Thursday Volume 577 20 March 2014 No. 140

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Thursday 20 March 2014

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2014 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 891 20 MARCH 2014 892

Mr McLoughlin: Scotland will get its share according House of Commons to the Barnett formula as part of the announcement made by the Chancellor yesterday. It will be up to the Thursday 20 March 2014 Scottish Government to decide how they share the money between the authorities in Scotland.

The House met at half-past Nine o’clock Mr Simon Burns (Chelmsford) (Con): Does my right hon. Friend accept that the A12 through and into Suffolk and Norfolk is a main road to the ports at PRAYERS Felixstowe and elsewhere? Given that a significant proportion of it from the M25 to Chelmsford is already three-lane, would it not be sensible to relieve congestion [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] into the East Anglian hinterland by turning it into a motorway?

Mr McLoughlin: My right hon. Friend makes an Oral Answers to Questions interesting suggestion. No doubt he will pursue that argument with me and the authorities on a number of occasions to come.

TRANSPORT Mr Jim Cunningham ( South) (Lab): What is the Secretary of State doing about the congestion at The Secretary of State was asked— Tollbar End, which is affecting businesses, particularly those in the export market, and people getting to work? Road Congestion I contacted his Department last week but I still have not had an answer. 1. Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con): What steps he is taking to relieve congestion on roads. [903163] Mr McLoughlin: I am very sorry that the hon. Gentleman has not had an answer. I could compare the time delays The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Patrick in reply to correspondence under this and the previous McLoughlin): The Government are committed to reducing Government, but instead I will try to get the hon. traffic congestion and investing in our road infrastructure. Gentleman an answer as quickly as possible. We are Spending on strategic roads over this and the next investing significant amounts in road infrastructure, Parliament will be £24 billion. A £500 million programme more than that invested by the previous Government. of pinch point schemes specifically targeted at tackling That shows this Government’s overall commitment to congestion is being progressed on both the strategic and infrastructure investment in the . local road network and a further £800 million is being invested in 25 local authority major road schemes. I am Stephen Lloyd (Eastbourne) (LD): One of the worst sure my hon. Friend will also join me in welcoming the sections of road for congestion is the A27 from Eastbourne additional £200 million that my right hon. Friend the to Lewes. It has been appalling for many decades and I Chancellor announced in yesterday’s Budget for pothole know that it is being considered by the Department for repairs. Transport. Does the Secretary of State agree that the best way to solve the congestion would be a new dualled Peter Aldous: I am grateful to the Secretary of State trunk road? for that answer. The Prime Minister visited Lowestoft in January and saw for himself the fantastic opportunities Mr McLoughlin: I know that the hon. Gentleman has in the offshore energy sector. Unfortunately, they could met the Minister responsible for roads, my hon. Friend be choked off by congestion such as that experienced in the Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Mr Goodwill), the past fortnight. The problem could be solved by a to make that point, which has been made to me, too, by new crossing at Lake Lothing. Suffolk county council, other people in Eastbourne. However, there is some with the help of the local enterprise partnership and controversy, not least because the hon. Member for Waveney district council, has commissioned a study to Lewes (Norman Baker) has a different view on the come up with the right solution. Will the Secretary of matter. State visit Lowestoft to see the problem for himself? Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield) (Lab): Traffic Mr McLoughlin: It has been a considerable time since jams cost UK motorists 30 hours each last year and I last visited Lowestoft, but following my hon. Friend’s were often made worse by a £10 billion backlog in the invitation I shall certainly do so. Ministerial colleagues, road repair programme. As local road maintenance including the Prime Minister, have visited. My hon. was cut by nearly a sixth between 2010 and 2013, is the Friend’s points are well made, and they have been made Secretary of State surprised that the Chancellor’s to me by other colleagues. announcement yesterday of a pothole challenge competition hardly has many motorists shouting “bingo” today? Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Central Ayrshire) (Lab): Congestion would be much improved if the potholes in Mr McLoughlin: I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman the roads were removed. Although I welcome the money makes such a point, because I do not know whether he that was made available yesterday, how will it be distributed? can get the shadow Chancellor to commit to investments How much of it is coming to Scotland? such as those we are putting into this country’s road 893 Oral Answers20 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 894 infrastructure. As I understand it, he is not allowed to Mr Brown: There is quite a lot to discuss—for example, make any commitments whatsoever. I am very glad not quality contracts—but of immediate concern is the only that the Chancellor yesterday announced an extra impact of the new combined authorities on the existing £200 million to invest in our roads but that later today I joint boards. Can the Secretary of State say anything will announce the allocation of the £140 million that today that would reassure the employees of the existing I announced a few weeks ago to all local authorities. I joint boards, who are uncertain about their future? hope that they will use the £140 million along with the £200 million announced yesterday to make significant Mr McLoughlin: The proposals for the combined improvements to our roads. authorities would see the passenger transport executives continuing to provide an executive function on transport Durham Tees Valley Airport issues across the board. The exception to that is west Yorkshire, where the local authorities have decided to 2. Ian Swales (Redcar) (LD): What assessment he has dissolve their PTEs in addition to the integrated transport made of the adequacy of public transport links to authority. The powers and duties of the PTE will be Durham Tees Valley airport. [903164] transferred to the new combined authority. I am more than happy to meet the right hon. Gentleman to discuss The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport his worries. (Mr Robert Goodwill): My assessment is that public transport links to Durham Tees Valley airport are very Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): The next time my poor. However, we stated in the aviation policy framework right hon. Friend meets PTEG, will he invite representations that we will work with airports, transport operators, on the of the Dover Priory railway station local authorities and local enterprise partnerships to project, which is being held up by HMRC? improve surface access to the UK’s airports. Mr McLoughlin: If my hon. Friend had not asked Ian Swales: In the year to last March, the station at that question, I do not think that I would have done, Durham Tees Valley airport had eight passengers—not but as he has, I will certainly look into it and write to per hour or per day, but in the whole year. Only one him. service a week stops there, cynically avoiding the costs of a real closure. This is a symbol of the long-term Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South) neglect of the area and its airport. Will the Minister (Lab): When the Secretary of State next meets require the airport operators to link their passenger representatives from PTEG, they will no doubt tell him terminal to proper public transport services, timed to that bus fares are rising year on year and that routes are serve their flights? being cut. Should not operators such as Stagecoach, which make a huge profit off the back of the taxpayer Mr Goodwill: I know that this is what is known as a subsidy, start behaving more responsibly, rather than parliamentary service, which does save the cost of closure, threatening legal action at the prospect of a quality but given that the passenger numbers were 900,000 in contract in Tyne and Wear? 2006 and 161,092 in 2013, action on more than just public transport links will be required to ensure the Mr McLoughlin: We want to see good co-operation airport’s future. between the passenger transport executives, the combined local authorities and the bus operators that provide the Andy McDonald (Middlesbrough) (Lab): The Minister services in their area. They need to work together to will know that the Tees Valley metro was seen as a key give the best services to local people. Bus services are component in establishing better links to the airport. incredibly important to people and are vital in enabling That concept appears to have slipped somewhat. Will them to go about their daily business and to get to work he meet me to discuss the viability of the Tees Valley and to their leisure activities. metro so that we can pursue our economic ambitions right across the Tees valley? “Get Britain Cycling” Report

Mr Goodwill: I will be more than happy to do so, and 4. Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): What ensure that Teesside has the same good transport links progress he has made on implementing recommendations from which many other parts of the country benefit. of the “Get Britain Cycling” report of the all-party parliamentary cycling group. [R] Passenger Transport Executive Group [903167]

3. Mr Nicholas Brown (Newcastle upon Tyne East) The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Lab): When he next plans to meet representatives of (Mr Robert Goodwill): My hon. Friend chaired the the Passenger Transport Executive Group. [903165] all-party parliamentary cycling group yesterday when I outlined the Government’s commitment to cycling. With The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Patrick regards to the all-party group’s recommendations, the McLoughlin): There are no arrangements in place at Government provided an update to Parliament last present. However, while it has been some time since my month. last meeting with the group, I have met representatives individually in the intervening period. I would therefore Dr Huppert: I thank the Minister for coming to speak welcome the opportunity to meet PTEG or indeed with to us yesterday. We made a number of recommendations, representatives of any of the local government organisations which were endorsed by this House when we debated from Newcastle. the subject. Two of those would have a cross-departmental 895 Oral Answers20 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 896 action plan and sustained funding at £10 per head. We 800 miles, compared with the 9 miles electrified during have had some pots of money, but not at that level. Will Labour’s 13 years in government. he update us on those two issues? Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): Mr Goodwill: The first point that needs to be made is The planned investment is very welcome, but what will that, compared with the previous Government, we have the Secretary of State do to ensure that the correct doubled spending on cycling. Indeed, the eight cycling rolling stock is available when electrification is completed ambition cities have benefited from that funding, and so that we do not have a repeat of the current fiasco Cambridge is one of them. with TransPennine Express?

John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): If we are Mr McLoughlin: I think that it is absolutely right that to get more people cycling, the physical fear—real or we get rolling stock. I am sure that the hon. Lady, and imagined—must be removed, particularly on busy roads indeed the whole House, will join me in welcoming the such as those near my constituency where a number of announcement made by Hitachi overnight that it will people have died. How can the Government address base its world headquarters for rail development in this that and take away the physical fear of cycling on busy country. That is incredibly good news and I am sure it roads? will be welcomed by all. The point she makes about rolling stock overall is important. It shows the kind of Mr Goodwill: The Highways Agency is spending development that is needed in railway rolling stock £40 million on cycling improvement schemes. I think orders. that some of the media coverage, particularly in last year, gives the impression that cycling is more Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): My right dangerous than it actually is. It is safer now than it ever hon. Friend will be aware of the campaign in the has been. Humber to bring electrification through to Hull. Does he have an update on that important project for our Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): Local communities area? in Northumberland are keen to access the future cycling fund. Will the Minister meet me and representatives Mr McLoughlin: I have met hon. Friends and other from Northumberland to discuss how the LEP and hon. Members from the Hull area to discuss the individual communities can access future funds, and representations they have made. I am very pleased to be when that will happen? able to announce today that I can make available the £2.5 million to take this project up to GRIP 3—governance Mr Goodwill: We are certainly always keen to meet for railway investment projects. That notification will be local authorities and local enterprise partnerships to going to Network Rail and I will write to colleagues look at imaginative ways of encouraging more cycling. today to tell them that I am making the money available. Indeed, we will publish our cycling delivery plan later this year. (Derby South) (Lab): Although we all welcome investment in Network Rail, does the Secretary of State think that it is acceptable that the procurement Rail Investment programme for traffic management is going forward before a full and independent review can establish whether 5. Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con): What assessment £1 billion of savings is possible? he has made of Network Rail’s planned control period 5 investment programme. [903168] Mr McLoughlin: The right hon. Lady has written to me on this matter, and I have not only corresponded The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Patrick with the company concerned and other interested Members, McLoughlin): Network Rail is about to embark on CP5, including my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Derbyshire which runs from 2014 to 2019, during which it will (Pauline Latham), but visited the company. Anna Walker, spend £38.5 billion on the railways—a significant increase who chairs the Office of Rail Regulation, has written on the £32 billion spent in the previous five-year period. me a letter showing how it will investigate the points that have been made by DeltaRail. Stuart Andrew: May I begin by thanking my right hon. Friend for ruling out the introduction of car Derek Twigg (Halton) (Lab): What proportion of the parking charges at stations in west Yorkshire and by money that the Government are spending and plan to congratulating him on the significant amount of spend on the railways is being spent on schemes that electrification that is taking place on our railways, compared were initiated or started under the previous Labour with the pitiful amount under the previous Government? Government? Does he agree that if he wanted it to be really impressive, to put the icing on the cake, electrifying the Caldervale Mr McLoughlin: The schemes that have been put line through New Pudsey would make it even better? forward in CP5 have been approved by this Government.

Mr McLoughlin: I am very glad that car parking Mary Creagh () (Lab): We welcome charges have been ruled out, despite some people’s electrification of the railways, but not if there are no claims that they would be introduced. It was partly trains to run on the tracks. One of the achievements of my hon. Friend’s vigorous campaign that led to that this control period will be the electrification of the decision. He is absolutely right about the huge amount Liverpool to line, which should mean better of electrification taking place on our railways—over services, but the Department’s incompetence on franchising 897 Oral Answers20 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 898 has put that progress at risk, as some TransPennine it is likely that a third of a million people will be killed Express trains will transfer to Chiltern Railways next and seriously injured on Britain’s roads. The cost to year. What is the Secretary of State going to do about it? families, to communities and to the national health service is going to be dreadful. Should we not act now Mr McLoughlin: I realise that the hon. Lady has to to improve our performance? try to find some things to attack and criticise us on, but I would have thought she welcomed a very significant Mr Goodwill: The UK leads Europe in road safety. increase in the investment into the railways. There were Only Malta has a better record, and our record is twice 9 miles of electrification during the 13 years of the as good as that of France. However, that is no reason previous Government; there will be 880 miles of for complacency or for letting up in the measures that electrification under this Government. Of course it is we can take further to improve road safety. absolutely right to get the rolling stock right. Part of the problem with rolling stock has been the dismal performance Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): My of the previous Government in ordering it. hon. Friend’s constituency and mine are served by the A64, and there will inevitably be casualties and fatalities Mary Creagh: If it was so dismal, I do not understand on that road. Will he take this as a representation on why Hitachi has moved here because of the intercity improving it to reduce the likelihood of any such future express programme, but we will move on from that, casualties or fatalities? because it was a Labour decision that caused that announcement today. [Interruption.] It was an order Mr Goodwill: There are a number of single-carriageway made under a Labour Government, not a Conservative trunk roads where we have particular concerns about Government. the fatality and casualty levels. The Department collates The point of railway investment is to make life better data and produces a list of the worst blackspots which for passengers, not worse. The Secretary of State talks we can then identify for future investment. about the electrification of the midland main line in control period 5, but again there are no answers on Mountain Rescue Teams which trains will run on those tracks. Handing down older trains from the east coast line will lead to slower journeys on midland line trains than with the current 7. David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): What plans he diesel trains. What reassurance can he give the House has to review funding for mountain rescue teams. that his botching of the TransPennine Express and [903170] Northern Rail franchises will not happen again in his own backyard? The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Stephen Hammond): I am pleased to inform my hon. Mr McLoughlin: The simple fact is that rail usage in Friend and my hon. Friends the Members for Skipton this country has been a tremendous success that should and Ripon (Julian Smith) and for Penrith and The be celebrated across the House. There were 750 million Border (Rory Stewart)—and the whole House—that we passenger journeys when the railways were privatised; have listened carefully to the concerns they have raised there are 1.5 billion rail journeys now. I am very pleased and will therefore provide in 2015-16 grants totalling about that. We are investing huge amounts in the railways. £250,000 to mountain rescue organisations in England Of course there will be some problems with rolling and , Scotland and for use stock, but it is this Government who have confirmed the towards the cost of their equipment and training. That intercity express programme orders for the east coast is in addition to the grants totalling £600,000 that we line and the great western line, and this Government have made available over the past three years and the who are signing off the contracts. £200,000 to be payable this year for 2014-15.

Road Traffic Collisions David Rutley: I welcome the Minister’s announcement today and the support that he is showing mountain 6. Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): rescue teams across the country. In Macclesfield and What estimate his Department has made of the other constituencies where outdoor activities in the hills number of people who will be killed or injured in road play an important part in the lives of residents and traffic collisions in the UK between 2014 and 2030; and visitors, mountain rescue teams may be seen by many as if he will estimate the economic value of preventing a fourth emergency service. Will the Minister join me in such casualties. [903169] thanking them for their important work and recognising what the all-party mountain rescue group also does in The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport supporting them? (Mr Robert Goodwill): Road casualties have followed a declining trend over recent decades. With unprecedented Stephen Hammond: My hon. Friend is right. I am investment in roads and continued improvements in happy to commend his and all local mountain rescue vehicle technology, there are signs that this trend will teams throughout the country. I recognise and commend continue. The economic cost of each casualty has been the work of the all-party group. calculated at £1.7 million. Rory Stewart (Penrith and The Border) (Con): I add Mr Sheerman: The Minister knows of my long-term my voice in thanks to the Minister for this wonderful interest in road safety as chairman of the parliamentary announcement. May I please remind him of two things: advisory council for transport safety. Are we not in first, the important work also done by cave rescue, in danger of becoming complacent? From now until 2030, addition to mountain rescue; and secondly, that all the 899 Oral Answers20 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 900 work of the mountain and cave rescue teams is entirely Severn Bridge Tolls voluntary, notwithstanding the compensation for VAT on their equipment? 9. Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): What his plans are for the Severn bridge tolls when the current Stephen Hammond: I am duly reminded. Undoubtedly, operator’s licence ends. [903172] it was my hon. Friend’s campaign and those of my hon. Friends the Members for Skipton and Ripon (Julian The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Smith) and for Macclesfield (David Rutley) that made (Mr Robert Goodwill): The UK Government are committed us consider the grants that I announced today. to the continued successful operation of these vital crossings. No decisions have been taken on future Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): It will be management or tolling arrangements on the crossings not just mountain rescue but cave rescue organisations after the end of the current concession. However, any in Grassington and Clapham in my constituency that future regime would need to recover the costs it has benefit. The Transport Secretary has been on his bike in incurred relating to the crossings, make provision for Skipton and Ripon. Will he now commit to coming maintenance of the crossings and reflect the interests of down a cave with me in the near future? roads users in England and Wales.

Mr Speaker: The hon. Gentleman poses a very serious Kevin Brennan: If the toll since the first bridge was challenge to even the most vivid imagination in the built in 1966 had increased simply in line with inflation, House. it would be just over £2 today, yet it is now £6.40 for a car. That is a tax on the south Wales economy, as the tolls operate only in one direction. Should the Government Stephen Hammond: I really wonder whether I can not give careful consideration to reducing the tolls answer the question better than Mr Speaker. I am loth when the opportunity arises or getting rid of them to commit my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, altogether? but between us I am sure we will find someone who can join my hon. Friend the Member for Skipton and Ripon. Mr Goodwill: At the end of the concession period VAT will no longer be payable, so the Government of the day could take a decision based on that. Tolls for Bus and Coach Roadworthiness heavy goods vehicles are comparable with those at other crossings. For example, after taking account of the fact 8. Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): What that crossing is free in one direction, the toll at the plans he has to review MOT tyre requirements for Humber crossing is £12 to save 45 miles, and the toll at buses and coaches. [903171] the Severn is £9.60 to save 52 miles.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con): The Minister (Stephen Hammond): Buses and coaches are inspected will know from the recent debate in Hall annually from the anniversary of their date of registration. that the old Severn bridge is entirely in England and Tyre condition, wear and their suitability for the vehicle half of it is in my constituency. When he is considering are all checked at that time. Tyres are also checked the future use of toll revenue, will he bear in mind my routinely as part of the safety inspections undertaken request for consideration of a third Severn crossing to by traffic commissioners who manage the licensing of relieve traffic congestion in my constituency, and whether such vehicles. toll revenue may be used to part-fund that if that is entirely necessary? Steve Rotheram: The Minister may be aware of the Mr Goodwill: The Government should certainly consider tragic death of three people in a car crash on the A3 in that. Indeed, the announcement in yesterday’s Budget September 2010, when a 19-year-old tyre burst on the on the Merseylink crossing indicates that there can be front axle of their coach. Early-day motion 1166 calls some cross-subsidisation of crossings to fund new provision. on the Government to commission urgent research into whether legislation can be enacted to limit the age of a tyre on a bus or coach. Will he confirm that the Government Road and Rail Infrastructure: Devon and Cornwall are taking this issue seriously? When will they commission such a study? 10. (Central Devon) (Con): What steps he plans to take to improve road and rail infrastructure Stephen Hammond: The hon. Gentleman will know into Devon and Cornwall. [903173] that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met the previous shadow Secretary of State, along with one of The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Patrick the mothers of the people who were tragically killed in McLoughlin): My Department is reviewing the resilience that coach crash. As an interim measure, the Department of the transport network to extreme weather events. has already published guidelines to the bus and coach This will include the south-west. The current priority is industry recommending that tyres of more than 10 years restoring rail services through Dawlish. We have announced old are not fitted to the front axles of such vehicles. £31 million for 10 resilience projects and commissioned That was in December 2013, and I can confirm that we Network Rail to identify a resilient rail route west of are in discussion with the tyre organisations about the Exeter. There is £183.5 million available nationally to product and about whether age and maintenance are help repair local roads and we are undertaking a feasibility the key factors and how they should be addressed. study to improve options for the A303. 901 Oral Answers20 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 902

Mel Stride: My right hon. Friend will be aware of the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport proposal for a new railway line from Exeter to Plymouth (Mr Robert Goodwill): The Government have committed via Okehampton and Tavistock. May I urge him to take up to £900 million to promote the uptake of ultra-low it very seriously and perhaps to visit Okehampton with emission vehicles. Measures include a £5,000 buyer me to meet local business people and others in order to incentive and funding for charge points, including at have the case for the economic advantages of that route people’s homes and locations such as train station car presented to him? parks and the public sector estate.

Mr McLoughlin: I have asked Network Rail to do a Mike Thornton: I welcome the pioneering initiative substantive piece of work, which I expect to get this the Government have put in place and the efforts to July and which will address some of the options. I very ensure that this country becomes a global leader in the much hope to visit Dawlish shortly and if a visit to my field. However, I recently met representatives from the hon. Friend’s constituency can be arranged at the same Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, who brought to time, I will try to do so. my attention the danger that these very quiet vehicles can hold to those whose sight is impaired and to older Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): I will people and children. These people rely on vehicle noise not go down the route of disagreeing with the hon. to help them judge whether it is safe to cross the road. Is Member for Central Devon (Mel Stride) about the the Minister aware of the research that shows that such Okehampton option. The Secretary of State knows of quiet vehicles are involved in 25% more pedestrian my support and admiration for those involved in keeping collisions than conventional vehicles? the south-west open for business. There are, however, Mr Goodwill: The latest advice I have is that there is some issues: there was nothing in the Budget for road or not a higher level of accidents involving these types of rail transport in the south-west and, to be frank, we vehicles. We have an awful lot of vehicles that make no have a franchising dog’s breakfast which has cost the noise on our roads—they are called bicycles and people taxpayer £55 million. People and businesses in the have to be aware of them as well. south-west deserve better. Will the Secretary of State press his colleague the Chancellor to ensure that Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): The Minister commitments for finance for investment will be made initially said that the Government would spend £400 million either before or during the next autumn statement? supporting low-emission vehicles. Answers to parliamentary questions have shown that £170 million of that will not Mr McLoughlin: I hear what the hon. Lady says. I be spent by the end of this Government’s life. Last year, was able to announce some improvements that were the Chancellor cut the first-year capital subsidy for welcomed with regard to an early service from Plymouth low-emission vehicles, as a result of which no right-handed to London. I hope that goes some way to answering the vehicles are being produced in the UK. What will he do question. I appreciate the points made by the hon. Lady to incentivise this industry, and to ensure that the and the way in which this particular incident had a emissions causing the deaths of 29,000 people each year dramatic effect on the south-west. We need to look at are cut down? resilience down there. We also need to look at what we can do with regard to both rail and road, and we have Mr Goodwill: As more manufacturers produce these already committed ourselves to an intensive investigation vehicles, they are becoming much more mainstream, of the A303. and people are getting used to the issues about range anxiety. As a Yorkshireman, I was particularly pleased Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): Further to that, it is to hear that the new Volkswagen model is to be called important that we get a resolution on the temporary the e-up! franchise as quickly as possible. In congratulating my Rail Rolling Stock right hon. Friend on getting a solution in Dawlish, may I ask which Government Departments contributed the 12. Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): What steps he finance to ensure that that very expensive project was is taking to ensure adequate supply and stability of brought to a conclusion? rolling stock until 2018. [903175]

Mr McLoughlin: May I use this opportunity to place The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport on record my thanks to Network Rail—I am sure that I (Stephen Hammond): The Government have embarked speak on behalf of colleagues in the south-west as on a programme of rail capacity increase greater than well—for responding magnificently to the problems anything seen since the Victorian age. More than 3,100 new that were faced in Dawlish? Anybody who has read carriages will be in service by the end of 2019. Through about the continuing work to restore that link will be the franchising programme, we expect the market to only impressed with the work that has been put in by deliver additional rolling stock solutions, building on Network Rail, which is often criticised for actions on the possibilities created by the rail investment strategy, the railways. I hear what the hon. Gentleman says about electrification projects and capacity increases. I am finding the funds. The Government will find them and I confident that a solution will shortly be found to enable am not too worried about which Departments they will diesel trains to be released to address the capacity issues come from. in Bolton. Low-emission Vehicles Julie Hilling: My constituents are fed up with jam tomorrow and playing sardines today. With diesel trains 11. Mike Thornton (Eastleigh) (LD): What steps his in great demand but short supply for the next four or Department is taking to support the take-up of low- five years and with services for my constituents being emission vehicles. [903174] some of the most overcrowded in the country, what is 903 Oral Answers20 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 904 the Minister doing to prevent other companies from franchise for just £17 million a year. If there is now a snatching more of our trains from Northern Rail and further five-year extension on the line, with no competition, First TransPennine Express? at the same time as Ministers are selling off the successful East Coast operator, will not taxpayers once again pay Stephen Hammond: I was pleased to meet the hon. the price for this Government’s incompetence and ideology? Lady and other Members from Bolton recently. She knows that commercial leases are a matter for the operating companies, but also that, as I said a moment Mr McLoughlin: The hon. Lady should be careful ago, I have worked with operating companies to reach a about the points that she makes about that matter. She solution to ensure that there is extra capacity on the line talks about First Great Western’s right to cancel the in Bolton from Christmas onwards. contract, but that right was given to it by the last Government when they negotiated the franchise. All it Topical Questions was doing was exercising an option that the last Government gave it. If she is saying that the last Government made a T1. [903144] Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) mistake in dealing with that matter, she might be right. I (Lab): If he will make a statement on his departmental am determined to ensure that the people who are served responsibilities. by that franchise on that route get better services. That is why we will insist that first-class carriages are converted The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Patrick to standard class to provide more capacity on the line, McLoughlin): Following the wettest winter on record, I and why we are improving the sleeper services down to recently announced an extra £140 million for urgent Cornwall—something that has been welcomed widely. repairs to local roads, bringing the total fund to more than £170 million. Today, I am announcing the individual allocations of that funding among local authorities. T5. [903149] Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) Some £47 million will be allocated to councils in the (LD): I am a big supporter of high-speed rail, but it has south-west that were particularly badly affected. I expect to link to the north and then to Scotland to bring councils to spend the money wisely and quickly, and benefits. May I ask the Secretary of State to do what councils that do so will be particularly well placed to the previous Government failed to do, which is to look bid for additional funds for road repairs in the next at the viable alternative to HS2, “High Speed UK”, financial year from the £200 million pot announced by which would cause less environmental damage, would my right hon. Friend the Chancellor in yesterday’s be £14 billion cheaper and would connect more cities excellent Budget. than just Birmingham and London?

Mr Bain: Thirteen months ago, the Public Accounts Mr McLoughlin: What we have to do with high-speed Committee told the Secretary of State that serious rail is vastly to increase capacity, which HS2 does. That fundamental errors in the franchising process for the is vital. I think that HS2 is the right scheme to go ahead west coast main line had led to more than £55 million of with. Of course it has to link in. In the excellent report public money being flushed down the drain. What that was published this week, David Higgins showed action has he taken to make sure that that Tory franchising how we will do that and how we will get a train service fiasco never happens again? that is adequate for this country not just for 10 or 20 years, but for the next 150 years. Mr McLoughlin: I announced a number of follow-ups that I took as a result of that particular franchising problem—I was incredibly open with the House about T2. [903145] Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) it—through both the Laidlaw inquiry and the Brown (Lab): This morning, like many Members, I caught a inquiry. I do not recognise the £55 million figure that London bus on my way to work. Quality contracts are the hon. Gentleman talks about. one reason why London has bucked the national trend of rising fares and falling passenger numbers. Will the T3. [903146] Mr Adrian Sanders (Torbay) (LD): Will Secretary of State join me, Tyne and Wear public the Minister commit to looking at the electrification of transport users group and his friend, the Mayor of the Penzance to Paddington route, a scheme which, at a London, in supporting quality contracts for quality bus fraction of the cost of HS2, would benefit everyone in services? the south-west, unlike some of the other promoted schemes that would benefit only some people at the Stephen Hammond: There are many ways of developing expense of others? quality bus services up and down the country. The Government are making a huge commitment through The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport grants to bus operators and have reformed the bus (Stephen Hammond): In 2012, the Department service operators grant so that local authorities are now commissioned a study from Arup to look at electrification in charge of it. We believe that partnership is the best to the west of Newbury. We have already seen some of way forward and I am convinced that it still is. that study’s results, which indicate that there is a very good business case for going to Bedwyn, and further results from that study are being considered by the Mr Simon Burns (Chelmsford) (Con): Does my right Department. hon. Friend the Secretary of State agree that it is somewhat surprising that more has not been said in this Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): First Question Time to congratulate Hitachi on its decision Great Western was originally due to pay more than to bring its rail business headquarters to England? Does £800 million in premium payments over the years 2013 he agree that, ever since he gave it the contract for the to 2016, but the Government have now handed over the intercity express programme rolling stock, it has gone 905 Oral Answers20 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 906 from strength to strength? The irony is that, in some I well remember when Toyota came to this country, years’ time, we could be a net exporter of rolling stock, which was the largest single investment ever made here rather than having to import it. at more than £800 million. I also remember when Nissan came here. I very much welcome Hitachi, but it Mr McLoughlin: I have mentioned that once or twice, follows a number of other Japanese companies in coming and I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for mentioning to this country, investing in it, providing good, long-term it again. It is fantastic that Hitachi has announced that employment and doing very well for the United Kingdom. it will locate its headquarters in London and that it is building its manufacturing plant in Newton Aycliffe. Sir Roger Gale (North Thanet) (Con): Yesterday, the That follows the contracts to build the new IEP trains owner of Manston airport in Kent announced the that were awarded and signed by this Government. proposed closure of that important airfield. Given that Manston has the fourth longest runway in the country T7. [903152] Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) and is a major diversion field and a search and rescue (Lab): The Government say that there is no time in the base, will the Secretary of State review the matter in the next 14 months to bring forward a dedicated taxi Bill. national interest to see how Manston may be kept Instead, they are pushing through proposals to lower open? standards and deregulate the taxi market outside London in the Deregulation Bill. Given that there is so The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport little for Parliament to do most weeks, will Ministers (Mr Robert Goodwill): It certainly is disturbing news, explain their actions and say why they cannot take a given the importance that we place on regional airports. taxi Bill through the House in the next 12 months? It is disappointing that Manston has not been able to attract some of the low-cost carriers that it hoped to, Mr McLoughlin: I am not in a position to announce but I am certainly happy to meet my hon. Friend to see what will be in the future legislative programme for this whether there is a way forward. House. It is no secret, given that it has been announced by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House, that Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): Will the Secretary the state opening of Parliament will be in June. There is of State make bus driver disability awareness training certainly no time left in this Session. compulsory in his Department’s review of the EU bus and coach regulation this month? Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham) (Con): The Institute of Directors surveyed more than 13,000 Mr McLoughlin: That has been mentioned to me, directors for its spring report to gain their views on and I will certainly want to look into it. I will write to HS2. More than half of them thought that it was poor the hon. Gentleman in more detail. value for money and more than 60% thought that the Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): budget that is earmarked for the project would provide Pokesdown railway station, in my constituency, is in a better return if it was used to improve the existing dire need of upgrade. The lifts have not worked for a road and rail networks. Why do the Government not number of decades. In response to a parliamentary listen to the wider business community, rather than to question, the Minister said that we should blame South the lobbying of businesses with vested interests, such as West Trains. I wrote to South West Trains, and it said the High Speed Rail Industry Leaders Group, most of that we should blame the Government, because that is whom turned out to be on the Government payroll? not part of the franchise agreement. All that the people Mr McLoughlin: I listen to the Institute of Directors, of Bournemouth want is for the lifts to be working. and I also listen to the CBI, which supports HS2, and to May I invite the Minister to come to Bournemouth to the British Chambers of Commerce, which has written take a look at the situation? to the Prime Minister about it. I also listen to the local Stephen Hammond: My hon. Friend will know that authority leaders, who are united in their view that HS2 the Government support local decisions by local is the right thing to do to close the north-south divide in communities on improving local connectivity, but I am this country and provide the north with the type of rail happy to accept his kind invitation. services that it deserves. I would also point out that we have had significant investment in London transport, Several hon. Members rose— and it is about time that the rest of the country got some of the investment as well. Mr Speaker: Order. I am sorry to disappoint colleagues. I recognise the level of demand, but we must move on. Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) (Lab): May I join the Secretary of State in welcoming Hitachi’s announcement that it is moving its global rail operation to the UK? That HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION will create a lot of jobs in my constituency. Will he acknowledge two things, however? The first is that The hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Hitachi had identified Newton Aycliffe as its manufacturing Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, base before the last election because of Labour’s intercity was asked— express programme, and the second is that it has moved here also because we are in Europe, and it would be a Parliamentary Commissions disaster to leave the European Union. 1. Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): Mr McLoughlin: One reason why this country has What assessment the Commission has made of the been so successful in getting inward investment is the potential implications for the House Service of the long-term market changes that we have made in the establishment of further parliamentary commissions. United Kingdom, which were started by Baroness Thatcher. [903153] 907 Oral Answers20 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 908

John Thurso (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross): questions for each Session, which are submitted to the The establishment of a parliamentary commission would Procedure Committee. My right hon. Friend the Leader be a matter for the two Houses. Should a motion to of the House provided data relating to the last Session establish a commission be tabled in this House, the to that Committee in July 2013, and those data are accounting officer is required under Standing Order available on the parliamentary website. No. 22C to provide an assessment of the financial implications. If a parliamentary commission were Nic Dakin: In January, the Procedure Committee established, the funding and practical arrangements published a report which demonstrated that five would then fall within the remit of the House of Commons Departments are deteriorating in their performance of Commission, advised by the Finance and Services answering named day questions. What is the Deputy Committee and others. Parliamentary commissions are Leader of the House doing about that? relatively rare, and the implications will depend on the details of any specific proposal. Tom Brake: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that question. Clearly, the Government want to ensure that Natascha Engel: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his best practice is spread to ensure that all Departments answer. Does he agree that it should be down to the are performing at a very high level. If five Departments House to decide what the remit and resources of any are deteriorating, a greater number are improving, and parliamentary commission or Joint Committee should we know that even big Departments such as the Department be, to ensure that it does not cut across the work of of Health are able to achieve a fantastic score of responding departmental Select Committees but instead complements to 99% of ordinary questions within an appropriate it? time. John Thurso: The hon. Lady puts her finger on an extremely important point, which is that the merits or Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Which is the otherwise of commissions and Committees are a matter best performing Department, which is the worst performing, for the House, or for the two Houses in the case of a and would the Deputy Leader of the House consider parliamentary commission. Should a commission or drawing the attention of the Prime Minister to the Committee be appointed, it would be for the House worst performing Department on a quarterly basis? authorities, including the House of Commons Commission, to make the arrangements for it to be properly resourced. Tom Brake: Indeed, I am happy to draw the Prime Minister’s attention to Departments that are not up to Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): scratch. It may impress the hon. Gentleman if I tell him Would it not be sensible if the House of Commons that the Department for the Leader of the House of Commission were involved in the preparation of the Commons performs the best. note to be prepared by the Clerk of the House about the costs of such a parliamentary commission, so that it Government Amendments could give its view on the matter? Is it not the case that the additional net cost to the House of Commons of 3. Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) about £175,000 is pretty much de minimis in our budget (Lab): What steps he is taking to encourage his of £215 million? After all, spending money on scrutinising ministerial colleagues to make Government amendments the Executive is what the House of Commons is for, and to legislation in the House rather than in the House of cost would be a poor excuse from the Government not Lords. [903156] to have a parliamentary commission. John Thurso: I do not quite share the hon. Gentleman’s 7. Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East definition of de minimis. Standing Order No. 22C would Cleveland) (Lab): What steps he is taking to encourage take de minimis as below £50,000, and I think that his ministerial colleagues to make Government saving, or spending, £175,000 would be above de minimis. amendments to legislation in the House of Commons However, his point that the resource required would be rather than in the . [903160] well within the scope of the resources provided is a good one. As I say, it would be for the House and its The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Tom relevant Committees to make the necessary decisions, Brake): All will be well—[Interruption.] There are so following which the House of Commons Commission many questions. [Interruption.] Inspiration is to hand; would undertake the necessary work on resources. I thank the Leader of the House. It illustrates just how well we work together. It is usual practice for the Government to make LEADER OF THE HOUSE amendments, where possible, in the House of introduction. However, the Government are rightly expected to listen The Leader of the House was asked— and respond to debates on Bills in both Houses of Parliament, and it is, of course, the core strength of our Written Parliamentary Questions Parliament that any amendments made to Bills in the 2. Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): What recent House of Lords must also be agreed by this House. assessment he has made of Government Departments’ performance in answering written parliamentary questions Mr Speaker: I call Nic Dakin—sorry, I mean Debbie on time. [903155] Abrahams. We remember his pearls of wisdom. The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Tom Debbie Abrahams: That is a disappointing response Brake): My office collates departmental performance from the Minister. The Government are increasingly information for ordinary and named day parliamentary bypassing this Chamber by introducing Bills in skeleton 909 Oral Answers20 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 910 form and then pushing them through the House of on drafting legislation. Will the Deputy Leader of the Lords. The Financial Services (Banking Reform) Bill House tell us how he and the Leader of the House plan left this Chamber 29 pages long, and ended up with to ensure that their Government’s Bills are more thoroughly more than 200 pages in the Lords. Other examples drafted and scrutinised, especially by this House? include the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013, and so on. Will the Leader of the House commit to Tom Brake: I do not know, frankly, what the hon. ensuring that that does not happen to future legislation? Lady is referring to. This Government have put great emphasis on ensuring that Bills are effectively drafted. Tom Brake: I am disappointed with what the hon. For example, we support the good law initiative, which Lady has to say. Clearly it is appropriate to ensure that ensures that Bills are clearer. We have done a considerable Bills that start in the House of Commons are appropriately amount on explanatory notes to ensure that Members considered, and that those which start in the House of have a better understanding of Government amendments. Lords are appropriately considered. It may be of interest I would appreciate it if the Opposition joined in that to the hon. Lady to know that the number of amendments process, for example on the Deregulation Bill, to ensure passed in each House are roughly of the same order. that there is clarity on what their amendments are Tom Blenkinsop: The Agricultural Wages Board was suggesting. abolished last year by an amendment added to the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill at the last minute Mr Speaker: The exchanges are very protracted at the in the House of Lords. The Bill was then scheduled so moment. I want to get through some more. that there was no time to debate the move in the Ministerial Announcements Commons. Does the Leader of the House agree that the Government are deliberately weakening the ability of 4. Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): What the House of Commons to scrutinise the Executive, steps he is taking to encourage Ministers to make especially on an issue such as this, which undermines announcements to the House before their release to the workers’ terms and conditions at one fell swoop? media. [903157] Tom Brake: I do not agree. One of the biggest changes the Government have made is to provide much more The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew time, for instance on Report, to ensure that Bills are Lansley): The ministerial code is clear: when Parliament appropriately considered. If the hon. Gentleman goes is in session the most important announcements of through the history books, he will find that he has to go Government policy should be made in the first instance back a very long time under the previous Government to Parliament. I regularly remind my colleagues of this. to identify when this level of scrutiny was given on Report. Pat Glass: The Chancellor came to the House this week and announced a Budget that had been largely Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con): I commend pre-announced through a series of press releases. I hear the Government on that and draw attention to the this complaint all the time in the House and the usual increasing use of draft legislation, on which this playground response is, “Well, the Labour Government Government have done so much better than the last did it.”May I remind the Minister that, whatever happened one. Opposition Members should remember the 2005 to in the past, this practice is wrong? What is he going to 2010 Parliament; by comparison, this Government have do about it? been a paragon of virtue. Mr Lansley: I think the hon. Lady may have prepared Tom Brake: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that her supplementary question before the Budget took helpful comment. Clearly, this Government have put place. The Chancellor stood at the Dispatch Box yesterday great emphasis on pre-legislative scrutiny, another area and announced some of the most important reforms to where we have performed outstandingly well in comparison pensions in nearly 100 years, and benefits for savers. As with our predecessor. far as I am aware, there was not even speculation on what he was going to do before he announced those Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): Does the Deputy measures. She should know that under the terms of the Leader of the House recall, as I do, the Opposition’s Macpherson report, which the Treasury adhere to, we many attempts in the House of Lords to muzzle time are clear on not providing advance information on tax and again our tradition of a free press, for example in and fiscal measures. That was adhered to in the Budget. the Crime and Courts Bill? Does he agree that people who sit in glass houses should not necessarily throw Scrutiny (Legislative Proposals) stones? Tom Brake: I am very happy to support what the hon. 5. David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): What steps the Gentleman says. I am very proud of our record of Government have taken to improve opportunities for ensuring that the right level of scrutiny is available for scrutiny of legislative proposals. [903158] Bills and ensuring that the right number of Bills are going through the House. The Opposition often criticise The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Tom the Government for what they allege is a light programme. Brake): The Government have improved opportunities We have a programme that is delivering the goods. for scrutiny by publishing more draft legislative proposals in each Session than the last Administration. We have Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): also piloted public readings in respect of two Bills, and This morning’s written ministerial statement on drafting have frequently allocated more than one day for remaining guidance for Government Bills represents a missed stages: that includes seven Bills in the current Session opportunity to address the Government’s dismal record alone. 911 Oral Answers20 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 912

David Rutley: What steps are the Government taking John Thurso (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross): to make legislation clearer, more straightforward and The latest estimate of the cost of constructing and easier for the public as well as parliamentarians to equipping the education centre is £6.93 million, excluding understand, in order to facilitate better scrutiny? value added tax but including the usual provision for contingencies. Tom Brake: As part of the good law initiative, the Government are taking a number of steps to promote law that is clear, necessary, coherent, effective and accessible. Mr Chope: Can the hon. Gentleman tell me how For instance, we are considering how we can improve expenditure of some £7 million on what will be a the drafting and presentation of Bills and supporting temporary building can possibly be justified? Would it documents such as explanatory notes, as well as access not be much better to put the education centre into the to and navigation of existing legislation online. space that is currently occupied by the loss-making day nursery overlooking Parliament square? Scrutiny (Statutory Instruments)

6. Kerry McCarthy ( East) (Lab): What steps John Thurso: The hon. Gentleman and I served together he is taking to improve opportunities for the scrutiny of on the Administration Committee during the last draft statutory instruments. [903159] Parliament, and I know of his enthusiasm for the education centre. We considered a wide range of options, The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew all of which we have considered again during the current Lansley): The Procedure Committee heard evidence Parliament, and this option provides far the best value. on delegated legislation from the Hansard Society on It allows us to increase the number of children who go 29 January this year. I am sure that the Committee through the education centre from 45,000 to 100,000, would welcome the views of the hon. Lady and others which is a significant advance. when considering whether to undertake a fuller inquiry. A teacher who had taken children around the Houses Kerry McCarthy: One of the problems of discussing of Parliament said that it had been a statutory instruments is that we are often given very “fantastic experience that allowed children to have firsthand little notice of them. We have heard that a statutory experience of how the Houses of Parliament work. It was great instrument on fox hunting may well come before the for them to see it as a working building—online it is static and House. Can the Leader of the House tell us how much empty. They were very much struck with awe and wonder.” notice we will be given, how much time will be allowed for a full debate, and whether the statutory instrument Engagement with children is the future of our politics. will be debated in the Chamber?

Mr Lansley: There are requirements relating to notice Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): in Standing Orders, and I try to give the House notice of Will the hon. Gentleman confirm that it is very important business on a provisional basis if it is to be dealt with on for children from outside London, particularly those the Floor of the House. I looked at statutory instruments from my constituency, to be able to come and see what from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural goes on in Parliament, and engage with the democratic Affairs this morning, and, as far as I am aware, no process? Can he tell us when the first sod will be turned, statutory instrument of the kind described by the hon. so that we can have the centre as soon as possible? Lady is before the House.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION John Thurso: I cannot at this moment give the hon. Lady an exact date, but it is hoped that the centre will be open in 2015, probably just after the election. As for her The hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter first point, as one who represents the most northerly Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, constituency on the mainland of the United Kingdom—and was asked— long may it remain united—I must say that it was a Education Centre tremendous pleasure to welcome children from Kinlochbervie and Wick high schools two weeks ago 8. Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): What who made two separate visits. I am sure that we wish to is the latest estimated cost of the proposed education continue to do everything possible to enable constituencies centre in Victoria Tower gardens. such as hers to benefit from these resources. 913 20 MARCH 2014 Tributes to 914

Tributes to Tony Benn 10.37 am Ms (Camberwell and Peckham) (Lab): Mr Speaker: On Monday 17 March, I informed the I thank the Deputy Prime Minister for his generous and House that there would be an opportunity today for thoughtful words on Tony Benn. right hon. and hon. Members to pay tribute to the right hon. Tony Benn. I call the Deputy Prime Minister, This is a parliamentary occasion to remember Tony Mr . Benn, but it was a parliamentary occasion every time Tony Benn spoke in this House, and before the House 10.34 am was televised I well remember that when we saw the name “Tony Benn” on the monitor we would all stop The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Nick Clegg): May I, what we were doing in our offices and rush into this on behalf of the House, commence the tributes to the Chamber to hear him. All those who passionately agreed right hon. Tony Benn, following the warm words from with him and those who passionately disagreed with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition him would be here to listen. yesterday? He was a great orator both inside and outside this As others have already commented, Tony Benn will House, and what made his oratory great was not just his be remembered as a dedicated constituency Member of formidable intellect—although he had that—or his great Parliament, a tireless campaigner and, of course, an historical knowledge, although he had that too: it was astute political diarist. He once described being an MP that he spoke out of conviction and he always spoke as the only job with 70,000 employers and only one from the heart. employee. Our sincere condolences go to his family— including, of course, the right hon. Member for Leeds He was first elected to this House in 1950 but was Central ()—and his friends and colleagues concerned that upon his father’s death his inheritance at this difficult time. of a peerage would disqualify him from serving his constituents who had elected him to this House. On his Countless people, regardless of whether they knew father’s death in 1960 he was disqualified, but fought Tony Benn well personally or by reputation alone, have his way back to this House through the spoken of his kindness, charm and sense of humour. It and a by-election. was these qualities which, among so many other achievements, helped him get the better of in a When Labour formed a Government in 1964 he way that very few people have before or since. I am sure became Postmaster General and then Minister of I am not the only one who remembers watching and Technology, and with Labour in power again from 1974 admiring Tony Benn in that interview. to 1979 he became Secretary of State for Industry and Many of the battles Tony Benn fought were very then Secretary of State for Energy, and he encouraged a much of their time, such as for renationalisation and number of workers’ co-operatives, the most notable of turning back the tide of globalisation. Yet on so many which was Meriden in the midlands, which continued to other issues, Tony Benn was far ahead of his time. This produce Triumph motorcycles for another decade. includes his passionate commitment to protect civil What drove him on was his belief in the power of liberties, promote equality and secure political reform people, as the Deputy Prime Minister said: the power of in Britain; I could have done with him being here when ordinary people, through their trade unions and their we last discussed House of Lords reform. His campaign votes, to bring about change—and change for the better. against Britain’s membership of the European Union— His commitment was to the historic fight against social something I, of course, did not agree with him on—will injustice, but he was never locked in the past. He loom large in this year’s European elections. embraced myriad new movements, such as the green Above all else, Tony Benn was a dedicated democrat. movement and the women’s movement. Because he He never forgot the struggles of those who, down the believed in movements—the power of people working years, have fought for the right to vote, speak and be together to make change—he was always encouraging heard, as his now famous memorial to the people and giving them the confidence that they could Emily Wilding Davison in a broom cupboard nearby so do that. wonderfully demonstrates, and this uplifting idea to Everyone who ever met Tony has their own story help people realise the power they have to change the about that, and this is mine. Back in the mid-1980s, as world for the better will be his lasting legacy. the only woman MP with very young children and Everyone who heard Tony Benn speak, whether they finding it quite impossible to cope, I was sitting by myself shared his views or not, could not help but admire and in the corner of the Strangers caff. It was 11 o’clock at learn from the passion and conviction he brought to the night and we were still waiting for a vote, and I was causes he believed in. Over his lifetime, Tony Benn went feeling terrible. Tony came and sat down next to me, from being vilified to being lauded by the press; perhaps and said, “Youlook exhausted. You should be at home.” there is hope for all of us. [Interruption.] Okay; perhaps I said that I could not go home, because I had not been not. He had mixed feelings about this. He once said: let off by the Whips. He said, “I can give you a really “If I’m a national treasure in the Telegraph, something’s gone important piece of advice for your future. You do not wrong.” have to worry about the Whips; I never do.” So I was This modesty and humour was typical, but as I sent home to my family by Tony Benn, himself a great learned as an East Midlands MEP, representing Tony family man. Benn’s constituency in Chesterfield, the public had a The public know Tony Benn for his passion for deep respect and affection for him. He had a genuine politics, but his other great lifelong passion was his interest in people and time for everyone he met, and family: his wife, his children and his grandchildren. He thanks to his diaries people will continue to be inspired proposed to Caroline only nine days after meeting her, by his life and work for many years to come. explaining that it would have been sooner but he was 915 Tributes to Tony Benn20 MARCH 2014 Tributes to Tony Benn 916 quite shy. He later bought the bench on which they were democracy against corporate domination; national sitting when he proposed, and it remained in their sovereignty against globalisation; transparency of the garden until the end. He was enormously and justifiably workings of power; the need for accountability in all proud of his children: his daughter Melissa, so like her institutions; and the rights of the industrial working mother, and his sons Joshua, Stephen and Hilary, my class against an oppressive economic system—will live right hon. Friend the Member for Leeds Central, so like on after him and are as vibrant today as they were when him. His legacy is not just to the House and to progressive he first entered public life. politics in this country, but in the values and commitment Tony Benn was the architect of the big picture—the taken forward by his children and grandchildren, to ultimate fundamental goals to which politics should whom we extend our sympathy and with whom we aspire, beyond the day-to-day detail. Like reformers share the grief of the loss of a great parliamentarian before him, he asked uncomfortable questions and he and a great politician. challenged a cosy consensus in which perhaps too many around him seemed to be cocooned. At its most poignant, 10.42 am he would press whether the Labour party was really Sir Peter Tapsell (Louth and Horncastle) (Con): I am fulfilling the role for which it was founded, and whether the only Member still in the House who voted in favour its MPs and trade union leaders were really accountable of the 1963 Peerage Bill, which enabled Tony Benn to to those they represented. renounce his distinguished father’s Stansgate viscountcy Fundamental to Tony’s beliefs was his insight that and return to us here. At the time, it was a controversial real and lasting change comes about only from below; vote. Earlier, he had been elected as a Member of the role of Parliament, all too often, is largely to ratify Parliament at the age of 25, when I, just back from the what was already inevitable. That is certainly proving to Army, was in my first year at Oxford. Very shortly after be right in respect of the biggest issue in contemporary his election he came, in full evening dress, to debate at politics: the clinging on by the political establishment to the . He was strikingly handsome. The an irretrievably broken system of neo-liberal market president of the Union introduced him to us with the capitalism. The public are deeply opposed to a harsh, words, “I call upon the honourable Anthony Wedgwood unjust and seemingly endless austerity and to its exploitation Benn, Member of Parliament, New college ex-president, by a greedy and selfish 1% who are super-rich. But it to address the house.” He made a stunning speech. I seems that nothing much is going to happen on that remember thinking to myself, “How am I ever going to score until there is an explosion in the streets, just like be able to compete with that?” Of course, I never was the anti-poll tax riots that brought down Thatcher. able to. Very few people were ever able, as orators, to Tony Benn would have understood that all too well and do so. he would have agitated for it. Tony Benn was always kind to me, particularly at the It was that which led him to support many strikes and time of the debates on the Maastricht treaty. I even had acts of civil disobedience. His dramatic intervention in the privilege, over the years, of occasionally being invited the strike in 1971 forced to drink his strong, unsweetened Darjeeling tea from Heath to change direction—to move away from deflationary one of his huge tin mugs: the Benn equivalent of a policies and begin to pull unemployment down below companionship of honour. In private life, he was a 1 million. But of course such things were not always gentle, sweet, charming man, with perfect manners. His successful. The National Union of Mineworkers strike personality changed a little when he had an audience to in 1984-85 was a turning point, both industrially and address. He was a brilliant, rather demagogic speaker— politically, and Benn lent it his wholehearted support. It fluent, witty, forceful and above all, passionate—as is only now becoming fully clear just how far the illicit much a master of the public platform as of the Chamber machinations of a semi-militaristic state were brought of this House. I would rank him, with Nye Bevan, to bear to thwart the legitimate rights of the trade and , as the four finest union opposing the wholesale closure of the mines. The parliamentary debaters during my half century in the strike failed, but just as the Astbury judgment and the House. At his best, he was spellbinding, so that listening Trade Disputes and Trade Unions Act 1927 led ultimately to him one was sometimes in danger of being intellectually to the full reinstatement of the unions’ role in industrial swept towards some of the wilder shores of politics. life by the Attlee Government of 1945-51, so the illegitimate —they were chalk and cheese—famously use of the instruments of tyranny against the miners said of him that he was the only man he had ever known three decades ago may yet again see the restoration of who immatured as he grew older, but that was his great the unions to their central role in this nation’s industrial charm: he always retained his youthful enthusiasm and and economic life. boyish zest, and the conviction that his words could make the world a better place. Those are qualities that Benn also realised that the Labour party would only many women, in particular, find attractive. My French ever fulfil its fundamental role in championing the wife thought that he was delightful and great fun. His industrial working class if power was shared between enchanting American wife adored him as he did her. the parliamentary Labour party on the one hand and Tony Benn was a great parliamentarian and a good the national executive committee, constituency parties, man. England will remember him. trade unions and annual conference on the other. The devolving of power to the grassroots—in particular the 10.46 am Wembley conference of 1980 on the electoral college to elect the leader—proved too much for the right wing of Mr (Oldham West and Royton) the party, which defected to set up its own party, the (Lab): Tony Benn was a widely misunderstood and Social Democratic party, which soared and then crashed. misrepresented man, as visionaries have always been It is often said that that split, for which, on a wholly down the ages. But the ideas for which he stood— lopsided view, Benn was held responsible, paved the way 917 Tributes to Tony Benn20 MARCH 2014 Tributes to Tony Benn 918

[Mr Michael Meacher] excessive Government interference in the life of the individual. There were occasions when we would walk for the Thatcherite ascendancy. That is nonsense. Thatcher back from halls to the tube station or bus stop and he won the following election in 1983 for quite different would talk to me as if I had known him for ever, utterly reasons. The economy was already recovering strongly without side and utterly unconcerned that I was a after the deep recession of 1980-81, and Thatcher herself member of the Conservative party and he was not, but had become a transformative heroic figure after the the occasion I remember most clearly is the one when he Falklands. stood at that Dispatch Box with his son, introducing Some unsympathetic commentators have also observed, him to this House. The sheer pride of a father for his rather gleefully, that Tony failed in the practical achievement son was palpable. That is evidence, it seems to me, that of his goals. Well, here again, I think that Tony may well we were looking not just at the typical two-dimensional have the last laugh, as we may, in other respects, see modern politician but at the three-dimensional transparent many of his aspirations coming to fruition after his decency of a very great man. death. Polling shows clearly huge majorities today in support of taking back rail and energy into public 10.56 am ownership, imposing rent controls to stop ever-rising Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): I am incredibly and unaffordable rents, building a crash programme of proud, as the Member of Parliament for Chesterfield, social housing for the near 2 million households on to add a few words of tribute on behalf of the people of council waiting lists, cracking down hard on industrial-scale Chesterfield. I know that many people in the Chamber tax avoidance and evasion, and making the 1,000 most will have known Tony better individually and others ultra-rich persons contribute a fair share of their £190 billion can do better justice to his overall history and politics, ill-gotten gains in wealth since the 2008 crash, which I but I want to get across why people in Chesterfield felt might add that many of them helped to cause. so immensely proud to have Tony as our Member of We have also seen mass movements beginning to Parliament. He arrived in Chesterfield in 1984 and, influence the politics of this country, which certainly unusually, at the time he became our Member of Parliament reflects the Bennite inheritance. A range of different he was already famous. Most new MPs are at the start organisations such as the against the of their careers, but of course he had had 30 years in stock exchange, UK Uncut demonstrations against massive Parliament and was already very much a national figure. tax avoidance and the People’s Assembly Against Austerity His becoming the Member of Parliament for Chesterfield all represent collective action from below, forcing issues at that time could not have been scripted by a Hollywood up the political agenda and compelling those with wealth director. Of course, we had had the catastrophic 1983 and power to respond and to make concessions and election in which he had lost his seat, and who knows change direction. They are proving Tony Benn right how different the history of the Labour party would about how politics is driven. have been if he had been in this place for the subsequent Asked how he wanted to be remembered, Tony said, leadership contest. , who is also remembered “that I have given people hope”. There is already anger tremendously fondly in Chesterfield, stood down as our enough in this country at how it has been dragged into Member of Parliament and Tony was the overwhelming the deepest abyss for a century. What people want today choice of the members. The shortlist of candidates was is hope that a different and better world is possible. very strong, but he was the choice. Tony Benn, as a charismatic and inspiring leader, gave Just days after he became the Member of Parliament that hope to millions of people. His unremitting for Chesterfield, the miners’ strike started. To be in campaigning for the rights of workers, for accountability Chesterfield is to understand the totemic nature of and for democracy and redress against wealth and the miners’ strike in the history of the town, because power leaves a demand for justice and a legacy of hope it challenged everything that people in Chesterfield that will inspire generations to come. considered Chesterfield to be all about. The work that Tony did with my hon. Friend the Member for Bolsover 10.54 am (Mr Skinner) to support the miners, keep people’s spirits up and show a sense of pride in, and solidarity with, the Sir Edward Garnier (Harborough) (Con): Had the miners enabled him, as an outsider in a small northern late Tony Benn being making the speech of the right town who did not have a connection with the town, to hon. Member for Oldham West and Royton (Mr Meacher), build up a connection with the town in the space of a this Chamber would have been full. I trust that the right year that would otherwise have taken 10, 15 or 20 years hon. Member for Leeds Central (Hilary Benn) will not to build. think me impertinent for intervening. I did not know What has come across strongly to me as the Member Tony Benn as well as many Members on the Opposition of Parliament in the past few days is the sense of pride Benches did or as well as my right hon. Friend the that everyone had in having him as our Member of Member for Louth and Horncastle (Sir Peter Tapsell) Parliament. Government Members have said a couple did, but I want briefly to recognise his huge humanity of times, almost apologetically, that they did not agree and conduct as a Member of this House. I did not share with much of his politics, but that was the point. He his politics—I fundamentally disagreed with more or knew that they did not agree with his politics and there less everything he ever said—but I got to know his is no need to apologise for that. Many people in Chesterfield humanity. who also would not have agreed with his politics still After he had left this House, he and I very occasionally had a tremendous sense of pride about having this spoke on the same platforms—at meetings of Liberty, national figure as our Member of Parliament, and in for example, discussing the previous Government’s proposals having someone who had such obvious warmth and on identity cards and other forms of, as we thought, affection for everything that a working-class town such 919 Tributes to Tony Benn20 MARCH 2014 Tributes to Tony Benn 920 as Chesterfield stood for. He was constantly there in the I am also here to speak on behalf of Madam Deputy Labour club at weekends, even though he was not a Speaker, who, I think, first met Tony Benn at the age of drinker. He would attend the May day marches and 21—when she was 21, not when he was 21; she does not rallies that we have in Chesterfield and give the most go back that far—and worked for him as an assistant wonderful inspirational speeches. The right hon. Member and eventually joined him as a colleague as the MP for for Louth and Horncastle (Sir Peter Tapsell) spoke Bristol South from 1987. about how people could be swept away by his spellbinding Tony Benn was a man of the establishment. He came oratory into almost recognising everything that he said from a privileged—dare I say “posh”?—background. and wanting to jump aboard. I have been at general He was privately educated, he read PPE at Oxford, he committee meetings of Chesterfield Labour party when was president of the Oxford Union, and apart from two I have thought, “I know I don’t agree with this stuff, but years serving in the forces during the second world war, it kind of sounds convincing.” He had immense power the only other job he held was at another bastion of the and ability, which so very few people have, and which is British establishment, the BBC. His father was an MP being strongly reflected here. and both his grandfathers were MPs. The other point that came across when people in Despite that background as a man of the establishment, Chesterfield came into the Labour club to sign the book Tony was also a man of the people. That came out of condolences was, yes, we had this national figure, strongly in what my hon. Friend the Member for yes, the moment we said “Chesterfield” everyone thought Chesterfield (Toby Perkins) said. Describing it as the of Tony Benn, but we also had someone who an old common touch makes it sounds quite patronising, but lady could come and talk to about what to many would there was nothing condescending about it. So many seem a trivial matter. He would stop everything, and for people have stopped me in the street in recent days—the that 10 or 15 minutes, the old lady sitting in front of him same has happened to Madam Deputy Speaker—to was the most important thing in the world. Some people offer their personal accounts of his kindness and said, “I bet he was interested in huge national causes friendliness. The leader of Bristol council’s Labour and changing the face of the Labour party but not in group told me about a time he came over to her house. the constituency,” but nothing could be further from the Her two young children had just been given bicycles for truth. He was absolutely committed to fighting for the their birthdays, and he insisted on riding them up and individual rights of people who came to see him, and he down the hallway on their tiny bikes. It is little things saw the clear link between parliamentary democracy, like that we remember. the huge state occasions and the importance of this Madam Deputy Speaker and others have talked about place, and making sure that it meant something for the the contraption he rode around in at election times, a individuals back in the constituency that he was proud chair strapped to the top of an old Austin Cambridge. to represent. He would be driven around the streets, precariously One of Tony’s greatest gifts was as a teacher. Whether perched on top of the car with a thermos flask in one one agrees with his politics or not, there is a huge hand—he was never without his tea—and a megaphone amount that all of us can learn. His five questions to the in the other. It is amazing how many people remember powerful are enduring questions that not just we in this him doing that. It is not something I care to replicate—I place but everyone throughout the world should reflect do not think that I would last very long up there. There on and think about, because they are incredibly important. is also a brilliant picture of him from 1957, up a ladder Those five questions to anyone who is powerful are: decorating the constituency office in just a little pair of “What power have you got; where did you get it from; in shorts. The office needs decorating again, but I do not whose interests do you exercise it; to whom are you think that I will be going up a ladder. accountable; and how do we get rid of you?” Those I want to mention some of the key things for which questions, in themselves, show the brilliance of the man he is remembered in Bristol. He supported the Bristol and that is why Chesterfield was so very proud to have bus boycott in 1963, which was inspired by the civil him as our Member of Parliament. rights movement in America. There was a colour bar on black workers being employed by the bus company. He was very supportive of Paul Stephenson and others 11.2 am who led the boycott. Eventually, two years later, it led to Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): I too rise to the passing of the Race Relations Act 1965. People still speak as one of Tony Benn’s successors as a Member of remember his role in that. He said, “I will not use the Parliament, in my case for the constituency of Bristol buses. I may even have to get on a bike.” He is also East, which he represented from 1950 to 1983, with a remembered for , of course, the 45th anniversary brief interregnum when we had the bother about the of which is coming up. A permanent memorial to it will hereditary peerage and he had to fight two by-elections. be placed in Filton, just outside Bristol. A civic memorial He probably holds a record in that he was elected on a service will also be held for Tony Benn soon. by-election when Sir retired in 1950 In the tributes that followed his death, he was quoted because of ill health, and then fought two by-elections, by Madam Deputy Speaker as having advised her, at one of which he was disqualified. The people of “People will attack you because they want to deflect Bristol, South-East, as it was then, knew perfectly well you. You ignore the attacks and get on with understanding that he was not entitled to be elected to Parliament, but the people. You were put there by the people and they voted for him nevertheless. Two years later, when he can take it away, so stay close to them.” I think that managed after a bitter battle to get the law changed and sums him up. As the Deputy Prime Minister said, he the Peerage Act 1963 introduced, he then fought another never lost sight of the fact that he was one man with by-election, and he also fought the Chesterfield by-election, many employers. In that regard, too, he was a man of which, as I said, must be something of a record. the people. 921 Tributes to Tony Benn20 MARCH 2014 Tributes to Tony Benn 922

[Kerry McCarthy] Then the miners won in ’72, and then they won again in ’74, and we marched again as the people from the My last memory of Tony Benn—I did not know him in Fleet street were cheering from the very well, because our times did not overlap—was when windows—yes, I said it right: the Daily Express—and I had the somewhat dubious honour of being invited to Tony says to me, “Look at them at the Daily Express.” I be on the left field stage at Glastonbury last year. I say said, “Yes, sadly it’s not the owners, Tony—it’s SOGAT that it was a dubious honour because the three of us on and NATSOPA.” They were heady days. Then there the stage were Billy Bragg, who of course is an absolute was what happened at the upper Clyde shipbuilding, idol of the Glastonbury audience and a national treasure, which has already been mentioned, and on it went. The Tony Benn, and if anyone could command more adoration truth is that those of us who were in the thick of it knew at Glastonbury than Billy Bragg it was him, and me, that it was having a major effect on him. Let us just feeling something of a spare part. It took so long for the examine what we are saying about Tony. He was shaped session to get going because he of course received a by events all his life. He had an environment that was standing ovation as he was led up to the stage. So many different from mine as a kid, but then, as I say, it people wanted to shake his hand and show how much all changed. they admired him and respected his views. Then I got elected to the national executive and he He was obviously in frail health and I do not think would come armed with amendments every month. I that he could hear the questions he was being asked all did not have to bother writing amendments; they were that clearly, but he spoke about the power of politics to already displayed and distributed to the six, seven or effect social change. Those in the audience were probably eight people who might be allowed to read them. quite hung over, having been up all night listening to He was a clever man as well, wasn’t he? That’s what music and doing various other things, but it was clear he was—he was clever, and he was industrious. He had that he totally inspired them, because despite his physical got all the abilities. I used to say to him, “By the way, frailty and advanced age, he was still saying, “You can you know about so and so—put that in the diary do something. You can achieve something, just by tonight.” He actually did it on one occasion—he got fed getting out there and keeping at it.” I think that is his up of hearing me. He said, “Skinner said I’ve got to put lasting legacy, because he believed in politics. There is this in the diary.” so much cynicism about politics these days. He was a I had some enjoyable times with him—most of the rare creature, as he was able to persuade people not to time; almost all of the time. He was very intelligent as be cynical about politics and to believe that politics can well, you know. He knew all about loads of subjects. He actually change things. had a pager before MPs had them. He knew all about technology: it wasn’t just Concorde. He knew about it; 11.9 am he probably could have built it. He had a mobile phone Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): I hesitate to join before anybody else, and he was talking a language that in this business, because in many ways I thought of I still do not understand. He could have built a computer. Benn in the early Labour party conferences as somebody He was very knowledgeable—except that he did not who, unlike those of us who came from the trade union know much about competitive sport. I finished up at movement, was part of the English radical dissenting the —I think it was down at left. He was at that time a member of the national —and he said, “You’re late.” I said, “I know executive committee. I’m late, Tony—there’s a reason.” He said, “Yes, there’s I think there were some significant changes that took a Tory mayor and you didn’t want to be here.” I said, “ place in the early 1970s that changed his life; I may be Well, that’s part of it. But the most important reason is wrong. In early 1970, when I came into Parliament, we that I was watching Cram and Elliott”—on the telly in had about five or six years of constant demonstrations. the “mile of the century”, as they said. He said, “Cram I used to go on these demos, and there would be a gang and Elliott? Are they your delegates?” I said, “Tony, do of people from the TUC—they were all recognisable—and you know who Ayrton Senna is?” I had watched him I would be telling Tony Benn all about this. Then I went win the Formula 1. “Ayrton Senna? Who’s he?” to Pentonville, where six dockers were in jail because the You had to like somebody like that—somebody who Industrial Relations Act had been passed—it had got kept all the lists of all the results of everything. You did Royal Assent—and they had been on a picket line and not have to go far to find out. Now we look for things they were not supposed to be there. So I went to Tower on the computer. I could ask Tony Benn and he would hill with , and then Eric said, “Are you tell me. I had a lot of enjoyable times with him. He was coming back to Parliament, Dennis?”, and I said, “No, industrious, he was clever, he was a great diarist—he this is the most important demo I’ve ever been on. The had a lot of qualities that all of us in our hearts really TUC have declared a day of action—who knows what admire, don’t we, and wish we possessed them all. That will happen at the end?”, and off I went. is why I constantly wanted to see him in these past few I told Tony Benn all about it the following day, and he years. I did not see him on the last occasion when he said to me, “You know, they might have to get them went to Charing Cross hospital, but I did last autumn out.” I thought, “Well, that’s asking a bit too much”, after the Labour party conference, when I heard that he but I repeated it to Eric Heffer and . I said to had been in the hospital, out of the hospital and back in them, “Those six dockers will be in Stranger’s Bar again. I thought I had better go. The day after the tomorrow night”—I thought I would embellish it—and conference I went to find him. they were. The official solicitor had to go to Pentonville In typical Tony Benn fashion, when I got there, jail and get them out. Is it any wonder that a dissenting room K was empty. I feared the worst, but somebody English radical began to change his mind a little bit quickly said, “I saw somebody wheeling him down in a more? That is what really happened. wheelchair.” I went outside and in a lovely little park in 923 Tributes to Tony Benn20 MARCH 2014 Tributes to Tony Benn 924 the autumn sunshine, just like as in his last book, there that programme were straightforward: we would undertake he sat in the wheelchair with a fellow who had helped a fundamental, irreversible shift in the redistribution of him with some television business or other, smoking his wealth and power. How would we do that? Through a pipe. For three quarters of an hour the Tony Benn I fair and just tax system, tackling tax evasion and tax knew and will always admire was sat in that chair, avoidance, taking control of the Bank of England, lighting up three times, and we talked about the Labour preventing speculation in the City and the banks because party conference. It was one that he had not been able it could be dangerous to our long-term economic health, to attend because he was in hospital. So I told him the and creating full employment. That is what he was whole story about what happened. It was a bit biased, about. That is what he inspired us to do. but he did not mind that. He expected it from me. It is interesting that he said we should invest in Yes, that was the Tony Benn I knew—a wonderful housing, health and education; give all young people man, and we should always remember that. As for the the opportunity to stay on at school with an education longest suicide note in history, let me put that to bed. By maintenance allowance; and make sure that they had a 1983 the left had lost control on the executive. Check guarantee of an apprenticeship or training and the the facts. The chair of the election committee was John opportunity to go to university, not by paying a fee but Golding. You all remember him, don’t you? The right on a grant. That was his programme in 1982. It was had taken control. There was only one member of the prophetic and years in advance of its time. He said that left on that election executive committee—Eric Heffer, what we needed to create the wealth was an industrial by virtue of being chairman. I wanted to put that to strategy—a manufacturing base based on new technology bed. and skills. Actually, I remember him talking in one of I also remember what my hon. Friend the Member his speeches about alternative energy sources, well in for Chesterfield (Toby Perkins) said about the election advance of the debate about climate change. The at Chesterfield. What a wonderful campaign. Literally programme also included equal rights for women and thousands of Labour party members came. I have never for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. seen so many at any by-election. It was great throughout What else was he committed to? He lost a brother in that whole period of two or three weeks. Tony Benn the war, so he was committed to peace. And bravely, said to me when I met him in Chesterfield market courageously, he called for inclusive talks in Northern square, “How do you think things are going?” I said, Ireland—for everyone to get around the table to secure “Tony, we are going to win. We have an army of people peace. He also said that we needed to control the arms coming. We have nothing to worry about. There will be trade and that no more arms should be sold to dictators Elsie Tanner, Tony Booth, the vicar from “ in the middle east for them to use as weapons against Farm”—they all came, and I introduced him on the their own people and to destabilise the region. Of minibus. Then he asked, “Is there anything else I should course, he also argued for unilateral nuclear disarmament, do, Dennis?” I said, “Yes. Put a tie on. You are the which I continue to support and which remains a popular ambassador of a market town.” And Tony Benn—the cause for many. Tony Benn—turned up the following day in a tie. How He was a European—sceptical about the European could I do other than love the man? [Applause.] Union, but a true European. I found that inspiring. He Several hon. Members rose— inspired my generation and he inspired generations to come. What a world we would have created if we had Mr Speaker: Order. A great many colleagues are still listened to him. But more important, what a world we seeking to catch my eye and I want to accommodate can create now if we listen to him. everybody. I appeal to colleagues to have some regard Solidarity and go well, comrade. Youmade a significant for the other pressures on our parliamentary day. contribution to all of our lives. I hope we will be able to implement the lessons you taught us, when Labour next 11.19 am gets back into power. John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): Tony, along with my hon. Friend the Member for Bolsover 11.22 am (Mr Skinner), founded the , of which I am the chair. I apologise on behalf of my Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): I am very grateful hon. Friend the Member for Islington North (Jeremy indeed for this opportunity to pay tribute to a great Corbyn), who cannot be here today because he is in democrat and to say how much I appreciated him. Geneva as part of a human rights delegation. Every time he came to the House of Commons after he Tony inspired my generation. We did not just respect had left Parliament, I would speak to him in the Tea him; as my hon. Friend the Member for Bolsover said, Room—he loved coming to the Tea Room. He was so we loved the man. I want to go back to what my hon. amiable and he was a great orator. He was a great Friend said about the longest suicide note in history, democrat and he really believed in this House of Commons. because it is interesting that it has come up time and As a Conservative, I had a completely different again among the commemorations of the past week philosophy from his background as a profound but or so. great socialist. He was one of the old school, if I may I want to go back not to the manifesto of 1983, but to put it that way, ranking with the Bevans of this world Labour’s programme of 1982, which was the Bennite and all the really great figures of the Labour party of programme, and virtually all of it was written by Tony those days. Benn. It is worth looking back at what it said. It was I well remember the coal strike. I opposed the closure absolutely prophetic. It basically said, “We will create a of the pits when the now Lord Heseltine was the Secretary society that is more democratic, more fair, more just of State. I took the view that it was completely unjustified. and more equal.” How would we do it? Tony’s ideas in I had mines near my constituency and knew quite a lot 925 Tributes to Tony Benn20 MARCH 2014 Tributes to Tony Benn 926

[Mr William Cash] gave his maiden speech, Tony Benn sat a few Benches in front of him, and as Hilary spoke, his face streamed about it. Tony Benn got up and challenged Michael with tears. It was the most moving thing. It would also Heseltine on his credentials for closing those pits. I well not be right to talk about Tony Benn without mentioning remember that it had the most devastating impact on his wife, Caroline, because she was not just his life’s , who sat down, but it got through by partner but his comrade in arms. To my mind, he was one vote, I think, with only four Government Members never quite the same after her tragic death. Some of us opposing the legislation. It could be said that some of used to tease him about my right hon. Friend, suggesting us take views that are not always those of our Whips or that my right hon. Friend was perhaps fractionally less those of our own side, and I must say that Tony Benn left wing than he was himself, but he would just smile took exactly the same line. serenely and say, “Benns move left as they get older.” I take the point made by the hon. Member for Hayes People have spoken about what Tony Benn believed and Harlington (John McDonnell) about Tony Benn in, and about whether he was right or wrong. I would being a true European. I agree, although he was not say that very many of his ideas have stood the test of what some people might take that to mean. I took time. He believed strongly in parliamentarians and MPs exactly the same view as him, and still do, about what being a voice for the voiceless. Many black and minority the European Union meant and means to the people of ethnic people have said to me, “Please let people know this country. When he and I shared a platform together how much black and minority ethnic people loved Tony in Trafalgar square, he turned to me and said, “Bill, I Benn.” That is because they saw him as a voice for think you are the only Conservative MP I have ever people who did not otherwise have a voice. shared a platform with or ever will.” To me, at any rate, On civil liberties, he has largely been proved correct. that was a very great tribute. On the war, on which he made some of his most I remember sitting with Tony Benn in your house, moving speeches in this House, he was certainly right. Mr Speaker, and having a conversation with him only He talked about inclusive talks with Northern Ireland. a few months ago. He was so delighted to be there, At the time, he was accused of being a loony for talking although he was obviously getting much weaker at that about that. It is now completely mainstream. stage. It was a tremendous privilege for me to sit down For his critique of the markets, he was judged to be and have a really good chat with him in Speaker’s “the most dangerous man in Britain”. House about the things we shared a belief in, even After the collapse of Lehman’s, can we say that he was though we were completely different philosophically completely wrong to criticise the working of markets and disagreed with one another on certain matters. and market-based mechanisms being the main organising When it came to representing his constituents, or factor in our society? when it came to this House of Commons—I am thinking Trade unions are a hugely unfashionable subject, but of his dedication to the ideas of the —it always I would argue that if we had stronger trade unions struck me that Tony Benn really knew and understood today, we would not see the super-exploitation of immigrant what had happened at the moment when the House of workers, we would not have seen the rise and rise of Commons became the House of Commons during the agency workers, and we would not see the abuse of Cromwellian period. He really believed in it passionately, zero-hours contracts. I think he was right in always and I will always remember him for his passion, beliefs wanting to stand up for the right of ordinary people to and conviction. It is a fitting tribute to him that so many organise in the workplace. people have been able to speak at what is a moment of I would call myself pro-European, but his cynicism sadness, but also a moment of pride. about the European project and his undying concern about the lack of democratic accountability in European 11.27 am institutions have been proved correct. Anyone who saw what happened to the Greeks last year, when a handful Ms Diane Abbott (Hackney North and Stoke Newington) of Brussels bureaucrats were almost able to run their (Lab): I first encountered Tony Benn when I was a country, must remember some of the things that Tony starry-eyed young activist at mass meetings. He was on Benn said about the EU. the platform and I was among the audience. It is impossible to convey what it was like to be at a mass meeting Finally, we live in an era when very many people— addressed by Tony Benn in his prime. I would come particularly younger people—are cynical about politics. reeling out the meeting, believing in a new heaven and a We live in an era when politicians are cynical about new earth. It was truly extraordinary. politics. Too many people on both sides of the House study polls and endeavour to repeat back to people As this is a parliamentary tribute, I first want to what the polls have said they believe. Tony Benn believed say—I hope that my colleagues will forgive this old- in a different type of politics, in which people knew fashioned phrase—that Tony Benn was a great House what they believed and were prepared to argue and of Commons man. He loved the House. He was one of campaign for difficult and initially unpopular causes the few people in the House of Commons whom hon. for however long it took. Some things have been said Members from both sides of the House would return to about him that are not quite right—that he was divisive hear speak, because he had such mastery of the Chamber. and that he was this, that and the other. Tony Benn did It is significant that when he was given the freedom of not just inspire the generation of political activists of the House, he mainly used it to come back to the Tea my hon. Friend the Member for Hayes and Harlington Room to meet and talk to colleagues and comrades. (John McDonnell); he continued to inspire generation We cannot talk about Tony Benn without mentioning after generation of young activists, because he was a his love of family. I remember that when my right hon. man who stood up for what he believed and a man who Friend the Member for Leeds Central (Hilary Benn) was willing to fight the fight even in adverse times. 927 Tributes to Tony Benn20 MARCH 2014 Tributes to Tony Benn 928

Tony Benn was an inspiration to me, and I am very Scotland over many years, whether in Ayrshire, Edinburgh, grateful to have been able to make my own small tribute. Glasgow or Aberdeen. He was a man of huge energy and an inspiration to many people of many generations. 11.32 am It was a pleasure to listen to what the hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash) said about the miners’ strike. I Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): It was a heart-sinking come from the south Ayrshire mining communities, and moment when Tony announced that he was leaving the when I was at school there were 10,000 miners working Commons, but he did not retire from his convictions—that at the Killoch pit in south Ayrshire. That pit closed as a is not part of the Benn DNA. result of Government policy, and Tony Benn was with We are right to see Tony as somebody who did not us, along with my hon. Friend the Member for Bolsover allow himself to be tyrannised by the traditions of this (Mr Skinner), who will recall attending a number of House. This morning is a unique occasion in many rallies in Ayrshire in defence of ordinary working people, ways. Thanks to you, Mr Speaker, we are allowed to particularly the miners in the south Ayrshire coalfields. express, as every human community wants to do, our Tony Benn was there standing up for communities, regret, admiration and gratitude. In the past, there was wherever they were, when they needed him. just a bald announcement when we lost a Member or a Tony Benn would always speak about his connections former Member; there was no chance to pay the sort of with Scotland. We have heard a number of references marvellous tributes that have been paid this morning. today to English social history, but when he came to I want to make one point, which is about the contribution Scotland, he spoke about his connections to communities that Tony made to trying to change the face of this there. I believe that his mother came from Paisley, and place, including the way it looks. gave that one of his family members was the Member of this advice to working class MPs who came here: “When Parliament for Leith, and he would speak about that you walk down the corridors of power, you are walking when he came to Edinburgh. Of course, his wife, Caroline in the dust of history, but it is not your history; it is not Benn, spent a great deal of time in Ayrshire, particularly the history of your class or your people.” in Cumnock, researching the life of , who Against all the rules, Tony fixed up a plaque to Emily was born in Cumnock and spent a great deal of time in Wilding Davison. No one allowed him to do it. He went both south Ayrshire, where he was born, and north around with his screwdriver and installed a plaque that Ayrshire, where he was a miners’ agent and a journalist he had made himself in a much sought-after spot in the for the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald. Tony Benn House where people like to go. He did the same for knew all about that—he knew about the history of the other celebrated people. He spoke too of the many who social working class and the Scottish working class, and not only were not friends of democracy but who actually he would speak about that when he came to Scotland. obstructed the democratic process but who are recorded I saw him speak on many occasions. He was clearly and celebrated in statues and other works of art throughout an incredibly inspirational speaker who knew how to the House. connect with ordinary people and speak in a language Some time ago, when a new name was sought for that they understood. Perhaps not many of us can do St Stephen’s tower, Big Ben, some people suggested that that, but he was clearly a wonderful example of it. we should call it the Chartist tower, or the Suffragette The significance of Tony Benn is that he believed that tower, or, even better, Big Benn. Alas, we did not. another world was possible. He believed that the way in which we organised our society is not the only way that I rejoice in Tony Benn’s final book. We remember we can do so. He was interested in history because he that lovely evening in your house, Mr Speaker, when we believed we could learn from it, and that we had changed heard him speak about “A Blaze of Autumn Sunshine”, the world because we had believed it was possible to do which was an inspired title. The book was lovingly things better. When he came to Ayrshire, he would talk edited by Ruth Winstone and is a story about the about thirlage, which was how mining communities purgatory of the human condition. It is a story about operated in Scotland—you were not born a slave, but if this House, written in a manner superior to any other—yes, you went to work in the mines, you did not have the the dark side, the malice and the treachery are there, but right to leave. It was this House that voted through the those long pages also express the nobility of the political thirlage Act, which meant that if you escaped for a year vocation that we all have. That is something that we and a day, you won your freedom and did not have to should bear in mind. return to the gated communities of the mines in Scotland. He had a marvellous career. It is with great sadness, Tony Benn would speak about things like that. He but also celebration and gratitude, that we say: “Farewell, would inspire people and try to make them understand Tony—orator, teacher, friend, inspirer. Rest in peace, how we could actually get social change. comrade.” I spoke at the Oxford union a number of weeks ago along with my hon. Friend the Member for Islington 11.36 am North (), and we were successful that evening in our debate about whether worked Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): Thank or not. A young comrade in the audience reported to you, Mr Speaker, for giving us the opportunity to say a Tony Benn what had happened that evening, and I got a few words in tribute to Tony Benn today. text saying that Tony had been delighted to hear that 65 I only met Tony Benn when I was elected as a years after his presidency, the Oxford union had eventually Member in 2005, but I had heard him speak and seen come round to his way of thinking. I say that because him at labour movement events over two decades. I one thing that amazed me about Tony Benn was the probably first saw him speak in Ayrshire during the relationships he had with so many people, and the fact miners’ strike, but I saw him regularly at events in that a young student from Oxford would go to see him 929 Tributes to Tony Benn20 MARCH 2014 Tributes to Tony Benn 930

[Katy Clark] much like them. Unfortunately, I have not in any way achieved anything like that at this point in time. They to tell him about an event he had been to. Tony Benn were dark days in the mining communities, but Benn was interested in everybody and in every cause. He was there and he made sure that people were revitalised continued to be involved in setting up organisations and and back up for the battle. trying to organise people for a better world, whether for He had a tremendous affinity for the north-east. a small or large group of people. He was a major speaker at the biggest trade union The Deputy Prime Minister said he thought that gathering in Europe, the Durham Miners’ Gala, on some of Tony Benn’s causes were causes of the past, of more than 20 occasions—more than anyone else, perhaps nationalisation and looking at globalisation, but I think other than my hon. Friend the Member for Bolsover. the complete opposite is true. The more we look at what He spoke at all the events. He understood the culture of Tony Benn said—not just Tony Benn but others who the work force of the north-east, and he understood the have spoken about such issues and the way that markets traditions and the culture of the people of the north-east. and our country operate—the more that over time I He was a personal inspiration. Quite simply, Tony Benn think we will realise that in many ways he was right was a legend and a giant among men. when he questioned whether we actually live in a democracy. I read with great affection an article written in the We will see that voting every five years is not what moderate Morning Star only this week by my hon. democracy is about because we need a lot more than Friend the Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn) that. I believe that if we look at the ideas of Tony Benn, about when they put up a plaque for Emily Wilding we will have the kinds of ideas we need to create a true Davison in a broom cupboard in the Crypt. The connection democracy in this country. there, of course, is that Emily Wilding Davison was from my constituency all those years ago. It is amazing 11.42 am to think of Tony and Jeremy hiding with a drill in the broom cupboard in the Crypt screwing the plaque Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): Last week was a really behind the door, but it was worthy of Tony’s belief in sad, bad week. It started with the sad loss of a great fighting with every fibre of his being for equality and comrade and great friend of Tony Benn’s, Bob Crow. against injustice. Miners, trade unionists and workers Tony sadly passed on, and just at the weekend so did across the globe have had their lives enriched by just another close friend of his, Stan Pearce, a man who knowing Tony and understanding the support that he worked hard in north-east England as a miner. It was a gave them. Together, we all pass on our condolences really bad, sad week for lots of people with regard to and sympathy to Tony’s family. We understand how untimely departures. much of a family man Tony was and how much he loved Tony was fond of saying that Labour MPs normally his family. started on the left and ended up in the Lords, while he I conclude with the great song of days gone by: took the opposite path in his political career. I first simply the best. He was, perhaps, better than all the rest. knew Tony when I was a young miner. I was 19 years of age in 1984 in the lead up to and during the miners’ 11.47 am strike, and he was such an inspiration. I have heard lots of Members speak today, and most have said, “Tony Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): was a great man although we did not agree with a lot of I am very glad to be called to pay personal tribute to what he said.” I am probably the only one who will say Tony Benn and to pass on the thanks of many of my that I agreed with most of what he said, and he was a constituents who were inspired by meeting him during tremendous inspiration to me. The support he gave to the miners’ strike and before that. the miners has been mentioned in many contributions, I have to say that I did have a cat and he was called but his support for the working class and people in Tony Benn, and he was just as feisty as the person he dispute was absolutely fantastic and unswerving. was named after, whom I did admire greatly. If we went Tony Benn became very friendly with me, my wife on holiday and put him in a cattery for two weeks, he and my kids as well. I knew Tony personally and he was would then disappear for about two weeks just get his a really good friend and comrade. He was somebody own back, causing my wife a great deal of distress. Tony who I began to have a great liking for many years ago, could also trouble people. Some people never recovered and when anybody asks me, as an MP or a trade from being challenged by him, because they did not unionist, who my inspirations were in life, Tony would have the logic to stand against him. certainly be No. 1—perhaps No. 2, depending on what I will tell one story. It has been said that Tony was my hon. Friend the Member for Bolsover (Mr Skinner) great with technology. I am an honorary member of the had said in Parliament the previous week. Free Colliers, an organisation in my constituency set up Tony Benn was a brilliant, fantastic orator and he after the 1719 Act that freed colliers from bondage in could change people’s minds—at least for the time they Scotland. The Act provided that if they were found were in the room anyway. It is a shame that people did meeting other colliers to discuss terms and conditions not take Tony’s views away from the meetings he so of employment they would be returned to the colliery eloquently addressed. He was a man of tremendous from which they were freed. The Free Colliers march kindness, and that goes right through Tony’s family every year to commemorate setting up this secret society, through his children. We used to be delighted if we which was a precursor of the National Federation of could get Skinner or Benn or someone like that to the Coal, Iron and Lime Miners, which became the National coalfield. We used to pack the halls to the rafters and Union of Mineworkers. Tony always said that he wanted enjoy every single moment. We admired them so much, to come and I gave him some material on it for him to and they oozed a natural presence. We wanted to be so read. One day we met at the ATM in this building and 931 Tributes to Tony Benn20 MARCH 2014 Tributes to Tony Benn 932 he started to discuss it with me. Having got some money it came back, my name had been not taken out but out of the machine, he did not take it and for some scored out, and someone else’s name had been inserted reason it swallowed his money.He was totally perplexed—he and signed by the national secretary of the union. That could not understand where his money had gone. Although was a total denial of the democracy of the people in he knew about technology, even he was befuddled by Scotland who had chosen me as a candidate. I won that. I hope he got his money back. He was always anyway, and I am here as a consequence, but Tony Benn willing to enter into a debate on important topics, was against what had happened in that instance as well. sometimes in the strangest places. Some people later tried to distance themselves from The Free Colliers were very sad that Tony Benn never the distorted “bogey man” image of Tony Benn by went to speak to them. They said that they had always saying that they were not Bennites, but belonged to wanted him to go and address them, because they held some other kind of “left”. If I had been asked, I would him in high regard. He was held in high regard outside have said that I was of the Bennite left, because that the House: that is the point about Tony Benn. He was Bennite left was not militant, it was not Trotskyist, and held in high regard here, by us who view things through it was not a compromising position in the Labour party. the prism of Parliament, but people outside took a I hope I still stand by those principles today in the much wider view, and his heritage will last a great deal things I do, including wanting Trident to be banned. longer outside, affecting and influencing politics in the Tony wanted that, although his intelligence and logic outside world. I thank him for his clarity of analysis had led him to support nuclear power. The anti-Trotskyite and his support for democratic solutions. He always movement in Scotland saved the Labour party in Scotland looked for the benefit of all in everything, even if that in the 1980s, and was the driver for the devolved Parliament meant that he had to challenge the compromises of the that we have today. All that was a part of the philosophies establishment. that Tony Benn understood. He understood Scotland in My right hon. Friend the Member for Oldham West a way many politicians down here did not. and Royton (Mr Meacher) mentioned Upper Clyde I was speaking to Tony Benn’s son Stephen last night Shipbuilders. In 1971, I was the president of Stirling in Portcullis House, and I now want to say a few words university students association. There is a BBC video—I about the other part of the Bennite heritage. My wife have a copy; I hope that it is the master copy—showing Margaret Doran and I— me in my office with long hair and a poster behind me, calling for the students to organise buses so that people could go and stand by those who were Mr Speaker: Order. I must ask the hon. Gentleman to “working in” to save their jobs. That was the first be very brief. We should be grateful for a very few words occasion on which I met Tony Benn. I did not get to on that point, because others wish to make contributions, know him, but I met him, and found him a great and we need to move on. inspiration. When I was the leader of Stirling council, we changed Michael Connarty: I am conscious of that, Mr Speaker, the standing orders—which had to be approved by the but I am talking about a long life and a long friendship. national executive committee—to bind councillors to the manifestos on which they stood. There is a unique My wife Margaret Doran and I also knew and dearly idea! Imagine making people carry out the manifestos admired Tony Benn’s wife Caroline. She was a great on which they stand! Tony persuaded the national executive inspiration and support, and was a vibrant, lucid and committee to approve our standing orders, and they deeply compassionate educationist. She was president became the standing orders of our council, which meant of the Socialist Educational Association, and my wife that we had to deliver on the manifestos on which we and I have both been, at different times, presidents of had been elected. Unfortunately, being Tony Benn, he the Scottish SEA. We often talked to her at length when decided that this was the solution for all councils, and we came to London for SEA meetings. I was with Tony tried to introduce the same standing orders for every and Caroline on the Terrace shortly before her passing. council in Britain. Of course, that frightened the horses I agree with what was said earlier: a light went out of his and it never happened, but at least those in my council, life when Caroline died. But what was amazing was that during the 10 years for which I was leader, were bound he went on. Many of us would have been destroyed by by the manifestos on which we were elected, and that losing such a life partner but he was inexorable, and that was approved by the national executive committee of was a tribute to what they both stood for together and the Labour party. Would it not be wonderful for every what their family stand for and what will be carried on. aspect of politics if everyone stood for election on that When he left Parliament he spoke from outside this basis? House. People have said he left politics. He did not leave I became the Scottish secretary of the Labour politics. His thoughts reflect where the people are. Most co-ordinating committee, which had been set up by my of the people in this country are not with us in this right hon. Friend the Member for Oldham West and House: they do not regard us highly; they think we are Royton at a meeting in Glasgow—on his son’s birthday, often irrelevant to their lives. They go day to day trying if I remember rightly. He had to rush back home after to make ends meet and they look to the words of Tony launching it. It was a bulwark against Militant, the Benn and people like him to give them hope. If we could ultra-left of the party. It was not an attack on the learn something from him and reconnect with those establishment, although some people saw it as such; it people we might actually carry forward something that was an antidote to the anti-democratic, out-of-touch would be beneficial to this House. That is what Tony elite that ran the Labour party. For instance, I was Benn has given people: hope, and we are not giving nominated by my constituency’s branch of the GMB, people hope at this moment. Maybe in the future it is which sent the form down to the national office. When his words that will give them hope, and not ours. 933 Tributes to Tony Benn20 MARCH 2014 Tributes to Tony Benn 934

11.56 am That moment taught him that the right of people to choose who will represent them here in this place—the (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): very foundation of our democracy—was never, ever I am grateful to have the opportunity to speak in this granted by those in power. It had to be fought for. That special and important debate, and I want to say a few is why democracy is so precious. words of my own and put on record the thoughts of the members of my local Labour party, the constituency His fight to stay in the Commons had, I think, a and my family on Tony Benn’s sad passing and send our marked and profound effect on his life. It was why he very best wishes to his family, not least my right hon. was so determined to support others in their struggles: Friend the Member for Leeds Central (Hilary Benn), to bring an end to apartheid and the death penalty; in whom I am sitting next to today. support of the miners, as we have heard; and to campaign for peace, because it was war that had taken from him Tony Benn was more than just a politician. I believe his beloved elder brother Michael. he was a man who truly wanted to change Britain, and in his own way he did. One aspect of his legacy that has It was also why he was so determined to commemorate been discussed today is how he stayed in touch with in Parliament the history of those struggles because, as people—and people across generations. He truly cared he would often say, all change comes from below. That about whoever he came across. I was lucky enough to is why, as we have heard from many Members today, he meet him on a few occasions, the last one being when he went down into the Crypt with his screwdriver and put came to the House to listen to the tributes to Nelson up that plaque in the broom cupboard. He wanted to Mandela. teach us: why did that brave suffragette spend the night in the broom cupboard in 1911? The answer is because I want to share a couple of stories about him. The it was census night. What do you do in a census? You fill first shows how his diaries reached the front rooms of in a form, and she wanted to write: “Name: Emily many households across this country, not least my own. Wilding Davison. Address: Houses of Parliament.” Why? My sister, Neeraj, absolutely loved his diaries and there Because she believed that a woman’s place was in the have been several Christmases in the Malhotra household House—the House of Commons. where her favourite extracts have been played to everybody. He was also a serious democrat and he wanted people He was very fond of challenging those in authority, to understand politics, not just be told about politics assisted by “Erskine May”. He once even moved a or be told what politicians thought. He wanted politics motion of no confidence in the Speaker. But he also to be done with people, not to people. His sense of had a great sense of fun. On one occasion, he was part commitment to different generations was also marked of a group of Labour MPs who had decided to delay a in a conversation I had recently with pensioners, who Division in the Lobby because they wanted to make spoke of how they would pack out the town hall teas he trouble for the Government. The Serjeant at Arms was held every year. The fact that people who were not dispatched in order to investigate and told them that if interested day to day in politics were completely interested they did not move he would have to take their names. in everything he had to say, in that spellbinding way in My father looked at him and, as his diary records, said, which he said it, is truly a tribute to the man. “But that would be completely contrary to Mr Speaker’s ruling of 1622.” After the Serjeant at Arms had departed Politics is nothing if it is not for a moral purpose. from the fray, Dad turned to his fellow conspirators Whether or not people agreed with how he went about and, with that mischievous twinkle in his eye, admitted his politics, they cannot deny what he stood for and that he had just made that all up but it seemed to have what he fought for: liberty, equality, democracy. He was done the trick. a man who had a true passion for progress. He was a thoughtful man and a kind man, and a man who lived He loved this place, the people who built it and those what he believed, and a man who, in my view, truly who help us in our work. He loved the debate and the touched the heart of this nation. argument. But he did not idealise Parliament. He saw it as the means to an end: to be a voice for the movements outside these walls that seek to change the world for the 11.58 am better, as well as being a voice for the people who send Hilary Benn (Leeds Central) (Lab): First of all, may I us here and whom we all have the privilege to represent. say on behalf of my sister Melissa and my brothers That was the essence of his character. Yes, it was Stephen and Joshua and the whole family just how shaped, as we have heard, by events and experiences but much the words we have heard today mean to us? also, as for many of us, by his childhood. He was, at I do not propose to add to what has already been heart, not just a socialist; he was a non-conformist said, and indeed written, about my father’s political dissenter. His mother taught him to believe in the legacy—apart from anything else, everyone already seems prophets rather than the kings, and his father would to have their own opinion, as today’s debate has recite these words from the Salvation Army hymn, demonstrated—but I do want to say a few words about which I think best explain what he sought to do in what Parliament meant to him, because it was the Parliament: centre of his very long life. He won 16 elections, proudly “Dare to be a Daniel, representing first Bristol South-East and then Chesterfield. Dare to stand alone, Fifteen of those elections enabled him to walk through those doors and take his place in this Chamber. One of Dare to have a purpose firm, them—the by-election he fought after the death of his Dare to make it known.” father—did not. He was barred from entry to the Chamber If we are not here to do that, what are we here for? on the instructions of the Speaker because, it was Well, he was. He knew what he thought. He was not alleged, his blood was blue. His blood was never blue; it afraid to say it. He showed constancy and courage in was the deepest red throughout his life. the face of adversity. Whatever the scribes and the 935 Tributes to Tony Benn20 MARCH 2014 Tributes to Tony Benn 936

Pharisees may have to say about his life, it is from the His solution to most problems was more accountability words and kindnesses of those whose lives he touched and more democracy. Let’s face it, that is never a bad that we—those who loved him most—take the greatest place to start. strength. Tony Benn fought a determined campaign to renounce After all, any life that inspires and encourages so the peerage that he had reluctantly inherited on the many others is a life that was well lived. [Applause.] death of his father in 1960, and it was those sad circumstances that threw him out of the Commons for the first time. His ultimate success in renouncing his 12.4 pm hereditary peerage had at least one unintended consequence. The Peerage Act 1963 allowed him to return to the Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): Today, we have Commons. It also allowed Sir Alec Douglas-Home to had the chance to pay tribute to the life and work of renounce his peerage so that he could mysteriously Tony Benn, one of the greatest MPs and certainly one emerge as leader of the Conservative party and succeed of the greatest orators of his generation. He would have Macmillan as Prime Minister, much to the chagrin of been gratified that Parliament has had this chance to , who many still believe was robbed of the recall his long involvement in our national political life premiership in this dubious way. Such was the fuss that in this way, despite the fact that he was neither a head of the Conservative tradition of allowing leaders to emerge state nor royalty.He did, however, serve in this place—with without any obvious voting by anyone had to be abandoned. a couple of unintended interruptions—for more than 50 years, and was granted the freedom of the Commons Tony Benn was subsequently to lead another successful when he retired as an MP. campaign to extend the franchise of Labour leadership elections beyond the parliamentary Labour party, which As we have heard over and over again today, we never was to culminate in the creation of the electoral college got doubt or ambiguity with Tony Benn. We have heard at the Wembley special conference in 1981. He lived many moving anecdotes and tributes to him, and many long enough to see the Labour leadership election franchise Members have pointed out that he had strong views, extended further to one member, one vote at the special and more talent than most for getting them across to his conference that I chaired this March. So it is possible to audience, either from a platform or in a book. He was argue that it was campaigning by Tony Benn that caused passionate, and he was a lifelong socialist who never the methods of electing the leaders of both the Tory lost his appetite for the battle, even though he waged it and Labour parties to be reformed, and in both cases it in distinctly different phases during his long and fulfilled was to move them in a more democratic direction. Of life. course, his determined opposition to Britain’s membership Tony Benn was an assiduous Back Bencher, and the of what was then called the Common Market helped to first to table a motion against apartheid. I last heard give us our first referendum, too. him speak during the Remembrance service for Nelson Mandela, held in Westminster Hall at your suggestion, Tony Benn was a mesmerising speaker in any context: Mr Speaker. He opposed capital punishment, and he in the Commons; on a platform; and, latterly, on a championed human rights long before it was fashionable theatre stage or in the Leftfield tent at Glastonbury. He to do so, introducing his own human rights Bill in 1957. followed in the footsteps of the Levellers and the Chartists. He also championed divorce laws, although he enjoyed He was a true English radical, evangelising, teaching a 50-year marriage to his beloved wife, Caroline. I can and persuading generations of left activists about the attest to the fact that she was a formidable campaigner power and potential of politics to change things for the in her own right. He was the of his better. Even when he was making a case with which I day, demanding that Labour modernise its communication did not agree, I marvelled at his formidable communication strategies, especially where television was concerned, skills; he had a way of making complex ideas seem although it is fair to say that his political journey took simple, and a memorable turn of phrase ensured that him in a slightly different direction thereafter. his observations stayed with you long after the meeting had ended. Tony Benn served, as a junior Minister, as Postmaster General: as a republican, he tried and failed to get rid He revelled in social progress. I remember talking to of the Queen’s head, but he did manage to shrink it him 20 years ago about the ordination of women into down to a much smaller size. As technology Minister, the Anglican priesthood. He had been down especially he oversaw the development of Concorde, but I think to watch the first women vicars being ordained and was he tired of the constraints of ministerial office. Instead, delighted at the joyful occasion he had witnessed, and he decided that he needed to range more widely to he was aware of its significance in the battle for women’s change the political terms of trade by sheer rhetorical equality. I remember going as a young activist to campaign force. As we have heard today, he had plenty of sheer in the Chesterfield by-election in 1984, in which Tony rhetorical force. It was for doing that that he came to be was seeking to return to the Commons for the second regarded by the media as “the most dangerous man in time. My sister, my hon. Friend the Member for Garston Britain”. and Halewood (Maria Eagle), and I went over to help with a contingent which included Allan Roberts, the First and foremost, however, Tony Benn revered the then Member for Bootle. Things were looking a bit House of Commons as the crucible of our democracy, wobbly and the stakes were high. We were sent off to try as we have heard over and over again in today’s tributes. to remove from a tower block, strategically placed on He said that it was the place where kings and tyrants the main road into the town, a forest of Liberal posters, could be tamed and revolution averted. This was in which had suddenly appeared, causing much consternation contrast to the House of Lords, which he described as in the campaign headquarters. My sister discovered that the the posters were down to a disgruntled Labour voter “British Outer Mongolia for retired politicians”. who had decided to switch sides. This lady had demanded, 937 Tributes to Tony Benn20 MARCH 2014 Tributes to Tony Benn 938

[Ms Angela Eagle] “We need a strong government to protect us; and those who see that need must also be most vigilant in seeing that it is, itself, fully “Get that Tony Benn down here if you want me to democratic in character.” change my mind.” By coincidence, we bumped into him I hope that he would approve and applaud the changes a few minutes later and so my sister carted him off to that we make in this Parliament to promote the interests the woman’s front door. She invited him in and he of Select Committees, which he called for in the 1980s, reached over to an old photograph that she had on her and indeed the rights of Back Benchers. mantelpiece. It was a group shot of Labour politicians and he named every one of them, except one, which he Tony Benn was also one of the central influences on correctly surmised was her husband—a former local the character of our modern Parliament, including in Labour councillor. She was utterly charmed, and the his role in the disclaiming of peerages. His views on Liberal posters all came down and were replaced by reform of the House of Lords were trenchant from his Labour ones. The tide turned and it was said that in early days in the Commons, as the shadow Leader of the Labour club that weekend my hon. Friend the the House recalled. He consistently believed in the Member for Bolsover (Mr Skinner) started singing again. primacy of the Commons and argued strongly for the The leader of the Labour party has paid a fulsome abolition of the Lords. He said: tribute to Tony Benn. He leaves behind many memories, “I am not a reluctant peer but a persistent commoner.”. and his fascinating and honest diaries, a legacy of which we have heard some today. Most of all, he leaves behind A commoner yes, but never commonplace. his devoted children, Stephen, Hilary, Melissa and Joshua, Beyond this place, his influence was far-reaching. to whom we extend our sincere condolences. I believe Even for those who did not share his ideology, the that the tributes we have heard today do a great service power of his speeches, the intellectual challenges of his to the memory of a great man who lived a long and views and the originality of his world view, provoked, fulfilled life. May he rest in peace. inspired and always engaged. 12.13 pm Tony Benn himself said: The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew “I think the most important thing in life is to encourage. If Lansley): Today, this House has had its opportunity to anybody asked me what I want on my gravestone, I would like, bid farewell to one of our own—someone who gave so ‘Tony Benn, he encouraged us’. That would be all I need!” much to this House of Commons and who so passionately He can rest in peace in the knowledge that he did indeed believed in the centrality of this House to our democracy. encourage generations of his fellow commoners. The debate has been full of memories. For one Parliament, I served in this House with Tony Benn. Even then, we knew that he was a great parliamentarian, one of the Mr Speaker: Right hon. and hon. Members might central parliamentary figures of the second half of the like to know that Her Majesty has agreed that Tony 20th century. I want to add my condolences to his Benn’s coffin will be brought to the Chapel of St Mary family. There is no doubt that the sense of loss is great Undercroft, the crypt chapel, on Wednesday afternoon when one loses someone whose presence and character next to rest overnight before being taken to St Margaret’s has been there throughout one’s life—we feel for them. church for his funeral service. The Speaker’s Chaplain, As a Member of this House for nearly 50 years, Tony Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin will undertake an all-night Benn was a champion of the rights of Members to hold vigil. The private family service to receive the coffin in the Executive to account. He said in his book, “Arguments the crypt will be followed by a period when parliamentary for Democracy”: passholders may file past his coffin to pay their respects. 939 20 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 940

Business of the House programme. Apparently, the void is now so bad that the Whips have resorted to e-mailing Tory Back Benchers to ask for suggestions to fill in the time. I think they 12.16 pm might have forgotten what happened with last year’s Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): Will the Leader of Tory tea party tendency’s alternative Queen’s Speech. the House give us the business for next week? Can the Leader of the House tell us whether, apart from our new Opposition Day, the rest of the time will now The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew be filled with Europe, Europe and more Europe? Perhaps Lansley): The business for next week is as follows: he is safer giving all the yawning gaps he has left in the parliamentary timetable to us. MONDAY 24 MARCH—My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport will update the House on high-speed After the Prime Minister’s assurances that the House rail, followed by a continuation of the Budget debate. will have a say on his plans to bring back fox hunting, TUESDAY 25 MARCH—Conclusion of the Budget debate. the Leader of the House keeps getting hon. Members excited by announcing unidentified statutory instruments. WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH—My right hon. Friend the Prime Can he tell us when we can expect the hunting debate to Minister will update the House following the European take place and how he and the Prime Minister will be Council, followed by a motion relating to the charter voting when it does? for budget responsibility, followed by consideration of Lords Amendments to the Gambling (Licensing and This week we learned the breathtaking extent of the Advertising) Bill, followed by remaining stages of the hypocrisy on pay shown by this Government. Cabinet Inheritance and Trustees’ Powers Bill [Lords], followed Ministers have been approving huge pay rises for their by a motion relating to the appointment of electoral special advisers while imposing real-terms pay cuts on commissioners. millions of public sector workers. The coalition agreement promised to cut the number, and cost, of special advisers, THURSDAY 27 MARCH—A general debate on the background to and implications of the High Court so may we have a statement from the Government on judgment on John Downey. The subject for this debate why they have done precisely the opposite? was determined by the Backbench Business Committee. Yesterday, the Chancellor delivered the Budget and hoped that no one would notice what is going on with FRIDAY 28 MARCH—The House will not be sitting. his failing economic plan. He said that he had cut The provisional business for the week commencing borrowing but now he is set to borrow £190 billion 31 March will include: more than he first forecast. He said that the economy MONDAY 31 MARCH—Second Reading of the Wales would grow by more than 8% but it has grown by less Bill. than 4%, and he said that he would eliminate the deficit TUESDAY 1APRIL—Second Reading of the Finance by 2015 but now he has admitted that it will take until Bill. 2018. Only this Government could announce a five-year plan that, as they have now had to admit, is already four WEDNESDAY 2APRIL—Opposition Day [Un-allotted half day]. There will be a debate on an Opposition years late and only this Chancellor could expect us all motion, subject to be announced, followed by a motion to congratulate him for it. to approve a statutory instrument. Last night, the Conservative party released an ad that THURSDAY 3APRIL—Business to be nominated by the reveals what was really meant by its claims to be the Backbench Business Committee. workers’ party a few weeks ago. Even the Chief Secretary thought it was a spoof. The reality is that the Tories are RIDAY 4APRIL—The House will not be sitting. F patronising and have an insultingly clichéd view of working people. All I can say is that what was trending Ms Eagle: I thank the Leader of the House for last night on Twitter showed their view of workers. Posh announcing next week’s business. I also thank him for boys’ den, No. 10; bankers’ heaven, No. 11. It is all his written ministerial statement on the drafting of about bingo, this Budget. Government legislation today. There was great promise in the title given this Government’s woeful record on I do have one positive thing to say about the Budget. drafting legislation, but, as usual with this Government, It was good to see the Liberal Democrats’ role in the the content was a complete disappointment. coalition memorialised with the new pound coin. It has The situation in Ukraine has continued to worsen. about as many sides as they have Members and it has Crimea has been annexed and Russian troops appear to two faces, just like them. have taken control of several Ukrainian naval bases. Last Saturday was the ides of March, and our classically During Tuesday’s debate in the House, there was cross-party trained Education Secretary took the opportunity to agreement that the UK response needs to be much more strike. He criticised the number of Etonians in No. 10 as robust than it has been so far. Will the Leader of the “preposterous” and, after a few glasses of fine wine, he House confirm that if President Putin persists, the UK waxed lyrical about the Chancellor’s prime ministerial Government will support wider economic and financial potential to . I think, Mr Speaker, you sanctions against Russia? There is a meeting of European would need more than a few glasses of wine to think Council leaders in Brussels later today, and President that. Obama will be travelling to Europe next week. I ask the Leader of the House to confirm that there will be a Mr Lansley: I am grateful to the shadow Leader of statement from the Prime Minister on any developments. the House for her questions, and particularly for her I thank the Leader of the House for granting my welcome for my written ministerial statement. We are request last week for an extra Opposition day to help fill pushing forward with the good law project to improve the gaping holes in his increasingly threadbare legislative drafting. I am sure that Members will appreciate that 941 Business of the House20 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 942

[Mr Lansley] forward to hearing the Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, my hon. Friend the Member for after many years in which there has been a degree of Thornbury and Yate (Steve Webb), further setting out confusion about the distinction in legislation between that pension strategy. regulations and orders, we will be clear in future when The plan is working and we are sticking to our they are regulations to avoid confusion and duplication long-term economic plan. The Chancellor of the Exchequer of terminology. was able to say that the deficit is forecast to have halved On Ukraine, we have had the debate that Members by next year and if one looks at the Office for Budget sought, and it was right for us to have done so. In future Responsibility’s report one can see clearly that that is business, I and my colleagues will ensure that the House because we have taken the difficult decisions. It is not is regularly updated and, if it becomes necessary, we the product of economic recovery on its own, but is will look to secure a further opportunity for Members principally about making decisions on public expenditure to give their views on the situation. The House will and bringing down the costs of administration and the know that after the Prime Minister secured a strategy at extent to which the people’s money is taken to pay for the previous European Council, he will be trying at the public expenditure and borrowing. European Council today to secure the strongest sanctions One of the most interesting numbers was the reduction as regards the Russians’ interventions in Crimea and of £42 billion in the cost of borrowing. That is a their transgression of international law and the territorial measure of the advance we have been able to make from integrity of Ukraine. He will get the strongest sanctions the position we inherited from the Labour party, which for which agreement can be secured and, as I told the borrowed so much. The Budget will help hard-working House on Tuesday, there will be a meeting of G7 people by bringing 3.2 million people out of income tax Ministers at the nuclear security summit in The Hague altogether, with £800 for all basic-rate taxpayers. It is early next week. As I have told the House, I expect the helping businesses to invest through the investment Prime Minister to update the House next Wednesday. allowances and helping them to export through the I have to tell the hon. Lady that the business is not export finance changes, and it is helping people to save light, not least because I have announced in the provisional through the changes in ISAs, pensioner bonds and business for the week after next the Second Reading of other measures. It is giving people who have retired and two Bills, the Finance Bill and the Wales Bill. I am are not in a position to change their circumstances so delighted to be able to say that the Wales Bill is being readily the security not only of the triple lock and the published and introduced today. single-tier pension, which mean that they have a secure The reference to statutory instruments in the provisional basic state pension that does not expose them to means- business is simply to give the House an indication of tested benefits, but the opportunity to use the money what the nature of the business might be. When I they have saved through pensions as they see fit to boost announce the business next week, I will be able to give their standard of living in old age. more details. I can tell the hon. Lady that they do not relate to a change to the Hunting Act 2004. No such Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): “Absolution”, statutory instrument under section 2(2) of that Act is “Atonement”, “The Pickwick Papers”, “A Christmas before the House. If it is of any comfort to the hon. Carol”and “Clockwise”were all films made in Shropshire. Lady, if there were it would have to go through the May we have a debate on making Shropshire the pre- affirmative procedure and would require a vote of both eminent and premier—if hon. Members will forgive the Houses. pun—film location in England for British, American I am surprised that the hon. Lady had anything to say and international film makers? That will be good for on the Budget, because her leader seemed incapable of Shropshire, for businesses and for tourism. finding anything to say about it. His speech yesterday consisted of an end-to-end collection of Labour press Mr Lansley: I hope that my hon. Friend will forgive releases that we had known and forgotten. The first half me if I am not as knowledgeable on the relationship of tried to reheat arguments that had failed in the past, the film industry to Shropshire as I should be. That is whereas the second half consisted mainly of things that interesting. He and other hon. Members might seek he hoped we would have said in the Budget but that we such a debate, either on the Adjournment or through had not. His principal attack seems to be, “Why didn’t the Backbench Business Committee. Certainly, there you say this in the Budget, because then we could have will be other places in this country that also have a lot to attacked it?”I am afraid that that was not very compelling. say about the film industry, but I hope that it would also We did begin to get an idea of how the Labour party be an opportunity to demonstrate what a success this approaches such matters. Clearly, the Leader of the country now is in terms of our film and creative industries, Opposition did not feel able to comment on the most not only as evidenced by the success of the film “Gravity” important potential changes to pensions and savings for at the Oscars, to which the British film industry contributed nearly 100 years. None the less, by the evening a Labour so much, but by so many successful films that are being spokesman was on “Newsnight” giving it straight about made in this country with this Government’s support. what the Labour party thinks should happen in this country. I think it went along the lines of, “You cannot Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): Both trust people to spend their own money.” That is what general debates and votes on Back-Bench motions have the Labour party thinks about the people of this country. led to some notable shifts and changes in Government We trust the people. The Conservative party has trusted policy, such as the forcing of the Prime Minister to the people and, if I may say so on behalf of our recall Parliament before going to war in Syria, compensating coalition partners, the coalition Government trust the the victims of contaminated blood, taking action on people. We have worked together and I am looking payday lenders, and the Hillsborough inquiry. What, 943 Business of the House20 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 944 then, is the criteria that the Government use to take have a debate to encourage school governors to think decisions on when to listen to Parliament and when just more in terms of business links and developing relationships to ignore it? with businesses so that we can get schools to fill these extra engineering places? Mr Lansley: The Government always listen to Parliament, and we are always very clear, often in the debates that Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend is quite right. It is very take place, about our position. The hon. Lady instanced important that every school should engage fully with in a press release of her own that debates on contaminated local employers and the professional community to get blood, fisheries policies, high speed rail, metal theft and real work connections with employers. As my hon. fuel prices have led to Government responses and changes Friend mentioned, employer involvement in school of policy. She will no doubt have noted in yesterday’s governing bodies, is one way of achieving that. The Budget that the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced Government are funding a range of programmes to that the Government will refund VAT on fuel for air encourage young people to consider careers related to ambulances and inshore rescue boats. That, of course, science, technology, engineering and manufacturing. follows a review established after an e-petition on the The stimulating physics network aims to increase the subject, which had more than 150,000 signatures, and a take-up of physics A-levels, particularly among girls, debate held through the Backbench Business Committee’s and the STEM ambassadors programme raises awareness decision in the House in July 2012. of the range of careers that science, technology, engineering and maths qualifications can lead to. Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): May we have an early debate on the proposed teachers’ strike Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): for next Wednesday? The National Union of Teachers May we have a debate in Government time to educate is calling out on strike many fine and hard-working those on the Government Benches that working-class teachers next Wednesday, which will cause huge disruption culture is not just about beer and bingo, or for that to school children coming up to the exam period, and it matter, pigeon fancying, wearing a flat cap or having a is difficult for parents to find child care at short notice. whippet? If they are left in any doubt, perhaps a visit to Does my right hon. Friend agree that it would be Hull for city of culture 2017 might be in order. helpful if all parties in the House strongly urged the NUT not to go ahead with that action? Mr Lansley: I look forward to the opportunity to visit Hull as the city of culture. I would certainly Mr Lansley: I completely agree with my hon. Friend. appreciate that, but I am afraid I cannot agree with the I hope that between now and next week it will be hon. Lady on her first point. It does not patronise or possible, as he says, for not only Government Members disparage anybody to recognise that in a Budget we to be clear that whatever one’s disputes may be, it is address the issues that people care about. We talked wrong to pursue those grievances by damaging the earlier about Back-Bench motions. There was a considerable education of the young people whom we are there to Back-Bench effort on the part of Government Members look after. I hope that the Opposition spokesman will to secure a reduction in bingo duty, and they got what do exactly the same thing and advise the NUT not to they were looking for. In fact, they got more than they proceed with this. were looking for from the Chancellor of the Exchequer. It is in the context of a Budget that was about supporting Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): The Leader of the hard-working people, not least because all of those who House will know that next Tuesday marks the third are basic rate taxpayers, by virtue of a personal tax anniversary of the launch of the responsibility deal, of allowance rising to £10,500, will have seen their tax which he was the architect. He will also know that of reduced by £800. the 40 pledges that businesses have to sign up to, none relates to a reduction in sugar. May we have a debate or Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): I was statement on the progress of the responsibility deal to recently in a pub enjoying a pint with local farmers, and see whether we can include the reduction in sugar as I am delighted that I will go back and do it again. The one of the pledges that should be made? topic we discussed then was water abstraction and the Mr Lansley: Yes, I am very familiar with that, and I changes that are coming into force. Will my right hon. am proud of what the responsibility deal has been able Friend find time for a debate to discuss that matter, to achieve in terms of the further reduction in salt which was not particularly considered during the Water content and the calorie challenge, which is relevant to Bill? the point to which the right hon. Gentleman alludes. The calorie challenge in itself—the reduction of the Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend is the very person, in the equivalent of 100 calories per person per day in this sense of having recently had a debate on bingo duty. I country on average—would bring the population to a congratulate my hon. Friend. sustainable weight, broadly speaking. That would make My hon. Friend will be aware that the House of an enormous difference to our long-term prospects on Lords is completing consideration of the Water Bill, morbidity in older age. There are other responsibility and the future of abstraction reform may well arise on deal achievements that are too numerous to mention, consideration of Lords amendments on that Bill. but questions on the levels of consumption of fat and sugars are part of achieving that calorie challenge. Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op): Will the Leader of the House look into the case of my Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): With the CBI noting constituent Gordon Mansbridge, who is 90 and has that we need even more engineers to strengthen our terminal cancer. He flew some 33 Wellington bomber already powerful, long-term economic plan, may we missions from an Italian airbase during the second 945 Business of the House20 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 946

[Mr Gareth Thomas] more effectively for the future, which is a continuing process. Welfare reform, and indeed the need to maintain world war. Sir John Holmes is investigating the possibility the downward pressure on what would otherwise be of recognition in the form of a medal clasp, but that escalating welfare budgets, which were not controlled review is not likely to be completed until the end of the under the previous Government, is not the issue. We year. Given the circumstances of my constituent, might need to focus resources on the people who are most in the right hon. Gentleman explore with the MOD whether need, and that is what we are doing. I will talk with my that could be speeded up? right hon. and hon. Friends at the Department for Work and Pensions about the circumstances of the case Mr Lansley: I will of course do that. I am pleased to she describes—[Interruption.] I completely understand be able to help the hon. Gentleman in relation to his that, but I will talk with them so that she can have a constituent. In recent years, like many hon. Members, I response on the circumstances and how we are addressing have appreciated the recognition, through the Bomber those issues. Command medal and the Bomber Command memorial here in London, and in other ways, of the courage Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): Will my right hon. displayed by those who were part of Bomber Command Friend join me in congratulating Crawley borough council in the second world war. on its plan to plant Flanders and wild flower poppies in every single neighbourhood and park in my constituency Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): North East later this year to mark the centenary of the first world Lincolnshire council is proposing to close the youth war? Will he ensure that there are ample opportunities centres under its control, which—needless to say—is throughout this year for the House to commemorate extremely unpopular. The overwhelming local view is that most important event in our history? that the council is not using its resources wisely. This highlights the limited scope local authorities have in Mr Lansley: I applaud my hon. Friend and Crawley determining their budgets, because most of the services borough council for the way they are commemorating they have to provide are statutory. Will the Leader of the first world war. I can remember talking with my the House find time for a debate either on giving grandfather about the great war, so in a way I can councils more freedom or on reducing the amount of conjure up a sense of what it must have been like. statutory provision? Younger generations should also have an opportunity to understand the nature of what happened, the character Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend will recall the debate on of those who went from this country to fight and what the local government finance settlement, during which they achieved. I think that is well worth commemorating. it was illustrated that although every bit of the public The House had an important and constructive debate sector, including local government, must do its bit to on the first world war at the end of last year, and I hope pay off the budget deficit we inherited from the previous that we will have another opportunity between now and Government, there are particular ways in which all August to debate how to commemorate it. administrations can focus on cutting waste and making savings in order to protect front-line services. Of course, Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): we are enabling local authorities to keep council tax On that issue, the European Scrutiny Committee has down. In particular, our “50 ways to save” document asked for a debate that would have freed up the Europe contains practical tips and guidance on making sensible for Citizens programme, which is now frozen for the savings and highlights how councillors can challenge whole of Europe because we are the last country that officers to deliver savings and how taxpayers can challenge has not had that debate and lifted the scrutiny. The councils. I hope that he, along with his constituents, will House has passed a Bill to allow the programme to go be challenging his council to protect the front-line services ahead, and it has been granted Royal Assent, but it that are most important to them. appears that since November neither the Leader of the House nor the Department have been able to find time Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): for a debate to allow the programme to go ahead across My constituent Robert Barlow graduated with an honours Europe. degree and worked for some years as a microbiologist. He was then diagnosed with a serious heart defect and Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman will know that, told that his working days were over. He was sent to contrary to some impressions, we have had difficulty Atos for an assessment. They stopped his benefits, scheduling a number of debates on the Floor of the which ended his access to free prescriptions. He was too House. I hope that the issue he raises can be considered ill to appeal. Robert died at the age of 47, struggling to in one of the European Committees very shortly. get by. May we please have an urgent debate on the impact of too many of these Atos decisions on sick Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con): I know people, particularly when access to free prescriptions is that the Leader of the House has found time for debates taken away? on the Budget, but if he can find more time, I think that the full quotation he referred to earlier could be exposed Mr Lansley: As the hon. Lady will know, the House more thoroughly. It was from a Labour party adviser, has had many opportunities to debate how we are who said that proceeding with welfare reform, and rightly so. I hope “you can’t trust people to spend their own money sensibly, she understands that we are proceeding on the basis of planning for their retirement”. reforming what we inherited, because it was the previous He was an adviser at the beginning and end of the Government who put work capability assessments in previous Labour Government, including several years place. We have gone about ensuring that they work in No. 10 advising . That sentiment says 947 Business of the House20 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 948 everything we need to know about that party and about Mr Lansley: Of course, because we had data yesterday the parties on the Government side of the House, showing that it has gone up. There are something like because we trust people to spend their own money 1.4 million more jobs in this country—I will be corrected sensibly. The more times we say it, the better. if I am wrong—and the smallest number of workless households. Our pension reforms, which the Minister of Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I State, Department for Work and Pensions, my hon. wish that we had more time to debate the Budget, not Friend the Member for Thornbury and Yate (Steve least because the longer we debate it, the greater the Webb), has been steering through, are delivering for the chance that at some point we might find out what people of this country the triple lock, the single-tier the Opposition’s alternative would be. I agree about pension, auto-enrolment and, following yesterday’s Budget, the sentiments of the Labour party, as expressed in the a dramatic new potential for people to use their pensions claim that people cannot be trusted to spend their own funds as they think best. We are also ensuring that money. That has been true in the past, is true today and, where we are reforming—this is true of personal no doubt, will be true in the future. independence payments—we are doing so carefully and steadily, recognising where there are difficulties and Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): addressing them. May we have a debate on the pressures caused by councils such as Oxford and Newham relocating their Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) homeless people to Birmingham while the Government (Lab): On Tuesday, the Work and Pensions Committee simultaneously relocate Birmingham’s resources to places published a report which, in addition to reporting on such as Oxfordshire and Surrey? the delays in assessments, also showed that the Department for Work and Pensions is distorting statistics, which is Mr Lansley: I cannot promise a debate on denigrating to people such as the person my hon. Friend accommodation issues for people who are dependent the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana Berger) on local authority housing. Of course, one of the answers mentioned. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to the hon. Gentleman’s point is our ability to build has been rebuked by the UK Statistics Authority at more houses. He talks about Newham. Just imagine least twice. Does the Leader of the House agree that the what kind of progress we could make with the Government ministerial code of conduct is not worth the paper it is support the Chancellor announced yesterday for substantial written on unless it is enforced, and will he report back additional developments in Barking and Barking Riverside. to the House on exactly what he is going to do about this matter? Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland air ambulance Mr Lansley: No, I do not agree with that. I cannot see flies out of East Midlands airport in my constituency. It any evidence that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of is funded totally by charitable donations and saves State has breached the ministerial code of conduct. countless lives across the region each year. May we have There are often, rightly, debates about policy and, indeed, a debate on the value that air ambulances add to our about the statistics that support policy, but I do not see emergency services and the impact on them of the any basis for the accusation that, in using the arguments excellent news announced by my right hon. Friend the that he has, he has in any way breached the code. Chancellor yesterday that VAT on the fuel they use will be scrapped, something for which I and many colleagues Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): May we have a on the Government Benches have been campaigning for further debate on the effectiveness of the green deal? In some time? Wales this week, we have had figures showing that with a population of almost 3 million people, only 4,202 green Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend has indeed fought that deal assessments have taken place and only 382 projects campaign successfully, along with other Members, for have been signed off—fewer than 10 per constituency. which I applaud him. As there is a Budget measure Providers in my constituency are now saying that the providing for the relief of VAT on fuel for air ambulances, Conservative coalition has wasted two years, with fewer I hope that he and other Members might find an homes being insulated and real damage being done to opportunity to raise the matter during the Budget debate. the insulation industry.

Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): May we have a Mr Lansley: I cannot offer the immediate prospect of statement on the delivery of the Department for Work a debate. In any case, one has to look very carefully at and Pensions? Following big problems with the Work the way in which the green deal is developing. It is programme and universal credit, it now appears that developing in terms of assessments, which are not always the personal independence payment has dreadful teething turning into contracts, but that does not mean that, as a problems. consequence, people are not taking the energy-conserving and carbon-reducing measures that are the basis of the Mr Lansley: We will have an opportunity in the assessments. Budget debate to look at some aspects of the Department’s delivery. As its title indicates, the Department is there to Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): May I refer the get people into work and to reform and improve pensions, Leader of the House to early-day motion 1156? and I think that it can be immensely proud of what it [That this House congratulates Age Cymru on its has achieved. We have 1.6 million more people in private timely and vital campaign to protect vulnerable older sector employment—[Interruption.] people in Wales from scams, such as postal scams, nuisance calls, investment scams, fake PPI recovery offers, internet Andrew Selous: It is now 1.7 million. repair scammers, courier scams and internet scams; and 949 Business of the House 20 MARCH 2014 950

[Paul Flynn] Pensions Strategy calls for the Government to examine the case for drastically increasing the scope and the scale of No Cold Calling 12.55 pm zones to protect older people from rogue traders and high The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions pressure salespeople on their doorstep and for internet (Steve Webb): With permission, Mr Speaker, I would service providers to work with other service and product like to make a statement setting out the Government’s providers to supply easily and affordably higher levels of strategy for future pension provision in the light of the security capable of blocking or quarantining scams.] Chancellor’s bold and radical reform proposals announced The EDM supports the campaign by Age Cymru to in the Budget statement yesterday. draw attention to the many callous and cruel scams Our first priority has been to do the right thing by against the vulnerable and the elderly to try to rob people who have already retired—people who have spent them. May we have a debate so that we can find out how a lifetime paying in to the system and who now have a to publicise the nature of these scams, some of which right to expect a decent income in retirement. That is are very subtle and very clever and which do so much why one of the first measures taken by this coalition damage and rob so many elderly people of their hard-won Government was to implement the triple lock policy, money? which ensures that the basic state pension increases each year by the highest of the growth in earnings or Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman raises an important prices, with a minimum increase of 2.5%. As a result of point. I recognise that his EDM has secured support this policy, the basic state pension is now a higher share from a number of Members on both sides of the House, of the average wage than at any time in the past two and rightly so, because it is a concern for our constituents decades. But we also need a system that works for that they are not subject to these exploitative and damaging tomorrow’s pensioners. That is why we have introduced rogue traders and others. I cannot promise a debate the single-tier state pension. This will provide a simple, immediately, but I will of course raise the matter with single, decent state pension, set above the level of the my hon. Friends to see whether they can reply to him basic means test, so that working people will know what and other Members or inform the House a little more they will get in retirement from the state and can plan about how they are addressing some of these issues. accordingly. Mrs Mary Glindon (North Tyneside) (Lab): Last We also needed to reverse the decades-long decline in week the Government announced that they plan to workplace pension provision. With barely one worker introduce an early access to medicines scheme. Such a in three in the private sector building up any pension scheme was a central point in the recent report by the provision at all, urgent action was required. That is why all-party group on muscular dystrophy. Will the Leader in 2012 we began the process of automatically enrolling of the House provide some time to debate the scheme, more than 10 million people into workplace pensions. and will he ask the relevant Minister to meet me, That programme has been a stunning success. Last patients and representatives from the Muscular Dystrophy week, we announced that over 3 million workers have Campaign to discuss it further? already been automatically enrolled. Only about one in 10 workers is exercising their right to opt out of the Mr Lansley: I will of course ask my hon. Friends at scheme, as most realise that the combination of an the Department of Health whether they might be able employer contribution and tax relief from the Government to meet the hon. Lady. I cannot promise an immediate make this a very attractive proposition. Figures published debate, but this is an important issue, and I hope that at the end of last week for April 2013 showed the we may have such an opportunity before too long. The biggest rise in workplace pension coverage since figures early access to medicines scheme, like the breakthrough began in 1997, and we expect the figures for 2014 to fund in America, raises the real possibility that, in show a much bigger increase. addition to what we have already done through the We need to make sure that these pension savings are cancer drugs fund, which provides the ability to access invested in value-for-money schemes that are well governed, licensed medicines, drugs that have evident efficacy and and we plan to publish next week measures to deliver safety can be made available through the NHS, even this policy goal. We will also ensure that individuals do before the point at which they have been through all the not build up multiple stranded small pension pots but formal licensing processes, for patients who often have that their pensions follow them when they change jobs relatively few other opportunities. so that they build up a worthwhile sum in their current scheme. In addition, we will create a new “defined Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): The United ambition” framework for workplace pensions, enabling Nations Human Rights Council is currently in session, new forms of risk sharing between employers and as it has been throughout most of March, and there are employees. a lot of important issues on the agenda. Will the Leader Having ensured that the vast majority of workers of the House advise on whether there will be a mechanism build up a worthwhile pension pot on top of a simplified for us to debate what is decided at the HRC? Will the state pension, we now have a new opportunity to think be making a statement, or will there about the choices people have in retirement. In the past, be any other opportunity for us to discuss its outcomes? retirement was often a relatively short period of time, and the priority for most was to turn their pension Mr Lansley: I cannot say that there will be a statement savings into a regular income for as long as they lived. to the House, but I will talk to my hon. Friends at the But in a world where people will routinely live for Foreign Office to see how the House might indeed be 25 years in retirement, we need to think more creatively informed of the outcomes of the Human Rights Council. and give people new options about what they will do 951 Pensions Strategy20 MARCH 2014 Pensions Strategy 952 with their own money. In the past, Governments were pensions. And now we have ripped up the red tape that concerned that if people had freedom over their pension prevented people in retirement from making their own pots, they would run them down too quickly and then choices about how they want to spend their own pension depend on state support in later life. The single-tier pot. This is truly a pensions revolution, and I commend pension provides a game-changing opportunity to rethink this strategy to the House. this model. With people receiving a full single-tier pension already clear of the basic means test, the state need be much less prescriptive about how people use their 1.1 pm accumulated pension savings. Gregg McClymont (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and That is why the Government have announced a plan Kirkintilloch East) (Lab): No one can say that pensions for radical liberalisation of the retirement savings market is not a fast-moving and exciting world. The Minister with effect from April 2015. Gone will be the detailed was halfway through his statement before yesterday’s rules on how quickly people can turn their pension pot announcements were mentioned. The reason for that is into annual income. Instead, for the first time, we will straightforward. The announcements yesterday cannot treat people as adults, giving them the flexibility to be bold and radical and also be a logical extension of choose how best to use their hard-earned savings in the the Government’s existing pensions policy, as the Minister way that suits their personal circumstances. People will strains to claim. Let us be clear about that. still be free to take a tax-free lump sum and turn the There is a wider context to the statement. Given that balance of their pension pot into an annuity, providing so much time was spent on the wider pensions strategy, a guaranteed income for life, but they will also be able it is surprising that the Minister made no mention of his to withdraw the whole of their pension pot as cash to retreat, so far at least, from clamping down on fees and spend as they see fit, subject only to taxation on the charges in individual pension schemes. The stridency of balance in excess of the tax-free lump sum. Or they can the Minister’s statement results from the fact that he decide to allow their money to go on growing, drawing knows that on that fundamental issue he has not delivered cash as and when they wish, perhaps as part of a phased for the millions of people saving in the new pension retirement—something that we have talked about for schemes for which he claims all the credit. It is important years and are now delivering. By lifting the rules, to put that on the record. we anticipate that industry will respond with new We welcome greater flexibility and choice, especially products that meet consumers’ income needs in new in the announcements— which are easy to understand and innovative ways. and the impact of which is easy to interpret—regarding These reforms will increase the attractiveness of saving the changes from 26 March this year. It makes sense to for retirement, and will allow people to shape their allow greater flexibility, particularly for those with small finances in retirement as they see fit, not as the Government pots, which the new auto-enrolment system is producing. tell them. To support people in making good choices we An annuity will not deliver value for money for these will introduce a guidance guarantee—a legal requirement small pots, so we welcome the changes. With the increase on pension schemes to offer all scheme members a to £30,000 in the trivial commutation rules and the conversation about their options with someone who is changes to the number of pots that can be taken in impartial. This may lead them to take full independent cash, some individuals will be able to take, by my financial advice, or it may enable them to make informed calculations, up to £60,000 as cash. That is to be welcomed. choices without further advice. As a down payment on Let us probe a little more deeply, especially the new these increased flexibilities, we will dramatically relax developments surrounding the changes from April 2015, the rules on turning small pension pots into cash and which the Minister dealt with in the second half of his the rules on existing drawdown products with effect statement. He made great play of the fact that there will from 27 March. be a statutory right to guidance via pension providers. We anticipate that annuities will continue to be an We welcome that. It is our policy, which the Government important part of retirement provision and the FCA have taken. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of will continue with its review of the workings of the flattery. Is the guidance to be mandatory for all those annuity market, to ensure that consumers get maximum approaching the point where they turn their pension value for money from their hard-earned pension savings. pot into retirement income? If not, how does it deal But we also expect that our reforms will pave the way with the cardinal feature of the current annuities market, for new financial products which will give people new which is that the majority of people do nothing other freedoms over how they turn their retirement savings than take the current offer from their provider? Government into quality of life in retirement, as well as potentially Members have gone quiet now. When we get into the link to options for funding the long-term costs of social detail, which they do not understand, the picture looks care. a little different. The pensions system that was inherited by this coalition We need clarity on that guidance. We need to know Government was broken. Declining coverage of workplace what protections there will be for savers in the new pensions and a declining basic state pension meant that investment products that are to be developed. What is mass means-testing had become the order of the day. the track record of the investment industry in delivering We were determined to reverse that spiral of decline. We innovative new products that deliver value for money at have done the right thing by today’s pensioners by low cost? [Interruption.] The Secretary of State says starting to restore the real value of the state pension something but he has no idea of what he speaks. through the triple lock. We have reformed the state What will be the safeguards around the guidance? pension to provide a simple, decent foundation for Will it be mandatory? Will it ensure that people get the retirement saving and have implemented automatic best possible deal for their cash? These savings measures enrolment, leading already to millions more in workplace are supposed to be part of a Budget that is meant to be 953 Pensions Strategy20 MARCH 2014 Pensions Strategy 954

[Gregg McClymont] The hon. Gentleman asked about action on charges. I assume that he had written his questions before he for savers. Why, then, does the OBR forecast that the read my statement. Given that we gave him the statement savings ratio will fall? Will the Minister tell us what well before the speech, I am surprised at that. I confirm these changes will mean for savings in future? There is that next week we will announce the conclusions and nothing in the Budget about the savings ratio. More the action we are taking—action to tackle problems widely, how many people will continue to annuitise? that were never tackled in 13 years of a Labour The Minister talks of a radical liberalisation, but if a Government. significant number of individuals continue to annuitise, The hon. Gentleman says that guidance is Labour’s surely the priority should be to ensure that that annuity policy. I am delighted to hear that, but why was there market also delivers value for money. none in place when his party was running the country? Finally, the Minister made great play of his defined It is good of him to support the plans. ambition agenda, which is buried in his statement. How This is bold and radical stuff. People will have guidance can one develop the collective pensions to which he for the first time and new flexibilities. Some Labour subscribes when they depend on intergenerational risk- MPs are saying that this should be blocked because we sharing? As we understand it, intergenerational risk-sharing cannot trust people to spend their own money. I think becomes extremely difficult, if not impossible, if people we should. exit the system at the age of 55. On all these questions—the safeguards surrounding the guidance, and the recognition Mr Mark Hoban (Fareham) (Con): I welcome the that the Minister has, to some extent, taken our policy, reforms announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor which we welcome—how do these reforms marry with yesterday and the further detail my hon. Friend the the wider pensions agenda? We look forward to the Minister has given today. I urge him not to overlook the Minister’s response. Pensions Advisory Service and the Money Advice Service as potential sources of advice for people approaching Steve Webb: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for retirement. How will he take forward discussions with his wholehearted endorsement of our plans. The guidance the industry and the regulator to ensure the availability guarantee is as it says on the tin: it is guaranteed. It is a of good quality products for new pensioners that not right of members of the scheme. It is a duty on schemes only represent good value for money but are properly to make sure, for the first time, that people coming up to regulated? retirement have a conversation with someone who is independent and who is on their side, and the schemes Steve Webb: My hon. Friend has great knowledge of will have to make that happen. The Financial Conduct these matters from his time at both the Treasury and the Authority will oversee that process. We will look into Department for Work and Pensions. He is absolutely whether we can involve the voluntary sector and the right to say that we need to make sure that people have advice sector in that. guidance that enables them to make informed choices. They will still be able to proceed to formally regulated We often hear the phrase “advice gap”. The hon. independent financial advice, but the industry will have Gentleman suggests that we started from a blank sheet to up its game, because now people will have much of paper, but we did not. We started from a situation more choice to take cash, and if they want to take an where many people coming to retirement were making annuity they will have to be persuaded that it is good the wrong decisions and buying poor value products. value for money. That will be a market impetus to This is the sort of thing that we have had to address. provide better quality products. We have asked the FCA The hon. Gentleman asks whether the Budget was to make sure that a good guidance regime is in place, really one for savers. To me the increase in ISA limits potentially involving groups such as the excellent Pensions sounds like good news for savers. The new pensioners Advisory Service, to which my hon. Friend referred. bond coming in next year sounds like good news for savers. New freedoms for pensioners with regard to how Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): As a result they can use their pensions sounds like good news for of these changes, will taxpayers pay more or less to the savers. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman wanted still more, Exchequer? but I quote to him Dr Ros Altmann, who said that yesterday was like London buses—all the good news for Steve Webb: The beauty of theses proposals is that savers came at once. individuals will choose: if they want to spread their The hon. Gentleman asked the question I thought he income over their retirement they will pay less tax, and might ask. If I paraphrase it loosely, his question, as a if they bring forward their cash they will pay more tax. former academic, was on “the consistency of the defined We think people will take advantage of those freedoms, ambition framework with liberalised decumulation”. I which will bring forward taxation revenue in the shorter think that is what he wanted to know about. It is term, and there will be a reduction later on. People will perfectly reasonable for people to have collective provision be able to make free choices, something I hope the hon. in accumulation. People can build up pensions collectively Gentleman is in favour of. and many people will go on buying annuities. Many people will still want an income, but we are giving them Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): I am genuinely new options. Plenty of people will want a scheme in not sure what the previous position was on whether the which to go on investing their money into retirement. pension pots of elderly people going into residential That will be their choice. Our whole agenda is about care contributed towards the total assets they were new models and new options, not just going from one allowed to retain before they got help from the state. If extreme to another. that was separate and did not count, will the fact that 955 Pensions Strategy20 MARCH 2014 Pensions Strategy 956 pension pots can now be turned into cash disadvantage I think people might be a little sceptical about a proposal people going into residential care in terms of the assets that appears to have been drawn up on the back of an they can retain, or will the situation remain unchanged envelope. The Red Book expects the savings ratio to fall from their point of view? from 7.2% to 3.2% by 2018. How will these proposals help savers? Steve Webb: The interaction between these measures and the funding of long-term care is important. There Steve Webb: We heard earlier that these are Labour are various rules. If someone takes their pension pot as policies, but now we hear that they were drawn up on income, it will be counted as income in the means the back of a fag packet. Perhaps both statements are testing for residential care. If they have capital assets, true—I do not know. Just to be clear about what the we assess them on a different basis. We have to make Labour party has been demanding: it has been demanding sure that these measures are joined up with our policy not a guidance guarantee, but annuity brokers. It wanted on long-term care so that we have the right outcome. everyone to buy an annuity. This is about freeing people What we hope will happen is that new financial products up. That is why it will be good news for saving. Let me will allow people to use their pot to possibly get care give the hon. Lady a brief example. Under auto-enrolment, insurance as well. The industry has asked for this; now the people most likely to opt out are the oldest—people it has to raise its game. in their 50s and beyond—partly because they do not want to tie up their money late in life. This will give Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): Beyond the guidance them a guaranteed return, in cash, within a few years, guarantee, will the Minister assure us that when these and we think it will lead to more pension saving and innovative products are offered for sale, the regulator that it will be a boost to savers. will be able to guarantee that it will in effect have pre-assured them, not least regarding the transparency Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): The older of charging schemes? someone is, the higher their cost of living. Does the Minister agree that our reforms of the state pension and Steve Webb: As the hon. Gentleman knows, we are these new freedoms in private provision should result in taking steps to make sure that charges in the pension increased income and opportunities for people in retirement, sphere are made much more transparent. Any new and that it is therefore vital that they get good quality products, particularly if they are sold, will be regulated financial advice? by the FCA. The guidance is simply a conversation, as it were, with someone who will enable people to get Steve Webb: My hon. Friend is right. The key word basic information. People will still be able to take regulated she used was “opportunities.” If people want to take independent financial advice, and that will be a regulated more of their pension wealth earlier in retirement—perhaps process. when they are more fit and able—they should be free to do so. As she says, however, they need to make informed Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): The Minister choices, which is why the guidance guarantee is so has rightly championed the triple lock, making sure important. that the pension goes up by whichever is highest: earnings, prices or 2.5%. That is making a huge difference to Mr Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP): Although I am generally pensioners in my constituency and, I suspect, the supportive of the changes to the private pension—they constituencies of hon. Members across the House. Will are sensible, especially for those with smaller pots—I he confirm that it is the Government’s intention to wonder what the difference is between one of these new make that very important change a permanent feature pensions and other savings vehicles. Will there be any of the pension landscape so that it gives people certainty impact on the assessment of someone in their late 50s for the future? As part of the guidance guarantee, will who unfortunately finds themselves seeking means-tested he ensure that a linkage is made to the duty in the Care benefits? Will they be looked at differently compared Bill to provide information and advice in respect of with the current pension plans, given that they will now care? be able to draw down money at any time and it will no longer be necessary for them to purchase an annuity at Steve Webb: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for the end of the scheme? making the crucial point about the link between this new freedom and the level of the state pension. If we Steve Webb: The hon. Gentleman is right to say that are able to keep the triple lock going, what will happen we are going to have to think about pensions and with a means-tested earnings-linked pension credit is retirement saving in a new way. One of the differences that there will be more and more clear blue water between workplace pensions and other forms of saving between the means test and the triple-locked pension, is the employer contribution. Whereas someone of working which will greatly reduce the risk of anyone falling back age can save through any savings vehicle they like, it is into means testing in retirement. I would certainly like only through workplace pensions that they get not only to see that continue beyond this Parliament. tax relief but the employer contribution. They will, On guidance on care, we will liaise with our colleagues therefore, remain particularly attractive products, including at the Department of Health to make sure we are taking for people on low wages. best advantage of this conversation. Mr Crispin Blunt (Reigate) (Con): Thousands of people Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Given the in my constituency work in this industry, from the track record of the DWP and the Government on blue-chip leaders working for Legal & General and for universal credit, the employment and support allowance, Fidelity to those working for two companies that have the personal independence payment and universal jobmatch, led the way in innovative products, namely Partnership 957 Pensions Strategy20 MARCH 2014 Pensions Strategy 958

[Mr Crispin Blunt] a list of all the people he consulted prior to the announcements today and yesterday, as well as the risk and Just Retirement, whose share prices took a hammering assessment of where the Treasury will benefit or lose yesterday because of the language being used about the out from the proposal and, importantly, of the impact future of annuities. Will the Minister make it absolutely on women, because I suspect that women will yet again clear that the delivery of good guidance is essential—that be net losers? would reinforce the position of those who are delivering innovative products—and that annuities will be an extremely Steve Webb: There is a risk of being rather patronising important part of the industry in future provision? to women in saying that giving them new freedoms will somehow result in their losing out. The hon. Lady Steve Webb: We know that many people will still will have seen that the markets moved following the choose to have an income for life rather than a capital announcement yesterday, so there is a sense in which sum, so we do not think this is the death of the annuity. such decisions have to be made through a confidential We think it will give a bit of a jolt to the annuity market process. We are in constant dialogue with trade bodies and make providers do better. For example, Standard and providers, and we will continue to be so. It is a Life, a major annuity provider, said yesterday: three-month consultation, so we want to ensure that we “Today’s wide ranging reforms of the UK savings and pensions get it right. On the principle of giving people freedom, regime have the potential to provide the simplicity, choice and she is shaking her head; I think that Labour Front flexibility for savers we have been calling for.” Benchers might support it, but I really cannot tell. A representative of the Association of British Insurers was on the radio this morning, and the providers are Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con): I warmly welcome realising that this is an opportunity. They will have to the reforms, which are a great step forward for the up their game, but this is a chance for them to provide pensions industry. The solution to the annuities problem new and innovative products and we are happy to work is perhaps more radical than even the Work and Pensions with them on that. Committee envisaged. May I urge the Minister to make Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) sure that the new guaranteed guidance arrives before (Lab): How will the Government’s measures protect people reach retirement age, so that they can have a people like a constituent of mine who is a baker in his plan in their mind about what they want to do and what mid-70s? He had a lump sum pension pot of £250,000 is there for them to choose before they reach that date? and received independent advice, but that advice was poor and he lost almost everything. He is in his mid-70s Steve Webb: My hon. Friend is a distinguished member and does not think he will ever be able to retire. of the Select Committee, which has scrutinised the issues very effectively. He is quite right that the guidance Steve Webb: As the hon. Lady knows, there are must come at the right time. We want people to think redress mechanisms for people who receive poor quality about their retirement planning much earlier. Certainly, independent financial advice. It is a regulated process. when they are thinking about buying financial products—or, [Interruption.] I cannot hear what she is shouting at in the jargon, decumulating—we need to make sure that me. When there is a process of regulated advice, there there is someone on their side to give them impartial are compensation mechanisms, which is right and as it guidance. We will make sure that that happens. should be. Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): The Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): I have to Financial Conduct Authority is not only a process thank my hon. Friend because the statement and what regulator but a product regulator. Will the Minister was announced in the Budget yesterday take pensions ensure that it is seized of the need to look carefully at to a whole new level. Now we have the single-tier state new, innovative products, because the group of people pension, we can free people to make their retirement with whom it is dealing are very vulnerable, and it is decisions. Frankly, the Opposition do not seem to recognise important for the regulator to keep an eye on the the issues that people on defined contribution schemes market? have had or how annuities have fallen, so I really welcome what he has said today. In particular, will he tell us a bit more about when pensioner bonds will come Steve Webb: The hon. Gentleman is quite right that into effect? products must be properly regulated. The difference between the current situation and what we propose is Steve Webb: Certainly. My understanding is that that, under our proposals, before going to independent National Savings and Investments will bring forward financial advisers, people are guaranteed to have a pensioner bonds next January.The Chancellor has indicated conversation with somebody who is independent and that the gross interest rate will be about 2.8% for a on their side to talk them through their options. All too one-year bond and about 4% for a three-year bond, but many people simply do not get that at the moment, and that will be reviewed later in the year. It depends on they risk making the wrong choice as a result. We will market movements between now and then, but it is put that right. designed to be a market-leading rate to recognise that people who have worked hard and saved hard should Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): Despite the Labour get a decent return on their money. party’s scaremongering since the Budget yesterday, will my hon. Friend confirm that other countries—such as Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): It is the United States, Australia and Denmark—do not interesting that the consultation is coming after the restrict access to pension funds for those seeking to facts in this case. Will the Minister place in the Library access them on retirement? 959 Pensions Strategy 20 MARCH 2014 960

Steve Webb: Yes. My hon. Friend is quite right. Many Ways and Means countries have different systems, but the presumption that as soon as someone has a pension pot, they are forced to take annual income is far from universal. We Budget Resolutions and Economic clearly need to make sure that people have proper Situation guidance before they do so, but giving people freedom is what my right hon. Friend the Chancellor’s announcement was all about. AMENDMENT OF THE LAW Debate resumed (Order, 19 March). Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): I welcome the Question again proposed, further detail given by the Minister on the savings and That,— pensions elements of yesterday’s Budget. By contrast, (1) It is expedient to amend the law with respect to the we have had the bizarre spectacle of the shadow Pensions National Debt and the public revenue and to make further Minister chuntering—yak, yak, yak—like an excited provision in connection with finance. tourist on a Tibetan plateau. Clearly, there are huge (2) This Resolution does not extend to the making of any elements that will help savers in all our constituencies. amendment with respect to value added tax so as to provide— Will the Minister say a little more about one of the most (a) for zero-rating or exempting a supply, acquisition or important of those elements, which is the axing of the importation; 10p tax rate on savings income of up £5,000, which I (b) for refunding an amount of tax; believe will affect 1.5 million low earners in all our (c) for any relief, other than a relief that— constituencies? (i) so far as it is applicable to goods, applies to goods of every description, and Steve Webb: Gladly. My hon. Friend is quite right. (ii) so far as it is applicable to services, applies to The Opposition have asked, “Where are the measures services of every description. for savers in the Budget? How does it help savers?” We have already gone through a list, and he has kindly 1.25 pm added another element, which is the abolition of the 10p tax rate. As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor (Morley and Outwood) (Lab/Co-op): Yesterday’s said yesterday, when this Government abolish a 10p tax Budget was the Chancellor’s last chance to make decisions rate, we take it to zero, not double it as others have and announce measures that will make a difference done. before the general election. For all his boasts and complacency, the Budget did nothing to address the central reality that will define his time in office—the BILL PRESENTED fact that for most people in our country, living standards are not rising but are falling year on year, and that WALES BILL working people will, in fact, be worse off in 2015 than Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) they were in 2010. Secretary David Jones, supported by the Prime Minister, Yesterday the Chancellor tried to claim that everything the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Chancellor of the is going well and according to plan, but millions of Exchequer, Secretary Alistair Carmichael, Secretary Theresa working people on middle and lower incomes are still Villiers, Danny Alexander, Mr David Gauke and Stephen not feeling any recovery. Young people stuck on the Crabb, presented a Bill to make provision about elections dole for months are not feeling it. Pensioners seeing to and membership of the National Assembly for Wales; their gas and electricity bills rise each year are not to make provision about the Welsh Assembly Government; feeling it. Parents facing child care costs so high that it to make provision about the setting by the Assembly of barely adds up for them to go to work are not feeling it. a rate of income tax to be paid by Welsh taxpayers and People aspiring to own their own home but finding that about the of taxation powers to the Assembly; rising prices have put that beyond their dreams are not to make related amendments to Part 4A of the Scotland feeling it. Small businesses struggling to get a loan from Act 1998; to make provision about borrowing by the the banks are not feeling it. Nurses who have been told Welsh Ministers; to make miscellaneous amendments in that they will not even get the below-inflation pay rise the law relating to Wales; and for connected purposes. they were promised certainly are not feeling it. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on With wages still rising slower than prices, and working Monday 24 March, and to be printed (Bill 186) with people worse off than they were when this Chancellor explanatory notes (Bill 186-EN). took office, the Office for Budget Responsibility revealed yesterday, in table 3.6 of its economic forecast, that real Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): We now wages will be 5.6% lower in 2015 than in 2010. come to the main business of the day, but may I ask for [Interruption.] I will tell the House what is awful—that brevity? There are 30 Members down to speak, so I also people are not better off under the Tories; they are make that appeal to Front Bench speakers. worse off under the Tories.

Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): Does the shadow Chancellor agree with the former Labour adviser who said about pensioners last night that “you can’t trust people to spend their own money”?

Ed Balls: I do not agree, but I will come on to that in a moment. 961 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 962 Situation Situation [Ed Balls] live. I wonder how it is going. Can you imagine, Mr Deputy Speaker? “Goodness me, the houses even have indoor We will study very carefully the proposals put on the toilets these days.” I wonder whether he is looking for table for discussion. We have just had a statement. The pigeon fanciers up north. My advice to him is to change proposals are important, and it is important to have his name back to Michael Green. That was a bit safer. more flexibility and choice. We have been calling for The problem with the Budget was not what it did, but reforms of the annuities market: to be honest, the price what it did not do. Where was the freeze on energy of annuities and competition in the market have not prices that Labour has called for? Where was the 10p been good enough over the past few years. I must say starting rate to cut the taxes of 24 million working that we all remember the pensions mis-selling of the people? Where was the expansion of free child care to early 1990s, and we need to make sure that there is a 25 hours a week for working parents? Where was the tight grip on tax avoidance. That is why we will look compulsory jobs guarantee, paid for by a tax on bank carefully at the proposals. bonuses? Where was the cut in business rates for small I must tell the hon. Gentleman that if he looks at firms? Where was the new investment in affordable table 3.6 on page 87 of the OBR’s report on this housing? Where was the reversal of the £3 billion top so-called Budget for savers, he will see that the savings rate tax cut to balance the books in a fair way? We got ratio was 7.2% in 2012 and 5% last year and—here is none of Labour’s cost of living plan to balance the what will happen to savings in the next five years—then deficit in a fairer way, just more of the same. Working goes from 4.1% to 3.6% and down to 3.2%. The Budget people are worse off, while millionaires get a tax cut—just for savers will see savings fall every year in the next five more of the same from the same old Tories. years, with each of the figures revised down by the OBR in its latest forecasts. I must say that I am not sure Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): If I may whether this is quite the Budget for saving that it is gently return to the Budget, I understand that the stacked up to be. Labour party accepts the welfare cap—that is fair enough— What we desperately needed was a Budget that delivered but that it wants to restore the spare room subsidy, for the many, not just a few at the top. What a wasted which would cost £465 million. Will the shadow Chancellor opportunity it was. The annual increase in the personal explain to the House what other bit of welfare he would allowance is outweighed completely by the 24 tax rises cut? that we have seen since 2010. The Chancellor’s welcome Ed Balls: I will. We have said very clearly that we conversion to the importance of capital allowances for would take the winter fuel allowance away from the business investment means that he has reversed the cuts richest 5% of pensioners, which would be a saving. We to capital allowances that he made in 2010. Let me tell would also invest in affordable housing to get the housing him what the OBR says in the Budget documents about benefit bill down. I do not know whether the Chancellor the overall impact of all the Budget measures: gets to read the OBR report. I think that he should “The measures in the Budget are, in aggregate, not expected to listen to what it says: alter the OBR GDP growth forecast.” “The rising proportion of the renting population claiming This Budget will have no impact on growth at all. housing benefit may be related to the weakness of average wage As for the Chancellor’s 1p cut in beer duty, welcome growth relative to rent inflation. This explanation is supported by as it is, it means that people have to drink 300 pints to DWP data, which suggest that almost all the recent rise in the get one free. This morning’s Tory poster says: private-rented sector housing benefit caseload has been accounted for by people in employment.” “Bingo! Cutting the bingo tax & beer duty to help hardworking people do more of the things they enjoy”. People in employment are seeing their wages fall and How patronising, embarrassing and out of touch that are having to claim housing benefit. It is no wonder the is. The Tory party calls working people “them”—them welfare bill has gone up by £13 billion since 2010. and us. Do the Tories really think that they live in a It was not supposed to be this way. We all remember different world to everyone else? Does that not reveal what the Chancellor promised in 2010: he would make just how out of touch this Tory Government are? It is people better off, balance the books by 2015 and rebalance no wonder that they do not understand the cost of the economy for the future. We know that people are living crisis and no wonder that the Chancellor did worse off. We also know, after three years of flatlining nothing in the Budget to tackle it. growth, that his commitment to balance the books in We are told by the Chancellor that he did not know 2015 is in tatters. He does not expect a balanced budget that the poster was coming out. The Tories’chief election in 2015, but a deficit of more than £75 billion. It is all strategist did not know about the ad campaign that in the OBR report. There will be £190 billion more in came out straight after his Budget—pull the other one! borrowing than he planned in 2010. The national debt It gets worse. I hear that the Prime Minister did not is rising this year, next year and the year after. properly understand what the Chancellor was saying. Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): Will the Apparently, when he told the Prime Minister that he right hon. Gentleman give way? wanted to cut taxes for Bingo, the Prime Minister thought he was referring to an old school chum: “Hurrah, Ed Balls: Perhaps the hon. Gentleman would like to another tax break for millionaires. Bingo, Bingo!” explain why the national debt is still rising. It is okay though, because we know that the job of the chair of the Conservative party is safe. No. 10 says Mr Jackson: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his that the Prime Minister has full confidence in the Tory helpful suggestion, but I will ask my own question. As party chair. That’s the end of him then! According to we are on the subject of history and mea culpas, would , the Tory party chair is currently on a tour of he like to apologise for running a structural deficit for northern cities, presumably to see how the other half the entire period of his Government’s administration? 963 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 964 Situation Situation Ed Balls: The Chancellor promised that he would social security is up by £13 billion compared with his abolish the structural deficit in this Parliament and he is plans, particularly because of his failure on housing going to fail absolutely. We went into the financial crisis benefit. We have called for a cap on social security with a lower national debt than America, France, Germany spending, and we will support the welfare cap next and Japan. The deficit went up because of a financial Wednesday, but we will make different and fairer choices crisis and the failure of the banks. There was a recovery to keep the social security bill down. We will introduce a in 2010 and his failed policies choked it off. That is the compulsory jobs guarantee to get young people back to reality. Let me tell the hon. Gentleman the facts. The work. We will scrap the bedroom tax, which is not only Chancellor has already borrowed more in the three unfair but could end up costing more money, not less. years of this Government than the last Labour Government We will also scrap the winter fuel allowance for the borrowed in 13 years. Perhaps he should be apologising richest 5% of pensioners, get more houses built and for his abject failure on the deficit, the debt and growth. tackle the low wages that have pushed up spending on That is what we should be hearing from him. housing benefit. That is the fair way to ensure we get It will take the next Labour Government to clear up people back to work and get welfare costs under control. the mess left by this Chancellor. The Government have failed to get rid of the deficit. We will have to do the job. Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): What I have That is why we have been clear that we will balance the heard from the shadow Chancellor reminds me of the books in the next Parliament. We will have the current words of Errol Flynn, when he said, “I find difficulty in budget back in surplus and the national debt falling as reconciling my gross habits with my net income”. The soon as we can and before the end of the next Parliament. right hon. Gentleman has just made promises to the We will abolish his discredited idea of rolling five-year tune of £465 million of spending. How is he going to fiscal targets, which he never meets, and instead legislate find that money and still not breach his welfare cap? for tough fiscal rules. I will tell you what else we will do, Mr Deputy Ed Balls: When the hon. Gentleman referred to my Speaker. I hope that the Chancellor will reflect on what gross assets, was he making a personal point? I am I am about to say and think again. running the marathon in four weeks’ time, and I was rather hoping the Chancellor might join me, but unfortunately his assets do not seem to be up to it. The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (): I don’t think so! The hon. Gentleman made an important comment just two months ago, saying to the Tamworth Chronicle: Ed Balls: I do not think he will either. May I ask the “There are too many young people without employment and Financial Secretary how it is going since his comments there are too many in longterm unemployment.” on women and the Committee? Is he I agree. Why will he not back our bank bonus tax to get still revelling in that? If things were done on merit, young people back to work? That is what he should be he would be out on his ear. doing. The Chancellor has failed on living standards I hope that the Chancellor will think again and join growth and deficit reduction; he has also failed to me, the Chair of the Treasury Committee and the Chief deliver the balanced recovery that we need. Secretary to the Treasury in supporting reforms to allow the Office for Budget Responsibility to audit Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): The independently the spending and tax commitments in right hon. Gentleman has just touched on banking. the manifestos of the main political parties before the The Opposition constantly belittle our financial services next election. We know from the head of the OBR that industry. J. P. Morgan is an important bank, one of that can be done. Let us be honest: it is all a matter of many in Bournemouth, with 5,000 employees who are political will. The problem with the Chancellor is that not all millionaires. Every time Labour does that, all he wants to set traps, but he cannot be transparent on those companies think a little bit more about possibly the matter of OBR audits. Why does he not think again, leaving the UK and moving elsewhere, and that would join the cross-party consensus and do the right thing? be devastating for the economy. Ed Balls: Jobs in our banking and financial services Mark Garnier (Wyre Forest) (Con): Why was the industry are very important indeed. We need to ensure right hon. Gentleman formerly so keen that the OBR that we have reforms that strengthen our banking industry should not do that? Why did Labour members of the rather than undermine it. Many hard-working people Treasury Committee argue in 2010 that it should not on ordinary salaries in our banks feel let down by the happen? mistakes made in the banks and by the bonus culture. I have to say to the hon. Gentleman, though, that I have Ed Balls: The irony is that back in 2011 the Chancellor checked the figures in Bournemouth East. He opposes a was in favour of it, and now he has changed his mind. tax on bank bonuses to get young people back to work, The OBR, which we supported from the outset in this but in his constituency there has been a 1,000% rise in Parliament, has established a good track record, and we long-term youth unemployment since 2010. He is not are happy for our manifesto to be audited. What is it willing to act. about the Conservative Front Benchers that means that they are scared of independent OBR audit of their Mr Ellwood: I am not sure where the right hon. manifesto? Who knows? Gentleman is getting those figures from. The figures I return to the welfare cap, and I will give a bit more released this week show that the number of people in detail for Government Members. We have had a lot of employment has risen by 400 since a year ago. Employment tough and divisive talk from the Chancellor on welfare is doing well in Bournemouth, as it is right across the over the past three years, but it cannot hide the fact that country. 965 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 966 Situation Situation Ed Balls: Can the hon. Gentleman tell me how many “The shape of the recovery has not been all that we might have people are long-term unemployed in his constituency? hoped for”. No? If I were him I would not try, because he would He was right to make those warnings, but time after almost certainly get it wrong. time over the past few years when he has publicly made The Chancellor has failed on living standards, growth such warnings about the risks, he has been ignored. The and the deficit, and he has also failed on balanced problem is, the Business Secretary is a member of the recovery. When the country is crying out for reforms to Cabinet that is doing the ignoring. How can he keep on our banks to balance the recovery, back wealth creation ignoring himself again and again? and get an economy that works for all, not just a few, all As for the top-rate tax cut, which I know a number of that he seems to do is say that we can wait for the wealth Government Members have criticised, I remind the to trickle down. Why are apprenticeship numbers for Business Secretary that he said at the weekend: young people falling? Why is bank lending to small “I don’t understand why people need a million quid a year.” businesses still falling? Why are the Government planning to cut infrastructure investment next year? What we do not understand is why he has given people on a million quid a year a tax cut of £42,500 each and every year. He asks for sympathy—he told Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) (Lab): Is my right hon. Friend a few weeks ago that aware that today, Hitachi has announced that its global rail building capacity is moving to the UK? Is he aware “since being in government I have become much more enslaved these days”. that the factory where the trains will be built is in my constituency, and that it was a Labour Government I say “Free the Cable One”. Is it not the sad truth that who had the wherewithal to bring about the intercity he is not enslaved but in hock? He is not captive, he has express programme to ensure that Hitachi came to this capitulated. It is a Tory agenda, and he is part of it. He country? knows it, and he should get out of it before it is too late. As for the Chancellor, he has certainly been busy in Ed Balls: The site for that new and welcome investment recent weeks, and not just preparing his Budget. The was designated under the last Labour Government as a manifesto is being written, the team is being assembled, result of my hon. Friend’s campaigning. We all want the campaign is under way. But the enemy is not called manufacturing investment to rise, but what worries me Ed, and it is not the general election that is preoccupying is that over the past two years, since the Chancellor’s him. He has his eyes on a different prize. This is what his “march of the makers” speech, manufacturing output new best friend, the Education Secretary, said to The has actually fallen by 1.3%. That is the reality. Mail on Sunday—[Interruption.] Government Members As for house building, it is at its lowest level since the do not want to hear what he said, do they? [Interruption.] 1920s. We believe that the new Governor of the Bank of England is right to be worried that the recovery is not Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. I yet secure or balanced. That is why it is vital that the think we do want to hear what the right hon. Gentleman Chancellor does more to get more homes built for has to say. millions who aspire to get on to the housing ladder but find it hard at the moment. I have to say to him, we Ed Balls: They do not want to hear this, so before I backed Help to Buy, but he should have reduced the remind people of what the Education Secretary said, let limit from £600,000. There should not be a taxpayer me tell the House what was said yesterday about the guarantee for people buying homes for £500,000 or cost of living, the Budget, and all those matters, by the £600,000. We also need to do more to invest in affordable outgoing Conservative hon. Member for Thurrock (Jackie housing. That is the only way to avoid a lop-sided Doyle-Price): “The biggest impediment”—[Interruption.] recovery, demand running ahead of supply and rising I really think that hon. Members, especially those with prices, putting pressure on the Governor of the Bank of small majorities, should listen to what she said. England to slow the housing market through higher mortgage rates earlier than we need in the recovery. Mr Stewart Jackson: That’s you! That would put business investment at risk and undermine the budgets of hard-working people across our country. Ed Balls: I have read it, and I think maybe you should The Chancellor should have listened to the CBI, the too, my son—[Interruption.] I think they should listen. International Monetary Fund and the Opposition and The hon. Member for Thurrock stated: acted more boldly to boost investment in housing supply. He should have listened to Labour, and he should have “The biggest impediment that this Party has when trying to secure a majority at the next election is that on one key question listened to the Business Secretary, too. We have both we constantly perform badly. That is on the issue of whether the warned of the danger of lop-sided and unbalanced Party is in touch with ordinary people.” growth. Like us, the Business Secretary was right to warn back in 2010 that the pace of deficit reduction That was before the poster. She said that risked choking off recovery. The Prime Minister was “while people are worrying about whether they are keeping their wrong last autumn to dismiss the Business Secretary as jobs, whether they will be able to afford the electricity bill and a Jeremiah when he warned about the unbalanced nature how much it costs to fill the car these days,” of the recovery by saying: all the Tories seem to be doing is “talking about Boris.” “We mustn’t now settle for a short-term spurt of growth, She went on: fuelled by an old-fashioned property boom…there are already “We need to stop talking about ourselves and talk about the amber lights flashing.” things that really matter to people. Otherwise we will be seen as I also remind the House of what the Business Secretary out of touch, and Labour’s message will resonate.” said about unbalanced growth just a few weeks ago: It certainly will, Mr Deputy Speaker. 967 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 968 Situation Situation In light of the advice from the hon. Member for and then claim to be on the side of hard-working Thurrock about the cost of living, let me remind Members families—the party of the workers—just because he did what the Education Secretary said over a wine-fuelled not go to Eton? Posing as the posh boy proletarian will dinner with his old boss, Rupert Murdoch. He said that not wash when his own Budget ad campaign refers to “has no gravitas”, that the working people as “them”, and when he will be remembered “has no friends”, and that only Osborne is “fit to lead.” only as the Chancellor who cut taxes for millionaires Only Osborne is fit to lead? How did the Education while everyone else was worse off. Secretary explain his comments? He said he was “tipsy”. I know that many hon. Members wish to speak so I Tipsy? He must have been completely legless. will conclude my remarks.

Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con) rose— Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): I do not think this clownish class warfare is fooling anybody, but Ed Balls: Does the hon. Lady want to intervene? does the right hon. Gentleman welcome the fact that Does she think the Education Secretary was tipsy, legless 472 of his constituents will no longer pay income tax as or just deluded? a result of yesterday’s Budget? Ed Balls: The problem is that they are all worse off Penny Mordaunt: If press reports, which are what we because VAT went up to 20%. Is the hon. Lady worried are talking about, are to be believed, the right hon. that in her constituency there has been a 600% rise in Gentleman was critical of the Leader of the Opposition long-term youth unemployment since 2010, which she and his speech yesterday for not responding to a single is doing nothing about? As for the idea that class war measure in the Budget—there was nothing on support will not wash, if I were the Chancellor I would try to for manufacturing or reforms to pensions. The right find a different way to take on Boris, as I do not think hon. Gentleman is well into his speech, which is incredibly this way will work. amusing, but does he realise that he is in danger of doing exactly the same thing? There is a cost of living crisis, we do not have a balanced recovery, and all this complacent Chancellor Ed Balls: It was very interesting because we scoured does is play party politics in the Tory party. What a the Chancellor’s speech and all the documents for one mess—a right old Eton mess! Surely we can do better mention of the cost of living and living standards, and than this. This was the Chancellor’s last chance, his final there were none at all—none! Conservative Members opportunity to tackle the cost of living crisis and make say that we are not talking about what is in the Budget, decisions that will directly affect people before next but they are not talking about what is undermining the year, and he has blown it. Working people will be worse living standards of people up and down our country. off in 2015 than they were in 2010, and the country now knows, especially after today’s patronising “them and Last year, the hon. Lady said: us” advert for the Conservative party, that it will take a “If we do not believe that the poorest are best served by our Labour Budget to put things right. policies, we might as well give up and go and do something else.”—[Official Report, 20 March 2013; Vol. 560, c. 1023.] 1.57 pm I am afraid we are going to ensure that she has to give The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and up and do something else. Skills (): I have calculated that this is the It has been hard to understand what has been going 18th Budget to which I have responded in some capacity, on, but it is starting to make sense given all the Chancellor’s and the fourth directly to the shadow Chancellor, the rebranding of recent weeks and months: the new less right hon. Member for Morley and Outwood (Ed Balls). foppish hairstyle, the 5:2 diet, the new estuary accent, However, since he wrote many of the others, I was even photo opportunities down a coal mine—all part of probably responding to him indirectly. Having heard his leadership business; the new working-class hero, not the right hon. Gentleman over the years, I have picked Gideon but George these days. up on some traits. First, he obviously has a capacity for This weekend the Education Secretary took a further a crunchy, memorable soundbite that often turns out to step in the Osborne rebranding. He said that it is be wrong. I think he was the author of the phrase “No “ridiculous”, and “preposterous” that Downing street more boom and bust”, the consequences of which we is governed by a tight clutch of Etonians, and that are still living with. I also think he was the author of that has got to change—we say “Hear, hear” to that, “triple-dip recession”, which of course we never had. Mr Deputy Speaker. However, we all know what he was When we first had these exchanges a couple of years really trying to say through the pages of the Financial ago, the right hon. Gentleman had a very good football Times. He was saying, “Boris is a toff because he went chant going on the Back Benches behind him: “Growth to Eton, but George is a pleb because he only went to down, inflation up. Unemployment up.” Now of course St Paul’s.” The Tory party is having a class war with we have growth up, unemployment down and inflation itself. An Etonian elite has grabbed hold of the commanding down. His current favourite is the “millionaires’ tax heights of the economy, opposing the masses of Tories cut”, which I would find a little more persuasive had I who went to lesser public schools. Old boys from Harrow not sat on the Opposition Benches for 10 years being and St Pauls, throw off your chains. What are they lectured by him and his boss that any increase in the top going to call themselves? The Bullingdon Bolsheviks? rate of tax above 40% would be counterproductive and The Trust Fund Trots? Posh boys of the world unite? damaging to the economy. In all seriousness, does the Chancellor really think One feature of the right hon. Gentleman’s speeches that he can stand up for the interests of the energy that we all look forward to is the annual conjuring trick, companies, the hedge funds, Tory donors, deliver a and the 10 different ways we could use a bankers’ bonus massive tax cut to people earning more than £150,000, tax. The rabbit out of the hat trick gets progressively 969 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 970 Situation Situation [Vince Cable] under the right hon. Gentleman’s Government and the coalition Government, to resort to very unorthodox more difficult because the rabbit gets bigger and the hat monetary policy. That has had a major impact on gets smaller as time passes, so I shall remind him of savings—which the Chancellor is now trying to remedy— some of the figures. asset prices and other factors. Opposition Members are When the right hon. Gentleman was City Minister surprised and indignant when they tell us that people and presiding over all of this, the total bankers’ bonus are poorer than they were before the financial crisis. pool was something in the order of £11.3 billion, and it What are they comparing it with? was £11.5 billion the following year when the Labour Government brought in a bankers’ bonus tax. According Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): The Secretary to the Centre for Economics and Business Research, of State seems to be avoiding the fact that people are which monitors these things, the bankers’ bonus pool poorer not since the financial crisis, but since 2010. was £1.6 billion last year. In the current year, it is Changes to tax credits, benefits uprating and so on estimated to be £1.3 billion. That is one-tenth of the have, for the lowest paid workers, more than outweighed size of the bonus pool on which the original tax was any advantage gained from raising the tax threshold. placed. We are then left with the question that is at the core of his fiscal policy: how is he going to get £3 billion Vince Cable: The distributional analysis, which I am in tax out of a £1.5 billion bonus pool? The charitable sure the hon. Lady has studied, suggests that the biggest way to describe that is as a mathematical puzzle. We impact of this shock has been on the highest 10%. That ought to refer it to the new Turing institute to investigate. may be surprising, but that is what has happened. I should perhaps declare one self-interest. I do not Sheila Gilmore rose— have an interest in the millionaires’ tax, but compared with both the shadow Chancellor and the Chancellor I Vince Cable: Let me just take apart particular aspects am more likely to take advantage of the relaxation in of the argument that has been put forward: how it the annuity rules. It is worth recalling that over many relates to jobs, production and earnings. Let me start years I came to this House on many Friday mornings, with jobs. with Back Benchers from my own party and Conservative Opposition MPs, to try to achieve this reform. We were Sheila Gilmore rose— confronted with relentless stonewalling by the Labour Government of the day, of which the right hon. Gentleman was a part and in which he participated directly, with Vince Cable: I have taken an intervention. the very simple message that pensioners were far too Let me start with employment. What could well have stupid and irresponsible to be trusted with their own happened, as a result of the financial crisis and its pension savings. This is one of the really big, major aftermath, was mass unemployment of the kind we had positive changes to come out of the Budget. in the 1930s. We could very easily have got up to 20% unemployment, but we did not. We now have the lowest Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East unemployment of any major country except Germany— Cleveland) (Lab): I hope the Secretary of State can lower than France and Sweden. This is partly a reflection explain to me and my constituents, who have seen their of Government policy, but it is mainly a reflection of average gross weekly earnings decline by £160 since the the common sense and flexibility of British workers, general election, when adjusted for the consumer prices who accepted that in this crisis it was most important to index, how they will be able to afford to exploit the new be in work. We are now seeing the success of employment annuities rules on pension savings? policy in the fact that we have had an enormous growth in employment, with 1.25 million net of public sector job losses and a gross increase of 1.75 million. Roughly Vince Cable: The hon. Gentleman poses an issue that five private sector jobs have been created for every one I am coming on to immediately, which is why we are a lost in the public sector. These are predominantly, in poorer country. There are people who have saved and fact overwhelmingly, full-time jobs. The Opposition’s have annuities, and there are many middle-income argument has been, “Well, okay, there are lots of jobs occupational pensioners who will take advantage of but they are part time,” but last year, in 2013, there were that. The central economic question raised is this: why 460,000 new jobs, of which 430,000—95%—were full-time are we a poorer country and how has that affected our jobs. living standards? The question goes back to the financial crisis, which Tom Blenkinsop: Since this Government came to occurred when the right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues power, the amount of zero-hours contract jobs has were in government. The Chancellor reminded us yesterday trebled to more than 500,000. In 2012-13, some 3.48 million of the brutal fact that the British banking collapse and people had an average national insurance liability of rescue was the biggest in the world. It was the biggest £172 and were earning less than the lowest income tax collapse in our history, going back not just decades but threshold. That is an indicator of the type of work that centuries, and it has done enormous harm. It has made people are having to take now, and they are still having the country poorer. The immediate after-effects of the to pay national insurance contributions on income below collapse were to reduce output in this country by 7.5%, the income tax rate. which is more than in the great depression. Not surprisingly, that has affected living standards in a radical way. It has Vince Cable: We are well aware of some of the impaired our capacity to recover from the damage problems that arise with zero-hours contracts. That is inflicted on the banking system. It has required our why, as the hon. Gentleman knows, some months ago I country and the United States, but particularly here, commissioned a full consultation on dealing with abuses. 971 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 972 Situation Situation What has come out of that consultation suggests that permanent need for subsidy and support. What we have it is actually a very complex story. A lot of workers done is create a route that allows people who are not benefit from being on zero-hours contracts and want going into full-time higher education to develop the them to continue. Many do not and do encounter abuse. preconditions for proper apprenticeships through I am sure that before the end of this Parliament, Members traineeships, basic academic requirements and work will have an opportunity to vote on measures designed experience, and then find their way into true apprenticeship to deal with those abuses. training, which has been an enormous success: it has doubled since we came to office. The measures announced Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) in the Budget statement yesterday will enable a further (Lab): Will the Secretary of State confirm what his 100,000 people under 24 to be given apprenticeship colleague, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, the right training, and the quality improvements that we have hon. Member for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and made are driving up demand and supply at the same Strathspey (Danny Alexander) had difficulty in doing time. This is a much better way of dealing with young the other day: that the employment rate is still below people who are out of work than creating artificial jobs. pre-recession levels? Vince Cable: My understanding is that the employment Mr (Coventry North West) (Lab): rate, if the hon. Lady is talking about the total adult Many Labour Members are very pleased about the population in work, is now at its highest level ever—higher improvement in the employment situation that has taken even than in the United States, which is famed for a place over the last six months or so—indeed, over the flexible labour market. last year or so. However, is not the big issue—apart I am surprised that Opposition Members feel that from the caveats relating to short-time working and there are issues to pursue. [Interruption.] Somebody zero-hours contracts—the fact that the productive capacity muttered “Immigration”. Last year, overwhelmingly the of the economy seems to have shrunk, and productivity largest number—well over 90%—of jobs went to British per worker has certainly shrunk? That is casting a very workers. I do not know if they have studied those grave shadow over the length of the recovery that we figures. might have expected. What are the Government planning to do about it? Mr Jackson: Does my right hon. Friend not think it disingenuous, given the Government’s inheritance of a Vince Cable: The hon. Gentleman’s analysis is spot 7% reduction in GDP presided over by the Labour on. Of course that is what has happened. We have party, for Opposition Members to categorise changes in managed to avoid mass unemployment, but the average personal allowances, which will affect 25 million people productivity level has fallen. If we are to grow, and if and take 3 million people out of tax altogether, as living standards are to grow—that seems to be the focus having nothing to do with the cost of living? of the debate—productivity must rise, which prompts the question of how we do it. We are currently doing it Vince Cable: Yes. I am delighted that the hon. Gentleman in an environment that is severely constrained. We must has raised that point, and I was going to dwell on it remember—and I think that the shadow Chancellor more later. It is a considerable achievement of this often forgets this—that one of the massive legacies of coalition that we have delivered, and indeed over-delivered, the crisis was the structural deficit. A deficit of that on the commitments I and my colleagues made before kind does not go away when growth increases; it is the previous general election. That helps people who there, it is structural, and it will have to be dealt with. are relatively low paid by lifting them out of tax, not The structural deficit, defined as we defined it when we just because they pay less tax but because it reduces the formed the coalition, has fallen from about 5.4% of tax rate at the margin and provides a significant incentive GDP to 2.7%. We are nearly halfway, but we have to to work. continue the job, and the next Government will have to Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): Will the Secretary continue the job. In that context, we must proceed with of State address the issue of youth unemployment? In an agenda of raising productivity and growth. my constituency, 825 under-24s are out of work and almost 200 of them have been out of work for almost a Stephen Timms (East Ham) (Lab): Does the Secretary year. of State acknowledge that a particularly serious problem is long-term unemployment among both young and Vince Cable: Yes, I will address the issue of youth older people, which, according to the figures released unemployment and the hon. Gentleman is right to raise yesterday, has increased? Does not more need to be it. This is an issue that has, of course, been with us for done to tackle that problem? many years, including under the previous Government when economic conditions were much more benign. Vince Cable: It does, but the figures produced over Youth unemployment is currently at about 20%, but of the last year suggest that long-term unemployment is course that includes many full-time students. The key falling, along with unemployment in general. trend is that youth unemployment is now declining rapidly. It is certainly less now than the level we inherited, Sir Edward Leigh: My right hon. Friend is making an and we have a whole set of policies designed to deal excellent speech in favour of hard work. I read in the with it in a systematic way. papers yesterday—so it cannot possibly be true—that The shadow Chancellor put forward the idea of a the Chief Secretary had boasted that he had personally youth guarantee. The problem that that presents is this: vetoed any indexing of relief for higher-rate taxpayers. how can a job be guaranteed other than through the Surely my right hon. Friend, who is pro-enterprise, public sector? Of course guaranteeing a public sector cannot think it right that a police sergeant is paying job takes people off the dole, but it also creates a higher-rate tax. 973 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 974 Situation Situation Vince Cable: I listened carefully to what was said, and Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): Will the I thought that there was an acknowledgement of the Secretary of State give way? position of the people on the top-rate threshold. This is a modest increase, but there is a recognition that marginal Vince Cable: I will take one more intervention, but rates of tax are beginning to bite on middle earners, and then I must press on. I think that that issue is now being addressed. Mr Love: Is the Secretary of State confident about the sustainability of the recovery, based as it is almost Mr Ellwood: My right hon. Friend has alluded to the entirely on consumer expenditure at a time when living important point that the figures for long-term youth standards are declining? unemployment—which was mentioned by the shadow Chancellor—include young people who are engaged in Vince Cable: That is not actually true. All recoveries full-time study. Perhaps he will join me in congratulating tend to start with consumer spending, but lack of Bournemouth, where Arts University Bournemouth, investment is a deep-rooted problem in the United Bournemouth university and the Bournemouth and Kingdom, and it is a problem with which we are trying Poole college have doubled in size. Because of that, the to deal. However, if the hon. Gentleman studies the figures suggest that long-term youth unemployment has figures from the Office for Budget Responsibility, he indeed increased, which is not the case. will see that business investment increased by 7% last year, and the CBI projections for this year are higher Vince Cable: I believe that about a third of the total than that. Business investment is beginning to take number who are classified as “youth unemployed” are, serious shape. in fact, engaged in full-time study. One of the big I think that, when we speak of growth, recovery and changes for which the coalition Government should productivity, it is worth our while reflecting on some of take credit is the continued expansion in higher education: the 18 Budget statements to which I have listened and despite all the doomsday predictions from Opposition responded in the past. For more than a decade, Budgets Members about the radical higher education reforms, were introduced by the present Opposition, and there the number of people going into higher education, was a very positive story every year until we reached particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, has 2008. We had 2% growth, and there was enormous risen. triumphalist cheering about the wonders of the brilliant Government economic policy that had produced that Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): Does the Secretary achievement. Comparisons were made with the past of State agree that the issue of our productivity is linked which suggested that this was the greatest economic directly to skills? Is it not rather ironic that the shadow performance, if not since the Victorians, probably since Chancellor, who was Secretary of State for Children, the Georgians, the Tudors or even the Romans. However, Schools and Families, signally failed to help the nation we had to go back to the Greeks to find the word that to secure the right degree of skills—unlike us, with our captured the spirit of those early Budgets. It was the long-term economic plan? word “hubris”, which encapsulated the Opposition’s simple inability to understand that weaknesses were Vince Cable: Yes, indeed. I think that the apprenticeship building up during that growth. model which we are now developing and expanding Our Government are confident that we now have rapidly, in terms of both quality and quantity, is the recovery. We are positive about it, and proud of our remedy for the long-standing neglect to which my hon. contribution to it. However, we acknowledge that there Friend has rightly drawn attention. are some deep-seated historical weaknesses that now need to be addressed, and the Chancellor did address Mr Robert Syms (Poole) (Con): Is it not a fact that them in a systematic way in the Budget yesterday. The the British car industry will produce 1.6 million cars first and most important way of dealing with those this year, and that Jaguar Land Rover alone will export weaknesses—and the driver of productivity—is, of course, 13.5 billion? Is it not also true that the Budget, with its higher levels of investment. That is why the extension of help for manufacturing and exporters, is bound to help investment allowances, which will substantially increase such industries and produce a good British success the incentives for small and medium-sized companies, story? particularly those in the manufacturing sector—over time and in terms of scale—is such a big step forward, and is so welcome. Vince Cable: I had intended to say something about manufacturing incentives, but let me now emphasise a Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): The Business point that my hon. Friend has made very well. Some of Secretary is clearly confident that he could have run the our manufacturing industries, including the car industry, economy better than Labour during the 13 years during are expanding rapidly, and showing very high productivity which it was in power, and I suspect that that enthusiasm and rapid export growth. The aerospace industry is and confidence have continued into the present Parliament. another example. I was delighted to learn this morning Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman could outline some that Hitachi, the leading Japanese company, is to establish of the ways in which the economy would be run differently the global headquarters of its railway manufacturing if he, rather than the right hon. Member for Tatton business in the United Kingdom on the basis of its (Mr Osborne), were Chancellor. existing investment in the north-east of England, and it is expanding and seeking business opportunities from Vince Cable: I find that many of my ideas have been the rail revolution that is taking place here. Manufacturing incorporated in Government policy, and I am very industries such as those, which were previously in decline, pleased about the progress that we are making in that are now beginning to become resurgent in some key sectors. respect. 975 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 976 Situation Situation Of course, increased investment depends on business The first priority has been to develop business investment confidence. Because we are approaching the election and the Chancellor’s initiatives help with that. The season, a danger is posed by some of the comments second, and extremely important, priority, which has being made by the Opposition. Sir George Cox, who already been hinted at in interventions by Government used to be at the Institute of Directors and is now an Members, is in relation to manufacturing industry. It is adviser to the Opposition, suggested recently that the important to take stock of the context here. We have business-averse policies of the shadow Chancellor and had a catastrophic decline in manufacturing industry his leader were doing serious damage not to their own over a long period of time. Some of that is driven by credibility, but to confidence in the country. I would technology and some of it is driven by international underline that. If we have policies that appear to commit trade over which we have relatively little control, but future Governments to energy price freezes that prevent certainly in the period after 1997 we saw the share of new energy investment, we are undermining investment. the British economy accounted for by manufacturing Of course it is not just the Opposition; the people who shrink from 20% to 10%, a decline that was even more want to take Britain out of the European Union and rapid than in the mid-1980s, when policies were considered want to take Scotland out of Britain are also undermining to be unfriendly to manufacturing. We lost 1.6 million investment confidence. Political certainty requires at jobs in that period. least literate policies from the Opposition, which in the area of price freezes certainly is not the case. Tom Blenkinsop: The Secretary of State will be aware Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): that the work force at the Redcar steel plant in Teesside I think the Secretary of State will know that that is not fell from 25,000 to 5,000 between 1987 and 1992, with an accurate representation of what was said. May I ask several on-site plants being closed, but what is different him to comment on net lending particularly to small now is the carbon price floor. Would the Secretary of businesses, which is a concern? Why does he think that State like to take credit for the Chancellor’s policy on has continued to fall on his watch, and what is going to that, which this Government brought in and which has be done about it? led to the closure of Alcan in Northumberland and has put severe pressure on the steel industry in particular? Vince Cable: Yes, there has been a continuing decline In this context, will he bring the programme forward by in net lending to small business. We think it is bottoming two years so we do not have to wait another two years? out, but it has happened and it is damaging. It is a consequence of the near-collapse of the banking system Vince Cable: The hon. Gentleman has anticipated the and the fact that some banks are now responding to point I was about to make. One of the really positive much tougher regulation by being much more conservative announcements the Chancellor made yesterday recognises in their lending. That is not true in all cases: Lloyds and the difficulties facing the energy-intensive industries. Santander are increasing their net lending to small I am aware that the Alcan smelter closed. I was there; I businesses, but many are not. talked to the management about it and they acknowledged In response, the Government are establishing institutions, that although energy prices in the UK were one factor particularly the business bank, which are developing in their decision, it was by no means the only one. new flows and types of finance—internet-based lending, However, our energy-intensive industries are crucially asset-based finance, invoice finance—in areas that hitherto important and it is not clever for them to close and were deficient, as well as supporting the establishment migrate overseas, as we then simply get carbon leakage of new banks. About 20 new banks have been licensed and do not do anything to improve the environment. It over the last year, and that deals with the issue of bank is therefore very important that they are protected from competition that should have been dealt with when the the increased costs that result from green taxation. The last Government were in power and we had the Cruickshank interventions the Chancellor made yesterday, which are report. That is now happening, however, and I therefore very radical and meet the concerns of the industry, think we will begin to see the net lending trend becoming primarily centre on the renewables obligations and the much more positive, but there is no underestimating the feed-in tariffs and giving the industry effective compensation enormous damage that was done to the British economy for those costs. I shall now be pursuing that with the as a result of the collapse of the banks, over which the , trying to ensure we get state aid last Government had responsibility for many years yet clearance. The feedback we have had this morning from did absolutely nothing. the engineering employers and other manufacturers suggests they are satisfied that the Government have Mr Love: The biggest lender to small businesses taken a radical step that overwhelmingly meets their is Royal Bank of Scotland, which has had particular concerns. difficulty in re-energising itself. What discussions is the Secretary of State having with RBS to try to get it to increase the level of net lending to small businesses? Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): The Secretary of State is making powerful points about the importance Vince Cable: The hon. Gentleman is right: compared of supporting manufacturing. Under the last Government, with other institutions, RBS is particularly remiss in its the city of Gloucester lost 6,000 jobs. We have created lending policies, and that relates to the seriousness of its 2,500 jobs since this Government came in, quadrupled balance-sheet position and its failed attempt to become the number of apprenticeships and seen manufacturing a big global bank. I meet the chief executive from time increase in a way that has not happened for about to time and I think he is trying to change the culture of 30 years. Does the Secretary of State agree that the the bank in a positive way, and move it in the direction Opposition simply do not understand what manufacturing of some of the other banks, such as Lloyds, which have needs, and that the doubling of the capital allowance is already achieved that transformation. a huge step forward? 977 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 978 Situation Situation Vince Cable: That is right, and the industrial strategy Several hon. Members rose— we are following across government gives particular priority to the aerospace industry, and I know my hon. Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. Friend’s part of the country has benefited considerably It will be obvious to the House that a great many from the development of the aerospace supply chain. Members wish to speak and there is very limited time available. I must therefore impose a formal time-limit of Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ five minutes per speech. I appreciate that if Members Co-op): The Secretary of State touched on the take interventions—which of course is necessary in a compensation scheme announced yesterday. For the lively debate—that five minutes is likely to grow to sake of clarity, will he inform the House how much of seven minutes, but if Members wish to be courteous to the compensation scheme announced in November 2011 fellow Members, as I hope they will, they will remain and which was due to come in in April 2013 has so far within the five minute limit. been paid to energy-intensive industries? 2.30 pm Vince Cable: The element that relates to the European Stephen Timms (East Ham) (Lab): At the start of his emissions trading scheme has already been paid. The speech yesterday the Chancellor drew attention, naturally companies have already received the cheque. The sums enough, to the fall in unemployment announced yesterday are not large because the ETS scheme proved to be morning. That is unequivocally good news, but it has pretty ineffective, but none the less the compensation is been a very long time coming. We were told after the being paid and it is now being extended to a wider range general election that the new Government’s policies of costs. [Interruption.] The hon. Gentleman seems to would lead to steady growth and falling unemployment. be indignant, but I think he should talk to his local In fact, for three years there was hardly any growth, manufacturers who have expressed full satisfaction with unemployment remained high, and only now are we what we are doing. finally starting to see unemployment coming down. That three-year delay has meant that the promise to Chris Kelly (Dudley South) (Con): The Secretary of eliminate the deficit within this Parliament will not be State is talking about energy-intensive industry and delivered either, and an important part of the legacy of there is still a great deal of that in my constituency. that three-year failure will be in the labour market. Does he agree we do not want these industries going Because the economy did not grow for three years, a offshore where environmental legislation may not be as large number of people are now long-term unemployed, stringently enforced as it is in the UK? We need to keep and those long-term unemployed will not be the ones those industries here in the UK, and yesterday’s Budget who move into the new jobs finally now being created. helps us to achieve that. [Interruption.] The long-term unemployed face much higher barriers to getting into work than others. Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. A striking detail in the labour market statistics yesterday, Before the Secretary of State answers the intervention, I which I mentioned in my intervention on the Secretary should say that there are far too many conversations on of State, is that the number of people out of work long the Back Benches. The House is getting restless. If the term—more than two years—went up. In his response a House does not calm down and let the Secretary of moment ago, the Secretary of State said that overall, State get on with it, he will never come to the end of his long-term unemployment is coming down. In fact, it speech. went up yesterday to exactly the same figure as a year ago, namely 450,000. That is the central challenge for Vince Cable: I am trying very hard, Madam Deputy labour market policy in the next few years: how do we Speaker, to take as many interventions as Members bring people who have been out of work for a long time, wish to throw at me. and who have the biggest barriers to contend with, into In relation to Dudley and manufacturing, my hon. productive employment? Friend is right that it is not sensible to lose manufacturing overseas as we will get carbon leakage and lose the Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): We have noticed the production and the jobs. It is very much in our interests thirst for work in the job fairs that we hold collectively to stop that happening and we are doing so. There is a in our constituencies. Does my right hon. Friend agree lot of evidence of the reshoring of production, including that the Government are simply not meeting that thirst to the industries in the west midlands to which my hon. for work? Friend refers. The priority the Chancellor has given to manufacturing, Stephen Timms: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. to investment and the savings that lie behind investment, There is huge enthusiasm for getting back into work in and to exports through the expansion of export credit our area and across the country. It is absolutely clear are absolutely appropriate to getting long-term growth that the answer to long-term unemployment is not the and the productivity that that entails. There is a lot Work programme. The Chancellor rightly identified in more to be done. We still have serious constraints in his spending review statement last summer that it falls terms of skilled labour. There are still problems in into the category of “underperforming programmes” in opening up business finance. We have to invest much the Department for Work and Pensions. Figures today more in science and innovation, although we are doing show that the Work programme’s performance has got that. However, the themes that run through yesterday’s worse. Budget of support for investment, for savings and for I want to talk about the compulsory jobs guarantee, exports are absolutely right and they will take this which my right hon. Friend the Member for Morley country to the right place. and Outwood (Ed Balls) has referred to and which he 979 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 980 Situation Situation and the leader of our party set out at the beginning of Parts of the Budget are absolutely magnificent, and I last week. The proposition is for every young person am particularly pleased about the decision to raise the who has been out of work for more than a year, and income tax threshold. Many of my constituents are on every older unemployed person who has been out of relatively low incomes. Before 2010, people paid income work for more than two years, to be guaranteed the tax after the first £6,500 of income, but now they will offer of a choice of jobs. In some cases, a training place pay it only after the first £10,500. It is absolutely right will be one of those offers. The jobs will consist of at that people be allowed to keep more of the money that least 25 hours a week for at least six months, and will they earn. It is absolutely fair to have this tax break—it pay at least the national minimum wage. The way in is a tax break for everyone—and it does the right thing which we will deliver the guarantee, as in the future jobs by incentivising work. It helps to end the crazy situation fund before the election, is that the Government will that has been engineered whereby the state takes tax pay the wages. from families with one hand and gives handouts with A fortnight ago, the shadow Secretary of State for the other—a bizarre situation that got vastly worse Work and Pensions and I visited a software company in between the years 2001 and 2010. Cardiff, which employs 150 people. The company is growing fast and things are going well. It recruited Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): The hon. 12 young people under the jobs growth Wales programme, Gentleman talks about the £10,500 limit, but will he which works on the basis that I have described. The spare a thought for the thousands of workers on Teesside, Secretary of State commented in the House a few weeks and millions more across the country, who do not earn ago on the fact that labour market performance was anywhere near £10,500? They are seeing a rise in the better in Wales compared with the rest of the UK. He is cost of living, energy bills and everything else, and they right, and jobs growth Wales is an important part of the are not benefiting at all from the Budget. Has he got reason for that. The company that my hon. Friend and I something to say to them? visited told us that it would never have been able to take the risk of taking on those 12 young people had it not been for the support of jobs growth Wales. That is why Mr Carswell: I would love to cut tax right across the the Federation of Small Businesses in Wales is a champion board on a whole range of things, which would help of the programme. The subsidy for those 12 young people in that situation. The reduction in income tax for people is long since finished, and they have been in their people on relatively low incomes will undoubtedly be jobs for a year or so. Of the 12 young people who were welcomed. taken on, 11 are now in permanent jobs with that I am also thrilled and delighted—it warmed the cockles company. The twelfth was not kept on by that company of my free-market heart—to hear about tax breaks for but has a job in a different company not far away. That savers. With interest rates having been so low for so is the kind of success that we can deliver with the long, it has been a pretty torrid time for savers. The approach that we are describing. We want to see the job raising of the personal tax-free savings allowance is guarantee delivering right across the country. fantastic news. So, too, is the removal of the artificial What a contrast that is to the wage subsidies under distinction between different types of ISAs. The more the Government’s youth contract, which has been a we can encourage people to save, the better. One person’s complete damp squib. We are about 60% of the way deferred consumption and saving is somebody else’s through the three-year programme, and only 7% of the loan or credit. budget has been taken up. More than 900,000 young I cheered, too, when I heard about giving folk flexibility people—nearly 20% of young people—are still out of as to how they use their pension pot. The implications work. We must do a great deal better than that. of that are potentially profound and radical. It could On Wednesday evening, at the invitation of Colin mean that pension pots no longer die with people. It Crooks, the social entrepreneur in residence at the London could mean that they become a vehicle for passing borough of Lambeth, I attended a reception at Brixton wealth down the generations. The implications are East for a couple of dozen start-up enterprises in Lambeth potentially huge and welcome. that were being mentored, with support provided by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, by Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): My hon. Tree Shepherd, the organisation that Colin leads. It was Friend is making a powerful speech. I agree with him a great evening with a tremendous buzz as imaginative that it is absolutely right to allow people to have their and creative people presented their products, food, crafts own pensions and spend their own money. Will the and fashion. There are now opportunities for people to changes not also deliver better annuities for those who take the risk of starting up new enterprises. Government want to buy them, by introducing more competition must get behind them and support them particularly at into the financial services sector? the key moment when they take on their first employee. That is one of the key things that our guarantee will do, and I urge the Secretary of State to support it. Mr Carswell: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The need to buy an annuity was something that troubled a lot of my constituents, and I am pleased about this 2.36 pm change. The fact that the Government are no longer Mr Douglas Carswell (Clacton) (Con): It made a going to presume, rather paternalistically, that they pleasant change to listen to a Budget that had not been know best how folk should manage their pension pots pre-announced in the previous day’s newspapers. That will have big implications, and we need to reflect on is as it should be, and it is a welcome change from what them. The change will have big implications, not least went on in the past, when details were leaked and for the people who will now be taking steps to plan for briefed beforehand. their own financial security. 981 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 982 Situation Situation [Mr Carswell] are unable even to ask these questions. Overall, I think this is a good Budget and it is to be welcomed, but I am I was encouraged to hear the Chancellor talking genuinely surprised by the response of the party opposite. about energy costs. He was absolutely right to say that the low energy revolution was helping to re-industrialise the United States, and that that could happen here too. 2.44 pm However, rather than simply reining in the worst excesses Ms Karen Buck (Westminster North) (Lab): This is a of the carbon price fixing scheme and other corporatist budget that does little or, in many cases, nothing for the market-rigging systems, I would like us to abolish some millions in the lowest income groups in this country. of those schemes entirely. Unsurprisingly, the chief executive of the Joseph Rowntree I was slightly less enthusiastic about one or two Foundation has said: aspects of the Budget, and I shall talk about those “This is a Budget for the people who already have, not the now—albeit briefly, those on my Front Bench will be people who need to benefit most from the return to growth.” delighted to hear. First, I am concerned that the Budget It is a lost opportunity to help the 13 million people on is fiscally neutral. We have relied for the past few years low incomes, who are unlikely to see any benefit from on cutting the deficit by increasing spending in cash these measures. That assessment fits in with the analysis terms and hoping that tax receipts will rise faster. I do of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, which shows that not think that that is the best way to do it. We need to more than 300,000 children will be pushed back into take a slightly more robust approach. As a result of the absolute poverty over the course of this Government approach that we have taken, the deficit has fallen from and that, on present trends, 900,000 children will be 11% in 2010 to approximately 5%, which is good, but returned to relative poverty by 2020. That will undo we said in 2010 that we would close the gap within four everything that the last Labour Government did to or five years. We are still saying that today. It means that tackle poverty. The Budget sets a cap on overall social we are still borrowing more than £100 billion a year—money security spending while doing little or nothing to tackle that we do not have. That will have enormous consequences the drivers of rising social security spending, especially when this cheap money merry-go-round comes to an among working people who are being squeezed by end and interest rates rise. rising housing costs. I am also baffled that the Opposition are unable to I want to talk about two policy areas that lie behind ask the obvious questions about this. Perhaps that is these failures. As we have heard, households have suffered because they have no coherent alternative, or because the longest period of falling living standards and squeezed their policy is simply to borrow more. However, as wages since the 1850s. We have had 50 consecutive someone who occasionally opposes his Government on months of a wage squeeze below inflation. I came into certain things, I find it extraordinary that the party politics because I was driven by concerns about whose job is to ask the awkward questions seems to be unemployment, and the growth in job numbers is unable even to understand the questions. undoubtedly good news, but it would be completely wrong to see the growth that has been achieved in recent I am delighted that the Government are taking action months as an unalloyed success story. Among other to encourage exports, but I am not absolutely convinced things, one third of a million families are now working that giving cheap credit to exporters is the only way to fewer hours than they want, with more people being do it. I wonder whether this country’s relatively poor forced into part-time employment. The latest job figures export and productivity performance over the past decade show 211,000 people entering self-employment, which is partly a consequence of malinvestment, and whether represents a large proportion of the recent jobs growth. that in itself is a consequence of cheap credit. Perhaps Self-employment is undoubtedly a good thing for many we need to flush out malinvestment and remove what is, people, but one problem is that it is strongly associated in effect, the cholesterol in our economic arteries. Cheap with low pay. Low pay is part of the crisis that is credit can boost exports, just as it can boost the housing underpinning the fall in living standards. market in the short term, but I wonder whether it can have those effects in the longer term. Alex Cunningham: My hon. Friend has quoted one I shall spend the minute I have left making a wider organisation; let me quote another. Gillian Guy of point about economic output. It will soon exceed the Citizens Advice has said: pre-crash peak, which is wonderful news. The revision “The chancellor talked about making, doing and saving. This of output to 2.7% is impressive, but I ask the House to budget needs to work for those who are making do and can’t bear two things in mind. I say this in a spirit of non- save”. partisanship. First, we are seeing a massive fiscal stimulus Are those the people that my hon. Friend is talking in this country, even though we do not call it that. We about? do not call it a massive Keynesian fiscal stimulus; we all prefer to pretend that it is not happening. By definition, Ms Buck: I am talking about the 13 million people on however, if we spend £100 billion more each year than very low incomes, many of whom have incomes that are we take in tax, that is a Keynesian fiscal stimulus, and it so low that they will not benefit from the change in the is happening on a vast scale. income tax threshold, welcome though that is. It will At the same time, we are having a massive monetary do nothing for the people whose earnings are already stimulus, with record low interest rates, cheap credit below it. and quantitative easing. Without question, fiscal and There are 5 million workers on low pay in the UK—one monetary stimulus will raise output. I want to ask in five of the work force. That is one of the highest whether that is sustainable. I am genuinely baffled—I proportions in the developed world. The academic say this frankly and honestly—as to why the Opposition consensus shows clearly that the minimum wage, although 983 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 984 Situation Situation fiercely and wrongly opposed by the Conservatives, would be to abandon the plan and listen to Labour’s boosted earnings without causing unemployment. It calls to borrow more, spend more and put up taxes. has all but abolished extreme low pay, but in recent That would, of course, land hardest of all on the next years there has been an increasing spike in the number generation, who would only have to pay back those of workers on the minimum wage. The proportion of debts that Labour wants to dodge. This Budget is great workers on the minimum wage has grown nearly 60% in news for businesses in Norwich. Those who are looking the past five years. Rather than being part of a continuous to invest and export will welcome measures to cut process of uprating the pay of those on low incomes, it energy bills, to double the tax allowance for investing is now becoming the going rate in many sectors. That is and to boost support for exporters. I know from my one of the causes of falling living standards for millions work in leading a project called Norwich for Jobs that of people and of increased social security spending. businesses do want to invest and to grow. I hope this This is a particular challenge for London. Londoners Budget will help them do that and make the Norwich did not benefit as much from the introduction of the economy more resilient. I hope that that translates into national minimum wage as did people in many other more jobs locally, because that is one thing that economic parts of the country, because of the slightly higher security is all about. I also welcome the previously levels of wages here. The trend towards more workers announced measure, coming into effect next month, of earning at or just above the level of the minimum wage the employment allowance, which will particularly help has exacerbated the crisis in living standards in London. small businesses. As well as low pay, another challenge—and another I welcome the increase in the personal allowance, driver of social security spending—is housing costs. It because it leaves more of people’s money in their pocket was interesting to see that yesterday’s report from the as they go out to work. It is worth up to £800 for more Office for Budget Responsibility stated: than 80,000 people in Norwich. I am a Conservative for “The largest driver of the rise in spending on housing benefit that very reason: I believe that people are individual, has been caseload growth in the private rented sector…The rising responsible and free to spend their own money in line proportion of the renting population claiming housing benefit with their best decisions. I also support the Help to Buy may be related to the weakness of average wage growth…almost scheme and running that for longer until 2020 could all the recent rise in the private-rented sector housing benefit mean that many more families in Norwich get on the caseload has been accounted for by people in employment.” housing ladder. I strongly support the tax-free child The relationship between low pay—and a failure to care scheme that has been announced. Importantly, uprate pay over a number of years—and rising housing that scheme will particularly help basic rate taxpayers, costs is driving more and more people, particularly who often find that the cost of child care outweighs the working people, into dependency on housing benefit. financial benefits of both parents working. It is important None of us wants to see expenditure on keeping to give families greater stability and the flexibility to people unemployed or lining the pockets of private make their own choices. The Budget is also good news landlords by subsidising higher rents. We all want to see for pensioners, providing the flexibility and reward that a fall in social security spending on these things, but has been discussed in this Chamber earlier today, and while pay is low, while average living standards are not for the 24 million people who hold individual savings rising and while rents are rising, we are going to see accounts. more costs and expenditure in that area. But there is a Let me make two further constituency points before solution. The Chancellor promised a rise in the national addressing a slightly more meaty topic. It is particularly minimum wage to £7, but we saw a 17p increase. Many good news for my constituency that the Chancellor is employers across the country could pay more than the going to slash the tax on bingo by half. Mecca Bingo national minimum wage and they should be encouraged and all its employees and customers on Aylsham road to do so. in Norwich were celebrating that overnight. I also welcome We will not see a cut in social security spending the removal of VAT on fuel for air ambulances, as the unless and until we reverse the calamitous fall in the East Anglian air ambulance has its headquarters in my building of social housing, which is the only safe and constituency. secure means of ensuring that low-income people have low housing costs. Combine those two things and we I wish to add my support for the nearly 12,000 workers will see a major shift away from the social security in my constituency who are struggling in work on rates spending, which we would like to see fall, into a rise in a little above the national minimum wage. The Chancellor living standards for millions of people. This Budget has has been right to call for a higher minimum wage, and I not been able to provide that. support that. This Budget statement has shown that the economy is recovering; jobs are up—1.3 million more people are in work now than there were in 2010. People 2.50 pm are also looking to have more money in their pocket. (Norwich North) (Con): I hope that the On that point, I have dealt with the personal allowance. House will excuse my slightly husky voice and cough, I mentioned my work on Norwich for Jobs, which helps which I hope to get past in making my comments. to get young people into jobs and apprenticeships, and that helps more families get security, too. The project I welcome this Budget. The Chancellor is right to be has helped nearly 600 18 to 24-year-olds in work over a focused on getting Britain to year. We set ourselves the goal of halving Norwich’s “out-compete, out-smart and out-do the rest of the world.”—[Official youth unemployment in two years. We can see the Report, 19 March 2014; Vol. 577, c. 789.] effects directly in the employment figures, and I am sad I, too, want the best for Britain and for Norwich in that only that the shadow Chancellor is not here to hear this. sense. That kind of ambition is the only way to get We set out to halve Norwich’s youth unemployment economic security, and the single biggest risk to it from 2,000 to 1,000. It has come down by 670 since we 985 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 986 Situation Situation [Chloe Smith] Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): Will the hon. Gentleman address the issue of 1.3 million private began the project, and every one of those figures is a sector jobs created? young person taking home a pay packet and gaining experience. That is thanks to local firms which have Mr Robinson: I will come to that in a moment, pledged to help them. although the hon. Gentleman may have been here when I intervened on the Secretary of State on that precise I give that example to show that firms want to employ point. great people, but it is also in the interests of a business Let us examine the borrowing record, as borrowing to retain them, and paying the living wage can help to should have been central to all this. Because we have do that. As hon. Members will know, the living wage been able to have more investment and more exports— campaign asks for a voluntary commitment from employing capital investment and exports—we should have growth, organisations. Some would like Norwich to declare which would reduce the borrowing. In fact, over the itself a living wage city. Norwich has demonstrated, four-year period, with us now entering the five-year through the firms that are pledged to Norwich for Jobs, period, we are going to borrow nearly £200 billion—the that it is a city that cares. It is a city with a sense of figure is £190 billion—more than we projected. We were pride. It will achieve things for its young people and for to reduce borrowing as a percentage of GDP, but even its strong industry. in the next two years—years 5 and 6—it is projected to Whether those same firms are all in the position of go up as a percentage of GDP. As for balancing the being able to pay more, as the living wage campaign budget, that has been pushed out by a further two years. asks, is for them to decide in respect of whether they This is not a plan that has succeeded; it is a plan that can retain those jobs. Small firms are wary of being has failed in almost every respect. placed in an impossible competitive situation against There is one exception—the hon. Gentleman referred larger firms that can absorb costs. The Federation of to it and I also challenged the Secretary of State precisely Small Businesses reports that more than two thirds of on it during his speech: the employment record, particularly staff in an average small business are paid at or above in the private sector, is remarkably and surprisingly the living wage already, but it believes that that should good. I do not want to get into how many jobs are remain a voluntary decision for employers, and I support part-time, zero-hours contracts and so on. The fact is that view. My hon. Friend the Member for Hexham that the labour market has shown itself to be much (Guy Opperman), a keen supporter of the living wage, more retentive of labour and productive of labour than has noted that there is a “lack of detailed analysis” we expected. For anybody in this House or in the behind it. The argument for the blanket rise does need Government, or on any of the other projections indicated more explanation. In broad terms, I support the from any sector, the performance is quite encouraging, campaign—I only wish I had more time to discuss it. except in one crucial respect: it suggests that, given where output is relative to employment, we have suffered 2.55 pm a dramatic loss—probably for the long term, for all we Mr Geoffrey Robinson (Coventry North West) (Lab): know—in the productive capacity of the economy and It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Norwich in the productivity of our labour force. Unless that can North (Chloe Smith) and my hon. Friend the Member somehow be rebuilt—there is nothing at all in the for Westminster North (Ms Buck), both of whom spoke Budget to address that point—we are in for a much about the minimum wage and those on low wages. What longer and slower recovery than we could have achieved. the hon. Member for Norwich North forgot to say is That is a big disappointment. The Secretary of State that this Budget does absolutely nothing for the millions analysed it willingly, but the Office for Budget Responsibility who are paying no tax at all, and that is our principal itself says, “There’s nothing here that’s going to make criticism of it. any difference to the forecast we made a year or so ago.” Before I deal with that, may I just say a few words In other words, we have done nothing and are proposing about the speech by the Secretary of State for Business, to do nothing, to address the central issue of the productive Innovation and Skills, who reminded us that he has seen capacity of the economy, which would underpin, sustain 18 Budgets? I have seen nearly all of them with him and and increase our recovery rather than hold it back. I remember many of his trenchant criticisms in the past, There is nothing in the Budget that will improve that. particularly in the first decade of this century. He Of course there are a couple of measures that we seems, as the Tory party wishes to do, to have airbrushed welcome, including the increase in capital allowances. I out of his history—and certainly out of his memory— never understood why they were cut in the first year. We exactly what this Government’s so-called economic plan viciously opposed it at the time. We also approve of the has achieved over the past four years. It is no good improvement in export financing. However, there again, saying that the plan worked, because the plan did not the Chancellor and the Government have form on those work on any of the measures it set out to measure issues. They introduced two similar export financing itself by. schemes, one of which was strangled at birth and the Let us discuss these things one by one: we have had other helped just five firms. I hope the Government are three and a half years of flatlining; we have had growth serious this time. We do not want to see imaginative and which has achieved less than 50% of the Government’s quite substantial measures being choked off by the plan; we have had investment that is below 50% of what bureaucrats. they set out to achieve; and on exports—exports investment Neil Parish: The hon. Gentleman has been making was at the heart of the plan—they have achieved less many predictions. The shadow Chancellor said that our than 50% of the plan, as Members well know. That is policies would mean 1 million fewer jobs, and yet we some plan, given what has happened on all the key have created 1 million more jobs. Will he comment on indices. that 2 million credibility gap? 987 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 988 Situation Situation Mr Robinson: We are very pleased to see employment I welcome the changes announced by the Minister of increasing. What the hon. Gentleman needs to understand State, Department for Work and Pensions, my hon. Friend is that there is a problem of productive capacity in the the Member for Thornbury and Yate (Steve Webb). We economy, and we have done nothing to address it. have campaigned for many years for this straitjacket of Labour was challenged to spell out its criticisms of the the annuity-buying system to be released. Budget. The central point is that we are opposing the I welcome the industrial strategy that the Business Government by saying what they have not done. We are Secretary has developed over recent years. I am talking in a cost of living crisis—probably the worst that any of about the encouragement to invest and the support for us will witness in our lifetimes—and yet the Government exports. One sector in which I have had direct involvement have done nothing to alleviate the position of the worst is the food and drink sector. That is the biggest off in this country. That is our principal criticism of this manufacturing industry in this country, with a £90 billion Budget. The Government show no indication of wanting turnover and 400,000 workers engaged in it. Exports to address that matter, which is why we will oppose the form a key part of the sector, providing £9.3 billion, motion when it comes to a vote. It is a pity because which is a 5% increase year on year. None the less, we there is an opportunity for the Government now, with a still have far more to do. There are still many opportunities relatively stable economy—our outlook is better now that need to be realised. The fact that 90% of small and than before—to show that they can get their priorities medium-sized enterprises that produce food and drink right. It should not be just those on £150,000 a year or still do not export suggests that we need to do an awful more who benefit, or those who can save £15,000 a lot more in the way of encouragement. year—some families have to live on £15,000 a year, let alone save it. The priorities are wrong. We welcome and Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): My hon. support the boost to the manufacturing sector, and Friend is absolutely right that investment and exporting hope that it will be carried through. are key to our growth. Does he therefore welcome the other announcement that was made yesterday, which is 3.2 pm the doubling of the tax allowance when it comes to Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD): In capital investment, from £250,000 to £500,000? contrast to the economic amblyopia of the hon. Member for Coventry North West (Mr Robinson), I honestly Mr Heath: Absolutely. We are getting an industrial believe that there are many things to welcome in this strategy that makes sense for this country. The point Budget. Chief among them is the greatly improved was made that we need to offer direct encouragement to economic situation in which this country now finds firms to export, but what is lacking is aspiration. What itself. I must say that I had my doubts that we would we need to do is increase the level of aspiration of so achieve our employment objectives, but we have, and in many of our smaller firms. full measure. Unemployment in my constituency is now There has been mention of the national minimum at 1.6%, compared with 17% in the mid-1980s. That wage and the difficulties caused by not uprating it. May shows just how far we have gone. I am also enormously I remind the House that there are still abusive employers encouraged by the 1.5 million new apprenticeships that who do not even pay the national minimum wage and have been put in place by this Government, because who are not investigated and prosecuted? There are also that seems to be at the core of our economic recovery. many abusive contractual relationships, especially in There is a strange process in this House by which some sectors. That is not to damn every employer in the Budget is separated from the autumn statement, those sectors; a lot of them are very good and conscientious which is not entirely logical. I find it difficult to talk employers. However, it worries me that in the catering about the money-raising capacity of the Government and entertainment, care and construction sectors there without mentioning where that money will be spent. are still bad employers who need to be brought to book. May I give due notice that when we come to the autumn We already have a model to deal with them. It has been statement, I will expect to see clear commitments to shown to be successful and I used to use it when I flood alleviation schemes, such as the sluice in the River worked with the Gangmasters Licensing Authority. I do Parrett, and the long-term changes for sustainable not believe that the GLA can simply expand into other maintenance of our flood systems. I will expect to see sectors; that would be beyond its capacity. It also runs the A303 explicitly mentioned as part of the capital the risk of breaking an organisation that is doing a very programme. I will also expect to see the long-promised good job in its sector. We need to replicate that in the improvements in our rail infrastructure in the west other sectors because, for me, avoiding abusive relationships country, including the opening of Somerton and Langport between employers and employees is one of the key stations, which will offer long-term economic benefits issues that remains. Some of the virtually indentured to our area. labour that goes on is linked to our work on modern-day slavery. I believe that the Government can and should Let me deal with what is in Budget. I wholeheartedly take action to end it once and for all. welcome the increase in the tax threshold, which is a commitment that I made before the election. Not only 3.8 pm does that take millions of people out of tax altogether, but it represents, by 2015, an £800 tax cut for people on Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East modest incomes in my constituency and across the Cleveland) (Lab): First, I want to discuss the effects of country. That is enormously important. From a parochial the Budget on the steel industry. I welcome the news point of view, I would have welcomed the freeze in cider that the Government have announced their intention to tax, except that I felt slightly undermined by the cut in introduce relief against the rapidly rising costs of carbon beer duty, and I felt that perhaps cider drinkers did not levies, and the mitigation of the renewables obligation is have parity with beer drinkers. None the less, the freeze a particularly good step forward. As chair of the all-party is welcome. group on steel and metal related industry, I, along with 989 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 990 Situation Situation [Tom Blenkinsop] cash ISAs. Although savers have differing personal risk appetites, it would be interesting to see what assessment colleagues from the group, trade unions and the steel the Treasury has made of the effects of ISA simplification industry, have been campaigning hard on that for a long on capital markets. time. Having said that, however, I do have some concerns. I am also concerned about the pensioners savings The compensation is still two financial years away and bond. Although of course we all want pensioners to get the steel industry will continue to face considerable the best possible deal, I am curious about how, at a time challenges in the interim given that the international of austerity and cuts, the Treasury can fiscally justify demand for steel is still at mid-financial crisis levels and paying 4% annual interest on a three-year bond for is probably worsening. Will the Minister clarify whether pensioners when a three-year gilt yield is less than 1.2%. state aid clearance will take those two years and is there I am also curious about how the Chancellor feels that any way that the Treasury can bring the compensation it is justifiable to offer the product only to those forward so that the steel sector and other foundation who are over 65 and not to younger hard-working industries do not have to wait? families who might want access to such a market-beating I remind the House that the carbon price floor, which preferential interest rate or who, for reasons such as hits UK manufacturing four times as hard as our EU early-retirement caused by workplace injury or other competitors, was introduced by this Chancellor and anomalies, might financially depend on income from this Government. That has led to a number of jobs savings. I have tabled questions to ask how the Government being lost, particularly at the Tata Steel site in Newport will account for that and whether they will consider where 200 jobs were highlighted for potential redundancy the 4% annual interest they will pay on the debt under last week. We have also seen the loss of Alcan in the debt interest headings they use in their analyses. Northumberland as well as other manufacturing sites Furthermore, has the Treasury considered whether it in the foundation sector. will crowd investment out of the private sector by offering such an interest rate when banks and building I am similarly cautious about the Government’s proposals societies are offering, at best, a 2.7% fixed annual interest to increase the personal allowance. Although on the rate on three-year bonds? In previous Budgets from this face of it that is an attractive policy, I am wary as Government, we have heard arguments about the public increasing the personal allowance for income tax will sector crowding out the private sector. I would like to do nothing for the millions of low earners who earn less see a Treasury assessment of how the policy might than the current personal allowance. crowd out the private sector. It has recently been reported in the press that the Chancellor is considering renaming national insurance 3.13 pm in the run-up to a potential merger with income tax, so I am surprised that the Budget does nothing to address Chris Kelly (Dudley South) (Con): I welcome the the anomaly faced by millions of people who earn less Budget statement. It is a Budget that will help us build than the annualised primary threshold and still face a a resilient economy and is part of the Government’s class 1 national insurance contribution liability. For long-term economic plan to put this country back on example, despite earning less than the annualised primary the path to sustained growth, a path that was deviated threshold in 2012-13 some 3.48 million people had an from by the Labour party with the debt-fuelled politics average national insurance liability of £172 simply because of the final decade of its time in office. of the distribution of their earnings across the year. The I commend my right hon. Friend the Chancellor who, anomaly is caused by the fact that national insurance since coming to office, has been proved right on all the liability is cultivated per pay period rather than annually. big calls of the past four years. He correctly identified That is particularly problematic for the 583,000 people the problems and was right to set out a clear plan to working on zero-hours contracts—a figure that has address and then overcome them and equally right trebled since the general election—whose pay varies continually to stress that there was no alternative to significantly week to week. I urge Ministers to revisit plan A if Britain were to turn the corner. The deficit is this subject in addition to considering raising the personal down by a third, and in the coming year it will be down allowance, as it would be a positive step to take those by a half. But it is still one of the highest in the world, so very low earners out of an unpopular and regressive the Government are right to be taking action to bring it tax. I also want to see an update from the Chancellor on down further. his 2011 proposal to merge national insurance and I will now deal with some of the detail of the Budget, income tax. but in the light of the number of Members who wish to I also have some concerns about the Government’s speak, I will limit my remarks to three or four main proposed changes to ISAs and the proposed introduction areas. First, this was a Budget for savers. Social media of a pensioners savings bond. I have tabled a number of has been awash with the hashtag #savingsupported, written questions on these issues, but I hope that Ministers and with good reason. The reforms to individual savings will be able to address them today. As many hon. accounts and raising the limit to £15,000 could benefit Members have stated, increasing the ISA limit does up to 513,000 ISA holders in the west midlands alone. little to help those who could not dream of saving Cutting the savings income tax to zero on up to £5,000 £15,000 a year. I think that is a legitimate concern, but I could benefit up to 131,000 savers in my region. am also somewhat concerned by the removal of the The Budget will help more of my constituents to save distinction between a cash ISA and a stocks and shares for a home, save for their retirement and save for their ISA. My fear is that it might nudge savers to move family. I welcome the additional support for savers, so investments from stocks and shares ISAs, the contents that more people can provide a secure future for themselves of which often include the most negative investments and their families. Although we are getting on top of necessary to allow for innovation and growth, to low-yield our debts as a nation, for many decades Britain has 991 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 992 Situation Situation borrowed too much and saved too little. It is therefore Of the job growth in the private sector, 80% has been right that hard-working people keep more of what they created in London. That totally contradicts the Prime earn, and of what they save. Support for savers is, Minister’s assertion yesterday in Prime Minister’s questions rightly, at the centre of the Budget. when he claimed that it was the other way round. I The personal tax changes will also be widely welcomed checked with the Library to see whether my insight into in my area. The increase in the personal allowance in this was incorrect, but it referred me to the Centre for 2015-16 will lift 27,000 people out of income tax altogether, Cities study, which clearly says that 80% was concentrated and 2,120,000 people will see an average real terms gain in London. I hope that the Minister can explain the of £62. Again, these are west midlands numbers and the apparent contradiction between the Prime Minister’s national figures are, of course, even more impressive. assertion and the best available evidence. The next area I want to deal with, after help for savers I would like to focus for a few moments on what I and cutting taxes, is the welcome news on pension consider to be a huge potential black hole in the Budget flexibility, particularly with the fundamental reform of projections. In the autumn statement—the hon. Member the taxation of defined contribution pensions. As the for Somerton and Frome (Mr Heath) commented on hon. Member for Somerton and Frome (Mr Heath) has the connection between the autumn statement and the just said, from April 2015, the Government will legislate Budget—the Chancellor announced funding for an to remove all remaining tax restrictions on how to additional 60,000 higher education student places, funded access defined contribution pension pots, which means by the sale of the student loan book. He said: that no one will have buy an annuity if they do not want “The new loans will be financed by selling the old student loan to. Those who still want the certainty of an annuity, as book, allowing thousands more to achieve their potential.”—[Official many will, will be able to shop around for the best deal. Report, 5 December 2013; Vol. 571, c. 1110.] There will be no punitive 55% tax rate for those who When the Minister for Universities and Science appeared take more than their tax-free lump sum. It will still be before the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee, possible to take 25% of the pension pot tax free on he was questioned about what appears to be an inherently retirement, but what is taken above the tax-free lump risky way of funding a long-term commitment. He sum will be taxed at normal marginal rates, not 55%, as informed us that it would be fully funded irrespective of at the moment. We will have a new guarantee, enforced the sale of the student loan book. That is welcome, but in law, that everyone who retires on a DC scheme will be it has not been factored into any OBR predictions I offered free, impartial, face-to-face advice. As economist have seen. The cost could be as much as £12 billion. The Ros Altmann summarised: Government’s own advisers, Rothschild, said that without “No more annuity will be required. No 55% tax charge, only sweeteners and some form of subsidy, only £2 billion marginal rates. Everyone will get access to face-to-face advice to might be reclaimed. make the right choice for themselves and their family.” That leaves a potentially huge hole in the Budget As the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation predictions, and I have not seen it adequately covered and Skills said earlier, we now know that manufacturing by the OBR or in the Red Book. When challenged on halved under Labour, with all bets effectively being on that, the Minister said that the Rothschild report is old the , and look where that got us. Now and that market conditions have changed. If that is so, I manufacturing is growing again, and jobs are being would reasonably expect the Government to be confident created in Dudley and the black country, and across the enough about their assertion to put forward the figures country. Week in, week out, I visit businesses, often in and funding bases on which the policy has been built. manufacturing or engineering, or connected to those The other part of the potential black hole is the industries, and the optimism I am finding is reflected in increasing resource allocation budget charges on the the figures, with 1.7 million new private sector jobs student loans arising from the increase in default rates. having been created since May 2010. Investment and It is estimated that if those reach 47%, the cost of the exports are also up. But we have 20 years of catching up current student-funded scheme will outweigh the old to do, so the Government are right to be backing system. We are already at about 40% to 42%, and the businesses that invest and export. With the help of latest predictions indicate that it will reach the threshold the British people, the Government are turning the very shortly. That is acknowledged by the OBR, although economy around. The reward is economic security for there is no acknowledgment of how this will be funded. the families of Britain. The Budget is part of the long-term economic plan—a plan that is delivering I believe that there is a huge potential hole in the economic security for families in my constituency and Government’s Budget predictions, because they are locked throughout the country. into a financial funding model for higher education that is increasingly becoming unfunded. Furthermore, they 3.18 pm have grafted on to it a welcome commitment to funding Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op): extra places, but on the basis of a model that does not My first comments are about the nature of growth and appear to be viable and a funding regime—the sale the Chancellor’s triumphalist approach to the growing of the student loan book—that looks unlikely to realise economy. Yes, it is growing, and that is welcome, but the necessary amount of money. this is not economic growth led by sustainable increases I would like to have been able to talk at some length in investment—that has been pretty stable during the about exports. I will simply quote a press release from last few years. It is not led by an increase in exports; the Black Country chamber of commerce: again they have not reached anything like the level “This was nothing more than a political budget with a nod to needed to get us out of recession. Rather it has been led Scotland and another example of the disconnect between politicians by an increase in consumption and household debt, and the world of business”. and by a housing-fuelled boom in London and the The fact is that the rhetoric does not match the reality south-east. on the ground. 993 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 994 Situation Situation 3.23 pm This is a Conservative philosophy of enterprise and rewarding hard work, and that is what a Conservative Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): I may not Government must be about. I earnestly enjoin the agree with all that the hon. Member for West Bromwich Government to try to right this inequity against higher West (Mr Bailey) says, but he always speaks with calm rate taxpayers in their next Budget, or, if not, in the courtesy and forensic good sense, so we are grateful for manifesto. his comments. I am also grateful that my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary is sitting on the Front Bench. I hope that what I am going to say is not entirely off 3.28 pm message from what the Government believe. Because Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ I respect and admire him so much, I have a sneaking Co-op): I want to touch on a couple of issues in the suspicion that privately he might agree with much of brief time available. what I will say. The first of those is the changes to the carbon price The fact is that, for all the huff and puff, when it floor, on which I intervened on the Business Secretary comes to what it actually puts into and takes out of the earlier. I probably should not be surprised, but I am economy, the Budget represents a 0.3% change—£2 billion concerned, that he did not appear to know that the out of £732 billion of spending. That is somewhat compensation scheme for the carbon price floor announced worrying when we consider the very big challenge we in November 2011 and due to come into effect in April face on deficit reduction and, following what the hon. last year has so far paid out precisely nothing to energy- Member for West Bromwich West said, what could be a intensive industries. When energy-intensive businesses debt-fuelled boom, which is the traditional British way such as the brickworks, steel plant and glass fabricator of climbing out of recession. in my constituency hear that there will be a compensation package in relation to the renewables obligation and I wanted to try to start on a positive note, however, so feed-in tariff, it is not surprising, given that it seems I should quickly say that I think this Budget will be highly unlikely that the back-dated scheme that they remembered for its entirely freedom-loving, Thatcherite, were previously promised is going to be delivered, that people-trusting measures on annuities. However, those they are dubious about whether they will ever receive points have been made repeatedly, so I do not need to this benefit. labour them. There is, overall, a supreme irony in the Government’s I want to talk about what is happening to higher rate moves to limit the impact of the carbon price floor, taxpayers. The top 5% pay 45% of all income tax. The characterising it as a green tax. At last year’s Conservative top 1%—just 30,000 people—pay 30% of all income party conference, the Energy Minister, the right hon. tax, which is more than the lowest 50%. Let me say Member for Sevenoaks (Michael Fallon), referred to it gently to the Business Secretary—he is not here, but I as “assisted suicide”for manufacturing industries, seeming am sure he will read Hansard avidly—that I think he not to realise that it was his Chancellor’s policy and that was being slightly disingenuous when he replied to my his party voted for it, whereas we opposed introducing intervention in which I bemoaned the fact that we are it without an assessment of the impact on manufacturing not indexing the higher rate tax. He said, “Well, we’ve industry. made a start”, but it is a very small start. Under this The Chancellor was at it again yesterday when he Budget, 400,000 more people will still be dragged into implied—the hon. Member for Clacton (Mr Carswell), paying higher rate tax. Some 1.4 million middle-earners— who is no longer in his place, said this in his speech, small business men; managers; hard-working nurses, too—that the answer is shale gas and that it could have matrons and teachers at the top of their professions; the same impact in the UK as it has had in the US. That police sergeants—have all been dragged into this higher is a simplistic and highly misleading extrapolation of rate of tax during this Parliament, on our watch. the US experience, given the different geology, land The higher rate of taxation is almost turning into rights and, crucially, the US’s inability to export shale the standard rate. The top half of taxpayers contribute gas. Those simplistic extrapolations are either ill informed 90% of all tax intake. When introduced or spectacularly and deliberately ignorant. the 40p rate in 1988, it was paid by just 1.35 million The Office for Budget Responsibility figures for oil people. Now, 4.5 million people pay the higher rate of revenues are not just a salutary warning against the tax, and by 2015 that figure will have risen to nearly danger of over-reliance on a resource that is by definition 5 million. I personally do not believe that this is what declining and by record volatile. The Scottish National the higher rate of tax was designed for. It should attack party is engaged in a process of taking the most optimistic people on higher rates of earnings, and that means assessment of gross value and suggesting it as state those who earn a reasonable amount of money; it revenue in order to seek to persuade my constituents should not attack police sergeants, senior matrons or and others to vote to leave the UK, but the lesson from classroom teachers. That is wrong and inequitable. the figures is that the pooling and sharing of resources We need from the Government a sense of mission is a much more stable proposition with regard to maximising and direction, and the sense of mission and direction economic recovery from what Sir Ian Wood’s report, that I want to see is one that is aimed at simplifying all whose recommendations the Government seem to accept, taxation. After every Budget speech—rather like the rightly refers to as a mostly mature basin. Secretary of State, I think I have now sat through 18—I The Chancellor also referred yesterday to the extension make the point again and again that simplification pays of the film tax credit, which is welcome, but many off. When we reduce taxation on the top earners, as we British films today are co-productions. Indeed, the critically saw when we reduced the top rate of tax from 50% to acclaimed “Under the Skin”, which was filmed in and 45%, we encourage enterprise, remove avoidance and around Glasgow, stars Scarlett Johansson and was released even evasion, and generate more income and growth. last week, is just one recent example of a stunning 995 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 996 Situation Situation co-production from Britain and other countries. The We are now starting to see much more evidence of a marginal extension of the tax credit has been hindered proper recovery, with pay picking up, inflation coming by the news that just last week Her Majesty’s Revenue down—they should cross during the year—and the and Customs issued a clarificatory note stating that Government making a great priority of raising tax co-productions are excluded from access to funding thresholds. If we are reforming welfare to encourage from the enterprise investment scheme. I asked the people to take jobs, it is both logical and sensible to Minister responsible for the arts, the Under-Secretary make many jobs more attractive by reducing tax. I have of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the hon. Member heard some of the criticisms, such as, “What if you for Wantage (Mr Vaizey), about this during Culture, don’t pay tax?” Part of the problem of the Government Media and Sport questions last week, but he did not taking 3 million people out of the tax system is that appear to know anything about it. A theme is developing fewer people will pay tax at lower levels. However, it is of Ministers not knowing the impact of their own good to provide more incentives within the British policies, and that is a concern. political system. I want briefly to refer to changes to gambling. Increasing We are getting more growth, and we are starting to the tax take from fixed odds betting terminals does see a recovery in investment. If the eurozone, which nothing to deal with the adverse effects those machines could still be problematic, settles down, there is a prospect have on many communities up and down the country. of higher exports. I welcome what the Government have Indeed, it may have the opposite effect and put the done in providing more export credit. I also welcome Treasury in the box of those defending the vested what they have done for manufacturers by addressing interests in high-stakes, fast-pay gambling machines some of the problems with the EU carbon floor price, that are ruining many lives. which would have made many of our heavy or energy- Finally, I welcome the change to the bingo tax, but intensive users uncompetitive. The key point is that the the Tory party chairman—who will, I am sure, shortly Government have listened to representations and made be promoted to a senior ministerial position—let the cat adjustments to help British business. out of the bag last night with his post, infographic or My principal point is that I welcome the changes in whatever he is trying to call it referring to bingo as savings and pensions. Throughout most of my time in something that “they” enjoy. I say to the Financial the House, people approaching the age of 65 have come Secretary that I am a fairly frequent visitor to the to me to bemoan the fact that they are forced to buy an Mecca bingo club in Rutherglen, which is a very good annuity, and that it will remain with the insurance community institution to which many of my constituents company when they die. We are giving people the real enjoy going to interact socially as well as to gamble as a freedom for which we campaigned in opposition and leisure pursuit. They tell me that what they wanted from that we had in our manifesto, and it is absolutely right this Budget was some real action on energy bills, particularly to do so. Moreover, we are allowing people to make given that they have gone up by £300 at a time when, their own decisions about how they spend their own latterly, gas wholesale prices have been largely stable. money. It seems to me rather bizarre that people have a They want to know why it is that the bankers bonus pension pot, but then have the problem of trying to culture has been extending and deepening in this country. calculate at the beginning of the year how much they They want to know why it is that the primary act of this can take out. I see no reason why we cannot just trust Chancellor and his ministerial team is to institute a tax people, and ensure that they can make their own decisions cut for millionaires rather than for hard-working people. about their retirement. That requires a bit of maturity For them, this Budget has precious little. and we will provide more advice, but it will be a very real freedom for many pensioners in Poole. 3.33 pm In addition, I welcome the Government’s proposal Mr Robert Syms (Poole) (Con): I welcome the for the bond that, at least for a time, will give a higher Budget, not just in and of itself specifically, but rate to many pensioners who have not had a big rate of because it is part of a long-term economic plan. It is return on their savings. Quantitative easing has made important that Governments look at issues on a long- life very difficult for pensioners with savings, and the term basis. I think we sometimes forget the depth of bond is one way to offset that in these extraordinary the crisis of 2008. There was a 7.5% fall in output financial times. Again, the Government have listened and it was the biggest recession in British history, and have responded to that particular problem. significantly worse than that of the 1930s. On top of We are encouraging savings. We are giving pensioners that, there was a major banking collapse and, following more flexibility. We are addressing the needs of and that, a euro meltdown and crisis. Therefore, the stability helping exporters; we have seen many good examples in provided by the coalition Government’s steady plan to the car industry and aerospace. We are helping heavy rebalance the British economy is a sensible and welcome manufacturers, who have real problems with the carbon development. floor price. The Budget will help jobs and growth. We We have been blessed over the past three or four years are seeing the start of higher productivity and higher by lower levels of unemployment than might have been investment. I hope that that continues, and that our predicted and we have started to see a recovery and country goes from success to success. higher levels of employment. The reason for that is that British workers have reacted in a rational and sensible 3.38 pm fashion and have tried to price themselves into jobs. The Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): It is extremely consequence of that is that living standards have fallen gracious of you to call me to speak in this debate, and, as the Institute for Fiscal Studies has said, the fall Madam Deputy Speaker. from about 2007-08 until last year was about 7%. If I want to say a few words about a genuine long-term there is a massive fall in output, it is inevitable that plan—Government Members seem to use the phrase living standards will fall. “long-term plan” quite a bit—for work. It is clear that 997 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 998 Situation Situation [Gavin Shuker] about is the productivity gap. Output per hour in this country is 21% lower than the G7 average. That hints at this Budget has ducked the key challenge of how we a lack of business investment in machinery and so on. ensure that as the number of jobs in the economy I return to autonomy, mastery and purpose. Where increases, the quality of those jobs improves at the same will the high-skilled jobs come from in this economy? time. When will we recognise the cost of living? Many people There has been much talk in this place over many will look at the actions of the Government and conclude years—not only by Government Members but by that in the Budget they have ducked the challenge. If Opposition Members—about where improvements to they were running a business the way they are running the British economy will come from. There has been a the economy, they would be sweating the assets to get lot of talk about entrepreneurialism, finance and different growth. I think it is fine to sweat the assets for a period, sectors of industry, but we tend not to step back to talk but we must recognise that the greatest asset we have is about the quality of work, even though work is fundamental the people of this country, and they will not put up with to how we generate growth in our economy and how a Government who sweat the asset that is their work. people find dignity during most of their waking hours 3.43 pm in the day. Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): It is a great honour My broadest concern is that as we talk about the to follow the hon. Member for Luton South (Gavin effects of this Budget—fiscal measures here, changes to Shuker), not least because he and I will be working taxation there—we may to a degree miss the point. We together on the all-party group on polar regions, which know that what makes work satisfying to people is is absolutely fabulous. autonomy, mastery and purpose. I fear that those three values are getting lost in the recovery that is under way. The Budget is a staging post in the mission to rescue I shall suggest a few ways in which we might respond the British economy. It is an important staging post and through policy to improve the quality of work for it signals some important messages. First, I will introduce millions of people up and down the country. some thoughtful points on productivity, which we have discussed from time to time in the Chamber. Increasing It is a tragedy when people find themselves unemployed productivity is the way to deal with the cost of living and when there is long-term unemployment. In Luton, crisis, because we need a work force who are skilled 950 young people are without work and are claiming to such a level that we can enhance our capacity in jobseeker’s allowance, and 1,300 people of all ages have manufacturing, engineering and related activities. The been out of work for more than 12 months. Behind each importance of ensuring that we have a skilled work figure is a human tragedy that affects many families. force is embedded in our long-term economic strategy Older people who find themselves out of work find it and is part of the Budget because, as I have said, it is a incredibly difficult to get a job, and we know that many staging post. of them will not find one in the current economy. In my constituency, I have promoted manufacturing At the same time, there is a cost of living crisis. Wages and engineering through the festival of manufacturing and prices have become decoupled. It is estimated that and engineering, which is designed to ensure that young it will take 15 years for wages to recover and get back to people are introduced to the advantages of working in the consumer prices index level of inflation. It is debatable manufacturing and the opportunities that are provided whether they will ever reach the retail prices index level. by a career in engineering. They will end up dealing We need to tackle the issue at both ends: work and with the cost of living crisis by contributing to increased the quality of that work. On the quality of work, we productivity and an economy that blasts forward by have seen a tripling of the number of zero-hours contracts. competing powerfully not just in the EU, but in the More people are working in the economy, but many of global economic race that we are undoubtedly in. them are on zero-hours contracts and have little job I am pleased to welcome the changes to pensions, security. Those who are still in work have had their annuities and so forth. Encouraging people to save is a rights taken away. For example, there are the challenges really important part of our strategy, because the savings with tribunals, which we have discussed in the House ratio in this country has never been worse. The Chancellor before. We cannot win in a race to the bottom. Many has recognised that and taken steps to encourage people people still cannot get a job. There is a lack of dignity in to save. That is what the changes to pensions and not having a job, but there is also a lack of dignity in annuities are fundamentally all about. We should welcome having a poor quality job. This is a long-term challenge them as a huge step in the right direction, not only in not just for this Government, but for whichever Government ensuring that elderly people have choice but in improving find themselves in power next. people’s overall capacity and willingness to save. They Labour’s jobs guarantee could be a necessary first are great news. step in allowing young people in particular to find work Something else that is important and relevant to my and get back into the rhythm and dignity of work. We constituency is the framework that we have already then need to look at the quality of the work and the created to encourage investment in infrastructure. We remuneration for it. That is why we need an expansion really need to do that, and I could mention a lot of of the living wage. Our policy of a 12-month tax rebate projects in my constituency that will need investment in for low-paid workers who are bumped up to the living the immediate future. One is a potential new bridge wage for the first time, which would pay for itself over across the Severn to ease congestion on both the Forest time, would be extremely helpful, as would the of Dean side—my hon. Friend the Member for Forest reintroduction of the 10p rate. That would be hugely of Dean (Mr Harper) has made that point several important in encouraging people to get back into work. times—and my side, where such a development would We need action to meet the challenges of our economy. enhance economic growth opportunities in an area where An alarming statistic that other Members have talked they need to be created. 999 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 1000 Situation Situation The changes to ensure that firms that are high energy many of my constituents, including Mike Ellis, a bingo users will benefit is great news for my constituency. We club manager in Feltham, for their work on that matter. have a lot of companies that have a huge appetite for The fact remains, however, that the recovery is not yet energy. BPI, a recycling firm, is a case in point. It has reaching the many.The Chancellor and the Prime Minister sites across the country, which will all benefit from the often talk about getting young people into work, but I changes. am concerned that there is no actual plan for young We have to ensure that our overall package is continued people. Making school-based work experience optional with, and that is why it is important to talk about the rather than compulsory, as the Government did in long-term economic plan as frequently as we do. Part of September 2012, is one shocking example of that—a that plan is to reduce the deficit. Of course we are move that was opposed by Labour and by 89% of those disappointed that the deficit is not as small now as we who took part in the had hoped, but we are travelling in the right direction consultation. In the past year alone more than 64,000 and can say that it will be further reduced in significant fewer young people have been able to take part in work chunks. That is what the Chancellor has promised and experience, compared with the previous year. will now deliver. That is the bedrock of our economic The young people of today are the taxpayers and plan, because we cannot have sustainable growth if we leaders of tomorrow, and we have a responsibility to are constantly threatened with high interest rates and hold open the doors so that they can succeed. That is constantly undermined by having one of the largest why getting young people back to work is a priority for deficits in the western world. That part of the long-term Labour. It is about our duty to the next generation, to economic plan must not be forgotten and must be give them the chances they need, and confidence that promoted whenever possible. The real economy, which the Government are on their side. Labour would put I have been talking about, is the key to delivering jobs, young people back to work with a job for every unemployed tackling the cost of living and putting Britain back into young person, paid for by a tax on bankers’ bonuses. the competitive place that it should hold globally on the Youngpeople also need a place to live and bring up their economy and growth. families, and Labour would also build up to 200,000 homes a year by 2020. 3.48 pm Tackling the housing crisis is not just about fuelling Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): demand, but building new homes and increasing supply. It is disappointing that this has turned out to be a We would freeze energy prices to help tackle that modern Budget for the few, not the many. I am particularly scourge: the cost of living. Labour would get finance concerned that it has delivered nothing to support flowing again to businesses, with a proper independent young people and the long-term unemployed, and it is business investment bank and a network of regional on that point that I wish to make a few remarks. banks to support businesses that need finance, not just We all know that young working families are struggling. in London but in our industrial centres in the north that Last week I met Sarah, a young mum of two, in a local have been so neglected by the Government and on supermarket. Two years ago, the jobcentre forced her to which our national economy depends. go on a course at a time when she was very ill during her This country needs an active Government with the first pregnancy. The tutor on the course sent her home courage to bring forward bold policies to build a strong, almost as soon as she arrived, and her doctor then sustainable economy that generates wealth for the many, signed her off work for the pregnancy lest she even lose jobs for the unemployed, and prosperity for all. Instead, the baby. Her partner has been out of work for three it is a shame that this out-of-touch Chancellor, and years, which has had a knock-on effect on his self-esteem. Prime Minister, has delivered a Budget that caters for He is a young man struggling to find work and wanting the privileged few, while working families and mums to support his young family, and he has felt that the like Sarah fight for scraps from his table. courses being offered to him are well below what he needs and are doing little to increase his chances of work. 3.53 pm I met a mum who was concerned about her son’s future. He has been on a zero-hours contract with no Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): It is a pleasure certainty about what work he will get or on what day. to follow the hon. Member for Feltham and Heston The stress that it has caused the family is enormous. (Seema Malhotra) because it gives me an opportunity Imagine not being able to plan if and when to do a to let her know that in my constituency, youth course of further learning, or when it might be possible unemployment has fallen by 40% in the past 12 months. to see a doctor, care for a family member or go out on a I am also pleased to speak in this Budget debate on certain day. Zero-hours contracts definitely need reform. business because as we all know—at least, as we should More than 1 million 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK are know—it is business, not the Government, that generates not in education, employment or training. Long-term wealth, wealth generates jobs, and jobs lift people out of unemployment is up more than 300% since 2010, and despondency and dependency. long-term youth unemployment has almost doubled in Chloe Smith: Does my hon. Friend agree that it is that period, yet pay is still rising faster for bankers than also possible for Members of the House to work with for the average worker. This was not a Budget for those businesses in their constituency and do something about such as the disabled man I met recently who was hit by unemployment? I gave the example of Norwich for the bedroom tax; for the families and parents struggling Jobs. with rising child care costs; or for small businesses struggling to pay their business rates. Christopher Pincher: I agree with my hon. Friend. I I welcome the reduction in bingo duty and I am hold an annual jobs fair, and last year 300 to 400 jobs pleased that the Government have listened to calls from were available to the 176 people who came to look for Labour and the public about reducing that duty. I thank them. There were more jobs available in my constituency 1001 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 1002 Situation Situation [Christopher Pincher] independent players, and not rely on the taxpayer or the consumer to foot the bill, we need to ensure that electricity than jobseekers at the job fair, which is an indication of market reform and the signals to investors are right, how our economy in the midlands, and particularly in otherwise there will be a cash crunch. Tamworth, is developing. In general terms, the Budget was good. It was a I agree with the hon. Member for Feltham and Heston Budget for business. In my constituency, businesses are about bingo and the change to gross profits tax. That upbeat and they say that they expect to grow. BMW is tax was introduced in 2009 and created an anomaly coming to Tamworth this year with 100 new jobs. Let us because it meant that that soft gambling industry was have more of the same: let us have more Budgets for taxed at 20%, compared with most of the rest of the business. industry at 15%. Added to the fact that bingo operators cannot reclaim VAT on their investment or refurbishment 3.59 pm costs, it means that many operators have to carry a Yvonne Fovargue (Makerfield) (Lab): I welcome one cumulative and punitive tax, equivalent to VAT of 32%. measure in the Budget that has had relatively little That was stifling the industry, with one bingo hall per publicity: start-up support for regional airports to link week going to the wall. The Chancellor’s changes will up with future markets by supplying new routes. Manchester mean more money for stakes, which is good for punters, airport and other regional airports are key drivers of and more investment in bingo halls and more jobs—a local economies. Encouraging new routes and businesses good thing that will also increase tax yield. into the regions is vital, and I look forward to seeing I am very pleased to see the changes to air passenger more details on that. duty and start-up support for new routes. Birmingham I want to move on to one of the central planks of the airport, my local airport, will benefit from that. It is Budget: the measures for savers. Help for savers is currently extending its runway so that it will be able to welcome, but this help does not target those with little take long-haul flights to and from major markets in or no savings. A report produced by HSBC last year China and India. If the Treasury is listening, it can showed that 25% of people across all age ranges have provide further support by adding Birmingham airport little or no savings. Indeed, 33%—a third—of people in to the regional air connectivity fund list. the 18 to 44 age range have no savings at all. On the I hope the Treasury will work closely with the basis of that evidence, HSBC estimates that 8 million Department for Transport to consider the Whitacre people in the United Kingdom have no savings. link, a railway line axed by Dr Beeching. The line runs Many of my constituents can relate to that. They are through Tamworth to Birmingham airport, and new indeed the “makers and doers”referred to by the Chancellor, track would reduce travel time from Tamworth to but they are not making do. They are juggling their Birmingham airport from 40 minutes to just 18 minutes. finances, with no spare money to save for a rainy day That is the sort of local, sensible infrastructure development because there has never been enough sunshine. These that business people in my constituency want to see. My are the people who turn to payday lenders when there is hon. Friend the Minister knows my views on HS2. If it a broken washing machine, or when the children need goes ahead, it will not be enough for it just to link our new shoes and school clothes. If the Chancellor is major cities. We need to improve the infrastructure serious about keeping people out of the hands of the around those major cities to realise the potential benefits payday lenders or “pay weekly”stores such as BrightHouse, of HS2. Building the Whitacre link would be one way of they should be helped through savings measures. They doing that. are the people most at risk of descending into a spiral of I welcome the continued drive down of corporation debt, who end up seeking help from citizens advice tax. That will help to expand businesses and create jobs. bureaux or StepChange. In fact, figures from StepChange I hope the Chancellor will not see the 20p rate as an end show that only 5% of people who have sought their help in itself, but as a means to an end: matching the Irish have any savings. 12.5% rate of corporation tax. If we can get down to Simplifying and raising the limits for individual savings such a level, we will attract businesses to Britain that accounts are likely to make little difference to those in currently go to Ireland, and build a better and stronger middle and low-income households who have few if any economy. That is what business folk in my constituency savings. Just one in four households with incomes of would like to see. less than £400 per week has an ISA, compared with half Despite the rather gloomy concerns of the hon. Member those with incomes between £700 and £1,000 a week. for Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex), I Research shows that matched savings and savings account support and approve of the Government’s determination bonuses give lower-income households a much stronger to drive down the cost of energy on businesses. The incentive to save than interest rates or tax reliefs. carbon price support rate, at £18 per tonne of carbon, is The additional ISA changes will have cost the Exchequer a good move. I think the Liberal Democrats would £565 million a year in lost tax on savings by 2018-19. prefer to see about £30 per tonne by 2020, but capping it Surely that money could be better spent on providing at £18 will reduce about £50,000 of cost for small and savings account bonuses or matched savings targeted at medium-sized businesses in my constituency. those in lower-income households, who have the least There is, however, an energy elephant in the room: resilience to financial shocks. In fact, the matched savings the huge amount of infrastructure spend we need to schemes introduced by Labour were one of the first undertake in the next 10 years to keep our lights switched things to be abolished by the coalition Government in on, our water warm and the wheels of industry turning. 2010, on the grounds that “the country could not afford The big six, which are already highly leveraged, can them”. As the money and the will to encourage savings probably add no more than £70 billion to the £110 billion clearly now exist, why do the Government not consider cost. If we are to get the £40 billion we need from reintroducing, and even expanding, such schemes? 1003 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 1004 Situation Situation A savings target of just £500 for low-income households, The shadow Chancellor derided the cut in beer duty. which represents just below the average payday loan I invite him to come to the second Gloucester beer debt owed by StepChange clients, could be just that festival on 4 April this year. The Gloucester brewery “rainy day” buffer that people need to keep the wolf—or was created three years ago; for all 13 years of the perhaps I should say the shark—from the door. Labour Government we did not have a brewery at all, Yet again, we have a Budget that does little for those but we do now. Let him come and meet the beer lovers on the very lowest incomes. Raising the income tax in Gloucester and try to convince them we should get threshold to £10,500 will do significantly more for those back on to his hated beer duty escalator. who are paying the higher rate of tax and earning up to The truth, too, is that we know what manufacturing £100,000 a year. They will gain £1.92 per week, whereas needs, whereas under the previous Government those who are working full time on the minimum wage manufacturing halved. My city, the city of Gloucester, are highly likely to be receiving housing and council tax has always made things. We have always manufactured, benefits, and will therefore gain just 29p per week. At but manufacturing was the main loser when we lost this rate, even if they saved every penny of the increase, 6,000 private sector jobs under the previous Government. it would take more than 100 years for them to be able to Between 1997 and 2010 the number of apprentices went take advantage of the new ISA limit, and 33 years for down so sharply that by the time of the change of them to have the buffer of £500. No wonder unexpected Government there were only 25 people going into expenditure falls hardest on those households, making Gloucestershire engineering training. Today the figure the need for incentives to help them to save more urgent is more than four times greater. than ever. No wonder a payday loan is taken out every The changes in the carbon pricing for heavy energy four seconds in this country. users and the extension and doubling of capital allowances This is not a Budget that helps the hard-working to £500,000 a year are incredibly important to a city families in my constituency who face a cost of living such as Gloucester, because our engineering is close to crisis. It is not a Budget for those who are struggling to capacity and it needs the stimulus to invest and the get by, and to whom saving even £500 seems an impossible opportunity to expand and to grow. If it gets that, it will dream. The Chancellor could have helped those people, go on creating more jobs and more opportunities for the but he chose not to. He could have taken on the payday young people of my city. Already the numbers of new lenders by helping to eliminate the need for them, but he apprentice starts are four times higher than in 2009-10. chose not to. This is not a Budget for the many in my This is not about cost of living in terms of energy prices constituency; it is a Budget for the few. miraculously suddenly being halved; it is about cost of living in terms of the opportunities for young people. 4.4 pm The shadow Chancellor recently came to Gloucester. Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): Yesterday we heard He did not stay for long and he did not visit a business—he a Budget which, as The Sun put it, we can all cheer—but certainly did not visit a manufacturing company and not quite all, because the response from the Leader of see the transformation that has taken place in that sector the Opposition was a litany of class warfare slogans, over the past four years—but he did make a speech to along with the line “You’re worse off under the Tories”, Labour party members and he spoke briefly to the press which, as The Sun rightly concluded, could convince afterwards, telling them he was deeply concerned about only those with the memory of a goldfish. Today we had the rate of youth unemployment in Gloucester. In one another goldfish to entertain us. The shadow Chancellor respect he was correct in saying that because we always was more entertaining than his boss, but there was little need to do more—we must go on bringing it down—but danger of the truth interrupting his cracks; for he has actually the figures have come down sharply and are form, and—whether we are talking about his claim of some 25% lower than they were at the last general election. an end to boom and bust, his prediction of a triple dip, Youth unemployment is coming down and will go on or the flatlining gesture that we saw for nearly three coming down. years—the truth has consistently been the opposite of Today we have been discussing a Budget for people what he says. So when he claimed there was nothing in who make things, and in a city that makes things, such this Budget to help with the cost of living, he only as Gloucester, that is good news indeed. confirmed to everybody listening that there was, in fact, plenty, and that the statement was consistent with his 4.8 pm role as the best reverse indicator in politics. Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): The My constituents in Gloucester will have been absolutely Chancellor talked about an economy that is now improving delighted with another axing of Labour’s hated fuel and I do not think anybody would be so churlish as not escalator. Some 25 million people around the country to acknowledge that there is some improvement, but he will keep £800 more a year from their earnings and also suggested there is further pain to come and it is 1.5 million lower-income pensioners will not pay 10% clear to everyone outside this place, if not to those on tax on their first £5,000 of savings: these things make a the Government Benches, which people and families are difference. going to bear the brunt of the prolonged period of The Opposition is off the mark not just on those austerity. It will not be millionaires; it will be low-income changes, but also in their response to some of the families, who are not actually terribly impressed by the smaller, but symbolic, steps, like the changes in bingo raising of the tax threshold when the overall cost-of-living tax and the beer duty escalator. I am sure the hon. increases are hitting them a great deal harder and when, Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex) for those who will be in receipt of the new universal supports his constituents who play bingo and recognises credit, almost every penny will be clawed back. the social benefits of that, but can he explain to them Citizens Advice tellingly confirms that those earning why his Government taxed bingo more than any other around £100,000 will benefit more than those earning form of gambling throughout their 13 years in office? the minimum wage. What we need, and what was missing 1005 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 1006 Situation Situation [Alison Seabeck] for the rest, rising house prices and rents, and the worst house building record since 1963. Of course, we are now from the Budget, is positive news about infrastructure facing the worst housing building situation since the investment in our region, such as the building of homes 1920s. The attempts to rebrand the stalled Ebbsfleet that families and first time buyers can afford to rent or development would be laughable if the problem was not purchase, and major projects such as the diversionary so serious. Initially, the Minister without Portfolio, the rail line to ensure that the region is resilient in severe right hon. Member for Welwyn Hatfield () weather events. I agree with the hon. Member for Somerton talked about building 22,000 homes there, but we are and Frome (Mr Heath) that expectation is elevated in now being promised only 15,000 homes on a site that the south-west about what the autumn statement might has little inherent land value. contain. If the Chancellor is serious about ensuring that the The Labour leader of Plymouth city council has economy continues to grow and does not falter, he must made it clear that investment in new signalling to increase consider the measures proposed by my right hon. Friend line speeds, new rolling stock and improved rail resilience the shadow Chancellor— would help to generate some 32,000 new homes and 42,000 new jobs in the south-west. That investment Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. would bring work, taxes would roll into the Treasury, the south-west economy would benefit and large and 4.14 pm small firms would feed into the procurement process, Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): The hon. Member supporting all that growth. for Plymouth, Moor View (Alison Seabeck) has just Such investment would undoubtedly support the excellent mentioned her father’s election address, and I am reminded work of our universities, which could without doubt do of my father’s election addresses about how Conservatives even more to support entrepreneurs. Plymouth university had to clear up the mess that Labour left behind. is working closely across local enterprise partnership Like many Members across the House, I am passionately boundaries in support of the work being done by focused on employment. We needed the Budget to Sir Andrew Witty to drive economic growth. encourage business investment and help the recovery, There were some positive measures in the Budget to which is gaining pace, to deliver more and higher-quality help business. I welcome the support for exports, as I jobs. The hon. Member for Coventry North West welcome the reduction in bingo tax, because it is something (Mr Robinson) made an interesting point about ensuring on which I have campaigned under both the previous that those jobs deliver greater productive capacity, and Government and this Government. Devon air ambulance I agree with him that we need to do that. will be much better placed to continue to offer its life-saving service following the changes to VAT on fuel. The claimant count in my constituency of Worcester There was no mention of the business rate change, is down from 2,545 immediately before the election—and which many small businesses in Plymouth would have from a peak of 2,700 under Labour—to around 1,900 now. liked to see. I have concerns about the pension proposal, Youth unemployment peaked at 800 under Labour and given the history of mis-selling and given personal is now below 500. That is much better, but there is no experience of someone who was persuaded, with expert room for complacency. In fact, we have seen some small advice, to take equity from their mortgage while they rises in unemployment in recent months, which I abhor. were seriously ill in such a way that after their death, I have said that we need this Budget to deliver investment their partner was left in a dire position. The quality of in jobs. the advice offered is a serious matter. There is also the When I talk to local businesses, especially manufacturers, question of whether people can get advice on more than about what they need if they are to invest in jobs, they one occasion. tell me that they need support to invest in plant and I was accused by the Pensions Minister, the hon. machinery, which can raise the productive output of Member for Thornbury and Yate (Steve Webb), of each job. We have seen that support in this Budget. being patronising because I dared to ask whether women They also want support for research and development of a certain age—roughly my age—would face disbenefits that will anchor manufacturing jobs in this country, as a result of some of the pension changes. He failed to including the jobs at Yamazaki Mazak, which has its answer that question, and he also failed to offer to place European research headquarters in Worcester. They the evidence, particularly that concerning women and need help with the cost of employment, and this Budget the wider risk assessment, into the Library for hon. has introduced the implementation of the employment Members to see. allowance, which will provide a huge boost to businesses My colleague the Labour candidate for Plymouth, large and small in regard to the number of people they Sutton and Devonport, Luke Pollard, yesterday produced can employ. figures showing that in Plymouth the average family is It is interesting that, at the start of this Government, about £1,800 a year worse off because prices are rising we got rid of Labour’s jobs tax—an increase in the cost much faster than wages. When we consider that the of national insurance for every business and employer—and average income in Plymouth is about £20,000, not the that, as we come towards the end of this Government, £100,000 mentioned by the Chancellor yesterday—he is we are taking a further step forward in the form of the clearly very out of touch if he thinks that that is an employment allowance. It will provide a real incentive average wage—£1,800 is a huge loss. How is it fair that to take young people on, and taking people under 21 nurses in Derriford get only a £250 pay rise, while higher- out of national insurance will help more young people rate taxpayers become significantly better off? to get into the businesses of the future. It is the same old Tories. I look back at my father’s Crucially, we need to drive forward the skills agenda. election address from February 1974, in which he Many of the engineering businesses in my constituency— highlighted tax cuts for the rich paid for by price rises including Yamazaki Mazak and Worcester Bosch—are 1007 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 1008 Situation Situation great supporters of apprenticeships. Many small and it. I am grateful that it is a cross-party campaign, and medium-sized enterprises are also beginning to take on one that we have been able to take forward significantly apprentices. I am glad to see in the Budget the £85 million this year, and with this Budget. This is a Budget for jobs extension of support for SMEs to take on apprentices, and for the future, and it allows us to take a significant and to see the £20 million increased funding for degree step forward in achieving fairness for our country. level apprenticeships. The Business, Innovation and Skills Committee, on which I am proud to serve, has challenged 4.19 pm the Government to deliver on both quality and quantity Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): When the for apprenticeships, and so far they have an excellent Chancellor rose to his feet yesterday, people across the record on both. country hoped he would have something to offer on I must mention some of the spending measures in the escalating cost of living and an economy that has the Budget that could directly benefit Worcester. The seen the value of wages shrink. People in the north-east £20 million cathedral fund will be very welcome in hoped he would offer help to do something about the many of our county towns, and the horse race betting highest unemployment levels in England. Nearly 1 million levy extension will support Worcester race course. The young people out of work, many for more than a year, cathedral and the race course are two vital landmarks in hoped for some kind of job guarantee that would see the city, and I am delighted that both could benefit from them earning a living and learning along the way, and the Budget. The extra £140 million of flood funding is public sector workers hoped for a better deal and a fair also extremely welcome, for reasons that will be all too reward for their work, but it was not to be. Instead, as obvious to anyone who has watched television in recent we heard my right hon. Friend the Leader of the months. It is also great news that we have seen progress Opposition say, we have a Government who are able to on the question of VAT for air ambulances. That is a give millionaires a £200,000 tax cut but cannot increase huge achievement following campaigning by many nurses’ pay by £250 a year. This is a Budget with Members. I would now like to see progress on the inequality written all over it. question of VAT for hospices. By failing to address the growing problems of inequality, The Budget did not mention the question of delivering higher prices, falling real wages and catastrophic housing fairer funding for schools, although the Chancellor did shortages, the Chancellor has confirmed that any recovery mention it in his autumn statement. We also had a that exists is being felt only by the privileged few. I have statement on it last week, and a huge step forward has already alluded to the comments from Citizens Advice been taken on that issue for the first time in decades. chief executive, Gillian Guy, who said: This is a cross-party campaign in which many hon. “The Chancellor talked about making, doing and saving. This Friends and hon. Members from across the House have Budget needs to work for those who are making do and can’t taken part. save.” She continued: Christopher Pincher: My hon. Friend is right to say “We’re halfway through the austerity programme and many spending cuts have yet to bite. Families are feeling the cumulative that the Campaign for Fairer Funding for Education is impact of the stripping away of support and services from all a great cause, and I congratulate him on championing sides.” it. Does he agree, however, that in so far as the fairer Citizens Advice tell us that funding has been spread around the country, it seems to “3 in 5 people worry about the effect rising household bills will have overlooked Staffordshire? have on their finances over the next year…Half of UK adults— 27 million people—will have to cut their spending to cope with Mr Walker: I do agree with my hon. Friend, whose household costs. 1 in 4 people coming to Citizens Advice have intervention has given me the extra time I need to make some kind of debt problem” the point that, for many years, that campaign was led by and that 40% of them have dependent children. the former Member for Stafford, David Kidney, who That tells a tale not of a country where people are spoke passionately about the issue. I have said to the benefiting from the Government’s policies, but where Education Secretary and others that it would be unfortunate inequalities are growing and families are suffering. Nowhere if Staffordshire were passed over in this regard, but is that more the case than in the north-east, which, £350 million represents a big step forward for the lowest- having contended with colossal cuts in the public sector funded authorities and, by my calculations and those of and minimal investment, continues to have both the f40—the Campaign for Fairer Funding in Education— highest rate of unemployment and the lowest average Staffordshire is among those lowest-funded authorities weekly earnings in England. and deserves help. Working people are already £1,600 worse off under The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, my hon. the coalition Government than they were before the Friend the Member for Bromsgrove (Sajid Javid) is on general election in May 2010, but that is exacerbated in the Front Bench today, and he is a Worcestershire the north-east by wages that are about £50 per week less colleague. I am delighted that Worcestershire will be than the UK average and almost £200 per week less receiving £5 million to help schools that have been than wages in London. Yet the Chancellor’s announcements underfunded for a long time. The long-term economic yesterday do nothing to address this unfairness. While plan to take our country forward must focus on skills some will feel the marginal effect from the tweaks made and on preparing young people for the future. Fair to the personal tax allowance, thousands of hard-working funding for education is a vital part of that, and I am and low-paid people across Teesside, striving to eke out grateful for the enormous support that colleagues have a living for their families, will be even worse off as their given me during this campaign. Indeed, most of my limited incomes are stretched even further to meet colleagues sitting on these Benches at the moment have rising energy, food and other bills. Many in my constituency supported the campaign and spoken passionately about simply earn too little to benefit from the Chancellor’s 1009 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 1010 Situation Situation [Alex Cunningham] Secondly, I want to welcome the pension changes that were announced yesterday. The Minister of State, tax cuts, and can only dream of earning the £1,250 per Department for Work and Pensions, my hon. Friend the month that can now be saved tax-free in ISAs, let alone Member for Thornbury and Yate (Steve Webb) has his being able to save this amount. fingerprints all over those proposals. Pensioner security Let us not forget that while the Chancellor was has been his goal for a very long time. Linking the basic making heedless efforts to encourage saving, Britain’s pension to rises in prices or earnings or 2.5% whichever household borrowing is at a record high, equivalent to is the higher has delivered an extra £650 to 14,879 an average household debt of £54,000. So while the pensioners in my constituency. That feature of our chairman of the Conservative party tediously patronised pension system should be made permanent. It would hard-working people by lauding minuscule cuts to the help to guarantee the foundation on which individual costs of beer and bingo, more families owe more money retirement savings are built. I also welcome what my than ever before. This low-wage recovery means many hon. Friend said in response to me earlier on when he have to deplete any savings they may have had, driving made his statement. greater inequality and fuelling a growing demand for That leads me to the radical change to the way in extra support—most worryingly, in the form of food which people take their pensions. The change is the banks. most radical for nearly a century, giving people greater Such naivety is just another demonstration of exactly choice on how to access their defined contribution how out of touch the Conservative-led coalition is with pension savings. The current arrangements are complicated hard-working families. But too often the north-east is and leave pensioners feeling short-changed. By lifting characterised precisely by the challenges that inequality restrictions on individuals who have made the right poses, and not by the potential that exists in the region choice to save can empower people to plan for their were it to be given the right opportunities to thrive and later life. The changes reflect the longevity revolution flourish. It is those opportunities that the Chancellor that is taking place in our country. As life spans increase failed to deliver. Enhancing the mix of skills and knowledge and healthy life expectancy rises, we need our pension within the regional economy, aligning them with those system to adapt to support people in their third age. needed by businesses in the north-east, would be the The quality of the guidance available to people when first step to closing the skills gap. taking decisions will be critical. The fact that this guidance While businesses such as Sembcorp on Teesside are will be free and face to face is good news. I hope managing to create jobs and recruit apprentices, many Ministers will take the opportunity to join up later life smaller firms struggle to share their expertise and skills planning. The way in which long-term care is paid for in due to the lack of support they need to make a real impact. this country introduces a duty to provide information We have had some help from the regional growth fund and advice, including financial advice. It must surely money and an enterprise zone, and the Budget contains make sense to ensure that people are presented with a some welcome, albeit limited, positive news for energy- rounded picture of their later life needs. We all want to intensive industries on Teesside. But welcome as those plan for our third age of active retirement, but impartial things are, their value pales into insignificance in comparison guidance should also help us to plan for our fourth age with the support and investment for the north-east each of frailty, when we sometimes need support and care. I year from 1997 to 2010. We really could have done with welcome what my hon. Friend said on that, too. something in the Chancellor’s Budget to stimulate growth It is great news that the UK is forecast to grow faster in the green economy on Teesside, an area that holds than any other G7 economy in the first half of this year. great potential both for growth and investment. Companies Sustainable growth will come from a more balanced such as Air Products and INEOS are investing on economy. We want to prosper from what we make and Teesside, despite ongoing and tedious regulatory hurdles, from our ability to translate scientific discovery into but the Chancellor yesterday offered no incentive for jobs and growth for UK plc. others to follow suit. As a result, potential investors have been deterred and we have seen a large-scale In my constituency, we already have a world leader in investment slump from an all-time high of £7.2 billion the life sciences—the Institute of Cancer Research. The in 2009 to £3 billion in 2012. This Budget comes back to institute discovers more new cancer drugs than any one word: inequality. other academic centre in the world, as well as generating more invention income per capita than any other UK 4.24 pm higher education institution. My council’s Successful Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): I wish to Sutton growth plan, which has already attracted reflect on one or two significant changes that this Budget £319 million of inward investment and created many and the Government’s long-term strategy are delivering, more new jobs, will form the heart of an extraordinary and to look at how they impact on the businesses and life science campus. What makes that plan so exciting is the people in my constituency. that the institute shares its Sutton home with the Royal First, I welcome the further steps that have been Marsden, which is one of the world’s best cancer hospitals. taken on tax-free personal allowances. Some 39,000 That ability to translate discoveries from the lab bench people in my constituency will benefit from the £800 tax to the bedside and to operate a close collaboration cut. In addition, my local council has frozen the council between clinicians and scientists provides a huge competitive tax for the fifth consecutive year, which is good news for advantage. local families. None the less, we still need to go further. In due course, I hope we will be able to align the tax-free Mr Heath: I am interested to hear what my right hon. personal allowance with the national minimum wage, Friend says about the investment in his constituency. It so that no one on the national minimum wage pays is exactly what the Science and Technology Committee, income tax. on which I serve, is looking for in terms of the correlation 1011 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 1012 Situation Situation between original research and market-ready bioscience of affordable and social housing. The proposals for and high-tech solutions, which we can use both in this Ebbsfleet, although welcome, are just a drop in the country and abroad. ocean compared with what is needed. Paul Burstow: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. One of the most painful of all the challenges facing The two organisations in Sutton have an exceptional Croydon North is the scandal of long-term youth working relationship, which makes the site unique in unemployment. Week after week in this Chamber I the UK and up there with the best organisations in the watch Tory Ministers’ complacency about that issue. In world, such as MD Anderson in Houston and Sloan- Croydon North, more than 1,000 young people have Kettering in New York. My right hon. Friend the been unemployed for more than a year. That figure Business Secretary is aware of these emerging plans, remains unacceptably high and the statistic masks the and I know that my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary tragedy of individual young people growing up to be to the Treasury was very impressed when he visited the told that the society around them thinks that they have Institute of Cancer Research in January. The potential nothing to offer. It is a waste of their talent and of their from the site is huge. There is space for life science ability, of their present and of their future. A national businesses to cluster; 10,000 direct jobs; a £350 million house building programme at scale could have helped to contribution to the economy; and increased research provide the jobs that those young people need, but that income. These are huge opportunities and I hope that opportunity, alas, was missed yesterday. the Business Secretary and his colleagues in the Department One of the most welcome proposals for my party is will ensure that his officials fully engage with them so the youth jobs guarantee. What a difference that would that we can realise the full potential of the project. have made to those young people’s self-esteem and Let me end my speech by making some comments dignity and what a crying shame it is for every unemployed about housing. What was announced in the Budget was youngster in Croydon North that this Government will welcome, but I think it missed an essential ingredient—a not introduce it. focus on the fastest-growing source of demand for Hard-working people are not obsessed with beer and housing, people over the age of 65. There is a chronic bingo, in the way the Tories like to caricature them. shortage of the right housing options for people in the Instead, they care about jobs, homes, education, health second half of their lives. Too often, moves in later life and how to pay their ever-rising household bills. The come as a result of a crisis rather than an attempt to Tories can put out condescending adverts as much as fulfil aspirations for a better quality of life. The Help to they like, but they cannot hide from the fact that people Buy scheme and the rules governing the community are worse off, not better off, after four years of Tory infrastructure levy need to be reviewed to help grow the rule. market for later life housing. The impact on the housing supply chain could be profound, freeing family homes, 4.33 pm creating jobs in renovation and helping people to make Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): It is the most of their third age. the afternoon after the day before. The metaphoric In conclusion, there is more to be done, but the bunting has gone, the media have left Westminster Government have ensured that growth is back, employment green and the Chamber and, indeed, the Galleries have is rising, unemployment is falling and inflation is under emptied—but that just might be because I am on my control. The Government are doing the right thing and feet. This is the point at which enough time has elapsed providing a sound platform for this country to move to appreciate the full impact of the Red Book. If the forward and that is why I support the Budget. newspaper headlines, radio interviews and a very weak Opposition response are anything to go by, this Budget 4.30 pm is standing up to scrutiny and is already being recognised Mr Steve Reed (Croydon North) (Lab): People in as a significant statement of intent, building on this Croydon North were looking to this Budget to help Government’s long-term economic plan of reducing the them with the cost of living crisis that has hit them deficit, creating more jobs and making people more so hard since this Government were elected. Wages financially secure. are down £1,600 a year since 2010, long-term youth The Chancellor began his speech by reminding us of unemployment remains unacceptably high and people the scale of the economic mess we inherited, caused by are struggling with the Government’s VAT hike and banks lending funds they did not have to people who failure to restrain energy price rises. They looked to this could not afford it in ways they did not understand. It Budget for change, but I regret they found precious has taken a new Government completely to reform the little. regulatory system and to introduce the necessary changes Instead, the Budget simply ignored the real problems to make Britain competitive again. Unlike the predictions facing people in Croydon North. With the average from the Opposition, this was achieved without any national income around £26,000, very few working double or triple-dip recessions in sight, as my hon. households have a spare £15,000 a year to invest in Friend the Member for Gloucester (Richard Graham) ISAs. The issues that concern them are how to put food said. on the table, how to pay the heating bills and how to The first primary indicator for the economy is stay in employment, but on the things that really matter employment, and a record number of people are now in there was precious little help on offer from the Chancellor work. The figures from my constituency point to the yesterday. fact that unemployed claimants for last month fell to There is a desperate housing shortage across London. 1,785, down 487 from a year ago. The shadow Chancellor Croydon North has extremely high numbers of people tried to suggest that youth unemployment had somehow living in substandard overcrowded private rented housing increased. He wants to be Chancellor. He wants to be and what is needed is an urgent increase in the building the person in charge of the numbers, but he fails to 1013 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 1014 Situation Situation [Mr Tobias Ellwood] Mr Ellwood: Again, my hon. Friend makes a valid point, which is why we now see record numbers of people mention that the figures include full-time students. I am coming in to work. pleased to say that the number of students at Bournemouth I welcome greater incentives to save, with the ISA university, the Arts University Bournemouth and limit increase, the abolition of the 10p rate and the Bournemouth and Poole college have increased. They introduction of the new pensioner bond. The personal are included and he should know that. income tax allowance rise to £10,500 is also welcome, as are the larger and cheaper loans for companies seeking Neil Carmichael: The same is true in my constituency. to export. Coming from Dorset, I of course welcome We have falling unemployment and we are looking for the freeze on cider duty, and I also welcome additional more people with engineering skills. Does my hon. funds for apprenticeships, pothole and flood repairs, Friend agree that the real success of this Government is and regional theatres and airports. the way in which they have stimulated the real economy? Today’s Budget builds on the Government’s objective of securing the recovery and building a resilient economy. Mr Ellwood: Absolutely. I concur with my hon. Friend, The job is not yet done, but the big question looming is and that is one reason why more money has gone into whether we want to continue with a proven economic apprenticeships as well. plan that is seeing Britain stand head and shoulders My second point concerns GDP growth. A year ago, above any country in Europe, or risk returning to No. the OBR predicted growth for 2013 at just 0.6%. In fact, 10 the very team, the very people, who were responsible it came in at three times that level, and the forecast for for the scale of the economic crisis in the first place. next year has changed from 1.8% to 2.4%. Thirdly, inflation now sits at 1.9%, well within the 4.39 pm range set by the Bank of England. Fourthly, thanks to our low interest rates, the cost of borrowing by individuals, Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham, Ladywood) (Lab): banks and the Government is low. But, of course, low What is clear from the debate we have had today and interest rates are not so welcome to savers, hence this the Budget statement we heard yesterday is that this important announcement to end compulsory annuities, Government are hopelessly out of touch. There was no making it cheaper and simpler for pensioners to draw mention from Government Members, either yesterday down their savings. or today, of the central fact that after four years of this Government ordinary working people are £1,600 a year Christopher Pincher: My hon. Friend mentions that worse off. inflation is low. Is it not the case that wage inflation this The Chancellor said yesterday that his Budget was year is likely to be higher than inflation, which means for doers, makers and savers. Well, it might help some that finally we will see an end to the wages crunch? doers, some makers and some savers, but one would not want to bet the house on it. That is because of the Mr Ellwood: Again, my hon. Friend makes a valid Government’s record. In 2010 he said that he would point. eliminate the deficit by 2015, but we now know that he Finally, I come to the deficit, and how much the does not plan to do that until 2018. The Government Government must borrow to balance the books. The have borrowed £190 billion more than they originally OBR predicts that the deficit will continue to fall. We planned to. Indeed, they borrowed more in three years should remind the Opposition that when they took than the previous Labour Government borrowed in office in 1997, they inherited a sound economy. Up to 13 years. 2002, the Labour Government made a surplus. Then In 2011 the Chancellor announced his Budget for the wheels came off, one by one. By 2004, the deficit growth, but we saw his growth forecasts revised down. was up to £33 billion, by 2008-09, it had increased to In 2012 he said that he would tackle tax avoidance to £69 billion, and in their final year of office, they had raise billions of pounds, but the UK-Swiss tax deal to borrow £156 billion to balance the books. Thankfully, raised only a fraction of the money the Government a change in Government brought in a new economic promised. The truth is that he is way out on his own strategy and our deficit has reduced to £108 billion this forecasts of where he said we would be when he came to year, which will drop to £95 billion next year. If we stick power. He has failed on the terms he set for himself, and to this economic plan, we will balance the books it is ordinary people who are paying the price. by 2018. The Chancellor would have us believe that his Budget Of course, productivity, exports and savings figures will improve the lives of ordinary working people at are not what they should be, and the Budget addresses some point in the not-too-distant future, but I am that. Time is limited and I cannot go into the details, afraid that it is a future that is just out of reach—it is but I welcome greater incentives. not now. There is nothing in the Budget that will help the ordinary person in the ordinary family in the here Richard Graham: Does my hon. Friend agree that the and now. In the here and now, wages are down for the remarks from the shadow Chancellor earlier, and indeed ordinary working person, bills are up and the economy some of his colleagues, about the long-term unemployment will not return to pre-crisis levels until 2017. situation, are important, but only as a portion of the Sure, for a doer earning £150,000 or more, or a total unemployment rate in our constituencies, which banker taking a big bonus, this is a Budget and this is a has come down sharply in most cases since the last Government for them. The Chancellor has already given election? Those who are long-term unemployed were a huge tax cut to people earning over £150,000, and often not very well educated under the previous bankers’ bonuses are rising. People earning over £1 million Government. have received a tax cut worth, on average, £100,000. But 1015 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 1016 Situation Situation what about the rest of the doers? The average wage in (Yvonne Fovargue), for Plymouth, Moor View (Alison this country is £26,500. There are no meaningful measures Seabeck), for Stockton North (Alex Cunningham), and in the Budget to help them. What is gained by the for Croydon North (Mr Reed). Every single Labour increase in the personal allowance has already been Member spoke of what the Government should have more than wiped out by the cost of living crisis affecting addressed in their Budget yesterday. millions of people across our country. The truth is that This Budget is yet another missed opportunity to this Chancellor has given with one hand but taken away deal with the cost of living crisis. far more with the other. There is nothing in the Budget for the millions of hard-working doers up and down Christopher Pincher: If the hon. Lady is concerned our country. about the cost of living crisis, as we all should be, why As for the makers, there was some welcome news in did her party support an amendment to the Energy Bill the Budget, but I am afraid that it is a case of far too in the other place that would have added £150 to energy little, far too late. On both energy and business investment, bills? How would that help with the cost of living crisis? the Chancellor was simply putting right the mistakes that he made in his 2010 Budget, especially the cut in Shabana Mahmood: The truth is that we have called capital allowances, a fact that he conveniently forgot to for a freeze on energy bills, which are going up under mention yesterday. In 2010 he hit businesses that wanted this Government. Perhaps the Government might to invest. It is good that he is starting to put that right, understand the cost of living crisis better if they had but it is very late in the day and a lot of damage has more women on their Front Bench. I notice that once already been done to the economy. again this afternoon there is not a single female Member On exports, again there were some welcome steps, but on the Government Front Bench. revised export forecasts show that the Chancellor is set The cost of living crisis has meant that child care to miss his 2020 target. In fact, the Budget suggests that costs have spiralled by 30% since 2010. Energy bills are he will not even get half way. Again, his own record up by almost £300 since the election, with consumers does not give us a great deal of hope. The Government’s having no way of knowing whether the bills are fair, export enterprise finance guarantee scheme helped just owing to weak competition and poor regulation. Rent is five firms before it folded, and the export refinancing using up more and more of people’s incomes, with rent facility was still not operational over a year after it was arrears becoming the fastest growing debt, and food first announced. That is not a record to be proud of. prices have risen by over 4% year on year, putting a On science and research—this relates to the discoverers huge squeeze on family finances. The Government know and inventors that the makers of this country rely that this is not about choosing between bringing the on—once again we saw the Government’s characteristic deficit down and dealing with the very serious cost of approach: a little bit here and a little bit there, but living crisis. That is simply a false choice that they nothing in the co-ordinated and planned way that this choose to hide behind, because this Budget could have country’s science community is crying out for. There is addressed these things. no long-term science framework, as was delivered by Labour Members have put forward a number of fully the previous Labour Government, and as will be delivered costed proposals that would deal with the cost of living again by the next Labour Government in 2015. Everybody crisis and get help to families here and now. On child knows that this country’s science, research and innovation care, we would use a levy on banks to provide 25 hours base, which punches well above its weight on the global of free child care a week, worth £1,500, for working scale, needs a long-term plan for certainty and to build parents with three and four-year-olds. The Government’s the critical mass from which great innovation occurs, proposals, which will not even kick in until after the but this Government have once again failed to deliver it. election, will give most benefit to the highest earners, As for savers, we will have to look at the detailed who tend to have the highest child care costs. On proposals, but the Budget itself shows that the forecast housing, we have committed to getting 200,000 homes a savings ratio has been revised down for every year from year built by 2020, whereas this Government have refused 2013 to 2018. So much for a Budget to encourage to take the action that is needed and are presiding over saving! This afternoon, the Institute for Fiscal Studies the lowest levels of house building in peacetime since has told us that the changes are based on “highly the 1920s. uncertain assumptions” and could create people who On energy, as I said to the hon. Member for Tamworth lose out. What of the millions of people in this country, (Christopher Pincher), we would freeze energy bills in the here and now, who cannot save because of the until 2017, and, importantly, reform the energy market cost of living crisis? Saving will be a luxury for the to stop consumers being ripped off. We would cut taxes hundreds of thousands of people relying on food banks for 24 million working people on middle and low incomes to survive and the tens of thousands of people who are with a lower, 10p starting rate of income tax. We would being pushed into debt by the bedroom tax. put young people back to work with a job for the In this debate we have heard many examples of the long-term young unemployed that they had to take, effects of the Government’s failure in powerful contributions paid for by a tax on bankers’ bonuses. We would balance from my right hon. Friend the Member for East Ham the books in a fairer way by reversing the £3 billion tax (Stephen Timms) and my hon. Friends the Members for cut for people earning £150,000 a year, which this Westminster North (Ms Buck), for Coventry North Government sought to prioritise ahead of any action to West (Mr Robinson), for Middlesbrough South and help hard-working families in our country. East Cleveland (Tom Blenkinsop), for West Bromwich Yesterday the Chancellor had an opportunity to help West (Mr Bailey), for Rutherglen and Hamilton West people who are struggling in the here and now, and he (Tom Greatrex), for Luton South (Gavin Shuker), for refused to take it. This Government’s so-called long-term Feltham and Heston (Seema Malhotra), for Makerfield economic plan has failed on its own terms, and people 1017 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 Budget Resolutions and Economic 1018 Situation Situation [Shabana Mahmood] they want to export to emerging markets, then, with higher lending at lower interest rates, this Government on middle and lower incomes are paying the price. will support them; and, crucially, if they want to employ, People know that this is not about how the pound looks then, not just through our employment allowance, which but how many they have in their pockets. Today they comes into force next month, but through our extension have fewer than they did in 2010, and in 2015 they will of the apprenticeship grant for employers—which my have fewer than they had in 2010. It is the same old hon. Friend the Member for Gloucester (Richard Graham) story—you are worse off under the Tories. has referred to—this Government will support them. Those are measures that will help businesses to invest, manufacture, export and employ. As such, I hope that 4.49 pm everyone in this Chamber will support them. The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Sajid Javid): It is always a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Mr Stewart Jackson: On the subject of fairness, which Birmingham, Ladywood (Shabana Mahmood). This is I am sure my hon. Friend is alluding to, is he as pleased the first time I have had an opportunity to speak in this as I am that it is the Conservative party in a coalition House since learning of the sad death of the right hon. Government that is tackling tax avoidance by reforming Tony Benn. With your permission, Madam Deputy stamp duty in relation to shell companies with residential Speaker, I would like to pay a short tribute to him. As a property? The Labour party did nothing about that young boy growing up in Bristol, even though I did not over 13 years and it also increased pensions by 75p and necessarily agree with much of what he said, I admired cut expenditure. him as a man of principle, passion and compassion. I extend my condolences to his family and friends. Sajid Javid: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is I shall begin by thanking hon. Members from both under this Conservative-led Government that the rich sides of the Chamber for their contributions this afternoon. are paying a higher proportion of tax than in each year It has been good to hear some Labour Members actually the previous Government were in office. offering opinions on the Budget’s measures, given their Yesterday’s Budget also provided targeted support leader’s failure to do so yesterday. In 15 minutes at the for some of those industries that are critical for our Dispatch Box he more or less failed to acknowledge economy.It showed that we are supporting our construction that the Budget even happened. sector by offering £500,000 to small house-building We should not be surprised. Not a single Labour firms; that we are supporting our oil and gas sector by Member seems to acknowledge the facts when they left introducing a new allowance for ultra-high pressure, office. They left the country with its biggest post-war high-temperature fields, a measure that will increase recession, the largest budget deficit in the G20 and the investment and jobs; and that we are supporting our largest banking bail-out in the world. Their policies creative economy by introducing a theatre tax relief and destroyed the living standards of millions. extending our film tax credit, a measure that will build on the astronomical success of films such as “Gravity”. All those measures will put money and trust back into Shabana Mahmood: The Financial Secretary is talking the hands of businesses, and give them the power to about facts, so will he confirm one fact that his colleague invest, expand and employ. the Chief Secretary to the Treasury failed to confirm yesterday, which is that working people are £1,600 a Yesterday’s Budget was all about trust—trust in the year worse off under this Government and that they imagination and hard work of British people to turn will be worse off in 2015 than they were in 2010? our economy around, and trust in the fiscal prudence of British people to take their hard-earned pensions when Sajid Javid: What I will confirm is that people in this they want, and to invest and spend them how they want. country have been hurt because of the great recession that took place as a result of the Labour party’s Alex Cunningham Will the Minister give way? policies. It was the biggest decline in our GDP in more than 100 years. Sajid Javid: I am afraid that I do not have time. Most importantly, the Budget was about trust in I am sure Labour Members will acknowledge that the British businesses, as was highlighted by my hon. Friends best way to get our country back up on its feet and to the Members for Dudley South (Chris Kelly), for Poole improve the living standards of everyone in the UK is (Mr Syms), for Stroud (Neil Carmichael) and for Norwich to have a growing economy that creates jobs. That North (Chloe Smith). is exactly what yesterday’s Budget continued to do. It is part of our long-term economic plan to give economic Alex Cunningham rose— security to families across Britain and, through our increase to the personal allowance, to put more money Sajid Javid: I will give way quickly. back in the pockets of hard-working people. Yesterday’s Budget sent a very clear message to all Alex Cunningham: I am grateful to the Minister. The those businesses that are driving our economic recovery IFS has said today that the pension changes are based that, if they want to invest in new machinery, then, on “highly uncertain assumptions” that could lead to through our extension and expansion of the annual “market failure”. Would the Minister care to discuss investment allowance, which will give 99% of businesses that? a 100% allowance, this Government will support them; if they want to manufacture but are concerned about Sajid Javid: The pension changes will give people a the cost of energy, then, by capping the carbon price choice that they have never had before: it is their pension, support rate, this Government will support them; if and it is their choice. 1019 Budget Resolutions and Economic 20 MARCH 2014 1020 Situation Our businesses are not, as the Opposition would have Hinkley Point C (Infrastructure Projects) us believe, the enemy; they are the reason why our Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House economy is growing faster than any other advanced do now adjourn.—(Mr Gyimah.) economy. They are the reason why more than 1.6 million jobs have been created in the private sector during the past four years. Many Opposition Members have spoken 5pm today about the importance of bringing down unemployment, on which they are absolutely right to Caroline Nokes (Romsey and Southampton North) focus. They might have some good ideas about how to (Con): I want to thank Mr Speaker for granting this do it, so I thought that I would look at the facts. I can opportunity to debate the new Hinkley Point C nuclear report that unemployment went up during Labour’s last power station, which, as I am sure hon. Members will term and has fallen under this Government in the have noticed, is somewhat remote from my Romsey and constituency of every Opposition Member who has Southampton North constituency. In fact, it is more spoken today. For example, in the constituency of the than 90 miles away. However, such a major infrastructure hon. Member for Coventry North West (Mr Robinson), project, which will generate electricity and distribute who is not in his place, unemployment went up 98% it around the network, will have an impact on Romsey under Labour, and is down 29% under this Government. and Southampton North. Despite the distance, a group In the constituency of the hon. Member for Rutherglen of residents in my constituency have valid concerns that and Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex), it went up 96% Hinkley Point C has the potential to have a knock-on under Labour, and is 17% down under this Government. impact on the village of Nursling and, specifically, on a Which Opposition Member saw the largest increase in small group of residents who live near the local electricity unemployment? The right hon. Member for Morley substation. and Outwood (Ed Balls) saw a record increase of 184% Let me start by saying that I fully support the building in unemployment in his constituency during Labour’s of the new reactor at Hinkley Point and that I support last term, when he was in office, but it is down 21% an energy policy that is both affordable and diverse. The under this Government. As expected, Opposition Members new power station is essential to keep the lights on. know how to create problems, but they have no idea Along with developments in renewable energy, it will how to solve them. ensure that the UK’s energy needs are provided for. This This Government trust businesses and want to help is not, therefore, a speech that is anti-nuclear or anti-Hinkley them, and we want to help the savers, the doers and the Point. Neither is it a speech on energy policy. makers. This Budget does all those things, and I commend This afternoon, I wish to give voice to my constituents’ it to the House. concerns regarding the further development of an electricity Ordered, That the debate be now adjourned.— substation that was built in the late 1960s and is now a (Mr Gyimah.) potential part of National Grid’s planned infrastructure to deal with Hinkley Point when it comes online. Thus Debate to be resumed Monday 24 March. far, the planning process has denied my constituents that voice. Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): If the shouting across the Chamber can stop—perhaps Ministers The Nursling substation is located in an extremely would like to go outside to do that—we can move on to rural setting and occupies roughly a third of a 5-hectare the Adjournment. field, the remainder of which has remained untouched since the substation was built. Outline planning permission was granted in 1963 and reserved matters were agreed in 1968. To call it a field is to do it an injustice. It is an important local amenity that enjoys a public right of way and is used by dog walkers and nature lovers from the local area. My constituents accurately call the field “a piece of open countryside of rural character, which supports a diversity of wildlife”. Although planning regulations might not regard it as such, that is, in my opinion, an exceptionally accurate description. Close by sit a number of residential properties. There are two grade II listed buildings and two sites of special scientific interest, including the world-renowned River Test. There is no doubt that the field is a haven for wildlife. It includes a pond, which, along with the surrounding hedgerows, trees and grassland, provides a home for at least 12 species that are considered to be ‘protected’ under several pieces of UK and European legislation. There are slow worms, dormice, adders, water voles and the rare Cetti’s warbler, as well as other important birds and reptiles. The field has been important in managing the recent floods, which have had a severe impact on my constituency. Recently, parts of it were under a metre of water. That is a subject of some importance, given that my constituency 1021 Hinkley Point C (Infrastructure 20 MARCH 2014 Hinkley Point C (Infrastructure 1022 Projects) Projects) [Caroline Nokes] nothing to suggest that there was anything untoward in the process by which the Secretary of State reached his has been described by the Environment Agency as one decision and upon which he issued his consent order. of the most flood-prone areas of Hampshire. Therefore, Nor am I suggesting that the local planning authority it is perhaps not the best place to build a substation of has acted in anything other than a perfectly correct this magnitude. Under the plans proposed by National manner—I will leave others to decide whether that is Grid, the substation would approximately treble in size the case. What is clear, however, is that for right or to accommodate two enormous quad boosters to deal wrong, there has been not been an opportunity for the with the electricity provided by Hinkley Point C. people of Nursling to be consulted about the impact of My constituents maintain—and I share their concern— the additional infrastructure that is needed to distribute that, quite apart from the short-term nuisance that the power generated by Hinkley Point C, and that is would be associated with the development, in the long unjustified. term, the scheme has the potential to have a seriously The planning guidance associated with the 2008 Act, negative impact on the surrounding area, the natural which was drafted specifically to deal with large habitat and the amenity of the local residents. The infrastructure projects such Hinkley Point C, clearly footprint of the new substation will mean that the public lists electricity substations as the type of “associated right of way would be lost. This haven for wildlife development” for which planning permission may be would be concreted over to allow a dramatic increase in granted. Indeed, the guidance states that it is the size of the substation. “designed to help those who intend to make an application for I share the concern of my constituents that, although development consent under the Planning Act to determine how the planning process underpinning the development of the provisions of the Planning Act in respect of associated the actual power station at Hinkley Point has been development apply to their proposals.” absolutely transparent, the process for the development But there we have the nub of the problem—there is no of what the Planning Act 2008 calls “associated application. That means that there is no opportunity for developments” has not been quite so see-through in the the local community to be consulted. case of Nursling. The field is subject to a certificate of lawful development It is apparent that the permission to develop the site, granted in 1963, based on an outline planning permission, which is allowing National Grid to have an impact on by an authority that no longer has planning powers. the lives of local residents, remove a significant local Because of that 1963 planning permission and the amenity and destroy an important habitat, has been subsequent permitted development, the site is not part granted without those who have the most to lose having of the consultation on Hinkley Point C. In planning the right to be adequately consulted. That might come terms the expansion already exists, so it does not have as a surprise to many who believe that we live in age of to be part of the infrastructure consultation. It is a localism, in which those who will be most affected have classic Catch-22 situation for my constituents—because the most say. However, because National Grid owns the there is nothing that can be done to prevent the substation field and has planning permissions dating back to its from being built, there is no mechanism by which my acquisition in the 1960s, the local planning authority constituents can express their view. How can it be right has been obliged to issue a certificate of lawful permitted that a major infrastructure project affecting my constituents development because it has no choice. The residents can can go ahead without the need for National Grid to do nothing about it because they have no voice. obtain any approvals for that part of it from any local My constituents, who have produced an impressive or national Government Department and without any dossier of information and data, assert that the development need to consult the residents affected? Does that example of the substation has avoided statutory and regulatory demonstrate that the Government need to review procedures consent, and that the local planning authority has acted for major infrastructure developments to ensure that unlawfully in allowing it to go ahead. They have suggested the public have the right to be consulted in such cases? that the decision should be judicially reviewed, on the I wish to raise several points with my hon. Friend the basis that it should have been called in by the Secretary Minister this afternoon and ask him to consider some of State under the new powers granted to his office in actions to prevent such a situation from happening the national planning policy framework. I will not again. First, should there be some sort of time limit for comment on that assertion, but in an age of localism, I the completion of development for which full planning do not believe that a planning permission of the 1960s permission has been granted? In the field that I have that was never extended over the full site should deny mentioned, because the original substation was built in local residents an opportunity to register their objections, the 1960s and the entire field was included in the outline not least because the certificate of lawful permitted planning permission, the development is considered to development means that National Grid is not obliged have been started and concluded, but actually most of to do anything to ameliorate the negative impact that its the site is untouched. A statute of limitation would development could have. mean that further development on the field could be It is clear that Hinkley Point C is a development that subject to a fresh planning application. will benefit the whole country, including my constituents. Secondly, how is it that in a six-month planning However, that of itself does not justify denying them a consultation there was no possibility of this associated voice when it comes to related or secondary infrastructure development being considered or consulted on? National projects that could have a negative impact on them. Grid states that proposals of this type “normally” The project was granted permission by the Secretary require permission from the Secretary of State, so why of State in March 2013, following a six-month consultation should planning permission dating back around 50 years process that was headed up by the Planning Inspectorate allow this development to proceed without any of the and involved a panel of examining officers. There is usual requirements that something of this scale and 1023 Hinkley Point C (Infrastructure 20 MARCH 2014 Hinkley Point C (Infrastructure 1024 Projects) Projects) magnitude would normally need? Indeed, I am not sure the scope of permitted development, and not to the that the report by the panel of examining inspectors scope of any earlier planning permission. Therefore it even considered that part of the development. National might be helpful if I explain the mechanisms that I Grid simply did not include the development at Nursling think are relevant and, in particular, the scope of statutory in its application because it considered, in planning undertakers to undertake development without the need terms, that it already exists when it patently does not. for planning permission—commonly referred to as My constituents ask why the local planning authority permitted development. I shall also consider the purpose was not obliged to screen the development, or to request of lawful development certificates, and the process that a screening opinion from the Secretary of State to is followed when an application for a certificate is made. ascertain whether there was need for an environmental National permitted development rights allow certain impact assessment. That is a relevant question because building works and changes of use to be carried out the land was deemed to be operational, despite the fact without an application. I stress, however, that those that it had never been used as such, which meant that an rights are typically subject to a number of conditions EIA was not required. That is a bizarre state of affairs. and limitations that control impact and protect local How can a rural field, full of wildlife, including protected amenities. For example, there could be limits on the species, within 200 yards of the protected site of special height and size of buildings. In some cases, based on the scientific interest of the River Test and untouched by scale of existing structures, there are a number of protected development, be regarded in some way as “operational” geographical areas, including areas of outstanding natural land? beauty, and national parks, where certain permitted My constituents believe that the site should not have development rights are not available, or size limits are been granted a certificate of lawful permitted development, reduced. particularly given that in the borough local plan, that field had been designated as countryside for years. I should add that even if a planning application is not Needless to say, they are deeply concerned about potential needed, other consents, such as operating licences, may risks to their health from this development, and complain be required under other regimes. These rights are set that they have been give no information about how it out in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted will affect them. They feel unconsulted and ignored, Development) Order 1995, as amended. Members may denied at every turn the chance to have their voice be particularly interested in part 17 of schedule 2 to the heard. I thank Mr Speaker for this opportunity to air order—I know it is something they will all want to be the concerns of my constituents, and the Minister for reading when they get back home tonight. Part 17 permits any response he may be able to give. a range of types of development by bodies such as statutory undertakers, carrying out their functions under statutory powers. For example, under class G of part 5.11 pm 17, certain development is permitted for the generation, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for transmission or supply of electricity. However, in common Communities and Local Government (Brandon Lewis): I with most other parts of the permitted development congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Romsey order, there are a range of restrictions on these rights. and Southampton North (Caroline Nokes) on securing For example, some of the rights do not apply in a this debate, on raising an issue that her constituents are national park, an area of outstanding national beauty concerned about, and on describing her efforts to resolve or a site of special scientific interest. There are a number the situation and get some clarity. This debate has of restrictions in relation to the height and volume of raised important issues about the planning process and the different types of structures that can be erected, how it goes ahead with community engagement. I am and, in some cases, electricity undertakers must seek pleased to have the chance to respond. prior approval of the design and external appearance of I thank my hon. Friend for bringing to my attention certain proposed buildings. These rights provide important this complex planning case in her constituency, because flexibilities for statutory undertakers to undertake it gives us the chance to consider some of the issues development quickly and effectively, given the vital role behind it. We are always interested to hear about local they play in delivering national infrastructure. experiences of the planning system, and suggestions for It is important to note that although there is no legal how the system could be improved in the future. Her requirement on all statutory undertakers to carry out a comments are now on the record, as are her suggestions public consultation for development under permitted for ways to ensure that situations that create the kinds development rights, we have it made clear in our planning of problems her constituents feel they are going through guidance, which is now available online in a usable and cannot occur. I hope that she appreciates that I cannot accessible way, that public consultation may be beneficial comment on specific cases because of the Secretary of if development is expected to have a particularly significant State’s role in the planning process, but I am more than impact. In such instances, consultation could be initiated happy to speak in general terms about the issues she by either the local planning authority or the statutory raises. undertaker. Any consultation should allow adequate Let me make it clear that the planning system—which time to consider representations and, if necessary, amend we have greatly improved since we took office—is designed proposals. In some cases, where it is not clear whether to help secure the delivery of sustainable development. proposals can be considered permitted development, it A number of different processes are in place to help to is possible to apply for a lawful development certificate secure that outcome and ensure effective engagement for a legally binding decision from the local planning with local people and their accountable councils in a authority. This is often used if there is any ambiguity proportionate way. Without commenting on the specific over whether the proposal is within the scope of permitted details of this case, as I understand it, the application development set out in the general permitted development for a lawful development certificate was with regard to order I mentioned a few moments ago. 1025 Hinkley Point C (Infrastructure 20 MARCH 2014 Hinkley Point C (Infrastructure 1026 Projects) Projects) [Brandon Lewis] something different from the planning permission, including going beyond what is allowed by permitted development Local planning authorities can seek information from rights, the unauthorised development may be subject to the public on applications for lawful development enforcement action. certificates, if they feel that it would help them reach a Finally, I would also like to turn briefly to the matter decision on whether a development meets these legal of Hinkley Point C in Somerset. Following extensive requirements. I stress that the purpose of lawful community engagement, the proposed nuclear power development certificates is to confirm what is lawfully plant obtained development consent through the nationally permitted already, having regard to existing extant planning significant infrastructure planning regime in March last permissions and the scope for permitted development. year. I can confirm that the expansion of the Nursling They cannot be used to secure planning permission for substation did not form part of the development consent a new form of development. In considering whether the order for Hinkley Point C and it was not an associated proposal was permitted development, the local planning development. There are changes in electricity generation authority would have had regard to the Town and in the south-west generally, including at Hinkley Point C, Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) which may require changes at Nursling. As I understand Regulations 2011. Permitted development rights cannot it, however, the Hinkley Point C connector project, be exercised without the local planning authority’s approval which is at pre-application stage, does not include proposals in a European site designated under the habitats or wild at Nursling substation. birds directive. I welcome the opportunity to contribute to a debate Clearly, where a proposal is not permitted development, about these important matters. Let me again thank my a planning application, as we would expect, is required hon. Friend for her contribution, and for the ideas that to be made for permission to carry out development. she has advanced. I hope that we have been able to Such applications would be dealt with in the normal make clear, in the national planning policy framework way by the local planning authority, including by providing and in our new suite of planning guidance, that development the opportunity for interested parties to make their —whatever it is, and whatever it ought to be—should views heard. If planning permission is granted, development receive the scrutiny that it deserves, and that the public must take place in accordance with the permission, locally want to see. However, we must also ensure that approved plans and any planning conditions attached the planning process does not impose unnecessary burdens to the permission. The development must be commenced that could prevent development from proceeding. We within a specified time limit, or the planning permission believe that we have provided a framework that strikes will lapse. the right balance between protecting public amenities If a developer subsequently seeks to modify or extend and controlling local impact, and allowing the development a development that has planning permission, they would that our country needs in order to prosper in the need to speak to the local planning authority. Any 21st century. proposed material change to the approved development, Question put and agreed to. even a minor one, would require the submission of a planning application, which would of course again be 5.20 pm subject to public consultation. If a developer constructs House adjourned. 363WH 20 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 364WH Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) has not been able to be used, and allow one of them to Westminster Hall be appointed and therefore come to the House of Lords straight away. Thursday 20 March 2014 Mrs Spelman: My hon. Friend makes an important point about what I would describe as succession planning. Where we know there is likely to be a retirement, with [ANNETTE BROOKE in the Chair] the prospect that a woman might be consecrated as bishop, we should be thinking in terms of those retirement BACKBENCH BUSINESS seats. It is known to be done in politics in a similar way. Succession planning ensures a smooth transition, which is always good for the functioning of any institution. If Women’s Contribution to the Ordained my hon. Friend will bear with me, I will return later to Ministry () the question of women bishops sitting in the Lords, Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting be which I personally hope will happen. There are some now adjourned.—(John Penrose.) aspects that it is important to weave into this debate, and I will refer to it later. 1.30 pm For anyone who is following the debate, the workings of the Church of England can sometimes be a bit of a Mrs Caroline Spelman (Meriden) (Con): I am delighted mystery, so I thought it would be worth while at the that the Backbench Business Committee has granted us start to explain a little bit, in case a lay audience is the time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ordination watching. The ordained ministry consists of deacons, of women. A number of colleagues to whom I have priests and bishops, in ascending order of seniority. spoken have been surprised that 20 years have elapsed Those accepted for ordination as priests are first ordained since the first ordination. Indeed, the first of 32 women as deacons. Indeed, before women could be ordained as priests was ordained in Bristol cathedral on 12 March priests, that was the staging post where women’s progression 1994. Angela Berners-Wilson was the first to be ordained, stopped. The first women deacons were admitted in making history. Since then, more than 5,000 women 1987 and the first women priests in 1994—a total of have been ordained to the ministry. Last month, the 1,500 women deacons were ordained as priests in that General Synod also agreed to fast-track the process historic year. towards ordaining women as bishops, so the first female According to statistics from the Church of England, bishop could be chosen as soon as the end of this year, women now make up nearly a quarter of the Church’s which is to be celebrated. full-time paid clergy, at 1,870 out of 7,880. That is an increase of 14% since 2002, and the number and proportion Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab): I warmly congratulate of females is expected to rise further in the next three the right hon. Lady on securing this debate on this years. Clearly, the historic moment of ordaining women happy anniversary. Does she agree that given the exciting unleashed a great appetite for more women to enter the prospect of the first women bishops by the end of this ministry. In 2010, for the first time, the number of year, there may be an argument, where sees are currently women ordained was greater than the number of men, vacant, to hold them vacant for just a little bit longer in at 290 compared with 273. order to give some of the fantastic women in the Church of England who will make wonderful bishops the ability I was given an excellent suggestion by the Opposition to apply? spokeswoman, the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Helen Goodman), that we as constituency MPs should Mrs Spelman: I had the same idea, and I put it to the take the opportunity of this debate to write to the , but he made an important women priests in our constituencies to give them a point, recalling especially his experience. When a diocese chance to raise any issues with us, reflect on their role as is left vacant for any long period of time, life gets quite female priests and help us understand what it is like difficult for everybody else in the diocese. He was speaking, from their perspective. I thought that that was a really of course, of his experience of moving swiftly to Durham good suggestion, so I did it. As hon. Members will see and then almost as swiftly to the top post within the shortly, I have woven into my speech some of the Church. We must recognise that although it is a good comments that those women gave me. I have decided idea in principle, because it would be a way to create not to attribute them—I think it is probably better to space for women to move into, in practical terms, we protect the identities of people in a public ministry—unless want well-functioning dioceses. However, when the event they expressly asked me to put a name to their quote. gets very close, there might be an opportunity to do They made some interesting comments. what the right hon. Gentleman suggests. During almost 17 years as the MP for Meriden, I have had the privilege of seeing at first hand the vital Sir (Worthing West) (Con): To pursue contribution that many ordained women have made to that thought, it is a matter of chronology that bishops the life of my constituency. One vicar described the role and archbishops must retire at a certain age, although of women priests as “transformational”, both for the we do not expect the Archbishop of Canterbury to Church and for the work of churches in the local retire for some time. We admire and welcome the continuing community. There are a number of benefits that come services of the Archbishop of York and the Bishop of from having priests of both genders. Women bring a London, but we hope that there is no reason why the different approach to Church governance. Although it committees and councils that nominate people to those is perhaps a bit stereotypical to point this out, the offices will not find the pent-up talent of women, which consensual way in which women like and tend to work 365WH Women’s Contribution to the 20 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 366WH Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) [Mrs Spelman] working collectively and bringing faith groups together. The hope is that what we have done will spread to other has resulted in the creation of many more connections Christian denominations. at the constituency level between churches of different denominations. I have certainly seen that change led by Mrs Spelman: The right hon. Gentleman is right. The the female clergy in my constituency. Women are also dire predictions about the ordination of women have often able to approach governance issues from a different been proved wrong. The sky has not fallen in. There has perspective, with a focus on discussion and practical been an important cultural shift. For my late father, the solutions rather than on necessarily winning the argument idea that a woman would administer communion was hands down. That kind of collaborative approach brings strange to begin with, but he quickly came round to the benefits. I have seen increased co-operation not just idea that women are good at the job, not least because between churches of different denominations but between they listen well to their parishioners’ needs and carry churches and other agencies and charities in my out the office with great dignity. His concerns were constituency. The female priest is often at the heart of blown away very quickly. Cultural acceptance of the the networking process. ordination of women has been remarkably smooth in Women also bring a particular creativity to ministry. most cases. When women first came into ordained ministry 20 years On women bishops, if we bar women from reaching ago, they had only male role models, which required a the top of Church governance, we might not always get creative approach to being a woman and a priest. That the best person for the job, with the honourable exception has had many benefits for local communities. It takes of Archbishop , for whom I have the highest anyone a while to work out how to be themselves in a regard. It is right to place on the record that he has been job, but even more so when they have no similar role skilful in weaving his way through this minefield with models to work from. In every sense, women priests good grace. I sincerely hope that he will see reward with have been trailblazers over the past 20 years. the achievement of women being consecrated as bishops. It goes without saying that women are not the same as men. They often have more responsibility for families, Sir Peter Bottomley: I am sorry to intervene for a looking after the home at the same time as carrying out second time, but I have to go to a charity meeting, so I a job. Many female vicars are also mothers or grandmothers, will probably be unable to make a speech. I take this and I have seen the benefits that those other duties have opportunity to say that the archbishop, the other bishops had on their ministry. One female vicar in my constituency and the Synod realised that accepting the Women and said: the Church recommendation to take away the barrier “In Kingshurst, people call at the vicarage if they need help. I and sort things out quietly was the right way. That was listen to a woman who works in a factory and needs help with led by the Second Church Estates Commissioner, who improving her reading. I have been doing this for about three made it absolutely plain, in Parliament, in public and years.” later to the Synod, that the House of Commons would Some of the women in my constituency lack female role not stand for continued discrimination on baseless grounds. models within their own family—perhaps they are estranged from the grandparental generation. A female priest can Mrs Spelman: My hon. Friend’s intervention was well provide real practical help, advice and support to young worth making before he understandably slips away. I women making their first steps in motherhood without think all of us in this debate would wholeheartedly a family network around them. concur with what he says. Parliament will not stand in There are other ways in which women priests can the way and we want the change that we support to take show their creativity in ministry. For example, in my place. constituency, a woman priest was involved in setting up The outcome of the General Synod vote last month the Seeds of Hope project in 1998. It is an independent is also to be celebrated because it has been a long charity that continues to flourish. It encourages a range process to get to that point. In July 2005, the General of community activities in the north of the Solihull Synod approved a motion to begin the process of removing borough, an area that has three wards in the bottom legal obstacles to women in the episcopate. It was only 10% of socio-economic data. There is real deprivation last month, however, that it voted to approve the process, in that part of my constituency. Seeds of Hope operates and the final vote will be in July 2014. The Church of out of the church village hall, but remains independent, England has stated that it is “fully and unequivocally” and its continued success is absolutely central to the committed to all orders of ministry being open equally ongoing needs of the community. One example of the to all. That is the official position, but some will, of kind of networking I described is that the charity plays course, remain opposed. Those who minister within the host to a credit union, which operates at the same time Church of England must accept that the Church has as it runs lunches and support clubs for the surrounding made a clear decision that those ordained are the true community. The female priests have a pivotal role and and lawful holders of their office and deserve due bring real benefits to that community. respect. I have a number of friends who are female priests and Mr Bradshaw: Does the right hon. Lady recall, at the they initially felt a great sense of obstruction and rejection time of women’s ordination, dire predictions from Anglo- from the views of the Synod following the great setback Catholics like me that the ordination of women would in progress towards women’s consecration as bishops. It lead to some terrible rupture in our relations with our made life very difficult for some of them in their parishes, Roman Catholic and Orthodox brothers and sisters? because those who perhaps did not fully accept the That has not happened. As she said, at a local level, ordination of women in the first place received a certain women are often far better at cutting across denominations, succour from the reservations expressed through the 367WH Women’s Contribution to the 20 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 368WH Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) Synod about women’s consecration. That was a great unless we are successful in getting a mix of men and shame, and I am pleased that progress is being made. women bishops in the upper House. There are, however, That surely must be an encouragement to the women some complexities. It would require a change in the law who have been ordained to the ministry. and an Act of Parliament, so I signal to Members The Church of England will continue to share the present that an important job of work will be undertaken historic episcopate with other Churches, including those by Parliament in due course. It would be a shame if the who continue to ordain only men as priests or bishops. manner in which Parliament was caught up in this led It must therefore accept that its own decision on gender to some obstruction of the main objective of getting in the ministry is set within a broader process of discernment women consecrated as bishops. With the expertise and within the Anglican communion and the whole Church wisdom of the Second Church Estates Commissioner, of God. Those within the Church of England who Parliament can hopefully navigate its way through that oppose the ministry of women bishops or priests continue aspect of the minefield and achieve what we want. to be within the spectrum of the Anglican communion, Other challenges for ordained women come in the and the Church of England remains committed to language used when talking about ordained women. We enabling them to flourish within its structures. cannot necessarily pass a law for this one, but it is I pay tribute to the work of WATCH, the campaigning indicative of the cultural challenges that persist. One organisation to which my hon. Friend the Member for senior female vicar that I know commented that we Worthing West (Sir Peter Bottomley) just referred. It need to avoid talking of “fast forwarding women”, points out that there are still areas of concern about the because the reality is that, had some of those women point at which we have arrived. The first two of the five been men, they would have been in senior roles long principles established by the package that the Synod ago. The Church of England needs to embrace the gifts recently agreed contain a clear, uncompromising that men and women bring. Perhaps there will come a statement—I have read it out—about women’s ordained time, as the right hon. Member for Exeter (Mr Bradshaw) ministry, but WATCH has concerns about the other suggested, when, in management terms, the space can three statements. It recognises that they represent where be made for women who really deserve the opportunity the Church of England is, both in voting by the General to rise to the most senior ranks within the Church. Synod and, to a much lesser extent, on the ground in the There is always a tendency for gender to be blamed for parishes. WATCH remains to be convinced that the unpopular decisions, and women will continue to face mutual flourishing called for in the fifth principle is the challenge of being made a scapegoat for all the truly possible with that fundamental incompatibility. problems in the Church, but the problem is not unique to the ministry. Women experience it many parts of our WATCH remains concerned about the continuing society, including politics. role of flying bishops, because although the Act of Synod is to be rescinded, most of the arrangements it In conclusion, we can celebrate the positive contribution contained remain in place, including flying bishops. made by ordained women to the Church over the past That might result in the continuing tendency for parishes 20 years. This anniversary year will also be marked with under their care to separate themselves from the mainstream a national celebration at St Paul’s cathedral in May, and of the Church of England, with consequences for those I hope that as many of us as possible will be able to parishioners who welcome the ordination of women. assist on that occasion in a spiritual context. This is the When the Second Church Estates Commissioner speaks, first national celebration of ordained women—a first he might like to reflect on some of the remaining for the Church—and we need to celebrate the women concerns of WATCH, because they are legitimate and priests who have made such a difference over the past 20 important to place on the record, so that we as years, and look forward to the changes that are to come parliamentarians understand where there is still work to with the ordination of women bishops. be done. I know that he will place the Government’s I want to finish by reading an extremely well-expressed position on the record—as will the Under-Secretary of reflection from a women priest: State for Women and Equalities, my hon. Friend the “It has been transforming for the church and has started a Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Mrs Grant)—but process of holy orders being fully complete with both women and our support for the next step could not be made plainer. men, a process which will itself be fully complete when women as well as men are included in the episcopate. For both women and Although there is much good work on the men are created in the image of God. In my experience it is only transformations steering group of the Church of England, people inside the church who ever question this process at all. For it still has some challenges to address. The group was set those whom we minister among, it is normal and expected for up after a conference held by the former Archbishop of women and men to be vicars as well as bishops, and our ministry Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, to raise awareness of is accepted and valued without question.” the issues faced by women in the Church, and it continues I could not have put it better myself and it comes better to call for research into strategies to address obstacles from someone who is in the role, serving the people that limit the flourishing of women in ordained ministry. whom they have been ordained to serve. We all need to work hard to ensure that the glass ceiling does not remain in place, even once the formal barriers to women becoming bishops are removed. That is 1.53 pm important. Inevitably, entrenched attitudes against women Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab): I had not intended might remain, and many women will still not be fully to speak in this debate as I have to shoot off before the accepted within the Church. scheduled finish, but given the opportunity and as Our next challenge will be getting women on to the Members are disappointingly thin on the ground, I will Bishops’ Bench in the House of Lords. At present, just say a few words. I want to reassure those watching many ordained women have reported feeling that they the debate that the attendance is no reflection on the are still regarded as second best, which will persist issue’s importance. If anything, it shows how far we 369WH Women’s Contribution to the 20 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 370WH Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) [Mr Ben Bradshaw] bunch of bishops who do a fantastic job in the House of Lords, but one hears rumours that we are getting to the have come that this is not a controversial issue any end of our talent pool, as regards male suffragans who more. It is of course also a Thursday and we have only a can be promoted to diocesan bishop. That is certainly one-line Whip. not the case when it comes to our senior women clergy, As the right hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman) many of whom I can imagine would make absolutely made clear, something that 20 years ago some predicted first-class bishops. I want to name just a couple who would be the end of the world has become a valued, have a relationship with my constituency. , valuable and wonderful part of our Church life. It may whom we exported from the Devon diocese, where she amuse hon. Members to learn that I was dragooned was a parish priest, was recently appointed Dean of into joining the Movement for the Ordination of Women Norwich. We have a fantastic canon at the cathedral as a teenager, when my father was serving as a canon at called Anna Norman-Walker, who is also our diocesan , by the wife of the dean, Margaret missioner, and there are several other fantastic women Webster, who was one of the founding members of the priests in a diocese that was traditionally rather conservative. movement. We also had in our home at the time a When I first arrived in Exeter in the early ’80s, it was young student called Katharine Rumens, who has become one of those arch-traditional Catholic dioceses that a fantastic priest in the City of London. Along with the regularly sent people to Synod to argue against women’s Campaign for Real Ale, the Movement for the Ordination ordination. We had a series of diocesan bishops, regrettably of Women was something that I joined long before I in my view, who opposed women’s ordination and women joined the Labour party; it is what brought me into becoming bishops, including the most recently retired political activity and campaigning, and what a good one—he was one of only two bishops who voted against way of learning how to campaign and lobby it was. in the vote at the end of the year before last. We now After all the terrible setbacks of the ’70s and ’80s, we have a new bishop who is clearly and categorically in were ultimately successful, and it fills me with great joy, favour of women bishops. We still have the Chichesters as a founder member of what was probably called the out there, but when a diocese such as Exeter, which teenage or young movement for the ordination of women, had a strong tradition of conservative, traditional to be here 20 years on to celebrate something that is Catholicism—if I may put it like that—can move in the now so unremarkable, and to look forward to our first way that it has, it shows how the Church of England has consecration of a woman bishop, hopefully this year,. moved as a whole. I pay tribute to the Second Church Estates Commissioner, I want to finish with the point that I alluded to in my the right hon. Member for Banbury (Sir Tony Baldry), second intervention on the right hon. Member for Meriden, who has performed an absolutely sterling job. After that which was about the dire predictions made about the disastrous vote in the Synod at the end of the year disastrous impact that women’s ordination would have before last, we were in shock. A general trauma made on our relations with our sister Churches, the Roman its way through most of the Church of England, and Catholics and the Orthodox. Yes, the relationship has was felt in particular by women priests. How must they been up and down and bumpy, but I do not detect any have felt at the outcome of that vote? After all the work, serious, lasting and irrevocable damage. Do not forget after the big majorities in the dioceses and synods, after that we have other important and valuable sister Churches, the overwhelming support in the House of Bishops and such as the Lutherans and Churches on the continent, the House of Clergy, how must they have felt to have the and they welcome the direction in which the Church of proposal fall at the final hurdle and miss the two-thirds England has moved. majority in the House of Laity? There was a great deal I have also been heartened by comments by the new of justified anger, but the right hon. Gentleman, supported Pope, who is an absolute breath of fresh air after the by Members from across the House, made it absolutely previous one. He has said some encouraging things plain to the powers that be over the road that the about women, gender, the role of women in the Church situation was intolerable and had to be addressed as and how the Church needs to move away from its quickly as possible. obsession with sexual morality and move towards issues I have been pleasantly surprised by the urgent and of justice, gender equality and so forth. That is exciting. effective manner in which the new Archbishop of At some time, though not in my lifetime, I confidently Canterbury has grasped the matter. I speak as a liberal expect the Roman Catholic Church to embrace the Catholic, and he is not from my tradition, but I always ministry of women, in exactly the same way as the had a slight inkling that it would require somebody Church of England has done. It is a theological inevitability. from the evangelical tradition to get this through. He It may not happen in my lifetime, but the fact that we speaks the right language. What he will have achieved—if have done it, blazed a trail and shown how positive, he, collectively with the Synod, achieves it this summer—will successful, valuable, wonderful and holy it is will help be remarkable and fantastic. After that vote, most of us progressive Catholics on the same road. had given up hope that we would get the Measure through before the next election and before the election 2.1 pm of the new Synod. I urge the Church to consider holding open currently Sir Peter Bottomley (Worthing West) (Con): As I vacant sees for just a little longer than they usually have said already, I cannot stay until the end of the would. Interregnums often go on for several months, debate, and I am trespassing on the goodness of the as did the recent one in Exeter, so it would not mean Chamber in speaking now, so I will not speak for long. people waiting a great deal longer—I hope—before When George Bernard Shaw talked about a “realised getting a new bishop. That would send out a really impossibility”, he was talking about a person: the man positive signal. I should not be rude, as we have a great who in 1906 was turned down for ordination by the 371WH Women’s Contribution to the 20 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 372WH Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) Bishop of Oxford. What was that man doing when he save it asked, “Why have we been picked out?” I said, “I died in 1944? He was the Archbishop of Canterbury. He don’t know; ask the bishops, but it is probably because had found Archbishop Davidson, who trusted that his you aren’t very active. By the way, the first time I came beliefs about a couple of parts of our creed would come to your church, it had this sign.” She said, “I never into orthodoxy. The key point is that if someone can knew that”, and I suggested that she ought to have a become Archbishop of Canterbury after being turned talk with the parish council to see whether that was still down for ordination, and can become a bishop at the valid. age of 41, we can have no particular problem in filling A lot of people simply go along with tradition. any vacancies for bishops or archbishops. Today, I was walking past the Salvation Army headquarters Given the time that women have had to wait, were on Queen Victoria street and, of the two churches I one to be nominated and introduced as Archbishop of passed, one is open to all and the other has a sign York in succession to John Sentamu, whom we all stating that it only holds services from the Book of admire and to whom we wish good health and happiness, Common Prayer. Perhaps no one realised how controversial that would not be looked on as an aberration. It would that book was when first introduced, but the notice not be looked on as compensation, but as proper recognition struck me as rather dismissive of all the people who that among the women who have been ordained in the have worked on liturgical commissions over the past Church of England there are those who can fulfil that 20 years, led by and , role. both of whom have managed to bring to our services I agree with the right hon. Member for Exeter glory, and words that are in addition to, not substituting (Mr Bradshaw) about the breath of fresh air that has for, those in the Book of Common Prayer. come with Pope Francis. Any of us who have known the I look on havingwomen as priests, bishops and archbishops Roman Catholic Church in central and south America as normal and natural. People might think that I would over the years since the conservative priest Oscar Romero say that, because I am a member of the Denis Thatcher was made Archbishop of San Salvador, the capital of society of those of us who are married to women more El Salvador, also know that he certainly believed in important than we are. My right hon. Friend the Member standing up for the oppressed and the poor, although for Meriden was among the first 10 women in the perhaps not in the theology of liberation. He said that Conservative party in the House of Commons to be a unarmed people should not be shot by those who have Cabinet Minister. I look forward to the day, if I live long power. I was out with some of his nuns and catechists, enough, when we can say that we have at least 10 women and they would have had no difficulty with the ordination on the Bench of Bishops in the House of Lords, and I of women. In fact, when Parliament eventually passed shall stand at the Bar and bow my head. the Church of England Measure for the ordination of women, some of the most enthusiastic celebrators outside 2.7 pm Church house were Roman Catholic nuns in this country. They said, “It is not a matter of whether we do the Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): It is same; it is a matter of when.” a pleasure to see you in the Chair this afternoon, Mrs Brooke. The issue of women bishops was described well by my right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden I congratulate the right hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman) in her introduction to the debate. I, too, (Mrs Spelman) on securing this debate. It is great to pay tribute to the members of Women and the Church, have something to celebrate and, given that we have had and to people in the diocesan synods and the General so many debates in which we have been complaining Synod. Although the vote on the pretty compromised and anxious about what is going on, it is wholly appropriate suggestion that we are replacing failed, we must remember also to have a debate to celebrate the good news that is that the proposal was passed by each House with a the ordination of women in the Church. significant majority, and only failed in one House by Listening to my right hon. Friend the Member for not getting quite a big enough majority. We should not Exeter (Mr Bradshaw), I realised that I first met him condemn the Synod, because what has followed is an through the Movement for the Ordination of Women at example of something that makes a situation better, the house of Katharine Rumens, who is an excellent rather than worse. The delay is bad, but what the priest in the City of London, as he said. I, too, joined archbishops and facilitators have brought together, and the Movement for the Ordination of Women when I its acceptance by the bishops—not all of whom voted was a student. When I came to London, I ran the for it, but they have all accepted that this will happen—is Kensington branch with Kate. At some point, Margaret a tribute to the Church. When we first discussed this in Webster, who by then was the wife of the dean of the Chamber of the House of Commons, I think that I St Paul’s, decided that we should have London-wide remember saying that we are a bishop-led Church, and meetings, which took place at 6 o’clock on a Saturday in we ought to trust the bishops. If we take away the the crypt. We used to meet monthly, and there might be barrier to women, we may then trust the bishops, whether six or eight people—it did not feel encouraging in the male or female, individually or collectively, to make early 1980s, so we knew that this would be a long and matters reasonable for the remaining objectors. slow journey. Every parish that thinks it is against recognising the In 1994, therefore, for the big service in St Paul’s ordination of women ought to re-examine whether they for the first ordination, I thought, “Well, it starts at want to continue in that way. In my constituency, one 3 o’clock, so if I bowl up at 10 to 3, it’ll be absolutely parish had a sign outside the church saying, “Be assured fine.” I could not have been more wrong. There were that you will not be receiving communion from a woman 3,000 people queuing several times around the cathedral. in this church.” A decade later, that church was up for I stood in the queue behind a man who said to me, “Oh, closure. One of the women who was campaigning to I have been involved from the very beginning.” I wonder 373WH Women’s Contribution to the 20 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 374WH Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) [Helen Goodman] 2.14 pm The Second Church Estates Commissioner (Sir Tony how many people had their picture of the situation Baldry): I start by thanking my right hon. Friend the transformed by what happened, and by how happy, Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman) for initiating the pleased and welcoming everyone was about the change debate and providing the House with an opportunity to once it had happened and we had leapt over that celebrate the contribution over the past 20 years of barrier. I therefore agree with the right hon. Member ordained women clergy to the Church of England. I for Meriden that it is good that there will be a service of also thank her for providing me with an opportunity to celebration on 3 May. I hope as many people as possible advise the House on where the Church of England now will be able to go. stands in respect of women bishops, which I shall do The best realisation of our hopes, however, is the later. We are all grateful for the presence and support work we see women priests doing in their parishes. In during the debate of the Under-Secretary of State for my constituency, the excellent Jane Grieve has a rural Women and Equalities, my hon. Friend the Member for parish; she does a lot of community development work Maidstone and The Weald (Mrs Grant). and has really grown the Church there. In one of the areas of my constituency that has the most problems, Sir Peter Bottomley: If you will allow me, Mrs Brooke, we had a priest called Brenda Jones, who struggles I wish to apologise to the House and to my hon. Friend against all conflict and is a beacon not just for the the Member for Maidstone and The Weald. I meant to Church but for her entire community. Those women rise to catch your eye after she had, and I apologise for have brought something very special to their ministry jumping up when I did. If she had spoken, three men and have excelled in their roles. and three women would have spoken in the debate, which would have been the perfect balance. I turn now to the question of whether and when we will take the next step. I should have said before, Mrs Brooke, Sir Tony Baldry: That is a timely intervention. For that my hon. Friend the Member for Washington and anyone reading the debate in Hansard, I should explain Sunderland West (Mrs Hodgson) sends her apologies. that, although I am effectively responding to the debate, She wanted to be here but was not able to attend. We I am not a member of the Government. I am by statute offer our full support to the Second Church Estates appointed by as Second Church Estates Commissioner, the right hon. Member for Banbury (Sir Commissioner, so I am accountable neither to the Tony Baldry), in giving the message to the Church that Government nor to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Parliament is not content to see indefinite delay—we Indeed, as the Bishop of London pointed out to me are 100% behind him. The decisions taken in the General shortly after I was appointed, I am, like the Dean of Synod in February are welcome. We look to the July Westminster, accountable only to God and the Queen—that Synod as the opportunity for us to complete this important is how he put it. This is not a ministerial response, then, legislation. As other hon. Members have said, Archbishop but one I make in my capacity as Second Church Justin has managed the situation quite brilliantly, showing Estates Commissioner. a deft touch that was clear to us all when he was all too briefly Bishop of Durham. That has made a big difference My right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden was to what has happened. absolutely right to say that the ordination of women has unleashed an appetite in other women to come I agree that it would be unfortunate if it took a long forward for ordination. She was also right to set out time to get women bishops on to the Bishops’ Bench in some of the many qualitative contributions that women the House of Lords. I am not someone who thinks that have made to ordained ministry and, indeed, the pivotal we should not have bishops in the House of Lords or role of many women clergy. We were also fortunate this that we should disestablish the Church. Bishops play a afternoon to have heard some excellent and helpful useful role in our Parliament and our constitution. The speeches from the right hon. Member for Exeter sooner we have women on the Bishops’ Bench, the (Mr Bradshaw), my hon. Friend the Member for Worthing easier it will be to defend—at the moment there is a West (Sir Peter Bottomley) and the hon. Member for slight awkwardness in defending that special role for the Bishop Auckland (Helen Goodman), all of whom are Church of England. members of the Ecclesiastical Committee, the Committee of both Houses that considers Church of England On the question of whether dioceses should be expected measures when they come to Parliament—as indeed is to wait a little longer for a new bishop in order that a my right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden. woman might be appointed, I was completely opposed The right hon. Member for Exeter was absolutely 15 months ago during our interregnum in Durham. right in making clear the urgency and effectiveness with Now we have Bishop Paul, I think that perhaps other which the Archbishop of Canterbury grasped the issue dioceses could manage a little interregnum. Obviously it of making progress towards sorting out the General is extremely difficult for any diocese to have to trade off Synod on the issue of women bishops after its very between managing without a bishop for a long period unhappy vote. The Archbishop clearly recognised that and having more gender balance in the Church. I hope there was a need to get a grip on that issue and get a grip that the way that the Church manages the ordination of he did. women bishops will be swift enough for that not to be a significant problem for very many dioceses. I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman is going back to Exeter this weekend, and I hope he takes back the Today is a happy occasion. We are all pleased good news from yesterday’s Budget that, between all of about what has happened. We look forward to the next us, we were able to secure from the Chancellor £20 million step and to hearing from the Second Church Estates towards repair of cathedrals. If I may say so, that Commissioner. indicates that the Church of England is taken seriously 375WH Women’s Contribution to the 20 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 376WH Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) by Government. There is a recognition that it is sometimes Hedges, one of the canons whom we know well from difficult to raise money to repair the electrics, or the her work at , will shortly be leaving roof or guttering. That fund is meant to be put towards to become . There are 16 women such problems and will be welcome news, I hope, to archdeacons and 51 women in the House of Clergy, cathedral cities such as Exeter. where they make up 27.5% of the House of Clergy. One finds women as stipendiary canons in 16 of the 44 cathedrals Mr Bradshaw: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman and women clergy as chaplains in hospitals, hospices, for his letter outlining the details of that fund—it was in prisons, schools and universities. As we know well in my postbag this morning. I congratulate him on the this House, we are fortunate to have a woman as the successful lobbying he has clearly conducted with the Speaker’s Chaplain—Rose Hudson-Wilkin. In the armed Government to deliver that support. forces, four women are serving as padres or chaplains, and of those appointed as honorary chaplains to the Sir Tony Baldry: I am grateful to the right hon. Queen, seven are women. Gentleman for those comments. It was a team effort. We also have to thank Lord Cormack in the other place, Mr Bradshaw: On the Speaker’s Chaplain, does the who brought all the deans together, who then made right hon. Gentleman agree that the Speaker deserves a their views known to the Under-Secretary of State for lot of congratulation for making that appointment? It Culture, Media and Sport, my hon. Friend the Member was greeted terribly by some Conservative forces in the for Wantage (Mr Vaizey). In due course, he made his media at the time, and she has turned out to be the most views known to the Treasury. It was a good example, as fantastic chaplain to this House. so often happens in this place, of the House working across parties consensually and collaboratively to secure Sir Tony Baldry: Yes. I entirely endorse those comments a result that we all wanted to see. and I think that the House would feel that the Speaker’s My hon. Friend the Member for Worthing West, who Chaplain has done what hopefully chaplains do in every is the church warden of St Margaret’s, was absolutely institution. As part of the Church of England, the right in his comments that we all now see women priests national Church, they are chaplains to everyone involved as normal and natural, and that we all hope to see a in the institution. Rose Hudson-Wilkin has made, and situation in which women as bishops will equally be is very much making, the Speaker’s Chaplaincy a chaplaincy seen as normal and natural. for everyone working in the . We The hon. Member for Bishop Auckland, who has all saw that particularly when—I think for the first time been a great supporter of women in the Church, probably since the Reformation, or indeed ever—the appropriately made the point that the best realisation of Archbishop of Canterbury came to take holy communion the hopes of all those who had supported the ordination in the Crypt Chapel on Ash Wednesday, and people of women priests, way back when she had done so in the were present from both Houses and from every walk of 1980s and earlier, is the work that women priests are life in which people work and serve in Westminster. One now doing in our parishes. felt that this was a community coming together to On 11 November 1992, the General Synod passed the worship. measure that would enable women to become priests in Women priests are now involved in every part and the Church of England. That measure then received aspect of the Church’s life, from Lambeth palace where parliamentary approval in both Houses in 1993 and it two of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s close team are received Royal Assent on 5 November 1993. On 12 March women priests, to parish priests up and down the country. 1994, at Bristol cathedral, the first 32 women were As time goes on, I think everyone expects that the ordained as priests to minister to the cure of souls in the proportion of women as cathedral deans and archdeacons Church of England. It had been possible for women to will grow. be ordained as deacons in the Church of England since On Saturday 3 May, to mark and celebrate the 20th 1986, but it was not until 1992 that the General Synod anniversary of women as clergy, there will be a gathering was able to agree the measure necessary to enable of ordained women clergy and others at Westminster women to be ordained as priests. Since then, some abbey in the morning, followed by a procession to 4,200 women have been ordained as priests. St Paul’s cathedral, where there will be a service of Today, some 23%, or nearly a quarter, of stipendiary celebration for 20 years of women’s ordained ministry. I ministers—full-time paid clergy—are women. Just over know that many similar services are planned across the half, or 53%, of self-supporting ministers are women. country.For example, on 7 June, the —the At present, some 1,245 people in England are training diocese in which my constituency is situated—is holding to become Anglican priests and of those, 594, or 48%, a service of celebration in Christchurch. are women. The diocese of Oxford has always had a strong record Therefore, it can be seen that over the past 20 years of ordaining women, starting with 67 women who were women clergy have played an important part in the life ordained in six separate services in 1994. Of those of the Church and of our nation’s life, and over the 67 women who were ordained priests in Oxford 20 years coming 20 years, I anticipate that the proportion of ago, nine are still in active ministry in the diocese and clergy who are women will grow. With the exception of many more, although formally retired, still hold permission women as bishops, which I shall say a little more on to preach and are continuing to support parishes. shortly, women already make a much valued contribution Among those first women priests still working full to every part of the Church. time in the diocese of Oxford, we have a school chaplain, There are now five women deans of cathedrals—in an area dean, who has just been appointed our newest Birmingham, St Edmundsbury, Salisbury, Guildford archdeacon, a university college chaplain, and priests in and York—and of course, as has been said, Canon Jane rural and urban parishes. Of the four archdeacons in 377WH Women’s Contribution to the 20 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 378WH Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) [Sir Tony Baldry] theology and the practicalities of women being consecrated as bishops. I would hope that in that process of dialogue the diocese of Oxford, three are women, and the diocese and mediation, the concerns of every group, including has seen women ordained in every sphere of ministry. WATCH and others, were listened to and considered There are ordained women on the staff of all three and that efforts were made to resolve them. It resulted theological colleges in the diocese. The military bases in in the bringing forward of a much simpler, four-clause the diocese have had women chaplains, as have prisons Measure, which was overwhelmingly endorsed by the and detention centres. General Synod at its recent February meeting. From those first 67 women ordained 20 years ago, The General Synod also agreed that dioceses should there are now more than 250 ordained women currently have three months in which to decide and report their ministering in the diocese of Oxford, and I am glad to views on the new Measure. So far, 13 dioceses have met say that many more are coming forward to offer themselves and voted on the new Measure. All have overwhelmingly for priestly ministry. Every diocese could tell a similar endorsed the new Measure. Indeed, in the diocese of story of the achievement of women over the past 20 years St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, there was not a single in ordained ministry. It is appropriate to reflect not only vote against the Measure in any of the houses of the on the significant quantitative contribution over the diocese. past 20 years that women have made to ordained ministry, but on the qualitative contributions that women in Last time, 42 out of 44 dioceses supported the Measure. ordained ministry have made to the life and work of the This time, for practical reasons, it will not be possible Church. for the diocese in Europe to meet in time, but if the It is also important to recognise that there are still majority of the dioceses do support the Measure, it will challenges. For example, there are still relatively few return to the General Synod in July. I hope that if at young women offering themselves for ordination—those that General Synod the Measure succeeds in obtaining coming straight from university—and a significant number two-thirds support in each of the three Houses—the of the current women priests are self-supporting; in House of Bishops, the House of Clergy and the House other words, they are non-stipendiary. of Laity—the Measure can be referred to the Ecclesiastical Committee of both Houses as soon as possible. I am In anticipation of this debate, like my right hon. sure that that Committee will want to meet as speedily Friend the Member for Meriden, I wrote to several as possible if and when a Measure comes before it and I people asking them whether they felt there were observations hope that, if it finds the Measure expedient and approves I should include in the debate, and one of them was the it, the Measure can then go before each House separately Speaker’s Chaplain. Rose Hudson-Wilkin made the for approval. Every indication that I have had from my following observations, and as she is our chaplain, I right hon. Friend the Leader of the House of Commons think they are worth sharing with the House: is that the House will do everything to make proper “As we go forward, the Church must stop leaving women to provision for a debate that is as timely as possible when feel ‘second best’; We are not tainted and the Church leadership the time arises. I hope that in way we can have the must ensure that they do not embed a theology of taint in their Measure fully and properly considered, approved and keen desire to embrace all. Women must not suddenly become the scapegoat for all the ills of the Church (e.g. talk of the ‘feminisation passed into law well before Christmas and that we will of the church’. When we were all male leadership, the numbers of see the first women bishops consecrated shortly thereafter. women were still higher than men). Right hon. and hon. Members have asked about the We should not be talking of ‘fast forwarding women’—the situation of women in the House of Lords. This House reality is that if some of these women had been men, they would will not be surprised to learn that I have been discussing have been in senior roles! The Church of England needs to embrace the gifts that men and women bring as the future that issue with the Leader of the House of Lords and flourishing of the Church depends on this. All dioceses should the Leader of the House of Commons. Of course, the look at their senior management team and begin to ask questions position of bishops in the House of Lords—the Lords about what is preventing women from being included...As a Spiritual—is that they are Members of the House of Church, we must embrace unconditionally, the reality that women Lords. It is therefore a question of who is summoned to in Leadership is with us to stay (we should not be using the Parliament. It is not something that can simply be language of discernment)…I am aware of women who go to resolved by a Measure of the General Synod; it will challenging parishes with very few people and through sheer dedication and the work of the Holy Spirit, make a difference.” require primary legislation. However, I think that it would be fair for me to summarise the position of the Not surprisingly, those supportive of women’s ordained Government, as I understand it, thus. In terms of ministry have for a long time been supportive of women primary legislation, they will seek to facilitate as speedily being consecrated as bishops in the Church of England. as possible what the Church of England feels would be As the House will know, this has been a long process, most appropriate in these circumstances. I think that with much debate in the Church and in the General discussions are now taking place within the Church of Synod. The process has not been without its setbacks England. I understand that the Lord Bishop of Leicester, and disappointments for those supportive of women who convenes the Lords Spiritual, is in negotiations being consecrated as bishops in the Church of England, with various groups to give some thought to how best particularly in the General Synod last November, when that can be achieved. the appropriate Measure failed by a very small number of votes in the House of Laity. People have to understand that there are suffragan Following that, the Archbishop of Canterbury invited bishops and there are diocesan bishops. Not all the Canon David Porter of Coventry cathedral to involve, diocesan bishops sit in the House of Lords; some do so in a process of dialogue and mediation, various groups on the basis of seniority. Several issues need to be in the Church that were concerned about both the considered, but I am confident that as and when the 379WH Women’s Contribution to the 20 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 380WH Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) Ordained Ministry (C. of E.) Church of England comes forward with a proposal, the 2.38 pm Government will give it the most serious and positive Mrs Spelman: I am very moved by the passage from consideration. scripture that the Second Church Estates Commissioner, my right hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Sir Helen Goodman: If and when the proposal is made, Tony Baldry), has read to us. He did well to read it into Her Majesty’s Opposition will be as co-operative as the record, as we are in the period of Lent; we are possible in expediting it. coming up to the time when we remember the death and resurrection of Christ. The fact that he revealed himself first to a woman and asked that woman to tell Sir Tony Baldry: That is a very helpful intervention the brethren is very poignant indeed. I thank my right because by definition, given the parliamentary timetable, hon. Friend for bringing some scripture into our debate, it is likely to come towards the end of this Parliament which has been very encouraging. We hope that the and, as all those of us who have been here for some time women who are serving in ministry, in what is a difficult know, the usual channels, for understandable reasons, job—“the curer of souls” is a resonant phrase to describe tend to get a bit jumpy as we move towards Parliament one who undertakes the highly vocational service of being prorogued and so on. However, I think that ministering to great human need—will read the record everyone—including my right hon. Friend the Prime of our debate and know that Parliament gives its support Minister, who at Prime Minister’s questions made this to their calling, and that we want to go further. We want very clear—wants the consecration of women as bishops to see their calling extended to the high governance of to happen at the earliest possible moment and does not the Church of England, and we want to see it soon. want that to be in some way overshadowed by acrimony I thank hon. Members for their contributions. I thank or a debate about their not being properly represented the right hon. Member for Exeter (Mr Bradshaw) for in the House of Lords. staying with us on a busy afternoon. He is a liberal I make no pretence of seeking to be a theologian, but Catholic, and I, like many Anglicans, have been heartened I have always been struck by the observation of St Paul by the hopeful message that the new Pope sent early in that his ministry about the inclusive way in which he regards “if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain”. the gospel and his Administration. His inclusion of women at the top of the Catholic Church was a great The resurrection is central and crucial to Christianity, encouragement to me and others like me. and at the time of the crucifixion, the disciples, for understandable reasons, had fled. It was the women I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Worthing who stood witness to Christ’s crucifixion. It was the West (Sir Peter Bottomley) for taking up the theme of women who found that the stone was rolled away, and it the support that parliamentarians can give to the important was to Mary Magdalene that the resurrected Christ first step of women becoming bishops. He spoke of his high revealed himself. aspiration to see one day a female Archbishop of York to follow in the excellent steps of John Sentamu, who I quote from the New Testament: holds that office with distinction. He helped us aspire to “Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she see a new chapter in the Church of England’s future. wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, I thank the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Helen And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and Goodman), who genuinely was there from the beginning. the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. I applaud and pay tribute to her for that, and for seeing And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith the importance of fighting for this issue with her friends unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know so long ago. not where they have laid him. I am sure all hon. Members wish to put on the And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw record their thanks to the Second Church Estates Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Commissioner—what a title!—who is respected in the Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest House of Commons and across Parliament. He brought thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, the debate about the future role of women in the if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, Church to this important moment just before the significant and I will take him away. change with skill, wisdom and discernment. This issue Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto is safe in his hands as our representative—our go- him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. between—in Parliament to the Crown and the Church. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended I hope our debate has sent a message to the 4,200 to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend ordained women that we greatly value what they do. unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. The Church is facing an inter-generational challenge, so it is important that it attracts more young men and Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.” women. The young generation simply does not understand why we do not ordain and promote women to high The last 20 years have demonstrated that women office in the Church. The future of our Church is safe in priests are well able to proclaim the risen Christ throughout the hands of the new archbishop, but it is important the land and, by their ministry, have made and continue that we take the next step of consecrating women to make an enormous contribution to the life of the bishops. I am delighted that we have been able to have Church, community and the country. Today’s debate this debate. and all right hon. and hon. Members who have contributed, Question put and agreed to. from both sides of the House, have demonstrated and confirmed how much women’s ordained ministry is 2.43 pm valued and appreciated. Sitting adjourned.

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for infrastructure projects are just two examples. We Written Statements have also helped prepare the provincial government to assume its full range of responsibilities. Thursday 20 March 2014 The draw down of the PRT has involved the handover of many activities to the Afghan Government, while other work programmes will be led from the British embassy in Kabul. The UN is also becoming increasingly TREASURY active in Helmand, delivering programmes including on justice, human rights and gender, supported by UK, Danish and Estonian funding. The PRT has helped to Double Taxation Convention (Germany) build a strong platform for future governance and development in Helmand. It is right that the Afghans take increasing responsibility for their future prosperity The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David and security and we will continue to support them as Gauke): A protocol to the double taxation convention they do so. with Germany was signed on 17 March 2014. The text of the protocol has been deposited in the Libraries of Closure of the PRT marks a change in the UK’s both Houses and made available on HM Revenue and relationship with Helmand, but does not mark its end. Customs’ website. The text will be scheduled to a draft The UK has made an enduring commitment to Afghanistan Order in Council and laid before the House of Commons and the British embassy in Kabul will continue to work in due course. with the Afghan Government and the Helmand provincial governor to ensure public services in the province continue to improve.

FOREIGN AND OFFICE Afghanistan: Gifting of Bridges Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team (Closure) The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr ): UK military operations in The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Helmand province involved the extensive use of temporary Affairs (Mr William Hague): On 9 September 2013, I logistical support bridges. While temporary in nature updated Parliament, Official Report, column 40WS, on and used to support military movements, the local the work of the Helmand provincial reconstruction populations have in some instances become highly reliant team (PRT) as it prepared for closure in late March; this on these bridges for access over the Helmand canal and was in line with President Karzai’s request that all PRTs river systems. Ownership of these assets is therefore in Afghanistan must close by the end of 2014. being transferred to the Helmand department for public Today is the final working day for the Helmand PRT, works (DPW) to help sustain economic and security having operated for over seven years as a UK-led platform. benefits made to date in Helmand province. The bridges I would like to acknowledge the team’s accomplishments will support freedom of movement in Helmand, which and the dedication of the staff who served it, in improving underpins commercial links and the provision of security the lives of people in Helmand. and basic services for the local population. Working closely with Afghan partners, the Helmand The departmental minute laid today sets out our PRT has helped almost 18,000 young people to benefit plans to gift six logistical support bridges, costing from vocational training courses, including 5,000 women. £1.633 million; and one spares pack for maintenance of Over 800 community elders involved in mediation have the bridges, costing £1.014 million, to the Helmand attended workshops in Afghan law and the constitution, DPW.The gift will be acknowledged by a memorandum with a particular emphasis on the rights of women and of understanding (MoU) between the UK Government children. The teacher training colleges in Lashkar Gah and the Helmand DPW. and Gereshk currently have almost 700 students enrolled, In addition to provision of the bridges and maintenance 446 of which are female. All health facilities and 61% of packs themselves, the UK is also providing funding for schools in the province are now open. Many more the Helmand Government to maintain the bridges and advances have been made in the delivery of public other infrastructure. The UK Government are also services and the PRT has worked closely with the Afghan building the skills of the Helmandi work force to operate provincial government to improve administration, planning and maintain the bridges. This work is part of the and budgeting. Helmand provincial reconstruction team’s “sustaining The United Kingdom’s presence in Helmand has economic infrastructure in Helmand”project and supports been part of a wider strategy to help rebuild Afghanistan, the wider conflict pool objective that, which involved 33 PRTs led by 15 different countries. “effective district administrations ensure that the Government of All but three of these PRTs will be closed by the end of the Islamic of Afghanistan control over districts in the March, as part of the political and security transition in Central Helmand River Valley is sustained without reliance on Afghanistan. the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)”. The UK has put a particular emphasis on the The gift has been assessed against the consolidated sustainability of its reconstruction work in Helmand EU and national arms export licensing criteria. The to ensure our investment continues to deliver benefits MOD has confirmed that the UK Government have no into the future. Training trainers within the Afghan objections to the release of these items to the Afghanistan uniformed police and using local designs and materials Helmand department for public works. 61WS Written Statements20 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 62WS

The Treasury has approved the proposal in principle. The triennial review has been carried out with the If, during the period of 14 parliamentary sitting days participation of a range of stakeholders and users, in beginning on the date on which the departmental minute addition to the ACNRA itself. The review was publicised was laid before the House of Commons, a Member on The National Archives’ website and stakeholders signifies an objection by giving notice of a parliamentary were invited to contributethrough a call for evidence question or a motion relating to the minute, or by and through meetings. In addition to the project board otherwise raising the matter in the House, final approval which oversaw the review, a critical friend group challenged of the gift will be withheld pending an examination of the evidence used to make conclusions. the objection. I am grateful to all who contributed to this triennial review. The final report has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. JUSTICE Law Commission (Triennial Review) Advisory Council on National Records and Archives (Triennial Review) The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Shailesh Vara): My right hon. Friend the Minister The and Secretary of State for Justice of State for Justice, Lord Faulks, has made the following (): On 17 July 2013, Official Report, written ministerial statement: column 112WS, the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary I am pleased to announce the publication of the report of of State for Justice, my hon. Friend the Member for stage 2 of the triennial review of the Law Commission. I have placed a copy in the Libraries of both Houses. When the stage 1 Maidstone and The Weald (Mrs Grant), made a written report was published in July 2013 the Government undertook to statement announcing the triennial review of the Advisory report back to Parliament on the outcome of stage 2 of the Council on National Records and Archives. I am pleased review. to announce the conclusion of the review and publication In line with Cabinet Office principal aims for triennial reviews, of the report today. stage 2 has involved an assessment of the Law Commission’s The ACNRA is an independent advisory non- governance arrangements against best practice standards to ensure departmental public body which provides independent that, as a public body, it is complying with recognised principles advice to the Lord Chancellor on matters relating to of good corporate governance. records and archives in the United Kingdom, and in The review identified a number of areas of good practice by particular England and Wales. The functions of the the Law Commission and its sponsor team at the Ministry of Justice. In particular, it commended the Commission’s open and ACNRA are written into statute in the Public Records transparent approach to law reform and policy making. Act 1958 section 1.2 and in the Freedom of Information Act Although there are few problems in practice, the review identified 2000 schedule 5, which amends the Public Records Act. there was scope for improvement in the corporate governance The ACNRA, chaired by the Master of the Rolls, arrangements in place in relation to the Commission and made a advises the Lord Chancellor on issues relating to public number of recommendations. These include developing a framework records that are over 30 years old under the Public document that will codify the Commission’s terms of reference Records Act (PRA) 1958, including access to them, and sponsorship arrangements with the Ministry of Justice, as under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000. well as updating the Commission’s code of best practice to ensure it is line with current guidance. Progress towards implementation From January 2013, following implementation of the will be reviewed six months after the publication of the stage 2 Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, report. Government began a 10-year transition to a new “20-year rule”, with the previous 30-year rule being reduced progressively until the new rule is in effect. The ACNRA also advises on general policy issues linked to the public LEADER OF THE HOUSE records system. The triennial review has concluded that there remains Government Bills: Drafting Guidance a need for the ACNRA to continue its current functions, in its current form and that the current model offers good value for money. The review found that the case The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew for retaining the ACNRA as an independent advisory Lansley): I am pleased to announce that new guidance NDPB is widely and strongly supported. The role played has today been published by the Office of the Parliamentary by the ACNRA in the public records system is an Counsel recommending that powers to make delegated essential one and no other model for delivering the legislation conferred by Government Bills should generally statutory duties of the ACNRA offers the same level of take the form of regulation-making powers and not assurance to government and the public that these order-making powers. duties will be discharged independently, impartially and At the moment, Government Bills often give Ministers with consideration of the public interest as the primary the power to make delegated legislation by order or by concern. regulations but there is no clear distinction between The ACNRA meets all three of the tests set by these two forms. The guidance, which will affect the the Government for the delivery of functions by an drafting of Government Bills introduced in the next NDPB. The review has also found that the ACNRA session of Parliament, will make a modest contribution may benefit from reviewing its recruitment processes to simplifying legislation and eliminating a source of and its reporting arrangements in respect of wider archives potential confusion for readers who are currently faced sector responsibilities, and has made recommendations with two forms of delegated legislation where one to address these. would do. 63WS Written Statements20 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 64WS

One area where the new practice may be particularly their achievement on a proposal for a regulation on noticeable is that Bills will provide for commencement community fleet capacity policy to promote inland regulations rather than commencement orders. The waterway transport. This regulation does not apply to recommendation will not affect rules or Orders in Council. the UK as we have no inland waterways which meet the Copies of the new guidance will be deposited in the criteria for inclusion. Finally, the presidency informed Libraries of both Houses. The latest drafting guidance member states that an agreement was within reach on a can also be found at: proposal for a directive on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure—clean power. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/drafting- bills-for-parliament Also under any other business, France supported by Germany and Czech Republic urged member states to commence discussions on how best to prepare for and exploit the benefits of using the European Galileo TRANSPORT system in civil aviation by 2025. The Commission provided a brief summary on the successful outcome of the EU Transport Council EU-ASEAN aviation summit held in Singapore on 11-12 February. Estonia presented a proposal on state aid for rescuing and restructuring non-financial The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport undertakings in difficulty. (Mr Robert Goodwill): I attended the first Transport I used the opportunity of my attendance to hold Council under the Greek presidency (the presidency) in bilateral discussions with Transport Secretaries from Brussels on Friday 14 March. Greece, Italy and Germany. The Council reached a general approach on a proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the European Union Agency for Railways. WALES There was strong member state support for the presidency text—it was seen as a key step towards breaking down barriers to a single market and supporting the efficiency, Wales Bill transparency and increased competitiveness of the European rail industry. This important piece of legislation completes the technical pillar of the fourth railway The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr David Jones): package and will help to further develop the single The Chief Secretary to the Treasury and I have today European rail area. The Commission called on the published the Wales Bill and the accompanying Command Council to begin discussions on the remaining market Paper, “Wales Bill: Financial Empowerment and opening and governance pillars to retain the “package” Accountability”. concept of the fourth railway package. I strongly supported The Wales Bill will provide the Welsh Government this position. and the National Assembly for Wales with more levers There was a positive discussion on a proposal for a and incentives to deliver greater economic growth in Council regulation establishing the Shift2Rail joint Wales. The Bill will make the Welsh Government more undertaking which resulted in the adoption of the accountable to the people of Wales, as they will be Council position on the proposal. The joint undertaking responsible not only for the money they spend but also, would lead to the development of a co-ordinated approach for the first time, how they raise some of that money. to research and innovation in the rail sector, enhance The Bill will also provide the Welsh Government with the competitiveness of the EU rail sector and further the mechanism to borrow in order to fund improvements support the completion of the single European rail in Wales’s infrastructure and reforms the Assembly’s area. electoral arrangements to make them fairer and more A wide-ranging policy debate was held on the equitable. Commission communication entitled “Together towards Alongside the Bill the Command Paper, “Wales Bill: a competitive and resource-efficient urban mobility”. Financial Empowerment and Accountability” explains While there were varying views on funding options, the effects of the finance elements in part 2 of the Bill in there was unanimous support from member states for more detail and sets out further actions that the Government the Commission’s plans in so far as they remain flexible are taking, following the recommendations of the Silk and respect the principle of subsidiarity. The Commission Commission’s part 1 report, that do not require legislation. confirmed that it had no plans for legislative action in A Welsh language version will be available at: https:// this area. I welcomed the communication which provides www.gov.uk/government/organisations/wales-office a helpful framework for urban mobility planning and I have also written to my hon. Friend the Member for highlighted that the UK already met most of its objectives. Monmouth (David T. C. Davies), Chair of the Welsh Under any other business, the presidency provided Affairs Committee, enclosing a memorandum responding information on three legislative proposals. First, on the to the Committee’s report on its pre-legislative scrutiny political agreement that was reached on a proposal for a of the draft Wales Bill. The Government have accepted regulation on the establishment of rules and procedures most of the Committee’s recommendations, and I wish with regard to the introduction of noise-related operating to place on record my thanks to the Committee for its restrictions at Union airports. This was the first political timely and thorough scrutiny of the draft Bill. For the agreement reached on the airports package under the convenience of the House, and with the Committee’s Greek presidency. The European Parliament plenary permission, I have placed a copy of the memorandum vote is scheduled to take place in April. Secondly, on in the Libraries of both Houses.

7P Petitions20 MARCH 2014 Petitions 8P

All decisions related to school closures are taken Petition locally following a well-established five-stage statutory process to allow those directly affected by the proposals Thursday 20 March 2014 to feed in their comments. The process includes an early consultation period to allow those affected by the closure proposals to submit views and comments. The proposals OBSERVATIONS must then be published in a number of places and a formal representation period follows. This allows a further opportunity for views and comments to be submitted. EDUCATION The decision makers’ guidance document issued by the Department gives a full and comprehensive explanation Closure of Skerton Community High School of all of the issues and considerations which the decision (Lancaster) maker must take into account when considering statutory proposals. They must be fully satisfied that the appropriate The Petition of the community surrounding Skerton statutory process has been carried out, that all views Community High School, submitted have been considered and all issues surrounding Declares that the Petitioners believe that Lancashire the closure, especially alternative and suitable provision County Council have not listened to their concerns for for displaced pupils, have been explored and planned. the schools closure in the initial round of consultation Lancashire County Council is proposing the closure and that the County Council should not have perused of Skerton Community High School due to concerns the closure of the school any further. over educational standards, low pupil numbers and a The Petitioners therefore request that the House of lack of financial viability. The formal representation Commons urges the Government to take steps to support period ran from 16 January 2014 to 26 February 2014 the School in its bid to remain open. and the Council is expecting to make a decision on the And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by David proposals in April 2014. Morris, Official Report, 26 February 2014; Vol. 576, As these decisions must be made locally, following c. 377.] the statutory process the Government are unable to influence the outcome. The Secretary of State’s intervention [P001320] powers in matters such as these are extremely limited. Observations from the Secretary of State for Education: He may only intervene where the local authority has The Government are committed to transforming the acted in breach of its statutory duties, or in a way that is school system to ensure that not only are there a sufficient so unreasonable that no other authority would have supply of school places but that these places are of the acted in such a way. We have no grounds to believe that highest quality. the Secretary of State can intervene in this case.

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As with all home purchases, choice and speed of Written Answers to completion may be impacted by the number of providers and the availability of suitable properties in a particular Questions area. We do not retain information concerning unsuccessful applications for the Home Ownership for People with Thursday 20 March 2014 Long-term Disabilities scheme. However, between 2007-08 and 2012-13, 160 sales by private registered providers were recorded under the scheme. Of these, 150 purchasers were first-time buyers. We do not hold information on PRIME MINISTER sales by local authorities. The Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme gives people Former Ministers: Business Interests the opportunity to a new build property with just a 5% deposit. In Budget 2014, the Chancellor announced the Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Prime Minister whether the extension of the Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme to appointment of the hon. Member for Wealden as (a) a 2020, investing a further £6 billion to help 120,000 more consultant to Vitol Group and (b) a senior adviser to households to purchase a home. Atlantic Supergrid Corporation Ltd were considered by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments; and whether any conditions were imposed by the Advisory Census Committee on either such appointment. [192093]

The Prime Minister: In accordance with the requirements Simon Danczuk: To ask the Secretary of State for set out in the Ministerial Code, Advisory Communities and Local Government what monitoring Committee on Business Appointments (ACoBA) provides mechanisms his Department uses to inform policy advice direct to former Ministers about any appointments making and priority setting to reduce inequalities for or employment they wish to take up within two years of ethnic communities not recognised on the national leaving office. Details about the ACoBA’s advice is census. [192347] published on its website when appointments are taken up or announced. Stephen Williams: The Department for Communities and Local Government considers equality issues in exercising its functions, including in setting priorities within its budget, in order to comply with equality COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT legislation and to ensure it understands how its activities will affect specific groups in society.It takes a proportionate Affordable Housing: Disability approach to assessing equality which is properly considered from the outset with a simple audit trail. Mr Sutcliffe: To ask the Secretary of State for The Government is clear that producing formal equality Communities and Local Government (1) whether he impact assessment documents is not required in order has any plans to amend the operation or rules of the to ensure compliance with the legal responsibility to home ownership for people with long-term disabilities consider equality impacts. scheme to make it more responsive to the delays and In February 2012, DCLG published “Creating the logistical challenges of selling property as part of the conditions for integration” setting out our approach to scheme for the purposes of ensuring those who access achieving a more integrated society. Together with the the scheme as owner-occupiers in housing need are not Equality Strategy and the Social Mobility Strategy this disadvantaged; [192402] is a three part approach to tackling disadvantage and (2) what proportion of people who have sought to inequality across all communities. access the home ownership for people with long-term disabilities scheme as owner-occupiers in housing need, have been unable to complete the process of moving to Council Tax Reduction Schemes: Greater Manchester a new property due to the delays and logistical challenges of selling their property as part of accessing the scheme since the inception of the scheme; [192420] Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many people (3) what proportion of people who have been in (a) Denton and Reddish constituency, (b) Tameside provided with assistance through the home ownership Metropolitan Borough and (c) Stockport Metropolitan for people with long-term disabilities scheme have been Borough are (i) entitled to and (ii) receiving council tax owner-occupiers in housing need rather than first-time relief. [192154] buyers to date. [192419]

Kris Hopkins: This Government is committed to Brandon Lewis: The Department has published promoting choice and providing housing opportunities experimental statistics which show the number of claimants for people with long-term disabilities, enabling them to receiving council tax support in 2013-14. These statistics live independent lives. We have no immediate plans to are produced using information provided by local authorities amend the operation or rules around the Home Ownership on the Revenue Budget returns. No figures are available for People with Long-term Disabilities scheme. for parliamentary constituencies. 667W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 668W

Kris Hopkins: The overwhelming majority of landlords Number of Number of working age Total number of provide a good service and the Government does not pensioners in claimants in claimants in want to impose unnecessary additional costs on them. receipt of receipt of receipt of We have no plans to introduce a national register which Local council tax council tax council tax would be a financial burden on all landlords estimated authority support support support at £40 million per year. Those costs would be passed on Stockport 11,431 12,986 24,417 to tenants through higher rents. Local authorities can Tameside1 ———already introduce a licensing scheme where an area is 1 Tameside did not complete this section of their return so no figures suffering from anti-social behaviour and/or low housing are available for this area. demand. We recently published a discussion paper, “Review These statistics are also available on the Department’s of Property Conditions in the Private Rented Sector”, website via the following link: which invited views on ways in which licensing can be made more effective and proportionate. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/257016/RA_2013- 14_LCTS_Publication.xls Local Government Finance: Greater Manchester Spending on council tax benefit doubled under the last Government, costing taxpayers. £4 billion a year— Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for equivalent to almost £180 a year per household. Welfare Communities and Local Government how much and reform is vital to tackle the budget deficit left by the last what proportion of (a) council tax and (b) business Administration. Our reforms to localise council tax rates was uncollected by each of the metropolitan districts support now give councils stronger incentives to support in the county of Greater Manchester in each of the last local firms, cut fraud, promote local enterprise and get five years; and if he will make a statement. [192150] people into work. We are ending the last Administration’s ’something for nothing’ culture and making work pay. Brandon Lewis: Information on collection rates of council tax and business rates for the financial years Green Belt: Yorkshire and the Humber 2008-09 to 2012-13 for each local authority in England has been published on the DCLG website at the following Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for locations: Communities and Local Government what proportion https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/council-tax-statistics of planning applications to build on sites in (a) Yorkshire http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121108165934/ and Humber and (b) Brigg and Goole constituency http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/statistics/ involved building on designated green belt land in the collectionrates200809 last period for which figures are available. [192395] The figures show the amounts of tax collected within each year related to that year’s liability, as a proportion Nick Boles: Information on the proportion of planning of the net collectable debit for that year (for example, applications which involved building on land in the the proportion of the 2012-13 collectable debit actually green belt is not centrally available. collected during 2012-13). Collection of tax continues after the end of the year, so the eventual collection rates Housing: Construction will be higher than those shown. In our best practice document, “50 ways to save”, we Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities listed improving council tax collection rates and reducing and Local Government how many houses have been arrears as a key way of making sensible savings to help started in each English local authority area since March keep overall council tax bills down and protect frontline 2010; and what proportion of existing housing stock services. Every penny of council tax that is not collected these represented. [192102] means a higher council tax for the law-abiding citizen who does pay on time. Kris Hopkins: My Department publishes historic figures It is important that councils are sympathetic to those for house building starts by district, at Live Tables 253 in genuine hardship, are proportionate in enforcement and 253a, which can be found at: and do not overuse bailiffs. However, these figures show www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on- that there is a significant source of income for councils, house-building which councils across the country could use to support Historic dwelling stock estimates, by district, can be frontline service or freeze council tax bills. found at Live Table 125: www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on- Local Government: Disclosure of Information dwelling-stock-including-vacants The underlying information is thus reasonably accessible Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for for any further analysis that the hon. Member may wish Communities and Local Government if he will take to undertake. steps to ensure that the minutes of the board meetings of (a) external organisations, (b) trusts and (c) other Landlords arm’s length companies operating public services on behalf of local authorities are made available for public Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for scrutiny. [192136] Communities and Local Government if he will introduce a national register of landlords; and what steps his Brandon Lewis: The Government has no plans to Department is taking to make it easier for local authorities require all companies who do business with local authorities to introduce a licensing scheme for landlords. [192129] to publish minutes of their board meetings. 669W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 670W

However, we encourage all councils to be transparent availability of high quality venues in Westminster which about the services provided for them by the private sector. can take conferences or gatherings with a large number Through our revised transparency code for local authorities of attendees, and significant clients include the Foreign to be published shortly, we plan to increase transparency and Commonwealth Office, the Department for Culture, about the receipt of public money by private companies, Media and Sport and the Parliamentary Estates Directorate. by requiring local authorities to publish all spending Such public sector spending has fallen in recent years, over £500 and all contracts over £5,000. due to stricter spending controls in central Government. We also plan to consult on increasing financial For example, the comparative figures for the last transparency for companies and other entities which an Administration were £1.8 million in 2007-08, £1.7 million authority owns or has a significant influence over. in 2008-09 and £1.7 million in 2009-10. In 2012-13, The Government also intends to issue a revised Code Government bookings accounted for just 5% of its of Practice for all public authorities (under section 45 revenue. of the Freedom of Information Act) to promote openness I would note that the Queen Elizabeth II Conference about contracted out public services, including through Centre is a trading fund. Part of the trading fund the use and enforcement of contractual transparency surplus is returned to the Exchequer, and it contributed provisions. £2.3 million to the Exchequer in 2012-13. Local Government: Publicity Road Signs and Markings Mr Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when all publications and literature, Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for including press releases and statements made by officials Communities and Local Government what guidance on behalf of his Department will be politically impartial his Department issues to local authorities on the use of in accordance with the principles and requirements of apostrophes on street signs. [192617] the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity. [191298] Brandon Lewis: Recent press reports have highlighted there is a misconception in some parts of local government Brandon Lewis: Departmental publications and press that there is a requirement to remove apostrophes from releases on www.gov.uk already follow the comparable street names and street signs. This is not the case; I can guidance for central Government, including (i) the Cabinet confirm that there is no Whitehall rule or Brussels Office’s Propriety Guidance which covers political activity diktat demanding the abolition of the English apostrophe. and paid publicity and (ii) the prevailing purdah guidance issued by the Cabinet Secretary on publicity during I understand this may stem from a misunderstanding election and referendum periods. of guidance issued by the Geoplace National Land and Property Gazetteer which is overseen by local government. The Cabinet Office has also published specific guidance However, Geoplace has confirmed that it does not to non-departmental public bodies prohibiting the hiring require councils to remove apostrophes either—councils of lobbyists to lobby Government, and which addresses can continue to use apostrophes and punctuation if inappropriate attendance at party conferences and they are used in the official street name. advertising. In turn, street names may not be changed unilaterally. Mayors: Greater Manchester Acts of Parliament have required the consent of local people before a street name can be changed. For example, Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for extant legislation in the form of section 21 of the Public Communities and Local Government what his policy is Health Acts Amendment Act 1907 states that councils on the introduction of an elected mayor for the Greater cannot change a formal street name without the consent Manchester combined authority. [192134] of two-thirds of the street’s ratepayers. One of the spurious reasons for abolishing apostrophes Brandon Lewis: In our White Paper response to Lord has been the suggestion that they may cause confusion Heseltine’s report on promoting economic growth, we for emergency services’ IT systems. If mankind can put stated that we would seek legislation for mayors of a man on the moon, split the atom and decode the conurbations, such as Greater Manchester, where the double helix, then I am sure it is not beyond the reach of councils concerned wanted this; no councils have asked 21st century technology to have a sat-nav which can for this. understand an apostrophe. Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre While street naming is ultimately a matter for local councils, Ministers’ view is that both England’s apostrophes Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for and grammar should be cherished. If an apostrophe is Communities and Local Government how much the good enough for Her Majesty’s Government, so should Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre has billed the it be for local councils. Government for use of the centre and associated facilities While we would not go as far as endorsing the in the last financial year. [191957] ’grammar guerrillas’ who recently re-inserted the missing punctuation on Cambridge city council’s dumbed-down Brandon Lewis: In 2012-13, the Queen Elizabeth II street signs (defacing a street sign is an offence under Conference Centre charged public sector clients (including the 1907 Act), we would encourage residents to defend central Government, the NHS and local government) a their traditional place names from over-zealous municipal total of £540,562, excluding VAT, for room hire and pen pushers. I hope the guidance in this answer assists conference facilities. Such usage reflects the limited the worthy cause of common sense. 671W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 672W

Smoke Alarms In all schemes, our aim is to act within 72 hours of when we are notified of a missed payment where there is Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for a current liability. The notification trigger comes after a Communities and Local Government (1) what estimate five day tolerance period of a missed payment. This he has made of the average cost to the owner of a tolerance period is to allow for issues which may have domestic dwelling of damage caused by fire in a property caused the missed payment to be resolved (ie clearances that (a) has and (b) does not have a smoke alarm; through bank accounts) without the need for our [192096] intervention. While this trigger is built into the design (2) what estimate he has made of the average cost to for the 2012 system, there is no comparable automated (a) the fire and rescue service, (b) the ambulance process for the 1993 and 2003 systems. service and (c) the police service of responding to a fire As such, information on (a) the number of notifications incident in a domestic dwelling (i) with and (ii) without of a missed child maintenance payment in cases within a smoke alarm. [192098] the Child Support Agency collection service and (b) the proportion of such cases where the non-resident parent Brandon Lewis: The Department does not hold this was contacted by the Agency within 72 hours is not information. available as it is not routinely recorded for management information purposes. To provide this information would ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE require the creation of new information which could be completed and appropriately assured only at a Electoral Register: Lancashire disproportionate cost. Graham Jones: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on Jobseeker’s Allowance: Scotland the Electoral Commission what the electoral registration figures were in each ward in the recent confirmation dry : To ask the Secretary of State for (a) run conducted in Lancashire county council and Work and Pensions how much was paid in jobseeker’s (b) [191315] Hyndburn constituency. allowance to recipients in (a) Scotland and (b) Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency in the last 12 that the confirmation dry run involved matching all months. [192485] entries on the electoral registers against the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Customer Information Esther McVey: The amount paid in jobseeker’s allowance System database. Entries would be marked as green if in 2012-13 can be found in the following table. they matched with DWP, amber if they were a partial match or red if there was no match. 2012-13 JSA (£ million) It is not possible to provide results for the divisions used by Lancashire county council area as the matching Scotland 478 was carried out using the district councils’ electoral Kilmarnock and Loudoun 12 wards. However, the table for all the wards within the Note: Expenditure is shown for the last complete financial year. The benefit district authorities in the Lancashire county council expenditure for jobseeker’s allowance can be found in the parliamentary area and the table for Hyndburn constituency have been constituency tables as per link: deposited in the House of Commons’ Library. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Results for all wards are available on the Commission’s attachment_data/file/266825/pc-tables-201213.xls Source: website here: DWP statistical data http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/ excel_doc/0003/163146/Confirmation-dry-run-2013-Results- Social Rented Housing: Disability Wards.xls

Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much was paid in service charges to housing associations for adaptations to WORK AND PENSIONS accommodation for disabled tenants in the last year for Children: Maintenance which figures are available. [192422]

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Esther McVey: The information requested is not available. and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2014, Information about service charges paid by all tenants is Official Report, column 316W,on children: maintenance, not collected. in how many cases within the Child Support Agency collection service, excluding those with a deduction Eligible service charges for housing benefit would not from earnings order, the agency was notified of a missed include the cost of making an adaptation. child maintenance payment in the quarter up to and including December 2013; and in what proportion of Social Security Benefits: Scotland such cases the non-resident parent was contacted by the Agency within 72 hours. [192436] Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Steve Webb: There are currently three statutory Work and Pensions how much was paid in disability maintenance schemes. The 1993 and 2003 schemes are living allowance and personal independence payments delivered by the Child Support Agency and the 2012 to recipients in (a) Scotland and (b) Kilmarnock and scheme is delivered by the Child Maintenance Service. Loudoun constituency in the last 12 months. [192484] 673W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 674W

Mike Penning: The amount paid in disability living is designed to reduce the costs of sickness absence for allowance in 2012-13 can be found in the following employers by addressing the obstacles preventing a table. return to work, and supporting employees back to work As personal independence payment was only introduced as quickly as appropriate. It will be funded from the in April 2013 there was no expenditure in 2012-13. savings made from the abolition of the PTS and will provide a more proactive way to manage sickness absence. Disability living allowance 2012-13 Small businesses are least likely to have access to £ million occupational health services, and will benefit from having Scotland 1,450 access to occupational health assessments and advice Kilmarnock and 29 through the HWS. Loudoun 1 Black, C. and Frost, D (2011) “Health at work—and independent Note: review of sickness absence”. Expenditure is shown for the last complete financial year. The benefit expenditure for disability living allowance can be found in Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the parliamentary constituency tables as per link: and Pensions what his policy is on alternative models https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/266825/pc-tables-201213.xls of compensating small businesses for sickness absence Source: after the abolition of the percentage threshold scheme DWP statistical data. for recovering statutory sick pay. [192167]

Statutory Sick Pay Mike Penning: The Government believes that reinvesting savings from the abolition of the Percentage Threshold Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Scheme to establish the Health and Work Service is the and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effect most effective means of targeting public funds to tackle on the ability of older and disabled workers to find sickness absence. The Health and Work Service will work as a result of the abolition of the Percentage reduce the length of sickness absence and offers a more Threshold Scheme for recovering statutory sick pay. proactive approach to sickness absence management. Small businesses are least likely to have access to [192157] occupational health services, and will benefit from having Mike Penning: The Statutory Sick Pay Percentage access to occupational health assessments and advice Threshold Scheme is not linked to finding work, rather through the Health and Work Service. it compensates employers with high levels of sickness We have considered an alternative approach along absence. An independent review of sickness absence1 the lines of restricting access to a reimbursement scheme found that this scheme does nothing to tackle the causes to employers with fewer than five employees. However, of absence. As a result, the Government accepted a this was discounted because it resulted in additional recommendation in the review to abolish the Percentage burdens on employers and additional statutory sick pay Threshold Scheme. The Government also accepted a reimbursement costs for the state. recommendation to establish a service (now known as Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the Health and Work Service) to offer specialist occupational and Pensions what assessment he has made of the health assessment and advice to employers, employees additional cost to small businesses of abolishing the and GPs. The service is designed to reduce the costs of percentage threshold scheme for recovering statutory sickness absence for employers by addressing the issues sick pay. [192168] preventing a return to work, and supporting employees back to work as quickly as appropriate. Mike Penning: The Department for Work and Pensions We consider that the creation of the Health and has published an impact assessment outlining the abolition Work Service, funded by the abolition of the Percentage of the Percentage Threshold Scheme (PTS) and introduction Threshold Scheme, will enable sickness absence to be of the new provision of health assessments and occupational better managed and improve the employment prospects health advice available at the following link: of all employees, including older and disabled workers. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2014/9780111108468/ 1 Black, C. and Frost, D (2011) Health at work-and independent impacts review of sickness absence.

Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effect Support: Hon. Members on the ability of small businesses to manage sickness absence of abolishing the Percentage Threshold Scheme 9. Mr Sheerman: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, for recovering statutory sick pay. [192158] Sutherland and Easter Ross representing the House of Commons Commission, what steps he is taking to Mike Penning: The SSP Percentage Threshold Scheme improve the support available to hon. Members. compensates employers with high levels of sickness [903162] absence but an independent review of sickness absence1 found it does nothing to tackle the causes of absence. John Thurso: The fundamental aims of the Commission As a result, the Government accepted a recommendation are not only to ensure that the House is valued and in the review to abolish the Percentage Threshold Scheme. effective in holding the Government to account and The Government also accepted a recommendation to scrutinising legislation, but that individual Members establish a service (now known as the Health and Work have the information, advice, support and technology Service) to offer specialist occupational health assessment they need to be effective in their work and to engage and advice to employers, employees and GPs. The service closely with their constituents. 675W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 676W

We are coming to the end of a programme of savings, The UK is a lead donor to the census; we have been during which the governing principle has been that any working with other donors, the Burmese Government cost reductions should not adversely affect the ability of and the UN to manage and mitigate the risks, to ensure the House and its Members to carry out their parliamentary as peaceful, credible and complete a process as possible. functions. Indeed many of the changes have been a spur In January, our ambassador discussed the census with to innovation in the support available to Members. ethnic armed group leaders in Chiang Mai. The Head Now that we are on track to achieve the savings target, of DFID Burma accompanied the Burmese Minister we have the opportunity to re-appraise the provision of for Immigration and Population on a visit to Rakhine resources and ensure, for example in the area of select State in February to discuss the census with the Rohingya committees, that we are providing the right level of and Rakhine communities. The Foreign and support. Commonwealth Office Director for Asia Pacific and the British ambassador discussed the census with Rohingya Security leaders on 18 March.

Mr Hollobone: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross representing the : To ask the Secretary of State for House of Commons Commission, how many passes Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment for entry into the Commons estate (a) are in issue and he has made of the human rights situation in Burma. (b) were lost in 2013. [192418] [R] [192203]

John Thurso: On 18 March there were some 14,700 Mr Swire: As I set out in my statement following the Palace of Westminster passes in issue. During 2013, 523 UN Special Rapporteur’s report to the Human Rights passes were reported lost or stolen. Council on 17 March, we assess that the Burmese When a pass is reported lost or stolen it is deactivated Government continues to make encouraging progress immediately. across a range of human rights issues. We have seen further releases of political prisoners, ceasefire agreements signed with 10 major ethnic armed groups, the easing of media restrictions and commitments in support of the FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE advancement of women. Burma However, many challenges remain, notably in Rakhine and Kachin States. We urge the Government to address Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for the underlying causes of these conflicts to find a long Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is term solution that will bring peace and reconciliation. on an independent investigation into human rights abuses We are also concerned that individuals remain in prison in Burma. [R] [192201] whose status is disputed. We urge continued dialogue between the Government and civil society to resolve Mr Swire: It is the Government’s position that allegations these remaining cases as a matter of urgency. of human rights abuses must be dealt with immediately The situation in Rakhine State remains of the most through a credible, independent and transparent serious concern, highlighted most recently by allegations investigative and prosecutorial process that meets of killings of Rohingya in Du Chee Yar Tan on 13 international standards. We have made our views clear January 2014. We continue to urge the Burmese to the Burmese Government and will continue to do so. Government to deal with allegations of human rights abuses through a credible and transparent investigative Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for and prosecutorial process that meets international standards. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent We remain particularly concerned about the intimidation discussions he has had with his Burmese counterpart of humanitarian workers and the recent constraints on ensuring that the upcoming census will not further around, and threat of expulsion of, Médecins Sans endanger the Rohingya communities and any other Frontières from Rakhine State, which risks severely minority groups in Burma. [R] [192202] affecting the provision of health care in the state.

Mr Swire: During my visit to Burma, 28-30 January It has also been over 18 months since President Thein 2014, I raised the British Government’s deep concerns Sein committed to open an in-country Office for the about the situation in Rakhine State and discussed the High Commissioner for Human Rights. An Office of census and its associated risks with Minister, in the the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) President’s Office U Soe Thane. I also discussed the would allow for more constructive relations between the census with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. international community and the Government on human rights. We call on the Government to publish a timeline The Burmese Minister for National Planning, U Kan for the opening of the Office, with a mandate that Zaw, visited London 10-13 March: in separate meetings includes monitoring and technical assistance. the Minister of State, Department for International Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Rutland and Melton (Mr Duncan) and my noble Friend, Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Senior Minister of State for Foreign and Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment Commonwealth Affairs, the right hon. Baroness Warsi, he has made of whether Burma’s state institutions have reiterated the importance of pursuing urgent action in the capacity and capability to conduct an independent Rakhine State to protect the human rights of the Rohingya and transparent investigation into the persecution of, community. and violence against, minorities in Burma. [R] [192204] 677W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 678W

Mr Swire: The Burmese Government has commissioned Agreements (FTAs) with Commonwealth countries to state-affiliated groups to carry out a number of improve the access of UK companies to these markets. investigations into incidents of violence and allegations Ahead of this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, of persecution against minorities in Burma—for example UKTI, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise the investigations into the incident in January in Du and the Commonwealth Business Council are working Chee Yar Tan village in Northern Rakhine State carried together to deliver a business conference for 200 out by the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission, Commonwealth business leaders. UK Trade & Investment and by the Myanmar Red Cross. We recognise the are also organising a British Business House, which will efforts of these investigations but remain concerned showcase Britain to Commonwealth businesses. that their reports are not an independent and complete answer to the allegations that have been made. We have Commonwealth Secretariat made repeatedly clear that such investigations must be transparent and meet international standards. Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times Stephen Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for his Department met the Commonwealth Secretariat to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publicly discuss trade relations in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and acknowledge and condemn supporting roles played by (c) 2012-13. [191960] the Burmese state in the institutionalisation of persecution and violence against the Rohingya communities in Burma. Mr Swire: We engage regularly with the Commonwealth [R] [192232] Secretariat and other Commonwealth bodies and organisations on a wide range of issues. This involves Mr Swire: The Government, both in public and private, frequent and senior-level meetings both with the Secretariat sets out our concerns about the plight of the Rohingya and those Commonwealth bodies working on trade community repeatedly and at the highest levels: the relations, for example, the Commonwealth Business situation in Rakhine State was top of the agenda for the Council and the Commonwealth Small States Office. meeting between the Prime Minister and President Thein We are committed to strengthening trade and investment Sein in July 2013. During my visit to Burma in January in the Commonwealth as I discussed in my meeting 2014, I urged the Burmese Government to take swift with the Commonwealth Secretary-General earlier this and decisive action to protect the lives and rights of week. Rohingya. Where the state government or local authorities The information specifically requested is not held have been responsible for discrimination, we have centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate highlighted that the central Burmese Government has a cost. responsibility to ensure the human rights of all communities in Rakhine are consistently protected. We are urging Gibraltar action to address impunity and ensure equitable access to justice, promote coexistence and tolerance, create an Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for environment for displaced people to return to their Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the homes, ensure humanitarian access, and enable a path answer of 28 February 2014, Official Report, column to citizenship for all eligible Rohingya residents. 527W, on Gibraltar, what subjects were discussed at the meetings referred to in the answer. [192180] Commonwealth Mr Lidington: Given the EU is currently a forum for many Gibraltar-related issues, the UK Permanent Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Representation to the European Union and Foreign Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has and Commonwealth Office officials in London have in taken to improve trade relations between Commonwealth 2014 been involved in discussions with the European members; and if he will make a statement. [191961] Commission including on the border situation, environmental complaints and tobacco smuggling. Mr Swire: As I made clear in my speech to the Commonwealth Business Forum held in parallel to the Iraq: Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Colombo in November 2013, the UK Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for is committed to strengthening trade across the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what recent Commonwealth. At CHOGM, Commonwealth Heads assessment his Department has made of conditions in of Government agreed the Kotte Statement on International Camp Liberty in Iraq; and what estimate he has made Trade and Investment which recognised the potential of the amount of food and medicine received at that for growth in intra-Commonwealth trade. I continue to site in the last three months; [192261] lead our engagement with the Commonwealth Business (2) what recent representations his Department has Council and its new chairman, Lord Marland as we made to the Government of Iraq on the welfare of work together to strengthen the prosperity of all the residents in Camp Liberty. [192262] Commonwealth’s members. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is now represented Hugh Robertson: We rely on the United Nations for in 22 Commonwealth countries. These include high information on conditions at Camp Liberty and the growth markets such as India, Singapore, South Africa welfare of its residents. UN monitors report that there and Malaysia and other established markets such as is no shortage of food or essential provisions in the Canada, Australia and New Zealand. We are also working camp. There have been recent reports of supplies not hard to ensure the EU signs ambitious Free Trade being able to enter the camp because the camp leadership 679W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 680W has not complied with new procedures at a time of Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign heightened security concerns. The UN and Iraqi authorities and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has have intervened to ensure delivery of supplies and have received of injuries by the Moroccan military and urged the camp residents to comply with correct procedures. security services of demonstrators in El Aaiun, Dakhla We have made no recent representations to the Government and Smara, Western Sahara; and if he will make a of Iraq about the welfare of residents, but continue to statement. [192513] support the UN’s monitoring work, and to make representations to them and the Government of Iraq, Hugh Robertson: We are aware of reports of recent as appropriate. demonstrations in cities across Western Sahara. We regularly emphasise to Morocco the importance of full Occupied Territories respect for human rights in Western Sahara, including when policing demonstrations. I raised issues relating to Western Sahara, including human rights, during my Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for visit to Rabat earlier this month. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the UK has made to Israel about the recent settler land encroachment in the West Bank villages of Salfeet, Isaka, Broqeen, Yasouf and Hares. [192100] INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Burma Hugh Robertson: The Prime Minister raised the issue of settlements during his visit to Israel and the Occupied Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Palestinian Territories between 13-14 March. International Development what recent discussions she has had with the Burmese government about resolving Ukraine the issue of the statelessness of the Rohingya population in Myanmar. [191922] Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Mr Duncan: I met the Burmese Minister of National and Commonwealth Affairs what progress he has made Planning and Economic Development when he visited in recovering any Ukrainian assets held in the UK that London in March. At the meeting I urged the Burmese have been improperly acquired. [191949] Government to work for a long-term solution to bring peace, reconciliation, and prosperity to Rakhine state. Mr Lidington: The UK is firmly committed to fighting DFID continues to urge the government of Burma to corruption and rooting out stolen assets. We will work re-start the citizenship verification process as soon as with EU partners to ensure the right EU framework is possible. It has the broad support of both communities in place to facilitate asset freezes in full compliance with in Rakhine and will help to address some of the underlying all existing UK regulation. The UK will not be a safe causes of tension. haven for corruptly acquired funds. Our existing domestic legislation requires businesses to conduct enhanced due Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for diligence in relation to transactions with Politically International Development if she will make it her policy Exposed Persons, including measures to establish source that demonstrable humanitarian access to Myanmar, of wealth and funds, and ongoing monitoring of any including in Rakhine state, is a condition for the increased business relationship. On Monday 17 March the EU development aid budget for that country. [191937] imposed visa bans and asset freezes against 21 individuals in Crimea and Russia in response to Russia’s failure to Mr Duncan: DFID’s aid to Burma, including to deescalate the crisis and enter into negotiations with Rakhine state, is provided on the basis of the humanitarian Ukraine following the invasion of Crimea. HMG are and development needs of the poor and vulnerable clear that further measures need to be taken, and the people there. Progress on humanitarian access is not a European Council will consider further sanctions, including condition we set for giving aid in Burma, but we regularly economic and trade measures, later this week. urge the Government to improve humanitarian aid access. Western Sahara Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign has had with the Burmese government on its commitment and Commonwealth Affairs if he will (a) discuss with to release Rohingya political prisoners held in Buthidaung the Moroccan ambassador to the UK and (b) instruct and Maungdaw prisons. [191938] the British ambassador in Rabat to investigate reports of injuries by the Moroccan police to Sultana Khaya, Mr Duncan: DFID welcomed President Thein Sein’s President of Saharawi Observatory for the protection order in December 2013 to release all prisoners and of Natural Resources in Bojador when she was persons facing trial for political offences. However, we demonstrating against the use of Saharawi natural are concerned there are individuals in prison whose resources in Bojador, Western Sahara. [192386] status is disputed. During the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my right hon. Friend the Hugh Robertson: We are aware of reports of a recent Member for East Devon (Mr Swire)’s visit to Burma at demonstration in Bojador. We regularly emphasise to the end of January, he personally raised the issue of Morocco the importance of full respect for human political prisoners with Soe Thane, Minister of the rights in Western Sahara, including when policing President’s Office, and urged the Government to release demonstrations. I raised issues relating to Western Sahara all remaining political prisoners. With Shwe Mann, during my trip to Rabat earlier this month. Speaker of the Lower House, he also raised the issue of 681W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 682W activists who are being charged under legislation which : DFID humanitarian advisers are in is not in line with international standards. We will regular contact with UNICEF and international non- continue to push the Burmese Government to ensure governmental organisations working on education in that its review mechanism is comprehensive and transparent, Lebanon and Jordan. leading to the release of all political prisoners. Mr : To ask the Secretary of State for Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what discussions she has International Development what funding the Government had with international non-governmental organisations provides in Burma for programmes supporting the about the provision of work permits to Syrian refugees eradication of drug production. [192417] in (a) Lebanon and (b) Jordan; [192092] (2) what discussions she has had with the Lebanese Mr Duncan: DFID has no programmes in Burma government on the provision of work permits to Syrian with the specific purpose of the eradication of drug refugees in Lebanon. [192090] production. Justine Greening: DFID is in regular contact with international non-governmental organisations on this Developing Countries: Family Planning issue. Trade Union Officials Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to answer to the hon. Member for Foyle of 10 March 2014, Official Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Report, column 42W, on developing countries: family International Development what funding her planning, what empirical bases and methodologies her Department provided for staff to carry out trade union Department uses in its annual assessment of the extent activities in each of the last three years; and how many to which the Government is achieving value for money days staff spent on those activities in those years. from its Programme Partnership Arrangement funding [191026] to Marie Stopes International and the International Planned Parenthood Federation; how the estimate of Mr Duncan: DFID expenditure on trade union activities 715,929 abortions was arrived at; what meaning is and the number of days spent on those activities, in given to unsafe when describing such abortions; and each of the last three financial years, is detailed in the how her Department arrives at an evidence-based following table: understanding of what constitutes an unsafe abortion Financial when no data is collected on the abortions performed year Total days Cost (£) by partner organisations. [192156] 2010-11 207 33,880 Lynne Featherstone: DFID’s Value for Money 2011-12 169 27,711 assessments of all its Programme Partnership 2012-13 169 27,931 Arrangements, including Marie Stopes International (MSI) and International Planned Parenthood Federation Uganda (IPPF); involves consideration of how they minimise costs and maximise results. Achieved results are compared : To ask the Secretary of State for to pre-agreed outputs and outcomes, and organisations International Development whether her Department must demonstrate how costs are kept at a proportionate directly or indirectly contributed (a) financially and level. (b) in other ways to the work of the Committee on Estimated numbers of unsafe abortions averted are Human Rights Affairs of the Parliament of Uganda in modelled from collected family planning data entered (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12, (iii) 2012-13 and (iv) 2013-14. into the Impact-2 estimator tool, owned by MSI. As [191907] with all modelled data the results are approximate. Further information can be found at Lynne Featherstone: DFID provided support to the http://www.mariestopes.org/impact-2 Westminster Foundation for Democracy, which contributed to the process that created the Committee on Human DFID uses the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Rights Affairs of the Parliament of Uganda in 2012. definition of safe and unsafe abortion; DFID’s DFID’s support to the multi-donor Democratic understanding of abortion levels, safe and unsafe, are Governance Facility to the Committee on Human Rights guided by WHO data. The most recent estimates of Affairs began in 2012 and runs until June 2014. global and regional levels of unsafe abortion and related mortality were published by the WHO in 2012.

HOME DEPARTMENT Middle East Alcoholic Drinks Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has Mark Tami: To ask the Secretary of State for the had with international non-governmental organisations Home Department (1) what recent discussions she has about the language difficulties of Syrian refugee children had with representatives of the online retail industry to in schools in (a) Lebanon and (b) Jordan. [192091] discuss the sale of alcohol online; [191028] 683W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 684W

(2) what steps she is taking to promote the Crime Survey for England and Wales, which is based on responsible sale of alcohol online; [191029] victims’ experiences rather than police figures. Both sets (3) how often she has met representatives of the of data show police reform is working and crime is online retail industry to discuss the sale of age- continuing to fall. Overall, crime has fallen under this restricted products in the last two years; [191030] coalition Government by more than 10% according to the Crime Survey and this is mirrored by the fall in (4) what support her Department provides to online police recorded crime since 2010. retailers to help them identify minors when selling age restricted products. [191046] Table 1: Total number of crimes (excluding fraud offences) recorded by the police in the South Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership in each of the last five years Norman Baker: Ministers have meetings with a wide variety of partners and other organisations Year to September and individuals in the public and private sectors, as part 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 of the process of policy development and delivery. South 5,649 5,210 4,976 4,141 4,048 Details of these meetings are passed to the Cabinet Staffordshire Office on a quarterly basis and are subsequently published Source: on the gov.uk website at: Police recorded crime, Home Office https://www.gov.uk/search?tab=departments-policy-results&q =Ministers%27+hospitality%2C+gifts%2C+travel+and+meetings Driving Offences The Home Secretary has issued guidance to licensing authorities under the Licensing Act 2003 including on Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for the law with regard to online sales of alcohol. All the Home Department how many penalties for licensed premises conducting online sales must, as a infringement of advanced stop lines were issued to (a) minimum, require those who appear to be under 18 motorists and (b) cyclists in each of the last three years of age to produce identification bearing their years. [192428] photograph, date of birth and a holographic mark on request, before being served alcohol. Online age verification James Brokenshire: Available information relates to measures should also be used to ensure, where possible, the number of fixed penalty notices (FPNs) issued to that alcohol is not sold to any person under the age of motorists by the police in England and Wales for offences 18. This Government has increased the powers available relating to neglect of traffic directions. Data on FPNs to the police and local authorities to deal with the reported to the Home Office do not separately identify offence of persistently selling alcohol to children and individual offences from within this group, such as has doubled the maximum fine to £20,000. These new those issued specifically for infringement of advance measures came into force in April 2012. stop lines. Asylum: Syria There were 168,002 FPNs issued for neglect of traffic directions in 2009, 148,179 in 2010 and 118,129 in 2011. Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Data for 2012 are scheduled for publication on 3 April Home Department how many Syrians have relocated 2014. under the vulnerable person relocation scheme since 29 January 2014. [192325] Female Genital Mutilation

James Brokenshire: We intend to bring the first Syrians relocated under the Vulnerable Persons Relocation (VPR) Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for the scheme, into the UK by the end of March and will Home Department (1) if she will bring forward provide an update to the House. The scheme prioritises legislative proposals to make the reporting of female women and children at risk or in need of medical care, genital mutilation cases mandatory for all public sector and survivors of torture and violence; given the particular workers; [191984] vulnerability of these individuals, it has been essential (2) if she will bring forward legislative proposals to to work with partners including the United Nations make conspiring to perform female genital mutilation a High Commissioner for Refugees and local authorities criminal offence. [191986] to ensure that the support, services and accommodation they need are in place before they arrive in the UK. Norman Baker [holding answer 18 March 2014]: Crime: Staffordshire Performing FGM has been a specific criminal offence since the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985. : To ask the Secretary of State for Conspiring to perform FGM is also an offence. Moreover, the Home Department what assessment she has made the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 made it an of trends in the level of crime in South Staffordshire in offence for UK nationals or permanent UK residents to each of the last five years; and if she will make a carry out FGM abroad or to aid, abet, counsel or statement. [192250] procure the carrying out of FGM abroad, even in countries where FGM is legal. Norman Baker: The following figures show the total The Ministry of Justice and the Home Office are number of police recorded offences in the South currently considering proposals from the Director of Staffordshire Community Safety Partnership for each Public Prosecutions on whether the criminal law can be of the last five years. Recorded crime in South Staffordshire further strengthened and is also considering whether a has fallen consistently over the past five years. This is in civil law remedy might provide an additional tool to line with the recorded crime statistics and the independent tackle FGM. 685W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 686W

Under section 47 of the Children Act 1989, anyone National Public Order Intelligence Unit who has information that a child is potentially or actually at risk of significant harm is required to inform social Mr Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for the care or the police. FGM is child abuse and the robust Home Department if she will extend the review into frameworks which place clear statutory duties on local the Special Demonstration Squad to include also the authorities and other agencies to safeguard and promote National Public Order Intelligence Unit. [191566] the welfare of children are equally applicable to FGM. James Brokenshire [holding answer 17 March 2014]: Mr Nicholas Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for As the Secretary of State for the Home Department, my the Home Department how the risk of female genital right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs mutilation is assessed under immigration rules for May), said in her statement to the House on 6 March applicants for asylum in the UK. [192329] 2014, Official Report, columns 1061-66, there is significant further work that needs to take place before the public James Brokenshire: An individual who claims that inquiry can begin its work. That further work will she would, on return to her home country, suffer female inform the scope of the inquiry and its terms of reference. genital mutilation may qualify for refugee status if she is able to demonstrate that her fear of return is well-founded. Northern Ireland Factors that are taken into account when assessing the risk include evidence that female genital mutilation is knowingly tolerated by the authorities or that the authorities Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State are unable or unwilling to offer effective protection. The for the Home Department when she last visited national UK does not seek to remove individuals who face a real security establishments and personnel in Northern Ireland. risk of persecution on return. [192365] Asylum decision-makers consider claims for international James Brokenshire: Home Office Ministers and officials protection carefully and sensitively and ensure that all have various meetings with, and visits to, a wide variety evidence relating to an individual’s claim is taken into of partners, as well as organisations and individuals in account. Each claim is considered on its own merits in the public and private sectors, as part of the process of the light of country of origin information and guidance. policy development and delivery. Specific guidance and training on gender-specific issues, including the risk of female genital mutilation, is provided to decision-makers. Nurseries

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Human Trafficking Home Department what estimate she has made of the number of workplace nurseries available to staff in (a) Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the her Department and (b) her Department’s executive Home Department pursuant to the answer of 5 March agencies or non-departmental public bodies in (i) 2010, 2014, Official Report, column 819W,on human trafficking, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15. [192447] on what date the terms of reference for the review of the National Referral Mechanism will be finalised; when Karen Bradley: No workplace nurseries have been or the review of the National Referral Mechanism will are available to staff in the Home Department, its commence; when the review of the National Referral executive agencies or non-departmental public bodies Mechanism will be (a) completed and (b) published; in 2010, 2013-14 or 2014-15. and if she will make a statement. [191817] The Home Office operates a childcare voucher salary sacrifice scheme for staff, which staff can use to help Karen Bradley: An announcement on the review of meet the costs of registered child care. the National Referral Mechanism will be made shortly. Organised Crime: Northern Ireland Human Trafficking: Children Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for the made of the potential effect on levels of organised Home Department how trafficked children will be crime in Northern Ireland of extending the operations identified and referred to the Government’s new of the National Crime Agency in Northern Ireland. personal advocates trial for child victims of trafficking; [192367] and if she will make a statement. [192159] Karen Bradley: The National Crime Agency (NCA) is Karen Bradley: We know that children who have been committed to assisting the Police Service of Northern trafficked are incredibly vulnerable and that they are Ireland (PSNI) to tackle serious and organised crime in not always getting the support and protection that they Northern Ireland, as far as the restrictions on its powers need. In January my Department announced proposals permit. However, the restrictions on the NCA’s operations to trial specialist, independent advocates for trafficked mean that PSNI resources are used to deal with matters children. These specialist, independent advocates will that would be dealt with by the NCA elsewhere in the be both experts in trafficking, and also completely UK, and PSNI cannot access certain specialist capabilities independent of the local authority. which are held within the NCA. 687W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 688W

It is not too much of a stretch to conclude that the James Brokenshire [holding answer 10 March 2014]: risks to Northern Ireland from organised crime groups As has been made clear by the legal proceedings relating are increased because of this, and that the response to to Mr Downey, an administrative scheme was in operation organised crime in Northern Ireland would be more from around September 2000. This scheme was devised effective if the NCA had access to its full range of by the previous Government and referred to by the powers. I have offered assistance to the Minister of then-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Lord Justice in Northern Ireland, David Ford, in his endeavours John Reid, in a parliamentary question on 1 July 2002, to expand the NCA’s role, under appropriate accountability Official Report, column 163W. The Secretary of State arrangements tailored to Northern Ireland’s structures. for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), assumed office Rape: Prosecutions on 11 May 2010 and was alerted following John Downey’s arrest at London Gatwick on 19 May 2013. This Government does not support an amnesty for Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the people wanted by the police in connection with terrorist Home Department what recent discussions she has had offences. The Prime Minister announced on Thursday with chief constables on the proportion of reported 27 February that a judge would be appointed to provide rape cases being referred to the Crown Prosecution an independent review of the administrative scheme by Service for a decision on prosecution; and if she will the end of May 2014. The review will produce a full public make a statement. [191428] account of the operation and extent of the scheme.

Norman Baker [holding answer 17 March 2014]: On UN Commission on the Status of Women 3 February 2014, the Minister of State for Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims and I jointly wrote to all police and crime commissioners and chief constables, Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for the encouraging them to use data issued by HMIC on rape, Home Department whether the commitments made in in conjunction with the data on rape referrals from the the outcome document of the UN Commission on the police to the Crown Prosecution Service, to improve Status of Women 2013 outcome document have been their force’s response to rape. met and implemented to date; and if she will make a statement. [192128]

Stalking Norman Baker: Eliminating and preventing violence against women and girls was the priority theme for the Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Commission on the Status of Women in 2013. The Home Department what plans she has to extend Coalition Government is committed to fulfilling our sections 2A and 4A of the Protection from Harassment obligations to tackle such violence both in the UK and Act 1997 to Northern Ireland. [191737] overseas. The cross-Government Action Plan, ‘ACall to End Violence against Women and Girls’, was published Norman Baker: Crime and policing has been a devolved on 8th March and incorporates key recommendations issue in Northern Ireland since April 2010, following from the ‘Agreed Conclusions’. the devolution of crime and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly. Wildlife: Animal Experiments

Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints of alleged Home Department what controls are in place to ensure stalking behaviour were received by each police force in that wild animals imported into the UK under scientific England and Wales in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13; licences are only used for scientific purposes and not and if she will make a statement. [191739] sold as pets or used for other purposes. [191654]

Norman Baker: The Home Office does not hold data Norman Baker: The issue of the release of protected on the number of stalking complaints received by police animals from the controls of the Animals (Scientific forces. The available data only cover those offences Procedures) Act 1986 is set out in section 17a of the Act. recorded by the police. Not all complaints will necessarily A protected animal must not be released unless the be recorded as offences. Secretary of State has consented and is satisfied: Additionally, stalking is not currently an offence That the animal’s state of health allows it to be set free or classification in its own right, as it is included under a re-homed; broader harassment classification. It will become a separate that the setting free or re-homing of the animal poses no offence classification from April 2014. danger to public health, animal health or the environment; that there is an adequate scheme in place for ensuring the socialisation of the animal upon being set free or re-homed; and Terrorism that other appropriate measures have been taken to safeguard the animal’s wellbeing upon being set free or re-homed. Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for the The Secretary of State must not consent to the setting Home Department when she became aware of the free of a relevant protected animal which has been administrative scheme giving on-the-run republican taken from the wild unless the Secretary of State is also terrorist suspects reassurances that they were no longer satisfied that the animal has undergone a programme of being sought for prosecution within the UK: and if she rehabilitation or that it would be inappropriate for the will make a statement. [190562] animal to be required to undergo such a programme. 689W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 690W

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Green Deal is not a grant regime. Green Deal Finance Plans are one element of the scheme. DECC will publish Fuel Poverty: Blackburn regional breakdowns of “live” Green Deal plans on 20 March 2014 and more detailed geographic breakdowns as the programme becomes more established. Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many (a) energy Fuel Poverty: Lancashire companies obligation, (b) affordable warmth and (c) green deal grants were allocated in the BB postcode Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for area in each year since 2012. [192430] Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the number of people who have been removed from Gregory Barker: Data for the Energy Company fuel poverty as a result of the energy companies Obligation (ECO) are currently available at local authority obligation in (a) Lancashire and (b) Pendle and parliamentary constituency level. We do not publish constituency. [192431] data at postcode level. However, the BB postcode areas cover a number of local authorities including Blackburn Gregory Barker: ECO plays a vital role in tackling the and Darwen unitary authority area, and the Green principal cause of fuel poverty—energy inefficient housing. Deal and ECO quarterly Official Statistics release includes The Affordable Warmth and Carbon Saving Communities breakdowns by both administrative area and parliamentary elements of ECO are specifically directed at tackling constituency for the provisional number of ECO measures fuel poverty. Over time, official statistics will indicate by obligation, including affordable warmth, up to the how policies such as ECO are driving up energy efficiency end of September 2013. See Tables 1.10a and 1.10b at: standards in fuel poor homes. However, we cannot https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/green-deal- estimate the number of individuals or households removed energy-company-obligation-eco-and-insulation-levels-in- from fuel poverty as a result of a single policy on a great-britain-quarterly-report-to-september-2013 regional or constituency basis. The next quarterly Official Statistics release, covering ECO delivery data is available by administrative area activity up to the end of December 2013, is planned for and constituency. The figures for Affordable Warmth publication on 20 March 2014. and Carbon Saving Communities are:

Number of Affordable Warmth Number of Carbon Saving Communities Area measures measures Total

Lancashire (administrative area) 4,699 1,582 6,281 Pendle (constituency) 563 162 725

These figures have been taken from our most recent NORTHERN IRELAND report, from December 2013, which relates to ECO Nurseries delivery up to the end of September 2013. This report and future updates are hosted on the Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for ECO and Green Deal statistics website: Northern Ireland what estimate she has made of the https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/green-deal-and- number of workplace nurseries available to staff in (a) energy-company-obligation-eco-statistics her Department and (b) her Department’s non- departmental public bodies in (i) 2010, (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15. [192450] Nuclear Power Stations Mrs Villiers: My Department does not operate any John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for workplace nurseries; staff have access to the Westminster Energy and Climate Change if he will suspend Holiday Play Scheme which parents can use during the co-operation between his Department and the Russian school holidays. state nuclear company Rosatom on planning for a new My Department has two executive non-departmental nuclear plant. [191901] public bodies—the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and the Parades Commission for Northern Michael Fallon: The Government and Rosatom signed Ireland; and one advisory non-departmental public body— a Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing a the Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland. As Programme of Commercial Co-operation in Civil Nuclear such bodies are independent of Government, the hon. Energy in September last year. Decisions on how this Member may wish to write to the Commissions directly work will be taken forward, are under consideration in on this matter—contact details are set out in the following the light of recent developments in Ukraine. table:

Public Body Status Contact Details

Parades Commission for Northern Ireland Executive NDPB [email protected] Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission Executive NDPB [email protected] Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland Advisory NDPB [email protected] 691W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 692W

Public Order Offences: Belfast High Speed 2

Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for 14. Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent assessment she has made Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that High of rates of prosecutions in North Belfast for public Speed 2 represents value for money. [903177] order offences. [191943] Mr Goodwill: The Government is determined to maximise Mrs Villiers: Public order issues are primarily a matter the transport and wider benefits HS2 delivers for the for the Minister of Justice and the Chief Constable in UK economy. The project already offers high value for line with the devolution settlement. money and we have also established the HS2 Growth The prosecution of those involved in public disorder Task Force to advise is on how to further exploit those is a matter for the PSNI and the independent Public benefits. The task force will report on the 21 March. Prosecution Service. Rail Network Infrastructure Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions she has had with (a) the 15. Mr Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of Northern Ireland Justice Minister, (b) the Director of State for Transport what steps he is taking to improve Public Prosecutions and (c) the Chief Constable of the the rail network infrastructure. [903178] Police Service of Northern Ireland on the prosecution of public order offences in Belfast. [191944] Stephen Hammond: Our rail investment strategy will see investments of £16 billion by Government which Mrs Villiers: Public order issues are primarily a matter forms part of Network Rail’s £38 billion investment in for the Minister of Justice and the Chief Constable in improvements to the rail network by 2019. This includes line with the devolution settlement. major capacity increases into and between our major I do however meet regularly with the Chief Constable cities and a rolling programme of electrification. Demand and the Minister of Justice to discuss a range of issues for rail continues to grow and our plans for HS2 provide and this would include public order as and when a step-change in the capacity and speed of rail services appropriate. in the next decade. Terrorism Rural Bus Services

Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern 16. Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Ireland how many terrorist acts by alleged (a) republicans Transport what steps he is taking to support rural bus and (b) loyalists have been recorded by the Police services. [903179] Service of Northern Ireland in the last 12 months. [191877] Stephen Hammond: The Government remains committed to improving bus services for all and expenditure on Mrs Villiers: PSNI Statistics and Research Branch buses reflects this. This year, the Government will spend regularly publish security situation statistics which include over £1 billion on the concessionary travel entitlement, terrorist acts. The most recent bulletin published on and over £340 million in direct subsidy to bus operators 18 March 2014 covering the period 1 March 2013 to in England. Over £300 million has been allocated to 28 February 2014 can be found at the following link: funding major bus projects in the last year. http://www.psni.police.uk/ security_situation_statistics_to_february_2014.pdf Road and Rail Network: Flooding It is not possible to break these down to acts by alleged loyalists and republicans. 17. Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effect of recent flooding on the rail and road network. TRANSPORT [903181] Railway Stations Mr McLoughlin: I recognise that the wettest winter on record has impacted on transport links in many 13. Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for parts of the country. The Department for Transport is Transport what plans he has to improve existing providing over £209 million to help repair damage to railway stations and build new ones. [903176] both rail and roads as quickly as possible. I have also appointed Richard Brown to conduct a targeted review Stephen Hammond: The Government is providing of the response of the transport network to extreme £100 million to the National Stations Improvement weather events and for him to report to me by the Fund and £100 million for Access for All in the period summer. 2014-19. This is in addition to major investment which is already under way at Birmingham New Street and Road Markings Reading. It is for local transport authorities to identify whether 18. Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for a new station is the best way to meet local transport Transport what recent assessment his Department has need and, if so, to secure funding from locally allocated made of the overall condition of road markings on funds such as the Local Growth Fund. roads and motorways. [903182] 693W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 694W

Mr Goodwill: Highway authorities have a duty of Cycling: Safety care to ensure road markings are maintained so that they can be seen by motorists. Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Contractors are required to regularly monitor the Transport pursuant to the answer of 11 February 2014, condition of markings on trunk roads and motorways. Official Report, column 525W, on cycling: safety, if he will publish a breakdown of the source of cycling Bus Services: Disability funding by (a) central Government, (b) local authority and (c) the private sector for the period 2005 to 2010. [192400] Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the answer of 27 February Mr Goodwill: From the 2005-06 financial year through 2012, Official Report, column 151W, on bus services: to 2010-11 cycling was funded by the Department for disability, what steps the Government has taken to Transport through Cycling England, an arm’s length ensure that operators comply with the Public Service organisation set up in 2005. During the five years 2005-06 Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000. [192043] to 2009-10 Cycling England received £105 million from central Government. This compares to £278 million Stephen Hammond: In order to ensure compliance funding for cycling from central Government from 2010-11 with the specific requirements of the Public Service to 2014-15. Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 (PSVAR), the Department for Transport funds inspection work The Department does not hold records for local undertaken by vehicle examiners from the Driver and authority funding. There are a wide variety of sources Vehicle Standards Agency. In order to understand overall local authorities may use to fund cycling, therefore the compliance trends, the Department also monitors latest local authorities themselves will be best placed to respond. survey statistics, which as of September 2013 show that Similarly, the Department does not record private sector 78% of buses in England have PSVARcertificates, while funding. 92% of buses are low floor. High Speed 2 Railway Line

Bus Services: Finance : To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to respond to the High Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Speed 2 Environmental Statement consultation. [192284] Transport pursuant to the answer of 26 February 2014, Official Report, column 386W, on bus services: finance, Mr Goodwill: The purpose of the consultation on the if he will provide a breakdown of (a) funding previously Environmental Statement is to inform MPs of the public’s paid to bus operators for running services under tender views on it, ahead of them voting on whether the High to local authorities, (b) funding previously paid to local Speed Rail (London—West Midlands) Bill should be authorities for running community transport services read a second time. The independent assessor, appointed in-house, (c) bus service operators’ grant funding and by Parliament, will prepare a report summarising the top-up payments for those authorities which have been issues raised in the responses to the Environmental designated as Better Bus Areas for (i) each of the last Statement consultation, by 7 April. There is therefore three years and (ii) the next two years. [192399] no intention to provide a formal Government response. A response to last year’s consultation on the draft Stephen Hammond: The sums in question which we Environmental Statement was published when the Bill will be devolving to local authorities in April each year was introduced. replace the Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) previously Kettering Station paid to (i) bus operators for running services under tender, and (ii) local authorities who run community Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for transport services in-house. The sums to be paid to Transport if he will take steps to ensure that Kettering local authorities each April have been calculated based station has a half-hourly service northwards on the on the amount of BSOG previously paid for tendered Midland Mainline restored to it when the East Midlands and in-house services in their area in the most recent 12 Trains franchise is renegotiated. [192107] month period for which records were available. Our current estimate for the total annual sum to be Stephen Hammond: The process for awarding the devolved is £39.2 million for tendered services, and £2.7 East Midlands Trains franchise has not yet started. As million for in-house community transport ones. part of this process the Department for Transport will The amount of devolved grant funding which we consider what affordable improvements can be made have paid and expect to pay to authorities in the five that may deliver value for money on the franchise. Better Bus Areas (BBAs) is as follows: Roads: Repairs and Maintenance £ million (rounded) Jesse Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012-13 0.5 Transport what steps he is taking to repair potholes. 2013-14 2.5 [903166] 2014-15 4.9 2015-16 7.3 Mr Goodwill: The Department for Transport is providing over £1 billion to local authorities this financial year for The first of these BBAs was set up in 2012-13, so no local highways maintenance which includes tackling figures are available for earlier years. potholes. 695W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 696W

The Chancellor of the Exchequer on 19 March as churches; if he will set out a timetable for such steps; part of the Budget announced an additional £200 million and if he will make a statement. [191918] in 2014-15 specifically to address the problem of potholes—£168 million of this new funding is being George Eustice [holding answer 18 March 2014]: made available to councils in England. Further guidance DEFRA has commissioned research to identify techniques will be made available on how councils can bid for this that can be used to deter bats from sensitive areas of funding in the coming weeks. churches. We plan to publish the findings soon, it is The Highways Maintenance Efficiency Programme anticipated that Natural England will then participate which the Department for Transport sponsors published in work to trial techniques identified by the research in a report in April 2012 which provides advice to councils several churches during the course of 2014 and develop on how to deal with potholes. This is available at the a toolkit and advice pack for use by the beginning of following weblink: 2015. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Floods: Northamptonshire attachment_data/file/3995/pothole-review.pdf Andy Sawford: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what flood prevention measures have been undertaken in (a) Corby and East ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Northamptonshire and (b) Northamptonshire in the last four years; and how many staff of (i) his Department Animal Welfare: Circuses and (ii) the Environment Agency have been employed on those matters. [192231] Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Dan Rogerson: Following severe flooding from the Government plans to bring forward legislative proposals River Nene in 1998, significant investment in flood risk on the use of wild animals in circuses. [903154] management structures and defences was undertaken in the following locations in Northamptonshire: George Eustice: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer Thrapston (in the Corby and East Northamptonshire constituency); given on 6 March 2014, Official Report, column 980W. Northampton; Weedon; and Bats Kislingbury. The following table details key flood risk management Sir Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for projects and studies undertaken in the last four years in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Northamptonshire (including Corby and East Department is taking to mitigate the impact of bats on Northamptonshire).

Lead Organisation/ Risk Management Project Name Area Authority Description

Corby Flood Risk Corby and East Corby Borough Supporting CBC with flood risk technical advice in relation to the study which is: Management Study Northants Council (CBC) Reviewing all flood risk problems throughout the Borough of Corby Focussing on three main areas: Gainsborough Road, Pen Green and Cottingham Road Reservoir Safety— Corby and East Environment Agency Works to the flood storage reservoir spillway. These works were undertaken to ensure the Weldon Flood Northants reservoir remained compliant with the Reservoirs Act 1975 and continues to provide Storage Reservoir effective flood storage. Property Level Northants Environment Agency Isolated properties that fall within ’significant risk’ categories—working in partnership Protection (PLP) with NCC to look at properties that also experience surface water flooding problems. Project This project is currently in the early stages of development with surveys being undertaken. Wooldale Road Northants Environment Agency An embankment was created to reduce the risk of fluvial flooding on Wooldale road at a Northampton low spot adjacent to Wootton Brook. Flood Defence Grant Northants Environment Agency Developing and submitting bids for FDGiA funded Flood Risk Management projects. in Aid (FDGiA) Coordinating bids from other Risk Management Authorities. project bids FDGiA Scheme Bids Northants Northants County Supporting NCC, and others, with the submission of their bids for FDGiA funded Council (NCC) and Flood Risk Management projects. other Risk Management Organisations Section 19 Northants Northants County Supporting NCC undertake Section 19 investigations in accordance with the Flood and Investigations Council (NCC) Water Management Act 2010. This includes the investigation into flooding at Gainsborough Road. See the following link to NCC’s website detailing the reports published to date: www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/en/councilservices/Environ/flood/Pages/Flood- Investigations.aspx

With regard to maintenance, the Environment Agency as appropriate, such as weed/vegetation clearance during has a planned programme for watercourse and flood the summer months, cutting grass on raised defences defence inspections in accordance with nationally defined and bushing works during winter months. standards. Watercourses are inspected annually to assess the condition of flood defences and flow carrying capacities. An average of 15 Environment Agency staff (full-time Following asset inspections, maintenance is undertaken equivalents) are engaged in flood risk management work (maintenance, incident management, partnership 697W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 698W work and project work) in Northamptonshire. This is Wildlife: Imports supplemented by contractors as required. It is not possible to provide a separate figure for the Corby and East Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Northamptonshire constituency. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to determine whether wild animals Unmanned Air Vehicles being imported into the UK are being sourced (a) illegally from the wild and (b) from legal captive-breeding Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for facilities; what estimate he made of the number of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the animals so imported in the last three years; and what answer of 25 February 2014, Official Report, column steps he takes to ensure good animal welfare standards 287W on unmanned air vehicles, if he will publish a full in captive-breeding facilities in the UK. [191702] list of all unmanned air vehicles systems used by those agencies; how many such systems have been acquired George Eustice: The UK is a party to the Convention for use by those agencies; and what his Department’s on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). policy is on the storage and use of data obtained by Information related to the import into the EU of any such systems. [R] [191663] CITES specimen is the responsibility of, and is provided by, the CITES Management Authority of the exporting Dan Rogerson: Core DEFRA has not acquired or country. The UK must accept an export permit from a used unmanned air vehicle systems. The Centre for third country as being proof that specimens were obtained Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science have in accordance with the relevant legislation of the country acquired two fixed wing Quest 200 vehicles. The Royal concerned. However, if on import officials have reason Botanic Gardens have acquired a Flysense Ebee fixed to believe such information has been misdeclared, the wing aircraft. specimen can be seized at the Border Inspection Post. The Food and Environment Research Agency, DEFRA does not keep records of such seizures and has Environment Agency, Natural England and the Royal made no assessment of numbers of wild sourced specimens Botanic Gardens have all used and trialled vehicles illegally imported. operated by commercial suppliers, including a Trimble The number of applications for imports of captive Gatewing, a DJI S800 Spreading Wings, a Swinglet and bred CITES specimens in the last three years is as an Albotix Intl Aibot X6 Hexacopter. follows: DEFRA has a range of policies and guidance in place to ensure secure and effective management of Number of data obtained from various sources including unmanned Applications Species specimens air vehicle systems. The vehicles are not gathering 2011 394 78 15,021 information that identifies individuals. The following 2012 459 97 17,360 guidance note has been issued. 2013 394 91 13,529 Guidance note issued to relevant DEFRA network staff on Data Protection aspects of unmanned air vehicles Any import requests for captive bred CITES specimens Current Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) are assessed by the UK’s Scientific Authority (the Joint capability and use in the DEFRA network is for still Nature Conservation Committee). This may involve the and not video images. These images are obtained from a seeking of additional information from the country of vertical overhead angle Image resolution and the overhead origin. Specific animal welfare requirements usually fall angle of the images means individuals cannot be identified. to local authorities under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 Neither can other sensitive personal data, such as car (AWA). The AWA requires that all owners and keepers number plates. RPAS is used on the DEFRA estate, have to provide for the welfare needs of their animals; over third party property with the owner’s permission, anyone failing to do so may be guilty of an offence. The and in areas where the owner or occupier is unknown. UK’s CITES licensing authority (the Animal Health Where RPAS is used over the DEFRA estate, personal and Veterinary Laboratories Agency) may require a data is not captured. Where RPAS is used to capture care and accommodation questionnaire to be completed images away from the estate, the data captured should by an applicant to provide data regarding the final be considered to be personal data, as defined by the destination facilities of an import as part of the application DPA, if the land is owned or rented by natural, living process. persons. This is because it contains information about The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 sets out a comprehensive personal property, such as types of crops growing at inspection regime for zoos: inspections must look at all a specific location, which can be linked to a natural person. features of the zoo relevant to the health, welfare and This type of data is considered low sensitivity. safety of the animals in them and the public. DEFRA provides guidance on the Data Protection Act’s 8 data protection principles (DPPs) in part I of Woodland Grant Scheme schedule 1 to the DPA. Where images relate to land where the owner or occupier is unknown, the fair processing requirement-informing subjects of personal data, could Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for be difficult to comply with. In such cases, this requirement Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the could be achieved by placing a relevant fair processing answer of 29 January 2014, Official Report, columns notice on the DEFRA/agency website, but all reasonable 552-3W, on forests: finance, in which parliamentary measures must be taken so far as is practicable to constituencies the unsuccessful grant applications were inform each individual land owner or tenant. located. [192311] 699W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 700W

Dan Rogerson: The English Woodland Grant Scheme Mrs Grant: The Equality and Human Rights is administered by the Forestry Commission and it does Commission is an independent body and is responsible not record information on the location of unsuccessful for its own staff management, including staff pay grant applications by parliamentary constituency. This arrangements. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive information could be provided only at disproportionate of the Commission to write to the hon. Member with cost. the information requested within the next 10 days. I shall arrange for a copy of this letter to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. WOMEN AND EQUALITIES Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality and Human Rights Commission Equalities how many members of staff working for the Equality and Human Rights Commission who are Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Minister for Women and employed through off-payroll arrangements were Equalities what estimate she has made of the number remunerated by payment to a personal services company; of staff working for the Equality and Human Rights and what the total value of any such payments was in Commission who are employed through off-payroll each of the last six financial years. [191998] arrangements in each of the last six financial years; and how long each such individual had been so employed Mrs Grant: The Equality and Human Rights by the Commission. [191965] Commission is an independent body and is responsible for its own staff management, including pay arrangements. Mrs Grant: The Equality and Human Rights I have therefore asked the Chief Executive of the Commission is an independent body and is responsible Commission to write to the hon. Member with the for its own staff management, including claims for information requested within the next 10 days. I shall expenses. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive of arrange for a copy of this letter to be placed in the the Commission to write to the hon. Member with the Libraries of both Houses. information requested within the next 10 days. I shall arrange for a copy of this letter to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. DEFENCE Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what estimate she has made of pay gaps in Afghanistan respect of (a) gender, (b) race and (c) disability amongst employees of the Equality and Human Rights Commission in each of the last five financial years; and Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for whether such estimates take account of salaries of staff Defence with reference to paragraph 39 of the final employed through off-payroll arrangements. [191966] report of UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism dated 28 February 2014, if he will Mrs Grant: The Equality and Human Rights publish the investigations report on civilian casualties Commission is an independent body and is responsible through use of remotely piloted aircraft by the UK in for its own staff management, including pay. I have Afghanistan. [191671] therefore asked the Chief Executive of the Commission to write to the hon. Member with the information Mr Francois: Any incident involving civilian casualties requested within the next 10 days. I shall arrange for a is a matter of deep regret and we take every possible copy of this letter to be placed in the Libraries of both measure to avoid such incidents. The report of UN Houses. Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, dated 28 February 2014, details the only known incident Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Minister for Women and in over 57,000 hours of UK Reaper operations that Equalities if she will place in the Library a list of resulted in the deaths of civilians. This incident took expenses which were (a) claimed by and (b) paid to (i) place on 25 March 2011 and resulted in the death of Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Board four civilians in addition to two insurgents. An International members, (ii) members of the EHRC Senior Management Security Assistance Force (ISAF) investigation was carried team and (iii) all staff employed via off-payroll arrangements out and concluded that the actions of the Reaper crew in each of the last three financial years. [191968] had been in accordance with extant procedures and ISAF rules of engagement. As this was an ISAF Mrs Grant: The Equality and Human Rights investigation, any final decision on the reports disclosure Commission is an independent body and is responsible sits within the ISAF chain of command. for its own staff management, including claims for expenses. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive of Air Force: Equipment the Commission to write to the hon. Member with the information requested within the next 10 days. I shall Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for arrange for a copy of this letter to be placed in the Defence (1) what the (a) quantity and (b) value is of Libraries of both Houses. all transport equipment tangible fixed asset items Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Minister for Women and valued at £1 million or over held on Air Command’s Equalities what assessment she has made of the (a) balance sheet; [191185] average and (b) highest daily rate paid to staff working (2) what the (a) quantity and (b) value is of all for the Equality and Human Rights Commission plant and machinery tangible fixed asset items valued employed through off-payroll arrangements in each of at £1 million or over held on Air Command’s balance the last six financial years. [191997] sheet. [191186] 701W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 702W

Mr Dunne: All of Air Command’s tangible fixed Dounreay asset items with a value of over £1 million are held on the Defence Equipment and Support balance sheet. Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for The total number and value of assets valued over £1 Defence which radionuclides were emitted from the million at present Net Book Value, rounded to the Vulcan Naval Reactor Test Establishment at Dounreay nearest million, is shown in the following table. following the January 2012 incident; and in what quantities. [192046] Type Number Value (£ million)

Transport 77 1,429 Mr Dunne: Discharges from the Naval Reactor Test Plant, Machinery and 14 91 Establishment have remained well within the limits approved Vehicles by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The most up to date figures are from 2012, and are shown in the following tables. Armed Forces: Rape Annual Site Liquid Discharges (MBq) Type 2012 SEPA approved limit : To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the military prosecutor who made the Cobalt-60 53 15,000 decision not to bring any charges in relation to the rape Other Beta 221 5,000 allegation brought by Corporal Anne-Marie Ellement Tritium 21,688 150,000 had undertaken the specialist training on rape and sexual offences compulsory for CPS prosecutors who Annual Site Gaseous Discharges (MBq) work on rape cases at the time of that decision. Type 2012 SEPA approved limit [191580] Noble Gas 2,157 5,000 Beta 1.2 5.1 Anna Soubry: I will write to the hon. Member shortly. Particulate

Army Personnel Centre Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Commodore at Faslane Naval Base Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for was alerted that collant radioactivity had been detected Defence what the cost under each category of in the prototype reactor at NRTE Dounreay. [192099] expenditure was at the Army Personnel Centre at Kentigern House in each of the last 10 years. [192045] Mr : The then Naval Base Commander Clyde was briefed in June 2012 on the issue with the Dr Murrison: The information available on the operating reactor at the Naval Reactor Test Establishment. The costs of the Army Personnel Centre is as follows: brief was given on a need to know basis because of the potential impact on submarine operations if a similar £ million issue arose on an in-service submarine. He was also Financial briefed that there was no safety or environmental risk. year1 Personnel Infrastructure Other Total Military Bases 2007-08 30.1 1.2 1.2 32.5 2008-09 31.2 1.5 1.2 33.9 2009-10 32.0 1.2 1.0 34.2 Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010-11 32.3 1.2 0.8 34.3 Defence what the cost in each category of expenditure was of (a) RAF Leuchars, (b) HMNB Clyde, (c) RM 2011-122 32.3 0.4 0.8 33.5 Condor, (d) Headquarters 2nd Division, (e) Headquarters 2012-132 31.3 0.4 0.8 32.5 51 Brigade, (f) Redford Barracks, (g) Dreghorn Barracks, 1 Information on financial years before 2007-08 could be provided only at disproportionate cost; we are not required to retain financial (h) RAF Kinloss, (i) Fort George Barracks, (j) Glencorse data for more than seven financial years, including the financial year Barracks, (k) Defence Munitions Centre Crombie, (l) in progress. Defence Munitions Centre Beith, (m) Defence Munitions 2 From 2011-12, some Kentigern House infrastructure costs previously Centre Glen Douglas, (n) HMS Gannet, (o) RNAD borne by the Army Personnel Centre for the whole building became Coulport, (p) MOD Hebrides Ranges, (q) British the responsibility of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and are no longer attributable by individual lodger unit in Kentigern House. Underwater Testing and Evaluation Centre, (r) Loch Note: Ewe fuel depot, (s) Garelochead Defence training centre The Army Personnel Centre bears some elements of support cost on and oil fuel depot, (t) HMS Caledonia, (u) Rosyth behalf of all units located in Kentigern House. Defence Estate and (v) West Freugh training ranges area in each of the last two years. [192115] Defence: Procurement Dr Murrison: This information will take time to Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for collate. I will write to the hon. Member shortly. Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of 2014DIN01-023, Engagement with suppliers, contractors Military Bases: Yorkshire and the Humber and former bidders following termination of the Material Strategy GO-CO procurement. [192013] Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 6 January 2014, Official Mr Dunne: A copy of the Defence Instruction Notice Report, columns 14-15W, on military bases: Yorkshire has been placed in the Library of the House. and the Humber, if he will place in the Library copies of 703W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 704W all letters and emails sent by his Department, the CDS, Mr Vaizey: I have had no response to the letter to the CGS, or officers or officials working for them to, or which the hon. Member refers. I understand that the received from the officer commanding 15 Brigade or Arts Council England have reiterated their offer of from officers or officials working in 15 Brigade headquarters mediation and remain keen to support a positive outcome about the proposal to merge 15 Brigade into a new to the dispute. Adaptive Force Brigade and about where the new Adaptive Force Brigade headquarters should be based. [192160] UN Commission on the Status of Women

Mr Francois: Basing decisions were taken by the Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Army Command Group. We are checking whether it Media and Sport what plans she has to highlight the sent or received any relevant communications on this importance of women in the workplace at the forthcoming matter and I will write to the hon. Member as I originally discussions on decent work at the UN Commission on committed to do during my meeting with him in January the Status of Women 2014. [192127] of this year. Mrs Grant: On 11 March the UK delivered its national MOD St Athan statement at the EU Commission on the Status of Women. The statement drew attention to the need for Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence more women to be empowered and achieve economic what the cost was of the provision of functional skills independence. We took the opportunity to highlight the training for MoD St Athan by Bridgend College in each importance of enabling more women and girls to participate year since 2008; what the projected costs of the provision in education and training, preparing them for science, of functional skills training by a private contractor in technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. future years; whether an assessment of the business case At the Commission the Minister for Women and for the transfer of that training to a contracted provider Equalities, my right hon. Friend the Member for was carried out prior to the decision to make that Basingstoke (Maria Miller), co-hosted an international transfer; and if he will make a statement. [191784] event with Glaxo SmithKline and the Tanzanian Government, specifically to promote women working Anna Soubry: I will write to the hon. Member shortly. in STEM industries. RAF Mildenhall A panel session entitled ‘The transition of women from education to full employment and decent work, Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for with a particular focus on employment in the areas of Defence whether US C-17 aircraft carrying MQ-1 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)’ Predators refuel at RAF Mildenhall. [191667] was held at the UN on 18 March. UK officials attended the session. Mr Francois: United States Air Force C-17 aircraft World War I: Anniversaries carrying MQ-1 Predators are permitted to land at RAF Mildenhall for refuelling under standing Diplomatic Flight Clearance arrangements. The Ministry of Defence Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for has consulted its records for the last 12 months and no Culture, Media and Sport what type of wreath or floral such flights have taken place during this period. tribute the Government will use in official ceremonies to commemorate the outbreak of the First World War. Unmanned Air Vehicles [191895]

Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Grant: The Government is currently considering Defence what assessment his Department has made of the exact details of the commemoration of the outbreak, potential effects of the five additional Reaper remotely- and all other forthcoming anniversaries, of the first piloted aircraft systems procured under an urgent world war. This includes floral tributes, wreaths and operational requirement on the final part of the armed other commemorative tributes. forces redundancy programme. [191662]

Mr Francois: There will be no redundancies in the BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS final phase of the programme associated with the introduction into service of Reaper Remotely Piloted Cable Systems Air System. Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the approved cables initiative; and whether he CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT has considered bringing forward legislative proposals to ensure that only cables compliant with British, National Museum of Computing European or International standards which carry a third-party certificate are sold in the UK. [192388] Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to her answer of 24 Michael Fallon: I am aware of the objectives of the February 2014, Official Report, column 148W, on the Approved Cables Initiative and have previously been National Museum of Computing, what response she made aware of the concerns of the cable industry. To has had to her letter; and what progress the Arts Council help address these concerns, the Health and Safety has made in mediation of the disagreement. [192292] Executive (HSE) has undertaken an assessment of the 705W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 706W state of the UK market and determined that although business, benefiting from a competitive environment, there was lack of awareness of the existing product highly educated workforce and reliable infrastructure. safety legislation, there was not significant evidence of The 2014 Budget also includes a number of measures unsafe cables. which will further help Northern Ireland businesses to There is robust product safety legislation relating to invest and export. Increases in the Annual Investment cables, requiring them to be safe. Safety is determined Allowance for all businesses and Enhanced Capital on the basis of good engineering practice. Manufacturers Allowances for a pilot Enterprise Zone near Coleraine self-assess their conformity with the legislation. The will allow businesses to claim deductions in tax more principle of the legislation is that use of a standard is quickly supporting them to invest and expand. not mandatory. However, manufacturers have the option of using relevant standards to demonstrate that their Overseas Trade: Ukraine products are compliant with the requirements of the legislation. The legislation forms part of the European legislation regulating the internal market; additional Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State legislative requirements, such as for third-party testing, for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he would constitute an unlawful technical barrier to trade. has made of the value of bilateral trade between the UK and Ukraine in 2013. [192366] Green Investment Bank Michael Fallon: The estimated value of bilateral trade Mike Crockart: To ask the Secretary of State for between the UK and Ukraine in 2013 is £996 million (in Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what discussions he goods only)1. has had with local authorities on promoting the Green An estimate of the value of total (goods and services) Investment Bank’s new green loan scheme; [192370] bilateral trade between the UK and Ukraine in 2013 (2) what discussions he has had with the Green will be published by the ONS on 31 October 2014. Investment Bank on the uptake of the new green loan 1 Source: scheme by local authorities. [192369] ONS Michael Fallon: I am currently exploring with the Green Investment Bank how this Department can help Patents promote implementation of energy efficiency measures within the public sector generally, including helping to Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for raise awareness of the Green Investment Bank’s new Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has Green Loan facility as a means of financing such measures. made of the annual cost to the UK economy of patent trolls and patent assertion entities. [191963] Intellectual Property Mr Willetts: We have no current estimate of the Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for annual cost to the UK economy. However, the UK Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking Intellectual Property Office has commissioned work on to ensure that registered intellectual property is used patent litigation in the UK, as part of an international productively; and if he will make a statement. [191962] study. This included a review of actions by Patent Assertion Entities (PAEs) by Dr Luke McDonagh of Mr Willetts: The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) London School of Economics. Its results showed that provides support and information to business on how PAE actions in UK courts were usually unsuccessful to make the most of all forms of intellectual property and that their business model is not attractive if they (IP), whether registered or unregistered. In 2013 the have to run the risk of costs after losing. Fewer than a IPO launched ‘IP for Business’, a set of training tools dozen cases reached the UK courts in the period 2000-08. and advice to help businesses understand IP and how it This is a much smaller proportion than the ’troll’ litigation can be used within a business to generate revenue. The evident in the USA. IPO also funds 300 IP audits, targeted through partners at high growth businesses. These audits provide businesses Students: Loans with a detailed report, created by an IP expert, to help them develop an IP management strategy to make sure Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, they get maximum value from their IP. Innovation and Skills what recent estimate he has made Investment: Northern Ireland of the RAB charge on student loans. [192816]

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State Mr Willetts: This Department has been reviewing for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will hold our modelling of the RAB charge on student loans. We discussions with the Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister currently estimate the RAB charge on student loans to on potential economic effects of private sector investment be around 45%, which reflects our current estimate of into the Northern Ireland economy by companies located the costs to Government of the higher education subsidy in the South East of England. [192364] to students. By its nature an estimate is subject to change as it is highly dependent on macroeconomic Matthew Hancock: The UK Government is working circumstances, and the growth of graduate earnings with the Northern Ireland Executive to stimulate inward over the next 30 years. investment. Over 700 foreign investors have chosen We will continue to review our estimates in line with Northern Ireland because it is an excellent place to do the latest data and advice from experts and stakeholders. 707W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 708W

Wind Power: Seas and Oceans entitlement to (a) employment and support allowance and (b) personal independence payment there were in Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for each month in each of the last three years in each court Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the and in each local authority area. [187550] Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy, how many new apprenticeships have been created as part of the Wind Mr Vara: The First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Turbine Engineering Apprenticeship Scheme. [192026] Child Support), administered by HM Courts and Tribunals Service, hears appeals against Department for Work Matthew Hancock: The National Skills Academy for and Pensions’ decisions on a range of benefits, including Power, have reported that around 80 full-time apprentices employment and support allowance (ESA) and personal have either completed or are shortly to complete, the independence payment (PIP). Wind Turbine Engineering Apprenticeship Scheme. Data for the Social Security and Child Support (SSCS) Official Statistics on apprenticeships are not broken Tribunal cannot be provided by local authority area. down to this level of detail. All appeals to the tribunal are registered in the processing centre in the region where the appellant lives, and data Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for can be broken down to the level of these processing Business, Innovation and Skills with reference to the centres and to the venue in which they were heard. Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy, which higher education (a) Due to the volume of data required to answer the and professional institutions are including more offshore question in respect of appeals made against decisions wind specific content in engineering courses. [192027] about claims for ESA, I will arrange for this information, broken down by SSCS tribunal venue and processing Michael Fallon: The National Skills Academy for centre, to be placed in the Library of the House. Power, reports six further education colleges are in discussions to include offshore wind content in their (b) PIP is progressively replacing disability living engineering courses. allowance from April 2013. There are a number of stages a claim made to the DWP must pass through before an appeal reaches the tribunal. Therefore the tribunal only started to receive appeals made against JUSTICE PIP decisions in July 2013. Social Security Benefits: Appeals The following tables show the number of PIP appeals received by the tribunal from April to September 2013 Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State (the latest period for which information is available) by for Justice how many appeals against decisions on (1) SSCS hearing venue and by (2) processing centre.

Venue April 2013 May 2013 June 2013 July 2013 August 2013 September 2013 YTD 2013-14

Birmingham 0 0 0 0 1—01— Bolton 0 0 0 0 0 1— 1— Bury 0 0 0 0 0 1— 1— Fox Court (S) 0 0 0 0 0 1— 1— Glasgow 0 0 0 0 0 1— 1— Lancaster 0 0 0 0 0 1— 1— Liverpool 0 0 0 0 1— 1— 1— Middlesbrough 0 0 0 1— 1— 1— 1—

Processing centre April 2013 May 2013 June 2013 July 2013 August 2013 September 2013 YTD 2013-14

Birmingham 00001—01— Cardiff0000 0 0 0 Leeds 0000 0 1— 1— Liverpool 00001—57 Newcastle 0 0 0 1— 1— 1— 1— Sutton0000 0 1— 1— 1 Denotes fewer than five. HMCTS does not publish statistics involving fewer than five cases as there is a risk in those circumstances that individuals could be identified.

TREASURY (2) how much air passenger duty revenue he expects will not accrue to the Exchequer in 2013-14 as a result of multi-ticketing via foreign hubs; and if he will make Air Passenger Duty a statement. [191852] : Air passenger duty is calculated on a Henry Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the passenger’s final destination. The liability of a journey Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of how much from the UK will be the same whether the journey is air passenger duty revenue is lost annually as a result of made by using a single, direct flight from the UK, or by passengers multi-ticketing via foreign hub airports; and using two or more connected flights through foreign if he will make a statement; [191851] hub airports. 709W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 710W

A journey using separate unconnected tickets has published in the document at the following link estimates practical and financial implications including no protection the market share for all illicit diesel in Northern Ireland on the cost of missed connections. Data are not held on at 12-13% in 2011-12. Petrol fraud is negligible. the number of UK passenger journeys to foreign hub http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/tax-gaps/mtg-2013.pdf airports that may be part of a longer journey using The following table shows the number of individuals unconnected tickets. prosecuted for fuel fraud offences in Northern Ireland where this information is held up to 2010-11 the information Empty Property collected recorded the number of prosecution cases—which could be against more than one individual, and is Hilary Benn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer incomplete. In addition, it is not possible to split out what estimate he has made of the empty property those prosecuted solely for fuel laundering. business rates for the vacant properties recorded on the e-PIMS database owned by (a) his Department and Northern Ireland GB (b) any executive agencies or non-departmental public 2009-10 1— 1— bodies of his Department in the current financial year. 2010-11 1— 1— [191814] 2011-12 14 2 2012-13 7 4 Nicky Morgan: As HM Treasury has no vacant properties 2013-142 30 recorded on the e-PIMS database, the Department has 1 Not available. therefore made no estimates for empty property business 2 To end of February 2014. rates. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) fights fraud on a wide range of fronts, from special units performing Minimum Wage: Northern Ireland thousands of roadside checks to raiding laundering plants. The UK has recently announced, jointly with Dr McCrea: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Ireland, an improved new marker for rebated fuel, how many fines have been imposed to employers in which will make it much harder to launder marked fuel Northern Ireland since 2012 for not paying the national and sell it at a profit. minimum wage. [191892] Tobacco: Smuggling

Mr Gauke: The Government takes the enforcement Dr McCrea: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer of NMW very seriously and HMRC enforce the national what estimate he has made of the loss of revenue minimum wage legislation on behalf of the Department arising from cigarette smuggling across the land border for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). It does that with the Republic of Ireland. [191891] by investigating all complaints made about employers suspected of not paying the minimum wage, in addition Nicky Morgan: The information requested is not carrying out targeted enforcement where it identifies a available. high risk of non-payment of NMW across the whole of Estimates of total revenue losses associated with the the UK. cigarette illicit market for the UK are published in Prior to 6 April 2009, HM Revenue and Customs ‘Tobacco Tax Gap estimates: 2012-13’. These estimates (HMRC) issued penalty notices to those employers who cannot be disaggregated by country or by the type of failed to comply, within 28 days, with an enforcement illicit activity e.g. through smuggling, counterfeiting or notice. A new enforcement regime, introduced in April other fraud. 2009, saw the introduction of automatic penalties for http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/tax-gaps/ttg-2013.pdf employers who are found to have underpaid their workers. The number and value of penalties issued to Northern Ireland employers in the financial year 2012-13 is set EDUCATION out in the following table: Academies Number Value (£) Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013 28 38,357 Education what contact his Department has had with the largest 10 academy chains to confirm whether they plan to make an application for a free school in the next Tax Evasion: Fuels (a) year, (b) two years and (c) three years. [192223]

Dr McCrea: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Timpson: The Department for Education has not (1) what estimate he has made of the loss of tax asked academy chains to confirm whether they plan to revenue arising from fuel laundering across the land make any applications for a free school in the next year, border with the Republic of Ireland; [191890] two years or three years. (2) how many prosecutions have been brought Adoption: Norfolk forward against those dealing in illegal fuel laundering in the last five years. [191859] Mr Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) how many children were put up for Nicky Morgan: No assessment has been made of the adoption by Norfolk County Council social services loss of revenue purely as a result of fuel laundering against the wishes of their birth family in each of the across the border with Ireland. However, tax gap figures last 10 years; [192352] 711W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 712W

(2) how many applications to foster or adopt were statutory guidance. The guidance (upon which we have made by relatives of the child’s parents in (a) North consulted publicly) will set out the requirements on West Norfolk constituency, (b) Norfolk and (c) the schools to support children with medical conditions, UK in each of the last 10 years; and how many such which we would expect them to apply to conditions like applications were successful in each area and in each diabetes. year. [192353] Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Timpson: Information on looked-after children Education what training schemes his Department has for whom the local authority has made the decision that in place to enable teachers to support children who the child should be placed for adoption and the number have type one diabetes. [192298] of children who were placed for adoption at 31 March by Norfolk county council social services without the Mr Timpson: The training of school staff to support consent of their parent or guardian can be found at: pupils with medical conditions is a matter for schools, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/children-looked- However, the Department for Education fully expects after-in-england-including-adoption them to be aware of and understand the needs of pupils The Department for Education started collecting with medical conditions such as diabetes, and to put information on children placed for adoption broken arrangements in place to provide effective support. This down by parental consent from local authorities in should include ensuring that school staff receive suitable England in 2007; therefore, information prior to this training. period is not available. Information on children for From September 2014, there will be a new duty, whom the local authority has made the decision that (introduced in the Children and Families Act 2014), on they should be placed for adoption is only available governing bodies of maintained schools (and proprietors from 2009. of academies) to make arrangements to support pupils The Department does not collect information on at school with medical conditions and to have regard to applications to foster or adopt. However, Ofsted collect statutory guidance. The guidance (upon which we have a range of information on the numbers and profile of consulted publicly) will set out the requirements on foster carers and foster places and placements, in both schools to support children with medical conditions, local authority and independent services, through their which we would expect them to apply to conditions like annual collection of data relating to adoption services. diabetes. The guidance will set out expectations in respect 2013 Ofsted data can be found at: of staff training. http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/fostering-quality- Education: Greater Manchester assurance-and-data-forms-2012-13-first-statistical-release Children: Diabetes Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many pupils in (a) Denton and Reddish constituency, (b) Stockport Metropolitan borough and Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for (c) Tameside metropolitan borough council continued Education what guidance his Department gives to teachers into (i) further education, (ii) higher education and (ii) and teaching support staff on supporting children with apprenticeships in the last five years for which figures type one diabetes. [192297] are available. [192141]

Mr Timpson: Non-statutory guidance, Managing Matthew Hancock: Destination Measures data, following Medicines in Schools and Early YearsSettings, is available key stage 4 and key stage 5, are published at local to schools to help them manage medicines and supporting authority level for the years 2009/10 and 2010/11. children with medical needs. Parliamentary constituency level data are published for From September 2014, there will be a new duty, 2010/11 only. The requested data, for the available years, (introduced in the Children and Families Act 2014), on are shown in the tables. The information is taken from governing bodies of maintained schools (and proprietors Statistical First Release data, which is available at: of academies) to make arrangements to support pupils https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics- at school with medical conditions and to have regard to destinations

Destination measures for key stage 4 and key stage 5, 2009/10 and 2010/11

Local authority level

Key stage 4 Percentage going into a sustained1 destination

Number of School sixth Further Of which: Higher Cohort2 year Destination3 year Local authority students4 form education5 apprenticeships6 education7

2008/09 2009/10 Stockport 3,000 5 78 6 0

Tameside 2,940 7 75 7 0

2009/10 2010/11 Stockport 2,970 4 81 9 0

Tameside 2,880 8 76 8 x 713W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 714W

Key stage 5 Percentage going into a sustained1 destination Number of School sixth Further Of which: Higher Cohort8 year Destination9 year Local authority students4 form education5 apprenticeships6 education7

2008/09 2009/10 Stockport 2,060 x 11 3 56 Tameside 1,250 0 8 2 54

2009/10 2010/11 Stockport 2,130 — 11 5 53 Tameside 1,380 — 11 5 49

Parliamentary constituency level Key stage 4 Percentage going into a sustained1 destination Parliamentary Number of School sixth Further Of which: Higher Cohort2 year Destination3 year constituency students4 form education5 apprenticeships6 education7

2009/10 2010/11 Denton and 1,240 12 72 9 0 Reddish

Key stage 5 Percentage going into a sustained1 destination Parliamentary Number of School sixth Further Of which: Higher Cohort8 year Destination9 year constituency students4 form education5 apprenticeships6 education7

2009/10 2010/11 Denton and 170 2 3 3 73 Reddish “x” means the value is suppressed due to small numbers. “—” means the percentage is less than 0.5% but greater than 0% 1 Sustained participation for the first two terms, October to March. 2 All students who are in state-funded mainstream schools and are at the end of key stage 4 and compulsory schooling. 3 The year following the end of key stage 4. 4 Number of students in the cohort for the stated year and key stage rounded to the nearest 10. 5 Further education includes further education colleges, sixth-form colleges and other further education providers. 6 All apprenticeships are also reported in the school sixth form and further education columns. Apprenticeships are identified where any qualifying learning has occurred at any time during the October to March participation period. 7 Higher education includes students at higher education institutions or undertaking higher education provision at a further education college. 8 All students who entered an A level or other level 3 qualification. This includes all level 3 qualifications i.e. general or applied A levels, AS examinations or other level 3 qualifications. These students are mostly academic age 17. There is also a number of students of academic age 16 and 18 in the cohort. 9 The year following Key Stage 5. Source: National Pupil Database.

Education: Yorkshire and the Humber authority level for the years 2009/10 and 2010/11. Parliamentary constituency level data are published for Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010/11 only. Education how many pupils in (a) Brigg and Goole constituency and (b) Yorkshire and Humber continued The requested data, for the available years, are shown into (i) further education, (ii) higher education and (iii) in the tables. apprenticeships in the last five years for which figures The information is taken from Statistical First Release are available. [192394] data, which is available at: Matthew Hancock: Destination Measures data, following https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics- key stage 4 and key stage 5, are published at local destinations

Destination measures for key stage 4 and key stage 5, 2009/10 and 2010/11

Regional level

Key stage 4 Percentage going into a sustained1 destination

Number of School sixth Further Of which: Higher Cohort2 year Destination3 year Region students4 form education5 apprenticeships6 education7

2008/09 2009/10 Yorkshire and 59,960 32 50 6 x Humber

2009/10 2010/11 Yorkshire and 59,400 33 50 7 — Humber

Key stage 5 Percentage going into a sustained1 destination Number of School sixth Further Of which: Higher Cohort8 year Destination9 year Region students4 form education5 apprenticeships6 education7

2008/09 2009/10 Yorkshire and 29,740 1 11 3 53 Humber 2009/10 2010/11 Yorkshire and 33,110 2 12 4 49 Humber 715W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 716W

Parliamentary constituency level Key stage 4 Percentage going into a sustained1 destination Parliamentary Number of School sixth Further Of which: Higher Cohort2 year Destination3 year constituency students4 form education5 apprenticeships6 education7

2009/10 2010/11 Brigg and Goole 1,060 9 77 6 0

Key stage 5 Percentage going into a sustained1 destination Parliamentary Number of School sixth Further Of which: Higher Cohort8 year Destination9 year constituency students4 form education5 apprenticeships6 education7

2009/10 2010/11 Brigg and Goole 80 19 9 4 42 “x” means the value is suppressed due to small numbers. “—” means the percentage is less than 0.5% but greater than 0% 1 Sustained participation for the first two terms, October to March. 2 All students who are in state-funded mainstream schools and are at the end of key stage 4 and compulsory schooling. 3 The year following the end of key stage 4. 4 Number of students in the cohort for the stated year and key stage rounded to the nearest 10. 5 Further education includes further education colleges, sixth-form colleges and other further education providers. 6 All apprenticeships are also reported in the school sixth form and further education columns. Apprenticeships are identified where any qualifying learning has occurred at any time during the October to March participation period. 7 Higher education includes students at higher education institutions or undertaking higher education provision at a further education college. 8 All students who entered an A level or other level 3 qualification. This includes all level 3 qualifications i.e. general or applied A levels, AS examinations or other level 3 qualifications. These students are mostly academic age 17. There is also a number of students of academic age 16 and 18 in the cohort. 9 The year following Key Stage 5. Source: National Pupil Database.

Faith Schools January 2013’ Statistical First Release1. Information on the number of pupils who are eligible for free school Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for meals but do not claim them is not collected by the Education whether his Department has carried out any Department. form of assessment of the number of state-funded The Department has published a research paper ’Pupils schools where religious items or articles of clothing not claiming free school meals: 2013’2 which presents form part of the school’s (a) pupil and (b) staff uniform estimates of the numbers and proportions of pupils policy. [192224] who are entitled to receive free school meals but are not claiming. The paper compares registration rates for Mr Laws: The Department for Education has not children aged between 4 and 15 and highlights regions conducted any assessment of the number of state-funded and local authorities where under-registration rates are schools where religious items or clothing form part of high. Figures from this paper show the under-registration the uniform policy for pupils or staff. rate for Lancashire local authority is 6% compared with It is for the governing body of each school to decide an England average of 11%. whether pupils should wear a uniform, and if so, what 1 Available at: that should be. We do, however, expect schools to have https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-pupils- full regard to their responsibilities under equalities law, and-their-characteristics-january-2013 and to act sensibly, fairly and flexibly in the interests of 2 Available at: all their students in setting their school uniform policy. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupils-not- Any dress code for school staff is an issue for the claiming-free-school-meals-2013 employer, whether that is the governing body or the local authority.As part of the general terms and conditions Free Schools of employment agreed with employees, employers should consider an appropriate dress code, relevant to the individual setting, taking into account the requirements Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for of the post and having proper regard to equality and Education how many representations he has received diversity considerations. from local authorities indicating that the local authority School uniform guidance can be found at: does not require a proposed free school; and whether this has led to any proposed free school applications www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-uniform being withdrawn. [192225] Free School Meals: Lancashire Mr Timpson: The Department for Education does not hold this information centrally and collecting it Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for would incur disproportionate cost. Education how many children in (a) Pendle constituency and (b) Lancashire were eligible for but did not claim Under section 9 of the Academies Act 2010, the free school meals in the latest period for which figures Department writes to local authorities where a free are available. [192429] school is being proposed to seek their views on the impact that establishing the school would likely have on Mr Laws: The Department for Education routinely existing schools and colleges. collects information on pupils who are both eligible for Local authorities often take this opportunity to indicate and claiming free school meals. This information is whether they support or oppose the establishment of a published in the ’Schools, Pupils and their Characteristics, free school. 717W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 718W

Any representations from local authorities are considered 1 Available at: by the Secretary of State for Education, the right hon. http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/ Member for Surrey Heath (), before he download_data.html decides to enter into a funding agreement with the 2 Available at: relevant academy trust. http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/2012/ download_data.html Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for 3 Available at: Education what proportion of free schools approved to http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/2011/ date are faith schools. [192226] download_data.html

Mr Timpson: 37 of 142 open mainstream free schools Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State have a faith designation (26%); this compares to 34% of for Education what proportion of (a) converter all state-funded mainstream schools. academies and (b) maintained schools achieved a lower percentage of students achieving five GCSE A* Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for to C grades than the previous year in (i) 2010-11, (ii) Education how many and what proportion of faith free 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13. [192426] schools opened to date have met the 50 per cent target of children and young people attending the school who Mr Laws: The requested information is publicly available do not belong to that faith. [192227] in the 2010/111, 2011/122 and 2012/133 performance tables. Mr Timpson: There is no target for the proportion of 1 Available at: children attending a free school who do not belong to the designated faith of such a school. When over-subscribed, http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/ download_data.html faith designated free schools may take account of faith 2 in allocating up to 50% of their places. The remaining Available at: places must be allocated on the basis of over-subscription http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/2012/ criteria not related to faith, and may be filled by pupils download_data.html of the faith, other faiths or none. 3 Available at: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/2011/ GCSE download_data.html

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Grant Maintained Schools for Education what proportion of (a) converter academies and (b) maintained schools achieved a higher percentage Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for of students achieving five GCSE A* to C grades including Education pursuant to the answer of 13 February English and mathematics than the previous year in (i) 2014, Official Report, column 816W, on community 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13. [192423] schools, how many maintained schools his Department believes to be underperforming. [192222] Mr Laws: The requested information is published in 1 the 2012/13 performance tables . Mr Laws: Of the 4,125 maintained mainstream secondary 1 Available at: schools, 154 were classified as underperforming in the http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/ 2012/13 academic year. Of the 15,351 maintained download_data.html mainstream primary schools, 767 were classified as underperforming in the 2012/13 academic year. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of (a) converter academies and (b) maintained schools achieved a lower percentage Headteachers of students achieving five GCSE A* to C grades including English and mathematics than the previous year in (i) Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13. [192424] Education how many and what proportion of maintained schools have changed their headteacher since September Mr Laws: The requested information is published in 2011. [192308] the 2012/13 performance tables1. 1 Available at: Mr Laws: The information requested is not held http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/performance/ centrally. download_data.html Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Education how many and what proportion of maintained for Education what proportion of (a) converter schools that have opened since September 2011 have academies and (b) maintained schools achieved a changed their headteacher since that date. [192313] higher percentage of students achieving five GCSE A* Mr Laws: The information requested is not held to C grades than the previous year in (i) 2010-11, (ii) centrally. 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13. [192425] Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Laws: The requested information is publicly available Education how many and what proportion of state- in the 2010/111, 2011/122 and 2012/133 performance funded schools have changed their head teacher since tables. September 2011. [192316] 719W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 720W

Mr Laws: The information requested is not held for Staffordshire and £5,930 for Brent. In 2013-14, high centrally. needs funding was no longer allocated on a per-pupil basis. However total high needs block funding for the Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for year was £57.483 million for Staffordshire and £53.7 million Education how many and what proportion of free for Brent. schools have changed their headteacher since opening. In addition, since financial year 2011-12 schools have [192321] received pupil premium per qualifying pupil, which targets funding at pupils from the most deprived Mr Timpson: The information requested is not held backgrounds to help them achieve their full potential. centrally. In 2012-13, coverage was expanded to include pupils known to have been eligible for free school meals at any Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for point in the last six years. The amounts per pupil for Education how many and what proportion of state-funded each type of pupil are shown in the following table in schools that have opened since September 2011 have cash terms: changed their headteacher since opening. [192322] Pupil premium per pupil Mr Laws: The information requested is not held £ centrally. 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Free school meal secondary 488 623 900 Pupils: Per Capita Costs pupils and looked-after children Free school meal primary 488 623 953 Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for pupil Education what education funding per pupil was in (a) Service children 200 250 300 Staffordshire and (b) Brent in each year since 2009-10. [192300] School Information (England) (Amendment) Mr Laws: The total per pupil revenue funding figures Regulations 2012 for financial years 2009-10 to 2012-13 for Staffordshire and Brent are provided in the following table. The Mr Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education figures are for all funded pupils aged three to 15 and are what assessment he has made of the implementation of in cash terms: The School Information (England) (Amendment) Average revenue per pupil funding Regulations 2012. [R] [192341] Dedicated schools grant (DSG) + grants cash (£) 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 Mr Laws: Ofsted routinely checks school websites Staffordshire 4,460 4,720 4,650 4,650 before inspections. If a parent, or other party, believes Brent 5,990 6,280 6,240 6,240 that a school is not complying with the requirements, Notes: they are entitled to raise this with the governing body. If 1. For financial years 2009 to 2011 this covers funding through the dedicated their complaint is not resolved and they believe that the schools grant, school standards grant, school standards grant (personalisation) school has failed to discharge its duty or acted unreasonably, and standards fund; it excludes grants which are not allocated at local authority level. they can raise their complaint with the Secretary of 2. Figures have been rounded to the nearest £10. State. 3. In financial year 2011 to 2012, most separate grants were mainstreamed in to the DSG. The exceptions were grants that were time-limited and planned to end in financial year 2010 to 2011. Schools: Inspections 4. Figures do not include pupil premium. Details of which are shown separately. 5.The DSG plus grants figures for financial years 2009-10 to 2010-11 do not include funding from the Young People’s Learning Agency to ensure that Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State figures are on the basis of funding for pupils aged three to 15 and are comparable with figures for financial years 2011-12 to 2012-13. for Education what proportion of (a) converter academies Sources: and (b) maintained schools received a (i) higher and (ii) 1. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20131216163513/http:/www.education lower Ofsted inspection result than they had received in .gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/financialmanagement/ schoolsrevenuefunding their previous inspections in (A) 2010-11, (B) 2011-12 2. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20131216163513/http://www.education and (C) 2012-13. [192215] .gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/financialmanagement/ schoolsrevenuefunding/archive/a0014213/dedicated-schools-grant-allocations- for-2008-11 Mr Timpson: In January this year, the Department The DSG plus grants figures for financial years 2009-10 for Education published an analysis of Ofsted inspection to 2010-11 do not include funding from the YoungPeople’s outcomes for converter academies and maintained schools Learning Agency to ensure that figures are on the basis in the report “Performance of converter academies of funding for pupils aged three to 15 and are comparable in 2012 to2013”1. It showed that in 2012/13 converter with figures for financial years 2011-12 to 2012-13. academies previously rated as either “good” or In financial year 2013-14, the DSG was reformed to “satisfactory” were more likely to improve their rating allocate funding to local authorities in three blocks than local authority (LA) maintained mainstream schools, (schools, early years and high needs) and so figures are and also showed converter academies previously rated not comparable to previous years. The schools block as “outstanding” were more likely to retain that rating per pupil unit of funding (SBUF), which does not cover than LA maintained mainstream schools. funding for early years or high needs, was £4,310 for 1 Available at: Staffordshire and £5,066 for Brent. The early years https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/performance-of- block per pupil units of funding in 2013-14 were £3,515 converter-academies-in-2012-to-2013 721W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 722W

Students: Personal Records Mr Laws: Our records show that there are no School Direct lead schools located in the parliamentary Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for constituency of Brigg and Goole. Education what his policy is on students’ personal However, many School Direct lead schools work in information being (a) sold to the private sector for partnership with other schools to deliver the programme. means of advertising and (b) used to improve electoral registration of students. [191923] Teachers: Veterans Mr Willetts: I have been asked to reply on behalf of Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. for Education what proportion of initial teacher In line with the Data Protection Act 1998, organisations trainees were service leavers in (a) 2008-09, (b) collecting data from individuals should inform people, 2009-10, (c) 2010-11, (d) 2011-12, (e) 2012-13 and (f) at the point of collection, how their personal data will the current academic year to date. [192174] be used, who it might be shared with and for what purpose(s). Mr Laws: The Department for Education does not Data can only be shared and used for the purposes hold this information prior to March 2011. Between notified and the individual should be able to request 2010 and 2012/13, 0.12% of initial teacher training that their information is not shared with third parties. (ITT) trainees declared themselves as having an armed forces background. ITT census information and Teachers: Training performance profiles can be found online at: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/careers/training Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for anddevelopment/initial/b00204146/itt-data-and-surveys/ Education which contractors will be responsible for the trainee-census professional skills test for initial teacher training https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/initial-teacher- entrants for the 2014-15 academic year. [192131] training-performance-profiles-2013-for-the-academic-year- 2011-to-2012 Mr Laws: No contract has been agreed with any https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/initial-teacher- contractor as yet. The Department for Education is in training-trainee-number-census the process of negotiating a contract through a framework agreement. Once a contract has been signed we will make public the identity of the contractor. CABINET OFFICE Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what further information he will give to Average Earnings: Clwyd initial teacher training providers about candidates who were incorrectly notified that they had failed the professional skills test. [192132] Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what change there has been in median gross Mr Laws: The Professional Skills Test results database weekly earnings for (a) men and (b) women in Vale of has been updated to reflect the change in outcome for Clwyd constituency since 2010. [192077] those candidates who were incorrectly notified that they had failed their Skills Test. Initial Teacher Training Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the (ITT) providers have access to this database. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Any candidate affected in this way was instructed to asked the authority to reply. contact the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) if Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2014: they wanted to discuss their options. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I The STA have also written to all providers of ITT have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question courses to inform them of the issue. asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what change there has been in median gross weekly earnings for (a) men and (b) women in Vale of Clwyd constituency since 2010. (192077). Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for The Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), carried Education what steps he is taking to offer compensation out in April each year, is the most comprehensive source of to initial teacher training applicants who have been earnings information in the United Kingdom. Weekly levels of wrongly advised that they failed the professional skills earnings are estimated from ASHE, and are provided for employees test and denied the opportunity to train as teachers. on adult rates of pay, whose earnings for the survey pay period [192133] were not affected by absence. Figures relate to employee jobs, which are defined as those held by employees and not the self- Mr Laws: The Standards and Testing Agency (STA) employed. has written to candidates who were incorrectly notified The following table shows estimates of median gross weekly that they had failed the Professional Skills Tests and earnings for employees in Vale of Clwyd constituency from 2010 provided a helpline number to contact should they wish to 2013, the latest period for which results are available. Figures are provided for male employees and female employees. to discuss their options or seek support. In order to account for a discontinuity in the series in 2011, percentage changes between 2010 and 2013 were calculated by Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for compounding growth rates between individual years. Consequently, Education how many schools in Brigg and Goole the percentage changes shown in the table do not correspond constituency participate in the Schools Direct Programme. precisely to the actual percentage differences between the 2010 [192277] and 2013 earnings estimates. 723W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 724W

Median gross weekly earnings for employees1 in Vale of Clwyd Number1 and proportion of people aged 16 to 64 years claiming jobseeker’s constituency between April 2010 and April 2013 allowance, February 2014, not seasonally adjusted Year (April) Male Female Kilmarnock and Loudoun Scotland Proportion Proportion 2010 **427.2 **306.9 Number (percentage) Number (percentage) 20112, 4 **436.1 *361.2 2to5 525 0.9 15,990 0.5 3, 4 2011 **426.1 *359.7 years 2012 **448.0 **330.9 Over 5 20 0.0 1,110 0.0 2013 **476.7 **371.8 years Over 2 545 0.9 17,100 0.5 years Percentage change 1 Rounded to nearest rounded 5. Totals may not equal the sum of the 2010 to 20135 14.2 21.7 independently rounded components. 1 Source: Employee jobs are defined as those held by employees and not the JobcentrePlus Administrative System self-employed. Figures relate to employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence. ASHE Is based Nurseries ona1percentsampleofjobstakenfromHMRevenueandCustoms’ Pay As You Earn (PAYE) records. Consequently, individuals with Lucy Powell: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet more than one job may appear in the sample more than once. Office what estimate he has made of the number of 2 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2000. workplace nurseries available to staff in (a) his 3 2011 results based on Standard Occupational Classification 2010. Department and (b) his Department’s executive 4 Estimates for years prior to 2011 are based on SOC 2000 and estimates for years after 2011 are based on SOC 2010. Figures are agencies or non-departmental public bodies in (i) 2010, only considered to be directly comparable If they are based on the (ii) 2013-14 and (iii) 2014-15. [192438] same SOC. 5 In order to account for the series discontinuity, percentage changes Mr Maude: The Government’s child care offer will between 2010 and 2013 were calculated by compounding growth rates provide flexible support for all eligible working families between individual years. Consequently, the percentage changes shown while maintaining a free, universal early education support. in the table do not correspond precisely to the actual percentage differences between 1he 2010 and 2013 earnings estimates. Alongside this, the Government is also taking action to Guide to Quality: drive up the supply of high quality child care provision The Coefficient of Variation (CV) indicates the quality of a figure; the and to open up more choice for parents. smaller the CV value, the higher the quality. I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the The true value is likely to lie within +/- twice the CV—for example, for an average of 200 with a CV of 5% ,we would expect the population hon. Member for Washington and Sunderland West on total to be within the range 180-220. 3 March 2014, Official Report, column 664W. Key: Prostate Cancer *CV>5%and=10% ** CV > 10% and = 20% CV = Coefficient of Variation Paul Burstow: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Source: Office pursuant to the answer of 28 February 2014, Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), Office for National Official Report, column 587W, on prostate cancer, what Statistics. the standardised mortality rate from prostate cancer Jobseeker’s Allowance: Scotland was in each parliamentary constituency in the latest year for which figures are available. [192712] Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Office how many people and what proportion of the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have working age population have been in receipt of asked the authority to reply. jobseeker’s allowance for over (a) two and (b) five years in (i) Scotland and (ii) Kilmarnock and Loudoun Letter from Glen Watson: constituency. [192483] As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the standardised Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the mortality rate from prostate cancer was in each parliamentary responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have constituency in the latest year for which figures are available. asked the authority to reply. [192712] Letter from Glen Watson, dated March 2014: Table 1 provides the age standardised mortality rate where As Director General for the Office for National Statistics prostate cancer was the underlying cause of death, for each (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question parliamentary constituency in England and Wales, for deaths asking how many people and what proportion of the working age registered in 2012 (the latest year available). population have been in receipt of jobseekers’ allowance for over A copy of Table 1 has been placed in the Library of the House. (a) two and (b) five years in (i) Scotland and (ii) Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency. (192483) The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles data on the HEALTH number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance from the Jobcentre Plus Administrative System. Abortion The table shows the number of people and proportion of the population aged 16 to 64 years who had been claiming Jobseeker’s Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Allowance over two, two to five and over five years in February pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Salisbury 2014, resident in the requested geographies. of 28 February 2014, Official Report, column 569W, on National and local area estimates for many labour market abortion, what process the Chief Medical Officer follows statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant to detect discrepancies in abortion notifications; and count are available on the NOMIS website at: what resources the Chief Medical Officer has for that http://www.nomisweb.co.uk task. [192050] 725W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 726W

Jane Ellison: Departmental officials inspect and record Jane Ellison: The Department does not collect the information received on the HSA4 abortion notification information centrally on the number of children with form, carry out validation checks and return forms to type 1 diabetes. practitioners for additional information as necessary. The majority of children with diabetes have their Additionally, selected forms are scrutinised by a disease managed through specialist paediatric diabetes departmental medical practitioner who may request services. further detail from the patients’ medical records via the terminating doctor. Information about checks made by the Department is contained in the publication ‘Department Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for of Health checks made on HSA4 forms for data quality Health how many children have presented at accident and monitoring the Abortion Act’, a copy of which has and emergency departments direct from school been placed in the Library. requiring treatment for type one diabetes-related problems in the last year. [192299] During 2013-14, there were five people involved full-time in processing and validating the abortion notification forms sent to the Chief Medical Officer. Jane Ellison: The following table shows a count of accident and emergency (A&E) attendances excluding planned attendances for children aged 0 to 17 with a Congenital Abnormalities diagnosis of “diabetes and other endocrinological conditions”. Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Health We cannot distinguish between type 1 and type 2 (1) how many ground E abortions for spina bifida were diabetes in A&E data and the data may contain records diagnosed by (a) ultrasound and (b) other diagnostic of other endocrinological conditions. tests in each of the last 10 years; what other methods of diagnosis were listed under other; and how many such It should be noted that A&E attendances do not diagnoses which did not result in abortion were represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one attendance within the year. recorded in the same period; [192164] (2) how many ground E abortions for anencephaly Reference should be made to the notes when interpreting were diagnosed by (a) ultrasound and (b) other the data. diagnostic tests in each of the last 10 years; what other Activity in English national health service hospitals and English NHS methods of diagnosis were listed under other; and how commissioned activity in the independent sector many such diagnoses which did not result in abortion Incident location type Number of attendances were recorded in the same period. [192163] Educational establishment 105 Notes: Jane Ellison: This information cannot be provided. 1. Accident and Emergency Hospital Episode Statistics (A&E HES) are compiled from data submitted by more than 160 NHS trusts and primary care trusts in England. The NHS Information Centre for health Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for and social care liaises closely with these organisations to encourage Health (1) how many cases leading to ground E abortions submission of complete and valid data and seeks to minimise inaccuracies. of club foot were diagnosed by (a) ultrasound and (b) While this brings about improvement over time, some shortcomings other diagnostic tests in each of the last 10 years; what remain. those other methods of diagnosis were; and how many 2. A&E attendances in HES relates to the number of recorded such diagnoses which did not result in abortion were attendances. A&E attendances do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one attendance within the year. recorded in that period; [192165] 3. HES is not the official source of total A&E activity; this is the NHS (2) how many cases leading to ground E abortions of England situation reports collection: congenital malformations of the musculoskeletal system www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ae-waiting- times-and-activity/ were diagnosed by (a) ultrasound and (b) other diagnostic However, HES permits further analysis of A&E activity as there are a tests in each of the last 10 years; what those other range of data items by which HES can be analysed. methods of diagnosis were; and how many such diagnoses Source: which did not result in abortion were recorded in that Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information period; [192161] Centre. (3) how many cases leading to ground E abortions of Health Professions: Regulation cleft lip were diagnosed by (a) ultrasound and (b) other diagnostic tests in each of the last 10 years; what those other methods of diagnosis were; and how many Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for such diagnoses which did not result in abortion were Health how many healthcare professionals in the NHS recorded in that period. [192162] are not regulated by statutory regulation. [192348]

Jane Ellison: This information cannot be provided. Dr Poulter: The information requested is not available centrally. Diabetes: Children Health: Equality Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children of (a) pre-school, (b) Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for primary school and (c) secondary school age were Health what progress his Department has made on diagnosed with type one diabetes in each of the last 10 implementing the recommendations of the Marmot years. [192295] Review on health inequalities in England. [192105] 727W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 728W

Jane Ellison: We accepted the findings of ‘Fair Society, Mental Health Services Healthy Lives - the strategic review of health inequalities in England post 2010’ (the Marmot Review) in the Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for public health white paper ‘Healthy Lives, Healthy People’ Health (1) if he will commission a national survey of (2010). investment in mental health services in 2013-14; The review identified a social gradient in health—where [192108] the lower a person’s position, the worse his or her (2) when he plans to publish data on mental health health. Action, it said, should focus on reducing the spending in 2012-13; [192361] gradient—and be proportionate to the level of disadvantage. (3) what progress he has made on extending patient We have adopted this approach. For example, in our choice of provider of mental health services. [192362] maternal and child health programmes by increasing by 50% the number of health visitors by 2015, and more than doubling the number of places on the Family Norman Lamb: The Department has no plans to Nurse Partnership programme, which supports vulnerable commission a national survey of investment in mental first-time mothers. health services for 2013-14. The Department stopped commissioning the national surveys of investment in We also helped establish and sponsor the UCL Institute mental health services in 2012 as the new landscape for of Health Equity—led by Professor Sir Michael Marmot. health services and the abolition of primary care trusts The Institute is continuing to develop the evidence on and strategic health authorities prevented continuation health inequalities, promote good practice and support of these surveys in their existing format. The Department policy development to help deliver this agenda. is committed to reducing the data burden placed on We are putting health inequalities—and the poor organisations and has no plans to commission any health outcomes that result—at the heart of everything further surveys of this type. we do across the health system, working with Public NHS England published expenditure data for 2012-13 Health England and NHS England, and backed it by on 21 February 2014 which shows expenditure on mental new legal health inequalities duties. health in 2012-13 was £11.28 billion. This information is available on their website at: Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for www.england.nhs.uk/resources/resources-for-ccgs/prog- Health what steps he is taking to ensure that the budgeting/ recommendations of the Marmot Review on health and the document has been placed in the Library. inequalities in England are being implemented across all relevant Government Departments. [192106] Ensuring patients have more say in how their care is delivered and embedding choice are key themes in the Jane Ellison: We accepted the findings of ‘Fair Society, Health and Social Care Act 2012 to ensure we put the Healthy Lives - the strategic review of health inequalities patient first and drive improvements in quality. As part in England post 2010’ (the Marmot Review) in the of this, ‘No decision about me, without me’ (2012) set public health white paper ‘Healthy Lives, Healthy People’ out the Government’s intention to extend choice to (2010). These findings apply across all Government mental health. Departments; given the link between social circumstances, The National Health Service Commissioning Board health and health inequalities. and Clinical Commissioning Groups (Responsibilities We have used the review—and the priorities it identified and Standing Rules) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 —to support our work with colleagues across government were published in November 2013 to extend the legal to reinvigorate action on child poverty; raise educational right to choice of provider at first out-patient appointment attainment; support families; improve social mobility in mental health from 1 April 2014. and promote work as a route out of poverty. These Extending choice to mental health from April is also steps will help people take control over their own lives, a priority in ‘Closing the Gap: Priorities for essential fulfil their potential and reduce health inequalities. change in mental health’ (2014), to enable patients to choose which provider and consultant or mental health We sponsor and fund the UCL Institute of Health professional will be in charge of their care for their first Equity—led by Professor Sir Michael Marmot—to build out-patient appointment. The ‘NHS Mandate 2014/15’ the evidence on health inequalities and support government commits NHS England to ensure patients’ rights to and local systems implement the review’s findings. choice are embedded by 2015. We held the third Choice in Mental Health Workshop Medical Records: Databases on 12 March 2014 where we set out the critical steps required to start implementing choice from 1 April 2014 Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for and the programme of work to deliver the NHS Mandate Health whether commercial re-use licences for hospital commitment to embed choice in mental health by 2015. episode statistics and other medical information gathered from NHS patients remain in operation. [192291] Mental Health: Northern Ireland

Dr Poulter: The Health and Social Care Information Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Centre (HSCIC) have confirmed that some re-use (1) what discussions he has had with the Northern agreements do remain in place, for specific organisations Ireland Executive on mental health issues in each of in relation to approved purposes. The purpose of each the last four years; [191945] application is carefully considered by HSCIC before it (2) what recent discussions he has had with the is agreed, including its benefit to the health and care Northern Ireland Executive on suicide prevention in system. Northern Ireland. [191924] 729W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 730W

Norman Lamb: Ministers in the Department of Health NHS England has a unique opportunity to promote have not corresponded with those at the Northern innovative specialised care as part of its direct Ireland Executive to discuss mental health issues in the commissioning responsibilities, and is working with past four years. around 1,700 clinical leaders and patient representatives However, officials liaise regularly with colleagues in across the country as part of the clinical reference Northern Ireland over transfers of patients who are group structure to identify, test and prioritise improvements detained under our respective mental health legislation. to patient care, outcomes and experience. They also have discussions where judicial reviews or Examples of this include NHS England’s novel other issues may have implications for each other’s Commissioning through Evaluation programme, legislation. In the past four years none of the issues partnership working with the National Institute for raised has required inter-ministerial correspondence. Health and Care Excellence and the National Institute Suicide prevention is a devolved matter. No discussions for Healthcare Research to identify research and evaluation have taken place between Ministers at the Department priorities and undertake early consideration of new and the Northern Ireland Executive about suicide evidence, the development of quality dashboards, and prevention in Northern Ireland. the opportunity for stakeholders to propose service changes as part of our wider strategy development. However, officials within the Department have had contact with officials in Northern Ireland so that they Agreed innovations can now be more consistently and can work collaboratively on the issue where appropriate. promptly rolled out across the country as part of consistent national service specifications and policies, and form NHS England part of the contracts with all commissioned providers.

Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Sleep Apnoea Health who authorised the continuing payment of the salary of the national director for human resources, Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Jo-Anne Wass of NHS England during her secondment what steps he has taken to ensure that GPs are aware of to the University of Leeds. [192421] the warning signs of obstructive sleep apnoea and are screening for that condition using (a) the Epworth Jane Ellison: It is for NHS England to authorise the sleepiness test and (b) other recognised tests. [192181] terms of any secondment and the associated remuneration arrangements. Jane Ellison: NHS England is committed to working with partners across the health system to reduce mortality NHS England has advised that the secondment and improve outcomes for people with respiratory disease. arrangements for Jo-Anne Wass were agreed by its remuneration committee, as would be the case for any Local clinical commissioning groups are responsible very senior staff secondment. for commissioning services for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. Management of the condition is governed NHS: Innovation by clinical guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and NHS England Heather Wheeler: To ask the Secretary of State for would expect clinical commissioning groups to ensure Health how many patients NHS England plans to fund that services are available to patients in line with these for treatment for each of the technologies within its national guidelines and the needs of their local populations. Commissioning through Evaluation programme in the General practitioners (GPs) have to demonstrate that year beginning April 2014; [192002] they are actively maintaining their skills through continual professional development and are aware of new clinical Jane Ellison: There are a number of technologies guidelines which are regularly published by NICE and which will be covered in the Commissioning through disseminated to GPs. Evaluation scheme (CtE) in the year beginning April 2014. Trade Union Officials NHS England’s CtE scheme for Selective Internal Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Radiation Therapy went live in 2013 and will provide what funding his Department provided for staff to treatment for around 220 patients per year. carry out trade union activities in each of the last three Three new interventional cardiology CtE schemes are years; and how many days staff spent on those due to go live in the next few weeks and are expected to activities in those years. [191024] treat around 1,000 patients in a full year. The Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy CtE scheme, also Dr Poulter: The Department and the Medicines and due to go live shortly, will provide around 100 operations Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) operate in a full year. a joint trade union facility time agreement. Details of the funding that the Department has allocated centrally Heather Wheeler: To ask the Secretary of State for for trade union activity for the last three years can be Health what steps are being taken to promote innovation found in the following table. in specialised services following the indefinite suspension of the Specialised Services Commissioning Innovation Funding for departmental trade Fund; and if he will make a statement. [192003] Financial year union activities (£) 2011-12 265,859 Jane Ellison: From April 2013, it became the 2012-13 275,280 responsibility of NHS England to directly commission 2013-14 228,850 specialised and highly specialised services. 731W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 732W

Information on the number of days accredited trade PHE region/country 2010 2011 2012 Total union representatives carry out trade union activities is not collected centrally. The Department and the MHRA currently share trade union facility time of a small Country number of staff elected by trade unions whose work England 64 79 78 221 time is fully allocated to trade union activities. Northern Ireland 1 2 0 3 Wales 0 1 1 2 Tuberculosis Scotland 1 2 2 5 United Kingdom 66 84 81 231 Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Source: PHE Enhanced Tuberculosis Surveillance (ETS), Scottish Enhanced what steps his Department is taking to find new Surveillance of Mycobacterial Infections (ESMI). treatments to tackle multidrug-resistant TB; and if he will make a statement. [192066]

Jane Ellison: Over the past 12 years, gradual increases DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER in the proportion of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases in the United Kingdom has amounted Electoral Register to a significant upward trend, from 0.7% (25/3529) in 2001, to 1.6% (81/5,151) in 2012. The proportion of Chris Ruane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what MDR-TB cases remained stable at 1.6% (81 cases). measures are in place to monitor the effectiveness of the funding to improve electoral registration engagement; The World Health Organization has stated that and when he plans to report to Parliament on the elimination of TB will depend on new diagnostics and effectiveness of this initiative. [192117] more effective drugs and vaccines. Several international initiatives have generated a pipeline of potential new : Funding has been provided to all 363 antimicrobials, and Bedaquiline is now available for local authorities and valuation joint boards in Great MDR-TB. Britain and five national organisations to support the As part of the UK’s 2013 strategy to address costs of activities to maximise registration. antimicrobial resistance we are seeking to identify a They have been provided with guidance to support sustainable model to incentivise research and development them in evaluating the success of activity delivered into new antibiotics, diagnostics and novel therapies, through this funding. Cabinet Office officials will continue which balances conservation and commercial incentives to work closely with funding recipients to monitor and to build support with international partners to deliver measure the outcomes. this model in practice. The current vaccine, BCG, is generally safe, but has Chris Ruane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister variable efficacy globally (0-80%). The introduction of whether his Department’s funding of £3.6 million to new effective TB vaccines is an essential component of improve electoral registration will be given to local the global strategy to eliminate tuberculosis by 2050 authorities which have not used local government databases (UN Millennium Goal 6C). There are a number of to improve electoral registration in the individual electoral novel TB vaccine candidates under development which registration dry run. [192118] will need to be tested through a hierarchy of preclinical Greg Clark: All electoral registration officers (EROs) models of increasing complexity. Similar models are have received funding, based on their levels of under- also being applied to the evaluation of new drugs. registration, to support local activities to maximise registration, as part of the transition to individual Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health electoral registration. EROs are best placed to decide how many cases of multidrug-resistant TB were recorded how to improve the completeness and accuracy of their in each region in the last three years. [192067] registers. Performance standard one of the Electoral Commission’s Jane Ellison: The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in framework encourages EROs to use local data sources the United Kingdom is assessed through systematic to build understanding of local challenges and to identify analysis of notification data obtained from the Enhanced potential new electors. The Electoral Commission monitors Tuberculosis Surveillance System run by Public Health and reports on the performance of EROs against the England (PHE). performance standards. All EROs met performance In 2012, a total of 81 multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) standard one in 2012 and the commission will report on cases were reported in the UK, 84 MDR-TB cases were the 2013 performance shortly. reported in 2011, and 66 MDR-TB cases were reported in 2010. A breakdown of MDR-TB cases by PHE Chris Ruane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if his region and country for the period 2010-2012 is provided Department’s funding to improve registration will be in the following table. given to local authorities that are spending (a) more than and (b) less than the average on voter registration. PHE region/country 2010 2011 2012 Total [192179] PHE region Greg Clark: All electoral registration officers (EROs) London 29 34 36 99 have received funding, based on their levels of under- Midlands and East of 14 24 21 59 registration, to help with the costs of local activities to North of England 15 15 12 42 maximise registration, as part of the transition to individual South of England 6 6 9 21 electoral registration. 733W Written Answers20 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 734W

Funding allocations were based on the number of Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister non-registered people, comparing the size of the register what assessment he has made of the suitability of the to the 16+ population. An element was based on the chief executives of Carmarthenshire County Council number of 16 to 18-year-olds to encourage activity in and Pembrokeshire County Council acting as returning schools to register attainers. officers in future elections. [191698] Hereditary Peers Greg Clark: It is the responsibility of individual local authorities to appoint an officer of the council to be the Mr Frank Field: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if returning officer for local government elections in their he will introduce legislative proposals to provide that area. Electoral law provides that returning officers for the heirs of people who disclaim hereditary peerages local government elections shall also be local returning cannot claim any hereditary right to membership of officers for European Parliamentary elections. It therefore the House of Lords; and if he will publish details of does not fall to the Government to assess the suitability how many people entitled to hereditary peerages have of individuals carrying out these roles. renounced their titles where their oldest eligible son has subsequently claimed the title on their death. [191910] Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will meet the Electoral Commission to discuss the The Deputy Prime Minister: The Government’s proposals suitability of the chief executives of Carmarthenshire introduced to the House of Commons on 10 July 2012 County Council and Pembrokeshire County Council included plans to end hereditary peerages altogether. for their roles as returning officers at the forthcoming The Government has no further specific plans to legislate European election. [191699] in this area. Currently anyone in this position has every right to disclaim the title should they so wish. Greg Clark: I have regular meetings with the Chair of Eighteen people have disclaimed their titles since the the Electoral Commission. passage of the 1963 Peerage Act, the first being the late Tony Benn. Of those disclaimed peerages, seven have Cabinet Office officials have been working closely subsequently been claimed by the entitled heir. with the Electoral Commission, and have discussed a range of issues, to support the efficient and effective Lobbying administration of the forthcoming European Parliamentary election. Paul Flynn: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he has taken to restrict access to departmental Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister meetings by lobbyists since 2011. [191955] if he will amend the guidance given to the Electoral Commission on whether prohibiting public officials Greg Clark: Details of meetings held by Ministers who are suspended or under criminal investigation retain and permanent secretaries with external organisations their responsibilities as returning officers. [191700] are published quarterly and can be found on Gov.UK. That transparency will be further extended by the recently Greg Clark: The Government does not provide guidance enacted Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party to the Electoral Commission on the status of returning Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act, officers. Part 1, which will require consultant lobbyists who meet with Ministers and senior officials to declare their clients Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on a publicly available register. what discussions he has had with the Electoral Commission Returning Officers: Wales on returning officer responsibilities in Carmarthenshire at the forthcoming European elections. [191701] Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has received from (a) the Electoral Greg Clark: I have regular meetings with the Chair of Commission, (b) the Welsh Government and (c) the Electoral Commission. Carmarthenshire County Council on the Chief Executive Cabinet Office officials have been working closely of Carmarthenshire County Council and his responsibilities with the Electoral Commission and have discussed a as Returning Officer. [191697] range of issues to support the efficient and effective running of the forthcoming European Parliamentary Greg Clark: I have not received any such representations. election.

ORAL ANSWERS

Thursday 20 March 2014

Col. No. Col. No. HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 906 TRANSPORT—continued Education Centre ...... 911 Durham Tees Valley Airport...... 893 Parliamentary Commissions ...... 906 Low-emission Vehicles ...... 901 Mountain Rescue Teams...... 898 LEADER OF THE HOUSE ...... 907 Passenger Transport Executive Group ...... 893 Government Amendments ...... 908 Rail Investment...... 895 Ministerial Announcements...... 910 Rail Rolling Stock...... 902 Scrutiny (Legislative Proposals) ...... 910 Road and Rail Infrastructure: Devon and Scrutiny (Statutory Instruments)...... 911 Cornwall...... 900 Written Parliamentary Questions...... 907 Road Congestion ...... 891 Road Traffic Collisions ...... 897 TRANSPORT ...... 891 Severn Bridge Tolls ...... 900 “Get Britain Cycling” Report...... 894 Topical Questions ...... 903 Bus and Coach Roadworthiness...... 899 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Thursday 20 March 2014

Col. No. Col. No. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 59WS LEADER OF THE HOUSE ...... 62WS Afghanistan: Gifting of Bridges...... 60WS Government Bills: Drafting Guidance ...... 62WS Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team (Closure)...... 59WS TRANSPORT ...... 63WS EU Transport Council ...... 63WS

TREASURY ...... 59WS JUSTICE...... 61WS Double Taxation Convention (Germany)...... 59WS Advisory Council on National Records and Archives (Triennial Review) ...... 61WS WALES...... 64WS Law Commission (Triennial Review)...... 62WS Wales Bill ...... 64WS PETITION

Thursday 20 March 2014

Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION...... 7P Closure of Skerton Community High School (Lancaster)...... 7P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Thursday 20 March 2014

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 704W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 665W Cable Systems ...... 704W Affordable Housing: Disability ...... 665W Green Investment Bank ...... 705W Census ...... 666W Intellectual Property ...... 705W Council Tax Reduction Schemes: Greater Investment: Northern Ireland ...... 705W Manchester ...... 666W Overseas Trade: Ukraine...... 706W Green Belt: Yorkshire and the Humber...... 667W Patents ...... 706W Housing: Construction...... 667W Students: Loans ...... 706W Landlords ...... 667W Wind Power: Seas and Oceans ...... 707W Local Government: Disclosure of Information...... 668W Local Government Finance: Greater Manchester .. 668W Local Government: Publicity ...... 669W Mayors: Greater Manchester ...... 669W CABINET OFFICE...... 722W Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre...... 669W Average Earnings: Clwyd ...... 722W Road Signs and Markings...... 670W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Scotland ...... 723W Smoke Alarms ...... 671W Nurseries...... 724W Prostate Cancer...... 724W Col. No. Col. No. CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 703W HEALTH...... 724W National Museum of Computing...... 703W Abortion ...... 724W UN Commission on the Status of Women ...... 704W Congenital Abnormalities...... 725W World War I: Anniversaries...... 704W Diabetes: Children ...... 725W Health: Equality...... 726W DEFENCE...... 700W Health Professions: Regulation ...... 726W Afghanistan ...... 700W Medical Records: Databases ...... 727W Air Force: Equipment ...... 700W Mental Health: Northern Ireland...... 728W Armed Forces: Rape ...... 701W Mental Health Services ...... 728W Army Personnel Centre...... 701W NHS England ...... 729W Defence: Procurement...... 701W NHS: Innovation ...... 729W Dounreay...... 702W Sleep Apnoea ...... 730W Military Bases...... 702W Trade Union Officials...... 730W Military Bases: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 702W Tuberculosis...... 731W MOD St Athan ...... 703W RAF Mildenhall ...... 703W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 682W Unmanned Air Vehicles ...... 703W Alcoholic Drinks...... 682W Asylum: Syria ...... 683W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 732W Crime: Staffordshire...... 683W Electoral Register...... 732W Driving Offences ...... 684W Hereditary Peers ...... 733W Female Genital Mutilation...... 684W Lobbying...... 733W Human Trafficking ...... 685W Returning Officers: Wales ...... 733W Human Trafficking: Children...... 685W National Public Order Intelligence Unit...... 686W Northern Ireland...... 686W EDUCATION...... 710W Nurseries...... 686W Academies...... 710W Organised Crime: Northern Ireland ...... 686W Adoption: Norfolk...... 710W Rape: Prosecutions...... 687W Children: Diabetes ...... 711W Stalking...... 687W Education: Greater Manchester ...... 712W Terrorism ...... 687W Education: Yorkshire and the Humber...... 713W UN Commission on the Status of Women ...... 688W Faith Schools ...... 715W Wildlife: Animal Experiments...... 688W Free School Meals: Lancashire ...... 715W Free Schools...... 716W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 674W GCSE ...... 717W Security...... 675W Grant Maintained Schools...... 718W Support: Hon. Members ...... 674W Headteachers ...... 718W Pupils: Per Capita Costs...... 719W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 680W School Information (England) (Amendment) Burma...... 680W Regulations 2012...... 720W Developing Countries: Family Planning...... 681W Schools: Inspections...... 720W Middle East ...... 681W Students: Personal Records...... 721W Trade Union Officials...... 682W Teachers: Training...... 721W Uganda ...... 682W Teachers: Veterans ...... 722W JUSTICE...... 707W ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE ...... 671W Social Security Benefits: Appeals ...... 707W Electoral Register: Lancashire...... 671W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 690W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 689W Nurseries...... 690W Fuel Poverty: Blackburn ...... 689W Public Order Offences: Belfast ...... 691W Fuel Poverty: Lancashire...... 690W Terrorism ...... 691W Nuclear Power Stations...... 689W PRIME MINISTER...... 665W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Former Ministers: Business Interests...... 665W AFFAIRS...... 695W Animal Welfare: Circuses...... 695W TRANSPORT ...... 691W Bats...... 695W Bus Services: Disability ...... 693W Floods: Northamptonshire ...... 696W Bus Services: Finance...... 693W Unmanned Air Vehicles ...... 697W Cycling: Safety ...... 694W Wildlife: Imports...... 698W High Speed 2...... 692W Woodland Grant Scheme ...... 698W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 694W Kettering Station...... 694W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 675W Rail Network Infrastructure...... 692W Burma...... 675W Railway Stations ...... 691W Commonwealth ...... 677W Road and Rail Network: Flooding...... 692W Commonwealth Secretariat...... 678W Road Markings ...... 692W Gibraltar...... 678W Roads: Repairs and Maintenance...... 694W Iraq: Iran ...... 678W Rural Bus Services ...... 692W Occupied Territories...... 679W Ukraine...... 679W TREASURY ...... 707W Western Sahara ...... 679W Air Passenger Duty ...... 707W Col. No. Col. No. TREASURY—continued WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 671W Empty Property ...... 709W Children: Maintenance ...... 671W Minimum Wage: Northern Ireland ...... 709W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Scotland...... 672W Tax Evasion: Fuels...... 709W Social Rented Housing: Disability ...... 672W Tobacco: Smuggling...... 710W Social Security Benefits: Scotland ...... 672W Statutory Sick Pay...... 673W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 699W Equality and Human Rights Commission...... 699W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Thursday 27 March 2014

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CONTENTS

Thursday 20 March 2014

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 891] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Transport House of Commons Commission Leader of the House

Tributes to Tony Benn [Col. 913]

Business of the House [Col. 939] Statement—(Mr Lansley)

Pensions Strategy [Col. 950] Statement—(Steve Webb)

Wales [Col. 959] Bill presented, and read the First time

Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation [Col. 960] Debate (Second Day) Debate adjourned

Hinkley Point C (Infrastructure Projects) [Col. 1020] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Women’s Contribution to the Ordained Ministry (Church of England) [Col. 363WH] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Statements [Col. 59WS]

Petition [Col. 7P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 665W] [see index inside back page]