up to the fact that it is executing people for intervention from the west make for a better or a worse consensual homosexuality. situation? It is still uncertain whether our intervention I would also highlight what the regime has done to in Libya and elsewhere will produce the goods that we the Ahwazi Arabs. Those are a people who are often always hoped for. forgotten because they do not fit into many people’s I have a real worry about what I would call the ratchet understanding of what Iran must look like, and certainly effect. Today we are forceful in our language. Tomorrow do not fit into what Ahmadinejad’s version of Iran forceful is not enough, so we have got to be assertive. looks like. In September last year four Ahwazis were The next time we have got to be aggressive, then we have sentenced to death for “enmity against God”. Likewise, to be pugnacious, then belligerent, then bellicose, and a 19-year-old, Naser Albushoka, another Ahwazi, recently then we find ourselves at the doorstep of war. That is in died under torture. The repression of the Ahwazis has part what happened in relation to the step up towards gone on for many years. military intervention in Iraq. We have to be careful. The This is also not about whether any of us believe that Foreign Secretary is a very persuasive man in many Iran should have nuclear weapons. I do not think there cases, but sometimes he is so eloquent that his language is anybody in the House who would support Iran having ratchets things up. nuclear weapons. It is about the potential justice or Martin Horwood: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? injustice, rightness or wrongness, of possible military intervention. Chris Bryant: I will not, if the hon. Gentleman does There is a series of questions that we always need to not mind, because I have taken two interventions and ask ourselves before we engage in military action. First, others wish to speak. is the action of the aggressor certain? Are we certain I worry that like a spanner that one can use to ratchet that it is either doing this or going to do it? At this up but not down, if we use language that is exorbitant moment it is not absolutely certain. I am fairly convinced and goes too far, we will end up in a situation where, about what the Iranian regime intends to do with its from no real decision of our own, we may be at the military capability, but it is not absolutely certain that it doorstep of war. [Interruption.] I understand that they intends aggression. ratchet up as well, but this is true also of the Falklands. Secondly, is this a grave ill or a major act of aggression? The Argentines can huff and puff for all they want, but Thus far, it is not as grave as many of the other things quite often it is best to leave them huffing and puffing, that have happened in other countries, not least Syria. rather than to rattle the sabre back at them. I would say two things in closing. First, we must put Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con): I am very considerable trust in the European Union process. This engaged with everything that the hon. Gentleman says. is one of the areas where going it alone for the UK Does he agree that no one wants to go down the road of is unlikely to achieve great success. Not that anyone is action against Iran? Does he take the same comfort as I proposing that. Just going it alone with Israel and the do from the first line of the amendment that what we all United States or a coalition of the willing, or whatever want to see is the British Government and the Governments one wants to call it, would not be a good idea. Binding of the world doing everything that they can to secure in the E3 plus 3 has thus far been an extremely successful a peaceful resolution to the issue that we face, and that process and has avoided war. all we are discussing is keeping on the back burner, as Finally, I believe that the Israelis, contrary to what distant as we can, any idea of military action? the hon. Member for Gainsborough said, would be wholly wrong to take unilateral action. I do not think Chris Bryant: Yes, sort of. I will come back to the that they would be able to do so or that they would be hon. Gentleman’s point in a moment. We must analyse successful if they tried. If they were to take from our whether there are better means of achieving the end decision tonight the message that we believe that they that we want. As the Foreign Secretary and the shadow should take military action, they would be wrong. 707 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 708

9.35 pm but does that mean that we should hamstring ourselves Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): I welcome at the start and say, “No matter what you do, there will and congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon be no military action”? and Billericay (Mr Baron). I am glad that we have had Military action could simply be provoked in the strait the chance to have this incredibly important debate. If of Hormuz. If that waterway were closed, if British or I had been asked about this subject 12 months ago, I any shipping were attacked, we would have no choice would have spoken out in favour of the motion that my but to react. We have minesweepers and other ships in hon. Friend has tabled. That was my original position, the area. If we pass the motion today and say that we and it stems from a simple fact: I want us, as politicians, will take no military action, we will send out an even to do everything we possibly can in this place to try to worse signal to the world, but, even though I shall ensure that we do not kill innocent people. All politicians support the amendment in the name of my right hon. need to start from that position. and learned Friend the Member for Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind), it does not mean that I do not When we talk about a campaign in Iran, we wonder sympathise with the motion that my hon. Friend the what we would actually do. Would we drop bombs from Member for Basildon and Billericay has tabled. 36,000 feet in built-up areas? Would we put troops on the ground? The Iran-Iraq war led to a million deaths, This has been an intelligent, heartfelt and engaging but only one mile was covered in eight years, and that debate, and the one message from every speaker, whether was with the full backing of a landlocked country with they have been for the amendment or for the original western support. We wonder what we would do, but we motion, has been, “We want to avoid military action,” have to look at the bigger picture. I believe that my but I am slightly concerned that at times the debate has sentiments back then were naive, to use the word the appeared to be about military action tomorrow. Military hon. Member for Rhondda (Chris Bryant) used. It was action tomorrow is simply not on the agenda, and if a naive position for me to take, because a country does next week the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister not actually need to use a nuclear weapon to have a came to the House and said, “We are going with the devastating effect on the region if it so wishes. The Americans to attack Iran because we can’t go any Iranians would like to believe that they have a right to further,”I do not think that the House would be supportive. some of the United Arab Emirates. They could walk I do not think that at this stage of events the mood of into those islands and occupy them through the use of the House would be to support such military intervention. totally conventional forces, but what can we do about it I return to the point, however, that that is not what if there is the threat of a nuclear weapon in the background? we have been discussing today. We have been discussing What will we do if they are at that stage with a nuclear whether we remove the option completely from the weapon? What suffering will be meted out to the people table, and I do not believe that we can. We need to work in those states? hard diplomatically and with countries such as Russia Much has been said tonight about a proxy war, which and China. We must have far better diplomatic negotiations I believe could only be ratcheted up if Iran had a with Russia to try to push Iran away from nuclear nuclear weapons capability. I fear that organisations proliferation and ensure that it focuses on energy needs, such as Hezbollah and Hamas would be empowered by because I am quite sure that the Russians do not want a the fact and would be bolder in their terrorist activities nuclear-armed Iran and, then perhaps, an escalation in and the steps they take against the state of Israel simply the middle east, just as much as everybody else does because they would know that they had such a powerful not, but unfortunately they are not prepared for other ally behind them. What will be planted out on those reasons to support the United Nations and the west in organisations if a nuclear weapon lies behind them? those areas. I was elected in 2010, but I remember clearly watching I have absolute faith in this Foreign Secretary; I really the debates in this House on the Iraq war a long time do. This Foreign Secretary and this Foreign Office have before the war began. I remember listening to Tony moved the Department to a new standing in the world, Benn, who stood on this side of the House and said that something that had declined in recent years, and the war with 24-hour news coverage is too sensationalist Foreign Office and the people in it are well respected. and that too many people out there would revel in the As the Foreign Secretary said in his speech today, an fact that bombs would be falling on Baghdad. I think entire section of the Foreign Office is engaged purely in that we have a problem with the 24-hour news cycle, negotiations with Iran and in diplomacy in the area, because it is almost as if it wants military action because and that is to be applauded. I imagine that that is where it makes such great television pictures. It appeals to people all Members want the situation to move to, but, as much and entertains them, but the reality is far more harsh. as none of us actually wants to use the military option, it does not mean that we can take it off the table. Equally, I remember the speech my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley (Kris Hopkins) made when the 9.43 pm House debated the Libya campaign. He graphically described the reality of war and the photographs, brought Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): I congratulate again back to him by colleagues he had served with in the my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon and Billericay armed forces, of burned and dismembered bodies. The (Mr Baron) on securing the debate. Although I disagree hon. Member for Newport West (Paul Flynn) described with everything that he has said, I am grateful to him how one of his constituents took his own life as a result for challenging my views and those of others who of the mental trauma he had suffered in Afghanistan. It oppose his motion. is never an easy decision to talk about military action. I have three fundamental points to make. First, my I have said in the House before that war is the failure hon. Friend said that there is no smoking gun, but I of politicians—of people like us, in the safety of this shall argue that there is a big smoking gun and that Iran House, in this country—to work within an organisation, is building a nuclear bomb; secondly, the nuclear programme 709 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 710

[Robert Halfon] Prime Minister of Israel said that he had intelligence showing that that missile has a range of 6,200 km—enough is not a response to sanctions, as it was happening to hit the United States and the United Kingdom. already; and, thirdly, we cannot be sure that if Iran had I have described Iran before in this House as the new a bomb it would not use one either directly or through Soviet Union of the middle east: it represses its people one of the many terrorist organisations that it supports. at home and has expansionist aims abroad. It is widely It is worth examining those points in turn. First, is recognised as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. Iran building a nuclear bomb? The International Atomic It provides support to insurgent groups in Iraq and Energy Agency report of November 2011 states clearly Afghanistan that have attacked and killed British troops. that Iran has acquired the knowledge, technology and A nuclear Iran does not just mean a nuclear Iran; it resources to create a nuclear bomb within months. Its means a nuclear Hezbollah, a nuclear Hamas and so main findings, to quote section G, paragraph 43, are forth. As the former Iranian President, Ayatollah Hashemi that Iran has procured Rafsanjani, said, the “nuclear related…equipment and materials”; “application of an atomic bomb would not leave anything in acquired Israel”. “nuclear weapons development information and documentation The extremists in charge of Iran see their conflict as from a clandestine nuclear supply network”; not just with their neighbours, but with the west. That is and worked why they threatened to bomb Turkey last year. In 2006, Hassan Abbasi, the head of the Iranian doctrinal centre “on the development of an indigenous design of a nuclear weapon including the testing of components”. for strategic studies, said: Putting that aside for one minute, what do Arab “Britain’s demise is on our agenda”. nations in the region say? They are in no doubt about He added: what the Iranians are planning. As far back as 2008, “We have a strategy drawn up for the destruction of Anglo-Saxon King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia urged the United States civilization…we must make use of everything we have at hand to to strike at this front by means of our suicide operations or by means of our missiles.” “cut off the head of the snake” In conclusion, the Foreign Secretary has described by halting Tehran’s nuclear programme. Last week, I the Iranian nuclear threat as the new cold war. The was in Kurdistan in northern Iraq. The Kurds know all situation may be worse than that because in the past, too well what a nuclear Iran would be like and are nuclear deterrents worked because of mutually assured incredibly concerned about the implications. That is destruction—MAD—and the clear lines of communication. what is at stake in the region. However, for MAD to work, one has to be sane and the Nuclear ambition was not a response to sanctions; Iranian regime has shown itself not to be with its Iran already had it. We cannot appease Iran or hope for constant human rights abuses, its attack on the British moderates to emerge within the regime. The United embassy and its support for terrorism. Let that be a Nations sanctions began in 2006 in response to Iran’s lesson for the free world. refusal to suspend uranium enrichment. As far back as 2002, the National Council of Resistance of Iran revealed As I have mentioned, I was in Kurdistan last week Iran’s secret nuclear programme, much of which was near the Iranian border. I met Iranian Kurds who are later admitted to by the Iranian leadership on state persecuted by the Iranian regime. They knew the reality television. Iran has repeatedly dismissed calls to negotiate. of a nuclear Iran, and they said that the only way that President Ahmadinejad now insists that his nuclear things would change was if there was regime change programme is unstoppable. there. They asked why the west had not done more to support democratic and opposition movements, which The only time when Iran suspended uranium enrichment, would have made some difference and perhaps helped co-operated with the UN and signed the full non- to facilitate regime change. proliferation treaty was in October 2003. Why did it do that at that time? Because a quarter of a million western Finally, I wish to quote Niall Ferguson, who wrote troops had just toppled Saddam Hussein in Iraq and recently in Newsweek: were close to Iran’s western border. As soon as that “War is an evil. But sometimes a preventative war can be a threat diminished, Iran returned to its nuclear programme, lesser evil than a policy of appeasement. The people who don’t yet know that are the ones still in denial about what a nuclear-armed which has led us to the point that we are at today. Iran would end up costing us all.” Thirdly, we cannot be sure that Iran would not use a nuclear bomb. Iranian leaders have made numerous Several hon. Members rose— statements calling for the destruction of the state of Israel and the Jewish people. Just last week, the Iranian Mr Speaker: Order. I intend to call the hon. Member website Alef published an article by Khamenei’s strategy for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Baron) to wind up the chief, Alireza Forghani, detailing plans for the extermination debate no later than 9.56 pm. of Israel. As British newspapers have reported, the dossier even pinpoints the housing estates with the 9.50 pm highest concentration of Jewish people. That piece, which is now being run on most state-owned sites in James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): Iran, states that because of the United States’ presidential I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Basildon election, the time for Iran to strike is now. and Billericay (Mr Baron) for securing the debate. Last week, Iran’s Ministry of Defence announced We need to be clear about the danger that the world that it had tested a two-stage ballistic missile that could would face from a nuclear-armed Iran. As other Members deliver a nuclear bomb. Earlier this month, the Deputy have said, it is a state widely recognised as the world’s 711 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 712 leading sponsor of international terrorism. It funds, Opposition Members have failed to address various trains and arms groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas, points and have missed opportunities to better relations and, as my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Robert between Iran and the west. Halfon) has just said, it would be a grim prospect for The current policy of sanctions and sabre-rattling the cause of peace in the middle east if those terrorist has failed. Iran will not be deterred, and yet the policy groups gained the protection of an Iranian nuclear has brought us to the brink of military conflict. As umbrella. most people accept, a military strike by Israel would be The belligerence of the regime is perhaps explained a disaster. It would unite Iran in fury behind the hard-liners by its expanding conventional missile programme. The in the country, it would not work because it would Iranian regime has a large arsenal of missiles with a merely delay matters for perhaps a year at most, and it range of 1,300 km, which are capable of threatening could lead to a regional war. Those who think otherwise Gulf states. As other Members have said, a nuclear-armed are very wrong. Yet the Government and the Opposition Iran would spark a nuclear arms race, as Saudi Arabia, keep the option of force on the table despite the fact Jordan and perhaps Egypt all sought to counter its that it would be disastrous, despite the fact that Iran regional hegemony. ignores it, and despite the fact that it increases tensions Some argue, as some Members have tonight, that the and makes a peaceful outcome less likely. My contention threat of a nuclear-armed Iran is exaggerated, and that is that by ruling it out we would reduce the tensions, in any case we would be able to contain the threat. I bring ourselves back from the brink of military conflict, believe that those people are living in a dream world. and give diplomacy a greater chance. Containment of a nuclear-armed Iran would require There has been no answer to my suggestion that the overwhelming force and huge military deployment in time has come for a fresh approach that recognises the the middle east, and we would need to confront its status of Iran as a regional superpower. We need better terrorist proxies. With the current conditions in the to understand and engage with Iran. The precedent for middle east and the instability of the region, that is not this new relationship is Nixon’s rapprochement with a realistic long-term option. the Chinese during the 1960s and 1970s; after all, China We have a responsibility to prevent Iran from ever and the west had been at war in Korea just a decade becoming a nuclear-armed power, and the Foreign Secretary before. The US needs to make it very clear to Israel that and other Members are right to say that all options military action will not be acceptable. I saw no appetite must be left on the table. The Foreign Secretary is right for that in the House today, and I believe that we are to pursue an aggressive sanctions policy. There is a lot missing a defining moment. of evidence that the sanctions regime is beginning to I hope that most of us, if not all, can accept that war bite, but I believe it could go further. The assets of the should be the measure of last resort to be used only Iranian central bank have been frozen in Europe, but when all other avenues have been exhausted. My belief, there are limited exemptions to permit some legitimate in contrast to many of those who have spoken, is that trade. US sanctions do not include those exemptions. I we have not yet reached that point. I shall therefore believe that EU banking sanctions must be tightened up oppose the amendment to my motion. to bring them more in line with those imposed by the Question put, That the amendment be made. United States. We should also examine the shipping industry more The House divided: Ayes 285, Noes 6. closely. Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines has Division No. 471] [9.58 pm been renaming and reregistering cargo ships to avoid sanctions. It has renamed 90 of its 123 ships since 2008. AYES Given that Britain is a hub of shipping insurance, we Abbott, Ms Diane Bottomley, Sir Peter need to work to ensure that the legal loopholes that the Adams, Nigel Bridgen, Andrew Iranian regime is exploiting are closed. Afriyie, Adam Brown, Lyn I believe that, as other hon. Members have said, we Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Brown, Mr Russell must do everything we can to prevent Iran from achieving Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Bruce, Fiona its nuclear ambitions. The Foreign Secretary is right to Ali, Rushanara Bryant, Chris work with our international partners across the European Andrew, Stuart Buckland, Mr Robert Community and the world to ensure that the sanctions Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Burns, Conor Ashworth, Jonathan Burns, rh Mr Simon that have been agreed, which are beginning to bite, will Austin, Ian Burrowes, Mr David continue to do so. As I have said, I believe that more Bailey, Mr Adrian Burt, Alistair needs to be done to tighten up the sanctions regime that Bain, Mr William Byrne, rh Mr Liam has been imposed on Iran. It poses a major threat to Baker, Norman Cable, rh Vince peace and stability in the middle east, and it must not Barker, Gregory Cairns, Alun under any circumstances be allowed to get a nuclear Bayley, Hugh Campbell, Mr Alan weapon. Beith, rh Sir Alan Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Benyon, Richard Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair 9.54 pm Berger, Luciana Chapman, Mrs Jenny Berry, Jake Chope, Mr Christopher Mr Baron: I think it can safely be said that I have Bingham, Andrew Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey been in a very small minority in today’s debate, but I Binley, Mr Brian Coaker, Vernon thank all right hon. and hon. Members for participating Blackman, Bob Coffey, Dr Thérèse in it. The extent of the interest shown, particularly with Blackman-Woods, Roberta Collins, Damian a one-line Whip, has proved that it has been worthwhile, Blenkinsop, Tom Cooper, rh Yvette and there have been many interesting contributions. Boles, Nick Crabb, Stephen I remain of the view, though, that Government and Bone, Mr Peter Creasy, Stella 713 Iran20 FEBRUARY 2012 Iran 714

Cunningham, Tony Hendrick, Mark Murphy, rh Mr Jim Stewart, Iain Curran, Margaret Herbert, rh Nick Murray, Ian Stewart, Rory Dakin, Nic Hilling, Julie Murray, Sheryll Straw, rh Mr Jack Davey, Mr Edward Hinds, Damian Murrison, Dr Andrew Stride, Mel David, Mr Wayne Hoban, Mr Mark Newmark, Mr Brooks Stringer, Graham Davidson, Mr Ian Hollingbery, George Newton, Sarah Stunell, Andrew Davies, Glyn Hollobone, Mr Philip Norman, Jesse Sturdy, Julian De Piero, Gloria Hopkins, Kris Nuttall, Mr David Swales, Ian Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Horwood, Martin O’Donnell, Fiona Swayne, rh Mr Desmond Docherty, Thomas Hosie, Stewart Ollerenshaw, Eric Swinson, Jo Dodds, rh Mr Nigel Howarth, Mr Gerald Onwurah, Chi Syms, Mr Robert Doyle, Gemma Howell, John Ottaway, Richard Tami, Mark Dromey, Jack Hunt, rh Mr Jeremy Patel, Priti Teather, Sarah Duddridge, James Hurd, Mr Nick Penning, Mike Thomas, Mr Gareth Dugher, Michael Jackson, Mr Stewart Penrose, John Thornberry, Emily Duncan, rh Mr Alan Jamieson, Cathy Perkins, Toby Timms, rh Stephen Eagle, Ms Angela Jarvis, Dan Perry, Claire Timpson, Mr Edward Eagle, Maria Javid, Sajid Phillips, Stephen Tomlinson, Justin Efford, Clive Jenkin, Mr Bernard Pickles, rh Mr Eric Trickett, Jon Ellis, Michael Johnson, Diana Pound, Stephen Uppal, Paul Ellman, Mrs Louise Johnson, Gareth Prisk, Mr Mark Vaizey, Mr Edward Ellwood, Mr Tobias Johnson, Joseph Rees-Mogg, Jacob Vara, Mr Shailesh Elphicke, Charlie Jones, Andrew Reeves, Rachel Vickers, Martin Evans, Graham Jones, Graham Reid, Mr Alan Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Fabricant, Michael Jones, Mr Kevan Reynolds, Emma Wallace, Mr Ben Featherstone, Lynne Jones, Susan Elan Rifkind, rh Sir Malcolm Watson, Mr Tom Field, rh Mr Frank Joyce, Eric Robertson, Angus Fitzpatrick, Jim Kawczynski, Daniel Rogerson, Dan Watts, Mr Dave Flello, Robert Khan, rh Sadiq Rosindell, Andrew Webb, Steve Flint, rh Caroline Kirby, Simon Roy, Mr Frank Wharton, James Fovargue, Yvonne Lamb, Norman Ruane, Chris Wheeler, Heather Fox,rhDrLiam Lancaster, Mark Rutley, David Whittingdale, Mr John Francois, rh Mr Mark Latham, Pauline Selous, Andrew Wiggin, Bill Freeman, George Lee, Jessica Shapps, rh Grant Williams, Stephen Gapes, Mike Lee, Dr Phillip Sharma, Alok Williamson, Gavin Gardiner, Barry Leigh, Mr Edward Shelbrooke, Alec Willott, Jenny Garnier, Mr Edward Leslie, Chris Sheridan, Jim Wilson, Phil Garnier, Mark Letwin, rh Mr Oliver Simmonds, Mark Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Gauke, Mr David Lewis, Mr Ivan Simpson, Mr Keith Wishart, Pete George, Andrew Lidington, rh Mr David Slaughter, Mr Andy Woodcock, John Gilbert, Stephen Lilley, rh Mr Peter Smith, Miss Chloe Wright, David Glindon, Mrs Mary Lloyd, Stephen Smith, Nick Wright, Mr Iain Goggins, rh Paul Lloyd, Tony Smith, Owen Wright, Jeremy Goodman, Helen Loughton, Tim Soames, rh Nicholas Wright, Simon Goodwill, Mr Robert Lucas, Ian Soubry, Anna Young, rh Sir George Gove, rh Michael Luff, Peter Spellar, rh Mr John Graham, Richard Macleod, Mary Stanley, rh Sir John Tellers for the Ayes: Grayling, rh Chris MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Stephenson, Andrew Mr Philip Dunne and Greatrex, Tom Mann, John Stewart, Bob Mark Hunter Green, Kate Marsden, Mr Gordon Greening, rh Justine McCann, Mr Michael NOES Griffith, Nia McCartney, Jason Gwynne, Andrew McClymont, Gregg Baron, Mr John Skinner, Mr Dennis Hague, rh Mr William McGovern, Jim Durkan, Mark Hain, rh Mr Peter McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Edwards, Jonathan Tellers for the Noes: Halfon, Robert McIntosh, Miss Anne Flynn, Paul Mr Elfyn Llwyd and Hames, Duncan McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick McDonnell, John Steve Baker Hamilton, Mr David Mensch, Louise Hammond, Stephen Menzies, Mark Question accordingly agreed to. Hancock, Matthew Mercer, Patrick Hands, Greg Michael, rh Alun Main Question, as amended, put and agreed to. Hanson, rh Mr David Miller, Andrew Resolved, Harman, rh Ms Harriet Miller, Maria That this House supports the Government’s efforts to reach a Harper, Mr Mark Mills, Nigel peaceful, negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue through Harris, Rebecca Milton, Anne a combination of pressure in the form of robust sanctions, and Harris, Mr Tom Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew engagement led by the E3+3 comprising the UK, US, France, Harvey, Nick Moore, rh Michael Germany, China and Russia; and recognises the value of making Hayes, Mr John Morgan, Nicky clear to Iran that all options for addressing the issue remain on Heath, Mr David Morris, James the table. Hemming, John Mosley, Stephen 715 20 FEBRUARY 2012 Future of Biomass 716

Future of Biomass screens out the majority of particulates and therefore does not bring early death and disease to the population Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House at large. do now adjourn.—(Greg Hands.) Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): The proposed 10.15 pm biomass plant to which my hon. Friend refers would have been in my constituency. Does he agree that it is of Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) (Lab): I great concern that there seems to be no drive to use the start from the assumption that biomass is a promising best available technology, which is what really ought to technology that could, if handled correctly, help to underline any decisions about such plants? reduce our net carbon emissions in the context of Government policy. My reservations relate to the air pollution emissions from biomass and to whether we Graham Stringer: That is the point that I am making. have sufficiently robust sustainability criteria. There is another trap to avoid. It is important to In response to a parliamentary question that I tabled, make the distinction between biomass that is good and the previous Government revealed in a written answer biomass that is bad for the carbon balance in our on 26 September 2009, at Hansard columns 695-96, that atmosphere. Otherwise, the danger is that biomass will the then target of 38 TWh of biomass risked causing be tarnished in the same way that first-generation biofuels £557 million of annual social costs. In blunt terms, that were, creating a wall of cynicism about biofuels in means people dying early because of polluted air. That general. Installing bad biomass plants around the UK was supplemented by a written answer to the hon. rather than good ones would not only be a prodigious Member for Chichester (Mr Tyrie) on 10 November waste of taxpayers’ money, but embed into our electricity 2009, at Hansard column 219, that made it clear that the generation system for years to come a significant proportion mortality bill would be 340,000 life-years in 2020 alone. of unsustainable electricity production. By my maths, using those figures, I reckon that a small, I was drawn to the opinion of the European Environment 20 MW, biomass plant running at 85% efficiency would Agency scientific committee on greenhouse gas accounting kill roughly 17 people a year—and that is just the that was published on 15 September 2011, a copy of mortality impact. The Government have made no estimate which I have submitted to the Minister’s officials. It of the cost of ill health consequent on polluting the air. knocks on the head the assumption that biomass If the Minister or his Department can find fault with combustion is always inherently carbon neutral, and my figures, or perhaps find more precise ones, let us points to the “double counting” that causes that error. hear them. However, I do not think that one can get The report explains that the assumption away from the central, appalling fact that unabated “ignores the fact that using land to produce plants for energy biomass emissions will kill significant numbers of our typically means that this land is not producing plants for other fellow citizens, and this as a result of deliberate—or, if purposes, including carbon otherwise sequestered.” not deliberate, negligent—public policy. If biomass production replaces forests or reduces forest A recent report by the Committee on the Medical stocks or forest growth that would otherwise sequester Effects of Air Pollutants, “The Mortality Effects of more carbon, it can increase net carbon concentrations. Long-Term Exposure to Particulate Air Pollution in the If biomass displaces food crops, as biofuels did, it can United Kingdom”, published on 21 December last year, lead to hunger if crops are not replaced, and to emissions estimated that the 2008 burden of particulates cost from land use change if they are. The committee concluded “an associated loss of total population life of 340,000 life-years…a that to reduce carbon in the air, bioenergy production greater burden than the mortality impacts of environmental must increase the net total of plant growth, or must be tobacco smoke or road traffic accidents.” derived from biomass wastes that would otherwise That figure is remarkable: it is exactly the level of extra decompose. burden to be inflicted on the UK atmosphere by 2020 under originally intended biomass targets. It cannot be Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): The hon. right that public policy risks effectively doubling existing Gentleman is making an eloquent contribution. Another mortality rates. In contrast, currently at least in the UK, unintended consequence could involve the cost of crops. the mortality and morbidity caused by carbon emissions Biofuels have already been mentioned, but my farmers is presumably nil. are also concerned about straw and about raising costs when they could be subsidising a biomass plant. Near my constituency, at Barton, we have had planning permission turned down for a biomass plant that would have contributed significant amounts of particulates— Graham Stringer: The hon. Lady makes an important ammonia, oxides of nitrogen and arsenic—to an area point. already under stress as an officially designated air quality The committee warns that the danger of that error is management area. To be fair, the amount of arsenic to “immense”, stating that be emitted would have been restrained, because the “current harvests…have already caused enormous loss of habitat amount of CCA—chromated copper arsenate—wood by affecting perhaps 75% of the world’s ice- and desert-free land, would have been limited to small quantities contained depleting water supplies, and releasing large quantities of carbon in demolition rubble. I doubt that constituents were into the air.” greatly reassured on that count, but why are we allowing On that basis, it urges that European Union regulations such toxic material to be burned in biomass at all? The and policy targets should be revised to allow bioenergy bigger point is that if we can improve automotive use only from additional biomass that reduces net exhausts supposedly to the extent that they can be greenhouse gas emissions without displacing other “cleaner than the air we breathe”, it should not be necessities such as the production of food and fibre. It beyond the wit of man to design a biomass burner that advises that accounting standards should fully reflect 717 Future of Biomass20 FEBRUARY 2012 Future of Biomass 718

[Graham Stringer] Government consider the impact of biomass subsidies on employment in furniture manufacturers and other all changes in the amount of carbon stored by ecosystem, wood-using companies, as well as the impact on the and that energy production from biomass should be environment? based on by-products, wastes and residues rather than on stem wood that would otherwise continue happily to Graham Stringer: My hon. Friend makes exactly the grow as forest biomass. same point as I did in a different way. The implications of that analysis were explored by I think that biomass deserves a place in the renewable Atlantic Consulting in “Biomass’ Forgotten Carbon energy mix of the future, but we need to get the rules of Cost”, published on 8 November 2011. I have sent a the game straight in advance, so that society is not left copy of that paper to the Minister’s Department, as picking up the pieces of an impetuous policy. well. Atlantic Consulting looked at the pattern of typical biomass plants in the UK and found that 58% of their fuel tonnage derived from wood. Some of that is waste, 10.26 pm such as end-of-life furniture and arboreal cuttings, and The Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate some is residue, such as that from sawmills. Unfortunately, Change (Gregory Barker): I congratulate the hon. Member however, the largest fuel component of biomass power for Blackley and Broughton (Graham Stringer) on is stem wood—that is, tree trunks harvested with the conducting this timely and important debate. I recognise intent of using them for boiler fuel. the real concern and knowledge he has brought to it. Atlantic Consulting proceeded to estimate the carbon Many serious issues relating to our future energy strategy footprint of a typical UK biomass plant. Interestingly, were raised, albeit briefly, including the potential impacts its footprint is 690 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent on human health and the sustainability of biomass per kWh, which is well above the current UK average feedstocks. These are issues that my Department takes footprint of 520 grams per kWh and the lowest-carbon extremely seriously. conventional gas-fired combined cycle at 401 grams The hon. Gentleman argued passionately and with per kWh. It also far exceeds the eligibility hurdle of genuine conviction, so I welcome the opportunity to 285.12 grams per kWh set for renewable obligation explain the Government’s policy on the issues raised. certificates from 2013. In that light, more than half of Above all, I seek to reassure hon. Members of the biomass-powered capacity would not qualify for credits coalition’s commitment to protecting human health and under the renewables obligation. That could be a shock the wider environment. to the owners if they found that they did not benefit, The coalition is building an economy that counts and and it would certainly be a shock to taxpayers if they cuts our carbon emissions. We are making our energy found that they were subsidising higher-carbon power secure in a volatile world and helping to create more generation than the existing average. green jobs and a more sustainable economy. As my Will the Minister provide the owners and the taxpayers right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has said, we are with a measure of reassurance, because it appears that determined to make this coalition the greenest Government the current sustainability criteria for biomass are not ever. That pledge has many strands, but an increased stringent enough? If the European Environment Agency use of sustainable biomass is clearly an important element scientific committee or Atlantic Consulting are wrong of it. Sustainable biomass is extremely versatile; its in their thinking, will he please explain the situation, so efficient use will play a key role in helping to meet the that we can get this right for all concerned? The interests many challenges of decarbonising our economy. This is of the economy and of the environment demand clarity. true not just for energy, but right across the thriving In October last year, the Scottish Government published bioeconomy we want to develop. a consultation that proposed removing all subsidy from I understand the concerns—very important ones— large-scale woody biomass electricity plants. Large-scale expressed about the effect on air quality, on the natural electricity-only biomass was, in their view, inefficient environment and on the wider health of communities. and required more wood than the UK could produce. I recognise that these are crucial issues and not just for Although current plans are to import wood, there is no those in the immediate vicinity of biomass power plants. guarantee that biomass plant operators will look exclusively Hon. Members will be aware of the Environmental abroad for their wood, and the overseas supply might Audit Committee’s ninth report, “AirQuality: A follow-up not be stable or secure. The current subsidy means report”. I am unable to pre-empt the Government’s biomass providers will be able to afford more than the formal response to that report, which is yet to be current market rate for wood, which might push prices published, but I would certainly acknowledge that there up and price out traditional wood industries such as are significant health and environmental benefits from sawmills, wood panel mills, furniture manufacturers reducing air pollution. and construction, which in turn, the Scottish Government said, puts hundreds of skilled rural jobs at risk. What is I believe that the hon. Gentleman has erred in his the Minister’s view of the Scottish policy stance? Are calculations on mortality linked to biomass emissions. I the Scottish Government wrong, or are they ahead of am happy to correct some misapprehensions. Larger-scale the game? industrial and commercial plant do not have the same properties as domestic boilers; they are very different Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab): In the past five indeed. Plant of this scale is more likely to have chimneys years we have seen wood prices rise by 55% because of appropriately sized to allow emissions to disperse much biomass subsidies. An employer in my constituency, the more easily into the immediate atmosphere. This reduces furniture manufacturer Senator, which employs about the impact of the emissions on ground-level concentrations 1,000 people has to compete against rising wood prices very significantly indeed. Larger-scale plants operate simply because of the biomass subsidy. Should not the better and are more efficient, and I can also reassure the 719 Future of Biomass20 FEBRUARY 2012 Future of Biomass 720 hon. Gentleman that all modern biomass plants here in heat, electricity and transport. Moreover, bioenergy can the United Kingdom are subject to stringent pollution provide significant new business and employment controls. Indeed, emissions from waste incinerators are opportunities for the UK. For example, the expansion more strictly regulated than those resulting from any of biomass heat in off-gas-grid areas in the UK will other form of thermal power generation. mean a growing order book for specialist boiler The hon. Gentleman referred to Peel Energy’s proposed manufacturers and demand for new local businesses to new plant at Trafford, Greater Manchester. I am, of provide installation and maintenance, and will create course, unable to comment specifically on that particular opportunities throughout the biomass production and project, but the Minister of State, Department of Energy distribution chain. Since April 2011, investments totalling and Climate Change, my hon. Friend the Member for at least £1.6 billion have been announced for biomass Wealden (Charles Hendry), discussed similar issues in technologies, and they have the potential to create nearly Westminster Hall in 2010. 5,000 jobs. Let me remind the House of the extremely rigorous permitting process to which a 20 MW biomass plant Graham Jones: May I take up a question asked earlier? will need to be subjected. Developers must produce an Has the Minister carried out a study of the effects on environmental statement covering transport, social and employment, particularly in the furniture industry? He environmental issues. It may be necessary to comply has spoken of jobs being gained, but what about the with the waste incineration directive, which sets strict jobs that will be lost if wood-making industries are emission limits for pollutants. The Environment Agency adversely affected? will not grant the requisite permits for a waste incinerator if it does not comply with the directive, and the plant Gregory Barker: We do not believe that this is a would be likely to be subject to the environmental zero-sum game. We believe that the majority of biomass permitting regulated by the agency. for use in waste or energy plants will be imported; this is The legislation sets strict environmental standards not about sucking in the available biomass that, rightly, for thermal plant, which cover a range of pollutants goes into other industries, and I will address that later. including nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, heavy metals Of course, building a low-carbon energy system will and dioxins. If the Environment Agency were to issue a not be easy, and we know that substantial changes will permit, it would cover such issues as limits on emissions be required as we move away from the familiar technologies to air, water, sewer, land and groundwater; the disposal of today. Decisions taken now will shape our energy of ash; operating conditions such as temperature, oxygen future for decades to come, so it is vital that we make and polluting gas concentrations; conditions relating to the right strategic decisions. We will make sure that the fuel that can be burnt; monitoring and reporting safeguards are in place to ensure that technologies are requirements; and conditions to achieve control of noise low-carbon, efficient and sustainable. emissions and energy efficiency. The agency would then I think that we can all agree that biomass, and its use regulate the plant by requiring continuous monitoring for energy, raises complicated issues, and we have heard of the main pollutants for which strict limits are set and several such examples from the hon. Member for Blackley periodic monitoring for other substances, conducting and Broughton. That is why the Department of Energy regular announced and unannounced inspections, and Climate Change will publish a cross-government investigating non-compliance with any condition of the UK bioenergy strategy next month, which will recognise permit, and taking enforcement action if necessary. the complexity and importance of these issues. Key for Let me also dispel some myths about emissions from the strategy has been understanding the value of the biomass specifically. Emissions from biomass and energy alternative uses of biomass in decarbonising the economy, from waste plants have fallen considerably in recent in terms of both cost-effectiveness and carbon-effectiveness. years as a result of new stringent standards. Biomass There are very real questions as to what is the best of burning causes only a small fraction of the air-quality use of the world’s limited biomass feedstocks and, impacts in the United Kingdom, most of which are indeed, how far bioenergy saves carbon compared with caused by transport. Studies of the health of communities fossil fuels. living near energy from waste plants have not established We also want to understand how the growth of convincing links between emissions and any adverse bioenergy has an impact on other uses, which relates to effects on public health. It is clearly not possible to rule the point made by the hon. Member for Hyndburn out adverse health effects completely, but any potential (Graham Jones). We have considered the availability damage from modern, well-run and well-regulated and price of feedstocks, including for traditional uses of incinerators is likely to be undetectable. wood, and we have also worked closely with the Committee Let me now deal with the reasons for supporting on Climate Change, which published its own review in biomass energy, alongside other uses of wood and December. We are also working closely with stakeholders. biomass. There is a great diversity of biomass feedstocks, I hope that hon. Members will see that this is an including energy crops, waste wood and municipal waste. extensive piece of work, but the strategy is not yet Our future energy landscape will require a mix of finished. It is clear that the use of wood and energy technologies, including onshore and offshore wind, solar, crops for energy production can lead to positive carbon nuclear, fossil fuel with carbon capture, and, of course, balances, and that is true even when accounting for biomass. There will also be a mix of sizes, from decentralised life-cycle analysis. Our evidence shows that wood products householder energy to large electricity plants and coal-to- are valuable as carbon stores, and they have an important biomass conversions. role to play alongside bioenergy in decarbonising the Biomass is one of the most important contributors to economy. Clearly, we need to take a holistic view of the new energy landscape that we are building. Its biomass uses in setting bioenergy policy, and that is second defining feature is versatility: it can be used for what we will do in taking policy decisions, for example 721 Future of Biomass20 FEBRUARY 2012 Future of Biomass 722

[Gregory Barker] market for sustainable feedstocks. We expect much of the growth of bioenergy in this country to be fuelled by on the renewables obligation banding review. We will imports, particularly from north America and the EU, also do that when looking at support for renewable heat which are sources of sustainable timber. Expanding technologies and renewable transport. We will also ensure imports is an important way to avoid damaging competition that our carbon objectives marry up with our wider for domestic supplies. Wood fuel is increasingly traded energy ones. as a global commodity, so UK wood supplies can and However, it is crucial that we take action on biomass will be exported for energy use in other countries where sustainability. We will therefore ensure that bioenergy that will deliver a better price. does not result in the loss of important habitat or release more carbon than it saves. Biomass can be a very Graham Jones: The Minister is generous in accepting low-carbon energy source, but that requires it to be interventions. As I alluded to earlier, wood prices have grown, harvested, processed and transported sustainably. risen by about 55% in the past five years, which is That is why we have introduced sustainability criteria clearly the result of market forces. Does he not think into the renewables obligation, which means that only that that will carry on, thus putting pressure on those sustainable biomass will be supported in the future. other industries that use wood? Generators will report on their performance against a target of 60% greenhouse gas emissions savings compared Gregory Barker: The hon. Gentleman makes a sensible with fossil fuel use and they will also have to report point, and I understand that friction. Traditional users on land use criteria. We have set an ambitious but, we of British timber and wood waste have legitimate concerns, believe, achievable target that will ensure that investment which we continue to hear. We will continue to ensure in new bioenergy comes forward to deliver our energy that their voice is clearly heard in policy making. The and climate goals. From April 2013 we intend that the representations that they have made have been reflected payment of renewable obligation certificates will be in the way in which we have responsibly ensured that the linked to these standards. Biomass that does not meet users of biomass are not overly subsidised, which can these standards will not qualify for financial support, be seen in the renewables obligation review and the and we expect to introduce similar standards into the renewable heat incentive. We think that there is a fair renewable heat incentive. balance to be struck. There is a global market, which is Using wood and biomass feedstock for renewable one of the main reasons why domestic feedstock prices energy is a necessary step towards our goals, but it is not have been rising—it is not just the result of domestic the only use of this resource. Wood products and other demand. non-energy uses of biomass are also important in I thank the hon. Member for Blackley and Broughton decarbonising and strengthening our economy. The for introducing this valuable debate, which has allowed Government are committed to ensuring a strong future the Government to put some important data on the for the wood products industry. We recognise that the record. Our challenge is to build a low-carbon economy growth of bioenergy must not be at the expense of the that is based on energy supplies that are safe, secure and other sectors that serve similar aims, and we are committed sustainable; that creates green jobs and sustainable growth; to a close and continuing dialogue with biomass-using and that delivers economic prosperity. The efficient use industries to ensure we understand their needs appropriately. of sustainable biomass in all sectors will play a key role We intend that there be competition between sectors, in helping us to meet that challenge. We will of course but that competition needs to be positive, sustainable continue to maintain our commitment to the protection and not destructive. Developing local sources of supply of human health and the environment above all things. to fuel the growth of renewable heat is another gain, as Question put and agreed to. is using locally produced residues such as straw and waste products at the end of their life. The Government 10.42 pm are also very aware of the potential of the global House adjourned. 57WS Written Ministerial Statements20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 58WS

Framework: Areas of untapped potential for the Written Ministerial development of the European Research Area (ERA)— results of the public consultation”; information from Statements the Commission regarding “ITER—State of Play”; and information from the presidency regarding the results of the informal session of the Competitiveness Council Monday 20 February 2012 in Copenhagen, 1-2 February 2012. The Government’s objectives for the Council are; BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS To contribute to discussions on Europe 2020 (industry and internal market), the public procurement package, the accounting directive, venture capital and social entrepreneurship funds; EU Competitiveness Council Confirm agreement with Council conclusions on smart regulation; The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exchange views on GMES; and Business, Innovation and Skills (Norman Lamb): The Contribute to discussions on the Europe 2020 (research) and EU Competitiveness Council will take place in Brussels Horizon 2020 discussions. on 20 and 21 February 2012. I shall represent the UK on internal market and industry issues on 20 February, and Andy Lebrecht, Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU, will represent the UK on research issues on 21 February. TREASURY The internal market and industry substantive agenda items on 20 February will be: a policy debate on the Europe 2020 strategy; an orientation debate on the public procurement package; an orientation debate on Criminal Sanctions Directive on Market Abuse the accounting directive; an orientation debate on European venture capital funds; an orientation debate on European social entrepreneurship funds; and adoption of Council The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr Mark conclusions on smart regulation. Hoban): The Government have decided at this time not to opt in to the European Commission’s proposal for a One AOB point will be discussed regarding the patent criminal sanctions directive on insider dealing and market package. manipulation, although hopes to be in a position to do The research substantive agenda items on 21 February so in the future. will be: an exchange of views on the European earth The aim of the Commission’s proposal is to establish monitoring programme (GMES) and its operations from criminal sanctions for offences of market abuse. The 2014 onwards; a progress report on the Europe 2020 proposal seeks to complement the broader EU framework strategy (research side) and a policy debate on the for tackling market abuse, which will be provided for in annual growth survey; a presentation by the Commission the larger draft market abuse regulation. The proposed on “the Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament criminal sanctions directive establishes that where market and of the Council on the Strategic Innovation Agenda abuse has been committed intentionally, member states of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology must make provision for criminal sanctions to be able to (EIT): the contribution of the EIT to a more innovative be applied. Europe”; a policy debate on “the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending The UK already covers all of the offences in its Regulation (EC) No 294/2008 establishing the European criminal law and also goes further by capturing, for Institute of Innovation and Technology”; an orientation example, acts of market abuse that are committed recklessly, debate on “the Proposal for a Regulation of the European as well as those committed intentionally.The Commission’s Parliament and of the Council establishing Horizon draft proposal is sufficiently flexible for member states 2020—The Framework Programme for Research and to go further than the minimum standards specified, Innovation (2014-2020)”; an orientation debate on “the which is helpful to UK interests and the comprehensiveness Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament of our existing domestic regime. and of the Council laying down the rules for participation The Government’s decision not to opt in at this point and dissemination in Horizon 2020—The Framework in time is a reflection of the sequencing of the Commission’s Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020)”; proposal, rather than particular concerns as to the an orientation debate on “the Proposal for a Council substance. The proposed directive is entirely dependent Decision establishing the Specific Programme implementing on the outcome of the market abuse regulation (which Horizon 2020—The Framework Programme for Research is currently in very early stages of negotiation), and the and Innovation (2014-2020)”; and an orientation debate markets in financial instruments directive (also in early on “the Proposal for a Council Regulation on the stages of negotiation) which will determine the new Research and Training Programme of the European regulatory landscape for financial services. The Government Atomic Energy Community (2014-2018) complementing believe that it is difficult to assess the implications, the Horizon 2020—The Framework Programme for scope and way this proposal may develop considering Research and Innovation”. the broader uncertainty of the market abuse framework The research, space and AOB Items will comprise of: being itself simultaneously subject to a major review. information from the Commission regarding “Innovating Although the Government have decided that the UK for Sustainable Growth: a Bioeconomy for Europe”; should not opt in to the proposal now, they intend information from the commission regarding “ERA to participate fully in the negotiations in the hope that 59WS Written Ministerial Statements20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 60WS they will be able to opt in later, once these proposals are Contribution to the European Council meeting on 1-2 March better progressed, not least as the UK already covers all 2012: European Semester (including Euro-Plus Pact) these offences today in its criminal law. ECOFIN will agree a set of Council conclusions on the Commission’s annual growth survey (AGS). The Government consider that the conclusions send a balanced ECOFIN message about the need for reforms at member state and EU-level, and that they broadly support the policy messages contained in the AGS. The Government look The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr George Osborne): forward to an in-depth discussion of structural reform The Economic and Financial Affairs Council will be and concrete commitments on growth at the March held in Brussels on 21 February 2012. The Chancellor European Council. will attend. The following items are on the agenda to be discussed (as of 20 February 2012): Preparation of G20 Meeting of Finance Ministers and Proposals from the Commission on Economic Governance Governors (Mexico, 25-26 February 2012) ECOFIN will aim to agree a general approach on the Ministers will agree EU terms of reference for the Commission’s two proposals to strengthen economic G20 Finance Ministers’ and Governors’ meeting. This governance: the first to strengthen surveillance of budgetary will be the first G20 Finance Ministers’ and Governors’ policies in euro area member states; and the second meeting of the Mexican presidency. The draft terms of to strengthen economic and fiscal surveillance of euro reference focus on: the global economy and G20 framework; area countries facing, or threatened with, serious financial IMF resources, governance and surveillance; financial instability. regulation/inclusion; and energy and commodities. The This follows on from an exchange of views at the global economy and IMF resources are likely to dominate 24 January ECOFIN which demonstrated broad support the discussion. The EU negotiating position for the for the proposals. Two main issues remained unresolved: G20 is broadly in line with UK objectives. first, whether all euro area member states should submit Council Recommendation for the Discharge in Respect of their budgetary plans to the Commission and the euro the Implementation of the Budget for 2010 group for monitoring purposes or only euro area member states in excessive deficit should do so; and secondly, As part of the annual discharge process, Ministers whether the Council should be empowered to adopt a will conclude recommendations to the European Parliament recommendation that a member state should seek financial on whether to discharge the Commission from its assistance. responsibility for implementing the 2010 EU budget, The UK supports the measures as they are designed based on an annual report from the European Court of to improve stability in the euro area. These proposals Auditors (ECA). Progress in reducing the error rate has apply only to the euro area. However, the proposals halted and, for the 17th successive year, the ECA is should maintain a role for the Council and Economic unable to grant an unqualified positive opinion on the and Financial Committee where appropriate EU accounts. Therefore, the UK will stress the importance of year-on-year improvements to reach an unqualified Presentation and First Exchange of Views on Macroeconomic audit opinion from the ECA and press for concrete Balances: Alert Mechanism Report actions by both the Commission and member states to The Commission will present its Alert Mechanism improve EU financial management. The UK will issue a report, the first stage in the new EU-level excessive joint statement with other member states calling for imbalances procedure, and the Council will have a first tougher action in future years. exchange of views, with an intention of returning to a substantial discussion and possible adoption of Council Budget guidelines for 2013 conclusions at the ECOFIN meeting on the 13 March. As part of the annual EU budget process. Ministers The Government support the excessive imbalances will discuss guidelines to the Commission on preparing procedure as a means of strengthening European economic the draft EU budget for 2013. Given the ongoing pressure governance, particularly in the euro area. on public resources, budget discipline at the EU-level Following the publication of the Alert Mechanism remains crucial to support domestic efforts to tackle report on 14 February, the Commission will now conduct deficit and debt. Following the freezing of the 2012 EU in-depth reviews on 12 member states to examine whether budget in real terms, the UK will emphasise the need for they have an excessive imbalance. The 12 includes France, strict and rigorous prioritisation in 2013 in order to Sweden, Denmark and Finland as well as the UK. (The curb budgetary growth, reduce waste and deliver a four countries receiving IMF assistance—Greece, Romania, better-targeted EU budget next year. The UK will support Ireland and Portugal—are automatically excluded from the guidelines. this process). At the end of May the Commission will publish whether any of these imbalances are deemed AOB excessive. Member states with excessive imbalances are The presidency will provide a debrief from the trialogue obliged to submit corrective action plans; for euro area on the European Markets Infrastructure Regulation countries, submission of an inadequate corrective action (EMIR). At the trialogue meeting of 9 February the plan or failure to comply with the plan will lead to presidency reached an agreement with the European escalating sanctions up to and including a fine of 0.1% Parliament. Political negotiations are therefore concluded. of GDP. The UK welcomes the agreement that has been reached The UK has already taken significant action to rebalance on EMIR. This regulation will benefit the whole of the the economy, including at the Budget and at the autumn EU and is an important step on the path towards statement. meeting our G20 commitments. 61WS Written Ministerial Statements20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 62WS

Also under the AOB agenda item France and Germany I believe Christianity continues to play an important will present their Green Paper on corporate tax convergence. part in the culture, heritage and fabric of our nation, ECOFIN Breakfast especially given we have an established Church. As the Prime Minister asserted in his speech in Christ Church, Prior to the formal ECOFIN meeting Ministers, the Oxford, in December, president of the euro group will debrief Ministers on the euro group meeting of 20 February. Ministers will “We are a Christian country and we should not be afraid to say also exchange views on the economic situation. There so”. will also be a debrief on the state of play with regards Of course, we respect those with other faiths, and those the banking package. with none. The right to worship is a fundamental and hard-fought British liberty, and the fight for religious Red Diesel (Private Pleasure Craft) freedom in British history is deeply entwined with the political freedoms we take for granted. While Parliament’s prayers are protected by the Bill The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Miss Chloe of Rights, local councils have no such shield. Last week, Smith): I am today announcing that from 1 April 2012 I decided to fast-track the commencement of the general the use of red diesel to propel private pleasure craft will power of competence in the Localism Act 2011. Previously be allowed only within United Kingdom waters. local authorities have only been able to do those things From 1 April anyone purchasing red diesel for use as that the law specifically empowered them to do or fuel for propelling private pleasure craft will be required which are incidental to those things. The new general to make a declaration that the fuel will be used only power of competence turns the current situation on its within UK waters. The declaration will include an head. Rather than looking to Whitehall to hand down acknowledgement that the UK procedures do not affect specific powers, it enables councils to do anything that any restrictions or prohibitions under the national laws an individual could do unless it is specifically prohibited of other European member states regarding fuel used by law. These new flexibilities for councils include the for propelling private pleasure craft. freedom to pray and hold prayers at the start of council These changes are being made following a challenge meetings, should they wish. It is also a major constitutional by the European Commission to the UK practice of innovation in itself, opening the doors to greater innovation allowing marked red diesel with full duty paid in private in local government and will help councils make savings pleasure craft. through greater joint working and sharing of services. The changes announced today will ensure that red Following the signing of a commencement order on diesel can continue to be used in UK coastal waters and 17 February, the power is now in effect for all principal on the UK’s inland waterways in accordance with current local authorities in England and by April for parish procedures to the benefit of suppliers and users. It also councils meeting the necessary requirements, following ensures that users can continue to use red diesel at the the ratification of necessary (affirmative resolution) rebated rate of duty on fuel used on board for domestic orders in both Houses of Parliament. My Department purposes, such as heating and cooking. has also published an advice note on how the general HMRC have published the draft legislation on the power of competence will relate to parish councils and HMRC website today. practical steps that parish councils can take in the meantime. I am also considering if further steps need to be taken to remove legal obstacles to town hall prayers. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT By effectively reversing that ruling, I believe we are striking a blow for localism, for freedom to worship over intolerant secularism, for long-standing British Work of the Department (Half-term Recess) liberties over modern-day political correctness, and for parliamentary sovereignty over judicial activism. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Council tax freeze Government (Mr Eric Pickles): I would like to update To support residents and families, the Government hon. Members on the main items of business undertaken have set aside up to £675 million for local authorities in by my Department since the House rose on 9 February England to freeze council tax in 2012-13. This is the 2012. second year the Government have offered to freeze The freedom to pray council tax to help keep bills and the cost of living On 10 February, the High Court ruled in a case down. against Bideford town council, banning the practice of As of 10 February, over 200 local authorities in prayers at the formal beginning of council meetings. England are preparing to vote this month to freeze or The basis of this ruling was a narrow interpretation of reduce council tax next year according to public sources. section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972. In As councils set their budgets in the next few weeks I short, the Court asserted that councils do not have an expect to see the number freezing to rise further. My explicit power to hold prayers as part of the formal hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Communities business at council meetings. and Local Government, the Member for Bromley and I do not believe it was ever the intention of Parliament Chislehurst (Robert Neill), wrote to all councils leaders when it passed that Act 40 years ago to prohibit council strongly encouraging them to sign up to this year’s prayers, which are a common-day practice that dates freeze offer. He reminded them that it would be a public back many centuries. It is my view that this judgment service that local residents will greatly appreciate as well was another example of the public sector marginalising as an opportunity to reform, restructure, innovate and faith by promoting an illiberal and intolerant secularism. lower their spending base permanently. 63WS Written Ministerial Statements20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 64WS

Getting Britain Building 10 successful communities—based on models of grass-roots We are determined to tackle the housing shortage, projects already delivering for their neighbourhoods—the boost the economy, create jobs and give people the resources to tackle problem drinking and deal with it opportunity to get on the housing ladder. head on. The £420 million Get Britain Building Fund will help The announcement of the new fund coincided with builders with planning permission get back on to housing the publication of Baroness Newlove’s report “Building sites that have been shut down because of problems Safe, Active Communities: Strong foundations by local accessing development finance. Over the next two years, people”, providing communities with practical advice the fund is expected to unlock up to 16,000 homes on to neighbourhoods and highlighting some of the barriers sites that are currently stalled, and help create up to that have stifled their growth. 30,000 jobs in construction and related industries. Olympic Legacy The short, simple and straightforward application While 2012 is set to be an Olympic year, we are process has made it easier for smaller building companies, determined that the legacy of the games continues to as well as larger developers, to bid for funding. Already benefit communities in the long term. On 14 February, I there have been 176 expressions of interest. laid before Parliament an order enabling the establishment On 15 February, my Department published details of of the London Legacy Development Corporation. This 18 of the most important local housing sites that, will assume from the Olympic Park Legacy Company subject to due diligence and contracting, could benefit the task of managing the post-2012 development of the from Government cash to get builders back to work. Olympic park in east London, and of fringe areas These 18 developments will go to the next stage of previously managed by the London Thames Gateway assessment for £45 million funding from this scheme to Development Corporation. The order will come into get workers back on site and deliver 1,300 new homes. force on 9 March 2012. Copies of the associated documents and press notices Local transparency and local accountability in public have been placed in the Library of the House. sector pay Transparency is at the core of delivering efficient and accountable government. The Localism Act requires councils to publish and be accountable for their pay DEFENCE policies, helping to ensure that local remuneration arrangements are open to public scrutiny and provide Reservists (London Olympic and Paralympic Games) value for money for the whole of the public sector. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury has set out the Government’s commitment to tackling tax avoidance The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): and will continue to take necessary steps to protect the An order has been made under section 56(1A) of the Exchequer and maintain fairness in the tax system. As Reserve Forces Act 1996 to enable reservists to be called local government is also paid from the public purse, on out for permanent service as part of Defence’s contribution 17 February, my Department issued new statutory guidance to the safety and security of the London 2012 Olympic on the matter. and Paralympic games. “Openness and Accountability in Local Pay” states In providing support to the police, and other civil and that authorities should review senior appointment Olympic authorities, Defence will contribute up to 13,500 remuneration, particularly where arrangements could military personnel at the busiest part of the games, of be perceived as seeking to minimise tax payments. It which up to 2,100, around 15%, will come from the specifically states that council pay votes should start at reserve forces. £100,000. Councils should also publicly justify any big Some reservists will provide a range of specialist bonuses, above-inflation pay rises, or the recruitment of capabilities and expertise while the majority will form staff already in receipt of public sector retirement or part of the support to Olympic venue security operations. severance money (so-called “double dipping”). Defence will continue to apply its policy of intelligent Elected councillors have until the end of next month selection, designed to identify, in good time, volunteer to approve pay policy statements that should include reservists with supportive employers with the training, explicit local policies on all the above practices and skills and availability, in order to minimise the impact of whether or not they intend to permit any of these mobilisation upon the individual, their family and employer. arrangements. This will be complemented by the “Code Since 2008, around 2,300 reservists per year have of Recommended Practice for Local Authorities on been called out for operations around the world, where Data Transparency”which requires openness on spending, they serve to support and strengthen the defence effort, contracts and senior salaries. I believe that greater local while at the peak in 2004, reservists made up 20% of our accountability and the sunlight of local transparency forces in Iraq and 12% in Afghanistan. will drive out remuneration arrangements that would The reserves will be taking on an enhanced role, not command public confidence. following the decision to invest £1.8 billion in equipment Safer communities and training as we move to a more integrated force by My Department wants to see communities in which 2020. people feel safe and are proud to call home. In July There are currently almost 600 reservists in Afghanistan, 2011, the Government’s champion for active, safer representing some 6% of the deployed force. As well communities, Baroness Newlove, identified tackling problem as augmenting regular units, reservists supply vital drinking as her most urgent priority. On 14 February, skills, in particular medical, and niche logistical and my Department announced a £1 million fund giving communication expertise. 65WS Written Ministerial Statements20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 66WS

Both the reservist and overall Defence contribution is This partnership agreement was underpinned by a on a similar scale to that deployed by other nations at number of commercial deals in the field of nuclear recent Olympic games and will contribute to ensuring energy, worth more than £500 million and creating a safe, secure and enjoyable 2012 Olympics. more than 1,500 jobs across the country. These agreements The order takes effect from 16 February 2012 and represent a significant strengthening of the relationship ceases to have effect on 20 September 2012. between France and the UK in the field of civil nuclear development and signal the emergence of a competitive supply chain capable of servicing global opportunities. They also constitute the first concrete orders which FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE make the UK new nuclear programme a reality, thus meeting critical objectives for securing our energy supplies UK/France Summit and meeting our carbon reduction targets. Defence and Security

The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth The summit reinforced both sides’ commitment to Affairs (Mr William Hague): I would like to update the the increased co-operation initiated in the 2010 Lancaster House on the UK/France summit on 17 February in house treaties. We are similar-sized powers, with similar-sized Paris. armed forces and similar ambitions. The strength of our relationship and our determination to improve it Last Friday’s summit followed that of November were demonstrated throughout our leadership of the 2010 which resulted in the signature of two historic campaign to protect citizens in Libya. As part of our defence treaties at Lancaster house. work to establish a new joint rapidly deployable force, The Summit we will design and develop a deployable headquarters The summit was hosted by President Sarkozy at the comprising permanent and experienced staff drawn Elysee Palace. President Sarkozy was accompanied by from existing French and UK high readiness command Prime Minister Fillon and his Foreign, Defence and structures; this will be enhanced by an increase in the Energy Ministers. number of exchange officers on both sides. Beyond this, The British delegation was headed by my right hon. we agreed to work together to move to the next stage of Friend, the Prime Minister, accompanied by the Deputy developing a new generation of unmanned aerial vehicles. Prime Minister, the Defence Secretary, the Secretary of We also discussed a wide range of actual and potential State for Energy and Climate Change and me. co-operation on equipment procurement and support to enable both improved capability and interoperability France and the UK are co-operating more closely on while delivering efficiency savings. foreign and security policy issues than at any time since the second world war. Discussions covered foreign policy, We also confirmed our joint approach to a range of defence, security and energy issues, highlighting our current foreign policy challenges, including the threat of shared challenges and priorities. Within this context, we Iran’s nuclear programme, Somalia ahead of the London discussed the importance of stabilising the eurozone conference, Afghanistan and Burma. and restoring growth to the European economy. There Syria were also frank exchanges in areas where we disagree, including the proposal for a financial transaction tax. Our discussions on Syria focused on the continued At the conclusion of the talks, the President and and appalling violence and concluded with a declaration Prime Minister issued joint declarations covering defence that set out the joint measures that our two countries and security, energy and Syria. These can be found at: will take in support of the Syrian people and their www.number10.gov.uk. aspirations for a better future. These included calling on the UN and other humanitarian agencies to carry out Energy an urgent assessment of humanitarian needs, an increase A centrepiece of the summit was our landmark in humanitarian aid, support for increased pressure on agreement to strengthen co-operation between France Assad, including an asset freeze on the Central Bank of and the UK on civil nuclear energy. The joint declaration Syria, and support for a subsequent transition process signalled our shared commitment to the future of civil in Syria. nuclear power, setting out a joint long-term vision of safe, secure, sustainable and affordable energy, that Conclusions supports growth and helps to deliver our emission As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has reductions targets. The declaration reiterated our stated, the summit showed the strength and depth of commitment to the role of nuclear energy as part of a the UK’s ties with France. diversified energy mix, agreeing to work together with the International Atomic Energy Agency to strengthen One year on from the Libya uprising, we are working international capability to react to nuclear emergencies together to stand up to the murderous Syrian regime and establish a joint framework for co-operation and and to stop a nuclear weapon in the hands of Iran. At exchanging good practice on civil nuclear security. British the United Nations, we co-sponsor more than three and French public and private sector bodies in the civil quarters of Security Council resolutions. Our commercial nuclear power industry will also work more closely on relationship is deep and growing with exports increasing education and training; research and development; and and French investment sustaining almost 10,000 jobs in security. This strengthened co-operation will be supported the UK. Our armed forces are working together at the by a new Franco-British high-level group on nuclear cutting edge of military technology. The UK and France energy, bringing together industry, Government, and are committed to working together, for the security and other key stakeholders. the prosperity of both our nations. 67WS Written Ministerial Statements20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 68WS

Zimbabwe (EU Restrictive Measures) programme. Over the next four years UK aid will provide almost 1 million more people with clean water, give more than 700,000 women access to family planning, The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth create 125,000 new jobs and help 80,000 children complete Affairs (Mr William Hague): The EU has announced its primary education. UK aid to Zimbabwe is channelled decision to roll over the Zimbabwe restrictive and through UN agencies and NGOs, not the Government appropriate measures. Following an in-depth assessment of Zimbabwe, and its delivery is independently monitored. of the current situation on the ground, the UK and its EU partners have unanimously agreed to the renewal of the measures for a further 12 months, while removing JUSTICE 51 people and 20 companies from the list of those subject to an EU visa ban and asset freeze on the grounds that they are no longer involved in or associated Transforming Bailiff Action with human rights abuses or undermining democracy or the rule of law. These amendments reflect the positive progress made by the Inclusive Government and SADC The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice facilitation process in the implementation of the global (Mr Jonathan Djanogly): On 17 February the Government political agreement and preparing for credible and peaceful published a consultation paper on transforming bailiff elections in Zimbabwe. action. This is the next step in the Government’s work While our assessment is that there have been to provide more protection against aggressive bailiffs in demonstrable improvements in the overall situation in England and Wales following the recently published Zimbabwe, there remains a pressing need for further new standards defining acceptable behaviour for those progress. The implementation of political reforms remain working in the industry. slow.Politically motivated looting, violence and intimidation The need for a workable means to enforce the payment continue, albeit on a lesser scale than in previous years. of debts and fines is important to both the economy Further political and democratic reform is essential to and the justice system. Without assurance that it is promote the rule of law, human rights and democracy, possible, with due process, to recoup money from debtors as agreed under the global political agreement. For unwilling to pay, it would be too risky for creditors to these reasons, we have extended the travel restrictions lend, and the effectiveness of courts would diminish. and asset freeze applicable to the remaining 112 people Yet for too many ordinary people bailiff action is an and 11 companies for a further 12 months. The listing intrusive, expensive and stressful experience. Two of the of the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation worst features of the current process are the complexities (ZMDC) will be reviewed in six months. The arms surrounding bailiffs’ powers and the absence of a clear embargo remains in place. and fair charging regime. We also need to do much The restrictions on appropriate measures covering more to protect the most vulnerable in society. It is not EU development assistance have also been renewed for acceptable that some bailiffs are aggressive, and use six months. During this period, the EU will engage threatening behaviour to gain entry to premises, especially Zimbabwe in preparations for a country strategy paper when children are the only persons present. in the framework of the European development fund. This package of proposals seeks to restore balance to The EU will also invite the Government of Zimbabwe the system, improving clarity so that both debtors and to intensify political dialogue, including through the creditors know where they stand, strengthening protections Zimbabwe ministerial re-engagement team, and to define for the vulnerable, and ensuring that individuals, business further steps towards a normalisation of EU-Zimbabwe and Government are able to collect the debts they are relations. The appropriate measures will be reviewed owed. Its aim is to respect both the competing rights of again at the end of the six months on the basis of the creditor and the debtor. progress on the ground in Zimbabwe, including core So our first proposal is to prohibit the use of force Cotonou principles of human rights and rule of law. against a person, introduce safeguards to protect children EU and UK bilateral development aid will continue to and ensure there is a clear and effective complaints be channelled directly to the people of Zimbabwe through process available to the debtor. We are also introducing the UN and non-state actors, rather than through the a compliance stage in the proposed costs regime enabling Government of Zimbabwe. the bailiff to recover initial administrative costs, therefore The UK and our EU partners emphasise our willingness reducing the need for the bailiff to attend a debtor’s to revisit the measures at any time should there be property. Underpinning these changes, the paper sets further concrete developments on the ground in Zimbabwe. out the minimum standards expected from bailiffs and In this context, we fully support the Southern African a certification process to ensure that they are fit to Development Community (SADC) and its member states operate. in their effort to facilitate agreement among the parties Equally importantly, we recognise that the law in this in Zimbabwe on creating an environment conducive to area is antiquated, archaic and confusing—so much so the holding of free and fair elections. To facilitate that too often it thwarts effective and proportionate unfettered dialogue between the EU and Zimbabwe the enforcement. Our plans for change will ensure that the EU has agreed to suspend the travel bans on the two law is fit for today’s society. We will introduce a ZANU-PF members of the Zimbabwean ministerial comprehensive code which sets out when and how a re-engagement team. bailiff can enter a property, prescribe precisely to whom Britain remains a committed friend to the people of and under what circumstances reasonable force to enter Zimbabwe. UK aid to Zimbabwe this financial year premises will be available, what goods can and cannot (2011-12) will reach £80 million—our largest ever be seized and sold, and what costs a bailiff can recover. 69WS Written Ministerial Statements20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 70WS

Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in A jobholder is a worker who is working or ordinarily the Vote Office and in the Printed Paper Office. The works in Great Britain under the worker’s contract. A document is also available online, at: qualifying person is an individual whose place of work http://www.justice.gov.uk/consultations/consultations.htm. under contract is sufficiently located in an EEA state The consultation will run until 14 May 2012. A response other than the UK so that the relationship with the paper is scheduled to be published in October 2012. employer is subject to the social and labour law relevant to the field of occupational pension schemes of the other EEA state. The consultation proposes an exemption for employers WORK AND PENSIONS from having to automatically enrol dual-status workers. The period of formal consultation will begin today and last for six weeks, ending on 2 April. Workplace Pension Reform I would like to thank all those people and organisations who have offered their views and advice in response to our recent informal consultation, and hope that they The Minister of State, Department for Work and will continue to do so now that consultation has moved Pensions (Steve Webb): Later today the Government on to a formal footing. will publish the consultation document “Automatic Draft regulations and an impact assessment will be enrolment and European employers”. This addresses an published alongside the consultation document. issue that could place an unnecessary burden on employers A copy of the consultation will be placed in the to find a pension scheme into which they can automatically Library of both Houses and will be available later today enrol dual-status workers—those who are simultaneously on the Department’s website: jobholders and qualifying persons. http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2012/.

3P Petitions20 FEBRUARY 2012 Petitions 4P

representations made and to allow time to carefully Petitions consider the responses further, that there would be no increase in charges in either November 2011 or April Monday 20 February 2012 2012 as planned. The Department will publish its response to the consultation in due course. With regard to a new Lower Thames crossing, the OBSERVATIONS Department will review and consult upon the options for additional crossing capacity at three possible sites: TRANSPORT At the site of the existing Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing. Dartford Crossing Between the Swanscombe Peninsula and the A1089. Between the east of Gravesend and the east of Tilbury. The Petition of residents of Thurrock and others, The review will commence shortly and will enable the Declares that the Petitioners are opposed to any Department to go out to public consultation in 2013 increase in the tolls charged for the Dartford Crossing and determine the location for a new crossing in the and any option for a new Thames crossing in the south Lower Thames area. Thames area, which the Petitioners believe would involve Keynsham Railway Station Access the building of new roads in Thurrock and increased congestion on Thurrock’s already crowded road network. The Humble Petition of residents of North East Somerset, The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Sheweth, Commons urges the Department for Transport to reduce that the Petitioners believe that there are inadequate tolls on the Dartford Crossing and to reconsider proposals facilities for disabled people who wish to use Keynsham for a new Thames crossing in the lower Thames area. railway station. And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Jackie Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable Doyle-Price, Official Report, 10 November 2011; Vol. 535, House urges the Secretary of State for Transport to c. 548.] encourage First Group plc to provide adequate facilities [P000981] for disabled people at Keynsham railway station. Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport: And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever The Government set out their intention to revise the pray, &c.—[Presented by Jacob Rees-Mogg, Official road user charging regime at the Dartford-Thurrock Report, 9 November 2011; Vol. 535, c. 410.] River Crossing as part of the outcomes of the Government’s [P000980] 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review in October 2010. Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport: Subject to consultation, the Government proposed The Department is aware of the accessibility issues at increasing the levels of road user charges in 2011 and Keynsham station and that First Group has plans to 2012, in order to continue the prioritisation of improvements provide facilities for disabled passengers at this station. to the Crossing in the short, medium and longer-term. The Department received a bid from First Group for The improvements include the suspension of charges at Access for All Mid-tier funding to develop step-free times of severe congestion, the implementation of new, access to platform 1 at Keynsham station. The delivery free-flow, charging technology, and the review of options of this scheme will complete the provision of step-free for additional crossing capacity. access to both platforms by the construction of a ramp On 30 June 2011 the Department for Transport published from the existing footbridge to the platform. for consultation the details of its proposed revisions to The outcome of the bidding process for this funding the road user charging regime and the consultation was announced on 6 December. The bid for Keynsham period closed on 23 September 2011. station was successful and the Department has offered On 24 November 2011 the Department for Transport £415,000 towards the project which will be completed announced that in recognition of the number of later this year.

459W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 460W Written Answers to NORTHERN IRELAND Data Protection Questions Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cases of (a) data loss and Monday 20 February 2012 (b) breaches of confidentiality occurred in his Department in 2011. [94885]

Mr Paterson: There was one case of data loss and two cases of breaches of confidentiality in the Department SCOTLAND during 2011.

Departmental Procurement Departmental Drinks

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for what proportion of the total value of contracts issued Northern Ireland how much (a) his Department and or to be issued by his Department in 2011-12 have (b) its public bodies have spent on (i) wine, (ii) other required successful organisations to put up a capital alcoholic refreshments and (iii) bottled water since bond; and if he will make a statement. [94905] May 2010. [92648]

David Mundell: The Scotland Office has not let any Mr Paterson: For the period May 2010 to December contracts and does not plan to put out to tender any 2011, the information requested is as follows: contracts in 2011-12 which require successful organisations (a) NIO to put up a capital bond. £ Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Wine 12,250 Scotland which contracts his Department has tendered Other alcoholic refreshments 342 or will tender in 2011-12 which require successful Bottled water 0 organisations to have a capital bond of more than £5 million; which contracts have not required such a bond; Expenditure by my Department on wine or other and if he will make a statement. [94929] alcoholic beverages relates solely to the hospitality costs incurred in the hosting, by Ministers, of receptions/events David Mundell: The Scotland Office has not let any as part of their official duties. contracts and does not plan to put out to tender any (b) Public bodies contracts in 2011-12 which require successful organisations £ to have a capital bond of more than £5 million. Wine 569 Other alcoholic refreshments 152 Disclosure of Information Departmental Travel Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of (a) data loss and (b) Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for breaches of confidentiality occurred in his Department Northern Ireland pursuant to the written ministerial in 2011. [94887] statement of 16 January 2012, Official Report, column 31WS, on cost of ministerial cars, whether his David Mundell: There were no reported cases of (a) Department has any other arrangements for ministerial data loss and (b) breaches of confidentiality in the travel; and how much his Department has spent on (a) Scotland Office during 2011. private hire vehicles and (b) taxis for each Minister since May 2010. [92821]

Iron and Steel: Investment Mr Paterson: The following amounts have been spent by my Department since May 2010 on other arrangements Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for for ministerial travel: Scotland when he next plans to meet the First Minister (a) Private hire cars: Nil; to discuss investment in the Scottish steel industry. (b) Taxis: £1,200.94. [94285]

David Mundell: The Government recognise the Economic Situation contribution that the Scottish steel industry makes to the Scottish and UK economies. The Plan for Growth Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for includes a wide range of measures to support the industry Northern Ireland what (a) representations he has received across the UK. We have regular discussions with Scottish on and (b) meetings he has had with the Chancellor of Ministers on these and other matters of importance to the Exchequer to discuss the Northern Ireland economy the Scottish economy. in the last three months. [94762] 461W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 462W

Mr Paterson: I have regular meetings with the Chancellor Mrs Gillan: I have committed to answering all of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend the Member for correspondence within 15 working days of receipt. My Tatton (Mr Osborne) and Treasury Ministers on a office has conducted a review of its correspondence files range of economic issues affecting Northern Ireland. and can find no record that MM/JH/14/11/2011 was The Chancellor takes a close interest in the Northern received by the Department. If the correspondence is Ireland economy and was directly involved in the decision re-sent my officials will acknowledge receipt and I will to reduce air passenger duty for long haul flights from endeavour to answer it as soon as is practicable. Northern Ireland airports. The Ministerial Working Group on Rebalancing the Northern Ireland Economy, which is chaired by the Economic Secretary, is undertaking an intensive work programme in advance of the next CHURCH COMMISSIONERS ministerial meeting on 7 March. The Chancellor is Metals: Theft being kept updated with its progress. Miss McIntosh: To ask the hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY what steps the Church Commissioners are taking to STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE seek amendments to planning laws applying to church buildings to permit a substitute for lead following theft. Internet [95421]

Adam Afriyie: To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, Tony Baldry: The Church Commissioners are not representing the Speaker’s Committee for the Independent taking such steps at the present time. Guidance issued Parliamentary Standards Authority, what the cost to by the Cathedral and Church Buildings Council strongly the public purse has been of replacing and exchanging advises the use of traditional materials where it is the RSA tokens used to access the online expenses reasonable, although it recognises situations where the scheme. [94861] use of alternatives is acceptable, especially for roofs that are not visible or where there have been multiple thefts. Mr Charles Walker: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. I have asked IPSA to reply. DEFENCE Letter from Andrew McDonald, dated 10 February 2012: Air Training Corps As Chief Executive of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Question asking about the cost of replacing and exchanging RSA Defence (1) what assessment he has made of the tokens issued to Members of Parliament and their staff. cost-effectiveness of the senior management structure The information has already been published in the answer to of the Air Training Corps; [94594] PQ 94396, issued on 9 February 2012 (Official Report, 9 February 2012, column 338W). (2) what the policy is of the Air Training Corps on replacing serving officers with younger staff in the case of (a) volunteer officers aged 55 to 60 and (b) full-time salaried officers aged 65 to 70; [94595] WALES (3) what the (a) salary, (b) overtime, (c) military Departmental Procurement pensions, (d) service accommodation and (e) staff car and drivers cost was of each of the Air Training Corps Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Group Captain posts in each of the last three years; (1) what proportion of the total value of contracts and what proportion of the total budget of the Air issued or to be issued by her Department in 2011-12 Training Corps these costs represented in each such have required successful organisations to put up a year; [94596] capital bond; and if she will make a statement, [94908] (4) what assessment he has made of the cost effectiveness (2) which contracts her Department has tendered or of replacing full-time salaried group captains in the Air will tender in 2011-12 which require successful organisations Training Corps with volunteer officers. [94598] to have a capital bond of more than £5 million; which Nick Harvey: The Ministry of Defence regularly reviews contracts have not required such a bond; and if she will the cost effectiveness of the senior management structure make a statement. [94926] of the Air Training Corps (ATC) along with other Mr David Jones: None. The Wales Office does not Defence programmes during the annual Planning Round directly procure contracts but uses the buying power of process. Additionally the ATC conducted an internal larger Government Departments such as the Ministry review of the senior management structure in January of Justice. 2011; a further review will be undertaken in the summer of 2012. Members: Correspondence The Air Training Corps currently has one full-time salaried Group Captain and six B2 grade civil servants, Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales who hold the rank of Group Captain as either RAF when she plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Reserve civilian component or as a RAF (Volunteer Member for Bridgend of 14 November 2011, reference Reserve Training) officer. These are full time posts and MM/JH/14/11/2011. [95541] not considered suitable for volunteers. 463W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 464W

The Air Training Corps has no full-time salaried Ser Year Summary of civilian medical RAF officers aged 65 to 70 and has no policy on (a) (b) personnel deployed (c) Number by trade (d) replacing volunteer officers aged 55 or over with younger officers. All full-time salaried posts at this level are 1 x Bio-medical scientist currently filled by personnel employed under civil service terms and conditions, for which there is no compulsory retirement age. The normal retirement age for RAF 4 2010 15 7 x ITU nurses 4 x Bio-medical Volunteer Reserve Training officers is 55. However, the scientists Commandant Air Cadets has the authority to extend 2 x Paediatric nurses beyond this for periods of up to two years if it is considered to be in the best interests of the Corps. 1 x A&E nurse The current salary range for an RAF regular officer 1 x Pharmacist at Group Captain level is £81,310 to £89,408. The national salary range for civilian grade B2 is £47,942 to 5 2011 19 4 x ITU nurses £57,245. The level of any pensions (including service 8 x Paediatric nurses military pension) received as retired RAF officers are 1 x Sexual health nurse matters for the individual and personal information, 4 x Bio-medical which is protected under the Data Protection Act. scientists Information regarding overtime, service accommodation 1 x A&E nurse and driver support costs is not held centrally and could 1 x Pharmacist be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for 6 20122 2 1 x Paediatric nurse Defence when the command structure of the Air 1 x Bio-medical scientist Training Corps was last reviewed. [94597] 1 Around 44 civilian medical personnel were deployed on operations between 2002 and 2007. An exact breakdown by year and trade is not available. Nick Harvey: The command structure of the Air 2 As at February. Training Corps was last reviewed in autumn 2010. A The grades of nurses deployed on operations vary, further review is planned later this year. but all are required to be above “E” Grade. The terms of Armed Forces: Deployment reference require this as a minimum but do not stipulate a maximum. All contractors’ CVs are vetted by Defence Nursing Advisers. Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to decide the (a) date and Civilian nurses that deploy on operations will generally (b) numbers of troops to be transferred from Germany go for a period of three months. Some have opted to to Leuchars. [95446] extend to six months and some may go twice in a year. A number of civilian medical welfare officers were Nick Harvey: The Defence Transformation also deployed, but they are not included as although announcement of 18 July 2011 set out our strategic they are a vital part of the UK Med Gp they are not long-term direction on the structure of the Army and part of the deployed clinical capability. This information its basing requirements across the United Kingdom. is available if required for the period 2008 to 2012. The detailed work on the future design of the Army is expected to be completed in spring 2012. Until then, Armed Forces: Housing Benefit it is too early to say precisely when and how many Army personnel will relocate from Germany to RAF Leuchars. Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Armed Forces: Health Professions Defence what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the effect of an under-occupancy provision for housing benefit on Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence single members of the armed forces with a parent how many civilian medical personnel have been receiving that benefit. [95136] deployed in operational roles in each of the last 10 years; and what the (a) grades and (b) specialities Mr Robathan: I have had no such discussions. However, were of those personnel. [94741] my officials continue to work closely with other Government Departments on matters that affect members of the Mr Robathan: The information requested is provided armed forces, their families, and veterans within the in the following table: auspices of the armed forces covenant.

Ser Year Summary of civilian medical (a) (b) personnel deployed (c) Number by trade (d) Armed Forces: Lancashire 1 2002-07 —1 Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to improve 2 2008 1 1 x A&E nurse service personnel housing at Weeton Army Camp. [95068] 3 2009 6 2 x ITU nurses 2 x A&E nurses Mr Robathan: 99% of the service family accommodation 1 x Paediatric nurse at Weeton is at the two highest standards for condition. 465W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 466W

The Ministry of Defence plans to replace doors, with either the European Commission or NATO officials windows and boilers in number of properties in the next on the subject of alerting civil authorities to an incoming financial year. missile threat. Defence: Innovation Armed Forces: Manpower Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to promote innovation Defence (1) how many (a) Royal Navy, (b) Army and in the UK defence technology and procurement (c) RAF (ii) full-time personnel and (ii) reservists were industry. [94963] based in each (A) region, (B) local authority and (C) constituency in 2011; and how many such personnel he Peter Luff: The Government, recently published a expects to be based in each such area at the conclusion White Paper “National Security Through Technology” of tranches 1 and 2 of the Armed Forces Redundancy (Cm 8278), which sets out how we will procure technology, Programme; [94310] equipment, and support to meet the UK’s defence and (2) how many (a) Gurkhas, (b) full-time soldiers security needs. and (c) reservists were based in each (i) region, (ii) The White Paper places a strong emphasis on the role local authority and (iii) constituency in 2011; and how that innovation and technology plays in underpinning many such service personnel he expects to be based in most of our equipment and support requirements. That each such area at the conclusion of tranches 1 and 2 of is why we intend to sustain investment in science and the Armed Forces Redundancy Programme. [94311] technology at a minimum of 1.2% of the defence budget— after years of decline under the previous administration. Mr Robathan [holding answer 8 February 2012]: The requested information, where available, has been placed We believe that open procurement offers the best in the Library of the House. catalyst for UK-based industry to be efficient, competitive, and innovative. That is why this Government will continue Location information in respect of reserve forces is to support responsible defence and security exports and not held centrally and could be provided only at ensure small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), disproportionate cost. who are an important source of innovation, are able to Tranche 2 of the Armed Forces Redundancy Programme fulfil their potential. We are also enhancing the role of was launched on 17 January 2012 and the outcome will Centre for Defence Enterprise so that it works more not be known until June of this year. It is therefore too closely with the SMEs it funds; deliberately not specifying early to say at this stage how many people in each of technology solutions so suppliers can propose innovative these regions will be affected. solutions, and encouraging investment in innovation through our proposed Patent Box regime that offers a Armed Forces: Schools reduction in corporation tax on profits attributable to patents. Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence: Technology Defence how many service personnel with children receiving the service pupil premium have died since the introduction of the premium. [94793] Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from Mr Robathan: The service pupil premium is a matter BAE Systems on the White Paper, National Security for the Department for Education. Through Technology: Technology, Equipment, and Support for UK Defence and Security; and if he will Each year, the service pupil premium is allocated to make a statement. [95000] local authorities based on the spring schools census. It is currently £200 per child in academic year 2011-12 Peter Luff: As of 16 February 2012, BAE Systems rising to £250 in 2012-13 for the children of parents have made no formal representations to the Ministry of who have declared themselves to be a service family. We Defence on the White Paper “National Security Through encourage service families to identify themselves in this Technology”(CM 8278) since its publication on 1 February process, to maximise the benefit of the service pupil 2012. BAE Systems were among the 180 respondents to premium, but this is not mandatory. Census data that is the corresponding Green Paper published on 20 December collected is not routinely shared with the Ministry of 2010. Defence and as a result, we do not hold the requested information. Departmental Billing

Defence Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many and what proportion of his Department’s Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for invoices from its private sector suppliers were paid (a) Defence what recent discussions he has had with (a) within 14 days, (b) between 15 and 30 days, (c) between the European Commission and (b) NATO officials on 31 and 60 days, (d) between 61 and 90 days and (e) alerting civil authorities to an incoming missile threat. more than 90 days after receipt in the last 12 months. [95360] [93447]

Nick Harvey: The Secretary of State for Defence, my Peter Luff: The information is not available in the right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and format requested. The Ministry of Defence publishes Weybridge (Mr Hammond), has had no recent discussions monthly prompt payment statistics, which report on the 467W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 468W number of invoices paid by the Department within five Peter Luff [holding answer 12 December 2011]: The working days to UK suppliers and 30 calendar days to Defence Internal Audit report on Framework Agreement all suppliers. These statistics can be found at: for Technical Support Services needed to be redacted. It http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/AboutDefence/ was placed in the Library of the House on 13 December WhatWeDo/FinanceandProcurement/FMSSC/ 2011. MinistryOfDefencePaymentPerformance.htm Departmental Food Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what proportion of the total value of contracts issued or to be issued by his Department in 2011-12 Neil Parish: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence have required successful organisations to put up a capital what proportion of food purchased by his Department bond; and if he will make a statement; [94914] was produced in the UK in each of the last five years. [93719] (2) which contracts his Department has tendered or will tender in 2011-12 which require successful organisations Peter Luff: The majority of UK based Ministry of to have a capital bond of more than £5 million; which Defence personnel are catered for under regional or contracts have not required such a bond; and if he will multi-activity contracts, including catering, retail and make a statement. [94938] leisure. Information on the proportion of food procured from UK suppliers under these arrangements is not Peter Luff: Surety bonds, such as performance bonds, held. However, contractors are obliged to source on the are forms of security used by employers to provide open market consistent with meeting EU competition protection in the event of a contractor defaulting on its rules and quality standards. contractual obligations. In line with Cabinet Office Personnel not covered by these arrangements, for guidance, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) assesses the instance, those serving on operations overseas, are fed need for a bond on a case by case basis, taking into through a single food supply contract with Purple account factors including the financial standing of the Foodservice Solutions Ltd. Approximately 1,150 different potential contractor, the value of the potential contract food-related items are provided in their core range price and the risks to the MOD of proceeding with the list. The proportion of UK sourced food (excluding potential contractor. fresh produce) for the last five full financial years are The MOD has placed over 3,000 contracts in 2011-12 shown in the following table. and information on those which include a bond is not held centrally and could be provided only at Financial year Percentage of UK sourced food1 disproportionate cost.

2006-07 43 2007-08 59 Military Aircraft: Procurement 2008-09 62 2009-10 60 Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010-11 60 Defence when the new C-17 military transporter will be 1 Excluding fresh produce. delivered. [95244] Departmental Procurement Peter Luff: On current plans, the aircraft will be Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for delivered in July 2012. Defence how many contracts his Department has awarded directly to third sector organisations in each Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for month since May 2010; what the value was of such Defence pursuant to the oral answer of 8 February contracts; and if he will make a statement. [75126] 2012, Official Report, columns 300-01, on Libya, from which source the savings to fund the purchase of the Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has not new C17 aircraft have been made. [95584] awarded any contracts to organisations in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors in the period Peter Luff: There is no single source for the savings since May 2010. However, the Department continues to which were used to fund the purchase of the new C17 make payments to such organisations, with whom it aircraft. The funds were generated by a range of savings does not have a contractual relationship, by grants in measures we have been undertaking since the strategic aid. I refer the hon. Member to the answer the Under- defence and security review. Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for South Leicestershire (Mr Robathan) gave Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for on 9 May 2011, Official Report, column 974W, followed Defence pursuant to the oral answer of 8 February by a full reply to the hon. Member for Vale of Clwyd 2012, Official Report, columns 300-01, on Libya, (Chris Ruane) on 7 June 2011, Official Report, column 26W. whether the National Security Council was consulted on the decision to purchase a new C17 aircraft. [95585] Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 22 November 2011, Official Report, column 1347W, on departmental Peter Luff: The National Security Council was not procurement, for what reasons a copy of the Defence consulted on the decision to purchase a new C17 aircraft. Internal Audit was not in the Library on 6 December The procurement of an additional C17 aircraft to 2011; and if he will take steps to ensure that it is placed increase strategic airlift is assessed as the best means to in the Library. [86206] deliver the strategic direction as set by the National 469W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 470W

Security Council. As this procurement required expenditure Nick Harvey [holding answer 9 February 2012]: The in excess of departmental delegations, approval was approximate number of staff employed at Thiepval sought from HM Treasury. Army Base are contained in the following table.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for As at 1 April each year Military Civilian Defence pursuant to the oral answer of 8 February 2007 1,070 830 2012, Official Report, columns 300-01, on Libya, what 2008 720 680 [95586] the cost of the new C17 aircraft will be. 2009 1,240 590 2010 1,200 600 Peter Luff: The cost of the new C-17 aircraft is 2011 1,200 580 subject to final commercial negotiations but, as announced by the Prime Minister on 8 February 2012, Official The reduction in military numbers in April 2008 was Report, columns 300-01, it is expected to be in the due to the cessation of Operation Banner which saw the region of £300 million. relocation of some units to the mainland during 2007. These units were replaced during 2008. Military Bases: Kirknewton Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to consult (a) local Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State authorities, (b) hon. Members and (c) the Northern for Defence pursuant to the answer of 18 January 2012, Ireland Executive on the future of the Thiepval Army Official Report, column 830W, on military bases, when Base in Lisburn. [94529] the former Secretary of State for Defence discussed the creation of an Army base at Kirknewton with the Nick Harvey [holding answer 9 February 2012]: The Scottish Government and the First Minister of Scotland; Defence Infrastructure Organisation is currently and whether a written note was taken of the discussions. undertaking a review into the Ministry of Defence [92762] estate which is expected to be completed later this year. This review, along with the outcome of the Army’s Nick Harvey: The previous Secretary of State for work into its future size and structure will allow planning Defence, the right hon. Member for North Somerset to take place to make the optimum use of the existing (Dr Fox), and the First Minister of Scotland (Alex defence estate. Once these plans begin to take shape, Salmond MSP) held two face to face meetings. These local authorities, hon. Members and where relevant the were on 11 January and 26 May 2011 and took place devolved Administrations will be consulted. when they were both in London and Glasgow respectively. NATO The meetings were not minuted. They also had a number of telephone conversations Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for during the period of the Basing Review, in which they Defence what NATO smart-defence projects the UK discussed a range of issues. will lead. [95361]

Military Bases: Northern Ireland Nick Harvey: At the recent NATO Defence Ministers’ meeting, the Secretary of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State (Mr Hammond), announced that the UK would offer for Defence (1) what discussions he has had with the to lead projects on Immersive Training Environments Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the future of and on Theatre Opening Capability. the Thiepval Army Base in Lisburn; [94527] Piracy (2) on how many occasions he has met (a) the Chancellor of the Exchequer, (b) the Secretary of State Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for for Northern Ireland and (c) other ministerial colleagues Defence what steps he has taken to ensure that the to discuss his Department’s basing arrangements in Royal Navy has at least one ship deployed on counter-piracy Northern Ireland; and what was discussed on each such operations at any one time. [94496] occasion. [94530] Nick Harvey: The Royal Navy maintains a constant Nick Harvey [holding answer 9 February 2012]: The presence, including at least one frigate or destroyer, east current Secretary of State for Defence, the right hon. of Suez. These vessels are able to carry out a number of Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), duties including specific deliberate counter piracy operations has had no meetings to discuss the Ministry of Defence’s as the need arises, while their general presence in the (MOD) basing arrangements in Northern Ireland, or region, together with ships from a variety of other specifically in Thiepval Army Base. MOD officials are, nations’ navies, provides a deterrent to piracy. In addition, however, frequently in touch with their counterparts in additional forces are periodically deployed for dedicated other Departments to ensure that such issues are fully counter piracy operations. discussed and communicated. Since 2008, the Royal Navy has contributed to EU, NATO and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) counter Dr Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State piracy operations in several capacities—from the for Defence how many (a) military and (b) civilian contribution of assets, to the provision of the Operational staff have been employed at the Thiepval Army Base in Headquarters and Operational Commander for the EU’s Lisburn in each of the last five years. [94528] Operation Atalanta. 471W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 472W

RAF Kinloss Nick Harvey: The military contribution to the security of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is expected to include volunteer reservists from all three Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for armed forces. Reservists will be involved in a range of Defence when he expects to have an estimate of the roles in both protecting and facilitating the games by cost of converting RAF Kinloss into an army base; contributing to the venue security force and through and when such work will be completed. [95156] specialist roles in support of the wider security operation. Mr Robathan: The previous Secretary of State for Defence, the right hon. Member for North Somerset Trident Submarines (Dr Fox), announced the results of the Ministry of Defence’s Basing Review on 18 July 2011. He made it clear that the Basing Review provided the strategic Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for direction for the return of our armed forces from Germany Defence what assessment he has made of the effect on and the rationalisation of the Defence Estate. He also the (a) design schedule and (b) building programme of made it clear that detailed implementation work would the successor to the Trident submarine of the announcement continue over the next 10 years. by his US counterpart that the next generation of US The work to implement the Basing Review is ongoing, ballistic missile submarine will be delayed for two years; and does not yet include a formal estimate for the cost and if he will make a statement. [94248] of enabling RAF Kinloss to be used by the Army. Peter Luff [holding answer 9 February 2012]: The Reserve Forces: Finance UK and the US are working collaboratively to develop a common missile compartment that will meet the Jim McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for requirements of the UK programme to replace our Defence (1) what estimate his Department has made of Vanguard class submarines, and of the US programme the budget for the (a) Territorial Army, (b) Royal to replace its Ohio class submarines. The US Department Auxiliary Air Force, (c) Royal Marine Reserve and (d) of Defence announced on 26 January 2012 its intention Royal Navy Reserve in (i) the UK and (ii) Scotland up to delay the Ohio replacement programme by two years, to 2015; [92569] but has confirmed that this will not undermine the partnership with the UK. (2) what estimate his Department has made of Royal Marine Reserve (a) manpower and (b) budget in (i) UK and US officials are working on developing a the UK and (ii) Scotland up to 2015. [92589] revised schedule. Our current assessment is that the US programme delay will not affect our ability to meet the Mr Robathan: Budgets for the reserve forces are planned date of entry into service of 2028, as stated in allocated for the UK as a whole and not by region. It is the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review (Cm7948). therefore not possible to identify the budget specifically The US explicitly stated in January 2012 that their delay for Scotland. will not impact upon our partnership. The following table provides information on the provisional budget allocation for the reserve forces until Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for 31 March 2015. As we continue to address the budget Defence what estimate he has made of the financial deficit and implement the planned force structures for effect of (a) retaining, (b) replacing and (c) disposing Future Reserves 2020 in accordance with the announcement of (i) the Vanguard-clan fleet of submarines and (ii) made on 18 July 2012, these figures may be subject to Britain’s nuclear deterrent. [95536] revision.

£ million Peter Luff: As stated in the White Paper, “The Future Financial year of the United Kingdom’s Nuclear Deterrent” (Cm 6994) 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 published in December 2006, the in-service costs of the UK’s nuclear deterrent are around 5% of the defence RoyalNavyand 29 29 31 budget. Royal Marines Army 310 320 330 The White Paper also stated that the expected cost of Royal Air Force 9 10 11 replacing the submarine, warhead and infrastructure is £15 to £20 billion (at 2006 constant prices), of which Note: These figures are rounded to the nearest £ million. £11 to £14 billion is for the replacement submarine. As noted in the Parliamentary Report “The United Kingdom’s Manpower for the Royal Marines Reserves is expected Future Nuclear Deterrent: The Submarine Initial Gate”, to remain constant at some 1,000 personnel, with published in May 2011, we assess that these estimates approximately 200 in Scotland. are still accurate.

Reserve Forces: Olympic Games 2012 The costs of disposing of the Vanguard class submarines fall within the costs of the Ministry of Defence’s Submarine Dismantling Project. It is not possible at this stage of Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for the project, however, to separate out the costs of disposing Defence what role he proposes reserve forces will have of the Vanguard class from the overall cost of the in (a) protecting and (b) facilitating the London 2012 project. We do not hold estimates for the disposal costs Olympics. [94294] of the UK’s nuclear deterrent as a whole. 473W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 474W

Written Questions: Government Responses package of measures to support the industrial sector in the transition to a low carbon economy and are working Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with industry to address the key issues. Further details when he expects to answer question 75126 tabled on 17 on the package will be published by the Department for October 2011; and if he will explain the reasons for the Business, Innovation and Skills later this year. time taken in answering the question. [95240] The Department is working on a CCS Roadmap, which will explore the long-term development of CCS Peter Luff: I have today replied to the hon. Member for both power and energy intensive industries. We will and apologise for the delay in responding to your be launching a streamlined process for selection of CCS parliamentary question (75126) of 17 October 2011, projects as soon as possible after the second CCS Industry which resulted from the need to check the nature of Day on 22 February. We are currently developing the MOD’s various payments to third sector organisations. details of the new process and are considering the potential inclusion of industrial CO2 emitters where they support the development of CCS clusters. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Carbon Emissions and Climate Change what steps his Department is taking to develop carbon capture and storage infrastructure Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy in (a) the North East and (b) other major emitting and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the regions in the UK. [94759] likely saving in carbon dioxide emissions of increasing home insulation in the next three years; and if he will Charles Hendry: The Department is in regular contact make a statement. [94781] with developers and proponents of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects in the North East and Gregory Barker: The Green Deal and energy company elsewhere in the UK. These projects will be considered obligation (ECO) are intended to transform the delivery alongside those from other regions in our forthcoming of energy efficiency measures across the economy. The CCS competition. Government’s assessment of the impact of these policies was published in the November 2011 consultation draft Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy impact assessment: and Climate Change when he expects that the Office of http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/consultation/green- Carbon Capture and Storage will publish its roadmap deal/3603-green-deal-eco-ia.pdf for carbon capture and storage. [94760] The Government are currently considering responses to the recent public consultation, and will publish a Charles Hendry: The Department is currently working response in due course, accompanied by a final impact on a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Roadmap and assessment. we expect this to be published when the new streamlined Under the central policy scenario in the consultation selection process for future CCS projects is launched. We aim to do this as soon as possible after the second assessment, the following CO2 savings (above business as usual) from the take up of insulation measures in the CCS Industry Day on 22 February. The Industry Day domestic sector were estimated: will form part of our ongoing discussions with industry on the future CCS competition.

Annual MtCO2 2013 2014 2015 saved Climate Change

Non-traded 0.42 0.87 1.28 Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Traded 0.11 0.22 0.33 Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has Traded carbon emissions are those covered by the made of the effectiveness of global climate models in EU emissions trading scheme, which cover electricity forecasting regional and short-term variations in climate. generation and some industrial processes. Energy savings [94860] in properties with electric heating lead to traded CO2 emissions savings, while energy savings in properties Gregory Barker: Global climate models are based on with non-electric heating systems lead to savings in fundamental laws of physics and are rigorously tested non-traded CO emissions. against observations and other models to assess their 2 reliability. The most recent generation of models include Carbon Sequestration representations of many parts of the climate system including the atmosphere, the oceans, sea ice, land Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy surface, biological and chemical processes. The and Climate Change with reference to his Department’s Department’s assessment is that that they are able to forthcoming Energy Intensive Industries Strategy, what simulate many key features of present-day climate systems steps the Government is taking to develop industrial and given a range of assumptions about factors which carbon capture and storage in the UK. [94758] affect the climate system including greenhouse gas emissions, are used to project global climate up to centuries ahead. Charles Hendry: The Carbon Plan, which was published There are modelling uncertainties and these increase at by the Department of Energy and Climate Change on 1 smaller and smaller time and space scales. It is particularly December 2011, identified the important role that CCS challenging to predict short term (seasonal to multi-annual) could play in decarbonisation of the industrial sector. variations in climate because of the chaotic nature of The Government announced in the autumn statement a weather and climate systems on these timescales. Regional 475W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 476W predictions are expected to improve with the introduction Energy: Expenditure of models with a higher spatial resolution as computing capacity increases. These are areas of active research. Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Recruitment Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the level of curtailment payments made to (a) offshore wind, (b) onshore wind, (c) hydro-power, (d) Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy solar, (e) coal-fired power stations, (f) nuclear generators and Climate Change how much his Department has and (g) other generators in each of the last five years. spent on (a) recruitment services and (b) executive [95363] search agencies in each month since May 2010; and if he will make a statement. [93561] Charles Hendry: In order to ensure the secure operation of the electricity system, National Grid takes over a Gregory Barker: The Department spent £91,503 in thousand actions each day to balance supply and demand, financial year 2010-11 on external recruitment costs including paying generators of all types to alter their and has spent £161,691 so far in financial year 2011-12. output. This is a normal part of our market system. This compares with spending of £809,819 in financial year 2009-10. Data on payments to individual generators is published by Elexon, an independent subsidiary of National Grid, The Department’s spending in financial year 2011-12 at: included recruitments of a NDPB chair, several senior http://www.bmreports.com/ posts in the Department including the Chief Engineer, Chief Economist and Chief Operating Officer. Data for the categories requested is not readily available, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The Department’s spend on external recruitment costs for the period April 2010 to December 2011 is set out in Energy: Planning Permission the following table.

Month Total (£) Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on the 2010 May 5,925 transfer of powers to the National Assembly for Wales June 4,175 for granting planning permission for energy generation July 5,078 projects (a) on land and (b) at sea in Wales. [94978] August 0 Charles Hendry: The Government support decision September 13,658 making at the most appropriate level. For major energy October -12,329 infrastructure in England and Wales, we consider that November 17,500 the right decision maker is the DECC Secretary of December -518 State. A streamlined planning system for major energy infrastructure that minimises delay and unpredictability and ensures investor confidence is best delivered through 2011 January 0 a unified planning system for England and Wales. February 26,699 The Government are clear that any requests for further March 30,797 devolution of powers to either the Welsh Ministers or April 0 the Assembly should be considered in light of any May 0 recommendations of the Silk Commission, which is June 31,226 currently reviewing the financial and constitutional arrangements in Wales. July 5,000 August 17,000 Fife Energy Park: Expenditure September 41,097 October 34,268 Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy November 21,743 and Climate Change how much funding the Government has spent on the Fife Energy Park in Methil. [95448] December -330 Charles Hendry: DECC is not involved in the funding 2012 January 11,687 of the Fife Energy park. However one business currently based on the park, Burntisland Fabrications Ltd, was a Electricity: Prices recipient of a grant from DECC (together with the Department for Business) in the 2009 Offshore Wind Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Demonstration funding call, for a project to develop Energy and Climate Change what support his Department’s advanced manufacturing techniques for an offshore plans to provide to people who rent their properties wind jacket foundation. under its proposals to encourage customers to switch energy suppliers to reduce their electricity bill. [94740] Green Deal

Gregory Barker: People who are renting their property Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy may switch to the supplier of their choice, in the same and Climate Change what plans he has to increase the way as homeowners, if they are responsible for the number of people insulating (a) lofts and (b) cavity energy supply under the terms of their tenancy agreement. walls under the Green Deal. [94806] 477W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 478W

Gregory Barker: The Green Deal and energy company Green Deal Scheme: Job Creation obligation are projected to support and increase employment in the insulation sector up to 65,000 by 2015. As we near completion of the easy-to-treat cavities Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for and lofts in the housing stock, the majority of the Energy and Climate Change what methodology was opportunities will be in insulating “hard to treat”properties: used to calculate his Department’s estimate of 65,000 those with solid walls and more difficult to treat cavity jobs to be created by 2020 as a result of the Green walls. Deal. [95203]

Gregory Barker: The number of jobs supported by Angie Bray: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy the Green Deal is calculated using the estimates of and Climate Change how much private sector energy efficiency measures uptake presented in the Green investment in energy efficiency in London he expects to Deal consultation impact assessment. The number installers result from the Green Deal. [94812] needed to meet demand in each year is estimated using annual measure sales and the assumed productivity of Gregory Barker: The Department’s estimate of the individual installers. The estimates of installer productivity level of Green Deal private finance is set out in the draft are based on discussions with the industry. The supporting impact assessment published on 23 November 2011. supply chain job estimates are based on a 2009 Innovas The final impact assessment will be published in the market report, which lists the current number of jobs in spring. These figures are national and DECC has not different business sectors. This was used to calculate the carried out an assessment of the private finance requirement ratio between installer numbers and supply chain jobs on a regional basis. (manufacturing, supply, distribution, development). The impact assessment can be seen at: http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/consultation/green- Housing: Insulation deal/3603-green-deal-eco-ia.pdf Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Angie Bray: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) what assessment he has made and Climate Change how many jobs he expects to be of the effect on jobs and business of recently announced created in London as a result of the Green Deal. changes to subsidies for loft insulation and cavity wall [94813] insulation; [94869] (2) what the impact on the Green Deal will be of Gregory Barker: It is not possible to provide figures recently announced reductions in subsidies for loft insulation for the number of jobs that will be created in London. It and cavity wall insulation; and what consideration he is estimated that by 2015 the number of jobs in Great has given to providing a transition period prior to the Britain as a result of the Green Deal and energy company changes coming into effect. [94870] obligation could be up to 65,000. Gregory Barker: We currently estimate that Government Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy programmes to promote energy efficiency will support and Climate Change how he plans to stimulate around 65,000 insulation sector jobs in 2015, which participation in the Green Deal; and if he will make a represents an increase from the present total of 27,000 statement. [94949] jobs. The existing Carbon Emissions Reduction Target and Community Energy Saving Programme schemes will transition to the new Green Deal and Energy Gregory Barker: We have announced a £200 million Company Obligation (ECO) at the end of 2012. The injection of Government funding to help boost early recent public consultation on Green Deal and ECO take up of the Green Deal. This will provide a special included discussion of issues relating to the transition time limited ‘introductory’ offer to ensure the Green between CERT/CESP and Green Deal/ECO. We are Deal hits the ground running. DECC is also working in currently considering responses to the consultation, partnership with our stakeholders to look at further and consideration of the impacts of transition will be ways of stimulating demand. included in the final version of the impact assessment There are also existing or potential regulatory leavers accompanying the Government’s response. that will help drive demand.

We have acted to address the worst private rented Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 sector buildings. From 2016 all domestic tenants will not be unreasonably refused consent from their landlords to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes Glyn Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and from 2018 it will be unlawful to rent out domestic and Climate Change whether his Department is or non-domestic properties which fall below an ‘E’ undertaking any investigations under the Regulation of energy efficiency rating. Investigatory Powers Act 2000. [94977] In addition, the Department for Communities and Local Government is currently consulting on changes Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and to Part L of the Building Regulations that could further Climate Change is not currently undertaking any drive take up of energy efficiency measures from October investigations under the Regulation of Investigatory 2012. Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). 479W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 480W

Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs Warm Front Scheme: Doncaster

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many people in (a) Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of Don Valley constituency and (b) Doncaster borough 31 January 2012, Official Report, column 602W, on received Warm Front grants in (i) 2008-09, (ii) 2009-10, renewable energy: feed-in tariffs, what (a) factors were (iii) 2010-11 and (iv) 2011-12. [95002] included in and (b) assumptions were made when calculating the £1.5 billion figure for additional lifetime Gregory Barker: The number of households assisted cost. [95060] under the Warm Front scheme in (a) Don Valley constituency and (b) Doncaster borough since 2008 is Gregory Barker: Our stated estimate that not appealing as follows: to the Supreme Court against the Court of Appeal’s judgment on feed-in tariffs would lead to £1.5 billion Don Valley Doncaster borough additional lifetime costs to consumers was based on assumptions about the possible rate of PV deployment 2008-09 573 2,381 in February and March 2012, informed by the surge of 2009-10 560 2,018 installations seen in the run up to the proposed 12 December 2010-11 356 1,182 2011 reference date. 2011-121 40 125 Total 1,529 5,706 We respectfully disagree with the decision of the 1 Court of Appeal, and intend to seek to appeal to the Up to 31 January 2012 Supreme Court against the ruling. However, if we had Warm Home Discount Scheme chosen not to do so, there would have been much greater costs to consumers both due to installations Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy between 12 December 2011 and 3 March 2012 receiving and Climate Change how many customers who were on higher tariffs (of 43.3p/kWh for installations up to social tariffs offered by energy companies prior to the 4 kW of installed capacity) for 25 years, and because of introduction of the Warm Home Discount scheme will a likely increase in installation rate due to continued not qualify for the scheme. [94363] availability of the higher tariffs. It is very difficult to estimate by how much the Gregory Barker: The Warm Home Discount scheme installation rate might have increased, since this involves was specifically designed to allow suppliers to provide a assumptions about demand for PV at the higher tariffs smooth transition for consumers from the previous and the ability of the market to respond to that. We voluntary agreement under which they provide social based our estimate on the observed increase in installation and discounted tariffs. Suppliers were provided with rate in the six weeks between the launch of the consultation sufficient flexibility in year one of the scheme to assist on tariffs for solar PV on 31 October and the proposed all those who had been helped in the final year of reference date of 12 December, which saw 292 MW voluntary agreement and could use the same eligibility (over 74,000 installations) more PV installed than in the criteria for providing this assistance to low income and previous six week period. vulnerable households. Conservatively, we assumed that there might be an Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy additional 200 MW installed in February and March if and Climate Change if he will consider extending the the higher tariffs had remained available. Assuming the Warm Home Discount scheme to people with medical deployment was split between tariff bands in a similar conditions affecting body temperature. [94364] ratio as earlier deployment (with around 75% of <50 kW capacity being in the 0-4 kW band), this would have led Gregory Barker: The Warm Home Discount scheme to additional costs to consumers of approximately is designed to provide support to those who are both £100 million per annum, or £1.5 billion in real, discounted low income and vulnerable, to ensure that the available terms over the tariff lifetime. resources are targeted at those most in need. Targeting assistance on the basis of medical condition alone would not take account of income and therefore would not provide the same level of assurance that support Renewable Energy: Heating would be provided to those most in need of assistance with energy costs.

Angie Bray: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many organisations in London have received support from the Renewable ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Heat Incentive to date. [94815] Animal Welfare: Circuses

Gregory Barker: None of the five installations accredited Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for to date by Ofgem for support from the Renewable Heat Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will Incentive scheme are based in London. Payments under reply to the joint letter dated 22 December 2011 from the scheme will be made on a quarterly basis following the Born Free Foundation and the Captive Animals submission of eligible heat usage data. We expect to Protection Society on the resolution of this House on make the first payments in March. the use of wild animals in circuses. [93385] 481W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 482W

Mr Paice: My colleague, Lord Taylor of Holbeach, Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control who is the Minister responsible for this policy area, responded to the joint letter from the Born Free Foundation Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for and the Captive Animals Protection Society on 2 February. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the cost of policing badger culls; and Sir Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for how such costs will be funded. [94074] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what dates planned meetings scheduled between a Minister in her Mr Paice: The nature and scale of the policing response Department with (a) the Born Free Foundation, (b) will depend on specific intelligence available at the time. the Captive Animals Protection Society, (c) the Royal However, an estimate of police costs has been developed Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals and through discussion with the Association of Chief Police (d) other animal welfare charities or organisations to Officers (ACPO) and the Home Office. This initial discuss this House’s Resolution on the use of wild estimate suggests a cost in the region of £0.5 million per animals in circuses have been cancelled by the Minister; area per year for the four years when culling would take for what reasons in each case; and if she will make a place in the two pilot areas based on a standard policing statement. [93386] operation to maintain public order and safety. DEFRA has confirmed that it will cover the reasonable additional Mr Paice: Lord Taylor of Holbeach was due to meet costs of policing this policy, which would not be part of with animal welfare groups on 14 December to discuss the duties normally expected of the police. DEFRA’s policy on the use of wild animal acts in travelling circuses. Due to other departmental business Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for those meetings had to be postponed. New dates for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what comparative those meetings have been, or are being, arranged. assessment she has made of the benefits of a pilot badger cull and investing in further research and Fiona O’Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for development. [94223] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when (a) she and (b) other Ministers in her Department will next Mr Paice: The two badger culling pilots will not meet animal welfare organisations to discuss the use of impact on DEFRA’s investment in further research and wild animals in circuses. [93433] development. DEFRA continues to spend a significant amount on Mr Paice: Lord Taylor of Holbeach has a long-standing a wide-ranging bovine TB research programme (around agreement to meet with animal welfare groups to discuss £6.9 million was spent in 2010-11). This programme is DEFRA’s policy on the use of wild animals in circuses. aimed at improving our understanding of the disease, Dates for those meetings have been, or are being, arranged. developing novel control tools, refining existing control tools and understanding how to apply them to tackle Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for the disease. As part of this, in July 2011 we announced Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment the investment of a further £20 million over five years in she has made of the effect of the ban on the use of wild research towards the development of a vaccine against animals in circuses in Greece on progress towards a ban TB in cattle and an oral vaccine for badgers. in the UK. [94763] Evidence suggests that without addressing the presence of TB in the badger population, it will not be possible Mr Paice: We are aware of the ban introduced by the to eradicate TB in cattle, so we need to take action now. Greek Government, which was only passed on 31 January, Scientific evidence suggests that proactive badger culling, on all animals in circuses as well as all animals in other done on a sufficient scale, in a widespread, coordinated performance and entertainment exhibitions. We will and efficient way, and over a sustained period of time, keep the Greek ban, as well as other restrictions and will reduce the incidence of bovine TB in cattle in high bans introduced by other countries, under consideration incidence areas. The pilots will allow the careful examination when taking forward our policy on wild animal acts in of the safety, humaneness and effectiveness of controlled travelling circuses in England. shooting and will inform the Government’s decision on whether to roll the policy out more widely. Birds: Antarctic British Waterways: Canal and River Trust Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for had discussions with the British Antarctic Survey on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment the protection of sea birds in the Antarctic region. he has made of the potential effects of the proposed [95107] transfer of assets and responsibilities of British Waterways to the Canal and River Trust and the reduced level of Richard Benyon: The UK and its South Atlantic funding on regeneration around the Grand Union Canal Overseas Territories are signatories to the Agreement Leicester Section. [95187] on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels. This agreement works to protect and conserve albatrosses Richard Benyon: British Waterways (BW) will move throughout their global range, including the Antarctic. from being a public corporation to a charitable body, Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey advise DEFRA the Canal and River Trust (CRT), in June 2012, subject officials in relation to this agreement, particularly through to parliamentary consent. The Government have reached participation in the work of its advisory committee. agreement with the CRT trustees on the long-term 483W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 484W funding of the new charity until 2027, amounting to Weymouth between Portland and Lulworth Bay, Dorset. around £800 million. This historic and very substantial The right of access will be introduced there in time for settlement demonstrates the Government’s commitment the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events. to the big society and a sustainable and prosperous Natural England is also currently working on proposals future for the inland waterways. to implement coastal access in a further five areas The funding agreement gives greater certainty to the around the coast. When proposals for the coastal route waterways than ever before, making it easier for CRT to have been prepared in each of the five areas, Natural plan future activity. England will start a period of local consultation. Maintenance of the canal network is an operational matter for BW, who prioritise their maintenance spend Crayfish where it is most needed. Any future decisions on funding for regeneration around the Grand Union Canal Leicester Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Section will be a matter for CRT. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps have been taken to protect waterways from the American Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for signal crayfish. [93357] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking in respect of the transition of the assets and responsibilities of British Waterways to the Canal and Richard Benyon: Currently there are no effective methods River Trust. [95188] available for reducing the scale of the signal crayfish population in England, and DEFRA has commissioned Richard Benyon: The statutory functions of British research to identify any feasible techniques. Until effective Waterways in England and Wales will be transferred to management tools become available, efforts are mainly the Canal and River Trust (CRT) by means of an order focussed on limiting the spread of the species to new made under the Public Bodies Act 2011, subject to habitats and on the conservation of native species, such parliamentary consent. A separate transfer scheme made as by the establishment of refuge sites for white clawed under section 23 of the Public Bodies Act will transfer crayfish. DEFRA is also working with the Scottish and property, assets and liabilities of British Waterways in Welsh Governments to develop an action plan to better England and Wales to the CRT. The transfer scheme coordinate efforts to manage non-native crayfish and will be laid before Parliament once the transfer order is their impacts. made. Furthermore, DEFRA has launched a campaign called ″Check, clean, dry″ to raise awareness of the risks from Chinese Mitten Crabs aquatic invasive non-native species, such as non-native crayfish, and to promote simple steps that water-users Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for can take to reduce the accidental spread of invasive Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she species through their activities. has taken to protect waterways from the Chinese mitten crab. [93354] Dangerous Dogs

Richard Benyon: The Chinese mitten crab is established in our waters. It migrates to sea to spawn, where its Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for progeny may spread through natural means or through Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent human action in the ballast water of ships and boats. discussions she has had with animal welfare charities on matters relating to dangerous dogs. [94268] There is no known method of controlling the Chinese mitten crab to prevent its natural spread. Mr Paice: DEFRA Ministers and officials hold frequent The UK, along with our international partners, aims meetings with animal welfare charities on matters relating to minimise the spread of marine invasive species, including to dangerous dogs. Chinese mitten crabs, through the International Maritime Organisation’s Ballast Water Convention. The UK will begin the ratification process once it has been proved Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for that technology is available to meet the required water Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she quality standards. The UK is participating in continuing has to repeal the dog control measures of the Metropolitan discussions at the International Maritime Organisation’s Police Act 1839 and the Town Police Clauses Act 1847; Marine Environment Protection Committee with regards [94270] to producing a set of ballast water guidelines on sampling and analysis. These guidelines are nearing completion. Mr Paice: I can confirm that, following consultation with the police, these two provisions in early Victorian Coastal Areas: Access Acts of Parliament, which between them apply across the country and make it an offence to allow a dog to Fiona O’Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for attack, or put in fear of attack, any person or other Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans animal, will be repealed at the next appropriate legislative to publish Natural England’s draft proposals on opportunity, as more up-to-date legislation exists. coastal paths. [94755] Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: We have approved Natural England’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she proposals for a coastal route and associated coastal has to update her Department’s website to include margin on a 32 km stretch of the English coast at information on responsible dog ownership. [94272] 485W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 486W

Mr Paice: Information and advice on owning a dog is Mr Paice: A number of discussions have been held on contained in the Code of Practice for the Welfare of this subject with the Home Office, involving both Ministers Dogs which can be found on the DEFRA website here: and officials from the respective Government Departments. http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/2011/03/26/code-of- Departmental Apprentices practice-dogs-pb13333/

Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many she has had with the Secretary of State for Justice on apprentices were employed by each public body for training of magistrates on handling of dog control which her Department is responsible between (a) April cases. [94276] 2010 and March 2011 and (b) April and December 2011; and how many apprenticeships she expects each Mr Paice: The Secretary of State for Environment, public body to sponsor between (i) January and March Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the 2012 and (ii) April 2012 and March 2013; [88719] Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman), has not had any (2) how much funding from the public purse has been recent discussions with the Lord Chancellor and Secretary allocated to sponsor apprenticeships in each of the of State for Justice, my right hon. and learned Friend public bodies for which her Department is responsible the Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke), on training of between (a) April 2010 and March 2011, (b) April magistrates on handling dog control cases. 2011 and March 2012 and (c) April 2012 and March 2013. [88720] Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent Richard Benyon: The figures for how many apprentices discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for were employed by each executive agency and main the Home Department on antisocial behaviour with non-departmental public body that DEFRA is responsible dogs. [94284] for are set out in the following tables:

The executive agencies April 2010 to March April 2011 to January to March Name 2011 December 2011 2012 April to March 2013

Rural Payments Agency 0 0 0 0 Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science 0 2 5 1— Food and Environment Research Agency 2 22 22 20 Veterinary Medicines Directorate 0 0 0 0 Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratory Agency 0 0 0 0 1 Minimum of 6 Non-departmental public bodies April 2010 to March April 2011 to January to March Name 2011 December 2011 2012 April to March 2013

Environment Agency 1 1 0 1— Natural England 2— 2— 2— 2— Gangmasters Licensing Authority 0 0 0 0 Drinking Water Inspectorate 0 0 0 0 Royal Botanic Gardens Kew 67 67 3—67 Marine Management Organisation 0 0 0 0 Joint Nature Committee 0 0 0 0 1 The Environment Agency will be reviewing its approach to apprenticeship provision in early 2012 in order to increase the opportunities it provides in future years. 2 Natural England is seeking external funding for an apprenticeship on one of their National Nature Reserves in 2012-13. There are no previous commitments or other current plans. 3 Royal Botanic Gardens Kew runs 67 apprenticeships per annum as a constant.

Funding from the public purse (including salary costs for externally recruited apprentices) that has been allocated to sponsor apprenticeships in each of the public bodies for which DEFRA is responsible for is outlined in the following tables:

The executive agencies £ Name April 2010 to March 2011 April 2011 to March 2012 April 2012 to March 2013

Rural Payments Agency 000 Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science 0 95,564 81,372 Food and Environment Research Agency 36,302 154,949 266,984 Veterinary Medicines Directorate 0 0 0 Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratory Agency 0 0 0 487W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 488W

Non-departmental public bodies £ Name April 2010 to March 2011 April 2011 to March 2012 April 2012 to March 2013

Environment Agency 28,747 23,958 1— Natural England 002— Gangmasters Licensing Authority 0 0 0 Drinking Water Inspectorate 0 0 0 Royal Botanic Gardens Kew 3— 3— 3— Marine Management Organisation 0 0 0 Joint Nature Committee 000 1 The Environment Agency will be reviewing its. approach to apprenticeship provision in early 2012 in order to increase the opportunities it provides in future years. 2 Natural England is seeking external funding for an apprenticeship on one of their National Nature Reserves in 2012-13. There are no previous commitments or other current plans. No other NDPB uses money from the public purse for apprenticeships. 3 Royal Botanic Gardens Kew receives funding from a mixture of public and private sources and it hasn’t been possible to calculate funding for apprenticeships solely from the public purse.

Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Travel Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how much funding her Department allocated to sponsor apprenticeships in her Department in (a) 2010-11 and Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) 2011-12; and how much such funding she plans to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her Department has agreed any contracts with (a) private allocate in 2012-13; [89146] hire vehicle and (b) taxi companies since May 2010. (2) how many apprentices were employed by her [92834] Department between (a) April 2010 and March 2011 and (b) April and December 2011; and how many apprenticeships she plans that her Department will Richard Benyon: From 1 June 2011 core DEFRA has sponsor between (i) January and March 2012 and (ii) had a contract for private hire vehicles with Enterprise Rent-a-car UK Limited. That superseded a contract April and March 2013. [89215] with Arval PHH Business Solutions which had been running since 1 June 2006. Richard Benyon: Between April 2010 and March 2011 core DEFRA employed 29 apprentices, all of whom were current employees undertaking an apprenticeship Dogs: Breeding training programme. Core DEFRA allocated £16,146.50 of funding. Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Core DEFRA did not employ any apprentices in the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will estimate financial year 2011-12, and no funds were allocated. the number of dogs bred in domestic properties and sold on the internet in the latest period for which figures Core DEFRA has not yet finalised its plans for are available. [94273] apprenticeships for the financial year 2012-13.

Departmental Procurement Mr Paice: DEFRA does not hold the information requested.

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she of the total value of contracts issued or to be issued by plans to review the operation of the (a) Breeding of her Department in 2011-12 have required successful Dogs Act 1973, (b) Breeding of Dogs Act 1991 and organisations to put up a capital bond; and if she will (c) Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999. make a statement. [94916] [94292]

Richard Benyon: Core DEFRA has not issued and Mr Paice: The effectiveness of this legislation will be does not intend to issue any contract in 2011-12 requiring considered in the light of the outcome of the current the successful organisation to put up a capital bond. review of dog breeding being undertaken by the Dog Advisory Council. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which contracts Dogs: Imports her Department has tendered or will tender in 2011-12 which require successful organisations to have a capital bond of more than £5 million; which contracts have Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for not required such a bond; and if she will make a Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate statement. [94936] has she made of the number of dogs imported to the UK in the last three years; and from which country Richard Benyon: Core DEFRA has not tendered and each such dog came. [94269] does not intend to tender any contract in 2011-12 requiring the successful organisation to put up a capital Mr Paice: The following table details the number of bond. dogs imported into the UK in the last three years. 489W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 490W

Live dogs imported into the UK regulation, we now have a stringent system of checking Number the legality and provenance of all consignments of fish imported into the UK. 2009 90,331 2010 85,561 Farmers: Westmorland 2011 87,601 The vast majority of pets entering the UK do so Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for under the Pet Travel Scheme and belong to UK residents Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate returning from trips abroad with their animals. she has made of the number of farmers in Westmorland We are unable to break the above figures down by and Lonsdale constituency who have diversified into country. other business areas in the latest period for which figures are available. [94688] Eggs: Origin Marking Mr Paice: 164 (18%) of the 901 holdings in the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency had some Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for diversified activity in 2010. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her The EU defines farm diversification as all activities Department is taking to ensure full traceability of egg other than farm work that have an economic impact on products. [90281] the holding. These activities must make use of the farm’s resources (such as the land, buildings or machinery) Mr Paice: On inspection, enforcement authorities or products. If only the farm’s labour force and no look for evidence that food business operators are keeping other resources are used for the activity, then this is not appropriate traceability records as required by European classed as being a diversified activity. Agricultural work food law. Major retailers, processors, food manufacturers for other holdings is included. Exclusions are: pure and food service companies have put into place stringent financial investments, commercial activity on the holding traceability tests to ensure that they do not source eggs which is not linked to any agricultural or horticultural or egg products from laying hens kept in conventional activity (e.g. a hairdresser or insurance company), renting cages. We encourage others to join them. out the land for diverse activities where there is no further involvement in these activities, and letting out of Environment Protection: Fisheries buildings.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Fish: Conservation Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will take steps to increase consumer awareness of the Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for potential environmental repercussions of purchasing Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions Patagonian Toothfish, more commonly known in she plans to have with her (a) French, (b) Dutch, (c) restaurants as Chilean Sea Bass; [95106] German, (d) Belgian and (e) Irish counterpart on (2) what assessment she has made of the importance measures for the conservation and management of fish of krill in the Antarctic ecosystem and the potential stocks applying to all vessels fishing within the 12 consequences of overfishing it; [95178] nautical miles UK coastal zone. [94419] (3) what steps her Department has taken to prevent overfishing of (a) krill and (b) Patagonian Toothfish Richard Benyon: All commercial fish stocks subject to in Antarctic waters. [95179] EU quota limits are jointly managed as a shared resource under the common fisheries policy (CFP). These Richard Benyon: DEFRA continues to seek to raise management measures continue to apply under the awareness among consumers of the importance of mutual access arrangements within member states’ 6-12 purchasing fish from sustainably-managed sources. Fishing nautical mile coastal zones, and are based on historical for krill and Patagonian toothfish in Antarctic waters is fishing patterns. I will continue to support the Commission’s carefully overseen by the Convention for the Conservation proposal to extend the current restrictions on access of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), within the 6-12 nm limits from 2013, without which which applies stringent conservation measures to ensure these restrictions will automatically lapse. that all harvesting is conducted in a precautionary and Through reform of the CFP, the UK will seek to ecosystem-based manner. This means that fish stocks enable individual member states to manage marine are subject to careful monitoring and stock assessment, resources more effectively through better integration of with fishery quotas set according to scientific advice. fisheries management with other marine policies. As The UK works closely with CCAMLR to uphold these part of the ongoing reform debate I will be discussing principles and to promote and enhance the sustainable this issue with fellow Fisheries Ministers, and similarly management of its fisheries, including through the South my officials are having discussions about a more regional Georgia and South Sandwich Islands toothfish fishery approach to fisheries management with other member which has achieved the third highest scoring Marine states, including with France, the Netherlands, Germany, Stewardship Council certification in the world. Belgium and the Republic of Ireland. The major threat to sustainability arises from fish Improved integration of fisheries management with caught through illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) wider marine environment policies will also be supported fishing operations, which we are tackling through measures through our implementation of the EU’s Marine Strategy such as implementation of the EU’s IUU Regulation, Framework Directive, which aims to achieve Good which came into force in 2010. As required under this Environmental Status (GES) in Europe’s seas by 2020. 491W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 492W

The directive puts in place a strong framework for Lytham and St Annes are covered by the Environment co-ordination between EU member states in taking the Agency’s flood warning service. This covers approximately necessary measures to achieve GES. 3,000 properties in this area and provides a warning Our work to identify and develop the UK’s Marine service to those properties at risk. Conservation Zones will make a contribution. Where The Joint Blackpool and Fylde Shoreline Strategy, these zones include areas within the 6-12 nm limits, which receives £183,000 of DEFRA funding, is currently non-discriminatory conservation measures affecting the nearing completion. This strategy is being jointly led by vessels of other member states can be introduced after Fylde borough council and Blackpool borough council, consultation with the affected member states and the and will provide a comprehensive assessment of the Commission. coastal flood risk to the Fylde and Blackpool coastline, including Lytham and St Annes. The strategy will identify any improvements needed to the coastal defences for Fishing Vessels Lytham and St Annes. The strategy is due to be completed by summer 2012 and will be sent to the Environment Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Agency for final sign off. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with her counterpart in Northern Ireland Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for to ensure a co-ordinated UK approach to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans her European calls for Swedish grid gear to be fitted to Department has to improve the drainage channels and prawn trawlers. [94612] pumping facilities to farmland outside Lytham. [94827]

Richard Benyon: As the UK Fisheries Minister I Richard Benyon: In July 2011, the Environment Agency discussed the approach to gear selectivity for the prawn replaced the 65-year-old wooden tidal gates at Dock (nephrops) fleet with the Northern Irish Fisheries Minister, Bridge with new plastic flaps and a new lifting mechanism. as part of the UK’s negotiations at the December It dredged the channel downstream of Dock Bridge Fisheries Council and more recently at a meeting in and carried out a detailed land survey. The survey Belfast on 6 February. Fisheries policy is a devolved results will determine the extent of one-off de-silting matter and as such devolved Administrations are able activity, planned for 2012-13. This will increase the level to develop and apply their own approach to fisheries of flood protection to the eastern side of Lytham, as management, including the type of gear used. I am, well as farmland adjacent to the town. The Environment however, keen that our respective fisheries administrations Agency has identified the optimum water levels for the share views and ideas. My officials are in regular contact operation of the pumps in order to maintain the current with their counterparts as gear selectivity and other standard of flood protection to this area. measures are developed for different fleets to learn from each other’s experiences and to ensure the UK’s approach The Environment Agency will replace and automate is coherent. the valve on the upstream side of Dock Bridge in late 2012. The operation of the valves holds back the river flow and enables essential maintenance work to be carried out on the downstream side of the bridge to Flood Control: Lytham St Annes include repairs to the tidal gate valves and works in the channel. Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for The Environment Agency will also review its flood Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her latest risk management activities in the Main Drain catchment flood risk assessment is for (a) Lytham and (b) St of Lytham. In 2012-13 it will work with the local Annes; and whether she plans to improve flood community to look at the full range of long term defences in those areas. [94826] options for maintenance in this area. Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency’s national assessment of flood risk (NaFRA) data shows the Food likelihood of flooding across England and Wales. The following table outlines the number of properties at risk from flooding in Lytham and St Annes. Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the remit is St. of the work of her Department’s Green Food Project. Lytham Annes [94658] Significant risk: greater than 1.3% (one in 75) 1,489 104 chance in any year Mr Paice: The Green Food Project, a commitment Moderate risk: 1.3% (one in 75) chance or less 880 223 made in the Natural Environment White Paper, is a but greater than 0.5% (one in 200) chance in any year joint initiative between Government, the food and farming Low risk: 0.5% (one in 200) chance of 1,278 199 industry, and environmental and consumer organisations. flooding each year or less It aims to explore the challenges of increasing food Total number of properties at risk of flooding 3,647 526 production and enhancing the environment, in England, from rivers and the sea out to 2050 and consider how any tensions that this challenge raises can be reconciled. The Environment Agency is currently remodelling The report from the project will be published in June the data on flood risk in the area. 2012. 493W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 494W

Food: Apprentices Richard Benyon: Officers from the Environment Agency are involved in dialogue with the British Geological Survey on issues around hydraulic fracturing, including Andrew Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the levels of methane in groundwater. This includes a Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions British Geological Survey project to measure background she has had on increasing the number of apprenticeships levels in groundwater across the country.The Environment in the food manufacturing sector. [85456] Agency is providing data it has relating to background methane levels in groundwater units to the British Geological Survey. In the North West this includes a Mr Paice: The Secretary of State for Environment, survey of background methane levels following the Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Abbeystead gas explosion. Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman), has discussed apprenticeships and welcomes the commitment of the Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for food and drink manufacturing sector to support Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions apprenticeships. We also welcome the initiative from the she has had with the Geological Society on the levels of Food and Drink Federation to call on its members to methane in groundwater prior to hydraulic fracturing sign up to its Apprenticeship Pledge and double the taking place. [94473] number of apprenticeships in the sector in England and Scotland by the end of 2012. Richard Benyon: Neither DEFRA officials nor officers from the Environment Agency have held discussions with the Geological Society on this specific question. Fossil Fuels: Exploration Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) tests Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will investigate her Department has carried out and (b) assessment she has made of the toxicity of the (i) chemicals and (ii) the toxicity levels of chemicals used in fracking. [94468] hydraulic fluid used in hydraulic fracturing. [94512]

Richard Benyon: An assessment of the toxicity of Richard Benyon: The toxicity of the chemicals and of those substances that have been used for the hydraulic the hydraulic fracturing fluid are closely linked. Hydraulic fracturing for shale gas has been undertaken in accordance fracturing fluid used in shale gas exploration in the UK with the requirements of the Groundwater Daughter typically comprises water and sand (about 98%) and Directive. This was done via a UK-wide group involving chemicals (about 2%). The only source of toxicity in the the UK environment agencies (and the Environmental hydraulic fracturing fluid will come from the chemicals Protection Agency of the Republic of Ireland) known used. as JAGDAG—the Joint Agencies Groundwater Directive The Environment Agency has assessed the toxicity of Advisory Group. The group oversees interim assessments the chemicals used, in accordance with the groundwater and gains peer review of the assessments within the UK daughter directive. agencies, before formal determinations are consulted upon and adopted, with amendment where necessary. The Environment Agency has monitored the fluids that return to the surface from the borehole after hydraulic All the chemicals that companies planning tracking fracturing to identify additional constituents which were operations propose for use will be reviewed for classification dissolved or washed into the fluid during its time in the into hazardous or non-hazardous. The Environment target strata. Details of these analyses are published on Agency has reviewed the chemicals proposed by Cuadrilla the Environment Agency’s website. They found that for the Lancashire exploration and is satisfied that they compared to the injected fracking fluid, the returned are classified as non-hazardous under the Groundwater fluid contained increased levels of minerals dissolved Daughter Directive. They are currently reviewing additional from the rocks, such as chloride, sodium, iron and chemicals the company wish to use as tracer agents. dissolved metals. It also contained very low levels of Chemicals which have been suggested for use for hydraulic naturally occurring radioactive materials: fracturing for coal bed methane exploration will also be http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/ subject to the same review should they be formally 134511.aspx proposed for use. Furthermore, I would also refer the hon. Member to The Environment Agency will not be reviewing all my answer to the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion those chemicals that have been used for hydraulic fracturing (Caroline Lucas) on 20 December 2011, Official Report, in the United States but will only review those that are column 1107W. proposed by operators in England and Wales. I would also refer the hon. Member to my answer to Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what tests her of 20 December 2011, Official Report, column 1107W. Department has carried out on the level of water contamination resulting from hydraulic fluid used in hydraulic fracturing. [94513] Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions Richard Benyon: The only shale gas well that has been she has had with the British Geological Survey on the hydraulically fractured in England and Wales is at Preese levels of methane in groundwater prior to hydraulic Hall in Lancashire. The whole site is bunded and lined fracturing taking place. [94470] to contain potential spills; the Environment Agency 495W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 496W report that it knows of no spills from hydraulic fracturing As this is an option for cost recovery that has not yet fluid and no resulting contamination of surface water been established as effective under the Part 2A Regime or the ground. in England and Wales, it was decided that it would not The fluid that returned to the surface after the fracturing be appropriate to include reference to it in a statutory (the flowback fluid) was stored on site before being document. Omission from the guidance does not however transported to Davyhulme waste water treatment works exclude it as an option for local authorities to consider in Manchester. It was stored in double skin tanks in the as part of their protocol for cost recovery from appropriate bunded and lined area, and the Environment Agency persons. knows of no spills. Land: Registration The aquifer at the Preese Hall site lies at 100-500m below the surface and contains saline water. It is isolated Fiona O’Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for from any surface water features and is not suitable as a Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans viable drinking water source. No measurements of its to publish her response to the consultation on the quality have been made. It is separated from the target registration of new town or village greens. [94691] shale by 600 metres of rock including at least 300 metres of impermeable strata. Richard Benyon: A summary of responses to the consultation will be published on the DEFRA website Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for in the coming weeks. It is envisaged that detailed conclusions Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions will be published in the late summer. she has had with the British Geological Survey on the toxicity of the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing. Landfill [94515] Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: Officers from the Environment Agency Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) on what date are in dialogue with the British Geological Survey on the proposed agreement between her Department and issues around hydraulic fracturing. The toxicity of chemicals the hospitality and food sector on landfill will come used in hydraulic fracturing is not an area where the into effect; [95245] British Geological Survey has a particular remit and so (2) pursuant to the oral answer of 19 January 2012, this would not have been raised on a formal basis. Official Report, column 869, on landfill, if she will publish the proposed agreement between her Department Inland Waterways: Leicester and the hospitality and food sector to divert food waste from landfill. [95246] Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she Richard Benyon: We aim to launch the new voluntary has to regenerate the areas surrounding the Grand agreement with the hospitality and food service sector Union Canal Leicester Section. [95186] this spring. This agreement will seek to reduce food and packaging waste and deal with the waste that does arise Richard Benyon: Management and operation of the more sustainably. Grand Union Canal is a matter for British Waterways. We are currently developing the agreement on the British Waterways do not have any specific plans to basis of industry responses to a discussion paper that regenerate the areas surrounding the Grand Union was available for comment between 22 November 2011 Canal Leicester Section. and 11 January 2012. A copy of this paper is available British Waterways will move from being a public at: corporation to a charitable body, the Canal and River www.wrap.org.uk/hospitality Trust (CRT) in June 2012, subject to parliamentary The finalised agreement will be published online. consent. Any future decisions on funding for regeneration around the Grand Union Canal Leicester Section will Olympic Games 2012 be a matter for CRT. Land: Contamination Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many invitations to attend events at the London 2012 Olympics (a) she, Fiona O’Donnell: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) other Ministers in her Department and (c) senior Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the light of officials in her Department have accepted; and if she constraints on public funds available to support the will make a statement. [93629] remediation of contaminated land where the ‘appropriate persons’ have inadequate resources to cover their liability, Richard Benyon: No invitations to attend events at for what reason her Department’s revised Statutory the London 2012 Olympics have been accepted by (a) Guidance omits reference to the ‘Insurance Recovery’ the Secretary of State, (b) other Ministers in the process which enables claims to be made by the owner/ Department or, (c) any senior officials. polluter against old public liability insurance policies. [94682] Pets: Breeding

Richard Benyon: The option of including reference in Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the statutory guidance to the application of cost recovery Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance through the pursuit of old public liability insurance her Department provides to local authorities’ tenants policies was considered along with many other suggestions on running a business to sell pets from council-owned put forward during the process of reviewing the guidance. properties. [94274] 497W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 498W

Mr Paice: While DEFRA has not issued any guidance Richard Benyon: Whether or not the area identified as to tenants on this matter, guidance issued to social Uddens (Cannon Hill) Plantation in the Dorset-wide landlords in November 2010 by the Department for Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocation Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and the Joint Development Plan document is suitable to be used Department for Business Innovation and Skills stresses for this purpose is a decision for the local authority. the value of social tenants being able to run businesses from home. While the Government have urged social River Forth: Bridges landlords to agree to reasonable requests from their tenants, there are obviously some instances, for example where the Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for running of the business would have an adverse impact Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will on the neighbourhood, where this would not be practicable. estimate the carbon footprint resulting from importing In cases where a tenancy agreement does not require steel from China for the construction of the new Forth the tenant to seek the landlord’s permission before starting Bridge. [95449] up a business, a landlord can rely on other clauses in the agreement, eg those dealing with noise and nuisance or Richard Benyon: DEFRA does not hold data on the damage to the premises, to deal with problem cases. carbon footprint of the replacement Forth crossing. Guidance published for social landlords by DCLG in However, a DEFRA research report published in 2011, April 2010 on the tools and powers available to them to focussed on understanding the geographical sources of tackle antisocial behaviour emphasises the importance greenhouse gas emissions associated with UK trade of including clauses in tenancy agreements to ensure flows. This showed that in 2004 China was the source of the keeping of pets is properly controlled and enforcement around 5% of emissions associated with UK consumption action against nuisance animals and dangerous dogs is of non-ferrous metals (iron and steel), a total of around facilitated, as well as highlighting good practice. 3 kilo tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Ongoing research Any tenant seeking to start a business from their work will update these figures with more recent data, home should ensure their tenancy agreement allows this and provide a high level analysis of the UK national and obtain permission from their landlord if required. carbon dioxide footprint, covering 131 product groups and all final demand categories on annual basis from Businesses that sell pets or breed dogs are also likely 2011 to 2016. to require licensing and inspection by the local authority. River Medway: Water Abstraction Pigs: EU Action Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has made of the effects of excess water abstraction she has had with her European counterparts on the from the River Medway as the result of a drought order progress of EU directive 2001/88/EC on the phasing out on (a) the environment, (b) the local ecosystem, (c) of sow stalls. [94699] water quality, (d) pollutants and (e) agriculture. Mr Paice: The Commission has discussed compliance [92759] with the sow stall ban with member states and has Richard Benyon: Southern Water Services Ltd has not sought information on the level of progress to date. yet applied for a drought order. The Environment Agency This was raised most recently at this month’s meeting of is aware that it is considering applying for a drought the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal permit to take additional water from the River Medway. Health. I also raised the forthcoming sow stall ban at my meeting with Commissioner Dalli on 6 February. Initial assessment of the likely impact of such a permit is included in the Southern Water Services Ltd Over the coming months we will continue to discuss drought plan. progress with the implementation of the sow stall ban with the Commission and our European colleagues. An application for a drought permit or order will be accompanied by an environmental assessment which Rabies will be scrutinised by the Environment Agency. This assessment will consider the impact on the environment and any other abstractions, for example agriculture. Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for to announce her proposals on rabies. [94281] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what arrangements her Department has put in place to Mr Paice: The Government plan to publish their minimise the effect of excess water abstraction from the response to the consultation on the Rabies Control River Medway as the result of a drought order on (a) Strategy in the spring. the environment, (b) the local ecosystem, (c) water quality, (d) pollutants and (e) agriculture. [92760] Rights of Way: Ferndown Richard Benyon: Southern Water Services Ltd has not Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for yet applied for a drought order. The Environment Agency Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make is aware that it is considering applying for a drought it her policy not to permit the Uddens (Cannonhill) permit to take additional water from the River Medway. Plantation at Uddens Drive, Ferndown to be converted As no permit or order has been issued there are currently into a transit site for Travellers. [95166] no arrangements in place. 499W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 500W

Scallops targets (as well as reduce waste to landfill). DEFRA funds the Waste and Resources Action Programme which provides advice and support to businesses, local Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for authorities, civil society organisations and consumers Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what meetings on the better use of resources with a view to reducing (a) she and (b) Ministers in her Department had with the amount of waste generated. the European Commission on the Western Waters Scallop Effort in (A) 2009, (B) 2010, (C) 2011 and (D) DEFRA established the Waste Infrastructure Delivery 2012 to date; what was discussed at each meeting; and Programme in 2006 to help local authorities accelerate whether the conditions for seeking (i) a reallocation of the building of the infrastructure needed to treat residual effort from Area VI to VII and (ii) increasing effort in waste without compromising efforts to minimise waste Area VII were raised at each meeting. [94748] and support increasing recycling levels.

Richard Benyon: The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Water Supply: Singleton Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman), and I meet with the European Commission regularly.Fisheries management Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for issues form part of those discussions as necessary. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions her Department has had with United Stray Dogs Utilities on the proposed water treatment facility at Singleton; and if she will make a statement. [94999] Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency holds she has made of the number of stray dogs returned to quarterly meetings with United Utilities to discuss the their legal owners in the latest period for which figures delivery of wastewater improvements required by the are available. [94267] National Environment Programme for 2010-15. At a meeting in December 2011, United Utilities Mr Paice: Figures taken from our impact assessment informed the Environment Agency of the steps it is on microchipping indicates that some 57,000 dogs were taking to prepare the planning application in order to returned to their owners in the United Kingdom in deliver the improvements at Poulton, near Singleton. 2010-11. This figure is based on the 2011 Stray Dogs Survey carried out by the Dogs Trust. Water Supply: South East Waste Management Gordon Henderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what preparations Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what technologies the Government has made for domestic water supply she is using to reduce the amount of landfill waste during the Olympics in (a) the south-east and (b) produced by households and business; and what funding Kent. [95122] she has allocated for the research and development of future technologies. [94291] Richard Benyon: Water companies have published their water resource management plans that set out the Richard Benyon: The Government’s Review of Waste way they will manage water supply over future years. Policy in England, published in June 2011, sets out our These plans include consideration of any additional ambition to move towards a zero waste economy, in demands from new buildings constructed for the Olympics. which resources are re-used, recycled or recovered wherever possible, and landfill is the last resort. The landfill tax Thames Water has worked with the Olympic Delivery remains a key driver to divert waste from landfill, and Authority (ODA) to assess water demands during the we will maintain landfill tax increases to £80 a tonne in Olympic and Paralympic Games. The ODA expect the 2014-15. demand in London to be no greater than a “normal” There are a number of waste management technologies summer period as it is estimated that approximately available to local authorities to help reduce waste being 25% of London’s population will be away during this sent to landfill, including materials recycling facilities, period. energy from waste facilities and pre-treatment facilities The demand for water from the Olympic sites will which remove recyclates and reduce the total volume of also be reduced by the use of non-potable sources for residual waste and/or its biogenic content. Other irrigation and cleaning. In addition to a mains supply technologies include anaerobic digestion and composting. from Thames Water, there are two non-potable sources The Government are technology neutral and are of supply to the main Olympic site. Rainwater harvesting focused on outcomes rather than supporting particular will capture rainwater from roofs and car parks and types of technologies. DEFRA does not specifically there is also a ‘blackwater’ treatment plant that produces fund research and development of future technologies non-potable water from sewage. but in future the Green Investment Bank may support The Environment Agency and the water companies new or currently unproven technologies in waste of the south-east are also considering the potential management, for example energy from waste facilities impact of drought through their respective drought that will contribute towards the UK’s renewable energy plans. 501W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 502W

HOME DEPARTMENT Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued at all courts1 the Lancashire Criminal Justice System (CJS) area as reported to the Ministry of Justice2 by the Court Service, 1 January 2002 to 31 Antisocial Behaviour December 2010 CJS area—Lancashire Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police authorities she 2010 71 1 Includes ASBOs issued on application by magistrates courts acting proposes will participate in the pilot scheme of her in their civil capacity and county courts, which became available on 1 anti-social behaviour community trigger. [94288] April 1999 and ASBOs made following conviction for a relevant criminal offence at the Crown Court and at magistrates courts (acting James Brokenshire: We are working with a number of in their criminal capacity), which became available on 2 December leading Community Safety Partnerships on plans for 2002. 2 Prior to the creation of the Ministry of Justice on 9 May 2007, testing the community trigger. We will announce details numbers of ASBOs issued were reported to Home Office by the of the pilots shortly, as part of the Government’s formal Court. response to the Home Office’s consultation on reforming Note: the powers available to the police and other professionals Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate to tackle antisocial behaviour. and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data Antisocial Behaviour Orders collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Prepared by Justice Statistics Analytical Services. Home Department what plans she has to publish the outcome of her Department’s consultation on anti- Asylum social behaviour orders. [94283]

James Brokenshire: The Home Office has received Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for over one thousand written responses to the consultation the Home Department what progress her Department from the police and other front line professionals, members has made in clearing outstanding legacy asylum cases. of the judiciary, local authorities, interest groups and [94725] members of the public. We want to ensure that our proposals reflect that wealth of knowledge and expertise, Damian Green: The UK Border Agency (UKBA) and will publish our response to the consultation shortly. committed to review all older unresolved cases by summer 2011. A total of 500,500 cases were reviewed as part of Antisocial Behaviour Orders: Rossendale the programme. As Jonathan Sedgwick, then acting chief executive of the UK Border Agency, reported to the Home Affairs Committee on 12 September 2012, Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for the 479,000 of the 500,500 cases in the legacy programme Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been fully concluded. have been issued to residents of the criminal justice areas covering Rossendale and Darwen constituency in 23,000 remaining cases were fully reviewed but, due each year since 2002. [94380] to various barriers, could not be brought to a final conclusion. UKBA established the Case Assurance and James Brokenshire: Rossendale and Darwen is in the Audit Unit (CAAU) to remove such barriers and bring Lancashire Criminal Justice System (CJS) data. The the remaining cases to a final conclusion. Rob Whiteman numbers of antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued reported to the HASC on 22 December 2011 that the at all courts in the Lancashire CJS area in each year number of live cases had now reduced to 17,000. CAAU between 2002 and 2010, (the latest year for which date will continue to monitor these cases and resolve them as are currently available) is shown in the table. barriers are lifted. The majority of these ASBOs will have been issued to CAAU is also responsible for the active monitoring people resident in Lancashire, although it is possible for of 98,000 controlled archive cases and, as Rob Whiteman a court in Lancashire to issue an ASBO to someone reported to the HASC on 22 December 2011, this has resident in a neighbouring CJS area. The centrally now reduced to 93,000. collected data does not identify the area in which ASBO recipients reside. Asylum: Applications Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued at all courts1 the Lancashire Criminal Justice System (CJS) area as reported to the Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for 2 Ministry of Justice by the Court Service, 1 January 2002 to 31 the Home Department how many unresolved asylum December 2010 claims had been awaiting determination for more than CJS area—Lancashire two years on the latest date for which figures are 2002 14 available. [92195] 2003 54 2004 126 Damian Green: The number of unresolved New Asylum 2005 148 Model claims that have been outstanding for more than 2006 115 two years as of June 2011 is 20,500. This figure is taken 2007 102 from the HM Government website at: 2008 53 http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/ 2009 47 aboutus/further-key-data/ 503W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 504W

The number of open asylum cases also known as the Crime Prevention: Chemicals asylum ‘Work in Progress’ caseload (WiP) was published on the website in August 2011. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the It should be noted that all cases over 60 months old Home Department whether her Department has any are not included in the above figure as they belong to plans to authorise the use of chemical agents with the Case Assurance and Audit Unit (CAAU). There are actions other than eye and respiratory irritation for law 93,000 cases in the controlled archive. enforcement purposes. [95411] The CAAU figures were reported to the Home Affairs Select Committee on 20 December 2011 by Rob Whiteman, Nick Herbert: The Home Office has no plans to chief executive of the UK Border Agency. widen the use of chemical agents. All figures quoted are management information which Crime: Scotland has been subject to internal quality checks. The numbers may differ from figures released as National Statistics in the Home Office Immigration Statistics as they are Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for the drawn from different snapshots of the UK Border Home Department pursuant to the answer of 10 Agency databases. January 2012, Official Report, column 154W, on crime: Scotland, what plans she has to meet the Cabinet Asylum: Appeals Secretary for Justice in the Scottish Government to discuss serious and organised crime. [94459] Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the highest number of Nick Herbert: Home Office Ministers have meetings appeals an asylum seeker has made before being (a) with a wide variety of international partners, as well as deported and (b) granted leave to remain. [93874] organisations and individuals in the public and private sectors, as part of the process of policy development Damian Green: This information is not available and and delivery.As was the case with previous Administrations, could be obtained only at disproportionate cost through it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of the examination of individual case files. However, a all such meetings. person applying for asylum is only able to appeal once against a decision. They are able to challenge our decision Criminal Investigation: EU Action by appealing to the Immigration and Asylum Chamber of the First Tier Tribunal of the Courts and Tribunals Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Service, and thereafter to the Upper Tribunal and onward Department (1) how many joint investigation teams to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. The onward have been established in accordance with Article 13 of right of appeal is with permission of the relevant Court the Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal or Tribunal, and lies only on the ground that the previous Matters between the member states of the European Court or Tribunal made a material error in law. Union and Council Framework Decision 2002/465/ JHA across the EU in each year since 2003; [95610] Asylum: Deportation (2) how many joint investigation teams have been established in accordance with Article 13 of the Convention Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters between the the Home Department how many family groups of member states of the European Union and Council unsuccessful asylum seekers which include children Framework Decision 2002/465/JHA have operated in have been ordered to be removed from the UK since 1 the UK in each year since 2003; [95611] May 2011; and in how many of these cases removal has been enforced. [94880] (3) how many joint investigation teams have been established in accordance with Article 13 of the Convention Damian Green: This information is not held in a on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters between the format compatible with National Statistics protocols. member states of the European Union and Council However statistics regarding the new family returns Framework Decision 2002/465/JHA operating (a) in process are scheduled for publication in the performance the UK and (b) in EU member states other than the section of the Border Agency website on 23 February UK were (i) initiated at the request of UK authorities 2012. The statistics will cover the period June 2010 to and (B) led by UK officials in each year since 2003; December 2011. [95612] (4) what forms of criminal activity have been the British Nationality: Syria reason for establishing joint investigation teams in accordance with Article 13 of the Convention on Mutual Sajid Javid: To ask the Secretary of State for the Assistance in Criminal Matters between the member Home Department what estimate she has made of the states of the European Union and Council Framework number of (a) senior members of the Syrian administration Decision 2002/465/JHA in the UK in each year since and (b) prominent supporters of the Syrian regime 2003. [95614] who hold joint UK and Syrian citizenship. [94618] Damian Green: The data requested is not centrally Damian Green: Those senior members and prominent held. However, from information provided by Eurojust, supporters of the Syrian regime who are subject to EU which supports the establishment and operation of EU travel bans have been checked against Home Office joint investigation teams, at least 53 joint investigation databases. None has been identified as holding British teams were in operation in European Union member citizenship. states in 2011 (33 from support/assistance requested 505W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 506W from Eurojust, eight from notifications to Eurojust, Both flights were business class and on each she was 12 from previous years). The UK has been involved in accompanied by one Private Secretary. 14 joint investigation teams since 2009. Departmental Procurement Joint investigation teams have proved a valuable means of enhancing practical cooperation between EU member states in addressing cross border crime. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the total value The most frequent types of criminal activity addressed of contracts issued or to be issued by her Department by these joint investigation teams spanning the period in 2011-12 have required successful organisations to October 2010 to October 2011 are: drug trafficking, put up a capital bond; and if she will make a statement. trafficking in human beings, illegal immigration, fraud, [94910] money laundering, vehicle crime and cybercrime. Damian Green: The Home Office and its executive Dangerous Dogs agencies have not let any contracts in 2011-12 which require successful organisations to put up a capital Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for the bond. Home Department what assessment she has made of The Department is currently tendering for two contracts operation of the dog control measures contained for the accommodation and transport of asylum seekers within the Metropolitan Police Act 1839 and the Town in Wales and London and South of England which Police Clauses Act 1847. [94271] require a capital bond. As these two contracts are at the preferred supplier stage and still to be issued, it is not Mr Paice: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the possible to calculate the proportion of the total value at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. this stage. I can confirm that, following consultation with the police, these two provisions in early Victorian Acts of Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Parliament, which between them apply across the country Home Department which contracts her Department and make it an offence to allow a dog to attack, or put has tendered or will tender in 2011-12 which require in fear of attack, any person or other animal, will be successful organisations to have a capital bond of more repealed at the next appropriate legislative opportunity, than £5 million; which contracts have not required such as more up-to-date legislation exists. a bond; and if she will make a statement. [94933]

Databases: Telecommunications Damian Green: The Home Office and its executive agencies have not let any contracts in 2011-12 which require successful organisations to put up capital bonds Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home of more than £5 million. Department when she plans to bring forward legislative proposals for the Intercept Modernisation programme. The Department is currently tendering for two contracts [94397] for the accommodation and transport of asylum seekers in Wales and London and south of England which James Brokenshire [holding answer 9 February 2012]: require a capital bond of less than £5 million. The Interception Modernisation programme was a Contracts over £10,000 awarded by the Department programme set up under the previous Government are published on the Contracts Finder website under which has been superseded by the policies of the coalition the Transparency agenda. Government. As we made clear in the strategic defence and security review the Government will continue to Departmental Travel work to preserve the ability of the law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies to obtain communications Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for the data and to intercept communications within an appropriate Home Department pursuant to the written ministerial legal framework. Through the Communications Capabilities statement of 16 January 2012, Official Report, column Development programme we will ensure this is compatible 31WS, on cost of ministerial cars, whether her Department with the Government’s approach to civil liberties. As set has any other arrangements for ministerial travel; and out in the Home Office’s Structural Reform Plan, details how much her Department has spent on (a) private of this legislation will be announced in Parliament in hire vehicles and (b) taxis for each Minister since May due course. 2010. [92845]

Departmental Air Travel Damian Green: The Home Office has arrangements in place for ministerial travel with the Government Car and Dispatch Agency (GCDA). Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for the Ministers in the Home Office do not use private hire Home Department on what occasions she has taken vehicles. flights within the UK on official business since August 2010; what class of travel she used; and who The total spend on taxis for ministerial use since May accompanied her on each such flight. [94798] 2010 is £42.20. The table shows the costs broken down by Minister. Damian Green: Since August 2010, the Secretary of Some Ministers’ security arrangements can include State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend transport. However, for security reasons we do not the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), has flown confirm who is in receipt of protection or provide a domestically on official business on two occasions. breakdown of the costs. 507W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 508W

including one to leave the UK. Its use must be justified Minister Cost (£) and proportionate, and reported to the relevant UK Home Secretary 0 Border Agency contract monitor. DCOs are required to Damian Green 16.60 complete a report of any use of restraint which sets out Lynne Featherstone 19.60 why a person was restrained and what occurred during Nick Herbert 0 the incident, including attempts to de-escalate the situation. James Brokenshire 0 The report should also reference the role of others in Lord Henley 6.00 the team. Such reports are reviewed by a senior manager Total 42.20 and are then passed to the UK Border Agency for review. It is open to either party to commission an investigation if there are questions as to whether the use Deportation of force or restraint was justified. In 2011 the UK Border Agency formally requested Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the that NOMS’ National Tactical Response Group conduct Home Department (1) with reference to the 18th a review of the current restraint techniques being used Report from the Home Affairs Committee, Rules by escorts including those used during overseas removals. governing enforced removals from the UK, HC 563, Officials will carefully consider any recommendations what steps she has taken to issue guidance to UK arising from that review. Border Agency staff involved in enforced removal on the use of head-down restraint positions; [92913] Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the (2) what steps she is taking to ensure that required Home Department if she will review the number of checks and procedures are used by UK Border Agency escorts used on flights containing detainees being staff and contractors involved in enforced removals; forcibly removed; and if she will take steps to ensure [92914] that escort to detainee ratios are proportionate. [92917] (3) what procedures she has put in place to ensure that control and restraint procedures developed by HM Damian Green: The escorting service provider carries Prison Service and used by the UK Border Agency out a risk assessment of every enforced removal and when carrying out an enforced removal are appropriate will allocate an appropriate number of escorts. The UK to its needs. [92916] Border Agency further reviews every risk assessment and removal to assess whether the number of escorts Damian Green: It has been the practice of successive allocated is proportionate. The UK Border Agency will Governments to use private security companies to undertake adjust the number of escorts where appropriate. escorting of immigration detainees. These services are currently provided by Reliance Secure Task Management. Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the The UK Border Agency has a team of eight contract Home Department how many individuals were monitors who monitor and report on Reliance’s removed from the UK in 2011. [93594] performance. Members of the Independent Monitoring Board regularly report to the contract monitors and the Mrs May [holding answer 6 February 2012]: Data for Chief Inspector of Prisons also carries out announced October 2011 onwards are not yet available, but will be and unannounced inspections. published within Immigration Statistics: October-December The UK Border Agency’s operating standards for 2011 as part of the regular Home Office publication escorts includes one about the use of restraint. The scheme on 23 February 2012. The requested figure will standards are available on the UK Border Agency’s be available from Table rv.01. website at: Published data show that between January and http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/ September 2011, a total of 38,865 people were removed managingourborders/immigrationremovalcentres/ or departed voluntarily from the UK. In order to exercise any use of restraint, detainee The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual custody officers and escorts must be certified by the statistics on the number of persons removed or departed Secretary of State for the Home Department, a condition voluntarily from the UK within Immigration Statistics. of which is that they have undergone training of techniques The information provided has been published, in the approved by the National Offender Management Service Immigration Statistics: July-September 2011 release, table (NOMS). The techniques and procedures are contained rv.01.q, which is available from the Library of the in NOMS’ Control and Restraint manual. Officers are House and from the Home Office’s Science, Research well aware that the use of any technique which pushes and Statistics web pages at: the head down and therefore could impede breathing is http://homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research-statistics/ prohibited and may lead to disciplinary action, including migration/migration-statistics1/ dismissal. Officers involved in enforced removals are required to Detention Centres annually complete refresher training in the use of control and restraint. The instructors are themselves trained Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the and annually accredited by instructors from NOMS, Home Department what the cost of each immigration whose staff also conduct quality assurance checks on removal centre in the UK was for each of the last five the standard of the training delivered. years; what estimate she has made of the running costs Restraint is only ever used as a last resort to prevent a for each of the next five years; and what service-level person from harming themselves, others or property or agreements are in place for the operation of each such to ensure he or she complies with a reasonable requirement, centre. [92034] 509W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 510W

Damian Green: The UK Border Agency has 10 (2) when she expects to reply to Question 89796 on immigration removal centres, seven of which are operated intracompany transfers, tabled on 12 January 2012 for by private sector suppliers under contract, and three by answer on 16 January 2012. [94605] the National Offender Management Service under a service level agreement. Damian Green [holding answers 16 January 2012 and The operating cost for each privately-operated 9 February 2012]: The work permit intra company immigration removal centre is commercially confidential transfer scheme closed in 2008 and was replaced by the and public disclosure would prejudice the commercial Tier 2 (intra company transfer) category of the points interests of the UK Border Agency and its suppliers. based system. Budgets are set according to anticipated expenditure set The information requested is not available in the out in each of the contracts or the service level agreement. format required and could be obtained only at a However, details of detention and removal costs can disproportionate cost. be found in the UK Border Agency’s annual report and accounts. Foreign Nationals: Childbirth Detention Centres: Children Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the (a) number and (b) Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the proportion of births was where one or both parents Home Department how many children were held in were foreign-born in (i) London and (ii) each London detention for immigration purposes in (a) Harmondsworth, borough within Greater London in the most recent (b) Tinsley Wood and (c) Cedars immigration removal year for which figures are available. [94680] and pre-departure accommodation centres on (i) 24, (ii) 25 and (iii) 26 December 2011. [93114] Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Cabinet Office. Damian Green: The requested information is not published. The Home Office only publishes details on The information requested falls within the responsibility the total number of children who entered detention in of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority each calendar month and quarterly figures showing the to reply. number of children held in detention on 31 March, 30 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2012: June, 30 September and 31 December each year. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I The Home Office publishes quarterly and annual have been asked to reply to your recent question on what the (a) statistics on the number of people in detention, held number and (b) proportion of births was where one or both parents were foreign-born in (i) London and (ii) each London solely under Immigration Act powers. The next publication: Borough within Greater London in the most recent year for Immigration Statistics October to December 2011 will which figures are available (94680). be available on 23 February 2012 from the Library of Figures for live births where one or both parents are non-UK the House and the Home Office Science, research and born have been compiled from birth registration data. The table statistics web pages at: below shows the number and proportion of live births in 2010 in http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/science-research/research- the areas requested, according to registration data. Information statistics/migration/migration-statistics1/ on country of birth of parents is provided by the informant at registration. Email Number and proportion of live births in London, where one or both parents are non-UK born, 2010 Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for the Proportion of births Home Department if she will take steps to encourage Number of births where where one or both Area of usual residence one or both parents are parents are foreign the use of e-mail in preference to printed of mother foreign born -born correspondence for communications between her Department and hon. Members. [94852] London 86,111 64.7

Damian Green: Replies to correspondence are sent to Inner London 38,224 70.0 Members of Parliament (MPs) in the format which they Camden 2,135 69.8 prefer. The Home Office actively promotes the use of Hackney plus City of 3,227 69.0 dedicated email addresses which MPs can use as an London Hammersmith and 1,819 65.6 alternative method of communication. Fulham Entry Clearances: Foreign Workers Haringey 3,242 72.8 Islington 1,757 59.5 Kensington and 1,757 79.1 Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Chelsea Home Department (1) how many intracompany transfers Lambeth 3,221 65.3 were granted to each of the three companies with the Lewisham 3,067 61.6 largest number of such grants in the last year for which Newham 5,266 84.1 figures are available; how many such grants were made Southwark 3,498 68.2 to each of those companies in each year since the Tower Hamlets 3,571 78.2 inception of the scheme; and how many such applications Wandsworth 3,179 57.3 were (a) approvals of new applications, (b) extensions Westminster 2,485 81.2 or amendments of an existing permit and (c) applications in which the individual had moved to another job with Outer London 47,887 61.0 a different employer; [89796] 511W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 512W

Number and proportion of live births in London, where one or both parents are Damian Green: There have been no recent discussions non-UK born, 2010 with ministerial colleagues on International Labour Proportion of births Number of births where where one or both Organisation Convention 185 (ILO 185) on seafarers’ Area of usual residence one or both parents are parents are foreign identity documents, however, discussions are continuing of mother foreign born -born between officials in the UK Border Agency, the Department Barking and 2,414 64.7 for Transport and the Identity and Passport Service. Dagenham The Government are concerned that the ILO 185, whose Barnet 3,559 64.2 purpose is to facilitate the international movement of Bexley 1,009 33.7 seafarers, does not meet International Civil Aviation Brent 4,294 81.9 Organisation (ICAO) standards for biometric data held Bromley 1,355 33.3 on identity documents. The ILO 185 standards are Croydon 3,081 55.7 incompatible with any existing standard used within the Ealing 4,526 77.2 UK for identification documents. The costs, which would Enfield 3,414 66.7 either have to be met by the seafarer or the taxpayer, of Greenwich 2,850 61.0 procuring new equipment to produce and read a relatively Harrow 2,640 75.4 small number of documents would be prohibitive. Havering 687 24.4 Discussions are taking place at international level to Hillingdon 2,487 59.3 address the technical issues and I await a satisfactory Hounslow 3,121 70.4 resolution before discussing ratification of the convention Kingston upon 1,139 49.3 with ministerial colleagues. Thames Merton 2,268 64.4 Illegal Immigrants: Fines Redbridge 3,101 69.5 Richmond upon 1,385 46.3 Thames Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Sutton 1,066 39.9 the Home Department what fines were collected from Waltham Forest 3,491 72.4 employers in 2010 for employing illegal immigrants; what proportion of the amount so collected was made Foreign Nationals: Prisoners available for expenditure by her Department; and whether there is a maximum annual limit for revenues Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for the raised from such fines for illegal working that may be Home Department how many foreign national made available to her Department. [94692] prisoners are assessed as a threat to national security; and when they are planned to be returned to their Damian Green: In the financial year 2010-11, the UK country of origin. [93544] Border Agency (UKBA) collected £6.91 million in illegal working civil penalties from those employers who were Damian Green: This information is not collected in found to be employing illegal workers. the format requested and could be obtained only by the The UKBA annual report and accounts 2010-11 detailed examination of individual case records at records that the UKBA retained £6.91 million of civil disproportionate cost. penalty income in order to increase investment in additional enforcement and collection activity. This was agreed Human Trafficking with HM Treasury for that financial year. The annual report did not reflect that the departmental expenditure Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for the limit was reduced by £3 million to off set this agreement. Home Department what steps she is taking to tackle The retained value for the financial year 2011-12 is human trafficking. [94953] capped at £3 million.

Damian Green: The Government are implementing Immigration Controls their human trafficking strategy, published on 19 July 2011. This focuses on: improving identification and care Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the of victims; enhancing our ability to act early; smarter Home Department what estimate she has made of the action at the border; and more coordination of our law cost of introducing electronic border gates systems to enforcement efforts in the UK. UK airports. [94830] The Home Office is also legislating, where appropriate, to implement the EU directive on trafficking in human Damian Green: The UK Border Agency has spent beings to ensure compliance by April 2013. just over £9 million to date on the introduction of ePassport gates. Identity Cards: Shipping Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Home Department what estimate she has made of the the Home Department what recent discussions she has cost of the Iris recognition immigration system at UK had with (a) ministerial colleagues and (b) officials in airports since its inception. [94831] her Department on International Labour Organisation Convention 185 on seafarers’ identity documents; what Damian Green: The UK Border Agency has spent recent steps she has taken toward ratifying this £4.9 million on the Iris recognition immigration system convention; and when she expects the UK to ratify this (IRIS) capital costs and running costs total £4.2 million convention. [R] [95496] from 2005 to April 2011. 513W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 514W

Khalid Tantouch Nick Herbert: A breakdown of the type of devices per force, per year, delivered through the Mobile Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Information Programme (MIP) is not available centrally the Home Department (1) whether there is an outstanding and neither is information on the number of devices charge against Khalid Tantouch for conspiracy to plant currently in use. bombs in Greater Manchester on 11 March 1984; and The MIP ran until December 2010. It did not distribute whether that charge is still on file; [95151] or purchase devices; it allocated £80 million to forces in (2) what steps she is taking to pursue the case against two phases: phase 1 on 26 May 2008 and phase 2 on 29 Khalid Tantouch. [95152] December 2008. When the programme closed, forces reported that over 41,000 additional mobile devices had James Brokenshire: It is a long held Government been operationally deployed. policy not to comment on individual cases or operational The requirement on forces to report additional devices matters. The investigation of alleged criminals is a obtained through the programme funding was removed matter for the police who will work closely with the when the programme closed. Crown Prosecution Service to determine whether a case should be brought to prosecution. Organised Crime: West Midlands Knives: Crime Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much funding the Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Government has allocated to deal with gangs in each Home Department how many knife-point robberies West Midlands local authority area. [94265] occurred in (a) Dartford constituency, (b) Kent and (c) the South East in each of the last three years. James Brokenshire: The Government have identified [95075] 22 local authority areas to receive support and investment as part of the Ending Gang and Youth Violence Nick Herbert: Data for selected offences involving programme. Three of these are in the West Midlands the use of a knife or sharp instrument are collected by (Birmingham, Sandwell and Wolverhampton). the Home Office at police force area level only, so data Between them they will receive a total of £1,839,489. are not available for Dartford constituency. Data are Details of these allocations can be found at: provided in Table A for Kent police force area and the South East region. http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/crime/provisional- funding-allocations?view=Binary The South East region covers: Kent, Hampshire, This is in addition to £950,000 for West Midlands Surrey, Sussex and Thames Valley police force areas. Police under the Communities Against Gangs, Guns Surrey and Sussex police include unbroken bottle and and Knives Programme, announced by the Secretary of glass offences in their data, which are outside the scope State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend of this collection. However, it is known that robbery the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), in February offences are rarely committed with such a weapon. 2011; and £559,834 awarded to voluntary and community Table A: Number of robbery offences involving knives or sharp sector projects within the West Midlands under the instruments recorded by the police, last three years to September 2011 Communities Against Gangs, Guns and Knives Fund. Number of robbery offences involving a knife or sharp instrument Passports: Older People Year ending September Area 2009 2010 2011 Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Kent police 148 122 131 the Home Department what estimate she has made of force the number of individuals over 65-years-old who do South East 1,008 896 889 not have either a passport or a drivers licence. [94727] region1 1 Surrey and Sussex police include unbroken bottle and glass Damian Green: The Home Office does not hold offences in their returns, which are outside the scope of this special information about the number of individuals over 65-years- collection. old who hold neither a passport or a driving licence. Mobile Phones However, research conducted in July 2010 by the Identity and Passport Service estimated that 75% of people over Jake Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for the 65-years-old held a valid UK passport, an additional Home Department (1) how many (a) BlackBerrys, (b) 16% had applied for one in the past and 6% had never personal data assistants and (c) other mobile devices applied for one. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency the Mobile Information Programme has distributed to driver database currently shows that 6,649,485 individuals each police force in (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09, (iii) aged 65 or over hold a valid driving licence. No estimates 2009-10, (iv) 2010-11 and (v) 2011-12 to date; and how have been made of the number of such individuals who many such devices are in use in each police force; do not have a licence. [93101] (2) how many (a) BlackBerrys, (b) personal data Passports: Republic of Ireland assistants and (c) other mobile devices have been purchased for the Mobile Information Programme in Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09, (iii) 2009-10, (iv) 2010-11 and for the Home Department how many people applied (v) 2011-12 to date; and what the cost was of providing for UK passports from a primary residence in the Irish such devices. [93103] Republic in the last three years. [95036] 515W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 516W

Damian Green: Between 2009 and 2011 the Passport Police: Court Orders Section at the British embassy in Dublin issued 27,361 passports. Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Applicants applying from within the Irish Republic Home Department how many production orders were must apply to the British embassy in Dublin. issued by (a) Bedfordshire police and (b) Cambridgeshire police in each of the last five years. [94802] Petrol: Theft John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many production orders have Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the been issued by (a) City of London police, (b) the Home Department how many offences relating to the Metropolitan Police Service, (c) Hampshire Constabulary, theft of petrol have been recorded in the last five years (d) Kent police and (e) Surrey police in each of the last for which figures are available in the (a) UK and (b) five years. [94847] west midlands. [95206] Nick Herbert: The requested information is not collected Nick Herbert: The information requested is not available centrally. at this level of detail from the Home Office recorded crime statistics. Police: Information and Communications Technology

Police Community Support Officers: South Yorkshire Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made as part of her review of police ICT of the cost of exiting any Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for the existing police ICT contracts. [93734] Home Department how many police community support officers were employed by (a) South Yorkshire Nick Herbert: These are matters for police forces and Police and (b) its partners in (i) Doncaster and (ii) authorities. South Yorkshire in (A) 2008-09, (B) 2009-10, (C) 2010-11 and (D) 2011-12. [95003] Police: Olympic Games 2012

Nick Herbert: The latest available data show the Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for the number of police community support officers employed Home Department how much (a) North Yorkshire in Doncaster Basic Command Unit and South Yorkshire police, (b) police forces in Yorkshire and the Humber, police force area as at 31 March 2009, 31 March 2010 (c) the Metropolitan and City of London police and and 31 March 2011 (full-time equivalents). (d) police forces in England have set aside in their budgets to cover the cost of policing the London 2012 Police community support officer strength in Doncaster and South Yorkshire, as at 31 March 2009, 2010 and 20111 Olympics. [95067] As at 31 March each year Doncaster South Yorkshire Nick Herbert: While the Home Office provides the majority of Government funding to the police, decisions 2009 74 328 on how this is spent are made locally by police authorities 2010 74 328 or police and crime commissioners and their chief 2011 72 311 constables. As such, the amount that has been set aside 1 These figures are based on full-time equivalents that have been by individual police forces in England and Wales to rounded to the nearest whole number. Figures include those officers cover the cost of policing the London 2012 Olympic on career breaks or maternity/paternity leave. and Paralympic Games is entirely a local decision. We do not collect or hold this information centrally. Police: Council Housing Police: Vehicles Margot James: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what steps she is taking to support Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for the collaboration between police forces and local authorities Home Department what guidance her Department has in conducting checks on prospective council tenants; provided to police forces on the purchase of cars built in the UK as part of their (a) general fleet and (b) [94706] patrol cars; and if she will make a statement. [94107] (2) whether she has had discussions with the Information Commissioner on the decision that police Nick Herbert [holding answer 7 February 2012]: Advice forces should not provide pre-tenancy checks for local provided by the Home Office to police forces on the authorities. [94707] purchase of cars built in the UK as part of their (a) general fleet and (b) patrol cars, reflects EU regulations Nick Herbert: The Secretary of State for the Home which prevent organisations from conducting procurement Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for exercises focusing on suppliers based in a single country. Maidenhead (Mrs May), has taken no such decision, nor has she had any discussions with the Information Prescriptions Commissioners on this issue. The day-to-day management of police forces, use of resources, policies and deployment David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for the of staff are operational matters and the responsibility Home Department pursuant to the answer of 18 October of the chief officer. 2011, Official Report, column 817W, on prescriptions, 517W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 518W for what reasons the statutory instrument relating to the Theft: Metals prescribing powers of non-medical prescribers has not yet been laid before the House; and when she expects it to be laid. [93463] Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress her Department has James Brokenshire: This Government are committed made in tackling theft of drain covers from roads in to enabling the NHS to deliver services more flexibly (a) Redditch and (b) the west midlands. [94372] and efficiently. At the time of my previous response the Department was on track to lay the legislative instrument James Brokenshire: This Government take the growing on independent prescribers by the end of October. problem of metal theft very seriously, and have set out a Since then we have had to revise the timetable for laying comprehensive approach to the problem, including the legislative instrument in the light of other continuing legislation to raise the penalties for rogue dealers and and competing work. ban cash payments for scrap metal, and targeting criminals The statutory instrument is currently being finalised through a £5 million national metal theft taskforce. for consideration by Ministers and we intend to lay the However, the Home Office does not hold data at the legislative instrument in Parliament as soon as possible. level of detail required to provide specific trend information on the theft of drain covers, either in Redditch or the west midlands. Production Orders: North East

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many production orders UK Border Agency have been issued by Cleveland police in each of the last five years. [95528] Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Nick Herbert: I refer the hon. Member to the answer Home Department what steps she has taken to (1) I gave on 30 January 2012, Official Report, column prevent the use of racist, homophobic or derogatory 403W. language by UK Border Agency staff or their contractors; [92918] (2) ensure that UK Border Agency staff monitoring Production Orders: Wales enforced removal flights are able to ensure that the behaviour of contracted workers is appropriate. [92921] Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many production orders Damian Green: We expect the highest standards from have been issued by (a) Dyfed Powys police, (b) Gwent our staff and contractors and will take appropriate police, (c) North Wales POLICE and (d) South Wales robust action against those who fail to adhere to them. police in each of the last five years. [95463] The UK Border Agency has a team of eight contract Nick Herbert: I refer the hon. Member to the answer monitors who monitor and report on the performance I gave on 30 January 2012, Official Report, column of the escorting service provider. In addition all service 403W. provider vehicles have CCTV fitted with audio capability. Members of the Independent Monitoring Board regularly report to the contract monitors and the Chief Inspector Prostitution of Prisons also carries out announced and unannounced inspections. Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the While the UK Border Agency has introduced a Home Department (1) how many brothel visits or raids professional code of conduct for all those staff working were made by units, other than Serious Crime Division with detainees, Reliance, the current escorting service 9, in the Metropolitan Police Service in each London provider, has introduced a training programme of cultural borough in financial year (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11; change for all escorting staff. It has also introduced a and what the equivalent figure is for 2011-12 to date; freephone number to enable staff to report colleagues [94820] whose behaviour causes concern. (2) how many brothels were closed down by units, The Home Office Equality and Diversity strategy other than Serious Crime Division 9, in the outlines the legal obligations and responsibilities on the Metropolitan Police Service in each London borough Department as an employer and contractor of services in financial year (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11; and to prevent discrimination or harassment. All Home what the equivalent figure is for 2011-12 to date. Office staff are required to undertake a mandatory [94821] equality and diversity e-learning programme. In addition face to face equality and diversity workshops are also Lynne Featherstone: This information is not held delivered to staff and managers across the Home Office centrally. group. Keeping a brothel used for prostitution is a serious The learning programmes highlight that inappropriate offence that can often be associated with exploitation; language and behaviour should and will be challenged, we would expect the police and Crown Prosecution and where proven will result in disciplinary action and Service to investigate and prosecute where necessary. penalties including dismissal. 519W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 520W

UK Border Agency: Correspondence Mr Duncan: We anticipate that the UK Government will launch the competition for research into the Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the development of new technologies for prevention, treatment Home Department when the UK Border Agency plans and diagnostics for diseases of poverty including malaria, to reply to the letter of 10 January 2012 from the hon. neglected tropical diseases, tuberculosis and HIV and Member for Walsall North, ref: S1153849. [95091] AIDS, before the end of March 2012. Details will be posted on the DFID website at: Damian Green: The UK Border Agency replied to the www.dfid.gov.uk hon. Member on 9 February 2012. EU External Trade: Forests Written Questions: Government Responses Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the International Development whether the EU plans to Home Department when she expects to reply to Question enter negotiations with (a) Brazil, (b) Ethiopia, (c) 89795 on intracompany transfers, tabled on 11 January India, (d) Mexico, (e) Mozambique, (f) Peru, (g) Tanzania and (h) Zambia to agree a Forest Law 2012 for answer on 16 January 2012. [94604] Enforcement Governance and Trade voluntary partnership. Damian Green [holding answer 9 February 2012]: I [94254] refer my right hon. Friend to my answer of 9 February 2012, Official Report, column 352W. Mr O’Brien: The EU will enter into negotiations of a Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) voluntary partnership agreement at the request of a forest nation after it has reached some consensus among its domestic stakeholders. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT I understand that the EU currently has no plans to enter into such agreements with Ethiopia, Tanzania, Departmental Procurement Mozambique or Zambia as they have yet to express a formal interest to the EU in this. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for The EU and the UK have had contacts with Brazil, International Development what proportion of the total India and Peru to discuss this. Peru has expressed little value of contracts issued or to be issued by his Department interest in entering a voluntary partnership agreement in 2011-12 have required successful organisations to put through the EU. Brazil has expressed interest in sharing up a capital bond; and if he will make a statement. its own experience and approach with other countries [94911] but has stated that it does not wish to negotiate a FLEGT voluntary partnership agreement: India and Mr Duncan: The Department for International Mexico have expressed interest in learning more about Development (DFID) has not required a capital bond the FLEGT initiative but discussions are at an early to be put up by a successful organisation in relation to stage. any centrally let contract issued or due to be issued in 2011-12. Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which contracts his Department Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for has tendered or will tender in 2011-12 which require International Development when he expects to successful organisations to have a capital bond of more announce the funding to be allocated to the Global than £5 million; which contracts have not required such Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria for the [94889] a bond; and if he will make a statement. [94932] period from 2011 to 2013.

Mr Duncan: The Department for International Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Global Fund has saved Development (DFID) has not required a capital bond over 7.7 million lives in 150 countries over the last 10 to be put up by a successful organisation in relation to years. 3.3 million people are receiving antiretroviral any centrally let contract issued or to be issued in treatment, 8.6 million cases of TB have been detected 2011-12. and treated, and over 230 million insecticide-treated nets distributed. This is why the UK has a long standing Details of the contracts that have been awarded commitment of £1 billion up to 2015—£128 million a (without such a bond) are available through the year from 2011 to 2013. departmental website at We stand ready to make a new commitment, above www.dfid.gov.uk and beyond our existing pledge subject to reforms. Working with new and existing donors in 2012, I intend Developing Countries: Disease Control to announce at a time which raises the most amount of money for the Fund. Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for 14 November 2011, Official Report, column 635W, on International Development what criteria he plans to developing countries: disease control, when he expects apply when deciding the funding to allocate to the to launch the open competition for research funding. Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria [95157] for the period from 2011 to 2013. [94890] 521W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 522W

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Global Fund has developed Mr Duncan: Through the Department for International a “Consolidated Transformation Plan” which brings Development’s (DFID) bilateral aid programme the together existing reforms and the recommendations of Maldives has received the following aid from the UK a recent High Level Panel Report. These time-bound over the last decade: reforms are intended to ensure that the Fund improves its performance and better meets the needs of poor Total DFID bilateral programme (£) people affected by the three diseases. 2001-02 82,580 The UK’s readiness to increase its funding to the 2002-03 195,271 Global Fund is dependent on the extent to which it is 2003-04 199,068 able to take forward these reforms and deliver on the 2004-05 807,557 recommendations of the Panel’s Report in implementing 2005-06 405,221 its strategy. 2006-07 0 2007-08 0 India 2008-09 0 2009-10 150,000 Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010-11 0 International Development what assessment he has DFID no longer has a bilateral aid programme in the made of the effectiveness of UK aid in reducing (a) Maldives, and there are no plans to initiate one. The malaria, (b) tuberculosis, (c) HIV/AIDS and (d) spend in 2009-10 was support for the Maldives hosting illiteracy in the state of Gujarat in India; and if he will the first ‘Climate Vulnerable Forum’ in October 2009. make a statement. [95413] The forum was a gathering of world leaders from countries that are vulnerable to the impacts of climate Mr Andrew Mitchell: Gujarat is not one of the focus change. states of the Government’s aid programme in India and we are therefore not directly supporting any programmes Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for on each of these issues with UK aid in Gujarat. International Development if he has any plans to visit the Maldives. [95118] Lesotho: Overseas Aid Mr Andrew Mitchell: No. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid his Sahel Department has given to Lesotho in each of the last 10 years. [94651] Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development with which donors the Mr O’Brien: The following table shows the level of Government has had discussions to ensure that funding the total Department for International Development is available for an early response to mitigate the emergency (DFID) bilateral programme to Lesotho over the 10 in the Sahel; what the outcome was of those discussions; years from 2001-02 to 2010-11. and which donors apart from the European Community Humanitarian Aid Office he expects to take a lead on Total DFID bilateral programme the Sahel emergency. [94891] (£000) Mr Andrew Mitchell: Officials from my Department 2001-02 2,718 have been monitoring the situation closely and have 2002-03 2,848 been regularly liaising with their opposite numbers in 2003-04 3,318 other Governments, including the French, and with 2004-05 3,522 officials from the Red Cross, the United Nations and 2005-06 4,319 leading non-governmental organisations. 2006-07 6,752 2007-08 3,896 UK officials attended the European Council Working 2008-09 6,209 Group on Humanitarian Aid and Food Aid meeting in 2009-10 5,075 Brussels this month. They discussed the situation in the 2010-11 2,935 Sahel with representatives from all 27 member states of the EU, plus representatives from UN organisations, non-governmental organisations working in the Sahel Maldives region area and other non-EU donors. Officials are in the process of following up these discussions with donors Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for on an individual basis. International Development how many officials in his It is too early in the immediate response phase of the Department are stationed in the Maldives. [95114] emergency to speculate on which donors will take the lead, however large donors including the US, Germany Mr Duncan: None. and France have the potential to play a key role. Having been at the forefront of the response in the Horn of Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Africa, the UK is looking to others to share the burden International Development how much aid his and provide leadership. Department has given to the Maldives in each of the However I announced last month some specific targeted last 10 years. [95115] support to assist. 523W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 524W

Somalia: Health Services Net cost of operating British embassies in financial year 2010-11 Mr Gyimah: To ask the Secretary of State for Country (£) International Development whether the Government Austria 5,536,850 has any plans to provide the African Union Mission in Belgium 6,852,180 Somalia with a level 1 field hospital in Mogadishu. Bulgaria 2,821,056 [94263] Cyprus 3,694,351 Czech Republic 3,759,738 Mr Andrew Mitchell: There are no plans for the Denmark 4,478,932 Government to contribute to a Level 1 field hospital in Estonia 1,893,222 Mogadishu. The UK has contributed towards the running of the Level II hospital. Finland 3,893,935 France 10,404,191 Germany 15,349,515 Somalia: Overseas Aid Greece 6,258,742 Hungary 4,341,064 Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Ireland 2,250,186 International Development how many of his Italy 1- 1,343,060 Department’s officials are stationed in Somalia. [94643] Latvia 1,473,947 Lithuania 1,473,947 Mr Andrew Mitchell: No staff working for the Luxembourg 1,363,758 Department for International Development (DFID) on Malta 2,284,531 Somalia are currently posted in Somalia. DFID officials The Netherlands 4,679,516 travel to Somalia when required, in line with the Poland 6,545,204 Government’s duty of care to them. Portugal 3,862,976 On 11 May 2011, Official Report, columns 1165-68, Romania 3,376,536 the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Slovakia 1,709,361 Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond Slovenia 1,582,282 (Yorks) (Mr Hague), announced to Parliament that the Spain 11,831,763 UK would reopen its embassy in Mogadishu as soon as Sweden 4,473,475 local conditions permit. This month the UK appointed United Kingdom n/a its first ambassador to Somalia for 21 years. 1 The negative figure showing for the British embassy in Italy is due to income from other Government Departments and impairment (property Visits Abroad revaluation) costs. These figures show net expenditure by British embassies John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for in costly European capitals. The Foreign and International Development what countries (a) he and Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) network of posts plays (b) Ministers in his Department have visited in an a critical role in maintaining important bilateral relationships, helping to push the UK’s prosperity agenda official capacity since May 2010. [94747] and providing consular support to British nationals overseas. Mr Andrew Mitchell: Details of all Ministers overseas visits are available on the Department for International Net expenditure varies significantly from post to Development website: post, including between embassies of similar size. This http://www.dfid.gov.uk/about-us/our-organisation/ministers is due to a range of factors including income received, for example for consular services, the value of the and are published every quarter in the normal way. FCO’s locally owned estate and other country-specific factors such as local staff salary levels and employers’ social security contributions, rental costs, and utility prices. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Abu Qatada Embassies Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost officials in his Department have met (a) officials from is of operating British embassies in each EU member the Government of Jordan and (b) the Jordanian state in the most recent period for which figures are ambassador or his representatives to discuss the case of available. [94160] Abu-Qatada since June 2010. [94989]

Mr Hague: The most recent figures available are for Alistair Burt: The British ambassador to Jordan and financial year 2010-11. other Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials have The cost of operating British embassies (expenditure had continuous dialogue with Jordanian Ministers and by sovereign posts net of income) in each EU member officials to discuss Qatada’s case, both before and after state in financial year 2010-11 is provided in the following the 17 January ruling by the European Court of Human table. Rights. 525W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 526W

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Burma Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times the UK ambassador to Jordan has met officials of the Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Government of Jordan to discuss the case of Abu- and Commonwealth Affairs which UK companies have Qatada since June 2010. [94991] approached the Government to express an interest in investing in or trading with Burma. [94522] Alistair Burt: The British ambassador to Jordan and other Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials have Mr Jeremy Browne: We are aware that a number of had continuous dialogue with Jordanian Ministers and UK companies are interested in investing in or trading officials to discuss Qatada’s case, both before and after with Burma. For reasons of commercial confidence, it the 17 January ruling by the European Court of Human would not be appropriate to comment on the nature of Rights. any contact we have had with UK businesses, or to name those companies with whom we have had contact. Atlantic Ocean: Fisheries However, our policy remains that the British Government do not encourage trade and investment in Burma and Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for offers no commercial services to companies wishing to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the trade or invest there. Government conducts satellite surveillance of (a) Tristan da Cunha, (b) South Georgia and the South Sandwich Caribbean: EU Islands, (c) Bermuda and (d) Pitcairn Island territorial waters to determine the number of vessels fishing illegally in the exclusive fishing zone. [95031] Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the statement Mr Bellingham: Fisheries management within Overseas of 25 January 2012, Official Report, column 17WS, on Territory territorial waters is a devolved responsibility. Brazil and the Caribbean (Foreign Secretary visit), Overseas Territory Governments employ a range of what plans his Department has to support the methods to monitor and deter vessels fishing illegally Caribbean in its relationship with the European Union. within their territorial waters and support has been [94143] provided by the British Government to assist with this and help to ensure that their marine resources are Mr Jeremy Browne: The UK is a strong supporter of managed sustainably. the EU-Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and we encourage both Bangladesh the Caribbean and the EU to take full advantage of the benefits of the agreement. Discussions on the EPA were an important element of the UK-Caribbean Ministerial Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Forum in Grenada where UK and Caribbean Ministers Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment agreed to work together to improve EU market access he has made of the implications for security in the UK for Caribbean export of goods and services. The UK of links between Bangladeshi citizens in the UK and and Caribbean also agreed to work with the EU to those responsible for the attempted military coup in maximise the impact of development funding to the Bangladesh. [95007] region. The UK has a regular dialogue with the EU External Action Service both in the Caribbean and in Alistair Burt: On 19 January, the Bangladesh Army Brussels to ensure that EU decisions take into account announced an ongoing investigation into a small number the particular circumstances of the Caribbean. The of individuals suspected of involvement in an attempted European External Action Service participated in the coup plot. The British high commission in Dhaka is UK-Caribbean Ministerial Forum. following developments closely. Should the investigation identify any link between those responsible and Bangladeshi citizens in the UK, the British Government will take Departmental Official Hospitality appropriate action in line with national security interests and relevant legal and policy commitments. Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion British Indian Ocean Territory of the (a) food and (b) drink served to guests to his Department on official occasions is sourced from UK Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for farmers, fisheries and food and drink manufacturers. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent the [95055] administration of British Indian Ocean Territory (a) based at his Department in London and (b) in Diego Mr Bellingham: The information for (a) and (b) is Garcia is subject to the provisions of (i) the Freedom of not held centrally and could be provided only at Information Act 2000, (ii) the Environmental disproportionate cost. Information Regulations 2004 and (iii) other freedom of information legislation. [95229] Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Mr Lidington: The Freedom of Information Act, the Department (a) has a policy or (b) provides guidance Data Protection Act and the Environmental Information on the sourcing of (i) food and (ii) drink from UK Regulations do not extend to the British Indian Ocean farms, fisheries and food and drink manufacturers Territory. served to guests on official occasions. [95056] 527W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 528W

Mr Bellingham: Government Hospitality in Protocol of the single market or the operation of the EU treaties, Directorate arranges business hospitality for the Foreign the Government would consider all possible avenues of and Commonwealth Office and all other Government action available. Departments for official occasions, as required. Government Hospitality offers guidance to its catering suppliers that Mr Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for food and drink should, where practicable, and without Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the increasing costs to the taxpayer, source sustainable, Government’s policy is on the use of the (a) European seasonal UK produce, in accordance with EU procurement Commission, (b) the Court of Justice of the European rules and the coalition agreement on procuring food to Union and (c) other European Union institutions in UK or equivalent production standards. connection with the proposed treaty on stability, co-ordination and governance in the Economic and Departmental Procurement Monetary Union; whether the UK has made an objection to any party concerning use of such institutions; and if he will make a statement. [95134] Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion Mr Lidington: The Government have a number of of the total value of contracts issued or to be issued by concerns regarding the use of the EU institutions in the his Department in 2011-12 have required successful inter-governmental treaty on stability, co-ordination and organisations to put up a capital bond; and if he will governance in the Economic and Monetary Union. make a statement. [94917] However, the Government want the eurozone to do what is necessary to solve the crisis as long as it does not Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office damage the UK’s national interest. The Government has not required any successful suppliers to put up a are, therefore, reserving their position on the use of the capital bond and does not intend to require this for EU institutions in the new agreement. The proposed current planned central procurements. agreement must not encroach on the competencies of the EU, or undermine the operation of the single market. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for The Government will be monitoring this closely and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which contracts will take action if the UK’s national interests are threatened. his Department has tendered or will tender in 2011-12 which require successful organisations to have a capital bond of more than £5 million; which contracts have Hungary not required such a bond; and if he will make a statement. [94935] John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office he has made of the extent of freedom of the media in has not required any successful suppliers to put up a Hungary. [95471] capital bond and does not intend to require this for current planned central procurements, as such no central Mr Lidington: We believe it is essential that any contracts awarded have required the supplier to put up legislation that may have an impact on the media should a capital bond. comply with the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) principles and commitments in the Economic and Monetary Union field of freedom of expression, free flow of information and freedom of the media; Council of Europe standards emanating from article 10 of the European convention Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for on human rights; and all relevant European Union Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment policies and legislation. he has made of the ability of the Government to initiate Following expert level talks between Hungarian media legal proceedings against other EU member states in law experts and European Commission officials, the (a) the European Court of Justice and (b) other courts Commission suggested four amendments to bring the if they exceed the remit of the fiscal compact treaty. media law into line with EU norms. The UK supported [94751] the Commission’s findings, which were then addressed by the Hungarian Government. The amended legislation Mr Lidington: Although political agreement was reached was overwhelmingly passed by the Hungarian Parliament. among the 25 EU member states who intend to participate in the proposed fiscal compact treaty, the treaty has yet John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for to be signed and ratified by the member states concerned Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions and therefore is not yet in force. he has had with his Hungarian counterparts on The Government consider that, once in force, the freedom of the media in that country. [95472] treaty or actions taken under it must not conflict with the EU treaties. This includes the use of the EU institutions. Mr Lidington: I have discussed the media law with my We have been clear that the treaty must not undermine Hungarian counterpart Eniko Gyori. Membership of the operation of the single market or otherwise infringe the EU places obligations on member states to respect on areas of policy that are properly for discussion by all the highest standards with regard to fundamental freedoms member states in the EU context, and we have reserved and democracy. The UK Government place great our position on the proposed treaty. If following the importance on these obligations and considers freedom entry into force of the treaty the participating member of the press and opinion as one of the key pillars of a states were to act in a manner prejudicial to the operation democratic society. 529W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 530W

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Israel Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the London International Cyber Conference of Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for November 2011; and what steps his Department is Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he taking to assist the Hungarian government to prepare has received on the case of Khader Adnan Mohammad for the Budapest Conference later this year. [95548] Musa who has been on hunger strike for 50 days in Ramlah military hospital; and if he will make Alistair Burt: The London Conference on Cyberspace representations on this matter to the Israeli Government. set the agenda for future international dialogue on [95170] building a secure, resilient and trusted global digital environment. It was attended by more than 700 people Alistair Burt: We are aware of the case of Mr Khader from over 60 countries. Many thousands more watched Adnan Mohammad Musa. On 31 January 2012 Mr online and followed it through social media. For the Musa was transferred to Mayanei HaYeshua Medical first time we brought together discussions on the benefits Centre in central Israel after 45 days on hunger strike. of cyberspace as well as the threats and started a On 16 February, he had sustained his hunger strike for high-level international process to maintain this balanced 61 days. approach. The conclusions of the conference are set out Our embassy in Tel Aviv discussed Mr Musa’s condition in the closing statement made by the Secretary of State with the Israeli Prison Service again on Friday 10 for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. February 2012, urging them to comply with their obligations Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) under international law. We have also raised the case which is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth with the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Israeli Office website. We have started discussions with Hungary authorities claim that he is receiving medical attention about the follow-up conference in Budapest and will from the NGO Physicians for Human Rights and from keep in close touch with them over the coming year. ICRC. Our officials have discussed the issue with the ICRC. Iran They are closely involved and report that Khader Adnan’s condition is critical, but that he remains conscious, has Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for access to medical treatment and is receiving family Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the visitors. answer of 19 January 2012, Official Report, columns 928-29W, on Iran: mass media, whether the issue of Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for media disruption by the Iranian authorities was discussed Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will raise the during the International Telecommunications Union case of Khader Adnan Mohammad Musa with his World Radiocommunication Conference 2012; what role counterparts in the EU and request them to make the Government played in any such discussions; and representations on this matter to the Israeli Government. what recent progress has been made on ending such [95171] actions. [95090] Alistair Burt: The Head of the EU Delegation in Tel Alistair Burt: The issue of jamming of satellite broadcasts Aviv carried out a demarche to the Israeli authorities on was discussed in depth at the International this issue on 15 February 2012. On 16 February our Telecommunications Union World Radiocommunications ambassador to Tel Aviv raised our concerns with the Conference 2012. The UK, represented by the Office of Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and has discussed Communications (OfCom), played an important role in the matter with other EU Heads of Mission. We have obtaining an amendment to the Radio Regulations also discussed this issue with other EU member states which will make it incumbent on states to take action and in Brussels. Together with our EU partners, we against any jamming emanating from their territory. continue to monitor the situation closely and are considering what further action can be taken. Iran: Politics and Government Journalism

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he has made discussions he has had with his counterparts in Russia of the number of journalists recently killed abroad. and China on tightening the sanctions regime in Iran; [94661] and on how many separate occasions he has raised this issue with them in the last six months. [94159] Mr Jeremy Browne: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) monitors existing independent reporting Mr Hague: The E3+3 group—made up of the UK, on journalists killed abroad, including from Reporters US, France, Germany, Russia and China—supports a Without Borders, which has said that four journalists dual track policy of pressure on and engagement with have been killed so far in 2012. Iran and discusses these issues regularly. My officials This Government are deeply concerned about the and I have had a wide range of discussions with E3+3 safety of journalists. Reporting from our embassies and members about increasing peaceful pressure on Iran. high commissions overseas shows that journalists, bloggers Most recently, I have spoken publicly about the importance and others continue to be obstructed from doing their of China not increasing its oil imports from Iran, so work by being harassed, monitored, detained, or subjected that the EU oil embargo achieves the impact we are to violence, and we strongly condemn such attacks. The seeking and encourages Iran to resume serious negotiations FCO highlights the dangers facing journalists worldwide on the nuclear issue. in its annual report on human rights. 531W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 532W

Libya: Human Rights Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for assessment he has made of the UK’s relationship with Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his the Maldives; and if he will make a statement. [95112] Department is taking to monitor the situation in Libya in regard to (a) the reports of secret detention centres Alistair Burt: As the Prime Minister said on 8 February, and (b) the use of torture against people not linked to the UK enjoys strong links with Maldives and we have a the National Transitional Council. [94600] strong interest in the well-being of the large number of British nationals who visit each year. The British Alistair Burt: UK Ministers have regularly raised Government have been concerned by recent developments concerns over the treatment of detainees since the liberation in Maldives and has been in direct contact with the of Libya. Immediately following the reports of mistreatment major parties to urge calm and restraint. We have called and torture in Misrata, I raised our serious concerns on the new leadership to establish its legitimacy, including with the Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister. Last week through an independent review of the circumstances the Prime Minister, the hon. Member for Taunton that led to the transfer of power. We are in close contact Deane (Mr Browne) and I reiterated these concerns to with commonwealth partners. the Libyan Interior Minister. Our ambassador in Tripoli The UK is a strong supporter of Maldives’ democratic has also raised the matter with members of the Libyan reform process and it is vital that this is preserved. Transitional Government. The Libyan Deputy Prime Minister announced on Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for 31 January that all allegations of mistreatment will be Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many officials investigated and that officials from the Ministries of in his Department are stationed in the Maldives. [95113] Justice and Interior would visit detention centres and begin the process of bringing all detention facilities Alistair Burt: There is no British diplomatic mission under central control. The NTC have stated that they in Maldives. There is an honorary consul in Malé who will fully co-operate with the UN Human Rights Council’s handles any urgent consular issues on behalf of our Commission of Inquiry and have offered it full access. high commission in Colombo, which has formal The UK has already provided training to Libyan responsibility for Maldives. judges and legal professionals and will be providing Following the resignation on 7 February of President further support, including on prison reform. The UK Nasheed, a team, led by the British high commissioner, will continue to follow closely the actions taken by the was deployed to Maldives that evening. This included Transitional Government, providing support and assistance an officer from the political team and a number of where appropriate, to help the Libyans live up to their consular officers. Exact consular deployment has varied, human rights commitments. with up to four consular officers in Maldives for a Maldives period of time.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consular Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans assistance his Department is giving to British citizens to visit the Maldives. [95116] in the Maldives in light of the recent civil unrest in that country. [95111] Alistair Burt: There are currently no plans for a ministerial visit to the Maldives. Alistair Burt: In light of the recent developments, we I most recently attended the South Asian Association changed our travel advice to reflect the situation on the for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) Summit held in ground: it now states that we advise only against all but Maldives on 9-10 November 2011. essential travel to Malé Island—which has been the Our high commissioner in Colombo was deployed to focus of unrest in the Maldives. We have received no Maldives following the resignation of President Nasheed reports of the disturbances affecting tourists, tourist on 7 February and remained there until 12 February. resorts or other islands, and the airport, located on a separate island to Malé, is operating normally. The vast majority of British nationals are on holiday or working Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for in the tourist islands. The level of consular support was, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent nevertheless, increased through the deployment of a discussions he has had with his counterparts in the UK-based member of staff and support from the wider Maldives. [95117] regional network to Malé in order to assist those who work or reside there. In addition, consular officers met Alistair Burt: Since the resignation of President Nasheed with tour operators and staff were stationed at the on 7 February I have spoken to both him and President airport. All inquiries were followed up and we are not Waheed on a number of occasions. I most recently aware of any outstanding consular cases of concern. spoke to President Waheed on 9 February and to former We continue to monitor developments and will consider President Nasheed on 10 February. My consistent message further measures to assist our nationals if necessary. to all parties has been the need for calm and restraint. The full range of consular assistance to British nationals in the Maldives is available to those who need it by Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for contacting the British high commission in Colombo, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British which has responsibility for the provision of the consular nationals have requested consular support in the service in that country. Maldives in the last month. [95119] 533W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 534W

Alistair Burt: Between 13 January and 13 February Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office provided Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his consular assistance or advice in relation to 21 British Department has taken in response to the political nationals in the Maldives. This was either as a result of situation in the Maldives; and if he will make a direct approaches by those nationals, or contact made statement. [95606] with them following concerns raised by family and friends with consular staff in London or at our high Alistair Burt: As the Secretary of State for Foreign commission in Sri Lanka, which holds responsibility for and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the assistance in the Maldives. Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), said to the Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for House on 9 February 2012, Official Report, column Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his 509, we are concerned about events in Maldives. Department is taking to help ensure the safety of the We deployed a team to Maldives, led by the UK high former President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed commissioner. They have been talking to all parties. I and the Maldivian Democratic Party. [95377] have also spoken with former President Nasheed and with President Waheed on a number of occasions. Alistair Burt: As the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the It is for the new leadership to establish its legitimacy Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), said to the with its own people and with the international community House on 9 February we are concerned about events in with an independent review of the circumstances leading Maldives, in particular reports of attacks on members to the transfer of power. We call on the new leadership and supporters of the Maldivian Democratic Party. to demonstrate its respect for the rights of all political I have spoken to former President Nasheed on a parties and their members, and to ensure that the number of occasions, most recently on 10 February constitution is upheld. The UK is a strong supporter of when he confirmed he was safe. I have also spoken a Maldives’ democratic reform process and it is vital that number of times to President Waheed, most recently on this is preserved. 9 February. I have called for calm and restraint from both sides and expressed concern to President Waheed Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for about ensuring the safety and security of Nasheed and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his supporters. Our high commissioner has also raised he has had with his counterparts in (a) the EU, (b) the the matter with the Police Commissioner and Maldivian Commonwealth, (c) the US, (d) the UN, (e) the Defence Ministry. South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation and (f) other countries on the political situation in the Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Maldives. [95607] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to help ensure that the security situation in the Maldives does not deteriorate following Alistair Burt: Ministers and officials have held a the resignation of former President Mohamed Nasheed. number of discussions with international partners, including [95378] EU institutions and member states, the Commonwealth Secretary-General and members of the Commonwealth Alistair Burt: The British Government are concerned Secretariat and Commonwealth Member States, the about recent developments in Maldives. A team, led by US, the UN and India, which is a member of the South the British high commissioner, has been active on the Asian Association for Regional Co-operation. An EU ground, talking to all sides. I have spoken to former Heads of Mission delegation visited Maldives from President Nasheed and President Waheed on a number 13-15 February and a Commonwealth Ministerial Action of occasions. The UK has consistently urged calm and Group Fact Finding Mission visited on 17 February. restraint on all sides.

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Middle East: Cybercrime Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment his Department has made of the political situation in the Maldives; and if he will make a statement. [95379] Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Alistair Burt: As the Secretary of State for Foreign reports he has received on cyber-attacks in the Middle and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the East. [94359] Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), said to the House on 9 February 2012, Official Report, column 509, we are concerned about events in Maldives. It is for Alistair Burt: I am aware of recent media reporting of the new leadership to establish its legitimacy with its tit-for-tat cyber attacks in the Middle East and will own people and with the international community with continue to monitor the situation. an independent review of the circumstances leading to The low cost and largely anonymous nature of cyberspace the transfer of power. We are in close contact with makes it an attractive domain for those who seek to use Commonwealth partners. it for malicious purposes. The UK is therefore working We call on the new leadership to demonstrate its to promote dialogue between all those with a stake in respect for the rights of all political parties and their cyberspace, including governments, the private sector members, and to ensure that the constitution is upheld. and civil society, on the principles that should govern The UK is a strong supporter of Maldives’ democratic behaviour in this domain and to improve international reform process and it is vital that this is preserved. co-operation to combat cybercrime. 535W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 536W

Serbia: Human Rights Mr Bellingham: We have repeatedly urged the Kenyan authorities to continue accepting refugees from Somalia Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for and not to forcibly return Somali refugees. The Secretary Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my he has made of respect for human rights in the case of right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) Nick Djivanovic in prison in Serbia. [94373] (Mr Hague) lobbied his Kenyan counterpart during his visit to Nairobi of 3 February not to precipitously Mr Lidington: The UK does not normally offer consular return refugees. assistance to UK dual nationals detained in the country of their other nationality. In the case of Mr Djivanovic, Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for we were made aware of specific concerns regarding his Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps (a) he welfare and therefore consular staff from our embassy and (b) his international counterparts are taking to in Belgrade visited him in prison. Mr Djivanovic did ensure that (i) civilians are protected from air strikes not raise any allegations of mistreatment and consular and military actions in Somalia and (ii) Kenyan and staff established that he was not being treated any African Union troops, the Transitional Federal differently to other prisoners. Government and Ethiopia are accountable for their actions. [94893] Somalia Mr Bellingham: We have repeatedly urged the Ethiopian John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for and Kenyan authorities to ensure that their action in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he raised Somalia is undertaken in co-ordination with the Transitional the deaths of Somali journalists (a) Abdisalan Sheik Federal Government, complies with international law, Hassan, (b) Farah Hasan Sahel, (c) Noramfaizul Mohd ensures the protection of civilians and does not impede Nor and (d) Abdiaziz Ahmed Aden with the Somalian the delivery of humanitarian assistance. President during his recent visit to that country. [94844] Britain has consistently encouraged African Union (AU) troops in Mogadishu to show restraint when Mr Bellingham: The Secretary of State for Foreign engaging in military operations. The African Union and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has taken steps over Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), raised the the last 18 months to reduce civilian casualties. Such recent killing of Hassan Osman Abdi ‘Fantastic’ with measures have included the declaration of “no fire the President of the Transitional Federal Government, zones” within the city and the Force Commander Sheikh Sharif, on his recent visit to Mogadishu. He also conducting an internal investigation where AU troops impressed upon the President the need for an independent have injured or killed civilians during combat operations. inquiry into Hassan’s death and the importance of International partners are also emphasising the media freedoms in building democracy in Somalia. importance of the international laws of armed conflict. Somalia remains the most dangerous country in the It is included in pre-deployment training for AMISOM world for journalists to operate in. Officials in the and in training of Somali troops through the European Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the British Union Training Mission. Office for Somalia are actively looking at ways in which we can support journalists in Somalia. Somalia: Diplomatic Service

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he met Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many representatives from the National Union of Somali officials in his Department are stationed in Somalia. Journalists during his recent visit to that country. [94642] [94845] Mr Bellingham: The Foreign and Commonwealth Mr Bellingham: The Secretary of State for Foreign Office does not currently have any officials based full-time and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the in Somalia. The British Office for Somalia operates Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), did not from Nairobi, under the leadership of our new ambassador. have a chance to meet with officials from the National Britain is actively seeking to reopen an embassy in Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) during his recent Mogadishu as soon as local circumstances permit. visit to Mogadishu. However, the Foreign Secretary did raise the issue of media freedoms with the President of Somalia: Foreign Relations the Transitional Federal Government, Sheikh Sharif. Somalia remains the most dangerous country in the Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for world for journalists to operate in. Officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference to British Office for Somalia in Nairobi meet frequently his recent visit to Somalia what assessment he has with the NUSOJ and are actively looking at ways in made of the UK’s bilateral relationship with that which we can support journalists in Somalia. country; and if he will make a statement. [94648]

Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Bellingham: The Secretary of State for Foreign Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the sought assurances from the Kenyan Government that it Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), recent will meet its legal obligation in respect of the rights of historic visit, the first by a Foreign Secretary in 20 years, Somalis to seek asylum and to respect the principle of gave us the opportunity to engage directly with the non-refoulement. [94892] President of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) 537W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 538W ahead of the London conference on Somalia on Mr Lidington: Turkey and the EU share a vital interest 23 February. The Foreign Secretary also met the Prime in seeing all countries in the Western Balkans move Minister of the TFG in Nairobi on 3 February. He towards EU accession with greater prosperity and stability stressed to both the importance we attach to the completion for the region. of the political transition this summer, which provides We welcome the important role that Turkey has played the opportunity to create a broader and more inclusive in promoting reconciliation and dialogue in the region, political process. We hope that the London conference which remain crucial if the countries of the Western will act as a catalyst for enhanced and sustained Balkans are to move forward, resolve the legacies of international and Somali effort. conflict, and make progress towards the EU. We also welcome Turkey’s active role in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Peace Implementation Council and its role in Syria: Sanctions promoting regional stability through, for example, contributions to the EU-led military mission in Bosnia Sajid Javid: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Herzegovina (EUFOR Althea), to the NATO and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo (KFOR) and to the made of whether (a) senior members of the Syrian EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX). administration and (b) prominent supporters of the Syrian regime who hold joint UK and Syrian Turkey: Serbia citizenship are using their UK citizenship to evade international sanctions against Syria. [94619] Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment Alistair Burt: We are not aware of any persons holding his Department has made of the political relationship joint UK and Syrian citizenship who are senior members between Serbia and Turkey since the election of of the Syrian administration or prominent supporters Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in June of it who are using their UK citizenship to evade 2011. [94370] international sanctions against Syria, but have asked the Home Office to investigate. Mr Lidington: Turkey and Serbia have a close political relationship, which has recently developed to include a The UK enforces sanctions robustly. EU restrictive free trade agreement, an agreement on infrastructure measures apply to all EU citizens. As such, in the event co-operation and the mutual abolition of visas. These that any British national sought to circumvent the EU various agreements were signed prior to June 2011, sanctions they may fall foul of the provisions in the however, they signal a consistently developing relationship relevant EU regulation which prohibit such circumvention. between Turkey and Serbia. The Turkish International Dual UK/Syrian nationals cannot therefore use their Co-operation and Development Agency has also launched UK citizenship to evade EU restrictive measures, such activities in Serbia. as asset freezes. The UK and Turkey share a vital interest in seeing With regard to the EU travel ban, where an EU the Western Balkans, including Serbia, move towards Council Decision requires a member state to prevent a EU accession, with greater prosperity and stability for specific individual’s entry into, or transit through, its the region. territory, the member state must comply with this obligation We welcome, in particular, the important role that in the event that the individual seeks to enter its territory. Turkey has played in promoting regional reconciliation, This obligation to enforce a travel ban does not, including through initiatives, such as the Istanbul however, apply where an individual is seeking entry to, Declaration of April 2010, in which both Turkey and or transit through, the member state of which he is a Serbia participate. citizen. This is specified in the text of the EU Council Decisions, including those on Syria. For this purpose, USA where a named individual holds dual citizenship that includes British citizenship, the individual’s position in Ben Gummer: To ask the Secretary of State for relation to the travel ban and any entry to the UK is the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is same as if the individual were solely a British citizen. taking to ensure that Richard O’Dwyer receives all The UK cannot enforce the travel ban. A separate, necessary assistance after his extradition. [95232] although related issue, has to do with such an individual’s immigration position. British citizens are exempt from Alistair Burt: It would not be appropriate for me to immigration control. There are no powers under comment on individual cases. However, in cases where a immigration law to regulate a British citizen’s entry British national is extradited to the United States of into, or departure from, the UK. This is the case whether America consular staff will provide the same level of or not a travel ban is in force. support as they do for other British detainees who meet the criteria for consular assistance. Turkey: Balkans Consular staff’s primary role is one of welfare, but full details of the assistance they provide can be found in the publication ‘In Prison in Canada or the USA’, Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for which is available on our website. Examples of the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment support offered include: consular visits, providing contact he has made of the role of Turkey in promoting details of local lawyers and the UK non-governmental regional dialogue and security in the Western Balkans; organisation Prisoners Abroad, and helping to transfer and if he will make a statement. [94371] money from friends and family to detainees. 539W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 540W

Whisky of their policies. The accompanying guidance makes it clear that authorities should declare within their statements Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign any policy to award additional fees for chief officers for and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department their local election duties. charges Scottish Development International for the holding of receptions in embassies to promote the whisky industry. Dr Murrison: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) [93184] how much was paid in fees to (a) acting returning officers at general elections and (b) returning officers Mr Lidington: Events designed to encourage inward at local elections in each of the last 10 years; [94735] investment to the UK and promoting UK exports overseas (2) what payments were made to acting returning are one of the UK Government’s main foreign policy officers in each parliamentary constituency in respect priorities and since April 2011 the Foreign and of the May 2010 general election. [94736] Commonwealth Office (FCO) has implemented a policy of not charging other Government Departments for Mr Harper: The maximum recoverable amounts which holding events in its network of nearly 270 posts overseas, acting returning officers are entitled to claim for their with recovery only applied for direct costs incurred by services and expenses in conducting UK parliamentary the FCO. elections are set out in statutory orders which are made Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding by the Secretary of State prior to the date of the poll. held with the Scottish Government, it is specified that The relevant orders are the Parliamentary Elections the FCO will recover costs of services provided in line (Returning Officers’ Charges) Order 2010 and the with its practice for charging UK Government Departments. Parliamentary Elections (Returning Officers’ Charges) It is therefore FCO policy not to charge Scottish Order 2005 which were made respectively for the 2010 Development International for holding events in FCO and 2005 UK parliamentary elections. These can be premises overseas unless direct costs are incurred by the found at: FCO. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/830/contents/made http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/780/contents/made The total amount claimed by acting returning officers DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER in England and Wales for the 2005 UK parliamentary election was £1,464.886. The total amount paid to date Returning Officers to acting returning officers for conducting the 2010 UK parliamentary election in England and Wales is £1,671,237. Dr Murrison: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he However, as the figures listed in the charges order are will publish the papers prepared by his Department maximum recoverable amounts, we will only know the relating to the transfer of the duties of acting returning actual total claimed once all claims for this poll have officers to senior local government officials. [94848] been settled. Information on the amounts which returning officers Mr Harper: The Government will be reviewing the were paid for conducting local elections is not available assumptions they use to allocate funds for the various centrally. activities which are essential to running national polls. As part of this review, we will look at whether the current level of returning officers’ fees is appropriate, Returning Officers: Qualifications with a view to ensuring that all those responsible for the successful delivery of elections receive appropriate Dr Murrison: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister remuneration for their work. what qualifications are necessary for the post of (a) acting returning officer at a general election and (b) Returning Officers: Pay returning officer at a local election. [94734]

Dr Murrison: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister Mr Harper: The acting returning officer at a general what adjustment is made for the salaries of local election must be an individual who has been appointed government officials in respect of time spent in their by a local authority as an electoral registration officer, employment as returning officers. [94733] under section 8 of the Representation of the People Act 1983. Under section 35 of the same Act, a local authority Mr Harper: This information is not held centrally. is required to appoint one of its officers as the returning Each local authority is an independent employer in officer for local elections. their own right and has the autonomy to make decisions on pay and reward that are appropriate to local While the responsibility for appointments rests with circumstances and which deliver value for money for local authorities, we would expect a thorough assessment local taxpayers. This includes the award of additional of individual capabilities and experience to take place fees for officers for their duties in relation to local in reaching decisions. elections. We are aware that some authorities have taken the local decision to include such fees within a chief Returning Officers: Working Hours officer’s overall salary, others pay separate fees. The Localism Act 2011 introduced provisions to Dr Murrison: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what increase the transparency and accountability of local estimate he has made of the average hours worked by decisions about pay and reward, particularly for senior (a) acting returning officers at general elections and officers, and requires authorities to publish statements (b) returning officers at local elections. [94732] 541W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 542W

Mr Harper: No estimate has been made of the average and Cabinet Members with economic portfolios. We do hours which acting returning officers and returning not publish agendas or conclusions and the discussions officers work in the lead up to and during UK parliamentary are private. The meetings tend to cover the Government’s and local elections. business priorities and topics of importance including Returning officers take on additional responsibilities training and trade issues. At the most recent meeting we in administering elections and carry out this role over also discussed remuneration. and above the duties of their normal local authority Student Loans Company: Pay post. Titles Deprivation Act 1917 Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Prime Minister when his attention was drawn to the arrangement by which Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister the Chief Executive of the Student Loans Company whether he plans to bring forward proposals to amend was paid. [94190] or repeal the Titles Deprivation Act 1917. [94420] Mr Willetts: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Mr Harper: The Government have no plans to bring forward proposals to amend or repeal the Titles Deprivation I draw the right hon. Member’s attention to the Act 1917. answer given by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the right hon. Member for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey (Danny Alexander), to the urgent question he raised in the House of Commons on 2 February PRIME MINISTER 2012, Official Report, column 1001. 10 Downing Street: Official Hospitality Departmental Training

Luciana Berger: To ask the Prime Minister if he will Luciana Berger: To ask the Prime Minister how place copies of the menus for each official function many away days his Office has held since May 2010; held at 10 Downing street since May 2010 in the what the location was of each such away day; how Library. [95202] many staff attended; and what the cost was of each such event. [93856] The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 10 January 2012, Official Report, Mr Maude: I have been asked to reply on behalf of column 42W, to the hon. Member for Harlow (Robert the Cabinet Office. Halfon). Details of events can be found in the following table. In all cases, staff are encouraged to use facilities on the Business Advisory Group Cabinet Office estate wherever possible, but in some cases it is more beneficial to hold events offsite and Nicholas Soames: To ask the Prime Minister what away from office distractions. There is a robust approvals (a) topics were discussed and (b) conclusions were process in place which requires sign-off at senior level in reached at the most recent meeting of his Business the Department’s finance team. Expenditure is in Advisory Group. [94689] accordance with published departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on principles The Prime Minister: The Business Advisory Group is set out in “Managing Public Money” and the Treasury a forum for discussion between myself, business leaders handbook on “Regularity & Propriety”.

Event Location Number of staff attending Cost (£)

1 Cabinet Office Estate 13 0 2 Cabinet Office Estate 14 102 3 Cabinet Office Estate 30 395 4 Cabinet Office Estate 70 500 5 Cabinet Office Estate 21 105 6 Cabinet Office Estate 16 80 7 Cabinet Office Estate 15 29 8 Cabinet Office Estate 17 555 9 Institute for Government, London 10 386 10 Wallacespace, London 12 1,252 11 Charity and Social Enterprise organisation (Rich Mix) London 70 2,584 12 Somerset House, London 55 470 13 Social enterprise and charity support organisation (CAN Mezzanine) 10 110 14 Somerset House, London 95 472 15 Emmanuel Centre, London 60 2,500 16 English Heritage (Kenwood House, London) 20 480 17 Trafalgar Studios, London 60 543W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 544W

ATTORNEY-GENERAL The Solicitor-General: A detailed statement of the reasons for the Attorney-General’s decision to exercise Crown Prosecution Service the veto in relation to these Decision Notices was placed in the Library on 8 February 2012. He considered Ann Clwyd: To ask the Attorney-General whether he that disclosure of the requested information would be is aware of any similar cases to that of the collapsed damaging to the doctrine of collective responsibility prosecution of former South Wales police officers and detrimental to the effective operation of Cabinet where the disappearance and re-emergence of key government, and the balance of public interest favoured evidence has led to a retrial. [95120] withholding the information. He also concluded that this constituted an exceptional case and that the exercise The Solicitor-General: I am not aware of any other of the veto was warranted in accordance with the similar cases. The features of the prosecution of the statement of Government policy on the use of the veto. former police officers in South Wales were both complex The Freedom of Information Act 2000 does not require and highly unusual and the reasons that caused the the Government to wait for the First-Tier Tribunal to prosecution to end the case were unique to the circumstances consider the case. Section 53 makes clear that a decision of that case. to veto can be taken at any time after the Information In order to conduct a full check of all unsuccessful Commissioner has issued a decision notice. cases, enquiries would need to be made of all Chief Crown Prosecutors, Heads of Casework Divisions and Police: Ports Heads of Complex Casework Units throughout the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) offices in England Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Attorney-General how and Wales, which would incur a disproportionate cost. many people were prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service following investigations and arrests made by Departmental Procurement port police forces in (a) 2010 and (b) 2011. [95085]

Mr Thomas: To ask the Attorney-General (1) what The Solicitor-General: The Crown Prosecution Service proportion of the total value of contracts issued or to (CPS) does not maintain a central record of the number be issued by the Law Officers’ Departments in 2011-12 of defendants prosecuted following investigations and have required successful organisations to put up a arrests made by port police forces. It would not be capital bond; and if he will make a statement; [94924] possible to provide such information locally or nationally (2) which contracts the Law Officers’ Departments without incurring a disproportionate cost. have tendered or will tender in 2011-12 which require successful organisations to have a capital bond of more than £5 million; which contracts have not required such a bond; and if he will make a statement. [94944] BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS

The Solicitor-General: No contracts issued or to be Apprentices: Greater London issued by the Law Officers’ Departments in 2011-12 have required successful organisations to put up a capital Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, bond. Innovation and Skills how many (a) men and (b) It is not possible to provide details of all the tenders women enrolled in apprenticeships in (i) information and contracts awarded by the Law Officers’ Departments and communication technology and (ii) engineering without incurring a disproportionate cost, but the majority and manufacturing technology in (A) Bexleyheath and of contracts involving a value of £10,000 or over are Crayford constituency, (B) the London borough of routinely published on the Government’s Business Link Bexley and (C) Greater London in the latest period for website in line with Cabinet Office requirements. which figures are available. [91995] Freedom of Information Mr Hayes: Table 1 shows the number of Apprenticeship starts by gender in Information and Communication Tom Brake: To ask the Attorney-General with reference Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies to Decision Notices dated 12 September 2011 (ref. and all Sector Subject Areas in the London region, FS50347714) and 13 September 2011 (ref. FS50363603), Bexley local authority and Bexleyheath and Crayford for what reason he exercised his veto under the Freedom parliamentary constituency, in the 2010/11 academic of Information Act 2000 before the matter was considered year, based on provisional data. Data are based on the by the Information Rights Tribunal. [95390] home postcode of the learner.

Table 1: Apprenticeship starts by gender and sector subject area in Bexleyheath and Crayford parliamentary constituency, Bexley local authority and the London region, 2010/11 (provisional data) Information and Engineering and Communication Manufacturing Gender Technology Technologies All Apprenticeships

Bexleyheath and Crayford Constituency Female 10 — 350 Male 10 40 270

Total 20 40 620

Bexley Local Authority Female 10 — 960 545W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 546W

Table 1: Apprenticeship starts by gender and sector subject area in Bexleyheath and Crayford parliamentary constituency, Bexley local authority and the London region, 2010/11 (provisional data) Information and Engineering and Communication Manufacturing Gender Technology Technologies All Apprenticeships

Male 40 100 740 Total 50 110 1,700

London Region Female 870 140 22,480 Male 1,620 2,100 17,930 Total 2,490 2,250 40,410 Notes: 1. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10. Total figures may not add up due to rounding. 2. Geography information is based upon the home postcode of the learner.

Information on the number of Apprenticeship starts Norman Lamb: The number of companies incorporated is published in a quarterly Statistical First Release on or after 1 January 1997 and subsequently dissolved (SFR). The latest SFR was published on 27 October within these timeframes is as follows. 2011: http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/statistical firstrelease/ Number sfr_current Dissolved within one year 61,495 Information on Apprenticeship starts by geographic Dissolved between one and five years 1,954,571 breakdown, gender and sector subject areas are available Dissolved between five and 10 years 486,407 in the SFR Supplementary Tables: Dissolved after more than 10 years 62,489 http://www.thedataservice.org.uk/statistics/statistical firstrelease/ sfr_supplementary_tables/Apprenticeship_sfr_supplementary _tables/ It is not possible to determine how many of these companies traded before being dissolved except at Business disproportionate cost. Additionally, the number of companies that have Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for filed dormant accounts after filing trading accounts Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has to within the specified timeframes since 1997 is as follows. update Table 2 in Economics Paper number 15 published in December 2011 showing English business Number clusters. [95236] Within one year 21,361 Mr Willetts: Table 2 in Economics Paper number 15 Between one and five years 70,783 was originally produced as part of a one-off piece of Between five and 10 years 16,139 analysis to inform Lord Sainsbury’s Clusters Policy More than 10 years 200 Steering Group. As such, there are no plans to update this table. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills continually works with and gathers information Business: Regulation from industry and sectors to ensure a full picture of key business clusters. The Innovation and Research Strategy for Growth, Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for published in December, sets out the Government’s actions Business, Innovation and Skills what new regulations to support innovation and research. These include tackling affecting businesses have come into effect since May barriers to the growth of clusters around our innovation 2010; and what regulations affecting businesses have institutions, including through work by Research Councils been removed since May 2010. [94749] UK to establish a principles-based framework for treatment and submission of multi-institutional research funding Mr Prisk: The Government have published details of bids. Furthermore, the Government will extend the domestic regulations affecting business that have come Launchpad initiative to run up to three further competitions into effect or have been removed between January 2011 following the success of the Tech City Launchpad in and December 2011 in the “One-in, One-out: Statement London’s Old Street area. Launchpad competitions of New Regulation” (April 2011) and in departmental encourage proposals from small and medium-sized statements accompanying the “One-in, One-out: Second enterprises and micro-companies aimed at developing a Statement of New Regulation” (September 2011). These product or service. The competitions are designed to were placed in the Libraries of the House and can be strengthen clusters through facilitating cooperation and found on the BIS website at: networking within them. http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/bre/better-regulation- Business: Closures framework/one-in-one-out/statement A list of regulations affecting business that came into Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for affect before 2011 is published on the “Archived Regulation Business, Innovation and Skills how many companies Updates” pages on the Business Link website at: ceased trading within (a) one year, (b) five years and http://online.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/ (c) 10 years of registration since 1997. [94623] ruArchive?paqe=2 547W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 548W

Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Air Travel Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the Red Tape Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Challenge on business development for small and Business, Innovation and Skills which countries officials medium-sized enterprises. [94789] from UK Trade and Investment have visited on official business in each month since May 2010. [94572] Mr Prisk: Many of the Red Tape Challenge plans announced to date will benefit small and medium-sized Mr Prisk [holding answer 9 February 2012]: The businesses. The business impact of these changes will be information requested will be placed in the Libraries of thoroughly analysed as part of the implementation the House. process. This analysis will be validated by the independent Regulatory Policy Committee. Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much UK Trade Copyright: Economic Growth and Investment spent on (a) first, (b) business and (c) economy class flights in each month since May 2010. [94574] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his Department Mr Prisk [holding answer 9 February 2012]: UK has made of the estimate in the Hargreaves Review that Trade and Investment (UKTI) does not directly employ the Digital Copyright Exchange could contribute £2.2 staff but draws on resource from its two parent Departments billion to GDP. [94895] the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Norman Lamb: The Government have made no further and private sector contractors. UKTI has 1,234 people assessments beyond those set in Annex EE to the Hargreaves located overseas with FCO in 97 different markets; 300 Review. It has commissioned Richard Hooper to carry private sector contractors in the English regions; and out a feasibility study which will examine the wider 580 civil servants in London, Glasgow and the English benefits of a Digital Copyright Exchange in greater regions. detail and report back to Government before the summer recess. UKTI holds financial information on travel costs at the aggregate level centrally while detailed information is held locally. To provide the information requested Copyright: Higher Education would require obtaining detailed information from each location and therefore can be obtained only at Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for disproportionate cost. Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions the Intellectual Property Office has had with higher Departmental Procurement education institutions on licensing of audio-visual works for education. [94317] Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what proportion of Norman Lamb: As part of its consultation the the total value of contracts issued or to be issued by his Government have had discussions with a range of bodies Department in 2011-12 have required successful who represent educational institutions in the higher organisations to put up a capital bond; and if he will education institutions (HEI) sector. These discussions make a statement; [94923] have covered all aspects of the copyright consultation, (2) which contracts his Department has tendered or including the licensing of audio-visual works for education. will tender in 2011-12 which require successful organisations to have a capital bond of more than £5 Credit: Insurance million; which contracts have not required such a bond; and if he will make a statement. [94943]

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Norman Lamb: The information requested is not held Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate ensuring that insurance policies for rent-to-own credit cost. agreements make it clear to customers that the faulty or stolen item will not be replaced if a claim is made Departmental Work Experience under the policy. [84686] Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Hoban: I have been asked to reply on behalf of Business, Innovation and Skills what work experience the Treasury. or traineeship schemes his Department offers to The responsibility for regulating insurance companies minority groups. [92752] lies with the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The FSA requires all insurers to explain the scope of the Norman Lamb: The Department for Business, Innovation cover for all types of insurance policies. and Skills does not operate a discrete scheme for work This includes a requirement that firms experience placements. However, it participates in The “take reasonable steps to ensure a customer is given appropriate Whitehall Internship programme that offers two weeks information about a policy in good time and in a comprehensible of work experience for college level year 12 students form so that the customer can make an informed decision from under-represented groups, including Black, Asian about the arrangements proposed.” and Minority Ethnic communities. 549W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 550W

These placements aim to increase professional experience The impact assessment showed that the annual benefits and workplace skills for individuals from under-represented to employers from flexible working are increased employee backgrounds. productivity (£55 million), lower labour turnover The Department does not provide specific apprenticeships (£11.8 million) and reduced absenteeism (2.5 million). for minority groups; individuals will need to be suitably In extending the right to request flexible working to all qualified for particular apprenticeship vacancies. Since employees we are also proposing to remove the existing apprenticeships are jobs they reflect the wider labour statutory procedure for considering requests and replacing market, and recruitment decisions are for employers. it with a duty on employers to consider flexible working However, the same legal duties apply to apprentices as requests reasonably, supported by a statutory code of to other staff. practice to explain what we mean by reasonable. This will give employers greater flexibility when considering EU External Trade: Peru flexible working requests, which we estimate will save employers £12.8 million per year. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Alongside these quantified benefits we recognise that Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the written there a number of substantial benefits to employers that ministerial statement of 31 January 2012, Official Report, we haven’t been able to quantify. These include access column 37WS, on trade policy (opt-ins), what recent to a wider talent pool of candidates when recruiting; assessment he has made of the likely effects on the level reduced office overheads and fixed costs as employees of illegal logging in the Colombian and Peruvian Amazon work from home or in a more flexible way requiring less of the EU-Andean (Peru and Colombia) Free Trade office space. Agreement. [94586] Further Education: Higher Education Norman Lamb: The EU’s Sustainability impact assessment of the EU-Andean Agreement identified Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, that increased market access for processed timber products Innovation and Skills if he will make arrangements for could increase deforestation trends, including through unfilled places to study for higher education qualifications illegal logging. in further education colleges to be transferred to universities. The agreement’s sustainable development chapter [94409] contains provisions that are designed to mitigate this. Mr Willetts: The Higher Education Funding Council All parties have committed to improve forest law for England (HEFCE) is responsible for allocating student enforcement and governance and promote trade in legal places. HEFCE have made it clear in their guidance that and sustainable forest products, such as developing if an institution under recruits by more than 5% or 25 places, mechanisms that allow verification of the legal origin of whichever is the larger, it may lead to a reduction in the timber products, strengthening the role of independent number of student places allocated in future years. supervision institutions and voluntary mechanisms for forest certification. Google European Fighter Aircraft: India Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what representations his Department Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for received from Google Inc. and any of its operating Business, Innovation and Skills what meetings UK parts on proposals for extending copyright exceptions Trade and Investment held with the Indian government for educational use, prior to his Department’s bringing on the Eurofighter prior to the decision of the Indian forward proposals on that matter. [93888] government not to buy the Eurofighter. [94070] Norman Lamb: No representations were received by Mr Prisk [holding answer 7 February 2012]: UK the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Government Ministers and the British high commission from (a) Google Inc. and (b) any of its operating parts in New Delhi have for several years been strongly promoting on proposals for extending copyright exceptions for Typhoon at every suitable opportunity with representatives educational use, prior to publication of the Government’s of the Indian Government, in close co-ordination with consultation on Copyright. the UK Trade and Investment Defence and Security Organisation, and with our Eurofighter partners. Graduates: Cumbria

Flexible Working Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many young people graduated Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for from higher education in (a) Westmorland and Lonsdale Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has constituency and (b) Cumbria in each of the last made of the potential benefits to employers of 10 years. [94306] introducing more flexible working practices. [94769] Mr Willetts [holding answer 8 February 2012]: The Norman Lamb: In May 2011 we published the Modern latest available information on first degree qualifiers Workplaces consultation document which was accompanied from full-time courses at UK higher education institutions by a full impact assessment of the extension to the right who were aged under 25 is shown in the following table to request flexible working to all employees. A copy of for each of the last 10 years. Information for the 2011/12 this impact assessment can be found here: academic year will become available from January 2013. http://c561635.r35.cf2.rackcdn.com/11-744-extending-right- Equivalent figures for qualifiers from higher education to-request-flexible-working-impact.pdf courses at further education colleges are not available. 551W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 552W

Full-time first degree qualifiers aged under 25 from Cumbria local authority and We intend to publish in due course a response covering Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency. UK higher education institutions, academic years 2001/02 to 2010/11 the range of issues which were considered. The response of which Westmorland will include a list of respondents and a summary of Academic year Cumbria and Lonsdale responses for each of the consultations.

2001/02 1,435 355 2002/03 1,505 345 Sajid Javid: To ask the Secretary of State for 2003/04 1,530 355 Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking 2004/05 1,610 340 to help ensure that more UK universities are ranked in 2005/06 1,555 355 the world’s top 100 universities. [95046] 2006/07 1,635 365 2007/08 1,605 365 2008/09 1,600 355 Mr Willetts: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I 2009/10 1,705 385 gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, 2010/11 1,735 370 Kemptown (Simon Kirby) on 24 January 2012, Official Notes: Report, columns 227-28W. 1. Figures are based on a HESA qualifications obtained population and have been rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of five. 2. The figures in the answer do not include qualifiers where the local authority and constituency of the student cannot be established due to missing or invalid postcode information. Source: Higher Education: Admissions Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record

Green Investment Bank Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what meetings the Minister for Universities and Science has had with Angie Bray: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, for-profit education providers which have subsequently Innovation and Skills (1) what estimate he has made of received approval for higher education courses to be the amount of investment in London which will result designated courses. [86031] from the creation of the Green Investment Bank; [94836] Mr Willetts [holding answer 14 December 2011]: (2) how many jobs he expects to be created in Applications for the specific designation of courses London as a result of the establishment of the Green from privately funded institutions for student support Investment Bank. [94839] purposes are assessed against standard criteria. My response to the hon. Member’s previous question on 12 January 2012, Official Report, columns 407-08W,outlined Mr Prisk: Capitalised with £3 billion, the Green the procedure involved. Investment Bank (GIB) will complement other green policies to help accelerate additional capital in green The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills infrastructure. It is not yet possible to assess how much does not hold comprehensive information on whether investment will be created in any particular part of the higher education providers Ministers have met are classed country. It will not be a large institution; the indications as for-profit or not-for profit. A quarterly-updated list are that it will employ no more than 50-100 full-time of all BIS ministerial meetings with external organisations equivalent staff. Nevertheless it is clear that people see it is available at: as a valuable organisation which will be an asset to its http://www.data.gov.uk/dataset/disclosure-ministerial- location. The decision on where the GIB will be located hospitality-received-department-for-business will be announced later this month. Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Higher Education Business, Innovation and Skills how many pupils went on to higher education in Gillingham and Rainham constituency in the most recent period for which figures Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, are available; and how many of those go on to Innovation and Skills when he plans to publish the postgraduate education. [94262] responses his Department received to its consultation on the higher education White Paper, Students at the Mr Willetts: The latest available information on young Heart of the System. [94995] undergraduate and postgraduate entrants from Gillingham and Rainham constituency to UK high education Mr Willetts: The White Paper consultation, “Students institutions is shown in the following table. Information at the Heart of the System” was published on 28 June for the 2011/12 academic year will become available 2011. Over 200 responses were received and in addition from January 2013. Equivalent figures for entrants to comments were posted on the consultation website and higher education courses at further education colleges on a Student Room discussion forum. are not available. The Department also published on 4 August 2011 a Young1 undergraduate and postgraduate entrants from Gillingham and Rainham constituency2: UK higher education institutions, academic year 2010/11 technical consultation document, “A new fit for purpose 3 regulatory framework for the higher education sector”. Level of study Entrants Over 150 responses were received. Undergraduate 555 553W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 554W

Young1 undergraduate and postgraduate entrants from Gillingham and Rainham UK domiciled applicants to full-time undergraduate courses in the UK as at 15 constituency2: UK higher education institutions, academic year 2010/11 January Level of study Entrants3 Year of entry Ethnic group 20111 20122 Postgraduate 70 1 Covers undergraduate entrants aged under 21 and postgraduate entrants aged Mixed 17,809 16,289 under 25. Other 5,413 6,306 2 The figures in the table do not include entrants where the constituency of the student cannot be established due to missing or invalid postcode information. Unknown 3,656 2,973 3 Covers entrants to full-time and part-time courses. Total 506,388 462,507 Note: 1 Applicants applying to enter courses starting in autumn 2011, including those Figures in the table are based on a HESA standard registration population and who applied for deferred entry in 2012. are rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of five. 2 Applicants applying to enter courses starting in autumn 2012, including those Source: who applied for deferred entry in 2013. Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record

Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the student number control Higher Education: Finance for English universities is in 2011-12. [94408] Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Willetts: The student number control for English Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer higher education institutions (including further education of 11 January 2012, Official Report, columns 342-43W, colleges) in 2011/12 is 364,325. This is the limit on on students: fees and charges, which (a) individuals students starting full-time undergraduate and postgraduate and (b) organisations the Higher Education Funding certificate in education study. Council for England will consult on teacher funding Higher Education: Applications for 2013-14; and when he expects the consultation to begin. [94360] Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many home Mr Willetts: I expect the Higher Education Funding applicants in each ethnic group had submitted Council for England to begin its consultation on teaching applications to UCAS by (a) 15 January 2012 and (b) funding for academic year 2013-14 shortly. It will be by the equivalent date in the 2010-11 admissions cycle. open for response from all interested individuals and [93476] organisations.

Mr Willetts: The information has been provided by Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) Business, Innovation and Skills how much investment and is shown in the table. funding the research councils have allocated to UK domiciled applicants to full-time undergraduate courses in the UK as at 15 universities in (a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland January and (d) Northern Ireland in each of the last five (i) Year of entry academic and (ii) financial years. [95038] Ethnic group 20111 20122

Asian 50,739 48,241 Mr Willetts: Research grants and contracts income Black 35,017 33,739 from the Research Councils to UK Higher Education White 393,754 354,959 Institutions’ (HEIs) is shown in the following table.

£000 Country of HEI 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06

England 1,274,456 1,240,478 1,119,386 961,097 893,323 Wales 53,070 51,548 43,900 35,580 34,604 Scotland 234,044 218,359 176,951 144,568 134,298 Northern Ireland 23,787 20,743 17,942 10,734 11,147 Notes: 1. 2009-10 is the latest available data. 2. Data relates to the institutions’ financial year, i.e. 1 August to 31 July. 3. Data includes research grants and contracts from the Research Councils, The Royal Society, British Academy and The Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Higher Education: Part-time Education campaign, but it is not possible to disaggregate this activity as a portion of the total spend. Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Business, Innovation and Skills how much his (BIS) has also set up a stakeholder reference group Department has spent on financial education for comprised of key representatives from organisations applicants wishing to study higher education courses with an interest in part-time students. This group was on a part-time basis. [94295] formed specifically to seek advice and input on tailoring communications for prospective mature part-time students Mr Willetts: An information campaign about the in particular. The group is reviewing existing part-time reforms to higher education student finance ran from communication materials and making recommendations May 2011 to February 2012 which cost £2.61 million. on producing new or updated materials which best Messaging to part-time applicants was a feature of the reflect part-time students as a target audience. 555W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 556W

The members of the stakeholder reference group Higher Education: Research have also offered to open up their own channels to the Department, such that we can broaden the reach of our Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for messaging to part-time students. Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer of 7 February 2012, Official Report, column 247W, on Higher Education: Portsmouth higher education: research, what assessment he has made of the success of the programmes supported by Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for his Department in transferring innovative university Business, Innovation and Skills how many young research to the commercial sector in each of the last people graduated from higher education in Portsmouth five years. [95620] South constituency in each of the last 10 years. [94777] Mr Willetts: Details of the impact of programmes Mr Willetts: The latest available information on first supported by the Department of Business, Innovation degree qualifiers from full-time courses at UK higher and Skills and its partner organisations can be found at: education institutions who were aged under 25 from the Higher Education Funding Council for England Portsmouth South constituency is shown in the table website: for each of the last 10 years. Information for the 2011/12 academic year will become available from January 2013. http://www.hefce.ac.uk/econsoc/buscom/ Equivalent figures for qualifiers from higher education which includes analysis and evaluation of knowledge courses at further education colleges are not available. exchange funding: www.hefce.ac.uk/econsoc/buscom/strat/ Full-time first degree qualifiers aged under 25 from Portsmouth South constituency. UK higher education institutions. Academic years and analysis of the Higher Education—Business and 2001/02 to 2010/11 Community Interaction Survey: Academic years Qualifiers http://www.hefce.ac.uk/econsoc/buscom/hebci/ 2001/02 180 the Research Council Impact Reports: 2002/03 220 http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/media/news/2012news/Pages/ 2003/04 180 120103_4.aspx 2004/05 225 the publications pages of the Technology Strategy Board: 2005/06 215 http://www.innovateuk.org 2006/07 250 http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ 2007/08 290 http://www.bis.gov.uk/files/file52026.pdf 2008/09 265 for a 2009 report on the Smart programme; and 2009/10 265 2010/11 235 http://www.ktponline.org.uk/annualreports/ Notes: for evaluations of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. 1. Figures are based on a HESA qualifications obtained population and have been rounded up or down to the nearest multiple of five. 2. The figures in the answer do not include qualifiers where the Higher Education: Scholarships parliamentary constituency of the student cannot be established due to missing or invalid postcode information. Source: Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Student Record Business, Innovation and Skills what consideration he has given to implementing the recommendation of the Higher Education: Private Sector Advocate for Access to Education on the use of the National Scholarship Programme to cover accommodation Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for and living costs unless a student opts for a fee. [91272] Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the Education Act 1994, what his policy is on student Mr Willetts: The National Scholarship Programme unions for private providers who are awarded degree starts for new students entering higher education from awarding powers. [94431] September 2012 who are from family backgrounds with an income no greater than £25,000 a year and who meet Mr Willetts: Where a students’ union has been the institution’s criteria. The programme was designed established, the Education Act 1994 places a duty on with the help of an advisory group which included the governing bodies of universities, higher education National Union of Students, Universities UK, the Sutton corporations and designated institutions to take reasonable Trust, the Association of Colleges and the Office for steps to ensure that it operates in a fair and democratic Fair Access. My right hon. Friend the Member for manner and is accountable for its finances. Section 21 of Bermondsey and Old Southwark (Simon Hughes), the the Education Act 1994 sets out the establishments to Government’s Advocate for Access to Education, attended which the legislation applies. This does not include the meetings. private providers, irrespective of whether the organisations The programme is designed to provide a direct benefit hold degree awarding powers. to individual, eligible students of £3,000 (full time). We The Higher Education White Paper “Students at the recognise that cash is an important factor for many Heart of the System” and the technical consultation students and the menu of support that institutions can document “A new fit for purpose regulatory framework offer students from the National Scholarship Programme for the higher education sector” set out a number of includes a cash bursary—capped at £1,000. Other menu measures designed to encourage greater student options can include fee waivers, a free foundation year engagement. We will publish a response in due course. or discounted accommodation. 557W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 558W

The Office for Fair Access (OFFA) advises us that Higher Education: Yorkshire and the Humber there is no hard evidence to support, for example, bursaries over fee waivers or vice versa. OFFA will closely monitor the impact of fee waivers and bursaries Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for and look to conduct research and analysis to see if Business, Innovation and Skills how many people in (a) evidence emerges to suggest one method of financial Haltemprice and Howden constituency, (b) East Yorkshire support is more effective than another in supporting and (c) the Humberside region applied to study at (i) and protecting access. Oxford or Cambridge university and (ii) Russell Group The Higher Education Funding Council for England universities in each of the last 10 admission cycles. has commissioned Centre for Enterprise Research and [91060] Consultancy, an independent research and consultancy body, to undertake an evaluation of the National Scholarship Programme. We will consider the findings Mr Willetts [holding answer 20 January 2012]: The from the evaluation of the introduction of the NSP in information, showing data for each constituency in advance of a full programme being in place from 2014. Humberside, is given in the following tables.

Table 1: Total number of UCAS applicants from parliamentary constituencies in Humberside, who applied to study at Oxford or Cambridge, year of entry 2002 to 2011 Parliamentary constituency 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Beverley and 31 29 30 24 23 31 20 24 30 24 Holderness Brigg and Goole 16 18 22 25 18 13 14 14 21 28 Cleethorpes 14 22 18 22 16 10 14 19 9 20 East Yorkshire 22 18 20 34 28 27 26 29 26 14 Great Grimsby 8 9 11 9 7 11 8 15 1—11 Haltemprice and 29 36 30 40 26 30 34 32 25 31 Howden Kingston upon Hull 10 1—981— 1— 1—1271— East Kingston upon Hull 16891—131—149208 North Kingston upon Hull 86101—61—91—88 West and Hessle Scunthorpe 21 19 15 14 8 22 18 19 20 11 1 Numbers have been suppressed as these figures are 5 or less. Table 2: Total number of UCAS applicants from parliamentary constituencies in Humberside, who applied to study at Russell Group universities, year of entry 2002 to 2011 Parliamentary constituency 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Beverley and 312 300 265 294 276 295 339 318 324 277 Holderness Brigg and Goole 197 189 234 198 200 220 200 210 226 233 Cleethorpes 222 227 212 199 193 213 208 231 225 207 East Yorkshire 253 275 248 250 275 249 281 291 293 275 Great Grimsby 138 158 141 128 146 157 151 137 146 140 Haltemprice and 301 286 311 325 334 305 302 350 324 338 Howden Kingston upon Hull 97 109 99 118 115 90 110 126 114 136 East Kingston upon Hull 128 185 171 175 147 157 172 155 199 214 North Kingston upon Hull 108 116 115 115 132 133 128 152 164 156 West and Hessle Scunthorpe 212 179 210 189 175 202 206 200 224 204 Note: The figures show the number of applicants who made one or more applications to courses at Russell Group institutions. Applicants can submit up to five applications.

Influenza: International Cooperation Innovation

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) Business, Innovation and Skills how many Ministers Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his (b) and officials from his Department he expects to Department has made of the effect of value-based attend the forthcoming conference on the H5N1 flu pricing on innovation. [95237] virus in Geneva. [94881] Mr Willetts: No Ministers or officials from the Mr Willetts: The Department of Business, Innovation Department for Business, Innovation and Skills will be and Skills has been working closely with the Department attending the forthcoming conference on the H5N1 flu of Health in the latter’s consideration of a move to a virus in Geneva. value-based pricing system for pharmaceuticals. 559W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 560W

This work is ongoing with a consultation stage impact Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for assessment published by the Department for Health Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has alongside a consultation document. The Government’s made of the potential effect on the Northern Ireland response to this consultation was published on 18 July economy of the loss of automatic assisted area status. 2011. [94745] The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is now working with the Department of Health in Mr Prisk: The UK Government have carried out analysing the impact that changes in regulatory pricing consultation on removing Northern Ireland’s 100% regimes may have on the innovation decisions within automatic assisted area status from the Industrial the pharmaceutical industry. This analysis will contribute Development Act 1982 and will be issuing a response to the Department for Health’s final stage impact shortly. The response will be informed by the available assessment of value-based pricing which will be published evidence which includes evidence on the potential effect in 2013. on the Northern Ireland economy. However it should be noted that although removing the automatic 100% assisted area coverage could restrict the geographical location of where regional aid is given, it would not in Nuclear Power itself mean that Northern Ireland would be able to give less regional aid. Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the cost to his Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Department was of participation in the January 2012 Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions he has Civil Nuclear Export Showcase, organised by UK had with his EU counterparts on retaining automatic Trade and Investment; how many officials of his assisted area status for Northern Ireland. [94746] Department attended the event; what the outcome of the meeting was; and if he will make a statement. Mr Prisk: The decision on whether Northern Ireland [94671] should retain its 100% automatic assisted area status as set out in the Industrial Development Act 1982 is a Mr Prisk: The UK Civil Nuclear Energy Showcase decision for the UK Government and as such I have not held in London between 25 and 26 January this year, discussed this with my EU counterparts. resulted in costs of £35,758 to UK Trade & Investment’s Student Loan Company (UKTI) programme budget. This figure does not include the travel and subsistence costs of participating officials, Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for which were drawn from a number of locally held budgets. Business, Innovation and Skills what measures his 14 UKTI officials took part—six from the UK and Department has put in place to ensure the capacity of eight from overseas accompanying the overseas delegates. the Student Loans Company to administer student The event resulted in 34 overseas delegates gaining finance in England following the changes to undergraduate important insights into the capabilities of the UK civil tuition fee levels and student support arrangements. nuclear supply chain and 131 UK delegates receiving [94865] briefings on civil nuclear plans in Russia, Jordan, Latvia, China, Thailand, India, South Africa, the Czech Republic, Mr Willetts: The Department for Business, Innovation South Korea and Vietnam. and Skills has provided additional resources to the Student Loans Company (SLC) for the implementation Feedback so far has been highly favourable: UK and and administration of changes to higher education overseas delegates were satisfied with the quality of the student funding, as set out in the Annual Performance contacts made and information exchanged and expressed and Resource Agreement (APRA) letter. optimism about the prospects for future business. The Department is working closely with SLC to ensure robust arrangements are in place so that the first Regional Assistance: Northern Ireland student finance application cycle following the changes is administered successfully.

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the value to the Northern Ireland economy of made of the capacity of the Student Loans Company automatic assisted area status. [94744] to administer student finance in England following the changes to undergraduate tuition fee levels and student Mr Prisk: The UK Government have carried out support arrangements. [94864] consultation on removing Northern Ireland’s 100% automatic assisted area status from the Industrial Mr Willetts: The delivery of changes to higher education Development Act 1982 and will be issuing a response student funding in England has been subject to rigorous shortly. The response will be informed by the available risk assessment and monitoring, which covers all delivery evidence which includes evidence on the value of automatic partners’ capacity to deliver the reforms and administer assisted area status to the Northern Ireland economy. student finance. However it should be noted that although removing the Appropriate steps will be taken to address any concerns automatic 100% assisted area coverage could restrict that arise about the capacity or capability of Student the geographical location of where regional aid is given, Loans Company or any others partners essential to the it would not in itself mean that Northern Ireland would successful delivery and administration of the changes be able to give less regional aid. to higher education student funding. 561W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 562W

Student Loan Company: Finance Students: Fees and Charges

Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the budget for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking administration was for the Student Loans Company in to ensure that any higher education institution each financial year since 2008-09. [94955] charging fees of £6,000 per annum is collaborating with other institutions at a regional level on access issues. Mr Willetts: The Student Loan Company’s (SLC’s) [91273] running cost budget is confirmed each year in an Annual Performance and Resource Agreement (APRA) letter Mr Willetts: Institutions intending to charge more issued by the Department for Business, Innovation and than the £6,000 basic amount for tuition must first Skills (BIS) on behalf of the four UK Government demonstrate to the independent Director of Fair Access Administrations. SLC’s total resource budgets for running what more they will do to attract students from costs since 2008-09, as confirmed in APRA letters, are disadvantaged backgrounds. These plans are finalised as follows: in approved Access Agreements. Ministers at the Department for Business, Innovation Financial year Total resource budget (£) and Skills wrote to the Director of Fair Access on 10 2008-09 86,696,000 February 2011 setting out the Government’s expectations 2009-10 98,116,000 about how he should approach the approval and monitoring 2010-11 102,562,000 of new Access Agreements. The guidance set out increased 2011-12 113,316,000 expectations for the priority that institutions should give to fair access and widening participation. The guidance pointed out the effectiveness of collaborative Student Loan Company: Manpower working on widening participation, recognising that many institutions were already doing this and that Access Agreements should build on that work. We also Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for highlighted that such collaboration also encourages the Business, Innovation and Skills how many staff were sharing of good practice. employed by the Student Loans Company in January Additionally, we suggested that the director would (a) 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010, (d) 2011 and (e) 2012. want to take into account the scale and nature of [94966] outreach work with schools, colleges and other organisations. The director’s guidance to the sector on Mr Willetts: The number of staff employed by the how to develop Access Agreements, issued March 2011, Student Loans Company in January of each year since in turn emphasised the importance of collaboration 2008 is as follows: between institutions in delivering long-term outreach Staff employed by SLC in January of each year activity with schools and colleges, both in terms of As at January: increasing coverage and avoiding duplication. 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Permanent 1,361 1,907 1,868 1,793 1,963 employees Taxation: Senior Civil Servants Temporary 19 36 66 190 41 employees Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 1,380 1,943 1,934 1,983 2,004 Business, Innovation and Skills what fees his Department employees paid to Penna as a result of the remuneration arrangements for the Chief Executive of the Student Loans Company in the last year for which figures are available. [94850] Student Loan Company: Pay Mr Willetts: The Department has not made any Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for payment to Penna in respect of remuneration arrangements Business, Innovation and Skills when he was made for the chief executive of the Student Loans Company aware of the arrangements for remunerating the chief (SLC). Information on SLC’s payments to Penna in executive of the Student Loans Company. [95042] respect of the chief executive’s remuneration is contained in SLC’s Annual Report and Accounts and in information Mr Willetts: The Department for Business, Innovation provided by SLC as part of the Government’s transparency and Skills (BIS) approved the appointment and agenda, both of which are available via SLC’s website. remuneration package for the Student Loans Company (SLC) chief executive put forward by the SLC Board in December 2010. BIS and SLC followed the correct Technology and Innovation Centres processes, gaining approval from across Government, and were satisfied that the package met the relevant Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for guidelines, including value for money. Business, Innovation and Skills what the average length The SLC chief executive has helped to improve the of time was between the Technology Strategy Board organisation. The SLC’s overall performance has improved agreeing payments to business and businesses receiving and continues to improve so that the SLC operates (a) the first payment and (b) the entire payment in the more effectively in the interests of students. last year for which figures are available. [95234] 563W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 564W

Mr Willetts: The Technology Strategy Board provides (2) what funding his Department has allocated to the a wide range of support to encourage innovation in UK prevention and transition referral process for people businesses from small grants to individual small and not in education, employment or training. [91062] medium-sized enterprises to large grants to complex multi-partner collaborative projects. On average, projects Tim Loughton: I have been asked to reply on behalf start 86 working days after the application has been of the Department for Education. approved and this includes time to undertake financial and other checks and also takes into consideration the Local authorities have a statutory duty to provide wishes of the companies as to when they want to start young people aged 16 to 19 with support to encourage, the project, which is not always as soon as the funding enable and assist them to participate in education or has been approved. training. This includes helping those young people who are not currently in education, employment or training The Technology Strategy Board agrees a start date to make a successful return to learning. with each project approved for funding. Project companies then submit claims usually on a quarterly basis. We want to ensure that local authorities have the freedom to deliver this responsibility in a way that best The Technology Strategy Board supports projects meets the needs of local people. Each local authority with a duration from six months to five years. The final will work with a range of organisations to ensure that grant payment is received by companies on the completion young people in their area receive the support they of the project subject to satisfying the conditions of the need. grant offer letter or contract. Local authorities are able to fund this activity from within the Early Intervention Grant (EIG). £2,232 million UK Trade and Investment: Visits Abroad has been allocated to local authorities in England in 2011-12 and £2,365 million will be allocated in 2012-13 Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, through the Grant. The EIG brings together a number Innovation and Skills what the cost to UK Trade and of previously centrally directed grants, providing local Investment was of (a) travel and (b) accommodation authorities with more flexibility to invest in preventative for those attending the recent World Economic Trade services. and Investment Forum in Davos. [93366]

Mr Prisk: The total cost to UK Trade and Investment Venture Capital (UKTI) of this visit will be available on the UKTI website following the publication of UKTI’s audited Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for accounts for the year ending March 2012. Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has The cost will include accommodation and in-country made of Government-backed venture capital schemes costs including some travel by car. These costs do not since 1997. [94593] include air fares. Mr Prisk: The Department for Business, Innovation Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, and Skills (BIS) has put in place an evaluation strategy Innovation and Skills what the cost to UK Trade and for all its equity funds. A full impact evaluation will be Investment was of (a) travel, (b) accommodation and conducted as funds close (typically 10-12 years), with (c) entertainment at the recent World Economic Trade early (1-2 year) and interim (6-7 year) reviews of progress and Investment Forum in Davos for the UK Trade and after funds are established. BIS has undertaken early Investment’s former Special Representative for International stage and interim assessments of Regional Venture Trade. [93367] Capital Funds, Early Growth Funds, UK High Tech Fund, Bridges, Aspire, Capital for Enterprise Fund and Mr Prisk: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) does Enterprise Capital Fund. These reports are published not pay for HRH the Duke of York’s air fares. UKTI on the BIS website. Final evaluations for these schemes will contribute towards HRH the Duke of York’s will be undertaken once sufficient time has elapsed for accommodation costs and in-country travel for the days benefits to be realised. that he attended the World Economic Forum 2012 at Davos. UKTI will also contribute to relevant associated expenses for HRH’s supporting staff including in-country Written Questions: Government Responses transfer to airports. These costs do not include in-country travel by air. There are no entertainment costs. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for The total cost to UKTI of this visit will be available Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects to on the UKTI website following the publication of UKTI’s answer question 91406; and if he will explain the audited accounts for the year ending March 2012. reasons for the time taken in answering. [95190]

Unemployment Norman Lamb: I replied to the hon. Member on 8 February 2012, Official Report, column 326W. Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Ministers in the Department for Business, Innovation Business, Innovation and Skills (1) who the providers and Skills aim to respond to all questions for written are of the prevention and transition referral process for answer as promptly as possible. Responses can be delayed people not in education, employment or training; for a variety of reasons, including the need to ensure [91061] that appropriate advice or information is sought. 565W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 566W

TRANSPORT Norman Baker: The Department has commissioned the following research on the benefits of cycling to the A3: Hampshire cyclist and wider community in the last three years: Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Analysis and synthesis of evidence on the effects of Transport further to her answer of 24 January 2012, investment in six Cycling Demonstration Towns (Slowman Official Report, column 166W,on A3: Hampshire, when et al, November 2009): she next plans that her Department will take measurements http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/analysis-and-synthesis- of actual traffic flows on the A3 between the Hindhead of-evidence-on-the-effects-of-investment-in-six-cycling- tunnel and Petersfield. [94188] demonstration-towns/cyclingdemotowns.pdf Valuing increased cycling in the Cycling Demonstration Mike Penning: Following the opening of any road Towns (Sustrans & Cavill Associates, December 2009): scheme, the Highways Agency undertakes post opening http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110407094607/ project evaluation (POPE) to examine whether it has http://www.dft.gov.uk/cyclingengland/site/wp-content/ brought the anticipated benefits and impacts as predicted. uploads/2009/12/valuing-increased-cycling-in-the-cycling- These are undertaken one year and five years after demonstration-towns.pdf opening. Cycling Demonstration Towns Development of Benefit- In line with HA procedures, a POPE will take place Cost Ratios (DfT, February 2010): after the end of July 2012, when the A3 Hindhead http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110407094607/ tunnel will have been open for 12 months, and again http://www.dft.gov.uk/cyclingengland/site/wp-content/ after July 2016 when the road will have been open for uploads/2010/04/cdts-development-of-benefit-cost-ratios.pdf five years. This evaluation will consider the changes in traffic flows among other criteria. Road Safety Web Publication No. 17: Cycling, Safety and Sharing the Road: Qualitative Research with Cyclists Air Passenger Duty and Other Road Users (Christmas et al, September 2010): Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/safety-cycling-and- Transport what recent assessment she has made of the sharing-the-road-qualitative-research-with-cyclists-and-other- potential effects of setting variable air passenger duties road-users/rswp17.pdf in each constituent part of the UK. [94974] Climate Change and Transport Choices: Segmentation Study Interim Report (TNS-BMRB, December 2010): Miss Chloe Smith: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Treasury. http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/climate-change-and- transport-choices/ I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 January 2012, Official Report, column 31W. Research to explore perceptions and experiences of Bikeability training among parents and children (Ipsos Cycleways MORI, December 2010): http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/research-to-explore- Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for perceptions-and-experiences-of-bikeability-training-amongst- Transport what representations her Department has parents-and-children/bikeabilitytraining.pdf had on (a) improving the standard of current bridle New Ways to Increase Cycling: Lessons from the ways so that they are fit for cycling and (b) increasing Finding New Solutions Programme (Arup, April 2011) the number of dedicated cycle paths on the Fylde coast. [95531] We have commissioned research to examine Bikeability delivery data and mode of travel to school data in order Norman Baker: The information is as follows: to identify any emerging trends. This will be published (a) The Department has had no representations in spring 2012. regarding improving the standard of bridleways on the Evaluation of the Cycling City and Towns programme Fylde coast. (A consortium led by AECOM working with the University (b) The provision of local cycling infrastructure is a of the West of England and The Tavistock Institute, matter for the local highway authority. As well as the ongoing). The evaluation will explore the benefits of £1.8 billion capital funding provided through the integrated cycling via a range of research activities which are transport block during this spending review period, we summarised on the Department’s website: are allocating £560 million to local authorities through http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/cycling-city-and-towns- the Local Sustainable Transport Fund to support packages programme of measures that deliver economic growth and cut and include: carbon. Blackpool city council’s bid to Tranche 1 of the fund was rejected. Lancashire county council is expected An interim evaluation report published January 2010 to submit a bid for Tranche 2, the closing date for which http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/cycling-city-and-towns- is 24 February. programme-interim-report Cycling Analysis investigating the potential health benefits of increasing cycling in the Cycling City and Towns, (Cavill Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Associates, currently being completed and will be published what research her Department has commissioned on in line with the Government Social Research publication the benefits of cycling to the (a) cyclist and (b) wider protocol community in the last three years. [94684] http://www.dft.gov.Uk/topics/science-research/social/ 567W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 568W

Further research on the Cycling Demonstration Towns wanting to develop more advanced skills. The Bikeability can be found at: website contains further information for those wishing http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110407094607/ to find a suitable cycle training provider: http://www.dft.gov.uk/cyclingengland/cycling-cities-towns/ http://www.dft.gov.uk/bikeability/the-three-levels/cycling- results/ skills-for-adults/

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Driving Offences Transport what steps she is taking to (a) discourage cyclists from riding on pavements and (b) promote Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport cyclist confidence in respect of cycling on roads. [95482] what estimate she has made of the (a) number and (b) proportion of drivers who had their driving licences Norman Baker: The information is as follows: revoked within (i) a year and (ii) two years of passing (a) The enforcement of cycling offences is an operational their driving test in each of the last five years. [94008] matter for the police. A fixed penalty notice (FPN) of £30 was introduced in 1999, which provides the police Mike Penning: The information requested is not readily with a direct means of dealing with illegal cycling on available and would incur disproportionate costs to the pavement. The police can issue this fine as appropriate, gather. or prosecute alleged offenders, where the maximum fine is £500. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate she has made of the (a) number and (b) (b) Bikeability is “cycling proficiency” for the 21st proportion of drivers who were issued three penalty century, and gives people the skills and confidence to points within (i) a year and (ii) two years of passing cycle safely and well in modern road conditions. The their driving test in each of the last five years. [94009] Department has committed to support Bikeability for the remainder of this Parliament and is currently providing Mike Penning: The information requested is shown in grant funding of up to £11 million per year for Bikeability the following table for the last four years. Offences that training in schools. obtain three penalty points are removed after four Bikeability is for all ages. There is a range of training years, earlier information is not available. Only partial available to suit all requirements from the complete information is available for the figures highlighted in beginner wanting to boost their confidence to those bold, as offences are still updating the driver’s record.

Number of drivers who Number of drivers who incurred three penalty incurred three penalty Number of driving tests points within one year points within two years passed of passing Percentage of passing Percentage

2008 843,640 38,729 5 73,253 9 2009 748,935 30,521 4 55,058 7 2010 713,170 21,641 3 29,703 4 2011 768,212 8,089 1 n/a n/a

Driving Tests: Bury courses who (i) do and (ii) do not currently operate in the sector. [95155] Mr Nuttall: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 24 November 2011, Official Mike Penning: Driving Standards Agency (DSA) officials Report, column 488W, on driving tests: Bury, on what have conducted routine inspection visits to 20 of the 21 date the works at Bury Driving Test Centre will commence. existing Drink Drive Rehabilitation (DDR) course providers [95215] since July 2009. The remaining provider will be visited later this year. Mike Penning: The driving test centre at Bury is Agency officials have also attended regular Association expected to reopen by the end of March 2012. of Drink Drive Providers of Training (ADDAPT) The reopening has been delayed as there was a need management meetings, and quarterly ADDAPT ’full for structural and asbestos surveys prior to issuing members’ meetings to update them on DDR developments, contract tenders. Works are forecast to begin in late and to resolve business as usual DDR February 2012 and will be completed in late March matters. 2012. A total of 40 expressions of interest in providing DDR courses under the new arrangement have been Driving under Influence: Rehabilitation received since the launch of the “New Approval Arrangements for Drink-Drive Rehabilitation Courses” Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for consultation was launched on 9 November 2011. These Transport pursuant to the answer of 17 January 2012, include expressions of interest submitted by existing Official Report, column 638W, on driving under the course providers. influence: rehabilitation, what meetings (a) she, (b) DSA officials attended a meeting with AA Drivetech Ministers and (c) officials in her Department have had in January 2011 where DDR was a scheduled agenda with all potential providers of drink drive rehabilitation item. 569W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 570W

Fylde Large Goods Vehicles: Sleep Apnoea

Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans she has to upgrade (a) rolling Transport what steps her Department is taking to raise stock and (b) station facilities on the South Fylde line. awareness of obstructive sleep apnoea among lorry [94828] drivers. [93925]

Mrs Villiers: The Northern franchise is due to be Mike Penning: The Department is committed to replaced between September 2013 and April 2014. As identifying opportunities to raise awareness of obstructive part of the Government’s revised rail franchising policy, sleep apnoea. A number of initiatives are the winning bidder will be given new powers and incentives ongoing with commercial drivers including questioning to invest in and improve stations across the franchise, them directly about it as part of the compulsory medicals including the South Fylde line. they undergo for driver licensing purposes and sending The Government’s North West electrification programme our ‘Tiredness Can Kill’leaflet to them and their employers. will facilitate the release of diesel rolling stock, which could be redeployed to enhance service provision and Metals: Theft capacity. There are also currently a number of active station Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for adoption groups on the line which support the train Transport whether she has made an estimate of (a) the operating company in maintaining the appearances of a value of metal stolen from railways in the Tees Valley number of the stations. in (i) 2010 and (ii) 2011 and (b) costs incurred by (A) Network Rail and (B) train operating companies owing High Speed 2 Railway Line to the theft of metal from railways in the Tees Valley in (1) 2010 and (2) 2011. [93475]

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Norman Baker: The cost of metal theft to Network Transport what comparison her Department has made Rail on the London North Eastern route, in which the of journey times between (a) the East Midlands and Tees Valley falls, was £3,534,219 in 2010-11 and £3,677,700 cities in the North East and (b) London and in 2011-12 (up until 7 January 2012). This cost includes Birmingham in formulating its proposals for High schedule 8 compensation payments to train operating Speed 2. [88916] companies. The Department does not have information on the value of the stolen metal itself. Justine Greening: Journey times from the East Midlands to the cities of the North East are an important Network Rail consideration. For this reason, impacts upon journey times will form part of HS2 Ltd’s advice on the route and station options for Phase 2 of the network, which Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for will be delivered to me in March this year. Transport if she will place in the Library a copy of the letter sent by the previous Secretary of State for It should be noted that HS2 will bring a number of Transport to Network Rail, to which he referred in benefits including journey time savings and wider evidence to the Transport Select Committee on 26 July connectivity, but also increased rail capacity. The HS2 2010. [94465] route from London to the West Midlands will create a much needed step change in capacity on this key inter-city Mrs Villiers: A copy of the letter has been placed in route, to combat increased overcrowding on the southern the Libraries of the House. section of the West Coast Main Line. Meeting this capacity challenge was key to my decision to proceed Network Rail: Pay with the HS2 route from London to the West Midlands. Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for High Speed 2 Railway Line: Environment Protection Transport whether her Department has appointed a special director to sit on Network Rail’s Remuneration Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Committee; and how many meetings of that committee Transport pursuant to the answers of 29 November any such special director has attended. [94455] 2011, Official Report, column 889W, on High Speed 2 railway line, for what reason she will not commission Mrs Villiers: Since Network Rail was created no an environmental impact assessment prior to making Secretary of State has appointed a special director to its the decision to proceed with the high speed rail scheme. Remuneration Committee. However, as the Secretary of [87654] State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine Greening) has set out, proposals to Justine Greening: We have published an Appraisal of strengthen the corporate governance of Network Rail Sustainability of a new London to West Midlands high will form part of the forthcoming Rail Command Paper. speed rail line. Following my announcement on 10 January I have asked HS2 Ltd to commence work on an Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for environmental impact assessment (EIA). The EIA will Transport what discussions she has had with the (a) be developed for scrutiny by Parliament which ultimately chairman and (b) chief executive of Network Rail on will need to give powers to build any new high speed rail (i) the company’s annual executive bonus scheme and line. (ii) its Gainshare plan. [94466] 571W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 572W

Mike Penning: The Secretary of State for Transport, However, these statistics do not specifically reference my right hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Justine wire related injuries. The hon. Member might wish to Greening), communicates regularly with Network Rail’s contact the organisations direct to discuss figures applicable chairman and chief executive across a wide range of to this specific injury type. issues. Railways: Construction These constructive discussions will underpin the further work around the reform of Network Rail’s governance, Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for geared to improving the company’s accountability to Transport when she expects to publish the high level customers and taxpayers. Further details will be set out output specifications and statements of funds available in the Command Paper on rail reform which we will for Network Rail’s construction phase 5. [95050] publish shortly. Mrs Villiers: The High Level Output Specification Procurement and the Statement of Funds available will be published by July 2012. Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Railways: Franchises Transport when she expects to publish her Department’s review of the application of EU Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for procurement law. [94220] Transport what timetable she has set for the renewal of rail franchises in the next three years; and what timetable Mike Penning [holding answer 7 February 2012]: The she has set for (a) publication of prior information Growth Review’s outcome of public procurement practices notice, (b) publication of invitation to tender and (c) was included in the 29 November 2011 Autumn Statement, award of contract for each franchise. [94414] Official Report, columns 799-810. The review compared UK procurement practices with those in Europe, Mike Penning: The forward timetable for the re-letting particularly in France and Germany. of rail franchises was described in a written statement on 5 August 2011, and in a Prior Information Notice The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster published on the same day. This set out the timetable for General, my right hon. Friend the Member for Horsham the renewal of rail franchises over the next three years, (Mr Maude)’s speech on 21 November highlighted that including arrangements for the Northern and Transpennine European procurement practices complied with European Express franchises. The statement and Prior Information law but there were significant areas in which public Notice are available on the Department for Transport procurement practices could be improved to enable UK website at: based businesses to best prepare to effectively compete http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/statements/hammond-20110805 for public procurement contracts. http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/rail-franchising-pin The Department is, in conjunction with other Government Departments, finalising its action plans Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for which will be announced in the spring. Transport how many staff of her Department work on franchise specification, renewal and management; and Railways: Accidents how many such staff work on each franchise. [94416] Mike Penning: The requested information is shown in Rebecca Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for the following table. Transport how many incidents of trains colliding with hanging wire as a result of overhead cable theft on Full-time equivalent (FTE) staff railway lines were recorded in 2011. [95477] Franchise specification 16 Norman Baker: This information is collected by Network Franchise Management 68.5 Rail, the infrastructure manager, and not the Department Procurement 5 for Transport. Legal 5 These figures show the staff available in the relevant Rebecca Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for divisions. However, the number of individual staff members Transport how many incidents of train drivers injured working on specific franchises varies throughout the life as a result of trains colliding with hanging wire on of a contract, depending on a variety of factors, including railway lines were recorded in 2011. [95478] franchise performance, both operational or financial, or such things as whether any large contractual variation Mrs Villiers: The Office of Rail Regulation and the is being progressed. Certain specialist resource, such as RSSB collate figures of incidents and accidents on the finance, will work across a number of franchises at all railway that are reported under the Reporting of Injuries, times. Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995. Railways: Passengers Both these bodies publish annual reports in which such rail safety statistics are set out. Page 101 to 103 of Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the RSSB Annual Safety Report for 2010-11 provides Transport which (a) train operating companies and data on the number incidents occurring to train drivers (b) routes provide her Department with peak passenger that resulted in injury or fatality during that period. count data; and which of these routes were over capacity This can be found at the following link: in the peak periods in the latest period for which figures www.rssb.co.uk/SPR/REPORTS/Pages/default.aspx are available. [94417] 573W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 574W

Mrs Villiers: Franchised train operators are required of business; and if she will take steps to (a) minimise by the Department to undertake passenger counts as these effects and (b) compensate small businesses for part of their franchise agreement. the financial consequences of prolonged works. [95001] The operators that are currently franchised by the Department are: c2c, Chiltern Railways, Crosscountry, Norman Baker: The Department has made no specific East Coast, East Midlands Trains, First Capital Connect, assessment, although we recognise that on occasions First Great Western, Greater Anglia, London Midland, roadworks can affect levels of business in commercial Northern, Southeastern, Southern, South West Trains, premises. We have no current plans to provide arrangements TransPennine Express and Virgin Trains. for compensation beyond those already provided for, Passenger counts are requested from all these operators namely The Gas (Street Works) (Compensation of Small twice yearly, in the spring and autumn. In addition, the Businesses) Regulations 1996 and the Water Industry Department routinely collects count data from Arriva Act 1991, which provide for compensation to be paid in Trains Wales and London Overground, which are franchised certain circumstances in respect of loss or damage by the Welsh Government and Transport for London caused by gas- and water-related street works. However, respectively.Merseyrail, which is franchised by Merseytravel, we are taking steps to reduce the disruption caused by has also provided the Department with count data. street works, including the wider application of permit schemes, the piloting of lane rental, and the introduction Passenger count data submitted to the Department of the performance scorecard. Further information about show the average number of passengers arriving at or these initiatives may be found at: departing from major stations on each service on a http://www.dft.gov.uk/topics/road-management/street-works/ typical weekday. Data at a service or route level are commercially confidential and so cannot be released Shipping: Security without the permission of the relevant train operator. However, aggregate statistics on peak crowding and Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for passenger demand are published in chapter 2 of the Transport when she plans to issue more detailed Office of Rail Regulation’s National Rail Trends 2010-11 guidance on the use of armed guards on UK-flagged Yearbook, which is available at the following link: shipping. [94484] http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/nav.2026 Mike Penning: As I stated when the “Interim guidance These statistics are based on passenger count data provided to UK flagged shipping on the use of armed guards to by the Department and show peak demand into London defend against the threat of piracy in exceptional and other cities in autumn 2010, the latest period for circumstances” was published it will be reviewed in its which data are currently available. For each main London entirety by December 2012. terminal and major regional city information given However, in response to the recent Foreign Affairs includes the percentage of peak services where, on a Committee report the Department for Transport has typical day, the number of passengers exceeded the convened a meeting with relevant Government Departments seating capacity provided. to explore if there is scope for moderate further clarification in the guidance as to what the UK law says on the use of Roads: Accidents force in self defence, defence of others, defence of property, the prevention of crime and lawful arrest. Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for This specific further guidance will be issued in line with Transport how many drivers of (a) all ages and (b) the timings agreed in the FAC response. over the age of 70 years have died while driving a road Shipping: Training vehicle in each year between 2007 and 2010. [93827] Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Mike Penning: Table 1 shows the number of driver/rider Transport how much and what proportion of the cost fatalities of motor vehicles in reported road accidents, of training seafarers was borne by the public purse in by driver/rider age, in Great Britain over 2007-10. The each year since 2001. [94461] fatality figures include all casualties who sustained injuries which caused death within 30 days of the accident. Mike Penning: Since 2001 the Department for Transport Table 1: Reported road accident driver/rider fatalities of motor vehicles, by has spent the following under the Support for Maritime driver/rider age GB: 2007-10 Training (SMarT) scheme: Age of driver/rider (b) Aged over £ (a) All ages1 70 years 2001-02 6,273,857 2007 1,610 124 2002-03 7,349,636 2008 1,415 135 2003-04 8,702,613 2009 1,211 106 2004-05 8,917,440 2010 1,033 104 2005-06 9,339,825 1 Includes cases where age was not reported. 2006-07 9,686,424 Roadworks 2007-08 10,632,375 2008-09 12,089,021 2009-10 14,055,305 Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010-11 14,927,531 Transport what assessment she has made of the effect of 2011-12 112,000,000 utility roadworks outside commercial premises on levels 1 Forecast. 575W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 576W

There are 12 colleges and universities around the UK For schemes given programme entry approval in that provide seafarer education and training programmes. November/December 2011, details of the Department’s College fees vary, and companies do not report their funding contributions are available at: own contribution to the costs of training, making it http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/local-authority-major- difficult to provide an accurate assessment of the proportion transport-schemes/investment-local-major-update- of the cost of training seafarers that is funded through dec2011.pdf SMarT. West Coast Railway Line In the written ministerial statement I made on 23 January 2012, Official Report, column 5WS, I announced the Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport outcome of the independent review which I commissioned to what extent her Department’s review of the application into the economic requirement for trained seafarers in of EU procurement law will inform the tender process the UK. The consultants for the review found that for the West Coast Mainline franchise. [94221] SMarT at the current level of £12 million per year was covering up to 40% of all of the costs of training Mike Penning [holding answer 7 February 2012]: The seafarers. outcome of the Growth Review’s consideration of the application of EU public procurement law in the UK South Wales Railway Line: Electrification and Europe was included in the 29 November 2011 autumn statement. It proposed a number of initiatives to enable business to better prepare to effectively compete Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for for public procurement contracts. These initiatives are Transport what the planned phasing is for electrifying largely focussed on preparing the market in advance of the Great Western main line railway to Cardiff; and the tender process. what the estimated cost is of each phase. [92240] The Intercity West Coast bidders were consulted on the development of the Invitation to Tender prior to its Mrs Villiers [holding answer 30 January 2012]: Network issue in January. Rail plans to deliver the electrification of the Great Western in two phases which include connections to the national grid. In 2010 at an earlier stage of project development, Network Rail estimated that the first COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT phase between Maidenhead and Newbury, Oxford and Aerials: Planning Permission Bristol which is scheduled to be complete by 2016 would cost in the region of £574 million. The second Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State for phase between Bristol and Cardiff would cost £130 Communities and Local Government if he will consider million and be ready by 2017. commissioning a review of planning legislation as it applies to mobile telephone masts. [95029] Transport: Finance Robert Neill: We have no current plans to review this specific legislation. Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of expenditure by her Affordable Housing Department allocated to local authority major transport schemes has been allocated to each (a) local transport Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for authority and (b) integrated transport authority in Communities and Local Government what steps he England in each year from 2007-08 to 2014-15. [94622] plans to take to increase the supply of affordable housing in (a) the South East and (b) nationally. [94497] Norman Baker: I have placed in the House Library a Andrew Stunell: Through the new Affordable Homes table setting out the annual grant expenditure paid to Programme the Homes and Communities Agency currently individual local authorities and integrated transport expects to deliver 15,246 new affordable homes in their authorities for the years 2007-08 to 2011-12 inclusive. East and South East operating area between April 2011 The 2011-12 figures are based on current forecast outturn and April 2015. Commitments from the previous of expenditure. programme will produce a further 13,760 affordable Individual allocations for 2012-13 through to 2014-15 homes. In England, 146 providers will deliver 80,000 will be finalised at the start of each financial year. For new affordable homes with Government funding of just schemes currently under construction, these allocations under £1.8 billion by April 2015. These figures may will be informed by previous expenditure and the promoting change subject to signing remaining contracts with authorities’ forecasts of annual expenditure for future providers. years. For schemes given programme entry approval in Overall, with our total investment of £4.5 billion, we February 2011, details of funding contributions are expect to provide up to 170,000 new affordable homes available on the Department’s website at: in England between 2011 and 2015, compared to 150,000 http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/investment-in-local- originally estimated. major-transport-schemes-update/transportschemesupdate.pdf The New Homes Bonus also rewards councils for In October 2011 conditional approval was given to helping provide more affordable housing; our empty funding the Mersey Gateway Bridge scheme (Halton homes programme will support vacant properties being borough council). Further details are set out at: brought back into use as affordable housing; and the http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press- Community Right to Build will help provide low-cost 20111003a/ homes for local families and residents. 577W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 578W

Mr Raynsford: To ask the Secretary of State for However, these figures include staff transferred into Communities and Local Government pursuant to the the department, in April and July 2011, to undertake answer of 25 January 2012, Official Report, columns the residual functions of the abolished Government 242-43, on council tax rates and rating, if he will offices for the regions and the regional development publish a table showing how many of the net additions agencies. to the housing stock in each council tax band qualified As part of the spending review settlement; the DCLG for the affordable homes premium in each local Group is making a collective 33% real terms saving authority in England in 2010-11. [R] [95015] against its running costs by 2014-15. This equates to savings of over £200 million by 2014-15. In addition, Grant Shapps: Between April 2010 and April 2011 the Department will save a further £190 million from there were 60,640 additional affordable homes qualifying the closure of the Government offices for the regions, for the premium, which totals £21 million and will be taking overall savings on administrative running costs provided in 2012-13. to 42% across the DCLG Group by 2014-15. The enhancement to the New Homes Bonus for These savings reflect the coalition Government’s agenda affordable homes is calculated from the official statistics of decentralisation, ending the micromanagement of published by the Department on gross additional affordable local government, the abolition of regional government, supply. These statistics are based on administrative data and the broader need to tackle the deficit left by the last from the Homes and Communities Agency and returns Administration. by local authorities and these sources do not capture information on the council tax band of each property. Empty Dwelling Management Orders The main New Homes Bonus grant is calculated separately, using the data provided on the council tax base form to calculate the increase in housing stock. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for The council tax base does not identify how many homes Communities and Local Government how many in each band are affordable properties. properties in Richmond Park constituency were subject Two-thirds of the additional homes that the bonus to an empty dwellings management order in the latest rewarded in Year 2 (October 2010 to October 2011) period for which figures are available. [95048] were in bands A to C, and therefore are clearly lower-cost homes. Andrew Stunell: The Residential Property Tribunal has not issued any interim empty dwelling management Affordable Housing: Worcester orders for the London boroughs of Richmond upon Thames and Kingston upon Thames, and therefore no empty dwelling management orders have been made in Mr Robin Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for those boroughs. Communities and Local Government what information his Department holds on the number of new affordable homes built in Worcester constituency Ex-servicemen in each of the last 10 years. [85037] Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Grant Shapps: The local level information collected Communities and Local Government what steps he is on provision of affordable housing in England relates to taking to enable local authorities to identify veterans local authority areas. living in their area. [94059] Aggregate data on additions to the affordable housing stock, including both new build and acquisitions, which Grant Shapps: Last year, I wrote to all local authorities can be a more cost effective and quicker way of providing in England inviting them to strengthen their contacts affordable housing, are published at local level on an with members of the armed forces community and annual basis. The information is available on the encouraging them to sign up to a community covenant. Departments’ website at: My letter recognised that some local authorities were http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/ already working closely with local armed forces 2001308.xls communities, and were reaching out to the veteran community. Departmental Manpower To encourage closer working between local authorities and Armed forces communities, a community covenant John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for website was launched to identify good practice, with Communities and Local Government how many staff £30 million of Government funding to support projects were on his Department’s payroll in (a) June 2010, (b) that built links and promoted understanding. June 2011 and (c) January 2012. [94547] Additionally, last year I held a military covenant housing summit with representatives from the military, Robert Neill: The Department for Communities and charity and local authority sectors to explore the housing local Government had: issues faced by current and former service personnel. (a) 2,110 staff (2,051 full-time equivalent staff) on payroll as Among the various measures being taken following the of 30 June 2010 summit, a number of actions will help veterans. We are: (b) 2024 staff (1,962 full-time equivalent staff) on payroll as of giving service personnel top priority for Government-funded 30 June 2011 home ownership schemes, including the FirstBuy scheme, and (c) 1,907 staff (1,848 full-time equivalent staff) on payroll as prioritising military personnel and their families for up to a of 31 January 2012 year after active service ends; 579W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 580W

providing tailored support through housing experts visiting Housing: Worcester military bases across the country to explain to service personnel how they can apply for one of the many new homes that will be built in the next few years; Mr Robin Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for currently consulting on plans to change the law so that former Communities and Local Government how many new personnel with urgent housing needs are always given high homes have been registered in Worcester constituency priority on waiting lists and so that personnel who move from for each of the last 20 years. [85039] base to base do not lose their qualification rights; proposing to give local authorities greater freedom to dispose Grant Shapps: The local level information collected of vacant council homes at right to buy discounts to local on house building in England relates to local authority people which could include existing or former military personnel; areas. providing support for wounded service personnel through Data on new build housing completions (and starts) increased funding for home adaptations, so that personnel are published at local level on an annual basis. Information returning from active service with serious injuries can live for years from 2004-05 onwards is available on the independently with dignity and respect; Department’s website at: working with homelessness and veteran experts to help ex-service http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/housing/xls/ personnel who find the transition back to civilian life difficult; 1474276.xls providing £1.5 million (two-year funding) to help Rushmoor borough council and other councils support the integration of The available data for the Worcester local authority retired Gurkhas, who, having served in the British Army, now area for earlier years are as follows: wish to settle in the UK. Number

Fire Services: Wirral 1996-97 480 1997-98 440 Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for 1998-99 760 Communities and Local Government what assessment 1999-2000 n/a he has made of the potential effect on the resilience of 2000-01 n/a fire and rescue services in the Wirral of the reduction in 2001-02 200 the grant for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Services in 2002-03 170 2011-12. [94457] 2003-04 n/a n/a = Not available Robert Neill: As the delivery of fire and rescue services Source: Quarterly building control returns submitted to DCLG by local authorities and are a local matter, determined by individual fire and the National House Building Council. Where the local authority has not rescue authorities, no formal assessment of the effect on submitted a quarterly return to DCLG, no figure has been presented for any resilience of fire and rescue services in the Wirral has 12-month period that includes the missing quarter. been undertaken by the Department for Communities Incinerators: North Yorkshire and Local Government. I also refer the hon. Member to my letter of 6 Nigel Adams: To ask the Secretary of State for December 2010 to the hon. Member for Derby North Communities and Local Government what timetable (Chris Williamson), a copy of which is available in the he has set for his Department’s consideration of the Library of the House, which outlines how fire and request for the call-in of the Allerton Park incinerator rescue authorities can make sensible savings without application in North Yorkshire. [94423] impacting on the quality and breadth of services offered to their communities. Robert Neill: The general approach of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government is not Housing: Water to interfere with the jurisdiction of local planning authorities unless it is necessary to do so and his policy is to be very selective about calling in planning applications. The Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for planning application for the Allerton Park incinerator Communities and Local Government what guidance he is currently being considered by North Yorkshire county offers the building industry on the need to promote council who anticipate being in a position to make a water efficiency in new housing. [94690] decision in July following completion of an ecological survey on the site. Andrew Stunell: The Building Regulations set a calculated whole building performance standard for water use in If the county council is minded to approve the new homes, currently at 125 litres/person/day. The application, the council will make their committee report Department publishes statutory guidance on how to available to my officials who will then consider whether comply with this requirement in “Approved Document the Secretary of State’s intervention in this application G” to the Building Regulations. would be appropriate or not. A decision in respect of this will be made as expediently as possible once all The Department publishes a “Technical Guide to relevant information has been received. The Code for Sustainable Homes” for use in evaluating the water efficiency of new homes. Local Government: Pensions In order to help developers demonstrate that the water performance of the building is less than the limits Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for given in the Building Regulations and the Code for Communities and Local Government what data are Sustainable Homes, the Department publishes a calculation submitted to his Department by (1) local authorities methodology in the “Water Efficiency Calculator for that are part of the Local Government Pension Scheme; New Dwellings”. [94551] 581W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 582W

(2) the administering bodies of the Local Government that they issue. I am planning to consult in the spring on Pension Scheme. [94552] a range of measures to improve the effectiveness of the licensing regime by giving local authorities the powers Robert Neill: Local authorities and administering to resource their functions and take enforcement action bodies submit local government pension scheme data to where licence conditions are breached. I shall also be DCLG by means of the annual SF3 “Local Government consulting on improving residents’ rights to ensure they Pension Scheme Funds” forms. A copy of the form, are able to sell their homes in the open market and to along with the associated guidance notes, can be found reflect their status as home owners. on the DCLG website at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/ localregional/localgovernmentfinance/statistics/ usefulinformation/formstimetable/otherforms/ Mortgages: First-Time Buyers Once collected, checked and validated, the data are published in a statistical release that is published on the DCLG website at: Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/ Communities and Local Government (1) what estimate localregional/localgovernmentfinance/statistics/ he has made of the number of potential first-time pensionscheme/ buyers unable to buy a newly-built home due to the level In addition, DCLG collect on behalf of HM Treasury, of deposit required by most mortgage lenders; [95205] pension liability data as part of the Whole of Government (2) what steps his Department is taking to ensure that Accounts data collection. The data are collected on Tab newly-built homes are affordable; and what assessment 11 of the Whole of Government Accounts form which he has made of the effect of the level of deposits is available on the DCLG website: required by mortgage lenders on affordability. [95233] http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/ xls/l91922611112.xls Grant Shapps: We estimate that there are around a Mayors: Referendum million people, including 380,000 aspiring first-time buyers, who can afford mortgage repayments but are Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for excluded from the housing market because they do not Communities and Local Government what estimate he have a large enough deposit. has made of the cost of holding referenda on directly That is why I have announced the NewBuy Guarantee elected mayors in each region. [93579] Scheme which means that mortgages of up to 95% loan to value will be available for new build homes in England Greg Clark [holding answer 6 February 2012]: My following a scheme launch next month. The scheme is Department’s impact assessment, ‘Localism Bill: creating designed to help up to 100,000 households. executive mayors in the 12 largest English cities’, published in January 2011, showed that the total cost of holding In addition, through FirstBuy, the Government and mayoral referendums in England’s largest cities is: around 100 house builders will together provide £400 million to assist first-time buyers to purchase a new £ build property in England. The FirstBuy 20% equity loan can reduce the deposit needed by purchasers to Birmingham 322,000 just 5% and will help almost 10,500 aspiring home Bradford 140,000 owners by spring 2013. Bristol 475,000 We are also reinvigorating the right to buy—which Coventry 98,000 has helped millions of people enjoy the benefits of Leeds 238,000 home ownership—giving a new generation of tenants Manchester 154,000 the opportunity to own their own home. The consultation, Newcastle upon Tyne 84,000 which closed on 2 February, gave details of our proposals Nottingham 300,000 to raise the upper limit on the right-to-buy discount Sheffield 168,000 entitlement to £50,000 across England. This is more Wakefield 112,000 than three times the current maximum cap in London and provides substantial increases in other areas. And These costs will be met by central Government, not significantly, for the first time, the additional receipts the council. will be used to fund the delivery of new affordable rented homes on a one for one basis. Mobile Homes Furthermore, I have hosted two first-time buyer summits Sajid Javid: To ask the Secretary of State for bringing together leading figures representing house Communities and Local Government what recent builders, lenders, insurers, local authorities and consumer assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the groups to stimulate action and fresh thinking. Several guidance issued by his Department on the management innovative schemes to help first-time buyers have been announced by lenders and developers and there are of mobile home parks. [95047] more in the pipeline. Grant Shapps: In 2008 the Department published Our approach to reducing the inherited and guidance in the form of model standards for residential unprecedented UK deficit has also resulted in interest mobile homes parks which local authorities are required payments for mortgages that are currently the lowest as to have regard to in setting conditions in site licences a proportion of total income since records began. 583W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 584W

Mortgages: Government Assistance All staff working on my Department’s policies and programmes contribute to addressing race inequalities Mark Menzies: To ask the Secretary of State for though their day to day jobs. Communities and Local Government how many A total of 30 staff within DCLG’s Decentralisation households in Lancashire he expects to participate in and Big Society Directorate currently work specifically the New Build indemnity scheme. [94825] on policies and exemplar projects on integration, of which tackling race inequalities forms an integral part. Grant Shapps: We have made provision to help up to None of these projects was in place in May 2010. 100,000 home buyers secure higher loan to value mortgages in England for new build properties. It will be for potential homebuyers in each local area to decide which Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for mortgages and properties are right for them. Communities and Local Government how many invitations Ministers in his Department have received to external events focused on race equality since May 2010; and Non-domestic Rates: Uprating how many such events Ministers in his Department have attended. [94368] Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations he has received on increasing the uniform business rate Robert Neill: The Secretary of State for Communities by RPI in 2012-13; and if he will make a statement. and Local Government and his Ministerial team are [94752] from time to time invited to external events focussed on race equality. Details of all meetings held by Ministers Robert Neill: We have received a number of with external organisations are published by the Department representations from business organisations and individual on a quarterly basis, and are available at: businesses about the retail prices index increase for http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/transparency 2012-13. ingovernment/ministerialdata/ We are giving businesses the option of spreading the Details of all invitations received since May 2010 are retail prices index increase for 2012-13 over the next not readily available, and could be retrieved only at three years. Businesses will be able to defer payment of disproportionate cost. 60% of the retail prices index increase in their 2012-13 rates bills until 2013-14 and 2014-15. This will give Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for businesses flexibility to manage their rates bills in the Communities and Local Government how many staff current economic climate, help their cash flow, and give in his Department work on race equality. [94499] them time to adjust to the impact of inflation. We have also doubled small business rate relief for two and a half years (which will include the whole of Andrew Stunell: The Government are tackling race 2012-13) benefiting about half a million ratepayers inequality through their single equality strategy, social (with about a third of a million paying no rates at all for mobility strategy, their integration policy and the major that period). In addition, we have also taken powers, policies and programmes which are the responsibility of through the Localism Act, to give local authorities each Department. powers to provide discounts on business rates bills as Each Department is responsible for addressing race they see fit. inequalities in all aspects of its work, and for meeting its obligations under the Equality Act 2010. Local Planning Permission authorities, other public bodies, private sector and voluntary sector organisations also play an important role. Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for In addition, a total of 30 staff within DCLG’s Communities and Local Government when he plans to Decentralisation and Big Society Directorate currently publish the revised National Planning Policy work specifically on policies and exemplar projects on Framework; and if he will make a statement. [94573] integration, of which tackling race inequality forms an integral part. Greg Clark [holding answer 9 February 2012]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond Park (Zac Goldsmith) on Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for 14 November 2011, Official Report, columns 661-2W. Communities and Local Government how many speeches Ministers in his Department have made on race equality since May 2010. [95069] Race Relations

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Stunell: The Secretary of State for Communities Communities and Local Government how many staff and Local Government, the right hon. Member for in his Department were working on race equality (a) in Brentwood and Ongar (Mr Pickles), and his ministerial May 2010 and (b) on the most recent date for which team have undertaken a number of speaking engagements figures are available. [94366] on issues around integration and race equality. Details of all speeches, statements and articles are published by Andrew Stunell: I refer the hon. Member to my reply the Department and are available at: to PQ 94499 today on the Government’s current position http://communities.gov.uk/corporate/newsroom/speeches on tackling race inequalities. statements/ 585W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 586W

Right to Buy Scheme Robert Neill: The application in question was made under the Traveller Pitch Funding programme which is Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for part of the 2011-15 Affordable Homes programme Communities and Local Government how many and administered by the Homes and Communities Agency. what proportion of housing association tenants in England I have arranged for copies of the relevant correspondence have (a) the right to buy and (b) preserved right to buy. between Dorset county council and the Homes and [94962] Communities Agency to be placed in the Library of the House. Grant Shapps: The Department does not hold this Urban Areas: Regeneration information. However, the Tenant Services Authority’s Regulatory Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Statistical Return (which covers larger housing associations) Communities and Local Government what criteria he estimates that about 8,000 tenants are eligible for the plans to use to assess town centres bidding to become right to buy. This represents less than 1% of all housing Portas pilots. [94542] association tenants. Grant Shapps: The selection of Portas pilots will be Additionally, the consultation on reinvigorating the based on the following criteria. These were set out in the right to buy and one for one replacement, published on prospectus published on 4 February, available on the 22 December, estimates that 620,000 tenants, having DCLG website at: transferred in their homes from a local authority to a housing association, are currently eligible for the preserved www.communities.gov.uk/documents/regeneration/pdf/ right to buy. This represents around 25% of all housing 2082386.pdf association tenants. Mix—we are seeking pilot areas from a variety of high streets and town centres or smaller parades of shops, including market towns, villages, large towns, new towns, coastal towns and suburban Sustainable Communities Act 2007 areas. Strong leadership—we are looking for pilot areas with a Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for transformational vision for their high street and the backing to Communities and Local Government (1) what powers make it a reality. he intends to devolve to parish and town councils Commitment—we are looking for pilot bids to demonstrate through changes to the Sustainable Communities Act maximum commitment to the Town Team approach. Potential for improvement—resources will be allocated on a 2007; and if he will make a statement; [94578] value for money basis. Therefore, areas must be able to demonstrate (2) whether he plans to remove the duty to try and the potential for improvement. reach agreement in the Sustainable Communities Act Innovation—we are looking for the most innovative ideas that 2007; and if he will make a statement; [94579] will have maximum impact and could be replicated elsewhere. (3) when his Department plans to lay further regulations under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007; and if he will make a statement. [94580] CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Greg Clark [holding answer 9 February 2012]: The Arts: Finance Government are considering the scope of the regulations under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 following Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, the consultation exercise conducted last year. We are Olympics, Media and Sport which arts organisations aiming to make the regulations shortly. A summary of funded by the Arts Council that are in receipt of funding responses will be published in due course. in 2010-11 will have lost that funding by the end of 2012-13; and if he will make a statement. [94614] Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether Mr Vaizey [holding answer 9 February 2012]: There he expects regulations to be made under the Sustainable were 263 organisations that were regularly funded by Communities Act 2007 to retain the duty on councils to Arts Council England (ACE) in 2010-11, who will not try to reach agreement with local people when they receive funding as National Portfolio organisations in 2012-13. The names of these organisations, their produce proposals under that Act. [94834] geographical region and art form have been supplied in Greg Clark: The Government are considering the a table by ACE which shall be deposited in both House scope of the regulations under the Sustainable Communities libraries. There were 111 new organisations funded as Act 2007 following the consultation exercise conducted National Portfolio organisations (2011-12) that were last year. We are aiming to make the regulations shortly. not regularly funded organisations (2010-11). Individual A summary of responses will be published in due course. arts funding decisions are made independently of Government by ACE. This Government negotiated a substantial settlement for the arts in these times of Travellers: Caravan Sites economic constraint. In real terms, ACE’s overall budget (including lottery) should still be less than 5% lower in Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities 2014-15 than it was in 2010-11. While grant in aid, just and Local Government if he will place in the Library a one part of ACE’s overall income, is being reduced, copy of the application made by Dorset county council lottery income is very strong. Under latest projections, for a grant towards the cost of establishing a Traveller there should be over £200 million more for the arts over transit site at Uddens in Dorset and his Department’s the next five years compared with September 2010 decision letter on the application. [95165] projections. 587W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 588W

Broadband Clothing: Design

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Jo Swinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what assessment Olympics, Media and Sport what recent meetings he he has made of the conclusion of Ofcom’s sixth report has had with representatives of the fashion industry; of UK broadband speeds on differences in broadband and what issues were discussed. [95199] between (a) the constituent parts and regions of the UK and (b) rural and urban areas. [94617] Mr Vaizey: A representative of the British Fashion Council was present at the Creative Industries Council Mr Vaizey: I welcome Ofcom’s report. Access to meeting on 24 January, chaired jointly by the Secretary good levels of broadband speed for everyone is a priority of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, my for the Government, that is why we have allocated £530 right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey million of funding to ensure that 90% of premises have (Mr Hunt), and the Secretary of State for Business, access to superfast broadband, with at least standard Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for broadband available to the remainder. Twickenham (Vince Cable). The agenda covered priority areas common to all creative industries, ie skills, access to finance and digital business models. The Secretary of Broadband: Scotland State has not otherwise met representatives of the fashion industry. Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether the plan Diamond Jubilee 2012 for the funding of broadband projects for Scotland is on target for completion by April 2012. [95200] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many letters Mr Vaizey: The Government have allocated £530 he has received on Her Majesty the Queen’s diamond million over the life of this Parliament to help stimulate jubilee in the last six months. [94636] private investment in mostly rural areas of the UK to extend the coverage of superfast broadband. The funding Hugh Robertson: The Department received 665 letters allocations to the Devolved Administrations were in the last six months about matters relating to Her announced last summer and the Government have Majesty the Queen’s diamond jubilee. challenged them to match the Government’s contributions from their own and other sources of funding. They will Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for also have responsibility for managing projects for broadband Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent delivery in their areas. The Scottish Government published discussions he has had on Her Majesty the Queen’s ’Scotland’s Digital Future—Infrastructure Action Plan’ diamond jubilee celebrations. [94653] on 31 January 2012, which sets out the Scottish Government’s commitment to produce a full procurement Hugh Robertson: In the last six months the Secretary strategy by the end of March 2012. of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for (Mr Hunt), has discussed Government support for the Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport when he last held Queen’s diamond jubilee celebrations with the royal discussions with Ministers in the Scottish Government household, ministerial colleagues and his officials. on the application for funding for broadband projects in Scotland. [95201] Football Mr Vaizey: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), last met with Ministers football matches he has attended in an official capacity in the Scottish Government in September 2011 and since May 2010; and at how many such matches he was dialogue has continued since then at both ministerial an official guest of a third party. [94534] and official levels. Mr Jeremy Hunt: In the last 12 months I have attended Broadcasting seven football matches in an official capacity, as a guest of the home football club, or as a guest of the Football John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Association for national games. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will assess the effect of the retransmission fees charged to public Football: Clubs service broadcasters by Sky on investment in UK content by public service broadcasters; and if he will Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, make a statement. [95088] Olympics, Media and Sport what discussions he has had on the proposals on football governance of football Mr Vaizey: The issue of ‘retransmission fees’ paid by supporters’ clubs; and whether these proposals would public service broadcasters to platforms such as BSkyB (a) require clubs to hold discussions with supporters’ will be considered in the communications review Green groups and trusts and (b) enable supporters groups to Paper to be published early this year. attend annual general meetings. [95089] 589W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 590W

Hugh Robertson: the Secretary of State for Culture, Local Broadcasting: Radio Olympics, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), and I have Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for held several discussions with the Football Association, Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has the Premier League and the Football League since we had any discussions with the BBC Trust on the effect of published our response to the Culture, Media and Sport changes in BBC local radio budgets on (a) staffing and Select Committee football governance inquiry last October. (b) programming at BBC Radio Merseyside. [94060] In that response we called for the introduction of a new club licensing system that would include conditions to help supporters have a greater say in how their clubs are Mr Vaizey: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, run. Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), has not had any discussions The football authorities are due to respond with their with the BBC Trust on the effect of changes in BBC proposals to this and the other reforms we have called local radio budgets on BBC Radio Merseyside. for by 29 February. The Secretary of State is aware of the BBC Trust’s interim findings—in which the trust has asked the BBC Libraries Executive to find ways to scale back the proposed changes to BBC local radio—and he is looking forward to learning of the trust’s final recommendations in due Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for course. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many libraries were (a) closed and (b) opened in each local Olympic Games 2012: Cycling authority area in each of the last five years. [93213] Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Vaizey: Data about the library sector are published Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what the cost to annually by the Chartered institute of Public Finance the public purse was of developing the Olympics bike and Accountancy and are available for the last five track at Hadleigh Farm; and what assessment he has years. The Department supplements them by monitoring made of the potential legacy from the track. [95030] proposals about changes to library services across England through information gathered via correspondence, media Hugh Robertson: There has been no central Government coverage and from relevant bodies such as Arts Council funding spent on developing the Olympic bike track at England. It is difficult to get an accurate picture, as Hadleigh Farm. An initial assessment of the Olympic many local authorities are still developing and consulting Legacy benefits for all games venues, including Hadleigh on proposals and consequently the overall picture is Farm will be published in autumn 2012. always changing. While a definitive number is open to interpretation, we understand, from information we have gathered to date, that fewer than 50 static libraries Olympic Games 2012: Interpreters ceased to be funded by their local authority between April and September 2011. Of these, responsibility for Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for around a dozen libraries has been transferred away Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) how many from the local authority and they remain open. Initial organisations tendered for the London 2012 Olympics assessments also suggest around 40 libraries are being interpretation contract awarded to Applied Language refurbished or are being opened—for example, large Solutions; which organisations were shortlisted; what scale library building and improvement is happening in the monetary value of their respective tenders was; Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Blackpool, what criteria were used to award contracts; and whether and significant new builds have opened, for example in any other organisations were invited to submit a final Southwark and Hertford. tender; [95523] (2) if he will place in the Library a copy of each Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, document relating to the assessment of Applied Language Olympics, Media and Sport (1) whether he considers Solutions’ application for London 2012 Olympics that any library authority in the UK has reached the interpretation contracts. [95524] criteria for intervention by the Secretary of State under the provisions of the Libraries Act 1964; and according Hugh Robertson: Contracting for services and supply to what criteria he assesses the need for intervention; of goods to the London 2012 Organising Committee [95101] (LOCOG) is a matter for LOCOG, a private company (2) whether he considers the failure of a library operating independently of Government. The Department authority to (a) consider equalities issues, (b) set out a does not hold details of LOCOG’s private procurement. coherent libraries strategy and (c) carry out an adequate assessment of local needs would form Olympic Games 2012: Tickets grounds for intervention by him under the provisions of the Libraries Act 1964. [95102] Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many London Mr Vaizey: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I 2012 Olympics tickets have been allocated to (a) individuals gave him on 26 January 2012, Official Report, columns and (b) organisations outside the online ticketing system. 318-9W. [94421] 591W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 592W

Hugh Robertson: A total of 8.8 million Olympic require. Tickets sold after May will be printed in the tickets are available. 75% of these are available through UK—the printing and fulfilment of these tickets is on a the UK application process, primarily online but also smaller scale, and will be managed in a different way. via paper application in a Ticketing Guide. Of the remaining, 12% are purchased by the National Olympic Olympic Games 2012: Yorkshire and the Humber Committees competing in the Games and include international sports fans from each country; 8% are for Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for purchase by sponsors and stakeholders (global and Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he is domestic); and 5% are available for purchase by the taking to raise participation in events connected with International Olympic Committee, international federations the London 2012 Olympics in Yorkshire and the Humber. and other global sports bodies represented at the games, [94376] international broadcast rights holders and prestige ticketing partners. Hugh Robertson: The Government and the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) established the Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Nations and Regions Group (NRG) to promote UK-wide Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many participation and to maximise the legacy from London London 2012 Olympics tickets have been allocated to 2012 beyond the Games themselves. This Group works (a) amateur sports clubs, (b) corporate sponsors and directly with representatives from each of the devolved (c) international federations. [94422] Administrations and English regions to realise the sporting, economic, and cultural benefits of the 2012 Games Hugh Robertson: The London 2012 Organising including the Olympic Torch relay. In addition, the Committee (LOCOG) has committed to make 75% of Department part-funds a Creative Programmer in Yorkshire games tickets available through the UK application and the Humber specifically to support organisations process. Members of amateur sports clubs are able to wishing to participate in the Cultural Olympiad and apply for tickets as part of this application process, Festival 2012. Examples of other steps taken to raise alongside everyone else. After finalising its venue seating participation are as follows. plans in April, LOCOG will ensure another 1 million tickets will be made available through that route. Tickets As part of his regional tour, the Secretary of State for will be on sale until the start of each session, subject to Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, my right hon. availability. 8% of tickets are allocated for sponsors and Friend the Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), stakeholders, and 5% for the International Olympic visited York in January to promote the London 2012 Committee, international federations and other global Olympic and Paralympic Games in the region. sports bodies. The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises outstanding non-commercial projects and events inspired Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for by the Games, sport, culture, education, sustainability, Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many tickets volunteering and business opportunities all feature. Over for the London 2012 Olympics allocated to schools 2,100 projects have been awarded Inspire Marks including through the Get Set network have been taken up. 165 in the Yorkshire and Humberside region. Also the [94498] London 2012 programme Get Set, helps schools and colleges make the most of the opportunities provided Hugh Robertson: Through its Ticketshare programme, by the Games. Over 75% of the schools and colleges in the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) is the region are registered for the Get Set programme. allocating 175,000 tickets for eligible schools and colleges The Olympic Torch will be in the region for six days that have signed up to the Get Set Network—part of taking in iconic landmarks and attractions such as the the official London 2012 education programme. Ticketshare Humber Bridge, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Victoria is funded by a levy on prestige ticketing packages. Last Arcade in Leeds. It will also travel on the Flying Scotsman, week, LOCOG contacted each eligible school and college and will be carried down the Dock Tower in Grimsby that applied, confirming the number of tickets that they by an abseiler. In all, the Torch Relay will visit 78 towns, will receive for their students. Next month they will villages and cities in the region, including major evening confirm accompanying adult tickets that schools will celebrations in Hull (18 June), York (19 June), Leeds (24 also receive. LOCOG believes it will allocate all 175,000 June), Sheffield (25 June) and Cleethorpes (26 June). tickets to schools and colleges, as planned. There have already been more than 19 locally funded Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for and managed cultural projects in the region officially Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport for what reasons inspired by London 2012, including Electric Fields, a tickets for the London 2012 Olympics are being printed theatre and visual arts experience that includes audience by a company based in Arkansas. [95380] movement, and combines sports and arts to explore our perception of how we move through the world and Hugh Robertson: The main contract to print and work with environmental themes. Other major cultural fulfil the majority of tickets for London 2012 was events are also planned for Yorkshire and the Humber awarded by the London 2012 Organising Committee in 2012, including a festival of music, dance and visual (LOCOG) following a thorough, competitive and open arts featuring more than 500 Sheffield performers, an procurement process in 2010. The company which won art installation at Castle Howard and a performance of the bid met all of LOCOG’s criteria around security, aerial circus skills and live song at Ripon Cathedral. scale and budget and—having worked on several previous LOCOG have created a search function to allow people games—has specialist systems in place to manage the to easily find out what events will be taking place in complex process of personalising, printing, packaging their area: tickets and integrating security aspects to the scale they http://www.london2012.com/get-involved/whats-on/ 593W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 594W and a specific website for the London 2012 Festival: Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for http://festival.london2012.com/ Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent estimate he has made of the average number of people using a local library per month in each age group in the Performing Arts: Young People latest period for which figures are available. [94654]

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Vaizey: The Department’s Taking Part quarterly Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps his release indicates demographic and regional breakdowns Department is taking to encourage young people to of physical library attendance. The most recent data is become involved in (a) drama and (b) acting. [94633] available in “Taking Part 2011/12 Quarter 2: Statistical Release—libraries”published on this Department’s website: Mr Vaizey: Arts Council England supports young http://www.culture.gov.uk/publications/8734.aspx people to become involved in drama and acting in a number of different ways. Goal 5 of their strategic This link also contains “Taking Part 2011/12 Quarter 2: vision for the arts for the next 10 years is that all Statistical Release—Digital participation” that shows children and young people experience the richness of headline digital engagement figures, including digital the arts which includes taking part in art forms such as participation in libraries. drama.118 National Portfolio Organisations stated in The Department and House subscribes to the Chartered their funding applications that they would be delivering Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA) against this goal. annual library statistics, which include general data Theatre companies such as Royal Shakespeare Company profiling the size and age of local populations by local and National Theatre run large scale, highly successful authority. programmes to engage young people. Arts Council England regularly funds a number of theatres whose vision and offer is entirely focused on children and Royal Family: Finance young people such as Unicorn and Contact. The newly launched Strategic Fund for Touring includes a specific Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, aim to fund a wide range of high quality work on tour Olympics, Media and Sport what the budget was for including, in particular, more work by and for children the royal household in each of the last five years; and and young people. what its budget is forecast to be in each of the next five years. [95009] Postage Stamps Hugh Robertson: This Department pays grant in aid Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for to the royal household for property services for the Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent occupied royal palaces in England and royal discussions he has had with representatives from the communications and information. philatelic industry on stamp collections. [94634] The total amounts of grant in aid allocated to the royal household for these in each of the last five complete Mr Vaizey: Neither the Secretary of State for Culture, financial years and the current financial year are in the Olympics, Media and Sport, my right hon. Friend the following table: Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), nor I have held any recent discussions specifically with representatives £ million of the philatelic industry; however this Department 2006-07 15.745 continues to support the British Library that houses the 2007-08 16.221 National Philatelic Collections of the United Kingdom. 2008-09 16.504 2009-10 15.530 Public Libraries 2010-11 15.054 2011-12 15.054 Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps his From 2012-13, the Sovereign Grant will replace the Department is taking to increase library usage. [94639] civil list (paid direct from the Exchequer), and the voted grants in aid for royal travel and palace maintenance. In Mr Vaizey: The Department has supported initiatives 2012-13 the Sovereign Grant will be £31 million. From to assist local authorities in ensuring that libraries remain 2013-14, the Sovereign Grant will be based on a formula engaging, relevant and exciting in the 21st century. related to the revenue of The Crown Estate. As the These include the Arts Council England’s ‘Libraries Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right hon. Friend Development Initiative’. the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), announced in We do not seek to impose or encourage a ‘one size fits the House of Commons on 14 July 2011, Official Report, all’ approach to attracting library users or specific targets column 536, on the numbers of visits to libraries; though overall “.....a grant equivalent to 15% of the profits made by The levels of library visits have remained reasonably stable Crown Estate in the financial year two years earlier”. in the last year. Local authorities are best placed to Details about the royal household’s expenditure can be assess the needs and wishes of local communities, and found in the royal public finances annual reports, should be free to put in place the initiatives which are http://www.royal.gov.uk/TheRoyalHousehold/Royalfinances/ most relevant to local residents. AnnualFinancialReports/Annualfinancialreports.aspx 595W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 596W

S4C The Advice Services Fund (ASF) received 622 applications. BIG FUND who is administering the Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for £16.8 million ASF grant on behalf of the Cabinet Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport for what reasons Office sent out conditional offer letters to successful his Department did not issue a written ministerial statement applicants at the end of January. A final list of successful regarding its consultation on S4C’s governance applicants will be published on the BIG FUND website arrangements; and what steps his Department is taking in March 2012. to promote participation in the consultation. [95460]

Mr Vaizey: On 1 February the Department opened a Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Minister for the public consultation on proposals to amend S4Cs governance Cabinet Office what recent progress has been made on arrangements. The consultation is open until 4 May his Department’s cross-Government review of advice 2012. I did not make a written ministerial statement on funding. [95464] this as the consultation is publicly available online at http://www.culture.gov.uk/consultations Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office review of the advice and my official’s informed more than 50 key stakeholders services, announced on the 21 November 2011, is currently in Parliament by e-mail when the consultation was in progress. published. Since November, Cabinet Office have been looking at Tickets the funding environment for free advice services, likely levels of demand, and how Government can play a Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for positive role. The Cabinet Office is engaging with other Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will take Government Departments with a policy interest in free steps to prevent the resale of publicly-subsidised event advice services. tickets for profit. [94681] Over the past two months, Cabinet Office officials Hugh Robertson: The Government have no current have been gathering information from the not-for-profit plans to extend existing legislation, covering the resale advice sector through a number of meetings, round of tickets, including those that are publicly subsidised. table discussions and visits. The review will conclude with recommendations to Ministers and updates will be provided in due course. CABINET OFFICE 10 Downing Street: Catering Childbirth Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what proportion of the (a) food and (b) drink served to its guests to 10 Downing street on official occasions is sourced from UK farmers, fisheries Andrew George: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet and food and drink manufacturers; [95057] Office when (a) provisional and (b) final (i) live birth (2) whether his Department (a) has a policy or (b) and (ii) stillbirth figures for 2011 will be published; and provides guidance on the sourcing of (i) food and (ii) on what dates these figures were published in each of drink from UK farms, fisheries and food and drink the last three years. [95086] manufacturers served to guests on official occasions at 10 Downing street. [95058] Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Mr Maude: I refer the hon. Member to the answers I responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have gave him on 1 December 2011, Official Report, column asked the authority to reply. 1047W. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2012: Advisory Services: Finance As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet when (a) provisional and (b) final (i) live birth and (ii) stillbirth figures for 2011 will be published; and on what dates these figures Office how many applications he has received for (a) were published in each of the last three years (95086). the Social Action Fund and (b) the Advice Services Fund; when he expects to announce recipients of funding The Office for National Statistics is responsible for publishing from the Advice Services Fund; and if he will make a statistics on the numbers of births registered in England and statement. [95434] Wales. Final figures on live births and stillbirths for 2011 will be Mr Hurd: For round one of the Social Action Fund published in July 2012. Provisional annual births figures are no the Social Investment Business (SIB) received just over longer published. 700 applications. Round two of the fund closed on 3 The dates when figures on live births and stillbirths were February 2012 and SIB are currently reviewing the published for the last three years are shown in the following table. applications that have been submitted. It is anticipated Provisional annual live birth figures have not been published since that the final figure for applications in round two will be 2010 (for 2009 births). No provisional stillbirth figures have been around 600. published during this period. 597W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 598W

Year of birth Date of publication of provisional figures Date of publication of final figures Live births Stillbirths Live births Stillbirths

2008 21 May 2009 n/a 27 August 2009 2 September 2009 2009 25 May 2010 n/a 21July2010 21 July 2010 2010 n/a n/a 13 July 2011 13 July 2011

Communities First Fund The small grants money is administered by the Community Development Foundation (CDF), but the Robert Flello: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet grant award decisions are made separately by a panel of Office what right of appeal applies to local local people in the eligible ward. This ensures that organisations which are refused funding by the responsibility for decisions is taken as close as possible Community First Programme’s local panel. [94427] to the community that the grants seek to serve. More information is available from the CDF website: Mr Hurd: The decisions of the local Community http://www.cdf.org.uk/web/guest/neighbourhood-matched- First panels are final. The panels set the initial priorities fund for grant making in the eligible ward, based on what is The panel must maintain a website as a condition of the already known about local issues and problems. Grant funding. This website is to be used to promote the programme making decisions are then made in line with the identified and provide information to the community on funded projects and the groups that are getting grants. This provides an opportunity priorities. for more local people to get involved and also to make applications The panels maintain a website that will detail the for project funding. The panel works with a local organisation as priorities, the grants made and to whom. Local people a panel partner, helping to ensure transparency and probity. and groups have the opportunity to both shape the Company Finance priorities and monitor how the money is allocated and spent. The panel is formed of local people and may Chris Skidmore: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet include a councillor—all are visible and accountable to Office how many companies in each region had a the people in their ward. turnover of over (a) £1 million, (b) £5 million and (c) Each panel must revisit these priorities by March £10 million in 2010-11. [94621] 2013 by developing a Community First plan, involving the local community in this process. This provides an Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the opportunity for all interested parties to make a contribution responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have to shaping future funding decisions. asked the authority to reply. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2012: Community Development Fund As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking how many companies in each region had a turnover of over (a) Rachel Reeves: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet £1 million, (b) £5 million and (c) £10 million in 2010-11. [94621] Office what steps he has taken to ensure transparency Annual statistics on the number of enterprises are available in the grants awarded by the Community Development from the ONS release; UK Business: Activity, Size and Location Foundation. [94525] at: www.statistics.gov.uk Mr Hurd [holding answer 9 February 2012]: Community These estimates relate to the count of live businesses in March of First is a small grants programme with a budget of up each year. to £30 million over four years for funding to neighbourhood The table provides estimates for the number of companies in groups in targeted wards, and up to £80 million for an each region had a turnover of over (a) £1 million, (b) £5 million England-wide endowment match challenge. and (c) £10 million in 2010-11.

Count of VAT or PAYE based companies by region and turnover size band for 2010 and 2011 Turnover (£ million) 1<5 5<10 10+ Total 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011

North East 3,270 3,080 515 505 605 545 4,390 4,130 North West 12,700 12,105 2,110 1,990 2,265 2,095 17,075 16,185 Yorkshire and the Humber 9,525 8,825 1,590 1,455 1,700 1,565 12,815 11,850 East Midlands 8,725 8,235 1,350 1,195 1,455 1,400 11,530 10,830 West Midlands 10,865 10,105 1,670 1,445 1,805 1,695 14,345 13,245 East 13,085 12,290 1,985 1,850 2,225 2,130 17,295 16,270 London 23,810 22,885 4,120 3,910 5,425 5,160 33,355 31,955 South East 19,930 18,730 2,965 2,775 3,610 3,455 26,500 24,960 South West 9,650 9,190 1,350 1,270 1,335 1,300 12,335 11,755 Wales 4,005 3,830 620 565 630 590 5,255 4,985 Scotland 7,825 7,365 1,325 1,245 1,485 1,385 10,635 9,995 Northern Ireland 3,290 3,140 605 550 580 540 4,475 4,235 Total 126,680 119,780 20,205 18,755 23,120 21,860 170,005 160,395 599W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 600W

Departmental Procurement Departmental Training

Luciana Berger: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many away days his Department has held Office (1) what proportion of the total value of contracts since May 2010; what the location was of each such issued or to be issued by his Department in 2011-12 away day; how many staff attended; and what the cost have required successful organisations to put up a capital was of each such event. [93838] bond; and if he will make a statement; [94922] (2) which contracts his Department has tendered or Mr Maude: Details of events can be found in the will tender in 2011-12 which require successful organisations following table. In all cases, staff are encouraged to use to have a capital bond of more than £5 million; which facilities on the Cabinet Office estate wherever possible, contracts have not required such a bond; and if he will but in some cases it is more beneficial to hold events make a statement. [94942] offsite and away from office distractions. There is a robust approvals process in place which requires sign-off at senior level in the Department’s finance team. Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office has not awarded or Expenditure is in accordance with published departmental tendered for any contracts during 2011-12 which require guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based the successful supplier to have a capital bond, and has on principles set out in “Managing Public Money” and no such contracts planned. the Treasury handbook on “Regularity & Propriety”.

Event Location Number of staff attending Cost (£)

1 Cabinet Office Estate 13 0 2 Cabinet Office Estate 14 102 3 Cabinet Office Estate 30 395 4 Cabinet Office Estate 70 500 5 Cabinet Office Estate 21 105 6 Cabinet Office Estate 16 80 7 Cabinet Office Estate 15 29 8 Cabinet Office Estate 17 555 9 Institute for Government, London 10 386 10 Wallacespace, London 12 1,252 11 Charity and Social Enterprise organisation 70 2,584 (Rich Mix) London 12 Somerset House, London 55 470 13 Social enterprise and charity support 10 110 organisation (CAN Mezzanine) 14 Somerset House, London 95 472 15 Emmanuel Centre, London 60 2,500 16 English Heritage (Kenwood House, London) 20 480 17 Trafalgar Studios, London 6 0

Email: Department for Education Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Lisa Nandy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2012, Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2012: Official Report , column 63W,if he will make an exception As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I and publish the guidance issued to the Department for have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Education on private emails and the Freedom of the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps he plans to take to Information Act, given the Secretary of State’s reference ensure that statistics on exports to the European Union published to that guidance to the Education Select Committee. by the Office for National Statistics take account of trans-shipments [95095] to non-EU countries. 95241 The Balance of Payments Trade in Goods data is produced by Mr Maude: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I the Office for National Statistics (ONS) using data provided by gave her on 6 February. I do not feel it would be Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). HMRC are appropriate to make an exception to this long standing responsible for capturing and collating both non-EU data, using customs declarations (’Extrastat’), and EU data, via the Intrastat convention. survey.

Exports: EU Countries For UK exports both within and outside the European Union, the ’country of destination’ is recorded on the relevant survey form as the final EU or Non-EU country the goods are destined Mr Shepherd: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet for, even if the goods travel through other countries on the way. Therefore, goods which are exported via other Member States to Office what steps he plans to take to ensure that non-EU countries should under EU Customs law be declared in statistics on exports to the European Union published the country of export, not the Member State from where they exit by the Office for National Statistics take account of the EU. In the UK, they will be recorded as an export to the trans-shipments to non-EU countries. [95241] non-EU country of ultimate destination. 601W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 602W

However, goods may quite legitimately be shipped to an EU Mr Maude: The letter was transferred to the Department Member State and then subsequently re-exported to destinations for Transport in October 2011. A response was sent on outside the EU but be declared as a UK export to the EU. For 2 November 2011. example, following export from the UK, subsequent changes in ownership of the goods may result in the goods being re-exported to a non-EU country. These movements will be recorded as UK New Businesses: South East exports to the other EU Member State and as a further non-EU export from the first receiving country. Gareth Johnson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many small businesses have commenced Government Departments: Procurement trading in (a) Dartford constituency, (b) Kent and (c) the south-east in the last six months. [95072] Sajid Javid: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Office how small and medium-sized enterprises can responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have find out about government contracts. [95149] asked the authority to reply. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2012: Mr Maude: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can find out about government contracts by using Contracts As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Finder, a one stop shop to enable suppliers to find how many small businesses have commenced trading in (a) Dartford procurement opportunities worth over £10,000, tender constituency, (b) Kent and (c) the South East in the last six documents and contracts online, free of charge. Contracts months [95072]. Finder includes a facility whereby suppliers can indicate Annual statistics on the number of enterprise births within a in which sectors and areas they are interested and they calendar year are available from the ONS release on Business will receive e-mail notification of relevant opportunities Demography at free of charge. Contracts Finder can be found at: www.statistics.gov.uk www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/ However, these statistics are only available up to the calendar year For lower value Government contracts (below £100,000), 2010. The results for 2011 will be released on 6th December 2012. SMEs since July 2011 have been able to register on the Dynamic Marketplace and provide quick quotes, enabling Private Sector: Employment them to bid and compete at minimal cost alongside larger suppliers. The Dynamic Marketplace gives Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Government Departments, their agencies and NDPBs Office how many private sector jobs were lost in the immediate, cost-effective access to pre-registered North East in 2011. [95442] Government suppliers to publish bids for low value projects. Issuing and responding to bids is done Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the electronically, making the procurement process quicker responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have and more cost-effective. Registration is free to suppliers asked the authority to reply. at: Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2012: https://register4ukgov.procserveonline.com As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Mrs Moon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet how many private sector jobs were lost in the North East in 2011 Office whether there is a minimum level of turnover a (95442). third sector organisation is required to have in order to Private sector employment statistics for local areas can be bid for a Government contract. [95544] calculated from the Annual Population Survey (APS). Individuals in the APS are classified to the public or private sector according to their responses to the survey Mr Maude: The Government recognise the vital role ONS is unable to measure the number of private sector jobs that third sector organisations have to play in helping that have been lost in the North East. However, as an alternative them to achieve the best possible value for money when have provided the net change in private sector employment in the it buys goods and services, and has initiated a series of North East between the 12 month APS periods ending in June measures to make it easier for such bodies to compete 2010 and June 2011, which was an increase of 14,200. for Government contracts, by removing unnecessary As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject barriers such as inappropriate financial requirements. to a margin of uncertainty. There is no standard minimum level of turnover National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant required for a third sector organisation, turnover being count are available on the NOMIS website at just one indicator of a supplier’s financial status. The application of financial assessment should be proportionate http://www.nomisweb.co.uk to the value, size and risk of the requirement. Public Sector: Industrial Disputes Identity Cards: Photography Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps he is taking to avoid Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet industrial action in the public sector. [95573] Office when he plans to respond to the letter of 27 September 2011 and subsequent correspondence from Mr Maude: This Government have demonstrated the hon. Member for Mole Valley about the retention of that they are committed to working with trade unions the printed photo ID market; and if he will arrange a in a meaningful and constructive way, to avoid industrial meeting to discuss the subject further. [95169] action wherever possible. 603W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 604W

Public services have highly-developed, robust contingency Vacancies plans in place to ensure that essential services are maintained during industrial action. These plans are routinely tested Simon Hart: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet to improve the resilience of public services. Office (1) pursuant to the answer of 23 January 2012, Official Report, column 102W, on vacancies, what the practical difficulties were which the Office for National Public Sector: Leave Statistics encountered in producing estimates of job vacancies for agriculture, fisheries and farming; [94677] Brandon Lewis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what arrangements exist for public sector workers (2) whether any consideration has been given to to take (a) paid or (b) unpaid leave to support (i) cadet producing the Office for National Statistics Vacancy groups, (ii) scouts and (iii) other youth and community Survey on a regional basis. [94711] groups. [95182] Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Mr Hurd: In February 2011 the Government announced responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have that each civil servant would be encouraged to do at asked the authority to reply. least one day of volunteering each year using special Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated February 2012: leave. The civil service aims to give 30,000 days per year. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Some Government Departments offer their staff more have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Questions asking than one day’s special leave a year to volunteer. Civil pursuant to the Answer of 23 January 2012, Official Report, servants can choose which organisations they volunteer column 102W, on vacancies, what the practical difficulties were with. which the Office for National Statistics encountered in producing Wider public sector organisations will have their own estimates of job vacancies for agriculture, fisheries and farming. (94677). Whether any consideration has been given to producing policies and procedures on employer supported the Office for National Statistics Vacancy Survey on a regional volunteering. basis. (94711) The Office for National Statistics (ONS) produces estimates of vacancies for the whole economy excluding agriculture, forestry Senior Civil Servants: Pay and fishing. The main reason for the exclusion of vacancies for agriculture, John Robertson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet forestry and fishing is because of the disproportionate additional Office what the net value has been of non-consolidated compliance cost to business of data collection as these industry performance-related pay awards for senior civil servants sectors mainly consist of very small firms (mostly with zero in each Government Department since May 2010. vacancies). [94961] Based on employment figures it is estimated by the ONS that this exclusion is likely to lead to an understatement of the overall Mr Maude: Since May 2010, non-consolidated vacancy figures in the UK of around 1 to 2 per cent. performance-related pay (NCPRP) for senior civil servants The ability to provide regional data would require a larger, has been cut back. This has been achieved by reducing more complex survey to be designed and developed. The likely the number of people who receive awards from 65% to barriers to implementation will be the cost to develop and run the 25% of senior civil servants, so that only those who have survey and the additional burden that a survey of this type would place on businesses. given exceptional performance over the year are rewarded. This has delivered savings of around £15 million. Total As part of Triennial Review of the Vacancy Survey, we sought spend by each Department and agency on NCPRP user’s views on information they would require from the survey. Indications from latest responses suggest there is interest in awards for the performance year 2010-11 was published estimates by regions. ONS will be investigating feasibility of on departmental websites and linked to data.gov.uk in producing vacancy estimates by regions whilst taking into account October 2011. the cost and burden on businesses.

Voluntary Work: Young People Student Loans Company: Pay

Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Minister for the Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Cabinet Office when the Cabinet Secretary became Office for what reason he is no longer providing aware of the proposed arrangements for remunerating funding for a National Volunteer Service; and if he will the Chief Executive of the Student Loans Company; make a statement. [95161] and whether the Cabinet Secretary agreed to those arrangements. [94193] Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office is not aware of and has never funded a programme specifically called the ’National Mr Maude: The former Cabinet Secretary was first Volunteer Service’. notified of the proposed remuneration arrangements The Government are committed to supporting for the chief executive of the Student Loans Company volunteering and are delivering programmes to create a in December 2010 and agreed to the proposals presented stronger culture of volunteering in England. As outlined by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in the Giving White Paper published in May 2011 the (BIS), subject to HMRC’s agreement to extend their Government are supporting volunteering through providing concession for the two year term which was later granted. £40 million over two years for initiatives such as the The current Cabinet Secretary was made aware of Social Action Fund, Innovation in Giving Fund and this issue last week. the Challenge Prizes scheme. 605W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 606W

Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet JUSTICE Office how many of those who participated in National Homicide: British Nationals Abroad Citizen Service pilots in (a) 2010 and (b) 2011 have continued to volunteer in their local community; and if Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will make a statement. [95162] he will provide funding for families of British nationals murdered abroad for the purpose of attending trials Mr Hurd: The National Citizen Service pilots began and related court hearings abroad. [95504] in 2011. There were no 2010 pilots. The information requested is being collected as part of the independent Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice funds the National evaluation of the 2011 NCS pilots, conducted by the Homicide Service to support families bereaved by homicide National Centre for Social Research. An interim report post-April 2010. Since November 2010 this support has on the 2011 NCS pilots will be published in March also been extended to families bereaved by a murder or 2012. manslaughter abroad. In the current financial year the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has provided funding Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet to enable the Homicide Service to commission services Office how many children with a registered disability on behalf of families, if they judge that the family needs participated in the National Citizen Service scheme in them, in recognition of the exceptional and additional (a) 2010 and (b) 2011; and if he will make a statement. costs they might face following a murder abroad. This [95163] may include travel to attend trials and related court hearings. Mr Hurd: The National Citizen Service pilots began Alternatives to Prison in 2011. There were no 2010 pilots. The information requested is being collected as part of the independent Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for evaluation of the 2011 NCS pilots, conducted by the Justice what his policy is on future tendering for the National Centre for Social Research. An interim report running of intensive alternative to custody schemes. on the 2011 NCS pilots, including information on how [95032] many children with a registered disability participated in the National Citizen Service scheme, will be published Mr Blunt: The Intensive Alternatives to Custody in March 2012. (IAC) pilot programme ran from 2008-09 to 2010/11 and there were never plans to extend central funding for IAC past the end of the pilot. Learning from the Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet evaluation of these pilots will be considered to inform Office what estimate he has made of the (a) overall future commissioning and delivery of offender services. cost of the National Citizen Service (NCS), (b) cost to his Department of the NCS and (c) extra income that Appeals: Disability Living Allowance will be raised by providers to help pay for the NCS; and if he will make a statement. [95218] Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average waiting time for a disability Mr Hurd: Information on the overall cost of National living allowance appeal to be heard was in (a) Haltemprice Citizen Service (NCS) to the Cabinet Office in this and Howden constituency, (b) East Yorkshire and (c) spending review period is published as part of the Yorkshire and Humber in each of the last five years. quarterly data summary, on the Cabinet Office website. [95616] It can be viewed at: Mr Djanogly: The table shows the average waiting http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/business- time in weeks for an appeal against a disability living plan-quarterly-data-summary allowance decision from receipt at HM Courts and Information about the extra income raised by providers Tribunals Service to disposal from April 2007 to October is being collected as part of the independent evaluation 2011 (the latest period for which statistics have been of the 2011 NCS pilots, conducted by the National published) in the tribunal venues serving Yorkshire and Centre for Social Research. An interim report on the Humber. 2011 NCS pilots will be published in March 2012. The Doncaster and Hull venues serve appellants living All providers raise extra funds to meet the forecast of in the Haltemprice and Howden constituency as well as NCS. The information requested is being collected as other nearby locations; the Doncaster, Grimsby and part of the independent evaluation of the 2011 NCS Hull venues serve appellants living in East Yorkshire pilots, conducted by the National Centre for Social and the surrounding area. Research. An interim report on the 2011 NCS pilots, The figures provided in the table include cases that including information on the extra income that is raised were decided by a tribunal hearing and those that were by providers, to help pay for the NCS, will be published disposed of by other means (such as being withdrawn, in March 2012. superseded or struck out).

Disability living allowance appeals Average waiting times in weeks 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 YTD October 2011

Barnsley 9.0 10.9 12.4 18.8 24.3 Bradford 10.7 12.0 12.2 19.7 28.2 Doncaster 9.2 11.9 12.2 21.0 28.1 607W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 608W

Disability living allowance appeals Average waiting times in weeks 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 YTD October 2011

Grimsby 7.6 16.1 17.0 23.4 28.6 Huddersfield and Wakefield 11.1 12.1 13.4 21.3 28.3 Hull 10.4 12.4 14.2 22.3 27.5 Leeds 10.0 11.6 11.3 16.0 20.2 Scarborough 10.2 12.9 12.4 21.2 29.5 Sheffield 8.9 12.0 13.2 20.6 30.6 York 9.9 9.4 10.7 16.9 26.0 Notes: 1. Data is taken from management information. 2. Individual cases can have a disproportionate impact on the overall data at venue level due to the relatively low volumes involved.

Asylum and Immigration Tribunal The table includes statutory appeals from the Upper Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber and appeals from the Administrative Court in immigration and Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for asylum judicial review cases. Justice how many asylum and immigration-related cases were heard in the (a) first Tier of the Tribunal’s British Nationals Abroad: Death Immigration and Asylum Chamber, (b) upper Tier of the Tribunal’s Immigration and Asylum Chamber, (c) Administrative Court and (d) Courts of Appeal in Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for England and Wales or the Court of Sessions in Scotland Justice how many open coroners’ cases involve the in the most recent year for which figures are available. death of UK nationals overseas. [95018] [94679] Mr Djanogly: Coroners are required to provide a statistical return at the end of each year with the number Mr Djanogly: The First-Tier of the Tribunal’s of inquests ongoing as at 31 December arising from Immigration and Asylum Chamber heard 130,900 cases deaths outside England and Wales. between April 2010 and March 2011; this includes The number outstanding at the end of each year in appeals determined on the papers but excludes withdrawn the last four years for which figures are available were: cases. The Upper Tier of the Tribunal’s Immigration and Number Asylum Chamber heard 6,700 cases between April 2010 and March 2011; this includes appeals determined on 2007 621 the papers but excludes withdrawn cases. 2008 618 2009 570 The Administrative Court received 8,076 Immigration 2010 577 and Asylum applications between April 2010 and March 2011, all of which went before a judge for a decision. In However, these figures only reflect the number of addition, the court held 156 substantive hearings for those who died abroad whose bodies have been repatriated immigration and asylum cases over this period. to a coroner’s jurisdiction in England and Wales. Some The Immigration and Asylum Chamber covers the deceased persons, therefore, may be non-UK nationals whole of the United Kingdom. The Administrative but these cannot be segregated from the UK nationals. Court and Court of Appeal Civil Division cover appeals from England and Wales. Appeals from tribunals in Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland are dealt with by the Court of Session, part of Justice how many coroners’ cases involving non-UK the Scottish Courts Service. companies could not be completed due to non- attendance of witnesses from overseas in (a) 2009, (b) The Court of Appeal Civil Division asylum and 2010 and (c) 2011. [95019] immigration related cases are set out in the following table. I will write separately in response to your request Mr Djanogly: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I for information relating to the Court of Session in gave on 17 January 2012, Official Report, column 693W. Scotland. Information about the number of coroners’ cases that Number of asylum and immigration cannot be completed due to non-attendance of witnesses related cases heard between April (including companies) that are outside of the UK’s 2010 and March 2011 in the Court of jurisdiction is not centrally held. Appeal Total number of permission 642 Civil Disorder applications determined on paper Total number of permission 234 applications determined at oral Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice hearing (most of these will have been refused on paper first, so there is a whether he has issued any guidance to the courts duplication with the 642 figure) handling the cases relating to the public disorder of Total number of full appeals heard 101 August 2011 on issuing convicted offenders with compensation orders. [95503] 609W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 610W

Mr Djanogly: No guidance has been issued on the European Social Fund making of compensation orders in cases relating to the public disorder of August 2011. The Sentencing Council provides guidelines for the Crown and magistrates courts. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for the courts, how much funding from the European Social Fund was taking account of all the circumstances of the offender used to support offenders in each of the last five years; and the offence. and how much he expects to be provided in each of the next five years. [95499] Coroners: Missing Persons Mr Blunt: The majority of ESF money administered Stephen Mosley: To ask the Secretary of State for by NOMS in England comes via the Co-Financing Justice whether he has given consideration to directing Programme. NOMS was granted Co-Financing status a coroner to hold an inquest in the absence of a body, in early 2009 part way through the 2007 to 2013 ESF under the provisions of section 15 of the Coroners Act programme. Therefore there was no ESF expenditure 1988, into the disappearance of Rebecca Coriam for 2007 and 2008 and only a relatively small amount in on-board the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship on 22 March 2009. The chart provided as follows details actual 2011. [95420] expenditure for 2009, 2010 and 2011. 2012 through to 2014 are based on current profiles for contracted provision. Mr Djanogly: Section 15 of the Coroners Act 1988 It is difficult to estimate expenditure beyond this date as enables a coroner in England and Wales to report the negotiations for the 2014 to 2020 programme are still facts to the Secretary of State if the coroner has reason taking place at ministerial level. to believe that a death has occurred in or near their district and that an inquest ought to be held, but there is ESF Funds for offender support (£) no body. Because Rebecca Coriam disappeared outside of the jurisdiction of England and Wales during a 2009 382,611 voyage off the Pacific coast of Mexico, no coroner 2010 22,498,900 could make a report under section 15. 2011 39,945,308 2012 34,345,091 Departmental Data Protection 2013 22,635,522 2014 24,221,745 Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many cases of (a) data loss and (b) breaches of confidentiality occurred in his Department Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice in 2011. [94884] what funding from the European Social Fund has been made available to support victims of crime in each of Mr Djanogly: There were 3,192 incidents involving the last five years. [95500] information assets in 2011. This figure includes losses of data or the equipment holding it and incidents with the Mr Blunt: ESF money is not allocated for this purpose potential for breach of confidentiality. Of these, three by ESFD and therefore not available for NOMS to use were assessed as significant and were reported to the in the current Co-financing programme. Information Commissioner. 2,606 of these incidents relate to individual cases of lost or misdirected mail. Data lost in 251 incidents HMP Risley: Finance involved official equipment subject to protection by encryption. Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice It is not possible to identify how many incidents what funding in each category of expenditure his involved breaches of confidentiality. This information Department provided to HMP Risley in each financial is recorded locally and can be provided only at year from 2008-09 to 2011-12. [94784] disproportionate cost. E-mail Mr Blunt: The following table shows direct resource outturn expenditure figures for HMP Risley for the Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice financial years 2008-09 to 2010-11 broken down by if he will take steps to encourage the use of e-mail in category of expenditure. The outturn figures more preference to printed correspondence for communications accurately represent the cost of providing services for between his Department and hon. Members. [94853] prior years. For 2011-12 the latest forecast outturn expenditure figures are shown as at January 2012. The Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice has an e-mail final figures for 2011-12 may vary from the figures address to which hon. Members can write. Currently provided depending on the actual expenditure incurred replies are only sent by e-mail where an hon. Member over the remainder of the financial year and also if requests this. there are any amendments due to changing priorities.

Category of expenditure at HMP Risley in each financial year from 2008-09 to 2011-12 Cost category 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Staff cost—wages and salaries 15.945 16.182 16.133 15.808 Staff travel and other 0.499 0.309 0.302 0.253 611W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 612W

Category of expenditure at HMP Risley in each financial year from 2008-09 to 2011-12 Cost category 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Agency staff 0.067 0.029 0.023 0.047 Banking and financing charges 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 Cost of capital 0.024 0.030 0.000 0.000 Depreciation 0.058 0.062 0.139 0.146 Fuel and utilities 0.814 0.933 0.848 1.060 IT and communications 0.598 0.550 0.555 0.506 Maintenance 0.649 0.418 0.511 0.355 Other contracted out services 0.838 1.105 0.856 0.785 Other property costs 0.120 0.109 0.089 0.066 Printing postage office exp 0.092 0.105 0.089 0.085 Prisoner related costs 1.866 2.368 2.227 2.201 Profit/loss on disposal of fixed assets 0.037 0.001 0.002 0.000 Property rent and rates 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 Other expenditure 1.596 0.508 0.354 0.244 Other income -0.540 -1.074 -1.284 -1.427 Total 22.665 21.637 20.846 20.132 Notes: 1. All figures expressed in £ million. 2. 2008-09 to 2010-11 based on direct resource expenditure at the establishment, as published in the addendum to the accounts. This excludes expenditure met at regional or national level. 2011-12 data are based on forecast outturn as at accounting period 10.

Homicide: Compensation Number of defendants found guilty at all courts for human trafficking offences1, England and Wales, 2004-102, 3 Number found guilty Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice for what reasons there was a £40,000 underspend in the 2010 16 1 Includes offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (came into force 1 May Homicide Fund budget; how this underspend is to be 2004) and Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants Act) 2004 section distributed; and if he will make a statement. [95518] 4 (came into force 1 December 2004). 2 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has Mr Blunt: £40,728.87 of the £250,000 2011-12 Homicide been found guilty of two or more offences, it is the offence for which the heaviest Fund was unallocated due to bids not meeting the penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum required minimum standards set for the fund. As penalty is the most severe. recommended by the Victims’ Commissioner, the under 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and spend was divided between: complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police a capacity building project designed to improve the capacity, forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection and robustness of peer support organisations with the aim of processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those improving their success rate in attracting funding. Fifteen data are used. 4 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. small homicide organisations are benefitting from this project; Source: and Justice Statistics Analytical Services: Ministry of Justice. piloting improvements in access to specialist legal advice for bereaved families. Human Trafficking: Victim Support Schemes

Human Trafficking Claire Perry: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the (a) nationality and (b) gender was of each suspected victim of trafficking referred to the Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Trafficking Victim Support scheme operated by the Justice how many convictions there were for offences Salvation Army in January 2012; in which region each related to human trafficking in each year since 2004. of the suspected victims was found; and which agency [95128] referred each case to the scheme. [95552]

Mr Blunt: The number of defendants found guilty at Mr Blunt: In January 2012 there were 27 referrals to all courts for human trafficking in England and Wales, the Government-funded support service for adult victims from 2004 to 2010 (latest available) can be viewed in the of human trafficking in England and Wales administered following table. by The Salvation Army. Details are provided in the Annual court proceedings data for 2011 are planned following table. In the interests of victim safety the for publication in May 2012. region in which the victim was encountered is provided rather than the parliamentary constituency. Number of defendants found guilty at all courts for human trafficking offences1, England and Wales, 2004-102, 3 Referring Number found guilty Nationality Gender Region Organisation 2004 — Nigerian Female South East NGO 2005 12 Czech Female Yorkshire Local authority 2006 21 Polish Male North East NGO 2007 23 UK Male East Police 20084 24 Nigerian Female South West UKBA 2009 25 613W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 614W

Referring Financial year Spend (£) Nationality Gender Region Organisation 2011-12 424,826.90 Albanian Female South East NGO 1 Legal advice costs as part of the Victims Advocates Scheme pilots. Albanian Female Yorkshire UKBA 2 Costs (excluding VAT) of piloting the legal advice helpline prior to the Polish Male North East NGO establishment of the Homicide Service to bereaved families. 3 Excluding VAT. Polish Male North East NGO 4 Spend on the legal advice helpline (excluding VAT) up until 31 January 2012. Ugandan Female South East NHS Also includes £20,000 to pilot additional legal support for bereaved families as Polish Male West Midlands NGO recommended by the Victims’ Commissioner in her report “Review into the Needs of Families Bereaved by Homicide” (July 2011). Albanian Male Yorkshire UKBA Polish Male South East Police Thai Female South West NGO Legislation Polish Male West Midlands NGO Polish Male West Midlands NGO Michael Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Chinese Female West Midlands UKBA Justice what (a) primary and (b) secondary legislation Chinese Female South East Social services has been repealed since May 2010. [90593] Pakistani Female North West UKBA Bangladeshi Male West Midlands UKBA Mr Djanogly: The information requested is not held Albanian Female Yorkshire UKBA centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate Nigerian Female North West Social services cost. Cameroon Female East UKBA Hungarian Male East Midlands Police However, the Government remain committed to the Hungarian Female East Midlands Police repeal of unnecessary legislation—particularly that which Hungarian Male Yorkshire Police imposes excessive burdens on business, individuals and Hungarian Male Yorkshire Police public bodies. Legislation to deliver this commitment will be brought forward as soon as parliamentary time permits.

Legal Aid Scheme Magistrates Courts: Wales

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for how much was spent from the public purse on support Justice what plans his Department has for (a) the for legal costs for victims of crime and witnesses in magistrates’ court house in Ammanford and (b) the remainder of its estate in Wales. [94664] each of the last five years. [95514] Mr Djanogly: Ammanford magistrates court closed Mr Blunt: In a common law system victims do not in December 2011. Terms have been agreed for sale of have the legal status of a party to criminal proceedings the court, subject to contract. and the provision of legal aid to enable participation in As part of the work to develop its future strategy, criminal proceedings is therefore not relevant. HMCTS is reviewing its hearing estate presence across The Ministry of Justice (MOJ), and formerly the England and Wales. Our aim is to achieve an estate of Department of Constitutional Affairs (DCA), has funded appropriate capacity to meet business need, which is the costs of legal advice to families bereaved by homicide. also efficient and less costly to run. The DCA trialled the provision of legal advice as part of the wider Victims Advocates Scheme pilots (to explore how the criminal justice system can improve the Manoucehr Bahmanzadeh support and information available to families in murder and manslaughter cases, and to give them a voice in Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for court) which were completed in 2008. The evaluation Justice pursuant to the answer of 26 January 2012, recommended that access to free legal advice be made Official Report, columns 361-2W, on Manoucehr available nationally to families bereaved by homicide. Bahmanzadeh, whether or not the monies levied were The MOJ funds the National Homicide Service to paid directly to the Crown Prosecution Service or into support families bereaved by homicide since April 2010. another account. [94808] As part of this service, families have access to a free legal advice helpline that provides advice on issues such Mr Blunt: The confiscation order of £1 million in the as probate, employment and state benefits that may name of Manoucehr Bahmanzadeh was paid in full, arise from their loss. plus an additional £19,978 of accrued interest for late payment. The bulk of the assets were held in Jersey The spend on this legal advice for families bereaved outside of the jurisdiction of England and Wales. Therefore by homicide for the last five years is as follows: £950,730 was enforced by Jersey within their jurisdiction and that amount was retained in full by them. The Financial year Spend (£) remaining £69,248 was accounted for by HMCTS and 2007-08 13,809.88 forwarded to the Home Office. Under the Asset Recovery 2008-09 11,533.37 Incentive Scheme the CPS as the Prosecution Agency 2009-10 21,252.75 would retain 18.75% of the £69,248, which equates to 2010-11 36,455.75 £12,984. 615W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 616W

Offenders: Mental Health Services Approximate number of prisoners Type of activity working1 Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 3 how much funding his Department has provided for (d) General recycling 980 counselling services for offenders in each of the last five (e) Printing 360 2 years. [95507] (f) Repacking food products — (g) Data entry 70 Mr Blunt: Counselling is provided to offenders in a (h) Recycling of airline 2110 number of ways and for a number of different reasons headsets 1 in both a custodial and community setting. This might This data has been extracted from IT systems and assumes that all transactions have been allocated and recorded correctly. As with any be provided by prison chaplains or organisations such large-scale recording system, information is subject to possible errors as Alcoholics Anonymous. The type and volume of with data entry and processing. such counselling is not recorded centrally and could be 2 Included in (a) above. provided only at a disproportionate cost by obtaining 3 Relates to the management, reuse and recycling of prison highly complex information held on offender files, or in generated waste and not generally included as part of the prison local and national data systems, validating it, collating industry function. it in a common format in order to provide a response. In total about 9,000 prisoners per day currently work Offenders: Research in NOMS public sector prison industries in over 400 workshops and about a further 1,000 work in private Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice sector prison industries, representing a wide range of what grants his Department has provided to third activities including, in addition to those listed above, sector organisations to undertake research into furniture and textile manufacturing, engineering and offender and prisoner rehabilitation in each of the last land based activities. five years. [94676] Prisons also partly run on prison labour. These activities include about 4,400 prisoners working in catering and Mr Blunt: In 2009-10 and 2010-11, the National picking and packing services. In addition significant Offender Management Service (NOMS: an executive numbers of prisoners are involved in areas such as agency of the Ministry of Justice) paid a grant to the cleaning and maintenance—as these jobs are local to National Association for the Care and Resettlement of each prison numbers are not collated centrally. Offenders (Nacro). It included £610,000 per annum for provision of advice and support to REAG (then the Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Race Equality Action Group), and generic resettlement Justice (1) what proportion of prisoners working in support. As part of this grant payment, Nacro produced prison industries received an accredited qualification at a number of social research papers: mainly focusing on (a) entry level, (b) level one, (c) level two and (d) the needs of women with disabilities, the needs of level three or above in 2011; [94630] women offenders who had been involved in prostitution, (2) what assessment he has made of the effect of the needs of older women, and research focusing on prison industries on (a) learning, (b) employability offender accommodation. and (c) re-offending outcomes. [94631] The Ministry of Justice funds the vast majority of its research via contracts through a competitive tendering Mr Blunt: The National Offender Management Service process, rather than grants. These contracts span a wide (NOMS) does not collect this information. range of providers including academia, private sector, non-profit and voluntary sector organisations. This Government recognise the importance of learning, skills and employment in supporting prisoners to improve Prison: Employment Schemes employment and reducing reoffending outcomes for offenders. Prison industry provides a regular working Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for week and real work experience that develops discipline, Justice how many prisoners worked in prison industries a work structure and the habits necessary to gain in (a) general packing and assembly, (b) laundry, (c) employment upon release. No data are available to indicate the particular effect of prison industries on assembly of electrical components, (d) general recycling, 1 (e) printing, (f) repacking food products, (g) data reducing reoffending, although research shows that entry and (h) recycling of airline headsets in 2011. employment in general reduces reoffending. [94629] 1 Lipsey. M, Cook. T et al (1992) “Meta-analysis for explanation: a casebook”, Russell Sage Foundation, New York, Mr Blunt: Our latest estimate (2010-11) is that, for the activities described, the following numbers of prisoners Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for worked in NOMS public sector prisons in England and Justice what accredited qualifications prisoners can Wales: obtain whilst working in prison industries at (a) entry level, (b) level one, (c) level two and (d) level three or Approximate number of prisoners above. [94632] Type of activity working1

(a) General packing and 2,420 Mr Blunt: Prisoners working in prison industries can assembly work towards sector specific qualifications. Qualifications (b) Laundry 810 delivered are on the Qualification Credit Framework (c) Assembly of electrical 2— which accredits the achievement of learning through components the award of units and qualifications. 617W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 618W

NOMS created an Offender Qualifications Manual It is not possible to provide data on how many that lists various employment sectors available in prison determinate sentence prisoners recalled to custody with recommended qualifications and progression served the whole of their custodial sentence in prison opportunities that can be accessed for prisoners and for and how many were re-released back onto licence. This staff continuous professional development. is because all individual recall records would need to be New offender learning delivery arrangements being checked to establish how many prisoners fell into each put in place now as a result of the strategy set out in of the above categories. This would incur disproportionate “Making Prisons Work: Skills for Rehabilitation” will cost. give prison governors significantly greater control over Where an offender has been released onto the Home the curriculum delivered in their establishments, including Detention Curfew (HDC) scheme and has been recalled ’on the job’ training in prison industries to deliver either for breach of their curfew conditions or because it vocational qualifications. was no longer possible to monitor their curfew compliance, he is required to complete the remainder of the HDC Prisoner Escorts period in custody (ie until the halfway point of the sentence). Any such offender is re-released to serve the remainder of his sentence in the community. Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for There were 60 indeterminate sentenced prisoners (ISPs) Justice what plans his Department has to maintain and recalled in the same period. As these prisoners are on improve the reliability of security measures when life or Imprisonment for Public Protection licence, they transporting high-security inmates between prisons can potentially be held for an indefinite period unless and court. [94374] the Parole Board is satisfied they can be safely re-released. Of the 60 ISPs recalled in the most recent quarterly Mr Blunt: Effective security measures are in place for period, 56 were still in custody on 31 December 2011. the transport of highest-risk prisoners. There has only been one category A escape in the last 16 years. The Prisoners: Detention circumstances of that escape, which took place on 23 January this year, are currently subject to investigation. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for It is my expectation that the investigation report will Justice how much compensation for unlawful detention include detailed recommendations on how these already was paid to prisoners in England and Wales in (a) effective security measures might be further strengthened. 2010 and (b) 2011; and how many individuals received such payments. [95440] Prisoners’ Release Mr Blunt: Compensation figures are recorded in financial years. In 2010-11 53 unlawful detention claims from Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice prisoners were settled for a total of £283,509. Figures how many offenders who were recalled to prison for for 2011-12 will be collated at the end of the financial licence breaches (a) served all of the remainder of their year. sentence in custody and (b) served part of the remainder of their sentence in custody prior to being released in Prisoners: Suicide the latest period for which figures are available. [95509] Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Blunt: There were 4,353 recalls recorded between what the date of first reception into custody was for July and September 2011. These figures were published each prisoner who committed suicide in custody in in Ministry of Justice’s Offender Management Statistics England and Wales in 2011; and what the length of quarterly bulletin on 26 January 2012: sentence was for each such prisoner who had been http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/ sentenced. [94558] prisons-and-probation/oms-quarterly.htm Depending on the sentence type and/or nature of his Mr Blunt: On 1 January the Ministry of Justice offence(s), an offender recalled may be subject to a fixed announced that there had been 57 apparent self inflicted term recall. The recall period is fixed at 28 days. There deaths in 2011. A fuller picture on deaths is provided in were 1,194 offenders recalled to serve a fixed term recall the annual Safety in Custody bulletin which is produced between July and September 2011, and by now all of by the National Offender Management Service and the these prisoners will have been re-released. Ministry of Justice. This publication covers deaths, self-harm and assaults among prisoners in custody; and For other determinate sentence prisoners, recall can contains statistics relating to self-inflicted deaths in result in detention until the expiry of their sentence. In custody from 2001 in England and Wales. The 2011 such cases, following recall and once the offender has bulletin will be published on 24 July 2012. been apprehended and returned to custody, the case must be referred to the Parole Board within 28 days. Prisons: Discipline The board will consider whether the prisoner can be safely re-released into the community and may either (i) Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice order the prisoner’s immediate re-release; (ii) set a future with reference to his Department’s Strategy for Victims re-release date; or (iii) fix a date for the next review of and Witnesses, if he will consider introducing measures the prisoner’s case. to enable victims of crime to be informed of the The Secretary of State also has the statutory power disciplinary records of offenders while in custody (a) to re-release a recalled determinate sentence prisoner where the offender has been subject to disciplinary (other than those serving an extended sentence) if he action for making unauthorised contact with media considers that it is safe to do so. outlets and (b) in all cases. [94705] 619W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 620W

Mr Blunt: There is no specific entitlement for victims, sector prisons and other NOMS’ workplaces. Staff may witnesses or their families to be informed of the disciplinary attend these well-being days and have physical health records of individual prisoners. There are no plans to checks including measurements of height, weight, change this. Disciplinary hearings are not public hearings; cholesterol levels and hydration levels. they are undertaken in compliance with prison and young offender institution rules to maintain order in prisons. Prostitution However, if a victim or witness believes there is a need for he or she to be informed of the disciplinary Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice record of a specific prisoner he or she may request how many convictions there were for (a) soliciting for disclosure of the information. This would be considered, the purposes of prostitution in a public place, (b) in the normal way, and responded to in accordance with keeping a brothel and (c) control of prostitution in the Ministry of Justice’s obligations under the Freedom respect of offences committed in each London borough of Information Act 2000 and the Data Protection Act 1998. in financial year (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11; and what Regarding the release of disciplinary records in all the equivalent figure is for 2011-12 to date. [94819] cases, I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 28 June 2011, Official Report, column 712W. Mr Blunt: The number of defendants found guilty of offences related to prostitution at all courts in Greater Prisons: Manpower London, for 2009 and 2010 (latest available) can be viewed in the table. Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Centrally held court proceedings data are not available what assessment he has made of the (a) effect on the at London borough level, thus data for Greater London safety of prisoners and staff and (b) changes in working (including the City of London and Metropolitan police practices which may be necessary if prison officers are force areas) have been provided in lieu. required to work until the age of 68. [94757] Annual court proceedings data for 2011 are planned for publication in May, 2012. Mr Blunt: The Prison Officers’ Association is involved Number of defendants found guilty of offences related to prostitution at all in ongoing discussions with the Cabinet Office around courts in the Greater London1 police force area, 2009 and 20102,3 pension arrangements for prison officers, which includes Offence4 2009 2010 consideration of the appropriate retirement age for Soliciting for the purposes of prostitution in a 65 92 prison officers. public place In respect of people in their sixties working in prisons, Keeping a brothel 15 18 safe systems of work and health and safety assessments Control of prostitution 4 9 are in place across the prison estate to ensure that staff 1 Comprises the Metropolitan end City of London police force areas. and prisoners are in an environment that is as safe as 2 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When possible. a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for NOMS’s operational security policies on issues such which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory as use of force and escorts which involve, or have the maximum penalty is the most severe. potential to involve, physical intervention on the part of 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and staff will be reviewed once the arrangements for prison complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police officers’ pension age have been announced. forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Prisons: Mental Health Services 4 Includes the following statutes and corresponding offence descriptions: Soliciting for the purposes of prostitution in a public place: Sexual Offences Act 1985, S.1 Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Common prostitute loitering or soliciting for the purpose of prostitution what use his Department has made of mindfulness- Sexual Offences Act 2003, S.51 A based techniques for (a) reducing stress and (b) Solicit another for the purpose of obtaining their sexual services as a prostitute in a street/public place improving well-being among prison staff. [95065] Keeping a brothel: Sexual Offences Act 1956 S.33A as added by the Sexual Offences Act 2003 S.55 Keeping a brothel for prostitution Mr Blunt: The National Offender Management Service Sexual Offences Act 1956 S.33 (NOMS) does not use mindfulness-based techniques Keeping a brothel for reducing stress or improving well-being among prison Sexual Offences Act 1956 S.34 Letting premises for use as a brothel staff. Sexual Offences Act 1956 S.35 NOMS has adopted the Health and Safety Executive’s Tenant permitting premises to be used as a brothel (HSE) ‘Stress Management Standards’ approach for Sexual Offences Act 1956 S.36 Tenant permitting premises to be used for prostitution the assessment and management of work-related stress. Sexual Offences Act 1956 S.33 as amended by the Sexual Offences Act 1967 The focus of these standards is the prevention, rather Keeping a brothel for homosexual practices than treatment, of stress and the implementation of Sexual Offences Act 1956 s.34 Letting premises for use as a brothel for homosexual practices organisational level solutions. Sexual Offences Act 1956 S.35 as amended by the Sexual Offences Act 2003 S.53 NOMS improves well-being among prison staff in a Tenant permitting premises to be used as a brothel for homosexual practices Similar provisions in Local Acts variety of ways, including self referral to Workplace Other offences against keeping a brothel Support, referral to Occupational Health (which may Control of prostitution: lead to onward referral to specialist therapy) and through Sexual Offences Act 2001 s.53 Controlling prostitution for gain the implementation of the HSE’s Stress Management Source: Standards. ‘Well-being days’ are also delivered to public Justice Statistics Analytical Services 621W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 622W

Protection of Children Act 1978 Mr Blunt: The number of people who were (a) proceeded against, (b) cautioned and (c) convicted for Claire Perry: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice offences under section 1 of the Protection of Children how many people were (a) proceeded against, (b) Act 1978 in each year between 2006 and 2010 (latest cautioned and (c) convicted for offences under section currently available) can be viewed in the following table. 1 of the Protection of Children Act 1978 in each of the Annual court proceedings data for 2011 are planned last five years. [92550] for publication in May 2012.

Offenders cautioned1, defendants proceeded against2 at magistrates courts and offenders found guilty3 at all courts in England and Wales for offences under section 1 of the Protection of Children Act4, 2006 to 2010 Offence and final outcome 2006 2007 20085 2009 2010

Take, permit to take or distribute indecent photograph of a child etc. Outcome: Cautioned 168 185 178 187 155 Proceeded against 937 888 1,136 1,240 1,501 Found guilty 768 782 958 1,024 1,246 1 The cautions statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When an offender has been cautioned for two or more offences at the same time the principal offence is the more serious offence. From 1 June 2000 the Crime and Disorder Act 1938 came into force nationally and removed the use of cautions for persons under 18 and replaced them with reprimands and warnings. These figures have been included in the totals. 2 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with.Whena defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 3 The number of defendants found guilty in a particular year may exceed the number proceeded against as the proceedings in the magistrates court took place in an earlier year and the defendants were found guilty at the Crown court in the following year; or the defendants were found guilty of a different offence to that for which they were originally proceeded against. 4 Offences under the Protection of Children Act 1978, section 1 as amended by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, section 84 and Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 s.41(1) includes the following offences: 1(1)(a) Take an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child. 1(1)(a) Permit the taking of an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child. 1(1)(b) Distribute an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child. Attempt to distribute an indecent photograph /pseudo-photograph of a child. 1(1)(b) Show an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child. 1(1)(c) Possess an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child for distribution. 1(1)(d) Advertise an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child. 1(1)(d) Cause an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child to be advertised. 1(1)(a) Make an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child. 5 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Note: Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfromlarge administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Public Expenditure Tenancy Agreements

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Margot James: To ask the Secretary of State for (1) what underspends were identified in the budgets of Justice (1) what assessment he has made of the decision his Department and its non-departmental public that police forces should not provide pre-tenancy bodies in each of the last three years; and for what checks for local authorities; [94708] reasons; [95497] (2) whether he has received any representations on (2) what estimate he has made of the extent of any the decision by the Information Commissioner that underspend in the budgets of his Department and its police forces should not provide pre-tenancy checks for non-departmental public bodies in 2011-12; and what local authorities. [94709] assessment he has made of the reasons for any such underspend. [95498] Mr Djanogly: The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the independent body responsible for regulating and enforcing the Data Protection Act 1998. Mr Djanogly: To provide information on all underspends incurred in the previous three years to the level of detail The ICO has made no formal decision relating to requested would incur disproportionate cost. However, police forces providing pre-tenancy checks for local details of expenditure against budgets for the Department authorities, but has provided advice to a number of and its non-departmental public bodies are given in our forces outlining its concerns with such checks. This annual resource accounts which are laid in Parliament information was provided by the ICO. each year and which are also available on the Department’s The Ministry of Justice has not received any website. A note to the accounts also explains any variances representations in relation to the matter. in excess of both £4 million and 5% of budget. Information on departmental provisional expenditure Translation Services against budget for 2011-12 will be published in July 2012 in the Public Expenditure Outturn White Paper Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for (PEOWP). The PEOWP will be available on the HM Justice (1) if he will place in the Library (a) Treasury’s website. pre-qualification criteria and (b) acceptable non-price 623W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 624W criteria used in the tender process for the Commercial (2) how many (a) adults and (b) children are on Framework Agreement to deliver language services in waiting lists to receive trauma or bereavement counselling; the criminal justice system; [95526] and how many have been on the waiting list for (i) one (2) pursuant to the answer of 7 December 2011, month, (ii) two months, (iii) three months, (iv) four Official Report, column 310W, on Applied Language months, (v) five months, (vi) six months, (vii) nine Solutions, if he will place in the Library a copy of the months, (viii) 12 months, (ix) 18 months, (x) 24 months, financial assessment of Applied Language Solutions. (xi) 30 months and (xii) 36 months; [95519] [95527] (3) what the average length of time is that (a) a child and (b) an adult spends on a waiting list to receive Mr Blunt: In accordance with EU directives, questions trauma or bereavement counselling after being a victim and requirements in the pre-qualification questionnaire of crime; and what the longest length time has been for (PQQ) sought to address the financial and technical (i) a child and (ii) an adult to receive trauma or capacity of companies seeking to provide the services. bereavement counselling in the last five years. [95520] The Procurement for the Language Services Framework was undertaken via a Competitive Dialogue Process. The project board set the non-price evaluation criteria Mr Blunt: Prior to the start of the National Homicide as follows: Service in April 2010, there was little trauma and bereavement counselling available for victims and witnesses Criteria Percentage weighting of crime outside the NHS. This led to them being placed on NHS waiting lists. Service 30 Since the Homicide Service began in April 2010, Innovation 10 trauma and bereavement counselling has been available Quality 25 to those families bereaved by homicide who require it. It Assurance of Supply 30 is run by Victim Support and has a £600,000 commissioning Sustainability 5 budget from which it commissions trauma and bereavement counselling from three organisations: ASSIST Trauma Thereafter, the deciding factor was affordability and Care, Winston’s Wish and Cruse Bereavement Care. price. We would accept the lowest priced, affordable and compliant tender, ie there was a minimum threshold The Ministry of Justice has also provided additional for the non-price criteria above which the lowest priced funding directly to these trauma/bereavement counselling tender would be selected. This threshold was set at 80% providers to support people bereaved prior to the (representing an ″acceptable″ tender standard). Any introduction of the Homicide Service as detailed in the tenders received which did not meet this level following following table. Invitation to submit Detailed Solution were rejected. The financial assessment of Applied Language Solutions £ contains information that is commercially confidential Organisation 2010-111 2011-12 therefore cannot be provided. ASSIST Trauma 0 125,000 Care Trespass Winston’s Wish 65,307 76,771.13 Cruse Bereavement 0 15,000 Care Sajid Javid: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 1 Funding specifically for trauma/bereavement counselling was not if he will bring forward plans to create an offence of provided prior to 2010-11. intentional trespass to permit the removal of people occupying property without the landowner’s At present, these providers do not have waiting lists permission without the need for a court order. [95059] in place. Mr Blunt: The Government are considering how the The Homicide Service has made in excess of 400 law might be strengthened, but as yet no firm decisions referrals for trauma and bereavement counselling for have been made. Any changes would need to be considered families bereaved since April 2010. against other commitments in the coalition agreement— Other victims groups funded by the Department may including the right to peaceful protest—and resources provide trauma/bereavement counselling to victims and available to the police and justice authorities. witnesses of other crime types as part of the services In the meantime, the Government are proposing in they deliver but this funding would not specifically be the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders for trauma/bereavement counselling only. Bill to criminalise squatting in residential buildings. We hope that this will bring relief to those whose lives are blighted by having their homes occupied. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much funding his Department provided to each Victim Support Schemes organisation, including third sector organisations, which provided support services for victims of crime in the latest period for which figures are available. [95559] Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how much funding his Department has provided for counselling services for victims and witnesses of crime Mr Blunt: The following tables show the funding suffering from trauma or bereavement in each of the provided by the Ministry of Justice to organisations last five years; [95506] providing support to victims of crime in 2010-11: 625W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 626W

2010/11 2010/11 £ £

Victim Support 44.25 million Homicide Fund Escaping Victimhood 68,410 Victims Fund/Combined Fund (Sexual Violence) MAMAA UK 63,516 Sexual and Domestic Abuse and Rape Advice Centre 50,000 Roadpeace 19,841 (SARAC) The Lucie Blackman Trust 53,400 South Cumbria Rape and Abuse Service 37,025 Winston’s Wish 65,307 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (Cheshire and 41,269 Merseyside) Support for Victims of Human Trafficking Womankind, Bristol Women’s Therapy Centre 43,198 1 SALT South West 16,295 Eaves Housing for Women (POPPY Project) 1.85 million Migrant Helpline 49,880 Twelves Company 50,000 Miscellaneous Grants New Pathways 50,000 Brake 50,000 Survivors UK 50,000 SAMM National 140,000 Cornwall Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre 46,782 1£900,000 MOJ/£950,000 HO. CIS’ters (Childhood Incest Survivors) 50,000 RASASC Croydon 43,427 Incest and Sexual Abuse Survivors (ISAS) 35,985 Survivors’ Network 49,974 Contributions to other Government Departments Rape & Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre (Darlington 39,654 and County Durham) In addition to the above, the following contributions Tyneside Rape Crisis Centre 23,864 were made to other Departments to fund victim and Eva Women’s Aid 50,000 witness initiatives. Rape Crisis (Wycombe, Chiltern and South 49,950 2010/11 Buckinghamshire) £ Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (Cornwall) 50,000 1 Safeline 20,000 Home Office—Victim Surcharge contribution towards Hate 250,000 Crime and Homicide Victims Funds Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, RASASC 50,000 1 Guildford Homicide Fund now administered by MOJ. Northamptonshire Rape and Incest Crisis Centre 50,000 2010-11 Southampton Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse 49,991 Total spend (£) Counselling Service Including OGD contributions where appropriate 48,527,855 One In Four (UK) 49,990 Grimsby and Scunthorpe Rape Crisis 42,210 POW Nottingham 50,000 Rape and Sexual Violence Project (RSVP) 50,000 Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Rotherham Women’s Counselling service 50,000 how much funding he plans to allocate to each (a) peer Manchester Rape Crisis 11,940 support organisation for victims of crime and (b) third Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre 35,847 sector organisations supporting victims of crime his Respond 50,000 Department funds in each of the next three years. Doncaster Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling 49,863 [95560] Service Sheffield Women’s Counselling and Therapy Service 20,082 Safe and Sound Derby 47,543 Mr Blunt: The information is as follows: Gloucester Rape Crisis Centre (GRCC) 33,980 Crisis Point 50,000 (a) Many victims organisations provide an element of peer Women’s Support Network and Jigsaw 30,766 support as part of their work. We define peer support as support Worcester Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre 50,000 from providers who are able to demonstrate empathy for bereaved Spires 49,911 families through some personal experience. The Victims’ Commissioner’s report1 highlighted the contribution that peer Rugby RoSA 50,000 support organisations can play in supporting relatives bereaved Cambridge Rape Crisis Centre 47,508 by homicide before the Homicide Service was established in April Rape Crisis England and Wales 50,000 2010. We intend to run a specific peer support grants fund for The Survivors Trust 50,000 these organisations to allocate £250,000 in 2012-13 and £250,000 Bradford Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Survivors 50,000 in 2013-14. Organisations will be invited to apply for grants up to Service (BRC&SASS) £30,000 per year. Decisions on funding beyond 2013-14 have not Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC) 50,000 yet been made. Sexual Abuse and Incest Line (SAIL) 19,528 1 Review into the Needs of Families Bereaved by Homicide (July Kairos Women Working Together (Kairos WTT) 49,117 2011). Rape and Sexual Abuse (RASA) Centre Merseyside 50,000 (Sefton, Liverpool, Wirral, South Wirral) (b) The following table shows the funding which will be One25 50,000 provided by the Ministry of Justice to third sector organisations supporting victims of crime in the next three years: Karma Nirvana 37,500 Galop 39,302 Funding amount (£) Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Service 30,000 (Winchester) 2012-13 48,426,535.56 2013-14 48,623,676.52 627W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 628W

TREASURY Funding amount (£)

2014-15 1— Banks: Regulation 1 Spending plans not yet decided. Decisions on funding beyond 2013-14 have not yet been made. The recently published consultation, “Getting it right for victims and witnesses” sets out our intention to raise additional monies from Kate Green: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer offenders to be spent on new services for victims. It also proposes that police when the recommendations of the Independent and crime commissioners take on the role of commissioning victims’ services in their local area so they in future will determine the organisations which will be Commission on Banking will be implemented. [84104] funded, having made an assessment of the needs of victims in the community. Responsiveness to local circumstances will be a key benefit of the commissioning Mr Hoban: The Government have committed to have model that is being proposed and funding will be allocated to organisations that are able to meet local need as assessed by the police and crime commissioners. all primary and secondary legislation in place by the end of this Parliament in May 2015. Banks will be expected to comply as soon as possible thereafter, and Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice by 2019 at the latest, in line with the Basel III timetable. (1) whether he plans to allocate funding to the National The Government have already begun work on Victims’ Association; [95561] introducing the competition proposals, and are legislating (2) when he expects to announce the organisations for the objectives for the Financial Conduct Authority allocated funding for peer support organisations (FCA) in this Session as part of the Financial Services providing victims support services. [95563] Bill. The FCA is expected to be operational in 2013. Other competition measures do not require legislation and are being implemented by industry and through Mr Blunt: The National Victims’ Association (NVA) existing regulatory powers. The Lloyds divestment is a received £15,000 in 2011-12 to provide peer support to commercial matter for Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) families bereaved by homicide. We intend to run a and is for the bank itself to execute, provided it sticks to homicide peer support grants programme for the next the terms of state aid agreement with the European two financial years (2012-13 and 2013-14) which we Commission. plan to open to applications on 22 February 2012. The NVA will be invited to apply. Gemma Doyle: To ask the Chancellor of the We intend to announce the names of the successful Exchequer which teams in his Department had organisations in April 2012. responsibility for the Project Merlin agreement with the banks. [93201]

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Hoban: The work on the Project Merlin agreement how much funding he plans to provide to third sector has been led out of the Financial Services Group at HM organisations supporting the victims of crime in each Treasury. of the next five years. [95562] Charitable Donations: Higher Education Mr Blunt: The following table shows the funding which will be provided by the Ministry of Justice to Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Chancellor of the third sector organisations supporting victims of crime Exchequer what plans he has to introduce fiscal in the next three years: measures to encourage philanthropic giving to higher education institutions in England. [94361] Funding amount (£) Danny Alexander: The Government’s three-year matched 2011-12 148,516,614 funding scheme for voluntary giving has supported the 2012-13 48,426,535.56 higher education sector in diversifying its income and 2013-14 48,623,676.52 generate additional funding from charitable giving. During 2014-15 2— the three years of this scheme, around £580 million of 2015-16 2— eligible gifts have gone to England’s universities and 1 In 2011-12 the charity Victim Support will receive, in addition to its colleges. The Higher Education Funding Council for grant funding, a sum yet to be determined raised under the Prisoners’ England (HEFCE) will be reviewing progress in Earnings Act. Over the 12 month period from 26 September 2011 to philanthropic giving and will make recommendations 30 September 2012 Victim Support will receipt up to £1 million from to Government, the sector and donors on addressing this source. 2 Spending plans not yet decided. Decisions on funding beyond any further challenges in this area. Professor Shirley 2013-14 have not yet been made. The recently published consultation, Pearce (Vice Chancellor and President of Loughborough ″Getting it right for victims and witnesses″ sets out our intention to university) will chair the review which is scheduled to raise additional monies from offenders to be spent on new services for start in March and report in July 2012. victims. It also proposes that police and crime commissioners take on the role of commissioning victims’ services in their local area so they Many higher education institutions in England are in future will determine the organisations which will be funded, charities, and as such can already claim Gift Aid on having made an assessment of the needs of victims in the community. donations received. As charities, higher education institutions will also benefit from a range of measures Responsiveness to local circumstances will be a key announced at Budget 2011 to encourage charitable benefit of the commissioning model that is being proposed giving and to reduce administrative burdens on charities and funding will be allocated to organisations that are when claiming tax reliefs. These measures included a able to meet local need as assessed by the police and reduced rate of inheritance tax for estates leaving 10% crime commissioners. or more to charity. 629W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 630W

All tax reliefs are kept under review and any decisions Miss Chloe Smith: The Government are committed on new measures may be taken at fiscal events. to tackling the illicit trade in non-UK duty paid alcohol and cigarettes, including counterfeit products. Last year Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Chancellor of the it published a comprehensive new tobacco strategy which Exchequer what discussions he has had with the (a) is available at: Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills www.hmrc.gov.uk/news/tackling-tobacco.htm and (b) representatives of universities on provision of The Government’s strategy to tackle alcohol fraud was incentives to expand philanthropic giving to higher published in 2009, which is available at: education institutions in England. [94720] www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2009/tackling-alcohol-2850.pdf Danny Alexander: Treasury Ministers and officials These strategies seek to address the supply of illicit have discussions with a wide variety of organisations in alcohol and tobacco at both a national and local level. the public and private sectors. As was the case with Specifically in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire HMRC previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s has carried out targeted operations aimed at outlets for practice to provide details of all such discussions. untaxed and counterfeit products. This involved working with the police and Trading Standards Officers to visit Child Benefit retail, business and domestic premises removing potentially harmful goods from sale and wherever possible penalising those involved. Working together across agencies allows Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the a much wider range of powers and sanctions to be Exchequer how many claims for child benefit are applied, maximising the impact enforcement can have awaiting processing. [94458] on localised illicit activity. Mr Gauke: At the close of business on 27 January Crown Estate Commissioners 2012 the number of new child benefit claims awaiting processing was around 56,850. Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will allow the Crown Estate to borrow money Mark Menzies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the capital markets; and if he will make a statement; if he will estimate the potential administrative costs of [95436] assessing the combined income of a couple as opposed (2) if he will require the Crown Estate to invest in to assessing income on the basis of one partner’s tax (a) science, (b) life science, (c) commercial university- band in respect of child benefit. [94601] based and (d) social finance projects; and if he will make a statement. [95445] Mr Gauke: The Chancellor wanted to avoid a complex new means test for household income that would have Miss Chloe Smith: These activities are not permitted fundamentally changed the nature of child benefit. The under the Crown Estate Act 1961. policy will be administered through the tax system using existing PAYE and self-assessment systems. This Debts means that HMRC do not need to contact all 7.8 million households in receipt of child benefit. From a customer Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the perspective, this delivery option does not place a burden Exchequer how much household debt there was in each on all child benefit claimants; it limits the impact to of the regions in the UK in December 2011. [95037] those households containing a higher rate taxpayer. Miss Chloe Smith: Aggregate household debt in the Child Tax Credit UK was £1.55 trillion in Quarter 3 2011 Information about how this is distributed across regions is not Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the available. Exchequer whether parents who receive a one-off bonus from their employer which means their annual income Departmental Official Photographs falls into the higher income tax band will cease to be eligible for child tax credit under his Department’s Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer proposals; and if he will make a statement. [91434] (1) how many official photographs have been taken of (a) Ministers and (b) senior officials in his Mr Gauke [holding answer 24 January 2012]: The Department for use in Government publications since treatment and definitions of income used for tax credit May 2010; how many staff of his Department are purposes is generally the definition of income to be expected to undertake photography of the Ministerial used for income tax purposes. Entitlement to tax credits and senior leadership team as part of their duties; and is based on a family’s gross annual income which would if he will make a statement; [82565] include any bonuses paid by an employer. The rate of (2) when he plans to answer question 82565, on income tax is not relevant. official photographs, tabled on 21 November 2011 for answer on 23 November 2011. [87573] Counterfeit Manufacturing: Cambridgeshire Miss Chloe Smith: I apologise for the delay in responding Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Chancellor of the to the hon. Member’s questions. Exchequer what steps his Department has taken to There has been one official photo taken of an HM reduce the distribution of counterfeit alcohol and cigarettes Treasury Minister and three photos of senior officials in (a) Peterborough and (b) Cambridgeshire. [90224] for use in Government publications since May 2010. 631W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 632W

No staff within HM Treasury are expected to undertake (2) what the findings were of any regulatory impact photography as part of their duties. assessments of the European Commission’s proposed revision of the directive on deposit guarantee schemes; Departmental Procurement [94668] (3) pursuant to his answer of 19 January 2012, Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Official Report, column 947W, what plans he has to (1) what proportion of the total value of contracts consult the Treasury Select Committee on the revision issued or to be issued by his Department in 2011-12 of the directive on deposit guarantee schemes proposed have required successful organisations to put up a by the European Commission. [95124] capital bond; and if he will make a statement; [94907] (2) which contracts his Department has tendered or Mr Hoban: When EU legislation is being reviewed or will tender in 2011-12 which require successful prepared, responses by the UK authorities to a public organisations to have a capital bond of more than £5 consultation will be made available on the Commission million; which contracts have not required such a bond; website. When EU legislation is proposed an explanatory and if he will make a statement. [94927] memorandum is prepared outlining the Government’s views. A provisional assessment of the proposal is also Miss Chloe Smith: No contracts issued or to be issued prepared. These are public documents that are available by HM Treasury in 2011-12 have required or will require in the Library of the House. successful organisations to put up a capital bond. The impact assessment on the European Commission’s No contracts HM Treasury has tendered or expects proposed revision of the directive on deposit guarantee to tender in 2011-12 have required or will require successful schemes is available at: organisations to have a capital bond of more than £5 http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/bank/guarantee/ million. index_en.htm Departmental Training John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he has discussed with his EU counterparts Luciana Berger: To ask the Chancellor of the the revision of the directive on deposit guarantee Exchequer how many away days his Department has schemes proposed by the European Commission; held since May 2010; what the location was of each such away day; how many staff attended; and what the [94669] cost was of each such event. [93840] (2) how many meetings his Department has attended with European Commission officials on the proposed Miss Chloe Smith: The Department does not hold a revision of the directive on deposit guarantee schemes central record of individual team building events and in 2011. [94670] detailed information on the number of events, locations and the number of staff in attendance could be provided Mr Hoban: Ministers and officials, as part of the only at disproportionate cost. process of policy development and delivery, have meetings Total spending on all team building events for the with and receive representations from many European period 1 May 2010 to 31 December 2011 was £22,800. and international counterparts, and a wide variety of Spending covering the 2009-10 financial year was £185,200. organisations and individuals in the public and private sector. As was the case with previous Administrations, EU Budget it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of all such meetings and representations. Mr Cash: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the circumstances in John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which the Government would decline to pay any pursuant to his answer of 19 January 2012, Official further money to the EU in respect of any shortfall in Report, columns 946-9W, on financial services: EU law, the EU budget. [95615] what his policy is on the revision of the directive on investor compensation schemes proposed by the Mr Hoban: The UK is required to make its contributions European Commission. [95603] under obligations imposed by the treaties. The European Communities Act 1972, and Section 2 in particular, Mr Hoban: When EU legislation is being reviewed or gives effect within the UK to Community law. prepared, responses by the UK authorities to a public The Government remain committed to delivering consultation will be made available on the Commission real budgetary restraint at EU level, having successfully website. When EU legislation is proposed an explanatory frozen the 2012 EU budget in real terms. The European memorandum is prepared outlining the Government’s Commission needs to manage any additional spending views. A provisional assessment of the proposal is also pressures within existing budgets. This is a task that prepared. These are public documents that are available national governments face every day and the EU must in the Library of the House. make the same tough decisions. John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Financial Services: EU Law pursuant to the answer of 19 January 2012, Official Report, columns 946-9W, on financial services: EU law, John Mann: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what communications he has received from industry (1) what his policy is on the revision of the directive on on the revision of the directive on investor compensation deposit guarantee schemes proposed by the European schemes proposed by the European Commission in (a) Commission; [94667] November and (b) December 2011; [95604] 633W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 634W

(2) whether he has discussed with his EU colleagues Incentives the revision of the directive on investor compensation schemes proposed by the European Commission. Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer [95605] how much he expects board members at the (a) Financial Conduct Authority, (b) Prudential Regulation Authority Mr Hoban: Ministers and officials, as part of the and (c) Bank of England to be paid in (i) 2012-13 and process of policy development and delivery, have meetings (ii) 2013-14 in (A) salary, (B) bonuses and (C) incentive with and receive representations from many European schemes; and if he will make a statement. [94878] and international counterparts, and a wide variety of organisations and individuals in the public and private sector. As was the case with previous Administrations, Mr Hoban: The remuneration arrangements for members it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of of the Bank of England’s court of directors are detailed all such meetings and representations. in the Bank’s annual report, which is available on the Bank’s website at: Fossil Fuels: Reserves http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/publications/annualreport/ 2011/remuneration2011.pdf Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the The Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) and the Exchequer what assessment he has made of progress Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will be established on the identification of carbon bubbles in the financial under provisions in the Financial Services Bill, currently investment system. [92855] before Parliament. The Bill provides for remuneration of board members Mr Hoban: In anticipation of the Financial Services of the PRA to be set by the Court of the Bank of Bill which is currently before Parliament, the Government England, reflecting the PRA’s status as a subsidiary of have established the interim Financial Policy Committee the Bank of England. The Bill provides for the Treasury under the chairmanship of the Governor of the Bank to determine remuneration of non-executive appointed of England to identify and monitor systemic risks to members of the FCA board and for the FCA to determine the financial system. The interim Financial Policy the remuneration of executive appointed members. Committee is aware of this issue and the Bank of England will explore this further with market participants. It is anticipated that details of directors’ remuneration for the new bodies will be published annually, in line Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with standard corporate practice. what discussions he has had with the Governor of the Bank of England on the merits of the Financial Policy Income Tax: Bexley Committee examining the implications of over-exposure to high-carbon assets by London-listed companies. Mr Evennett: To ask the Chancellor of the [92856] Exchequer how many people resident in the London borough of Bexley pay income tax at (a) 20 per cent., Mr Hoban: The Chancellor of the Exchequer meets (b) 40 per cent. and (c) 50 per cent. [93049] regularly with the Governor of the Bank of England to discuss a range of subjects relating to financial stability and other issues. In line with established practice details Mr Gauke: Estimates of the number of taxpayers in of these meetings are not made public. the London borough of Bexley, categorised by their highest marginal tax rate for 2007-08, the latest year for HM Revenue and Customs: Telephone Services which detailed survey data is available, are provided in the following table. Alex Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the London borough of Bexley 2007-08 Exchequer what steps HM Revenue and Customs has Marginal tax rate Number of taxpayers (thousand) taken to tackle staff turnover and low morale at its Starting rate 12 contact centres. [92384] Basic rate 95 Mr Gauke: Staff turnover in HMRC’s contact centres, Higher rate 16 as measured by attrition rates, has fallen in recent years All taxpayers 123 Note: from 19.6% in the year ended 31 March 2009 to 8.3% in Table shows number of taxpayers by their highest marginal tax rate. the year ended 31 March 2011. Source: Survey of Personal Incomes, 2007-08 Results from the latest departmental people survey See: show a 6 percentage point increase in the overall employee http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_distribution/inc-distribution-note.pdf engagement index. HMRC has put in place a range of Projections of taxpayer numbers by marginal rate to actions to enable it to continue to build on the progress 2011-12 are available for the UK and each Government it has started to make in this area. These include: office region on the HMRC website in tables 2.1 and Identification and analysis of the underlying factors across the 2.2, at the following addresses: Department that have an effect on employee engagement. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_tax/table2-1.pdf Setting out clearly the expectations that HMRC has of its people and what they can expect to receive in return for their hard http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_tax/table2-2.pdf work and commitment. The projections are not available at lower levels of Focusing on leadership and organisational structure and design. geography, due to greater uncertainties in making Developing a customer-centric business strategy that provides projections for small geographical areas and small sample clarity on HMRC’s direction over the next four years. sizes. 635W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 636W

Income Tax: Overpayments the number of individual savings account holders who have ISAs with a market value of (a) £15,000 to Mr David Davis: To ask the Chancellor of the £19,999, (b) £20,000 to £29,999, (c) £30,000 to £49,999, Exchequer what estimate his Department has made of (d) £50,000 to £99,999, (e) £100,000 to £199,999, (f) the number of people who have (a) overpaid and (b) £200,000 to £499,999, (g) £500,000 to £999,999 and underpaid income tax in (i) Haltemprice and Howden (h) £1,000,000 who had incomes of (i) £0 to £4,999, (ii) constituency, (ii) East Yorkshire and (iii) Yorkshire and £5,000 to £9,999, (iii) £10,000 to £19,999, (iv) £20,000 to Humber in each of the last five years. [95583] £29,999, (v) £30,000 to £49,999, (vi) £50,000 to £99,999 Mr Gauke: The information requested could be provided and (vii) £100,000 or more in (A) 2008-09 and (B) only at disproportionate cost as the relevant HMRC 2009-10. [95579] systems do not include details of taxpayers’ parliamentary constituency. Individual Savings Accounts Mr Hoban: The following table contains the information requested in relation to the latest year for which statistical Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Chancellor of the estimates are available. Exchequer what information his Department holds on

Individual savings accounts (ISA) 2008-09 Thousand Market Values (lower and upper limits) £15,000 to £20,000 to £30,000 to £50,000 to £100,000 to £200,000 to £500,000 to £1 million or Range of income £19,999 £29,999 £49,999 £99,999 £199,999 £499,999 £999,999 more

£0 to £4,999 217 127 137 41 8 1 1— 1— £5,000 to £9,999 336 278 289 115 16 2 1— 1— £10,000 to £19,999 715 516 555 204 34 4 1— 1— £20,000 to £29,999 364 280 301 126 23 2 1— 1— £30,000 to £49,999 312 260 267 126 27 5 1— 1— £50,000 to £99,999 163 142 177 70 20 3 1— 1— £100,000 or more 66 72 92 56 19 4 1— 1— 1 Information in respect of ISA market values above £500,000 is not separately available because of the limitations of the statistical sample from which the analysis has been drawn. However, fewer than 500 individuals are estimated to be .represented in each of the separate ISA market value categories taking all the income ranges together.

Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Chancellor of the (2) if he will bring forward proposals to require Exchequer what the (a) median and (b) mean market insurance companies to publish indications by (a) value was of individual savings accounts held by people council ward and (b) postcode of the difference in cost with incomes of (i) £0 to £4,999, (ii) £5,000 to £9,999, of similar insurance policies; and if he will make a (iii) £10,000 to £19,999, (iv) £20,000 to £29,999, (v) statement; [93609] £30,000 to £49,999, (vi) £50,000 to £99,999 and (vii) (3) what assessment he has made of the extent to £100,000 or more per annum at the end of (A) 2008-09 which insurance costs are higher for those living in the and (B) 2009-10. [95580] poorest 5% of local authority wards; and if he will make a statement. [90736] Mr Hoban: The following table contains the information requested in relation to the latest year for which statistical estimates are available. Mr Hoban: In general, the Government do not require businesses to publish data relating to the geographical Individual Savings Account (ISA) market values: 2008-09 distribution of their customers. Excessive reporting £ requirements impose cost burdens on businesses which Median ISA market Average ISA market are eventually paid for by consumers. The Government Range of income value value are committed to reducing the burden of regulation on £0 to £4,999 3,700 9,000 business. £5,000 to £9,999 5,800 11,900 However, officials do take available distributional £10,000 to £19,999 6,400 12,200 statistics into account in the course of policy development £20,000 to £29,999 5,100 11,700 where relevant, including on the take-up of insurance. £30,000 to £49,999 6,700 13,300 Insurers often use location as a risk factor when £50,000 to £99,999 10,100 17,500 calculating the price for some products, such as home or £100,000 or more 13,800 24,500 motor insurance. While, in itself, location does not Insurance determine whether or not a person will make a claim, it can be an accurate indicator of the likelihood of a claim. For example the risks of crime, collisions, volume Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer of personal injury claims and uninsured drivers all (1) if he will bring forward proposals to require correlate with location. insurance companies to disclose by (a) council ward and (b) postcode how many people in each such area However, insurers also use their claims experience hold (i) house, (ii) contents, (iii) car, (iv) life and (v) and other industry-wide statistics to assess the risks other forms of insurance with them; and if he will posed by an individual and set the terms and price at make a statement; [94603] which they will offer insurance cover. As such, direct 637W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 638W comparisons between policies can be challenging and it Network Rail: Debts is not always practical to separate out the impact of location. Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Chancellor of the Manufacturing Industries: Loans Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with (1) the (a) National Audit Office and (b) Secretary of Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Chancellor of the State for Transport on Network Rail’s debt being Exchequer if his Department will consider bringing reclassified as on-balance rather than private; [95405] forward proposals to encourage banks to lend to (2) the Secretary of State for Transport on Network advanced manufacturers. [88328] Rail’s debt. [95406]

Mr Hoban: The Government recognise that businesses Danny Alexander: Treasury Ministers and officials are fundamental to the economic recovery and this is have regular discussions with their counterparts in other why we are taking action to support them to ensure they Government Departments and external bodies as part have the access to the finance they need in order to of the process of policy development and delivery. grow. It is a matter for the independent Office for National At the autumn statement of 29 November 2011, Statistics to determine the most appropriate classification Official Report, columns 799-810, the Chancellor of the of organisations such as Network Rail. Exchequer announced a package of credit easing interventions worth up to £21 billion to improve the flow of credit to businesses that do not have ready Non-Domestic Rates: East Midlands access to capital markets, with scope to increase the scale of this package in future if necessary, including: A National Loan Guarantee Scheme (NLGS) which will lead Mr Robin Walker: To ask the Chancellor of the to reductions in the cost of bank loans for smaller businesses Exchequer (1) how many outstanding appeals on (those with turnover of up to £50 million). The scheme will allow decisions on business rate revaluation remain from the banks to raise up to £20 billion of funding with a government 2005 valuation in (a) Worcester constituency, (b) guarantee, to lend directly to smaller businesses at a lower cost. In Worcestershire and (c) the west midlands; [92163] many cases this will lead to a reduction of up to one percentage point on business loan rates. More information regarding the (2) how many appeals against decisions on business NLGS will be announced at Budget. rate revaluation from the 2010 valuation have been A Business Finance Partnership (BFP), initially of £1 billion, made in (a) Worcester constituency, (b) to deliver additional finance to mid-sized businesses through Worcestershire and (c) the west midlands. [92164] non-bank lending channels. The BFP will initially co-invest, with private sector investors like insurance companies, in loan funds that will lend directly to mid-sized businesses. Mr Gauke: Official statistics published by the Valuation Office Agency show numbers of challenges in the following National Insurance Contributions tables. 2005 rating list David Miliband: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Outstanding challenges Outstanding challenges what revenue accrued to the Exchequer from national at 31 March 2011 at 31 December 2011 insurance contributions paid by (a) employers and (b) employees in respect of the employment of a person West 10,500 8,460 midlands less than 25 years of age. [92509] Worcestershire 890 n/a

Mr Gauke: The amount of national insurance 2010 rating list contributions payable in respect of individuals under 25 Challenges received Challenges received years of age in 2009-10 is shown in the following table: 1 April 2010 to 31 1 April 2011 to March 2011 31 December 2011 £ billion West 21,380 11,210 midlands Employee NICs 2.3 Worcestershire 2,390 n/a Employer NICs 2.6 Estimates are based on a 1% sample of NICs and Breakdowns by county and administrative area are PAYE service data. only provided on a financial year basis due to sparseness of the data, and will be added to the release in May National Insurance Contributions: Young People following the end of the 2011-12 financial year. Dr Thérèse Coffey: To ask the Chancellor of the Equivalent statistics broken down by parliamentary Exchequer how much employers’ national insurance constituency can be provided only at disproportionate was received for employees who were 18 years or under cost. in (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11. [94585] Outstanding challenges against the 2005 list and challenges received against 2010 list, as at 31 March Mr Gauke: The amount of employer’s national insurance 2011, are taken from Tables 7.4 and 3.2 respectively and contributions payable in respect of individuals aged 18 can be found in the following location: and under was £80 million in 2009-10. Estimates are http://www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/statisticalReleases/ based on a 1% sample of NICs and PAYE Service data. localRatingListChallenges.html Figures for 2010-11 are not available. (12 May 2011) 639W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 640W

Outstanding challenges against the 2005 list and Miss Chloe Smith: HM Treasury has not made any challenges received against the 2010 list, as at 31 December non-consolidated performance-related pay awards to 2011, are taken from Tables 7.4 and 2.2 respectively and secondees or interims since May 2010. can be found in the following location: http://www.voa.gov.uk/corporate/statisticalReleases/ John Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the 120119_LocalRatingListChallenges.html Exchequer what the monetary value was of non- (19 January 2012) consolidated performance-related payments made to commercial specialists at HM Revenue and Customs at PAYE each year end since May 2010. [94964]

Paul Uppal: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Gauke: HMRC operates two bonus arrangements: what his policy is on developing the PAYE Real Time Performance awards tied to the annual performance for delegated Information project; and if he will make a statement. grades (AA to Grade 6) and senior civil servants (SCS); and [94428] A recognition bonus scheme for delegated grades which recognises exceptional in year performance. This scheme is not open to Mr Gauke: The policy on developing PAYE Real members of the SCS. Time Information (RTI) is to provide a 21st century The value of non-consolidated performance-related PAYE system making it easier for employers, pension payments made to HMRC commercial specialists: providers and HMRC to administer and more accurate In financial year 2010-11 relating to performance in 2009/10 for individuals. was £18,186. RTI will also support the operation of universal In financial year 2011-12 relating to performance in 2010-11 credit—the Government’s flagship welfare programme—by was £27,171. providing up to date information about employment Personal Pensions and pension income so that the claimants’ welfare payments can be adjusted to reflect their circumstances. Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what plans he has to require more transparent Paul Uppal: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer information on private pension fund companies to be what recent representations he has received on the provided; and if he will make a statement; [88524] development of the PAYE Real Time Information (2) what steps he plans to take to increase project; and if he will make a statement. [94463] transparency in the charges, fees and commissions paid by consumers on private pensions; and if he will make Mr Gauke: Treasury Ministers receive a wide range of a statement; [88761] representation on tax policy and operational issues. (3) if he will ask the Financial Services Authority to PAYE Real Time Information represents a significant investigate the (a) level of competition, (b) fees or reform to the PAYE system and has therefore been commissions paid by consumers and (c) accuracy of raised by a broad range of stakeholders including the information provided to consumers in the private pensions accountancy profession, payroll providers and the banking industry. [88633] industry. As was the case with previous administrations, it is not the Government’s practice to provide details of Mr Hoban: The Government welcome recent initiatives, all such discussions. involving the National Association of Pension Funds Pensions and other stakeholders with an interest in pension provision, to develop an industry code of practice to support greater transparency in the charges made on Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer workplace pensions. with reference to the Autumn Statement, what discussions he has had with pension funds on the allocation of The regulation of private pension products, providers funding for infrastructure under his memorandum of and schemes is a matter for the Financial Services understanding with pension funds; how many pension Authority (FSA) and the Pensions Regulator. The FSA’s funds have signed up to provide such funding; and how Retail Distribution Review (RDR) is examining the much funding he has allocated in each year of the transparency and fairness of fees and charges across the current Parliament under the memorandum of financial advice landscape and as part of its ongoing understanding. [94687] work has published new rules that will come into force on 31 December 2012. Danny Alexander: The Treasury is currently in discussions Public Sector: Manpower with the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) and the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) to develop a Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Pension Infrastructure Platform which will be wholly pursuant to the answer of 24 October 2011, Official owned by UK Pension Funds. Report, column 20W, on employment: public sector, A public update of progress will be published at the what the details are of his plan to actively monitor Budget. potential workforce reductions; and what steps he plans to take as a result of such monitoring. [81841] Performance Related Pay Danny Alexander: The ONS publishes quarterly statistics John Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on public sector employment including levels of what the maximum end of year non-consolidated employment in the public and private sectors. The latest performance-related pay award was for secondees and release can be found at: interim staff in his Department since May 2010. [94960] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171778_232222.pdf 641W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 642W

HM Treasury does not centrally manage changes to opened into the schemes of the type described in public sector work forces. It is for individual employers Spotlight 10: Stamp Duty Land Tax Avoidance since to decide what would be the most cost-effective work May 2010; [94956] force to enable them to deliver public services and live (2) on how many occasions stamp duty land tax within their spending review settlements. returns have been submitted and full disclosure of the Employers have been reforming their work forces use of an avoidance scheme been made. [94957] since the spending review, to make the necessary savings and maximise value for money within their settlements. Miss Chloe Smith: HMRC does not publish detailed Different work forces have approached the task in different information which might prejudice the effective conduct ways, for example, in the civil service a recruitment of its compliance activities. An inquiry will be opened freeze has been in place since May last year. into a land transaction return in every case where it appears that an avoidance scheme has been used. A Social Investment Task Force disclosure may be received in the absence of a return: in this case a determination of the tax due will be issued.

Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Stamp Duty Land Tax: Tax Avoidance what assessment he has made of the recommendations of the Final Report of the Social Investment Task Force, April 2010; and if he will make a statement. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the [90739] Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 12 January 2012, Official Report, column 389W, on stamp duty land tax: Miss Chloe Smith: Since the publication of the Final tax avoidance, what the policy of HM Revenue and Report of the Social Investment Task Force in April Customs (HMRC) is in respect of insurance policies 2010, the Government have made substantial progress which protect a purchaser against the possibility of in implementing its three main recommendations. HMRC pursuing them for stamp duty land tax on the full amount paid for a property. [94958] In September 2010, the Ministry of Justice launched the world’s first social impact bond, which aims to reduce re-offending at Peterborough prison. Miss Chloe Smith: Any such insurance policies would Work to establish a social investment wholesaler, Big Society be a commercial matter between the user of an avoidance Capital, is now almost complete. We expect the institution to scheme and the scheme provider or insurer. become fully operational very shortly. The Government will re-notify Community Investment Tax Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the Relief to the European Commission and are currently consulting Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 12 January 2012, in advance of re-notification on how the scheme can be made Official Report, column 389W, on stamp duty land tax: more effective. tax avoidance, if he will place in the Library a copy of All of these steps form part of the Government’s the analysis which shows that tax avoidance schemes overall strategy for growing the social investment market. are not effective in reducing stamp duty land tax Full details were published in February 2011, and the liability. [94959] strategy document is available at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/growing- Miss Chloe Smith: As this analysis relies on legal social-investment-market-vision-and-strategy advice which is subject to legal professional privilege, I amunabletodoso. Solar Power: Feed-in Tariffs Student Loans Company: Pay Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of potential changes in Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Chancellor of the levels of revenue to the Exchequer arising from the Exchequer what his estimate is of the costs of proposed reduction in solar photovoltaic feed-in tariffs. unwinding the arrangements for remunerating the chief executive of the Student Loans Company; and if he [85252] will estimate the potential costs of unwinding any similar remuneration arrangements within the public Miss Chloe Smith: While there is likely to be some service. [94587] reduction in revenues from the solar sector due to the proposed reduction on solar PV tariffs, this will be Mr Willetts: I have been asked to reply on behalf of offset against the higher electricity costs, and so reduced the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. economic activity and lower tax revenues, that would otherwise result in the rest of the economy. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has agreed that for the remainder of the chief executive’s contract SLC Raising taxes by transferring money from consumers will account for PAYE and NI at source. The chief to those installing solar PV through over generous executive’s salary level will not change. subsidies is not fair, efficient or sustainable tax policy. The Government have not estimated the cost of unwinding any similar arrangements within the public Stamp Duty Land Tax sector. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, my right hon. Friend the Member for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch Chi Onwurah: To ask the Chancellor of the and Strathspey (Danny Alexander) has announced a Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 17 January 2012, review which will examine the extent to which such Official Report, column 708W, on stamp duty land tax arrangements are in use across the public sector and (1) how many inquiries HM Revenue and Customs has make appropriate recommendations. 643W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 644W

Tax Allowances: Pensions The proportion of the reduction which relates to individuals with incomes over £150,000 is 86% in the case of the annual allowance. Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 18 July 2011, There is no detailed breakdown of the proportion for Official Report, column 541W, on tax allowances the lifetime allowance but it is expected to be similar. pensions, what proportion of income tax relief on contributions accrues to, or is expected to accrue to, Tax Avoidance individuals with an annual income of (a) up to £19,999, (b) between £20,000 and £44,999, (c) Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Chancellor of the between £45,000 and £74,999, (d) between £75,000 and Exchequer what advice is issued by his Department on £99,999, (e) between £100,000 and £149,999 and (f) the use of tax avoidance devices and personal service over £150,000 in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) companies by (a) individual Government Departments, 2012-13. [95617] (b) senior civil servants and (c) departmental agencies. [95181] Mr Hoban: The proportion of income tax relief on pension contributions for the given income ranges, and Danny Alexander: Guidance on the use of tax advisers years, is provided in the following table: and tax avoidance is provided in Managing Public Percentage of income tax relief on contributions Money, paragraphs 4.2.6 to 4.2.7 Income bands 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/mpm_ch4.pdf Managing Public Money applies to all central Government £0-£19,999 7 7 6 organisations and civil servants. £20,000-£44,999 29 31 30 £45,000-£74,999 26 31 32 £75,000-£99,999 7 8 8 Tax Credit £100,000- 888 £149,999 Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer over £150,000 22 15 15 pursuant to the answer of 23 January 2012, Official All 100 100 100 Report, column 41W,on working tax credit: Shrewsbury, what estimate he has made of how many households in The effect of the reductions in the annual allowance each (a) parliamentary constituency and (b) local in 2011-12 and lifetime allowance from 2012-13 are authority will no longer be entitled to tax credits following reflected in the table as they mostly relate to individuals the introduction of changes to credits from April 2012. with incomes over £150,000. [92158]

Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Gauke: The information requested has been deposited Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 18 July 2011, in the Library of the House. Official Report, column 541W, on tax allowances pensions, if he will update the table published by HM The Plan For Growth Revenue and Customs referred to in the answer for 2010-11; and if he will publish equivalent forecasts for Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the 2011-12 and 2012-13. [95618] Exchequer if he will estimate the likely contribution to growth made by each of the 137 supply-side measures Mr Hoban: The table 7.9 that is referred to in the set out in The Plan for Growth in (a) 2011-12, (b) answer of 18 July 2011, Official Report, column 541W, 2012-13, (c) 2013-14 and (d) 2014-15. [95160] on tax allowances pensions, is scheduled to be updated and published on the 27 February 2012 on the HMRC Miss Chloe Smith: The Office for Budget Responsibility website. (OBR) is responsible for producing independent economic However, table 1.5 on the HMRC website does provide and fiscal forecasts. a forecast for income tax relief for registered pensions The Government are implementing a wide reaching for the years 2010-11 and 2011-12 and can be found at: programme of structural reforms. Work has started on http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/tax_expenditures/table1-5.xls all 137 commitments in “The Plan for Growth” and substantial progress has been made. Building on this, Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Chancellor of the the Government announced further action in the autumn Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 18 July 2011, statement to accelerate their supply side reforms to Official Report, column 541W, on tax allowances invest in infrastructure, support enterprise and build a pensions, what proportion of the £4 billion per annum stronger and more balanced economy. reduction in the cost of relief from the reductions in the annual allowance in 2011-12 and lifetime allowance UK Farm Finance Group from 2012-13 is forecast to relate to individuals with incomes over £150,000. [95619] Chris Ruane: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether (a) he and (b) officials in his Department Mr Hoban: The reductions in the annual allowance have had recent discussions with US financial introduced in 2011-12 and the lifetime allowance from regulators regarding UK Farm Finance Group and 2012-13 were forecast to reduce the cost of relief by Commercial First Burgess Salmond; and if he will around £4 billion per annum. make a statement. [94842] 645W Written Answers20 FEBRUARY 2012 Written Answers 646W

Mr Hoban: Treasury Ministers and officials have This policy is part of a range of reforms to the tax discussions with a wide variety of organisations in the credits system announced at the spending review. public and private sectors as part of the process of Estimating the number of households impacted by policy development and delivery. As was the case with an individual measure does not give a clear indication previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s of the full monetary impact on an individual household. practice to provide details of such discussions. The Government have published estimates of the Welfare Tax Credits distributional impact of the packages of announced tax and benefit measures on the June Budget and Spending Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the Review 2010 which can be found at: Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 11 January 2012, http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/junebudget_annexa.pdf Official Report, column 303W, on tax credit, how many http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/sr2010_annexb.pdf tax credit claims were awaiting processing on 5 January 2012. [94460] Written Questions: Government Responses Mr Gauke: At the close of business on 5 January 2012 there were around 44,500 new tax credit claims to be processed. Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to answer questions (a) 77333, (b) Working Tax Credit 82565 and (c) 87573; and if he will explain the reasons for the time taken. [95567] Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what (1) saving to the public purse he expects as a result of the reduction from 80 per cent. to Miss Chloe Smith: PQ number 77333 was answered 70 per cent. in the proportion of childcare costs on 9 February 2011, Official Report, column 356W. PQ covered by the childcare element of working tax credits numbers 82565 and 87573 have been answered today. in the year to April 2012; [95422] (2) estimate he has made of the number of Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer households that have suffered a loss as a result of the when he expects to answer Questions (a) 88761, (b) reduction in the proportion of childcare costs covered 88633, (c) 88524, (d) 90739 and (e) 90736; and if he by the childcare element of working tax credits from 80 will explain the time taken in answering these per cent. to 70 per cent.; and what the average loss has questions. [95587] been. [95571] Mr Hoban: Questions (a) 88761, (b) 88633, (c) Miss Chloe Smith: The savings from reducing the 88254, (d) 90739 and (e) 90736 have been answered proportion of child care costs covered by the child care today. element of working tax credits can be found on page 16 of the policy costing document for the Spending Review 2010: Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to answer question 91434 http://cdn.hm-treasury.gov.uk/sr2010_policycostings.pdf tabled on 18 January 2012 for answer on 24 January The savings from this policy are inserted here: 2012. [95568]

Savings Mr Gauke: I have today replied to the hon. Member’s 2011-12 +370 question and I apologise for the delay in responding. 2012-13 +430 2013-14 +465 2014-15 +500 [Continued in Column 647W] ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 20 February 2012

Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE...... 587 DEFENCE—continued Arctic Convoy Veterans...... 599 Falkland Islands...... 596 Carrier Programme ...... 601 Falkland Islands (Argentine Forces) ...... 598 Contracts (Small Businesses)...... 588 Medical Emergency Response Team (Helmand) .... 590 Defence Exports...... 591 Olympics (Security)...... 592 Defence Munitions Beith ...... 595 Pakistan and Afghanistan...... 600 Defence Science and Technology ...... 599 Redundancies (Armed Forces) ...... 594 Departmental Budget...... 587 Topical Questions ...... 602 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 20 February 2012

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 57WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE— EU Competitiveness Council ...... 57WS continued Zimbabwe (EU Restrictive Measures) ...... 67WS COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 61WS JUSTICE...... 68WS Work of the Department (Half-term Recess) ...... 61WS Transforming Bailiff Action...... 68WS

DEFENCE...... 64WS TREASURY ...... 58WS Reservists (London Olympic and Paralympic Criminal Sanctions Directive on Market Abuse..... 58WS Games) ...... 64WS ECOFIN...... 59WS Red Diesel (Private Pleasure Craft) ...... 61WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 65WS WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 69WS UK/France Summit ...... 65WS Workplace Pension Reform...... 69WS PETITIONS

Monday 20 February 2012

Col. No. Col. No. TRANSPORT ...... 3P TRANSPORT—continued Dartford Crossing...... 3P Keynsham Railway Station Access...... 4P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 20 February 2012

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 543W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Crown Prosecution Service...... 543W Google ...... 550W Departmental Procurement...... 543W Graduates: Cumbria ...... 550W Freedom of Information ...... 543W Green Investment Bank ...... 551W Police: Ports ...... 544W Higher Education...... 551W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 552W Higher Education: Applications...... 553W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 544W Higher Education: Finance ...... 554W Apprentices: Greater London ...... 544W Higher Education: Part-time Education...... 553W Business ...... 545W Higher Education: Portsmouth ...... 555W Business: Closures...... 545W Higher Education: Private Sector...... 555W Business: Regulation ...... 546W Higher Education: Research ...... 556W Copyright: Economic Growth...... 547W Higher Education: Scholarships...... 556W Copyright: Higher Education...... 547W Higher Education: Yorkshire and the Humber...... 558W Credit: Insurance ...... 547W Influenza: International Cooperation ...... 557W Departmental Air Travel ...... 548W Innovation ...... 558W Departmental Procurement...... 548W Nuclear Power...... 559W Departmental Work Experience...... 548W Regional Assistance: Northern Ireland ...... 559W EU External Trade: Peru...... 549W Student Loan Company...... 560W European Fighter Aircraft: India ...... 549W Student Loan Company: Finance ...... 561W Flexible Working...... 549W Student Loan Company: Manpower...... 561W Further Education: Higher Education ...... 550W Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT—continued Student Loan Company: Pay ...... 561W Olympic Games 2012: Interpreters...... 590W Students: Fees and Charges...... 562W Olympic Games 2012: Tickets...... 590W Taxation: Senior Civil Servants ...... 562W Olympic Games 2012: Yorkshire and the Humber . 592W Technology and Innovation Centres...... 562W Performing Arts: Young People ...... 593W UK Trade and Investment: Visits Abroad ...... 563W Postage Stamps ...... 593W Unemployment ...... 563W Public Libraries...... 593W Venture Capital...... 564W Royal Family: Finance ...... 594W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 564W S4C ...... 595W Tickets ...... 595W CABINET OFFICE...... 595W 10 Downing Street: Catering ...... 595W DEFENCE...... 462W Advisory Services: Finance ...... 595W Air Training Corps...... 462W Childbirth ...... 596W Armed Forces: Deployment ...... 463W Communities First Fund...... 597W Armed Forces: Health Professions ...... 463W Community Development Fund ...... 597W Armed Forces: Housing Benefit ...... 464W Company Finance...... 598W Armed Forces: Lancashire ...... 464W Departmental Procurement...... 599W Armed Forces: Manpower ...... 465W Departmental Training ...... 600W Armed Forces: Schools ...... 465W Email: Department for Education...... 599W Defence...... 465W Exports: EU Countries ...... 599W Defence: Innovation...... 466W Government Departments: Procurement ...... 601W Defence: Technology...... 466W Identity Cards: Photography...... 601W Departmental Billing ...... 466W New Businesses: South East...... 602W Departmental Food...... 467W Private Sector: Employment...... 602W Departmental Procurement...... 467W Public Sector: Industrial Disputes...... 602W Military Aircraft: Procurement ...... 468W Public Sector: Leave...... 603W Military Bases: Kirknewton ...... 469W Senior Civil Servants: Pay ...... 603W Military Bases: Northern Ireland...... 469W Student Loans Company: Pay...... 603W NATO...... 470W Vacancies ...... 604W Piracy...... 470W Voluntary Work: Young People...... 604W RAF Kinloss...... 471W Reserve Forces: Finance...... 471W CHURCH COMMISSIONERS ...... 462W Reserve Forces: Olympic Games 2012...... 471W Metals: Theft ...... 462W Trident Submarines...... 472W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 473W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 576W Aerials: Planning Permission ...... 576W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 539W Affordable Housing...... 576W Returning Officers...... 539W Affordable Housing: Worcester ...... 577W Returning Officers: Pay...... 539W Departmental Manpower...... 577W Returning Officers: Qualifications...... 540W Empty Dwelling Management Orders...... 578W Returning Officers: Working Hours ...... 540W Ex-servicemen...... 578W Titles Deprivation Act 1917 ...... 541W Fire Services: Wirral...... 579W Housing: Water...... 579W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 473W Housing: Worcester...... 580W Carbon Emissions...... 473W Incinerators: North Yorkshire...... 580W Carbon Sequestration ...... 473W Local Government: Pensions ...... 580W Climate Change ...... 474W Mayors: Referendum...... 581W Departmental Recruitment ...... 475W Mobile Homes ...... 581W Electricity: Prices ...... 475W Mortgages: First-Time Buyers ...... 582W Energy: Expenditure ...... 476W Mortgages: Government Assistance...... 583W Energy: Planning Permission ...... 476W Non-domestic Rates: Uprating ...... 583W Fife Energy Park: Expenditure...... 476W Planning Permission ...... 583W Green Deal...... 476W Race Relations ...... 583W Green Deal Scheme: Job Creation...... 478W Right to Buy Scheme ...... 585W Housing: Insulation ...... 478W Sustainable Communities Act 2007...... 585W Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000...... 478W Travellers: Caravan Sites ...... 585W Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs...... 479W Urban Areas: Regeneration...... 586W Renewable Energy: Heating ...... 479W Warm Front Scheme: Doncaster ...... 480W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 586W Warm Home Discount Scheme ...... 480W Arts: Finance ...... 586W Broadband ...... 587W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Broadband: Scotland ...... 587W AFFAIRS...... 480W Broadcasting ...... 587W Animal Welfare: Circuses...... 480W Clothing: Design...... 588W Birds: Antarctic...... 481W Diamond Jubilee 2012...... 588W Bovine Tuberculosis: Disease Control...... 482W Football ...... 588W British Waterways: Canal and River Trust ...... 482W Football: Clubs ...... 588W Chinese Mitten Crabs ...... 483W Libraries ...... 589W Coastal Areas: Access ...... 483W Local Broadcasting: Radio...... 590W Crayfish ...... 484W Olympic Games 2012: Cycling ...... 590W Dangerous Dogs ...... 484W Col. No. Col. No. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS— HOME DEPARTMENT—continued continued Crime Prevention: Chemicals...... 504W Departmental Apprentices ...... 486W Crime: Scotland ...... 504W Departmental Procurement...... 487W Criminal Investigation: EU Action ...... 504W Departmental Travel ...... 488W Dangerous Dogs ...... 505W Dogs: Breeding ...... 488W Databases: Telecommunications ...... 505W Dogs: Imports...... 488W Departmental Air Travel ...... 505W Eggs: Origin Marking ...... 489W Departmental Procurement...... 506W Environment Protection: Fisheries ...... 489W Departmental Travel ...... 506W Farmers: Westmorland...... 490W Deportation ...... 507W Fish: Conservation...... 490W Detention Centres...... 508W Fishing Vessels ...... 491W Detention Centres: Children ...... 509W Flood Control: Lytham St Annes...... 491W Email ...... 509W Food ...... 492W Entry Clearances: Foreign Workers...... 509W Food: Apprentices...... 493W Foreign Nationals: Childbirth...... 510W Fossil Fuels: Exploration ...... 493W Foreign Nationals: Prisoners...... 511W Inland Waterways: Leicester...... 495W Human Trafficking ...... 511W Land: Contamination ...... 495W Identity Cards: Shipping ...... 511W Land: Registration ...... 496W Illegal Immigrants: Fines ...... 512W Landfill ...... 496W Immigration Controls ...... 512W Olympic Games 2012 ...... 496W Khalid Tantouch...... 513W Pets: Breeding ...... 496W Knives: Crime ...... 513W Pigs: EU Action ...... 497W Mobile Phones ...... 513W Rabies ...... 497W Organised Crime: West Midlands...... 514W Rights of Way: Ferndown...... 497W Passports: Older People ...... 514W River Forth: Bridges ...... 498W Passports: Republic of Ireland ...... 514W River Medway: Water Abstraction...... 498W Petrol: Theft...... 515W Scallops...... 499W Police Community Support Officers: South Stray Dogs ...... 499W Yorkshire ...... 515W Waste Management...... 499W Police: Council Housing...... 515W Water Supply: Singleton...... 500W Police: Court Orders ...... 516W Water Supply: South East ...... 500W Police: Information and Communications Technology ...... 516W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 523W Police: Olympic Games 2012...... 516W Abu Qatada ...... 524W Police: Vehicles...... 516W Atlantic Ocean: Fisheries ...... 525W Prescriptions ...... 516W Bangladesh...... 525W Production Orders: North East...... 517W British Indian Ocean Territory...... 525W Production Orders: Wales ...... 517W Burma...... 526W Prostitution...... 517W Caribbean: EU...... 526W Theft: Metals ...... 518W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 526W UK Border Agency ...... 518W Departmental Procurement...... 527W UK Border Agency: Correspondence...... 519W Economic and Monetary Union ...... 527W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 519W Embassies ...... 523W Hungary...... 528W INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTARY Iran...... 529W STANDARDS AUTHORITY COMMITTEE ...... 461W Iran: Politics and Government ...... 529W Internet ...... 461W Israel...... 530W Journalism ...... 530W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 519W Libya: Human Rights ...... 531W Departmental Procurement ...... 519W Maldives ...... 531W Developing Countries: Disease Control ...... 519W Middle East: Cybercrime ...... 534W EU External Trade: Forests...... 520W Serbia: Human Rights ...... 535W Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Somalia...... 535W Malaria...... 520W Somalia: Diplomatic Service ...... 536W India ...... 521W Somalia: Foreign Relations ...... 536W Lesotho: Overseas Aid ...... 521W Syria: Sanctions ...... 537W Maldives ...... 521W Turkey: Balkans ...... 537W Sahel ...... 522W Turkey: Serbia...... 538W Somalia: Health Services...... 523W USA...... 538W Somalia: Overseas Aid ...... 523W Whisky...... 539W Visits Abroad ...... 523W

HOME DEPARTMENT...... 501W JUSTICE...... 606W Antisocial Behaviour...... 501W Alternatives to Prison...... 606W Antisocial Behaviour Orders ...... 501W Appeals: Disability Living Allowance ...... 606W Antisocial Behaviour Orders: Rossendale...... 501W Asylum and Immigration Tribunal...... 607W Asylum ...... 502W British Nationals Abroad: Death ...... 608W Asylum: Appeals...... 503W Civil Disorder ...... 608W Asylum: Applications...... 502W Coroners: Missing Persons...... 609W Asylum: Deportation ...... 503W Departmental Data Protection...... 609W British Nationality: Syria ...... 503W E-mail ...... 609W Col. No. Col. No. JUSTICE—continued TRANSPORT—continued European Social Fund ...... 610W Network Rail: Pay...... 570W HMP Risley: Finance...... 610W Procurement...... 571W Homicide: British Nationals Abroad...... 606W Railways: Accidents ...... 571W Homicide: Compensation ...... 611W Railways: Construction...... 572W Human Trafficking ...... 611W Railways: Franchises ...... 572W Human Trafficking: Victim Support Schemes ...... 612W Railways: Passengers...... 572W Legal Aid Scheme ...... 613W Roads: Accidents ...... 573W Legislation ...... 614W Roadworks...... 573W Magistrates Courts: Wales ...... 614W Shipping: Security...... 574W Manoucehr Bahmanzadeh ...... 614W Shipping: Training ...... 574W Offenders: Mental Health Services...... 615W South Wales Railway Line: Electrification ...... 575W Offenders: Research ...... 615W Transport: Finance...... 575W Prison: Employment Schemes ...... 615W West Coast Railway Line ...... 576W Prisoner Escorts...... 617W Prisoners: Detention ...... 618W TREASURY ...... 628W Prisoners: Suicide...... 618W Banks: Regulation...... 628W Prisoners’ Release...... 617W Charitable Donations: Higher Education...... 628W Prisons: Discipline ...... 618W Child Benefit...... 629W Prisons: Manpower ...... 619W Child Tax Credit ...... 629W Prisons: Mental Health Services...... 619W Counterfeit Manufacturing: Cambridgeshire ...... 629W Prostitution...... 620W Crown Estate Commissioners ...... 630W Protection of Children Act 1978 ...... 621W Debts ...... 630W Public Expenditure...... 621W Departmental Official Photographs ...... 630W Tenancy Agreements...... 622W Departmental Procurement...... 631W Translation Services ...... 622W Departmental Training ...... 631W Trespass ...... 623W EU Budget ...... 631W Victim Support Schemes ...... 623W Financial Services: EU Law ...... 631W Fossil Fuels: Reserves...... 633W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 460W HM Revenue and Customs: Telephone Services..... 633W Data Protection...... 460W Incentives...... 634W Departmental Drinks...... 460W Income Tax: Bexley...... 634W Departmental Travel ...... 460W Income Tax: Overpayments...... 635W Economic Situation...... 460W Individual Savings Accounts ...... 635W Insurance ...... 635W PRIME MINISTER...... 541W Manufacturing Industries: Loans...... 637W 10 Downing Street: Official Hospitality...... 541W National Insurance Contributions ...... 637W Business Advisory Group...... 541W National Insurance Contributions: Young People.. 637W Departmental Training ...... 542W Network Rail: Debts ...... 638W Student Loans Company: Pay...... 542W Non-Domestic Rates: East Midlands...... 638W PAYE...... 639W Pensions...... 639W SCOTLAND...... 459W Performance Related Pay ...... 639W Departmental Procurement ...... 459W Personal Pensions ...... 640W Disclosure of Information ...... 459W Public Sector: Manpower...... 640W Iron and Steel: Investment ...... 459W Social Investment Task Force...... 641W Solar Power: Feed-in Tariffs...... 641W TRANSPORT ...... 565W Stamp Duty Land Tax ...... 641W A3: Hampshire...... 565W Stamp Duty Land Tax: Tax Avoidance ...... 642W Air Passenger Duty ...... 565W Student Loans Company: Pay...... 642W Cycleways ...... 565W Tax Allowances: Pensions ...... 643W Cycling...... 565W Tax Avoidance ...... 644W Driving Offences ...... 568W Tax Credit...... 644W Driving Tests: Bury ...... 567W The Plan For Growth...... 644W Driving under Influence: Rehabilitation...... 567W UK Farm Finance Group ...... 644W Fylde...... 569W Welfare Tax Credits...... 645W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 569W Working Tax Credit ...... 645W High Speed 2 Railway Line: Environment Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 646W Protection ...... 569W Large Goods Vehicles: Sleep Apnoea ...... 570W WALES...... 461W Metals: Theft ...... 570W Departmental Procurement ...... 461W Network Rail ...... 570W Members: Correspondence ...... 461W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. 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CONTENTS

Monday 20 February 2012

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 587] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Defence

Office for Fair Access [Col. 609] Answer to urgent question—(Vince Cable)

UK Border Agency [Col. 621] Statement—(Mrs May)

Backbench Business [Unallotted day] Iran [Col. 635] Motion—(Mr Baron) Amendment—(Sir Malcolm Rifkind)—on a Division, agreed to Motion, as amended, agreed to

Future of Biomass [Col. 715] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 57WS]

Petitions [Col. 3P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 459W] [see index inside back page]