Monday Volume 516 11 October 2010 No. 49

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 11 October 2010

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2010 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through the Office of Public Sector Information website at www.opsi.gov.uk/click-use/ Enquiries to the Office of Public Sector Information, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; e-mail: [email protected] HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT

MEMBERS OF THE CABINET

(FORMED BY THE RT HON.DAVID CAMERON,MP,MAY 2010)

PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt Hon. David Cameron, MP DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL—The Rt Hon. Nick Clegg, MP FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. William Hague, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. George Osborne, MP LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR JUSTICE—The Rt Hon. Kenneth Clarke, QC, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE—The Rt Hon. Liam Fox, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR BUSINESS,INNOVATION AND SKILLS—The Rt Hon. Vince Cable, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WORK AND PENSIONS—The Rt Hon. Iain Duncan Smith, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE—The Rt Hon. Chris Huhne, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH—The Rt Hon. Andrew Lansley, CBE, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EDUCATION—The Rt Hon. Michael Gove, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT—The Rt Hon. Eric Pickles, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT—The Rt Hon. Philip Hammond, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT,FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS—The Rt Hon. Caroline Spelman, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT—The Rt Hon. Andrew Mitchell, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND—The Rt Hon. Owen Paterson, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt Hon. Michael Moore, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WALES—The Rt Hon. Cheryl Gillan, MP SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,OLYMPICS,MEDIA AND SPORT—The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY—The Rt Hon. Danny Alexander, MP LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER—The Rt Hon. Lord Strathclyde MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO—The Rt Hon. Baroness Warsi

DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND MINISTERS Business, Innovation and Skills— SECRETARY OF STATE AND PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE—The Rt Hon. Vince Cable, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. David Willetts, MP (Minister for Universities and Science) John Hayes, MP (Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning) § Mark Prisk, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Edward Davey, MP Edward Vaizey, MP § Baroness Wilcox Cabinet Office— MINISTER FOR THE CABINET OFFICE AND PAYMASTER GENERAL—The Rt Hon. Francis Maude, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Oliver Letwin, MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES— Mark Harper, MP Nick Hurd, MP Communities and Local Government— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Eric Pickles, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Greg Clark, MP The Rt Hon. Grant Shapps, MP (Minister for Housing and Local Government) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Andrew Stunell, OBE, MP Robert Neill, MP Baroness Hanham, CBE ii HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

Culture, Media and Sport— SECRETARY OF STATE FOR CULTURE,OLYMPICS,MEDIA AND SPORT—The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— John Penrose, MP Hugh Robertson, MP (Minister for Sport and the Olympics) Edward Vaizey, MP § Defence— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Liam Fox, MP MINISTER OF STATE—Nick Harvey, MP (Minister for the Armed Forces) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Gerald Howarth, MP Andrew Robathan, MP Peter Luff, MP Lord Astor of Hever, DL § Duchy of Lancaster— LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS AND CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER—The Rt Hon. Lord Strathclyde Education— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Michael Gove, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Sarah Teather, MP Nick Gibb, MP John Hayes, MP (Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Tim Loughton, MP Lord Hill of Oareford Energy and Climate Change— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Chris Huhne, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Charles Hendry, MP Gregory Barker, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Lord Marland Environment, Food and Rural Affairs— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Caroline Spelman, MP MINISTER OF STATE—James Paice, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Richard Benyon, MP Lord Henley Foreign and Commonwealth Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. William Hague, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Jeremy Browne, MP David Lidington, MP (Minister for Europe) The Rt Hon. Lord Howell of Guildford PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Henry Bellingham, MP Alistair Burt, MP Government Equalities Office— MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP § MINISTER FOR EQUALITIES—Lynne Featherstone, MP § Health— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Andrew Lansley, CBE, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— Paul Burstow, MP Simon Burns, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Anne Milton, MP Earl Howe Home Office— SECRETARY OF STATE AND MINISTER FOR WOMEN AND EQUALITIES—The Rt Hon. Theresa May, MP § MINISTERS OF STATE— Damian Green, MP (Minister for Immigration) The Rt Hon. Nick Herbert, MP (Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice) § The Rt Hon. Baroness Neville-Jones (Minister for Security) PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Lynne Featherstone, MP (Minister for Equalities) § James Brokenshire, MP HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont. iii

International Development— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Andrew Mitchell, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Alan Duncan, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—Stephen O’Brien, MP Justice— LORD CHANCELLOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Kenneth Clarke, QC, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Lord McNally The Rt Hon. Nick Herbert, MP (Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice) § PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Crispin Blunt, MP Jonathan Djanogly, MP Law Officers— ATTORNEY-GENERAL—The Rt Hon. Dominic Grieve, QC, MP SOLICITOR-GENERAL—Edward Garnier, QC, MP ADVOCATE-GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND—The Rt Hon. Lord Wallace of Tankerness, QC Leader of the House of Commons— LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AND LORD PRIVY SEAL—The Rt Hon. Sir George Young, MP PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—David Heath, CBE, MP Northern Ireland— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Owen Paterson, MP MINISTER OF STATE—Hugo Swire, MP Privy Council Office— DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL—The Rt Hon. Nick Clegg, MP Scotland Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Michael Moore, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. David Mundell, MP Transport— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Philip Hammond, MP MINISTER OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Theresa Villiers, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Norman Baker, MP Mike Penning, MP Treasury— PRIME MINISTER,FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND MINISTER FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE—The Rt Hon. David Cameron, MP CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER—The Rt Hon. George Osborne, MP CHIEF SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Danny Alexander, MP FINANCIAL SECRETARY—Mark Hoban, MP EXCHEQUER SECRETARY—David Gauke, MP ECONOMIC SECRETARY—Justine Greening, MP COMMERCIAL SECRETARY—Lord Sassoon PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY—The Rt Hon. Patrick McLoughlin, MP LORDS COMMISSIONERS— Michael Fabricant, MP Angela Watkinson, MP Jeremy Wright, MP Brooks Newmark, MP James Duddridge, MP ASSISTANT WHIPS— Philip Dunne, MP Stephen Crabb, MP Robert Goodwill, MP Shailesh Vara, MP Bill Wiggin, MP Chloe Smith, MP Norman Lamb, MP Mark Hunter, MP iv HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT—cont.

Wales Office— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Cheryl Gillan, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE—David Jones, MP Work and Pensions— SECRETARY OF STATE—The Rt Hon. Iain Duncan Smith, MP MINISTERS OF STATE— The Rt Hon. Chris Grayling, MP Steve Webb, MP PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES OF STATE— Maria Miller, MP Lord Freud Her Majesty’s Household— LORD CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt Hon. Earl Peel, GCVO, DL LORD STEWARD—The Earl of Dalhousie MASTER OF THE HORSE—Lord Vestey, KCVO TREASURER—The Rt Hon. John Randall, MP COMPTROLLER—Alistair Carmichael, MP VICE-CHAMBERLAIN—The Rt Hon. Mark Francois, MP CAPTAIN OF THE HONOURABLE CORPS OF GENTLEMEN-AT-ARMS—The Rt Hon. Baroness Anelay of St Johns, DBE CAPTAIN OF THE QUEEN’S BODYGUARD OF THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD—The Rt Hon. Lord Shutt of Greetland, OBE BARONESSES IN WAITING—Baroness Northover, Baroness Rawlings, Baroness Verma LORDS IN WAITING—Earl Attlee, Lord Astor of Hever §, DL, Lord De Mauley, TD, Lord Taylor of Holbeach, CBE, Lord Wallace of Saltaire

§ Members of the Government listed under more than one Department

SECOND CHURCH ESTATES COMMISSIONER, REPRESENTING CHURCH COMMISSIONERS—Tony Baldry, MP HOUSE OF COMMONS

THE SPEAKER—The Rt Hon. John Bercow, MP

CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Lindsay Hoyle, MP FIRST DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—Nigel Evans, MP SECOND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF WAYS AND MEANS—The Rt Hon. Dawn Primarolo, MP

PANEL OF CHAIRS Mr David Amess, MP, Hugh Bayley, MP, Miss Anne Begg, MP, Mr Joe Benton, MP, Mr Clive Betts, MP, Mr Peter Bone, MP, Mr Graham Brady, MP, Annette Brooke, MP, Martin Caton, MP, Mr Christopher Chope, MP, Katy Clark, MP, Mr David Crausby, MP, Philip Davies, MP, Jim Dobbin, MP, Mr Roger Gale, MP, Mr James Gray, MP, Mr Mike Hancock, MP, Mr Philip Hollobone, MP, Mr Jim Hood, MP, The Rt Hon. George Howarth, MP, Mr Edward Leigh, MP, Dr William McCrea, MP, Miss Anne McIntosh, MP, Mrs Anne Main, MP, Mrs Linda Riordan, MP, John Robertson, MP, Andrew Rosindell, MP, Jim Sheridan, MP, Mr Gary Streeter, MP, Mr Andrew Turner, MP, Mr Charles Walker, MP, Joan Walley, MP, Mr Mike Weir, MP, Hywel Williams, MP

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION The Rt Hon. The Speaker (Chairman), Sir Stuart Bell, MP, Sir Paul Beresford, MP, John Thurso, MP, The Rt Hon. Rosie Winterton, MP, The Rt Hon. Sir George Young, MP SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION—Dorian Gerhold ASSISTANT SECRETARY—Robert Cope

ADMINISTRATION ESTIMATE AUDIT COMMITTEE Alex Jablonowski (Chairman), Clive Betts, MP, Nick Harvey, MP, The Rt Hon. Rosie Winterton, MP, Stephen Brooker, Mark Clarke SECRETARY OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE—Hannah White, PhD

MANAGEMENT BOARD Malcolm Jack, PhD (Chief Executive), Robert Rogers (Director General, Chamber and Committee Services), John Pullinger (Director General, Information Services), Andrew Walker (Director General, Resources), John Borley, CB (Director General, Facilities), Joan Miller (Director of Parliamentary ICT) (External Member), Alex Jablonowski (External Member) SECRETARY OF THE MANAGEMENT BOARD—Matthew Hamlyn

SPEAKER’S SECRETARY—Kate Emms SPEAKER’S COUNSEL—Michael Carpenter SPEAKER’S CHAPLAIN—Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin MEDICAL ADVISER TO THE SPEAKER—Dr Ron Zeegen, OBE, FRCP, MRCS, DObst, RCOG

PARLIAMENTARY COMMISSIONER FOR STANDARDS—John Lyon, CB PARLIAMENTARY SECURITY CO-ORDINATOR—Peter Mason

11 October 2010

THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES OFFICIAL REPORT

IN THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FIFTY-FIFTH PARLIAMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND [WHICH OPENED 18 MAY 2010]

FIFTY-NINTH YEAR OF THE REIGN OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

SIXTH SERIES VOLUME 516 SEVENTH VOLUME OF SESSION 2010-2011

numerous other occasions. I would be delighted to meet House of Commons a group of representatives. I met a large body of young people who have long-term conditions who came to Monday 11 October 2010 lobby us about their circumstances at school. The problem affects 18 million people throughout the country and it The House met at half-past Two o’clock shows no sign of abating among younger people, so I am more than happy to take forward her offer. PRAYERS Ofsted (Inspection Assessments) [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] 2. Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): If he will discuss with Ofsted its arrangements for measuring value Oral Answers to Questions added by schools. [16446]

The Minister of State, Department for Education EDUCATION (Mr Nick Gibb): The Department has regular discussions with Ofsted about its approach to school inspection, The Secretary of State was asked— including its assessments of pupils’ educational attainment and achievement. That engagement will continue as School Bullying (Children with Allergies) Ofsted develops a new streamlined and refocused inspection framework built around the core areas of pupil achievement, 1. Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): What teaching, leadership and behaviour and safety. recent representations he has received on the bullying in schools of children with allergies. [16445] Tony Baldry: Can my hon. Friend assure me that the achievements of schools, such as Banbury school, which The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education have challenging catchment areas will be fairly reflected (Tim Loughton): The Secretary of State and the ministerial in Ofsted inspection reports? team have not received any recent representation on the bullying of children with allergies. Mr Gibb: I can give my hon. Friend that assurance. Jo Swinson: I thank the Minister for that answer. I Ofsted takes into account not just raw attainment at chaired a meeting of the all-party group on allergies at schools but the progress of pupils. Between September which a number of children spoke about their experiences 2009 and March 2010, of schools in challenging areas, of potentially life-threatening bullying in schools. For 10% were awarded the outstanding grading, compared example, they had foods to which they are severely with 11% of all schools. allergic forced upon them. Some schools’ response to that was commendable, but in others it was not taken Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): Two head teachers seriously. Would the Minister be happy to meet me and in Chesterfield told me how liberating it was for them a group of these children to discuss their experiences of when contextual value added measures were put in that problem and potential solutions? place and there was finally acknowledgement of the tough circumstances under which they performed their Tim Loughton: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for roles. Does the Minister agree that the CVA measures, raising that point. I pay tribute to the good work that as a key part of the inspection that assists parents, help she has done with the all-party group. She secured a parents to assess the strengths of teaching at a school, debate on the subject and has raised the matter on not just the strengths of an intake? 3 Oral Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Oral Answers 4

Mr Gibb: May I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on as anyone who has looked at the matter in detail will his appointment? I look forward to working closely know, is provision from ages 16 to 18, and that things with him to achieve our shared objective, which is to get even more challenging for parents when their children close the attainment gap between those from wealthier are 18? and those from poorer backgrounds. I assure him that, in Ofsted inspections, the progress of pupils is as important Sarah Teather: I absolutely agree with the hon. as the absolute level of attainment. Value added figures, Gentleman, with whom I have discussed this matter whether the current CVA figure or a review figure that before. I want the Green Paper to look specifically at measures progress, are important in all Ofsted inspections. that. He will be aware that there are a wide range of reports on what happens in schools and special schools, Special Educational Needs and on support for children in mainstream schools and in special units that are attached to them. However, 4. Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): What there is very little research on transition. If one issue his policy is on the provision of support for children has come out clearly from my meetings with parents with special educational needs. [16448] and voluntary sector organisations, it is the need to The Minister of State, Department for Education think about the whole of a child’s life—all the way (Sarah Teather): To deliver the Government’s commitments through. on special educational needs, I am publishing a Green Paper later this year to look at the wide range of issues Charlotte Leslie (Bristol North West) (Con): In my concerning children with special educational needs and constituency, many parents, particularly those from less disabilities. To inform this important work, I have issued advantaged backgrounds, fight hard to get their children’s a call for views and have met parents, teachers, local special educational needs recognised. Will my hon. Friend authorities, charities and other groups. I am also considering guarantee that she will look carefully at that? the findings of recent reviews, including the recent report from Ofsted. Sarah Teather: My hon. Friend is correct to say that many families feel that they have had to battle to get Robert Flello: I am grateful to the Minister for that their child’s needs recognised, let alone catered for. That answer and I congratulate the new Opposition Front is very much why we will produce the Green Paper later Benchers on their appointment. this year. We are looking at how we can make the In some schools, support staff provided for statemented system less adversarial and how we can focus more, for children are being redirected to other children by head example, on outcomes, and how to make the process teachers who use such staff almost as a floating resource. more transparent. I hope that any parents of SEN Can the Minister assure me that she will look into that children in her constituency who have strong views will matter as a great priority? respond to our call for views. They can go to the Department’s website and submit them now to help to Sarah Teather: I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising ensure that we frame the questions in our Green Paper that point. I understand from my discussion with him correctly. prior to questions that a specific issue is concerning him and has led him to ask that question. I wonder whether Mrs Sharon Hodgson (Washington and Sunderland he will be good enough to write to me because it would West) (Lab): Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am delighted to concern me greatly if schools were redirecting to other address you from the Dispatch Box for the first time. children resources that were supposed to be allocated to children who have a statement in special educational I welcome the Minister’s commitment to SEN provision. needs. It would be useful to have his feedback in advance However, there is significant feeling among the SEN of the Green Paper. community that the whirlwind pace of change within the Department for Education has left little time to John Howell (Henley) (Con): I welcome the Minister’s consider the effect that the changes will have on SEN commitment to children with special educational needs. provision, and particularly the effect that academies My constituency has schools with well in excess of and free schools will have on funding from local authorities. 50% of pupils on the special educational needs register. Will she reassure the House that those ideological How will the Minister encourage Ofsted to look at the experiments will not take money away from council bigger picture when it comes to its assessments, because budgets for providing support to the one in five children the problems are often complex? with SEN?

Sarah Teather: My hon. Friend is correct to say that Sarah Teather: May I begin by congratulating the the problems are complex. It is absolutely right that hon. Lady on her promotion? It will be a great pleasure school inspections take account of how well pupils with to debate these issues with her. I am aware that she has a special educational needs and disabilities are provided long-standing interest in special educational needs—she for, as well as how well they learn and progress. That was responsible for the passage of the Special Educational will be an important consideration for Ofsted as it Needs (Information) Act 2008. I am sure she will be a develops new inspection arrangements focused specifically knowledgeable opponent over the next few months, on the core areas of achievement, teaching, leadership, which I look forward to. behaviour and safety. On the hon. Lady’s specific question—[Interruption.] Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Does I am being heckled when I am trying to pay a compliment. the Minister agree that there has been a serious improvement Labour Members cannot even let me be nice to Opposition in SEN children’s facilities and support up to the age of spokesperson. Goodness gracious! They should wait till 16? However, does she further agree that the real challenge, next week—[Interruption.] There’s always a last time. I 5 Oral Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Oral Answers 6 should like to answer the hon. Lady’s question. On Patrick Mercer (Newark) (Con): The Secretary of academies and free schools, she would be aware, if she State will be aware of the Grove school in Newark, had been in the Chamber for the debate on the Academies where many deprived children are educated. I am grateful Act 2010 before the summer, that an advisory group is to him for arranging a visit by Lord Hill, but things looking specifically at funding issues. really are desperate there. The next flood in Newark, which will come at any time now with the next heavy Special Educational Needs (Leeds North West) rainfall, will mean that they will be unable to teach at the school. Would the Secretary of State therefore be 5. Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): What kind enough to arrange a date for the noble Lord’s visit? recent representations he has received on educational provision for children with special needs in Leeds Michael Gove: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the North West constituency. [16451] passionate way in which he makes his case. I am well The Minister of State, Department for Education aware that in Nottinghamshire, and in many other (Sarah Teather): There have been no representations areas, schools that desperately need refurbishment and received from Leeds local authority in relation to provision rebuilding have been denied resources. One of the reasons for children with special educational needs in the authority’s why we had to change the BSF programme was that it area. School organisation and special educational provision was behind on its timetable, it was inefficient in the are matters for local consultation and determination, allocation of resources and vulnerable children, such as and where there are disagreements, they may be referred those for whom he speaks so passionately, were losing to the independent schools adjudicator for consideration. out. I can guarantee that Lord Hill will be in touch later today to fix a precise date to see my hon. Friend. Greg Mulholland: I thank the Minister for her answer. That there have been no representations contrasts with Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): Has the Secretary the fact that many representations have been made to of State received a report of our meeting with Jonathan Education Leeds and similar authorities. Lucy Holmes, Hill regarding Tibshelf community school in my my constituent, has finally, after a lengthy battle— constituency? The school is 100 years old, it is being 10 years—had a review of her SEN statement, in which held up by pit props and the teachers are having to time, of course, her needs have changed substantially. travel six miles back and forth from Tibshelf to Deincourt What will the new Government do to ensure that children’s community school, which is being closed by the county needs are met by reviewing statements far more frequently? council. We desperately need to get this job done. The Minister said that this is a compelling case. Does the Mr Speaker: In the Leeds North West constituency. Secretary of State feel compelled to replace the school Sarah Teather: The statement of needs is supposed to and rebuild it? be reviewed annually, so it is a matter of concern if that is not happening and it has taken 10 years for such a Michael Gove: The hon. Gentleman always makes a review to take place. However, I should also say that too compelling case for his constituents, and I am well often a statement of needs is a static document that aware that in the part of Derbyshire that he represents ends up in a drawer, rather than a dynamic document resources have not been devoted to the front line as used as a basis for discussion and focusing on outcomes. efficiently as they should have been. One of the aims of Again, I hope that the Green Paper will begin to examine the capital review that we have put in place and of the this issue. comprehensive spending review, which will report to the House next Wednesday, is to ensure that the schools in Building Schools for the Future greatest need—both secondary and primary—receive resources as quickly and efficiently as possible. 6. Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South) (Lab): What assessment he has made of the effects on Andy Burnham (Leigh) (Lab): It is a pleasure finally children from the most deprived backgrounds of the to face the right hon. Gentleman across the Dispatch changes to the Building Schools for the Future Box; he and I have not done this before. I hope that he programme. [16452] will not mind my saying at the beginning that my observation of him so far in his job is that he has failed The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): to understand the difference between being a Minister The decision to end the Building Schools for the Future and being a journalist, displaying a fairly loose grip on programme was designed to ensure that resources were the facts. He promised hundreds of free schools, but has targeted more effectively on the front line. It is deeply signed off just 16; he promised thousands of academies regrettable that the fiscal position that we inherited but has so far signed up only 50; and his mistakes on the required projects to be stopped, but the capital review BSF programme threw schools into chaos and prompted that we have put in place is designed to ensure that four legal challenges from local authorities. Can he give money goes to those who need it and schools are rebuilt the House a straightforward answer today? Can he in the areas of greatest need. confirm that he proceeded with his decision to scrap Bridget Phillipson: BSF cuts will hit deprived areas school building projects despite being explicitly warned the hardest. Could the Secretary of State confirm that by his civil servants that local authorities would have a the poorest areas will receive the most help under the “fairly strong legal case” against his Department? pupil premium? Michael Gove: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for Michael Gove: Yes, I absolutely can confirm that his question. First, may I congratulate him on his under the pupil premium the students most in need will elevation to shadow Education Secretary? I admire the receive the most help. way in which he fought his leadership campaign. He 7 Oral Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Oral Answers 8 was an advocate for both modernisation and aspirational The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong socialism, which is why, of course, he came fourth out Learning (Mr John Hayes): The coalition agreement of five, neither of those values being entirely flavour of committed us to improving the quality of vocational the month in the Labour party at the moment. May I education. Alongside Professor Alison Wolf’s review of also thank him for his reference to my past as a journalist? such matters, we aim to open at least 12 university It was a pleasure to spend some time in a job outside technical colleges offering high-quality vocational learning politics before I came into this House—I recommend it to 14 to 19-year-olds—schools that put vocational training to him. May I also say that, as the permanent secretary at the core of their curriculum offer. made clear to the Select Committee when I was answering its questions back in July, the advice that it was alleged I Neil Carmichael: I thank the Minister for that clear was offered was not passed on to me? answer, which underlines the reason why he is so popular in the further education sector and elsewhere, and as Andy Burnham: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for regards providing apprenticeships— his characteristic graciousness. Today he is wearing something of the air of the self-satisfied teacher’s pet Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): Get on with it. who has escaped the attentions of the biggest boy in the playground, but I say to him that my right hon. Friend Neil Carmichael: All right. What will be done to the Member for Morley and Outwood (Ed Balls) and I ensure that pupils are properly signposted towards and are the strike force for the parliamentary football team—he encouraged to take vocational training? softens up opponents and gives me the bullets to finish them off. I give that warning to the right hon. Gentleman. Mr Hayes: I think that my hon. Friend understated The right hon. Gentleman’s answer is typical of the my popularity somewhat, but nevertheless he will know cavalier way in which he is running his Department. He that we are entirely committed to ensuring that people has got himself into a mess because of his determination get the right kind of advice about vocational options. to inflict a political experiment on our schools, skewing Too often, people have lacked that advice and it is the budget towards pet projects instead of helping all important that those with the aptitudes, tastes, talents schools through tough times. We have already heard and choices to take them down that road get proper that he has wasted £260 million through his botched advice and advice on progression, too. decision making—is that what Philip Green would call a shocking waste? Will the right hon. Gentleman now Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): Does tell this House how much his Department has set aside the Minister accept that young people from poorer to cover the legal costs and possible compensation to communities are often put into vocational GCSEs as an local authorities caused by the mistakes that he has easy option, as a result of which academic subjects such made? as history are becoming the preserve of the elite? What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that “academic Michael Gove: That was a fantastic question—or equivalence” GCSEs are not becoming the default option series of questions. I am impressed that the strike force for poorer communities? in the Labour party parliamentary football team comes, according to the right hon. Gentleman, equipped with Mr Hayes: As a qualified history teacher, I share the bullets. It says something about the approach of the hon. Gentleman’s passion for the teaching of history, right hon. Member for Morley and Outwood (Ed Balls) but I think he underestimates and undervalues—as do towards playing fair that he regards a Tommy gun as an so many from the bourgeois class that he personifies—the appropriate thing to bring on to the football field. significance of technical skills, craft skills and practical There was a certain element of the spraying of fire in skills. They matter too, and the Government know it. the question asked by the right hon. Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham). May I say that we will vigorously Academy Schools contest the judicial review of our decision? It is really important that people appreciate that the Building Schools 8. Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): What for the Future programme had failed. Unfortunately, in percentage of schools have (a) applied for and (b) been 2008, instead of 200 schools being built, fewer than granted academy status. [16454] 50 had been built. Under the Building Schools for the Future programme, £11 million was wasted on consultants. The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong One consultant secured the equivalent of £1.35 million, Learning (Mr John Hayes): Am I up? [HON.MEMBERS: while schools in my constituency, the right hon. Gentleman’s “More, more!”] I am intoxicated by the exuberance of constituency and almost every hon. Member’s constituency the situation, one might say. needed that resource. We will make no apology for The Government are absolutely clear about their ensuring that in the education budget money goes not determination to deliver practical learning in the way to lawyers and consultants but to the front line and that that I have described, and—[Interruption.] 13 years of Labour failure is at last reversed by a coalition Government committed to aspiration. Mr Speaker: Order. The hon. Gentleman might be a tad confused—I hope not. We are on Question 8 from Vocational Education Mr James Gray.

7. Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): What plans he The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): has to increase the level of provision of vocational Thank you, Mr Speaker. The exuberance and enthusiasm education in schools. [16453] of my ministerial colleague is something to behold. 9 Oral Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Oral Answers 10

More than 300 academy schools had been opened as The Minister of State, Department for Education of 1 September 2010, and since the Academies Act 2010 (Mr Nick Gibb): We have made clear our intention to received Royal Assent two months ago we have received review the national curriculum at both primary and 189 applications to convert to academy status, or 5.9% of secondary levels, to restore it to its original purpose—a the outstanding mainstream schools that are currently core national entitlement organised around subject eligible. Some 32 new academies opened on 1 September, disciplines. We want to arrive at a simple core, informed and 23 more have opened since then, the equivalent of by the best international practice, that will provide a one nearly every working day. minimum entitlement for pupils. We will announce more details about our plans later in the year. Mr Gray: I had the good fortune to visit the Wellington academy in the constituency of my neighbour, my hon. Liz Kendall: I thank the Minister for his reply. Head Friend the Member for Devizes (Claire Perry), last teachers in my constituency are concerned that Government Friday. It is an outstanding example of what an academy have still not come forward with their proposals for can do. It has gone from being the worst-performing replacing the primary school curriculum, and that the school in Wiltshire to being one of the best on a delay is preventing them from properly planning for the like-for-like basis. GCSE passes have doubled and it is future. Will he reassure the House that the Government’s now offering A-levels for the first time, and its level of plans will be published in time for primary school heads exclusions has gone from being the highest in Wiltshire to get the staff, timetables and resources that they need to being the lowest. Does the Secretary of State agree to start the next financial year? that academy status can not only be of benefit to higher-performing schools but be of huge benefit to Mr Gibb: Yes, primary schools should continue with low-performing schools that wish to improve themselves? the current primary curriculum. The details and timings will be announced later in the year, but I assure the hon. Michael Gove: My hon. Friend makes a compelling Lady that there will be plenty of lead time available to case. Academy status can benefit all schools, which is schools to implement the new curriculum. We do not one reason why the former right hon. Member for want what the previous Government had, which was Sedgefield argued that academy freedoms should be “initiativitis”. Schools received new initiatives every two extended to all schools. What a pity that the Opposition weeks, and lever arch files full of prescriptive instructions have retreated from that high water mark of reform. about how to teach were disseminated to all our schools. Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): For the avoidance of any confusion among those on the Treasury Bench, Elizabeth Truss (South West Norfolk) (Con): Will the this is a supplementary question to Question 8. Minister comment on the fact that many primary schools appear to be teaching multiple methods for basic In opposition, the Secretary of State said that in his mathematical problems, which has been set out through first 100 days he would identify the 100 weakest schools the national strategies, rather than achieving fluency in and rapidly give them new leadership, and give hundreds key methods, which enables those pupils to go on and of high-performing schools academy freedoms so that achieve and where countries such as Flanders and Finland they could help weaker-performing schools. Can he have proved so successful? confirm that he has so far failed to enforce any obligation whatever on the 50 or so new academies to help weaker schools, and that he has done nothing about his pledge Mr Gibb: I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for her to help the weakest 100 schools? Is he not just picking a passion about the way maths is taught in our schools. few of the favoured and allowing the rest to drift? Of course, how children are taught is a pedagogical matter, which should be left to the professionalism of Michael Gove: The hon. Gentleman will have to do teachers, but what is taught and when will be matters better than that. All the schools that have been granted for the national curriculum review. academy status either are helping or will help underperforming schools to improve. We have actively Playbuilders Scheme identified some of the weakest schools in the country and will shortly announce the partners, whether existing 10. Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): How many academy sponsors or high-performing schools, that will proposed play areas planned to be built under the ensure that those schools raise their performance. It is a playbuilders scheme after July 2010 will not proceed. tragedy that under the Government of whom he was a [16456] part, the gap between rich and poor widened and we came near the bottom of the 57 most advanced countries in the world in educational achievement. It is a particular The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education tragedy that the gap between private and state schools (Tim Loughton): We believe that it is important that grew under his Government, testament to which is the there are safe, free local places to play. However, the fact that in the shadow Cabinet under which he serves, Department inherited unaffordable spending commitments more members were educated in private or selective for this year, and play has therefore had to make a schools than in comprehensives. contribution to the savings needed. Local authorities will be told of their revised allocations Primary School Curriculum within the next month, soon after the comprehensive spending review, and it will be for them to decide which 9. Liz Kendall (Leicester West) (Lab): What plans he play areas proceed, according to their own local priorities. has for the future of the primary school curriculum; Local authorities are not required to inform my Department and if he will make a statement. [16455] of their decisions. 11 Oral Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Oral Answers 12

Bill Esterson: Aintree village is one of the areas in my Miss McIntosh: I am grateful to my hon. Friend the constituency that was due to benefit from a new play Minister for that reply. Will she confirm that that premium area. One reason that residents and the parish council will cover those living in pockets of rural poverty in wanted the play area was to tackle childhood obesity. Thirsk and Malton, which are particularly sparsely Does the Minister agree with me, and with residents in populated and rural in nature, to increase their chances Aintree and across Sefton, that decent-quality play of social mobility? areas are a good way to tackle childhood obesity? What measures will he take to support local authorities and Sarah Teather: One of the points about the pupil others who wish to see the kind of support needed to premium is the fact that, because it targets the individual tackle childhood obesity? child, it has a much better chance of picking up those areas where there are pockets of deprivation, which Tim Loughton: I think we all agree with the hon. have been missed by other ways of distributing deprivation Gentleman about the importance of play in so many funding. It does not matter whether children live in a different areas. It can help to affect social divisions, wealthy area or not; unfortunately, the stats about their obesity and other health measures. Of course, we fully parents’ income are still the greatest predictor of how share his aspirations and, I am sure, those of the people well they will do at school. I think that that is an behind the project in Aintree village. I pay tribute to the absolute scandal. Unfortunately, it is the legacy of the people in his constituency and in other communities previous Labour Government. who have striven hard for those play areas, but I repeat that the play funding was based on the dodgy accounting Mr Iain Wright (Hartlepool) (Lab): The educational of the previous Government’s end-year flexibility system. achievement of young people in deprived areas has On that basis, I am afraid that it has had to be reviewed, risen highest for those in receipt of the education but I hope that there will be money forthcoming in due maintenance allowance. EMA is undoubtedly helping course so that other projects can proceed. He will hear to break the decades-old link between deprivation, about that in the next few weeks. attainment and staying-on rates. That being the case, and given the comments made by the Minister, will she commit to retaining EMA in its current form? Andrew Percy (Brigg and Goole) (Con): The Minister may be aware that I have made several representations Sarah Teather: The hon. Gentleman will be aware on this subject regarding a number of play parks in my that we have made a commitment this year, and he will constituency, including in Winterton, Keadby, Crowle be perfectly well aware that future spending decisions and Burringham. What is now coming back from some are a matter for the spending review. He will have to of those is the fact that there have been several delays in wait with bated breath until next week. the process, through the fault of the local councils over the years. May we have an assurance that the Department Mr Graham Stuart (Beverley and Holderness) (Con): will look favourably on the cases of park bids that have Can the Minister tell the House what steps she is taking been delayed because of problems within the local to ensure that children from the most deprived areas authorities? have access to the highest quality teaching, and to make sure that teaching in those areas is subject to the most Tim Loughton: Again, I pay tribute to my hon. Friend effective performance management? and his concern for that important matter, but it is not for the Department for Education to specify which Sarah Teather: My hon. Friend will be aware that we particular play projects are to go ahead. That area is not have expanded Teach First, something that both the ring-fenced; it is up to the local authorities. Once we Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives feel strongly make the further announcement following the about. It was a Liberal Democrat manifesto commitment. comprehensive spending review, I very much hope that I hope that will have a considerable impact on raising those projects that are to go ahead do so with all speed. the attainment of children in deprived areas. Of course, pupil premiums will make sure that there are extra Children from Deprived Areas (Educational resources for schools to spend as they choose: they may Achievement) be spent on one-to-one tuition, or on other things that schools feel are best for narrowing that attainment gap.

11. Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): There What steps he plans to take to improve the educational are hundreds of teaching assistants working in primary achievement of children from the most deprived areas; schools in the most deprived areas of not just my and if he will make a statement. [16457] constituency but the whole country. Many of them are fearful of the effect of the budgetary decisions that the The Minister of State, Department for Education Minister is about to make. Will she give an assurance (Sarah Teather): Raising the attainment of children that teaching assistant posts, which have had a massive from the most deprived areas is a priority for the impact on educational attainment, will be protected, coalition Government. From September 2011, we are and perhaps enhanced? introducing a pupil premium, which will guarantee additional funding for schools with deprived children, Sarah Teather: The hon. Gentleman will be aware—I and ensure that the poorest children, wherever they live, have already said this to one of his hon. Friends—that are able to receive the right support. Schools will decide future spending is subject to the spending review, which how to spend the premium so as to achieve the best will take place next week. I cannot tell him what future results for their disadvantaged pupils. spending will be until after the spending review next 13 Oral Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Oral Answers 14 week. What I will say is that there is a clear coalition Michael Gove: I thank my hon. Friend for her question. commitment to targeting extra resources on disadvantaged She joins a growing cross-party consensus, led by the children through the pupil premium, which schools can hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central (Tristram Hunt), spend as they wish to narrow the attainment gap between that we need to ensure that children up to the age of the richest and the poorest students in their school. 16 follow a stretching academic curriculum, as they do They may well choose to do that by having more in many other European countries. As a passionate teaching assistants, but they may choose to spend the pro-European, I would like to see us emulate those money on other things. countries in that regard, and in many others. Departmental Guidance (Head Teachers) Free School Meals 12. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): If he will reduce the volume of guidance and advice his 14. Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): What estimate his Department issues to head teachers. [16458] Department has made of the number of children who will be eligible for free school meals in September 2010; The Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong and if he will make a statement. [16460] Learning (Mr John Hayes): You can’t keep a good man down. The Minister of State, Department for Education The Government are committed to reducing the amount (Mr Nick Gibb): The number of pupils of compulsory of guidance and advice issued to schools. Our intention school age in maintained schools eligible for free school is to streamline and reduce schools guidance so that it is meals was 1,179,880 in January 2010. The Department provided only where there is evidence of demand from has not produced an estimate of the number of pupils professionals. We want to free up head teachers so that eligible for free school meals in September 2010; the they have more time to focus on the important task of figures are produced annually as part of the annual raising standards in our schools. school census, completed by local authorities in January each year. Leaving time for compilation, the next set of Mr Hollobone: Head teachers in the Kettering figures will be available in May 2011. constituency are absolutely fed up with the scale of guidance and advice that they receive from central Nic Dakin: I thank the Minister for his answer. He Government. My hon. Friend has a deserved reputation will note my interest as a former principal. Does he as the enemy of red tape, so can he illustrate the scale think it is fair that 16 to 18-year-olds attending colleges and volume of the guidance and advice issued by the are ineligible for free school meals, when 16% in FE Department under the previous regime? colleges and 10% in sixth-form colleges are from disadvantaged backgrounds, compared with only 7% in Mr Hayes: I can indeed. I have here the advice and maintained schools? guidance just on behaviour and attendance. It is roughly equivalent in length to the complete works of Shakespeare, Mr Gibb: I take on board the hon. Gentleman’s which I also happen to have to hand. This Government comments. I share his view. We have committed to are determined to reduce red tape and bureaucracy. We maintaining spending on free school meals this year. want teachers to be able to get on and teach, so that Further announcements will be made after the spending they do their best by our children. review.

Attainment League Tables Help for Families 13. Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of school 15. Simon Kirby (Brighton, Kemptown) (Con): What achievement and attainment league tables in providing progress has been made on his Department’s plans to information on academic standards in schools; and if help families with multiple problems. [16461] he will make a statement. [16459] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): (Tim Loughton): The Government are committed to a We plan to reform the school performance tables to new approach to supporting families with multiple make them more rigorous and to ensure that they focus problems. My officials are working with the Association on academic standards. We have proposed introducing of Directors of Children’s Services and voluntary a new measure, the English baccalaureate, that will organisations to encourage local innovation to tackle recognise achievement in not just English and mathematics barriers. Since April, family interventions have supported but the sciences, a modern or ancient foreign language, 4,725 families with multiple problems, already exceeding and humanities such as history or geography. the 3,518 supported in the whole of last year. Ninety-three per cent. of families completed or are still receiving Margot James: I thank my right hon. Friend for his support, and no fewer than 79% left with successful answer. The number of students studying history and outcomes. geography at GCSE level in some schools in Stourbridge has fallen as low as 25%. That is partly due to schools Simon Kirby: I am sure the Minister remembers encouraging the study of softer subjects to improve visiting Whitehawk primary school in my constituency. their league table positions. Does my right hon. Friend With reference to families with multiple problems, does agree that that is an indictment of the current system, he agree that dealing with these complex issues early and has he any steps in mind to remedy the situation? can often save the state money in the long run? 15 Oral Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Oral Answers 16

Tim Loughton: My hon. Friend makes a good point. I the summer, said he was clear about the needs of well remember my visit to Whitehawk primary school, Blackpool in terms of deprivation, mobility and general which has done a fantastic job in joining up support problems in that area. Will the Minister pass on the services for many of the families living in the deprived message that the people of Blackpool would like to see area around that part of Brighton. Independent evaluations such projects go ahead? show the considerable savings of such intervention programmes, which can cost on average from £8,000 to Tim Loughton: As I said before and as the hon. £20,000 per family, but which save around £50,000 per Gentleman would have heard, we are very much in family and much more for those with particularly favour of promoting play as much as possible because challenging problems. of the many social health benefits that it brings. When the allocations are determined after the spending review White Working-Class Boys (Educational coming up, I hope the local authority in Blackpool will Under-Achievement) decide its priorities according to local needs—we have given local authorities that power—and proceed to 16. David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): What his promote the play schemes that it considers most appropriate latest assessment is of levels of educational under- for the local area. achievement among white working-class boys. [16462] Special Educational Needs (Daventry) The Minister of State, Department for Education (Mr Nick Gibb): White boys in receipt of free school 18. Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): What meals are among the lowest attaining groups of students. recent representations he has received on educational In 2009, just 19.4% of white boys eligible for free school provision for children with special educational needs in meals achieved five or more good GCSEs including Daventry constituency. [16464] English and maths, compared to 50.7% of all pupils. The Minister of State, Department for Education David T. C. Davies: I am grateful to the Minister, who (Sarah Teather): There have been no representations obviously recognises the problem, which was first raised received from Northamptonshire local authority in relation by the National Union of Teachers in a report about to provision for children with special educational needs two years ago. Can he assure us that, unlike the previous in the authority’s area. However, school organisation Government, he will not, for reasons of political correctness, and special educational provision are matters for local try to brush it under the carpet, and that he will do consultation and determination, and where there are something about it? disagreements they may be referred to the independent schools adjudicator for consideration. Mr Gibb: It is a concern when any particular group is significantly underperforming compared with the national Chris Heaton-Harris: Will the Minister kindly average. One big priority for the Government is to close accept a representation from parents in my constituency, the attainment gap between those from the wealthiest who have visited my surgeries with various problems and the poorest backgrounds. We are focusing on that regarding special educational needs provision in in a range of education policies from academies to free Northamptonshire—especially the parents of a young schools, and also in our focus on improving behaviour lad called Joe, whom I met on Friday, who suffers from in schools and reviewing the curriculum. Down’s syndrome and is unable to get the regular speech therapy that he needs? Pathfinder Projects (Blackpool) Sarah Teather: May I very strongly encourage the 17. Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South) (Lab): hon. Gentleman and his constituents to respond to the What recent assessment he has made of the merits of call to send in views for the Green Paper? The call closes year 3 play pathfinder projects in Blackpool. [16463] on 15 October, so there are just a few more days to respond, and I should be very grateful if he made sure The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education that that his constituents’ experiences were represented. (Tim Loughton): All local authorities, including Blackpool, If he wishes to meet me further, I shall be very happy to have provided financial information on their 2010-11 do so. play programmes and this is being considered by our Department. However, as I said earlier, the Department New Schools Network is not making judgments on the relative merits of individual sites, and does not hold this information. Local authorities 19. Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab): What arrangements will be notified within the next month of their revised his Department has made with the New Schools play capital allocations. It will then be for local authorities Network to provide a framework for the provision of to decide which play areas go ahead, based on local services by the network on his Department’s behalf. needs. [16465]

Mr Marsden: Eleven play pathfinder projects in The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): Blackpool are waiting with bated breath for those The Department is working with the New Schools allocations. That includes the Fishers Field project in Network to finalise the specifics of the grant agreement my constituency, which is a highly imaginative but in line with the activities and key performance indicators. complex project involving new playing fields and a Those have already been outlined in broad terms in the natural park. I hear what the Minister says, but his letter of 18 June from my Department to the New colleague the Secretary of State, in reply to me earlier in Schools Network. 17 Oral Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Oral Answers 18

Lisa Nandy: Does the Secretary of State understand for children’s services, does a fantastic job, as does my the concern surrounding the level of transparency in hon. Friend. I shall make sure that I talk to Mr Ould the role of the New Schools Network? In particular, and my hon. Friend about how we can resolve that how can he be satisfied that there will be no conflict of situation for his constituents. interest between its role in providing advice to groups seeking to set up new schools and its other, undisclosed T4. [16473] John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): Will the financial donors? Secretary of State use his undoubted influence in government to get a decision—perhaps before Michael Gove: I am reassured by the fact that the 20 October—on the previous Prime Minister’s New Schools Network has as its chairman the former commitment to make a proper donation to the editor of the Financial Times, who employed the right £100 million appeal for the Auschwitz-Birkenau hon. Member for Morley and Outwood (Ed Balls) Foundation, so that the very successful schools to before he became such a distinguished Member of Auschwitz project has buildings to visit in future Parliament. I am also reassured by the fact that among decades? its advisers are Professor Julian Le Grand, who was an adviser to the former Prime Minister, and Sally Morgan, Michael Gove: I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman who was political secretary to the former Prime Minister. for raising that matter, and I must pay tribute, across Those three distinguished figures, along with many the Floor of the House, to the fantastic work that he others who support the New Schools Network, seem to has done in the fight against anti-Semitism. I can reassure be the sort of talented figures whom we should be him that we have already committed to give the Holocaust encouraging to play a bigger role in state education, Educational Trust the money that it needs. It is an issue rather than, as was the case in the Brown years, saying of no contention, across the House, that we must ensure to them that they are not wanted when it comes to that as those who remember the holocaust fade from improving education for the very poorest. our lives, the memory of that unique evil never fades Topical Questions from the minds of any of us in this place.

T1. [16470] Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) T2. [16471] Stephen Mosley (City of Chester) (Con): (Con): If he will make a statement on his departmental My local education authority of Cheshire West and responsibilities. Chester is one of the lowest funded in the country; like Leicestershire, it is a member of the F40 group. What The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): measures is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that With your permission, Mr Speaker, I should like to education funding will be more equally distributed reassure all those hon. Members who are anxious about across the country in future? the decline in the standards of education under the previous Government that two steps forward have been Michael Gove: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for taken in the past week. First, we have reversed the making that passionate case, as so many representatives policy, which was initiated under the previous Government, from F40 authorities do. In the context of the whereby marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar comprehensive spending review and the forthcoming were removed from GCSEs. In future, GCSEs, according schools White Paper, we are now looking at how exactly to Ofqual, will be marked in a way that pays proper we can ensure that schools funding is more equitable attention to the need to spell, punctuate and write a across the country. We are of course looking particularly grammatical sentence. Secondly, as I am sure the hon. at how we can ensure that disadvantaged children, Member for Stoke-on-Trent Central (Tristram Hunt) wherever they live, receive what they deserve. will be relieved to know, we will ensure that every child has a proper sense of the connected narrative of British Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op): Back in history, and Professor Simon Schama has agreed to January, one of the Ministers stated that there was a advise the coalition Government in order to ensure that question mark over whether local authorities were the every child grows up knowing the glories of our island best people to run youth services. Given that, how does story. the Department now justify the removal of ring-fencing for the youth opportunity fund and youth capital fund Andrew Bridgen: I have a case in my constituency, and the cuts to Connexions and the youth sector where the three mile limit rule for free school transport development grants? Those cuts mean that many is so strictly applied, using new software mapping organisations that the Department would like to see techniques, that half the local housing estate has lost its running youth services, such as the excellent Soul project access to free bus passes. Owing to the two-tier secondary in Walthamstow, are facing a very uncertain financial education system that operates in parts of Leicestershire, future. we have the ludicrous situation in which 11-year-olds are expected to walk three miles to school along a main Will the Minister agree to visit the Soul project with road, whereas 16-year-olds travelling to the upper school, me to discuss with the young people and volunteers only 300 metres further on, have access to a free bus who run it the contingency plans that he has in place to pass. Will the Secretary of State look urgently into the ensure that there is not a big voluntary sector youth-shaped guidance notes for local authorities on that matter? hole in the big society? Michael Gove: I am very grateful to my hon. Friend The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education for raising that case, and I shall certainly look into it. I (Tim Loughton): I am grateful to the hon. Lady and am know that Leicestershire is an F40 local authority, one delighted to take up the invitation, as I have to many of the least well funded in the country; I know, other youth centres and projects around the country; notwithstanding that, that Ivan Ould, the lead member she may come to regret that invitation. 19 Oral Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Oral Answers 20

I am afraid that in this financial climate we have to Michael Gove: As ever, my hon. Friend is a strong, think smarter about how we can provide services. In powerful and fluent advocate for his constituents. It is common with every Department and every other part important for us to make sure that the capital that we of this Department’s work, the youth sector is under have goes to the schools that need it most. It is also that scrutiny. My battle is to involve as many providers critically important that we ensure that the one area as possible from the voluntary sector, local authority that the previous Government overlooked—the significant and others in ensuring that we provide youth services to expansion in demand for primary schools, particularly those most in need of them in the most imaginative in the south and south-east—is addressed. I am sure he way—with less money, because of the previous will agree that we need to address that along with the Government’s disastrous financial legacy. dilapidation in the secondary estate.

T3. [16472] Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con): The Leeds John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): On the and Bradford Dyslexia Association is applying to open vexed issue of BSF, I understand what the Secretary of a specialist school through the free schools initiative. State says about the capital review, but going hand in Will my right hon. Friend agree to look at that hand with that there must be some sort of needs-based application? Furthermore, does he agree that the criteria. What progress has he made towards arriving at application is a clear demonstration that, despite such criteria? Opposition claims, free schools can not only help the brightest but be a real opportunity for groups such as Michael Gove: That is a very good and characteristically the LBDA to help children and young people who need shrewd point from the hon. Gentleman. We need to do extra support? two things. First, we need to ensure that whatever money we have is allocated in the most effective and Michael Gove: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his efficient way, and we also need to ensure that as well as question and the argument contained therein. He is being efficient, it reflects needs. As regards needs, there absolutely right: many of those anxious to establish new are a variety of different criteria that we have to judge: free schools are motivated by the desire to help the very first, so-called basic need—in other words, population poorest or those most in need. As well as the case that growth—secondly, deprivation; and thirdly, dilapidation, he mentioned, in Yorkshire there is a talented young or the actual fabric and state of the buildings. We have teacher, the son of a bus driver, who wants to open a not had an accurate assessment of the fabric of the free school in one of the most deprived parts of Bradford. school estate since 2005. It is the idealism of that young man, and of the dyslexia association activists my hon. Friend mentioned, that is T6. [16475] Mr Douglas Carswell (Clacton) (Con): an inspiration to us all on this side of the House. The policy of enforced inclusion pursued under Governments of both parties has played havoc with children with special educational needs in my part of Diana R. Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): Essex. It has meant the closure of special schools, The last Labour Government established three free increased pressure on mainstream schools, and school meal pilots in Wolverhampton, Durham and pressure on remaining places in the special schools Newham. Will the Secretary of State give me an assurance system. Can the Minister promise that under the review that when the evaluations are complete, there will be inclusion will be made a matter of parental choice, not full disclosure and that they will not just be scrapped as an outcome arrived at through bureaucratic stalling the Lib Dem council did in Hull when we had such a and bullying? pilot? It did not wait for a full and proper consideration of the evidence. The Minister of State, Department for Education (Sarah Teather): Parental choice is absolutely at the Michael Gove: The hon. Lady was a distinguished heart of the themes of the Green Paper. It is essential Minister in the Department and I know that she shares that we try to come to decisions about a child’s future with me a desire to ensure that policy is evidence-based. based not only on their disability but on understanding That is why I was surprised that the previous Government the particular needs of the child. Two children with the said they would definitely go ahead with the extension same disability may have very different circumstances of free school meals before the evidence about whether and need different educational provision. the pilots were working was in. I was also particularly surprised that the previous Secretary of State committed Rosie Cooper (West Lancashire) (Lab): Will the Secretary to the extension of free school meals without there of State please indicate the Government’s position on being sufficient funds in the Department’s spending supporting parents in choosing denominational schools envelope to pay for them. It was, I am afraid, another for their children? Would he oppose any measure that example of the recklessness with which he drove our would reduce that choice—that is, local authorities finances and economy on to the rocks. charging a flat rate of £2 a day per child, which amounts to £180 that parents believe is a tax on faith? Lancashire T5. [16474] Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) county council is charging parents £2 a day per child for (Con): The Secretary of State is absolutely right to transport to go to a denominational school; does he order a review of his Department’s capital spending. approve of that sort of attitude? When he does decide how to allocate capital, will he look favourably on the schools that reached the very Michael Gove: I am very interested in the case that final stages of the BSF application process and suffer the hon. Lady brings to my attention. In her constituency, greatly from dilapidation, such as Mayflower high in Skelmersdale and elsewhere, a great many people are school and Billericay school in my constituency? benefiting from a Roman Catholic education. I would 21 Oral Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Oral Answers 22 hate to see anyone unduly penalised for wanting their Michael Gove: Not for the first time—nor the last—the child to be educated in accordance with their faith, so I hon. Gentleman speaks for me. It concerns me that a will look at the case she mentions. grasp of proper spoken and written English, which is the key to enjoying full civic life in this country, is T7. [16476] Mrs Helen Grant (Maidstone and The denied to far too many people. I will work with my hon. Weald) (Con): Under Labour, social mobility stalled. Friend the Minister for Education, Skills and Lifelong What action will the Government now take to Learning to ensure that an ability to speak and write kick-start that vital aspirational process for our English clearly is at the heart of everything we do, children, our teachers and our schools? whether in adult, secondary or primary education.

Sarah Teather: My hon. Friend is absolutely correct; T9. [16478] Andrea Leadsom (South Northamptonshire) I am afraid that the legacy of the previous Labour (Con): In the wake of the Munro report, is the Minister Government is that social mobility did stall. This as concerned as I am about the growing number of Government believe that one’s birth should not equal children being taken into care? Does he agree that the one’s fate. That is why we want Sure Start to focus best way in which to stop more of those personal better on targeting the most disadvantaged families, tragedies is to invest in prevention programmes for why we are reviewing the early years foundation stage to babies and their carers in the earliest years? ensure that all children are ready for school, and why we are implementing a pupil premium targeting extra resources Tim Loughton: My hon. Friend makes a good point. on the most disadvantaged children. Of course, the big increase in the number of children coming into care in the aftermath of the baby Peter case Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): After 18 months of was alarming. It is therefore absolutely right that the very hard slog, the 50 children and the staff and parents ongoing Munro review makes suggestions for freeing of Lever Park special school in my constituency raised up the bureaucracy, which holds back social workers the £20,000 funding needed to become a specialist from doing the sort of preventive work—keeping families school. In July, the Government promised them £100,000 to together when possible and working with other professionals transform their facilities; in September, the Government on an early intervention basis—that can be so profitable cut it to £20,000. Will they please review their decision? financially, but, more important, socially, for those families later. Michael Gove: I am very grateful to the hon. Lady. I will be speaking to people from the Specialist Schools Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South) (Lab): The and Academies Trust later this afternoon, when I will Secretary of State has just said that he is keen to explain to them exactly the difficult circumstances that promote initiatives in the study of history in schools. we inherited, which mean that unfortunately some tough Does he remember the rather sterile debate in 1990, decisions have to be made, but also point out that the when Lord Baker introduced the national curriculum, fantastic achievements that have been secured so far by between skills and content? Does he agree that skills specialist schools and academies will be rewarded learnt in the study of history are as important as appropriately after the comprehensive spending review. narrative? We cannot have one or the other—we need both. T8. [16477] Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): What recent assessment has the Secretary of Michael Gove: I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s State made of the need for additional secondary school point. He was a distinguished editor of History Today, places in the Brentford and Isleworth constituency, and and his voice in these debates is important. It is critical what advice would he give to parents who have been in that we ensure that every child has a proper spine of contact with me to say how desperately they need a new knowledge—the narrative of the history of these islands. school? Without that, the skills of comparison and of examining primary and secondary sources and drawing the appropriate Michael Gove: My hon. Friend, like all those who conclusions, are meaningless. Without that spine, history represent constituencies in the west and south-west of cannot stand up and take its place properly in the London, will know that recent demographic changes national curriculum. One of the problems in the past mean that there is immense pressure on primary and 13 years—indeed, since 1990—is that national history secondary school places. I am particularly sensitive to has not been taught as it should be in our schools. the need for the resources to be there to ensure that the Under the coalition Government, that will change. children who are now arriving at primary schools have the places that they deserve. We are also ensuring that T10. [16479] Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North some of the new free school applications that we have Hykeham) (Con): I think that my hon. Friends are received are prioritised in those areas where the demographic aware of my interest in and support for deaf education; need is particularly acute. I remain a chair of governors at a deaf school. What plans has the Secretary of State for deaf education and Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Does for ensuring that deaf children receive the same the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is a great disadvantage education as their hearing peers? to return from school to a home where no English is spoken? Is it not time we had a campaign to make Sarah Teather: The Department currently funds the knowledge of the English language common throughout I-Sign pilot project, which supports our position of our country? Will the Secretary of State lead a cross- informed choice for parents by putting in place the departmental campaign to deliver English speaking and British sign language skills infrastructure necessary to knowledge across the country? make a BSL choice viable. As I said in answer to several 23 Oral Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Oral Answers 24 earlier questions, we will produce a Green Paper later views on the needs of deaf children were inputted in the this year on special educational needs and disability. I Department’s call for views. As I said, the deadline for would be grateful if my hon. Friend made sure that his that is 15 October. 25 11 OCTOBER 2010 Linda Norgrove 26

Linda Norgrove After intense efforts by the UK and our allies to prepare for a rescue, US special forces attempted to rescue Linda on the night of 8 October. In the operation 3.33 pm that followed, these special forces succeeded in reaching The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth the right location and in shielding 10 women and children Affairs (Mr William Hague): With permission, Mr Speaker, from the fighting that ensued. However, tragically, the it is with great sadness that I make this statement about operation still was not successful, as we did not succeed the tragic death of Linda Norgrove, the British aid in saving Linda’s life. worker taken hostage in Afghanistan, who died during Every indication that we had over the weekend suggested the course of a rescue attempt by US forces on the night that Linda had been killed by the explosion of a suicide of 8 October. vest worn by one of her captors. Early this morning Linda was working for the non-governmental General Petraeus contacted the Prime Minister’s office organisation Development Alternatives Incorporated to say that in the review of the rescue operation, new when she was kidnapped along with three Afghan colleagues information had come to light about the circumstances by insurgents dressed in Afghan national army uniforms surrounding her death. The review and subsequent as she travelled by car on 26 September in Kunar interviews with the personnel involved indicate that province in north-east Afghanistan. Immediately following Linda may not have died at the hands of her captors as her disappearance, a crisis management team began originally believed, but may have died as the result of a work at our embassy in Kabul, and the commander of grenade detonated by the taskforce during the assault. ISAF in Afghanistan, General Petraeus, was informed, All such rescue operations involve a measure of risk along with the Afghan Government’s national security which has to be weighed against a constant risk to a adviser. In London, Cobra was immediately convened. hostage and a risk that such an opportunity to undertake Intensive efforts to locate Linda began. Leaflet drops a rescue operation may not recur. were carried out, offering a reward for information I wish to pay tribute to the US forces in Afghanistan about Linda. Forces in the area began an increased who risked their own lives to try to rescue a British tempo of operations in and around the area where she citizen. We should also remember that the responsibility was captured, designed to limit the hostage takers’ for the loss of Linda’s life lies with those who took her room for manoeuvre. hostage. The Prime Minister and I are utterly determined Our objective throughout was clear: to secure Linda to do everything that we possibly can to establish the Norgrove’s safe release while continuing the long-standing full facts and give Linda’s parents a full account of the policy of successive British Governments not to make tragic circumstances in which their daughter died. General concessions to hostage takers. From the very start Cobra Petraeus has personally assured the Prime Minister that assessed that Linda’s life was in grave danger, which is ISAF will carry out a full investigation into what happened. why I authorised from the beginning a rescue attempt to The UK will be fully involved and the House will be be made in the right circumstances. Linda’s captors informed of its outcome. were assessed to be representatives of a local Salafist The taking of hostages and the targeting of civilians, group allied to the local Kunar Taliban, who have links including aid workers, is morally indefensible under any higher up the Taliban chain of command to al-Qaeda circumstances. We did all in our power to rescue Linda and other insurgent groups operating in the Afghanistan- from the appalling circumstances in which she found Pakistan border areas. We had information from the herself. She was a dedicated professional doing a job outset that the objective of Linda’s captors was to pass she loved in a country she loved, helping a people who her further up the Taliban command chain and perhaps have borne the brunt of conflict and poverty for decades. move her to yet more inaccessible terrain. On the basis For Linda’s family, this will be the most painful loss it is of the information available to us, we were in no doubt possible to endure. Our thoughts are with them as they whatsoever that there was a continual and real threat to come to terms with the death of their daughter and the her life and no credible option for a negotiated release. whole House will be united in sorrow for them. Linda’s Afghan colleagues were released on 2 October, but at no stage was any serious attempt made to negotiate Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) by those holding her. Afghan media reports purporting (Lab): May I join the Foreign Secretary in sending our to convey demands by her captors, including the complete deepest condolences to the family and friends of Linda withdrawal of all UK forces from Afghanistan, were Norgrove at such a difficult time? Linda Norgrove did not judged to be credible. Nothing that happened between vital work towards ensuring a stable and secure future 26 September and 8 October caused me or anyone else for Afghanistan, and the House will want to pay tribute involved to change our view that a rescue operation was both to her work and to her courage. But although we the only realistic hope for Linda’s safe and secure release. all know the bravery of our aid workers and the risks Linda was captured in the US area of operations in that they take, it was still shocking for all of us to hear Afghanistan. We agreed at the outset that this operation of Linda Norgrove’s death this weekend, after she was would be US-led. The US has had forces in Kunar since taken hostage two weeks ago. That shock will be 2006 and has excellent knowledge of the region. US compounded by the distressing information this morning. special forces were therefore held on 30-minute standby The House will know that we support our military to mount a release effort from the day Linda was and civilian effort to create the conditions for a political captured. In the early days of her captivity, bad weather settlement that can bring the war in Afghanistan to an and storms in the region hindered attempts to get end. We condemn utterly the actions of the hostage detailed information about her exact location, meaning takers throughout the events to which the Foreign Secretary that a rescue attempt was not possible in those early has referred today. Operations such as the one launched days. by the American special forces this week are incredibly 27 Linda Norgrove11 OCTOBER 2010 Linda Norgrove 28

[Yvette Cooper] because of a minority who want to terrorise the country. Could the Foreign Secretary therefore tell us what advice challenging. They require immense bravery on the part the Government are giving to British aid workers, of the armed forces involved, and success can of course particularly taking into account the fluid security situation? never be guaranteed. We understand, too, the intricate Linda Norgrove’s work was extremely important for the and complicated web of intelligence required for such future of Afghanistan. We need to ensure that her work an operation, and nothing can ever be certain. The can continue for the future. Foreign Secretary will appreciate too, however, that important questions now arise as a result of these Mr Hague: May I begin by congratulating the right events. hon. Lady on her appointment as shadow Foreign First, could the Foreign Secretary tell us more about Secretary? I wish it were in happier circumstances that the Government’s role in the planning and authorisation we were meeting across the Dispatch Box for the first of the operation? When we spoke, I asked him to tell the time. We share across the House the condemnation of House as much as he could about his assessment of the taking of hostages and the concern for aid workers the risks to Linda’s life that made the rescue operation that she has just expressed. Many of them work in the best opportunity to save her life, and I am grateful difficult and dangerous circumstances. Our travel advice for the additional information that he has provided to is against all travel to Kunar in Afghanistan, but Linda the House today. Could he also tell us about the nature Norgrove was working for a US non-governmental of the authorisation that he gave the rescue operation, organisation, knowing that she was working in very and say how much information he was given about the dangerous circumstances. Nevertheless, that is known rescue attempt before it began and the level of UK by many people who work in those places and conditions. involvement in the planning of the rescue operation? The right hon. Lady asked about the authorisation The Foreign Secretary will be aware, too, of the given by the United Kingdom and the knowledge that concern that has arisen about the potentially inaccurate we had. I mentioned in my statement that we were information that was disseminated over the weekend. I aware that this was a group with links to al-Qaeda, to thank him for the briefing that the Foreign Office the Taliban in many different forms and to other terrorist provided me at the weekend. I know that it was provided groups operating on the Afghan-Pakistan border. I in good faith, but does he share my concern that the cannot expand in enormous detail on the precise intelligence, information that people received over the weekend is for reasons that the House will understand, but everybody now cast in serious doubt? The Government and ISAF concerned—in the military command, in the British appeared to be certain over the weekend that the hostage embassy and in the British Government—agreed, from takers had killed Linda Norgrove during the operation. what we had seen, that there was a continual threat to Given the uncertainty that inevitably surrounds such a the life of Linda Norgrove, and that we could not be difficult and complex operation, may I ask him on what sure that the opportunity to rescue her would come basis that was believed to be the case? We agree, too, again, either because of weather conditions, or because with the Prime Minister’s statement this morning about we would not know her location again or because she the importance of avoiding inaccurate information in might not survive for us to attempt a rescue. The such a sensitive and complex case. However, can the specific authorisation to take such action was given by Foreign Secretary tell the House why it appeared that me on that first day, within a few hours of her being Government and military sources gave the impression taken hostage. That authorisation was supported by the of such certainty about events in the briefings over the Prime Minister, who was of course kept informed weekend? Can he also tell the House about the new throughout. information from General Petraeus? Has he spoken to The role of the British special forces was to supply a General Petraeus, and has the evidence—including, perhaps, liaison officer. Contrary to some media reports that I surveillance footage—on which the new conclusions are have seen this afternoon, it was not to take part in the based, been shared yet? planning—and certainly not in the execution—of the I welcome the investigation into the operation and operation. The operation was planned by the US special the Foreign Secretary’s statement that the UK will be forces, and it was carried out by them. We must remember involved. Can he tell us to whom the investigation will that, after their experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan in report? Will its findings be made public? Who will be the past nine years, the US and UK special forces are entitled to see its conclusions and its evidence? Can the now extremely well practised in their operations and Foreign Secretary give us some guidance on how long extremely skilful at what they do. That does not mean, he expects the investigation to take? Can he also reassure however, that every mission succeeds. the House that Linda Norgrove’s family will be kept The right hon. Lady rightly raised the question of the informed throughout? The House will appreciate that inaccurate—or likely to be inaccurate—information that the focus of the investigation will be on the events was given out at the weekend. Of course we regret that; during the operation, but can he also tell us whether any Government would regret that inaccurate information there will be a review into the way in which information had been given out on such a matter, or on any matter, on the issue was disseminated over the past 48 hours? particularly one of such importance. There is a balance Finally, the safety of our aid workers has always been to be struck between transparency and certainty, and at a matter of concern for our forces on the ground, which the weekend—and, indeed, today—we have erred on is an issue that I know the Government take extremely the side of transparency. We give the country the seriously. Aid workers play an essential role working to information that is available to us. Certainly, the initial establish the conditions that will allow our forces to viewing of the various videos that were taken during the leave Afghanistan. Clearly we all want to avoid a situation action suggested that it was an explosion caused by the where aid workers are unable to help the Afghan people hostage takers that had cost Linda Norgrove her life. It 29 Linda Norgrove11 OCTOBER 2010 Linda Norgrove 30 was on a second viewing by different US personnel that and participants should take them forward, and should it appeared that there was another possibility. We must not, from the languid luxury of hindsight, seek to not rush to judgment about that possibility, however. second guess those incredibly fast decisions that they There will be an investigation to try to establish had to make? exactly what happened. That investigation will take place as rapidly as possible, but I cannot give the right Mr Hague: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman, hon. Lady a precise timetable for it at the moment. who having served for five years as Foreign Secretary is Clearly, however, General Petraeus and ISAF command familiar with these dilemmas and difficult decisions. Let attach enormous importance to this matter. It is something me stress that this is an investigation into the military that they have focused on at the very top level of the circumstances and what happened in the actual incident. military command over the past two weeks. As I mentioned However, it is important to remember, when looking at in my statement, General Petraeus spoke to the Prime the decisions that we have made, that we had to bear in Minister today, and the Prime Minister has been able to mind what might have happened had we not made the view some of the evidence involved. We hope that the decision to mount a rescue operation. We might not investigation will be completed as soon as possible. have had the opportunity again. We know from experience Given that we will need to design a new form of that a hostage held by the Taliban can be murdered in investigation, the precise form that it will take is now cold blood and that Linda Norgrove would probably being discussed with ISAF command. have been taken into yet more inaccessible terrain. That is why we concluded from the beginning that the best We will certainly keep Linda’s family as fully informed option would be to take the earliest opportunity for a as possible. We did so during the hostage taking. Our rescue operation if the conditions were right for that ambassador in Kabul visited the family last week, and and if the military assessment were that there was a the Prime Minister has spoken to Linda’s father today. I good chance of success. Clearly, the view was—a view spoke a few hours ago to our colleague, the hon. Member confirmed by General Petraeus in his telephone conversation for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Mr MacNeil), who is the with the Prime Minister this morning— that there was a constituency Member of Parliament involved. He could good chance of success. General Petraeus would not not make it here for logistical reasons this afternoon, have wanted to send his troops into action without that but he obviously had questions to raise. We will keep good chance of success. All those things must be borne them fully informed of what is happening, and we will in mind. look to have a report, the conclusions and every significance of which can be fully described to the House and to the Stephen Phillips (Sleaford and North Hykeham) (Con): country. To return to the question of the investigation, will it be conducted under the auspices of ISAF or under the Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): All of us auspices of the US military? hope that Linda is the last overseas aid worker to be captured by the Taliban, but sadly she may not be. Mr Hague: As I mentioned in answer to the right What protocols are in place involving our military and hon. Member for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford the US military in terms of the nationality of any (Yvette Cooper), the shadow Foreign Secretary, we are captive? For example, were an American aid worker still designing the form of the investigation because this taken captive in territory in which British forces is a new set of circumstances. The UK will certainly be predominate, would it be our decision to go in to rescue fully involved in the investigation. General Petraeus them, or would it be the Americans’ decision? At what proposed that from the beginning and the Prime Minister level are these decisions taken? was absolutely clear about our wish to see that in his conversation with General Petraeus this morning. Therefore, Mr Hague: Decisions about what can happen militarily we will have to sort out in the coming hours whether are taken by ISAF command. The commander of ISAF that takes place under ISAF auspices or under the is General Petraeus, the US general. The deputy commander auspices of the US military with UK involvement. I will is a UK commander, so these decisions are taken together. let the House know in the appropriate form, perhaps They require the political authority of the Government through a written statement, how that has turned out. of the national concerned. In the case of a US citizen who is held hostage, the US Government would have to Dr Eilidh Whiteford (Banff and Buchan) (SNP): I give their authority for such an operation. Could it add my sincere condolences to the family and friends of involve British special forces? Absolutely. We would Linda Norgrove at this very sad time. It is evident from treat an operation involving a US citizen as if they were the tributes being paid to her that she was a very one of our own, just as the US in this case treated Linda exceptional person who dedicated her life and considerable Norgrove as one of their own. talents to helping other people and the peace efforts in Afghanistan. Mr Jack Straw (Blackburn) (Lab): May I first add my I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s commitment to very sincere condolences to the family and friends of establishing what has actually happened and I also Linda Norgrove following the terrible tragedy that has welcome his statement. This tragic incident is a salutary befallen her? In saying that, may I offer my full support reminder of the risks that humanitarian aid workers to the Foreign Secretary and his colleagues on the face in Afghanistan and other dangerous parts of the excruciatingly difficult decisions that they have had to world, yet their contribution to those efforts is indispensable. make, as I know only too well from my own experience? Can he assure us that assessing the safety of the I ask him to confirm that, although it is correct that circumstances in which humanitarian aid workers and there should be an investigation, any investigation that NGO staff are working in Afghanistan will be a priority looks at the circumstances that faced the decision takers for the Foreign Office in the weeks and months ahead? 31 Linda Norgrove11 OCTOBER 2010 Linda Norgrove 32

Mr Hague: Of course we want to see whether any we are not diverted from it by events, including military security lessons can be learned, but let me stress that encounters and tragic events such as the one that we very many steps are taken to try to ensure the security have experienced and that we are discussing today. Such of people working in Afghanistan by our military, by events do not invalidate the overall strategy that we are ISAF—and therefore by the military of other nations—by pursuing. the Afghan security forces, and sometimes through the operations of private security companies. A great deal Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin) (Con): May I join the of security is provided, but that is not a guarantee Foreign Secretary in paying tribute to Linda Norgrove against murder or kidnap. We will all remember the and to the grace and dignity shown by the Norgrove tragic case of Karen Woo earlier this year—another aid family? Is it not the case that the ultimate responsibility worker who was murdered in Afghanistan. The House for Linda’s death lies fairly and squarely with the evil must recognise, as indeed it has in the comments that and cowardly Taliban? have been made today, that people often take considerable risks in order to deliver humanitarian aid and development Mr Hague: That is absolutely right—my hon. Friend to difficult parts of the world. We should salute the reminds us of that extremely important point, which efforts of those people. the whole House must always remember.

Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): I am mindful that Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): On Friday, in my the people who went in on this exceptionally difficult constituency, I attended the funeral of Sergeant Andrew operation were as brave as they could be, but I am also James Jones, the 339th British hero to die in Afghanistan. slightly worried because helicopters were used. Sometimes, Of course, the responsibility for his death and Linda helicopters are heard from a long way away, so there Norgrove’s death lies with the Taliban, but does this was warning, and one of the first principles of war is House not have a responsibility to bring this increasingly surprise. I hope that the investigation will look at the futile conflict to a swift conclusion? reason for using helicopters. Mr Hague: The hon. Gentleman is right to remind us Mr Hague: It is very important for Ministers and of the scale of the casualties, of the names that we have those responsible for giving a general authorisation for so often heard read out in this House and of the fact such an operation not to interfere too much in the that his constituent was the 339th of our servicemen military aspect of it, which must be left to the military and women to die in Afghanistan. The hon. Gentleman experts on the ground. Of course, my hon. Friend has a long-held different view about the merits of what speaks with military experience and will know a thing we are doing in Afghanistan. What I can say is that this or two about such matters. The terms of the investigation Government will, as we have pledged, present a regular are still being drawn up, but I am sure that it will be able review—a quarterly review—to the House of what we to look at all the military circumstances surrounding are achieving in Afghanistan, or what we are not achieving, the operation. However, he should bear in mind that what our immediate objectives are and what resources operating in Afghanistan, in mountainous and inaccessible are required to attain those. I hope before the end of regions, very often requires helicopter-borne operations, this month to be able to make a statement to the House including if there is to be any surprise. Land forces with the latest such review, which will enable hon. making their way over mountains and through valleys Members of all views on this issue once again to take over a long period of time may find it more difficult to part in reviewing what we are doing and questioning the achieve surprise than helicopter-borne troops. Government.

Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): This awful Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): tragedy, like the one of Dr Woo, to which the Foreign The Foreign Secretary referred to the long-standing Secretary referred, reminds us of the rising death toll of policy of successive Governments not to make concessions civilians in Afghanistan as the Taliban target civilian to hostage takers. The international security assistance administrators, mayors, justices and anybody whom force troops comprise soldiers from more than 30 member they can kill as part of their campaign of intimidation. states, and those states do not always take the same view I wonder how much longer our strategy should be in their responses to hostage taking. Is he having any maintained. When he came to office, the Prime Minister discussions with some of those member states to ensure indicated a change of thinking on Afghanistan, and I that, at least when we are in the same theatre of operations, hope that that new thinking continues to be thought, as we take the same approach? it were. Mr Hague: Yes, and the hon. Lady makes an important Mr Hague: We have been very clear about our approach point. I have raised this issue with Foreign Ministers of to Afghanistan, and on giving all the necessary support other nations during bilateral discussions in recent weeks, to our troops. Indeed, we announced in the early stages because clearly if one nation is prepared to pay or to of the new Government a doubling of the operational sanction the payment of ransoms, that can undermine allowance for our forces who are fighting there. We have the international position. I also raised this very strongly greatly increased development aid to try to assist the in the discussion on terrorism at the United Nations Afghan Government in building their own capability Security Council in New York, which I attended in late and the speed of development in Afghanistan in future. September, during the United Nations General Assembly. We have also leant our strong support, as the previous I particularly stressed the point that it is against not Government did, to the political process, to which the only international practice, but international law for shadow Foreign Secretary, referred. That adds up to the such ransoms to be paid, and I will regularly reinforce right strategy for Afghanistan, and it is important that that point to other nations. 33 Linda Norgrove 11 OCTOBER 2010 34

Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): In his opening Welfare Reform remarks, the Foreign Secretary said that the hostages— Linda Norgrove and her colleagues—were taken by 4.4 pm people wearing Afghan national army uniforms. Has he The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Iain made any assessment of how many similar events have Duncan Smith): With permission, Mr Speaker, I should taken place in the past year in Afghanistan and of like to make a statement on welfare reform. whether there is a problem with regard to the security of uniforms and other material from the Afghan national Let me start by welcoming the right hon. Member for army? Paisley and Renfrewshire South (Mr Alexander) to his new post as shadow Secretary of State for Work and Mr Hague: The hon. Gentleman raises an entirely Pensions. We have already had a conversation in the last legitimate point, which deals with one of the issues that week. I extend that welcome to all members of his new we will need to follow up after this incident. As far as I shadow Front-Bench team. am aware, this is not the only incident where Afghan The statement today is in three parts. First and foremost, national army uniforms have been abused. It is not easy today—as everyone in the House may well now know—we in the circumstances of Afghanistan, and with an army launched an approach to those on incapacity benefit that now numbers well over 100,000 and has a relatively under the work capability assessment, and it is necessary high turnover rate, to control the uniforms available for the House to hear this directly from us so that around the country. This may therefore be a difficult Members can question me. Secondly, I want to use this problem to address going forward, but we will certainly opportunity to set out more detail on the new Work want to do some additional work in ISAF and with the programme, which is very much related to the work Afghan Government on how to tackle it. capability assessment. Thirdly, the House has a right to know more about our plans for wider benefit reform as we look ahead to a White Paper and welfare reform Bill, although I would add the caveat that greater detail will be contained in that statement. The economic backdrop is severe. We have the largest deficit in the G20 at £155 billion—the largest in peacetime history—with debt interest of £120 million a day, or £43 billion in 2010-11. Under the previous Government’s deficit reduction plan, which the Opposition now seem not to favour—although I might be wrong on that point—annual debt interest spending would have risen in only five years to almost £70 billion. Let me put that in context: that would have meant spending more on interest than we spent on policing, defence and transport combined. So, there is an urgent requirement to make these changes and reforms. We are at a critical point, with 5 million people on out-of-work benefits, 2 million working-age people claiming incapacity benefit, of whom 900,000—just under 1 million—have been claiming for an entire decade, and a system that has left Britain with the highest rate of jobless households in Europe. Those statistics reveal the human cost of leaving our welfare system unreformed, and with that comes an ever-increasing financial cost. The working age welfare budget rose by 40% in real terms from £63 billion in 1996-97 to £87 billion in 2009-10. A staggering £133 billion was spent on incapacity benefits in the past 10 years, and benefit spending is forecast to be more than £152 billion in 2010-11, which is about 10% of gross domestic product. Today we spend £1 in every £3 on welfare in this country, yet youth unemployment is higher and inequality greater, and there are 800,000 more working age adults in poverty than there were in 1998-99. In that context, we also announced the reform of child benefit last week. I personally do not think that it is right, if we have to make changes and reductions, to tax the poorest to fund the receipt of child benefits by those with the highest levels of income. If we do this correctly, we can save about £1 billion, protect some 85% of families and secure fairness as we support people. I know that that is tough—we are in tough times—but I believe that it is fair, and that is the key. The important thing as we come through these spending reviews is that we should have a progressive change, not a regressive change. 35 Welfare Reform11 OCTOBER 2010 Welfare Reform 36

[Mr Iain Duncan Smith] payment-by-results system that ensures that providers do not simply go through the motions. They will receive At the same time, we announced procedures to set a their real money only for getting someone into work cap on benefits for workless households to average and ultimately keeping them there, and they will find earnings, which are about £26,000. However, we ought rewards further up the chain as they do so. We have to set that in context. The cap will be net of income tax received more than 790 expressions of interest in joining and national insurance, so if someone was working to the programme from providers, and in December we receive that amount of money it would equate to gross will invite bids for contracts, ready for national roll-out earnings of some £35,000 a year—not a very narrow next year. cap. Equally, we will exempt the disabled and those on Finally, the work capability assessment and the Work working tax credit so that we encourage work incentives programme are of course critical to getting more of the and do not penalise those who find it difficult to be in 5 million or 5.5 million people who are currently on work. That is fair, and we will announce more details in benefits back into work, but they will not be enough. the spending review, which means that I shall do my Underpinning that support must be a benefits system level best to answer some of the questions that I expect that incentivises work, and we have to ensure that work Members want to ask. always pays. That is why the coalition Government aim In the last week we have also announced a new to bring forward a White Paper soon and a welfare enterprise allowance, which is there to help unemployed reform Bill in the new year. people who would like to try to set up their own The introduction of what I call the universal credit business. We will be able to give them up to £2,000 in will restore fairness and simplicity to an overly complex, various forms, as well as the advice and mentoring of outdated and now wildly expensive benefits system that those who have started their own businesses. Today, the simply prevents people from getting back to work. As most important step is that we are launching two trials we get the benefits system working, we can get Britain for those on the old-style incapacity benefit under the working. The best way to get the deficit down, drive the work capability assessment. The Minister of State, my recovery and get the economy moving is to ensure that right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell more and more of the British people who can work do (Chris Grayling), is travelling to Aberdeen and Burnley so. Welfare reform is critical, and I give a guarantee that today to see both those trials get under way. They are people moving on to the universal credit will not be any about giving many thousands of people the opportunity worse off at any stage. In fact, they will be better off as to move from the margins of society into mainstream they find work. employment. I remind the House that we inherited the programme, and that I supported it while we were in Everyone in the House should unite around, and try opposition. We have had to make a few changes, and we to achieve, the cause of moving people into work and will make more as necessary. creating a pathway out of poverty for the 5 million people on out-of-work benefits. I understand that the Under the new system we will assess people on the new leader of the Labour party has said that he will not basis of what they can do, not what they cannot, and be in opposition for opposition’s sake, so I hope that he thereby support people to meet their aspirations for and his shadow Cabinet colleagues will do the right work. We are determined to get it right, which is why we thing and support us in delivering a welfare system that will learn from the trials and why we have set up an is fit for the 21st century. I commend these reforms to independent experts group to scrutinise the assessment. the House. That group includes, for example, the chief executive of Mind, so as the programme is trialled we will listen to and deal with concerns about those who are mentally Mr Douglas Alexander (Paisley and Renfrewshire ill, such as those expressed on the radio today. Through South) (Lab): I thank the Secretary of State for his those measures and through the Work programme, we statement and for advance sight of it. I thank him also are committed to supporting everyone who goes through for his gracious welcome to myself and my team. Members the assessment. of all parties will acknowledge and recognise the work We will ensure that those deemed unable to work that he has done both inside and outside Parliament continue to receive the support that they need, and that over recent years on the crucial issues for which he now those deemed able to work are fully supported to do so. bears a heavy responsibility. People who are found fit for work will move directly on As befits a responsible Opposition, my team and I to our new Work programme rather than have their will work constructively with the Government when jobseeker’s allowance stopped in the normal way. They there is common ground between us, on issues such as will receive an integrated package of support, and in increasing opportunities and support for people to get due course so will those who have been out of work for into work. However, I must also be clear that when the a longer period. It will provide personalised help based Government propose measures that we judge arbitrary on individual needs, not on the benefit that somebody and unfair, we will oppose them robustly. receives. Using the best of the private and voluntary The Secretary of State began his statement with a sectors, that will help get people into work as quickly as rehearsal of the case for reform. While, of course, I possible. disagree with the rather partial and partisan account of The systems that I have described are what we call the economic situation that he inherited, let me be clear black-box systems, and I shall explain what that really about the fact that I recognise the need to continue the means. Put simply, we will not lay down prescriptive reform of the welfare system. I believe in a welfare state criteria about how they should be run. We want those that ensures that there are more people in work and running them to do whatever is necessary to help people fewer in poverty. That empowers people and contributes into work—that is the key. They will be operated on a to a fairer and more equal society. 37 Welfare Reform11 OCTOBER 2010 Welfare Reform 38

Let me also acknowledge, on this first outing at the effective welfare reform requires economic recovery. He Dispatch Box, that conditionality does have a role to seems to be in denial of the fact that getting people play, as we recognised in government, first, because we back to work requires there to be jobs for them to take know that it works in helping people to turn around up. their lives and, secondly, because it is the foundation for That insight explains why the previous Government ensuring the public support on which the welfare state took measures to ensure that unemployment was kept is based. Accordingly, I will carefully scrutinise each of at about half the level of that in previous recessions, the Government’s specific proposals on the welfare that the unemployed were supported and that, at the system. same time, those who could move from benefits into The Secretary of State spoke about his plan to remove work were doing so. In contrast, the Government’s own child benefit from higher rate taxpayers and, from the Office for Budget Responsibility revised forecast predictions Dispatch Box, described that change as “fair”. How that public sector jobs would be cut by 750,000 and that does that change meet the fairness test when it will unemployment would increase to nearly 3 million people. result in one family, with a collective household income Over the next few years, the Treasury’s own papers of £80,000, getting child benefit and the family next indicate half a million more jobs lost in the public door, with an income of £44,000, getting none? There sector, half a million jobs lost in the private sector and have been a variety of claims as to what the threshold in half a million fewer jobs and opportunities for the fact is. Can he confirm at this time that the change will unemployed. affect only parents earning more than £44,000? Labour Members will continue to make the case for Since the shambles of the announcement last week, backing our economy, fighting for jobs and standing up the Prime Minister and others have suggested that for fairness while reforming our welfare system. marriage tax breaks might be introduced in the near future to compensate for the removal of child benefit. Mr Duncan Smith: I thank the shadow Secretary of Does the Secretary of State accept that there is no State. May I answer a few of his particular questions? coalition agreement to implement the Conservatives’ First, I thank him for his general support for the aims of marriage tax allowance proposals, that to date such what we are trying to do. I am sure that we will work proposals have applied only to basic rate taxpayers, and together to achieve those. I think that is the best thing to that even if his coalition partners were to accept those do. I recognise fully that, of course, there are things that proposals, they would cost more than the savings made he will not agree with. That is reasonable, and it is from the child benefit reform he proposes? exactly what I would say were I sitting in his place. In On incapacity benefit reassessment, which the Secretary fact, I did exactly that some 10 years ago. How time of State touched on, despite its omission from the goes on. briefing in this morning’s newspapers, I welcome his I also welcome the shadow Secretary of State’s acceptance acknowledgement that he is continuing the previous of the need for conditionality in the system; we will Government’s proposals on the trialling and roll-out of need to discuss that with him further. There is absolutely the work capability assessment. I note that those proposals a need for conditionality, which can only properly be this morning appeared to be attached to a specific introduced once we have created what I call the contract— target of removing 500,000 people from benefits. If a that is, when we can genuinely say that we have improved system of assessment is to be truly fair and objective, the programmes to get people back to work, and have will he clarify whether that figure is a hard target, made the benefit system simpler, having made sure that merely an assumption or a headline-grabbing claim? there are no blocks to people going back to work. If we I was also concerned to see reports in The Times fulfil that bit of the contract, those out of work and today that those judged too sick or disabled to work looking for work need to fulfil their bit of the contract—they could nevertheless have their benefits time limited to six need to take the work when it is available. That is the months or a year. Will the Secretary of State confirm key to conditionality. whether that is the case? If it is not, will he clarify what The shadow Secretary of State asked about the level actual plans he has for reassessing those who are initially at which child benefit will be removed. It is simple—it found to be unable to work? will be removed at the higher-rate threshold. At the The Secretary of State has also told us today that moment it is £43,875, but of course I cannot predict people found fit for work will move directly to the Work what it will be. It is a matter for the Chancellor; no one programme. His colleague the Employment Minister—the should read anything into what I said. It is not my job Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, to set the rate, but the benefit will be removed at the the right hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris higher-rate threshold. Grayling)—has previously told the House that the new The shadow Secretary of State went on to say that single Work programme will not be introduced until the the change is not fair. He describes the tax system when first half of 2011. How can that timetable be reconciled he says it is not fair, although I am not sure what he is with the trials now under way, which were announced in trying to describe. The reality is we think, fairly, that it Burnley and Aberdeen? is wrong for someone on lower income to have to pay I welcome the comments made on the radio this tax so that someone on higher income can receive an morning by the Employment Minister, who said that he element of benefit to look after their children. If he would be prepared to modify the test if it were not thinks that it is unfair to make the changes through the working properly. Indeed, I welcome the gracious tax system, I would like to know what he did in the past acknowledgement of the Secretary of State’s confirmation 10 years to reform the tax system that he now thinks is of that point today. However, he concluded his statement unfair. The very same tax system actually penalises by describing welfare reform as an historic opportunity. those who have one single high earner in the family as It is, none the less, an historic error to fail to realise that against a household with two lower earners who together 39 Welfare Reform11 OCTOBER 2010 Welfare Reform 40

[Mr Duncan Smith] do. What we are doing in the spending review is looking for ways to do that. At the same time, it is important to could be earning £80,000, so he is condemning the tax make sure that when we act to reduce the deficit, we system that he has given to us. We can only use the share the burden across the income scale and we do not system that we have, but he may now think that that is achieve savings on the backs of the poorest in society. I unfair. am here to make sure that that does not happen. I hope The measures will help enormously to meet what I I will have the right hon. Gentleman’s support in that call a progressive form of reduction in costs. I think that when he sees how progressive the review turns out to be. the process will be ultimately welcomed—it has been Several hon. Members rose— welcomed by the general public. The shadow Secretary of State made the point that Mr Speaker: Order. A great many right hon. and hon. he did not think there were enough jobs. Of course, we Members are seeking to catch my eye, and there is a well could do with many more jobs. We have inherited an subscribed debate on the Second Reading of the Finance economy that has been stuttering. In the past month or Bill to follow, as a consequence of which brevity in both so there have been just under 500,000 jobs in the jobcentres. questions and answers is of the essence. Those are not static jobs. Those are jobs that are available— they rotate; some are taken and new ones come on. We Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): As a know that in the informal economy there are many Back-Bench MP, I receive child benefit. Prior to entering more jobs being taken. That is evidenced by the fact the House, I was even better paid and received child that some 280,000 people went into work in the past benefit. Was the Secretary of State as surprised as I was quarter, which is the highest number of people back to to learn that the new Leader of the Opposition would work since modern records began in ’89. The reality is like to restore child benefit to people like me? that there are some jobs. Mr Duncan Smith: He may be after my hon. Friend’s The shadow Secretary of State talked about growth. vote, in which case we will have to do some quiet As he knows, over the period of the spending review, talking. It is a ludicrous position to take. We now have a the independent Office for Budget Responsibility, the Labour party in opposition which prefers to defend the IFS—sorry, the IMF—and others have made forecasts; very wealthiest, and a coalition that wants to defend the the IFS may yet make the same forecast as them. The worst off. IMF has forecast that growth levels will be between 2% and, in the medium term, 2.5% and that there will Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): Universal be a net increase in employment over that period. We child benefit is the most effective benefit for reaching can jostle about the figures, but I do not agree that there the poorest children, more effective than means-tested are no jobs available. As the economy begins to grow we benefits which are designed for them. Can the Secretary will see even more jobs, but if we do not get people of State enlarge on the implications of his comments ready for those jobs, we will be in the same situation as last week that child benefit will, in due course, be he found himself in with 5.5 million people on out-of-work subsumed into his new universal credit? Should I therefore benefits doing nothing and languishing in households assume that there is no prospect, regrettably, of a universal that had no work at all. payment being reinstated when the economy recovers? The shadow Secretary of State talked about the work capability assessment and he said that there were concerns. Mr Duncan Smith: The hon. Lady is right that child He is right. The figures that we were talking about were benefit has been and will continue to be a very effective estimates of where we believe we could and should be. mechanism to get money to the poorest families. We are They are not hard targets. We cannot and will not set not eradicating the universal benefit in the case of child hard targets for a simple reason. As I explained earlier, benefit. We are capping it off at the higher rate. The this is a process. As we look at what happens in Aberdeen rest—[Interruption.] Well, 85% of the public will get and Burnley, I hope—I am prepared to share this with their child benefit. The hon. Lady asked specifically him—that we will figure out whether there are things about the universal credit. I did not say that it would that we are doing right or wrong, so I am not saying subsume child benefit. I said that as we reform the that there are targets. It would be wrong to set targets. benefit system, and as the PAYE system is reformed, we should be able to look at these things long after the As for the idea of reviewing the measures, the shadow spending review and look for ways of getting rid of Secretary of State said that he welcomed the Employment anomalies. Right now, in the spending review, there are Minister’s views. We will modify all the measures as no plans to make any such changes. We will do exactly necessary. The key thing is that nearly 1 million people as I said. Child benefit will be removed from families have sat on incapacity benefit without anyone seeing where there is at least one earner above the threshold. them over the past 10 years. We have to change that. The Labour Government started that programme; we Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): For years must finish it. I hope that we will receive his support. my right hon. Friend and I argued in opposition that The right hon. Gentleman commented on the way that marriage should not be discriminated against in the tax we do these things. We will consult where necessary and and benefits system, and in particular that mothers who make sure that the Opposition get the evidence that chose to look after their children at home should not be they require to decide whether to oppose our measures. discriminated against. Can my right hon. Friend assure I conclude by saying to the right hon. Gentleman and me that he has not changed his view, and that through all Opposition Members that we inherited a major mechanisms such as transferable allowances he will deficit from him and his team. That deficit is the largest ensure that women are entitled to make their own in the G20. If we do not get that down, the interest choices and are not influenced by the tax and benefits payments on the loans alone will dwarf everything we system? 41 Welfare Reform11 OCTOBER 2010 Welfare Reform 42

Mr Duncan Smith: I agree with my hon. Friend. I ever saw them, cared about them or discussed anything make a point of agreeing with him on many things. The with them, so we are trying to ensure that we give them changes to child benefit are exactly what they are—to help and support, not to penalise them. help us to reduce the terrible deficit that we have and to save the poorest families in the land from suffering a Mr Michael Meacher (Oldham West and Royton) terrible burden that they would have to bear in due (Lab): Is it fair and reasonable to impose a fixed arbitrary course. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister limit on the total level of benefits that a family can made clear last week—these are not matters directly for receive, irrespective of the level of rents in inner-city me, but he and the Chancellor will bring forward measures areas, when that rent could well constitute 70% of the in due course—the very best way to ensure that couples £500 per week ceiling? A family cannot possibly live on do not face that penalty is to ensure that they are not the remaining 30% alone. unfairly taxed from the outset. This is about child benefit, and we will support families who make the Mr Duncan Smith: The right hon. Gentleman refers choices that they make. to the benefit cap, as announced last week. I think that it is fair. It is fair for us to offer an explanation to the Malcolm Wicks (Croydon North) (Lab): When, in public, most of whom work for low incomes and pay the mid-1970s, the decision was taken to merge the child their taxes. They do not want to see somebody on tax allowance, which broadly benefited the wallet, with benefits disincentivised from work because of the very the family allowance, which broadly benefited the purse, level of money that they receive. I repeat what I said in the then Labour Government, after a bit of a kerfuffle, the statement: to net-out £26,000, somebody in employment decided that it should become a child benefit for the would have to earn about £35,000. So, I do not think mothers, for reasons which, I think, both sides of the House that the measure is effective, in the sense that we are recognise. Does the Secretary of State realise the dismay bearing down too hard. It is fair. of many people in all parts of the House and the public On housing, over the next few years we will manage that he is now running a coach and horses through the the process with the changes to housing benefit. After principle that it is very often the mother who has to all, over the last five years of the right hon. Gentleman’s juggle the family budgets, that certainly in the south of Government, housing benefit costs ballooned by £5 billion England, salaries at the level at which he is withdrawing a year, and they were set to balloon to £20 billion a year. benefit are not extravagant, and that that is a blow to I have one last point for him: his Government had the the concept that mothers are at the heart of our families lowest number of houses built at any time since the in Britain? 1920s. I wonder whom he blames for local authorities Mr Duncan Smith: I respect the right hon. Gentleman having had to place people in those expensive houses. enormously, and he knows that, but I am afraid that he is living in a time warp. The reality is that we have Mr Oliver Heald (North East Hertfordshire) (Con): walked into government to find facing us the single For a generation, disability campaigners have pressed biggest deficit on record. This country is close to being for more jobs for people with disabilities, yet the employment broke, thanks to his Government and how they ran the rate of those people has remained pitifully low. Does economy. So, yes, in a perfect world we might have my right hon. Friend agree that what his pilots aim to wanted to continue with everything as it was, but in achieve, taken with the universal credit, is a situation in reality we cannot afford to. We make such changes on which people with disabilities get a fair break and a the basis of ensuring that we do not make them on the chance of a job, and that if they have a fluctuating backs of the poorest people. Had we done it any other condition there is a benefit system that supports them? way, he would have complained quite rightly, and I must say to him that, if he does not like the proposal, and it Mr Duncan Smith: Yes, I agree. That is exactly the sounds like he does not, perhaps he or his Front-Bench point of all the changes that we are making, and the colleagues will tell us where they think they are going to Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, my get the money from as an alternative. hon. Friend the Member for Basingstoke (Maria Miller) is bound with that to review all that we do for disabled Stephen Lloyd (Eastbourne) (LD): I appreciate the people in order to ensure that we do not write them off Secretary of State’s commitment, through the work at any stage but give them an opportunity to go to capability assessment, to include the chief executive of work, if they can. We will absolutely support those who Mind on the independent panel, because it is recognised are not able to go to work. It is their right, and we will that some disabilities go into remission. Can he give any ensure that that is the case. further reassurance that other disabilities, such as ME or MS, in which there are quite profound ups and Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): I want to downs and cycles, will be recognised in the new assessment? take the Secretary of State back to the point raised by my right hon. Friend the Member for Oldham West and Mr Duncan Smith: I can give the undertaking to my Royton (Mr Meacher). The universal cap of £500 a hon. Friend that all those issues will be reviewed with week will have a devastating impact on people living in that team. If there is an issue about that, and if it affects inner-London areas such as mine, where private sector anybody, we will want to try to bind that into the whole rents—paid for by housing benefit—are exorbitant, to assessment. The assessment’s objective is not to penalise put it mildly. The cap will result in desperate poverty for people. The truth is that when we undertook the flow— those people who try to remain living where their children putting people through a process that the Opposition go to school and near their families and community. undertook when in government—we learned a lot. We The effect will be one of social cleansing over a vast found that a large number of people who went through area of inner-city Britain. Is that what the Secretary of it have come out the better for going into work. No one State really wants to achieve? 43 Welfare Reform11 OCTOBER 2010 Welfare Reform 44

Mr Duncan Smith: I do not agree with the hon. Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): My question pertains Gentleman’s reading of this. to the upper limit of £26,000 on welfare payments. My right hon. Friend stated that that equated to a gross Jeremy Corbyn: Look at the figures. income of £36,000. Many in my constituency work long hours, sometimes putting in overtime, but bring in Mr Duncan Smith: I have been doing the figures, considerably less than that. I remind Labour Members actually. The hon. Gentleman should remember that that those people have housing costs to pay as well. Can the measure is not being brought in until towards the we make sure that people understand that the £26,000 is end of the Parliament in 2013. In the meantime, we have very much an upper limit, and that we should not ever already instigated some changes to how housing benefit see the welfare equivalent of £36,000 gross income as is paid. The hon. Gentleman knows as well as I do that the norm? in some parts of London there has been complicity among private landlords to push the rents up much Mr Duncan Smith: I made the point that we also have higher than they should have done. That was because to balance taxpayers’ requirements alongside those of the Labour Government never sorted out housing benefit. people on benefit. By the way, when seen in the context of the total number of people on benefits at the moment, The reality is that we will manage the process. The the numbers that we are dealing with are much smaller numbers will be far smaller than the hon. Gentleman than people make out. talks about. We will make sure that what we do as we go forward is give the taxpayer and those in receipt of Most of all, I should say that we will not be doing benefit a fair deal. I do not think that a person needs this for people on disability living allowance. Those in £35,000 a year gross to live a reasonable life. receipt of working tax credit, for example—those in work—will also not be caught. We are simply looking Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): I thank the to those families who have become static and immobile. Secretary of State for his statement today. I do not There is a disincentive against their going to work; the think that anyone in the House is more able to deal with amount of money that they receive is such that they the welfare problem than him. could never get it if they went to work. Therefore their incentive to work is non-existent. That is the benefits With hindsight, does my right hon. Friend think that system that we inherited; that is the benefits system that it was a mistake to announce the change in child benefit we will change. policy in a television studio last week rather than waiting to announce it in the House today? Was a written Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): If the Secretary statement given to the other place, which was sitting last of State recognises that this period of uncertainty is week? very stressful for people on incapacity benefit, does he also recognise that drip-feeding information through Mr Duncan Smith: The Chancellor made a statement the media is not the right way of giving people any in a television studio, but he made a statement to the confidence that the system is fair? In particular, I understand country and my hon. Friend at the same time. All I can that 40% of people who were originally refused incapacity say is that the policy has been discussed by me, the benefit had that overturned on appeal. What does he Prime Minister and the Chancellor. As far as I am intend to do about that, because it is frankly unacceptable? concerned, come the spending review my hon. Friend will see even more details about other changes. There Mr Duncan Smith: If the hon. Gentleman is worried will be full statements on those as well. about the drip, drip, drip on the 20th of this month, I should tell him that there will not be a drip at all; we will Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): Does the Secretary of get it out all in one go, so he should steady himself for State recognise that many of us represent places where that. None the less, the issue generally will be resolved, the problem is a lack of work rather than a lack of work and I promise him that if there are any direct questions, ethic? Is he hearing any concerns from the relevant I will answer them. He should remember that the figure Northern Ireland Ministers about some of the proposals that he refers to is 40% of all those who appealed. In on which he is still working? On the Work programme, total, 5% of those who have migrated have had their the right hon. Gentleman has referred to the black box appeals upheld. discretion that will be given to operators there. How will he ensure that there will be no black arts, in manipulating John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): I the statistics purely to gain payment by results and the congratulate the Secretary of State on the proposals for other incentives that he says will be available further up the universal credit, which will make it worth being in the chain? work. As well as trying to fit people to jobs, will he consider trying to fit jobs to people by using the Mr Duncan Smith: As the hon. Gentleman may know, Government’s contracting power to require that there I have already visited Northern Ireland to discuss these be some jobs for the long-term unemployed and some matters with his colleagues. There may be some differences jobs for people with disabilities? of opinion about where we are going, but most of that is because they have not quite arrived at the detail of it. Mr Duncan Smith: We will certainly ensure that we I think that by and large these proposals, particularly look at that suggestion. the universal credit, will in general benefit Northern Ireland dramatically. The numbers of unemployed there Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): There are very high and we need to get those numbers down has been a huge increase in the number of people and get Northern Ireland working again. That is important. coming to my surgeries and saying that, having been on We have had the discussions. incapacity benefit, they have been reassessed as capable 45 Welfare Reform11 OCTOBER 2010 Welfare Reform 46 of working but on appeal that decision has been overturned. covering all the necessary matters. The two pilots will That applies to the vast majority of people, certainly in help us understand better the way that the system Derbyshire. Does the Secretary of State have figures works. I am not sure what else we can do at this stage. available for the whole country? I hope so, because if he As I said to the right hon. Member for Paisley and is planning on rolling this out nationwide, we need to Renfrewshire South (Mr Alexander), we intend to use ensure not only that people who are wrongly assessed as what we are discussing as a process—it is not an end capable of working are not left destitute but that the point, but a process that allows us to get the best out of tribunal system is prepared for the huge number of how we deal with those who have been on incapacity appeals coming its way. benefit and need our support and help to get back to work. I give that guarantee. Mr Duncan Smith: Let me repeat the figures that I gave. Of all those who have been migrated through the Jake Berry (Rossendale and Darwen) (Con): Is my system, about 5% have been successful in the sense that right hon. Friend aware that many responsible employers, they have had their appeals upheld. There may be a including those in my constituency, ask their staff to slight change to that figure, because there is a backlog at attend annual health assessments? Does he agree that it the moment; we could probably make it up to 7% or is fair and reasonable for those deemed not fit to work 8%, but I do not think that it will get any higher than to attend similar assessments rather than wait 10 years that. We should remember that all the people the hon. on incapacity benefit without seeing a doctor? Lady is talking about represent the flow—that is, people who have not been in receipt of incapacity benefit until Mr Duncan Smith: My hon. Friend makes exactly the now but have been applying to come on to incapacity right point: for too long, Governments of both colours benefit and are being migrated through the process on were content to see people parked on incapacity benefit. to employment and support allowance or jobseeker’s The subject should unite the House; the previous allowance. The figure for those appeals is 5%, and that Government started the process and we want to complete was part of the process that was started by the previous it. It is no longer feasible for people to languish on Government. incapacity benefit. My hon. Friend is right; in some cases, people have not been seen for six or seven years Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): Many of us welcome and in others, people self-referred and have never been the Secretary of State’s efforts to tackle the scourge of seen by anybody to find out what is going on. It is high worklessness and to end the era in this country of time we resolved that. indiscriminate and too often counter-productive welfare. On work capability assessment, he will know that these Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): macro benefits are built on a series of individual assessments Will the Secretary of State please explain why a large by a particular doctor on a particular day of a particular swathe of Scotland is being used for the Con-Dem condition. May I press my right hon. Friend to take a social experiment, especially when it involves some claimants personal interest to ensure that assessments of neurological travelling for up to 90 minutes to be interviewed? He disorders and mental health issues in particular are will remember that the last time the Conservatives used done fairly? Scotland as a testing ground was when they introduced Mr Duncan Smith: My hon. Friend raises a very the hated poll tax a year early. What safeguards and important point. I can guarantee to him that we have guarantees have the people of Scotland this time round? already been doing that, but we will continue to do so. That is why the independent panel, which includes Mr Duncan Smith: I am not sure what the hon. somebody from Mind, will review it. Mr Farmer has Gentleman is moaning about. Two cities are in the been tasked with reviewing that generally, as well. We pilot, one in England and one in Scotland—he forgot will constantly keep this under review and ensure that that. The cities are different in character—they have that is the case. We do not want to use this to punish quite different populations in terms of income. The people; it is about helping people, not punishing them. hon. Gentleman made the point that some people travel long distances, and it is important for us to understand Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Given the the exact effect of that. Sometimes I wish that he was large number of my constituents and many others who not quite so parochial. had problems with the work capability test under the previous system, can the Secretary of State assure us Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) (Con): I paid a visit to my that he has already reviewed the test prior to rolling out local jobcentre in Bromsgrove earlier this month, and I the new pilots, rather than leaving it as it is and piloting learned from the advisers that, in many cases, it takes yet again? What full report is there on the outcomes of them more than an hour to determine whether a jobseeker the system thus far? In Scotland, the Scottish Association would be better or worse off by taking just six hours of of Citizens Advice Bureaux published a report that was employment in a week. Does my right hon. Friend agree highly critical of the system that was in place. Although that the introduction of the universal credit and the a lot of us agree with it in principle, we know that when taper relief system will make a dramatic difference to it comes to individual people the situation is very different. job incentives for jobseekers, and also increase their life chances? Mr Duncan Smith: I guarantee that we have already reviewed the matter. Indeed, we inherited a review process, Mr Duncan Smith: I am glad that my hon. Friend sees which the previous Government initiated. We will bind it like that, because that is exactly how I see it. Of in the results of that—we are doing that at the moment. course, the devil will be in the detail, but we want a Having said that, we have subsequently set up the panel process that is easy to understand for those who are and asked somebody to investigate to ensure that we are trying to get back to work, so that they do not need a 47 Welfare Reform11 OCTOBER 2010 Welfare Reform 48

[Mr Duncan Smith] John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): The Office for Budget Responsibility has projected a net increase of 700,000 maths degree to figure out exactly how much money EU migrant workers during this Parliament, and that they will retain if they do seven, eight, nine, 15 or point was confirmed by Treasury officials to the Treasury 20 hours’ work a week. We want it to be easy for them to Committee. Does the Secretary of State agree—and as understand that there is an incentive for every hour that the previous Government found to their cost—that an they work, and for those in jobcentres to figure it out, employer is more likely to prefer a new, young EU so that they can give proper advice. We want incentives, migrant worker to someone who has been on benefits not disincentives, to go back to work. for 10 years?

Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): Will Mr Duncan Smith: The hon. Gentleman makes an the Secretary of State give us some assurance about the interesting point. The only answer I can give is that future of the independent living fund? The Government during the past 10 years we have had between 4 million trickled out the information that it was one of the and 5 million people permanently parked on some form quangos to be abolished. That report has caused my of out-of-work benefit. The reality is that it became constituent, Mrs Seckerson, and her husband and carer, easier and cheaper for most employers to employ people Barry Seckerson, real concern because if they lose that who were not on benefits than to go to the pool of fund, her chance of living a meaningful life will be people who were on benefits. I hope that our reforms severely inhibited. Rather than leaving them fearful of will make work pay for those who are on benefits and the future, can the Secretary of State give them some thus release that pool of talent, so that demand can be sense of security today? met from here in the UK, and that only those who are really skilled and necessary will have to come from Mr Duncan Smith: The ILF, which we inherited, had overseas. been underfunded and was consequently overspent— literally on the day we walked through the door of Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): My constituents government. The hon. Gentleman might therefore want will be horrified to hear from the Secretary of State that to take up the reasons for such bad mismanagement Britain has the highest rate of jobless households in with his Front-Bench colleagues. However, we want to Europe. Which country in Europe has the lowest rate, ensure that we deal with people in those circumstances and what is it doing that we are not? fairly and reasonably. We are reviewing the whole process now and, as and when we complete the review, I shall ensure that the hon. Gentleman hears the details of it. Mr Duncan Smith: Perhaps I should not say this, but I think that it is Holland—I read that in a note. Some Richard Harrington (Watford) (Con): I and most of 20% of all households in this country have nobody in my unemployed constituents to whom I have spoken work, which is a staggeringly high number. We also have favour what my right hon. Friend has said. I am sure the highest number of children born to workless households. that many of them are pleased to have the chance to go By and large, every other country is Europe is doing it back to work if they can find a job and, of course, better than we do—and that is the shame of the previous benefit from the extra income. However, after speaking Government. to many people, I am convinced that several people simply expect a whole lot of new schemes, about which Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South) they will find out in order to find ways of avoiding them (Lab): Has the Secretary of State considered the impact and of continuing what they quite enjoy: a life on of the benefits cap on homelessness provision, including benefits, albeit on a low income. I would be interested to women’s refuges? What plans does he have for housing know my right hon. Friend’s views on that. benefit for supported accommodation, where rents are understandably higher than in the private rented sector? Mr Duncan Smith: The vast majority of people who are on benefits are not seeking to stay on benefits for Mr Duncan Smith: We are looking at all of that. I the rest of their lives. Most of them are seeking help to have made available some £60 million for transitional get off benefits and we want to provide that help. Most funding for local authorities and others, and we will of all, I want to simplify the number of benefits so that keep that under review. We do not want to penalise people understand what they will receive and how, but households, because it may not be their fault that they to link that to a process of getting back to work. I are living in homes that they simply would not be able repeat that those who genuinely cannot work, because to afford. We need to ensure that the changes are made, they have disabilities that make it impossible, must and I hope that we will also be able to drive down some receive the best support possible. That is the sign of a of the rents. A lot of change is coming in the next two civilised society. years, and I hope that much of it will be very progressive. 49 11 OCTOBER 2010 50

Points of Order Finance (No. 2) Bill Second Reading 4.53 pm Mr John Denham (Southampton, Itchen) (Lab): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Future students and their 4.56 pm parents will be alarmed that Members from the governing The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Lib Dem party are preparing to break their election Gauke): I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a promises and vote for huge increases in university fees. Second time. Given the need for a system of funding that is sustainable, fair, progressive and related to earnings—and which As observant Members will note, this is the second means that able students do not have to shop around for Finance Bill of this Parliament and the third one this the cheapest option—is it in order for Government year. The date of the general election earlier this year policy on this issue to be announced by the Secretary of reduced the time available for scrutiny of technical State not in a statement to the House but in an e-mail to measures in advance of that election, and the short Liberal Democrat and Conservative MPs? timetable available between our emergency Budget and the summer recess has made it necessary to have a third Mr Speaker: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for Finance Bill to address various technical measures. raising what is undoubtedly an important point. Certainly Given the content of this Bill, I suspect that there will these matters have been widely reported in the media be a fair amount of cross-party consensus on the matters and the House knows of my wish, oft-stated, that in it but, in any event, I would like to congratulate the statements of Government policy should be made first newly appointed shadow Treasury team. In particular, I to the House. At this stage, I do not know whether the congratulate the hon. Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle), briefing that has taken place falls into the category of the shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, both on her briefing to the media in advance. However, I confidently election success as a member of the shadow Cabinet expect—and I emphasise that point—that these matters and on her appointment to her current position. She will be before the House in the very near future, and I will bring considerable experience of Finance Bills to also underline that last point. That will both inform me the shadow Treasury team, both as a former Minister and give the right hon. Gentleman and others the and from the Finance Bill earlier this year. opportunity to explore these issues in greater detail. I Although he is not present, I should like also to hope that that is helpful to the right hon. Gentleman congratulate the newly appointed shadow Chancellor, and to the House. the right hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle (Alan Johnson). He stated over the weekend Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): On a point of that his first task was to read an economics primer, but order, Mr Speaker. There is a proposal to close the he also expressed the need to hit the ground running, passport office in my constituency, with the possible because of the Finance Bill today. Whatever his education loss of 300 jobs, which would leave Wales as the only programme, I suggest that he should not necessarily country in the United Kingdom without its own regional begin with the scrip dividend treatment of real estate passport office. I wrote to the Minister responsible investment trusts or the taxation of long cigarettes. about the matter in September. No word has come from However, we wish him well in that process. any Minister—neither the Home Secretary nor the responsible Minister—yet a civil servant has presented At the emergency Budget in June, my right hon. the case and argued it to the press; indeed, they were Friend the Chancellor set out this Government’s fiscal actually present in my constituency this morning trying mandate, acting swiftly to tackle the deficit and restore to justify it. As the convention in this House is that we credibility to the public finances. In the short, summer do not attack civil servants, how can we go about Finance Bill, we quickly put the core elements of the ensuring that those Ministers responsible for this irrational Budget on to the statute book, reassuring the British and damaging suggestion come before the House to people and the financial markets that we would not justify themselves? allow Labour’s debt to spiral out of control.

Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): The Minister giving me notice of this matter, and I am struck by it. I mentioned cigarettes. Are the Government going to do am not clear in my mind that it is a point of order, but it anything to tackle the £4 billion that is lost through is certainly an important matter. He will know that the cigarette smuggling? That is four times the amount of House has invited the Procedure Committee to consider money that they are apparently hoping to save by how Government statements are made to the House. He cutting benefits to the better off. could draw that example—and I suspect that he will—to the Committee’s attention. In addition, the Table Office will advise him on other opportunities to raise this Mr Gauke: The hon. Gentleman makes the fair point important matter. that there is too much cigarette smuggling, and this is a matter that we are keen to address. My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury has already announced proposals to provide additional funding to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs for tackling cigarette smuggling, among other things. I very much welcome the hon. Gentleman’s intervention but, let us be honest, it would be unrealistic to say that we could prevent all cigarette smuggling. We can, however, take steps to 51 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 52

[Mr Gauke] Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): Does my hon. Friend agree that the protests that we are reduce it. That would be to the benefit of the Exchequer, hearing from those on the Opposition Benches are in and I am pleased that the Government are moving stark contrast to the fact that the measures taken by this ahead and doing that. Government have secured our triple A rating? It is our determined actions that have restored confidence in the economy, stabilised the nation’s credit rating and Mr Gauke: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The halved interest rates on Government short-term borrowing. fact is that the Moody’s triple A credit rating was We are saving money today so that we can invest in deemed to be at risk, and has now been stabilised. Our tomorrow. Ours is the right approach for the country, market interest rates have fallen, and we are restoring and that has been widely recognised. Only a fortnight confidence in the long-term capability of this country. ago, the International Monetary Fund said that our If we refused to take these measures, we would be deficit plan was essential to restoring confidence in the taking the most enormous risk. UK’s public finances and “supports a balanced recovery”. It may be helpful if I give some of the background. That is the approach that we will take forward, including As I said earlier, there remain some technical changes in the spending review. that we could not include before the summer, and the Bill provides for those changes to be made. Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): I should like to I think it safe to say that Members on both sides of take this opportunity to thank the Minister for his kind the House will agree on the contents of the Bill. I remarks about me and the new shadow team. If he is so should be disappointed if they did not, given that convinced that the actions that the Government took in within the last year all but one of the measures that we June have stabilised the economy, can he explain why a are debating were proposed by the last Government I survey reveals today that confidence among Britain’s am glad that we have reached a consensus on that, if financial chiefs has slumped to a fresh low, with 34% of not on other matters. None the less, we wanted to finance directors polled by Deloitte believing that the ensure that the public and interested parties had an economy will go back into reverse? Those findings opportunity to provide input. demonstrate that optimism has dropped to its lowest level for 18 months. In the Budget we set out our approach to tax policy making, with consultation at the heart of the strategy. In the spirit of that new process, we published the Bill in Mr Gauke: The fact is that the measures that the draft over the summer. That has not only allowed key Government have taken have had the support of the interest groups to comment, but reassured those affected IMF, the OECD, the World Bank and the Governor of by the Bill. More than 60 responses were received, and the Bank of England. We are getting widespread support nine clauses have been modified as a result. Furthermore, for taking these tough measures. We also have the many groups have voiced their approval of the provision support of the director general of the CBI. There is an of a draft Bill to allow for additional scrutiny, which increasingly large consensus—it even includes Tony Blair— has made the Bill better, clearer and easier to apply. that if we simply deny the existence of the deficit and avoid taking these tough decisions, we shall face a worse We also increased opportunities for consultation by problem later on. It is absolutely right that we should creating the Office of Tax Simplification over the summer. take these measures. We need to increase transparency for businesses and the tax profession: that is a message that we hear frequently. John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): On the Deloitte survey, We also hear about the importance of greater predictability, does the Minister agree that business people make stability and simplicity in the tax system. The Office of investment decisions based on how they see the future? Tax Simplification will identify areas in which complexity What will happen if those business people see a murky in the system can be reduced, and we will publish its future? Will they not invest less? Would not that result findings for the Chancellor to consider before he presents in the Government’s optimistic predictions of private his Budget. Simplifying the tax system is not just a sector growth, on which they are relying, not coming to means in itself, but a vital sign that Britain is once again fruition? open for business. The Bill is not just a good example of engagement Mr Gauke: I shall tell the hon. Gentleman what with the public; it also supports our aims of helping would drive down investment: the fear that the Government businesses and promoting fairness. Clause 10 provides were not prepared to take the tough decisions. Taking support for real estate investment trusts by relaxing decisions for the long term to tackle the deficit will their distribution requirements. Clause 13 removes encourage private sector growth, and this Government intellectual property conditions linked to research and are confident that we are taking steps in the right development tax credits, enabling more small companies direction. We are also confident that a policy of reducing to claim. Clause 11 fixes issues in the worldwide debt public expenditure rather than increasing taxation—which cap regime to allow it to operate properly. The changes is the forecast of our plans to reduce the deficit—is the affect businesses large and small. Clause 9 removes an right way forward. Spending that is funded by borrowing unintended tax charge from company distributions, and is just a recipe for higher taxation and bigger cuts in the clause 7 makes changes to the venture capital schemes future, burdening future generations with the problems to guarantee state aid approval. created by this one. That approach would drive down The coalition Government are committed to ensuring investment. Simply ignoring the matter would not help that the decisions that we make are fair, and that we investment; it would not be fair and it would not be protect the most vulnerable in our society. The choices progressive. that we have made to date, and the actions that we will 53 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 54 take as part of the spending review, will help to make Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) (Con): I congratulate the Britain fairer. Clauses 1 and 2 play their part by easing hon. Lady on her new position. The emergency Budget the tax rules for carers and extending the scope of the to which she referred was absolutely necessary considering current tax relief. Clause 31 provides tax relief for trusts the train wreck of an economy that we inherited. The that compensate sufferers from asbestos exposure. I am country’s debts were spiralling out of control. That sure that many Members will particularly welcome that Budget calmed the debt markets and allowed the country clause. Clause 16 guarantees that those providing support to look at its finances and to bring economic competence under an adult care placement do not suffer capital back into the Treasury. gains tax as a result of sharing their home. Those too are small measures, but they provide significant and Ms Eagle: The hon. Gentleman is even more welcome support for those affected. melodramatic in his rewriting of history—his historical One clause has not been included in the Bill, although revisionism of what was going on in the UK economy— it was intended to feature. The aggregates levy credit than the Chancellor. I had thought, having watched scheme in Northern Ireland was introduced in recognition that performance, that that was impossible, but perhaps of the impact of the levy on legitimate businesses as a the hon. Gentleman should try out pantomime this result of tax evasion on imports from Ireland and illegal year as Christmas approaches. quarrying. Over the summer, we consulted on legislation I was about to say before I was so rudely interrupted to be included in the Bill to extend the scheme beyond that, rather than encumber himself with the tedious April 2011 to March 2021. Since then, the European technical detail in this Budget, the Chancellor decided General Court has annulled the Commission’s state aid to start behaving like the Liberal Democrat student approval for the scheme, for the period covering April activists we all come across at university and to take it 2004 to March 2011. In those circumstances, it would in parts. This is part two. As a result, we have in today’s not be appropriate to extend the scheme and we therefore Bill what can best be described as the technical innards decided to remove the clause from the published Bill. of a Budget; I think that the Exchequer Secretary used However, the Government strongly support the scheme other words. In fact, most of the clauses, as he pointed and, if the Commission were to come to a fresh decision out, are the technical innards of the last Labour Budget, that the aid was approvable, legislation to extend it can which was presented in March 2010. However, it is the be introduced in the Finance Bill in 2011.We will continue duty of the Opposition to scrutinise the detail of all to work closely with the Commission, the authorities in Budgets, and we certainly intend to fulfil that obligation Northern Ireland and representatives of the quarrying tonight. industry to find a solution that provides a level playing Measures included in the Bill are important to the field for legitimate quarry operators in Northern Ireland, workings of the taxation system—the Minister did the while maintaining environmental standards. House a service by going through them in great detail—but The other clauses help to align HM Revenue and they have failed to inspire much interest or controversy Customs’ interest and penalty regimes; enable the National in the outside world, perhaps because they have been Employment Savings Trust to operate as a registered signalled for a long time. The measures were subject to pension scheme; assist with the correct allocation of consultation under the previous Government as well as overpayments of tax to settlers of trusts; and tackle the current one when they were in development. Some evasion of excise duties. Although those clauses could might even say that they were prototype proposals, not make it into the previous Government’s final Finance because that is the way that things tend to be done in Bill—although 71 clauses did make it into their four-hour the Treasury. That is attested to by the lack of much Bill—we are ensuring that these necessary but less comment on or reaction to the proposals even among glamorous changes are made. the taxation professionals who usually pore over the This is a simple, straightforward Bill that eases burdens technical details of Finance Bills with fine-toothed on individuals, businesses and HM Revenue and Customs. combs. In respect of this Finance Bill, those professionals It is one that the previous Government all but enacted have been strangely unmoved—I might even say indifferent. themselves. In brief, it is an important but, I hope, uncontroversial Bill, and I commend it to the House. Kelvin Hopkins: I, too, congratulate my hon. Friend on her appointment to the Front-Bench team and I am 5.11 pm pleased to see her there. Is not the fact that this is a mouse of a Bill, given that we face a £120 billion tax gap Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): As the Exchequer that the Government are doing nothing to reduce, and Secretary has said, the Bill before us is the third Finance that 1% of that sum would save more money than their Bill that we have had this calendar year. We normally cut in benefits? expect two if a general election intervenes, when the usual Finance Bill timetables are inevitably interrupted. However, this year we have had three. That is because of Ms Eagle: My hon. Friend is right to point out that the decision of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to there are two sides to the deficit reduction equation. stage a piece of political theatre—I might even call it Clearly, one side of that is collecting the taxes that are crass melodrama—when he presented his self-styled due in an appropriate fashion, and I shall say more emergency Budget to the House in June. Rather than about that later in my speech. He is right that we need one that included all the necessary legislative provisions constantly to keep that side of things in mind. that had to be enacted this financial year, we got a tiny I was about to pay tribute to the Institute of Chartered Bill. Its purpose was to tie the Liberal Democrats into Accountants, which was one of the few organisations to the huge cuts to come and to the VAT bombshell before submit comments on the Bill when many had fallen by any summer revolts could gather pace and menace the the wayside. Perhaps it is up to the Opposition to be Government’s stitched-together majority. vigilant when others have taken their eyes off the ball. 55 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 56

[Ms Angela Eagle] Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): I would point out to the hon. Lady that the Office for Budget Responsibility As my hon. Friend said, it is odd that we are debating says that there is a structural deficit of £109 billion—I a seemingly uncontroversial and overwhelmingly technical believe that is the figure—which has nothing to do with Finance Bill in the midst of one of the most difficult the banking crisis or the recession and will not be and dangerous periods for the UK and world economies eliminated by growth. Does she not accept that the in many generations. We have lived through the largest previous Government have some or full responsibility banking and financial crisis in the global economy since for that structural deficit? the Wall street crash of 1929. It has caused a deep and painful global recession, and we are struggling with the Ms Eagle: I think we need to have a much more aftermath of the rescue of the world financial system grown-up discussion about how we ended up facing from the colossal market failure that was dramatised by these economic challenges. One of the more underhand the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008. That inevitably approaches that the Government have taken to this caused budget deficits to soar everywhere, but especially narrative has been to say that the economic challenges in the more advanced western economies. facing us, which are formidable, are somehow all about the previous Labour Government wasting public money The UK was particularly affected, in part because of and spending profligately. The hon. Gentleman knows the size of our banking and financial services sector. that that is simply is not true— The concerted action co-ordinated at the London G20 conference averted a catastrophe, and we are now witnessing Several hon. Members rose— a tentative economic recovery. However, that recovery remains distinctly fragile. Ms Eagle: I will give way in a moment. If we reach the stage where we have an appropriate analysis of how Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): We have the biggest our economy got to be in this situation, we will stand a budget deficit in the G20. What does the hon. Lady far better chance of having a reasonable discourse believe contributed to that? Could the previous Labour about how we can best move forward, rather than Government, of whom she was a member, have done a having this gross caricature being made by those on the little bit more to try to avoid that? Benches opposite. Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside) (Lab): The Government Ms Eagle: The hon. Lady must recognise that the seem to forget that when they were in opposition they budget deficits being suffered in all the more advanced promised to match our spending. The Liberal Democrats economies result directly from the need to rescue the have a great cheek to say now that they did not support world financial system by underpinning it, the effect of the increased level of borrowing—I recall that they automatic stabilisers and the loss of revenue caused by certainly did. the recession that followed the credit crunch. I thank her for giving me the chance once more to put that on Ms Eagle: That is true. Clearly, the Chancellor and the record. Prime Minister are on record, up to and including in 2008, as doing precisely what my hon. Friend says and supporting our spending commitments as they were at Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): Will the hon. Lady give the time. way? Although the recovery remains distinctly fragile, the June Budget took a huge and risky gamble with it. Since Ms Eagle: I will be happy to give way when I have then, confidence in the UK’s economic prospects has finished dealing with the point made by the hon. Member fallen off a cliff and business surveys, such as that by for Solihull (Lorely Burt). I am pleased that she gave me Deloitte which I asked the Exchequer Secretary about, the chance to put on the record again the plain fact that demonstrate that economic sentiment is darkening. There Budget deficits throughout the developed world were are increasing signs that the tentative recovery is stalling caused by the costs of the recession and the need to and that the economic storm clouds are gathering once underpin our banking systems, rather than by profligacy more. in public spending. The problem was caused by a gigantic global market failure, not by the activities of Governments. Kelvin Hopkins: I agree entirely with what my hon. Friend is saying. Is it not true that those who invest and Claire Perry: It is a pleasure to welcome the hon. those who are lacking confidence now are simply aware Lady to her new role, as she is one of the more economically that cutting spending, cutting jobs and cutting benefits literate and articulate of the shadow Front-Bench team. will drive the economy into recession, and that nobody I am therefore surprised that she continues to bring out will invest when we are diving into a recession? Does she the hoary chestnut that somehow this deficit was entirely agree that in the early part of this decade Britain had a a result of the collapse in the banking system and was relatively low level of public spending as a proportion nothing to do with the previous Government’s spending of gross domestic product compared with, for example, more than they raised in taxes since 2001. Scandinavia? Ms Eagle: My hon. Friend is right on both points, Ms Eagle: The hon. Lady has also to recall and but he also raises an important issue about what Keynes acknowledge that a lot of the investment spending since called “animal spirits”. It is fair to say that all the 2001 went on infrastructure, which will stand our country signals are that the animal spirits are somewhat more in good stead as we look to how we can rebuild our depressed now than they were a few months ago and prosperity and continue to earn our way in what will be that the things that have depressed them are the decisions an increasingly competitive world. that were announced in the June Budget. 57 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 58

Ominous noises are coming out of the recent Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Had I noticed International Monetary Fund meeting about currency anything out of order, I would have been sure to have wars and competitive devaluations, and they offer worrying pointed that out. As it is, I believe that the shadow echoes of conditions that led to the great depression in Minister is now moving on. the 1930s. Dominique Strauss-Kahn was not joking or exaggerating when he warned the IMF meeting about Ms Eagle: I was just about to do so, Mr Deputy the dangers that the huge increases in unemployment Speaker, but suffice it to say that Kitchener’s Army will pose for our democratic institutions. Yet none of became a tragic symbol of a lost generation, pointlessly this is referenced in the measures before us today. sacrificed because of the idiocy of those in charge. Perhaps, whether he realises it or not, the Prime Minister Sajid Javid rose— was on to something with his choice of exhortation. Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): I Ms Eagle: I have given way to the hon. Gentleman thank the hon. Lady for giving way and add my before and I want to get on, because I know that there congratulations on her elevation. It will be a great are people who wish to speak. privilege to listen to more of her speeches, I hope often In many ways, we find ourselves in a kind of pre-spending on Kitchener. I fear that she has maligned the late noble review phoney war. We know that something truly Lord Kitchener of Khartoum, the rescuer of what awful is coming but it has not arrived yet, so we are remained of Gordon’s body from Khartoum. Perhaps whistling to keep up our spirits as the winter approaches most relevantly, the death rates in the camps established and the long nights draw in. The Prime Minister himself in South Africa were exactly the same as— has taken to using wartime phraseology. For some strange reason, in his conference speech he was moved Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. This would be a fascinating to invoke the spirit of Lord Kitchener and his famous debate at another time and, perhaps, in another place. “Yourcountry needs you”first world war Army recruitment slogan, not once but twice. Quite why he did that is Ms Eagle: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I know beyond me, since Lord Kitchener was the general who whose side I would rather be on in any attempt to created the world’s first concentration camps in the rehabilitate Lord Kitchener. aftermath of the Boer war. They inflicted appalling As the spending review approaches, we are beginning suffering on innocent women and children in order to to see increasing signs of nervousness about the likely quell any Boer resistance. As Secretary of State for War, effects of the cuts, and that is just among Ministers. We he supported the disastrous Dardanelles operation and already know that the Government have taken a decision was widely blamed for the shortage of shells in 1915, in principle that a huge increase in unemployment is a which, incidentally, precipitated the formation of a price worth paying to get the deficit down. In an admission Tory-Liberal Government. that the spending review will depress economic activity, the Chancellor recently made it clear that he will sanction Of course, Kitchener has become best known for the the resumption of quantitative easing, or increasing the famous Army recruitment campaign and its memorable money supply, should the cuts in demand tip the country slogan, which our Prime Minister saw fit to borrow the back towards recession. However, the extent to which other day. In 1914, that plea resulted in the creation of monetary policy can be effective when interest rates are what became known as “Kitchener’s Army”, and I so low and demand is depressed is the subject of well-placed suppose we should refer to the attempts to create a “big scepticism in very respectable economic circles. society army” to fill in the gaps that the cuts will create. Unfortunately, however, that Army was destined to go Albert Owen (Ynys Môn) (Lab): I welcome my hon. into action in the Somme, where 60,000 of them were Friend to her new position. Does she agree that there slaughtered on the first day of the offensive. By its end, are lessons to be learned from the Republic of Ireland, 600,000 had been lost to gain just 6 miles of territory, where a centre-right coalition has made savage cuts and overall casualties in the offensive as a whole reached quickly? That has not only affected its triple A rating—it an almost unbelievable 1.2 million men— has been downgraded—but created mass unemployment.

Several hon. Members rose— Ms Eagle: Yes, I do think we have to keep a careful eye on what is going on elsewhere in the world. It is Ms Eagle: I shall give way in due course, when I have clear that the mantra that there is no alternative is finished. simply not true. Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): I add my Mr Brian Binley (Northampton South) (Con): Be support for my hon. Friend after her elevation to her kind to me. new position. She mentioned quantitative easing, and she will no doubt have seen the widespread reports in Ms Eagle: I shall give way in due course, but not at the newspapers over the weekend that the Chancellor the moment. has given it a green light. Is that not his plan B, and his way of avoiding the so-called “difficult decisions” and I was just saying that the Somme offensive cost— passing them on to the Bank of England?

Mrs Anne Main (St Albans) (Con): On a point of Ms Eagle: It certainly indicates that there is some order, Mr Deputy Speaker. Is this rather long revisiting nervousness and worry about the downturn in what the of first world war history directly related to the Finance economic indicators say about the effect of measures Bill’s Second Reading? that were announced with great fanfare in June. 59 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 60

Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): most dangerous parts of the credit crunch. The growth Does the hon. Lady agree that the main thing that we figures for the early part of this year show that that can learn from the economy of the Republic of Ireland fiscal stimulus package was working. is that we were right not to join the euro and should never do so? Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP): The hon. Lady talks about the fiscal stimulus package working. It did Ms Eagle: I look forward to the debate that will take work, of course, and I backed fiscal stimulus. Does she place within the Government on that, as I can see that not now regret the previous Government being one of Liberal Democrat Members are not exactly enamoured only two in the G20 fully to withdraw the fiscal stimulus with the hon. Gentleman’s point. package in 2010? At the weekend, the Cabinet seemed to send incoherent Ms Eagle: The hon. Gentleman is arguing that we messages about the £83 billion cuts agenda that lies should do the opposite of what the Government decided ahead. The Energy Secretary told The Daily Telegraph to do in June. I hope that, in due course, we will see him that spending cuts were not in the Lobby with us. “lashed to the mast with a particular set of numbers” Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): I thank my and could be scaled back if economic conditions hon. Friend for giving way and welcome her to her new deteriorated, but the Transport Secretary insisted that role. I am pleased to see one of my Wirral constituency the Government would not deviate despite fears that neighbours at the Dispatch Box. I was not a Member of the drastic cuts would damage the economy. The latter the House at the time, but I recall the temporary VAT clearly regards himself as the real Chief Secretary—or reduction to 15% as being just that—a temporary perhaps it would be more accurate to say the Tory Chief improvement for consumers to build confidence. Will Secretary—but which of the two is presenting the Cabinet’s she assist me? Was that the case and how does that real view? They both serve in it, so which of them is measure compare to the VAT proposals made by the right? Perhaps when the Economic Secretary responds Chancellor in his Budget? tonight, she would like to enlighten us about which of their positions is the real Government policy, at least for Ms Eagle: Clearly, that measure was temporary and today. well signalled in advance—a cut to boost the economy Some things that I would have thought would be in in the short term in the most effective way. The interesting the Bill, given the formidable economic challenge that thing about what has been announced since June is that now faces us, are conspicuously absent. Where is the the VAT increase appears to be permanent. We are also plan for growth? We all know that growth is one of the seeing a range of other announcements, such as the most effective ways of dealing with a deficit. Thus, shift from the retail prices index for benefit increases to plans to get the deficit down need to be growth-friendly, the consumer prices index—not temporary to deal with but precious little in the Bill is intended to address that a situation in front of us, but seemingly permanent. urgent requirement. John Mann: Will my hon. Friend give way? Since May there have been plenty of cuts that may well have a bad impact on our growth prospects, such as Ms Eagle: Iamhappyto. the abolition of regional development agencies and the savage cuts in the funding available to assist regional John Mann: My hon. Friend may not be too happy to growth strategies. The decision to scrap the loan to give way, but first I congratulate her on her appointment. Sheffield Forgemasters is another example. That company She is an appropriate and excellent appointment to the could have played a leading role in the developing Opposition Treasury team. However, she is making an global nuclear industry, but its chances of doing so have argument about increasing taxation leading to a reduction been set back significantly by that decision. The increase in growth. Is that not a rather dangerous argument for a in VAT, which estimates suggest will cost each household Labour Opposition to make when the choices between in the country more than £500, will hardly boost demand, spending and taxation are precisely those that any so where is the plan for growth? The Prime Minister Government would have to make? Is it not time that the claimed that his first Budget would be Labour Opposition re-examined their opposition to the “a Budget that goes for growth”, VAT increase? Should we not reverse that opposition but after the Chancellor’s theatrical efforts in June, the and support the increase as an appropriate way to Government’s own forecaster, the Office for Budget increase taxation at a time when we need to offset Responsibility, downgraded its growth forecast for this against any cuts that we can that would lead to job year from 1.3% to 1.2%, and for next year from 2.6% to losses in the public sector? 2.3%. The CBI also decided to lower its growth forecast Ms Eagle: My hon. Friend should take account of for next year from 2.5% to 2% to take account of the the regressive nature of VAT and the fact that the June Budget. Government have trumpeted from the beginning that their measures will be fair. They even used the word Alec Shelbrooke: I welcome the hon. Lady to her “progressive” during the June Budget discussions when Front-Bench position. If the 2.5% rise in VAT is so the analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies and wrong, why was it right for the previous Government to recent work by Age UK demonstrates that the effect of return it from 15% to 17.5%? Although there had been a the Budget measures of which the Bill is a small part reduction, that was still a 2.5% rise. will be the exact opposite of progressive. It will be regressive; it will hit the poorest hardest, and VAT has a Ms Eagle: The hon. Gentleman was not in the House part to play in that. at the time, but the reduction in VAT was part of the fiscal stimulus that kept the economy afloat during the John Mann rose— 61 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 62

Mr Gauke rose— Abolishing allowances and reliefs effectively hits businesses with a tax hike when they invest. It benefits Ms Eagle: I am anxious to get on. I have given way a investment-light industries such as financial services lot and many other Members wish to speak. over investment-heavy industries or new sectors looking The Irish example demonstrates the risks of focusing to grow. That change penalises companies that need to on getting the deficit down—too high a cost to the make sustained investment to establish themselves and growth potential of the economy. The Irish have had grow. It is a strange way for the Government to signal deep and fast cuts as well as tax rises, but growth has that they wish to see a rebalanced economy and the been hit, which is making getting the deficit down creation of new industry. Little wonder, then, that the harder rather than easier. plans have been described as “a disaster” by the senior economist at the Engineering Employers Federation Mr Gauke: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for giving and that the Institute for Fiscal Studies has said: way and I am listening carefully to her somewhat gloom- “Cutting investment allowances to fund a cut in the mainstream laden speech. I can see why her military role model is corporation tax rate would help companies which make large not so much General Kitchener as Private Frazer. May profits with little investment, at the expense of businesses that are I press her on one particular point? The position of her investing heavily in the UK but making only marginal returns.” party at the general election was in favour of spending There is no sign of a serious growth strategy. cuts of 20% over the Parliament and halving the structural deficit over four years. Does she still support that position? Stewart Hosie: Will the hon. Lady give way? Ms Eagle: That is our starting point as we move Ms Eagle: I have given way to the hon. Gentleman forward to judge what the Government will announce before, but I shall do so once more. in a few days’ time. The issue here is the scale and speed of the deficit reduction, and how that impacts on our approach to being able to see some kind of economic Stewart Hosie: I agree with much of what the hon. recovery sustained, given what is happening in the rest Lady has said. Would it not carry more weight, however, of the world. The worry that we have always had about if her Labour Government had not abolished, for example, the Budget judgment implicit in the June announcements industrial buildings allowance and agricultural buildings and soon to be reinforced in the forthcoming spending allowance—the very sort of allowances that she described review is that the medicine being fed to the patient runs that would help investment now. Would not her argument a higher risk of killing it off. We do not want the deficit carry more strength if her Government had not butchered reductions to be too soon and too deep to sustain a those important allowances only a few years ago? recovery. The Irish example demonstrates the risks of focusing on getting the deficit down at too high a cost to Ms Eagle: I remember the detailed discussions that the growth potential of the economy. The Government we had on that issue in previous Finance Bill debates. have a particular view on those judgments, but we The hon. Gentleman has probably been in more of disagree with them on the necessity for speed and the them than I have. The issue is not the abolition of ferociousness of the deficit reductions. We are not saying allowances that are 40-odd years old and increasingly that deficit reductions will not be necessary.The Chancellor do not recognise the changed shape of UK industry. It used to mention the Irish example all the time as the is about abolishing allowances completely to fund a cut Irish Government made their extremely deep and fast in mainstream corporation tax, with the result that the cuts, but lately he appears to have stopped referring to it incentives for investment are taken away at the point of at all. I wonder why. investment. The Government are gambling on their outdated and One of the measures that the Bill ought to have dogmatic view that if only the state would get out of the contained but does not is the creation of a tax relief for way, the private sector would spontaneously move to fill the video games industry. We all know in the House that the gap and quickly create the 2.5 million extra jobs that in the UK we have a particular expertise in creating the Office for Budget Responsibility has calculated would video games, which was beginning to create high-value have to be created to get the deficit down as forecast. jobs in the UK in what has become a multi-billion-pound Thus our economy is meant to perform better in job industry. We also know that our brightest software creation terms than it has ever done before, even in engineers are being tempted abroad by generous and much more benign economic circumstances than those possibly illegal tax breaks, and that we risk the decimation we face. of our UK base if we do not respond. That is why, while We have just lived through the most dramatic example we were in government, we developed the video games of the limits of that market fundamentalism that any of tax credit, which was to operate along the same lines as us are likely to see in our lifetime. It was not the private the film tax relief. In opposition, just before the election, sector that rescued the world financial system from the Conservative party supported that. On 13 April meltdown in the credit crunch; it was the co-ordinated 2010 the hon. Member for Wantage (Mr Vaizey), now action of Governments. Governments have a crucial the Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, role to play in fostering economic growth and helping to Media and Sport, said: encourage the emergence of a better, more balanced “We are committed to a tax break along the lines of the video economy, yet the Bill does nothing to restore the support games tax credit. We have been calling for tax breaks for the video for industry that the Government have already cut. It game industry for the last three years.” does nothing to reverse the £3.6 billion tax hike that will Like so many other things said during the general hit our manufacturers in order to pay for the corporation election campaign, that pledge was abandoned immediately tax cuts announced in the June Budget, £1 billion of after it. We will want to explore the issue further in which will go straight back to the banks. Committee. 63 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 64

[Ms Angela Eagle] Secretary has gone on record as saying that he is unhappy about it, and the Energy Secretary has said that it sends Before the Minister uses the standard Treasury line the wrong message. Can the Minister explain how this about how the video industry can always make use of example squares with the Chief Secretary’s grand the research and development tax credits that are available pronouncement that both tax evasion and tax avoidance more generally, he might care to put all our minds at are immoral in times like these? Once more, we must rest and deal with the nasty rumours swirling around look at this Government’s actions rather than their that the entire R and D tax credit may be at risk in the words. Their decisions will be far more eloquent than cuts to come. Perhaps the Economic Secretary will thousands of well-crafted press releases or any synthetic reassure us on that point. outrage. Another notable omission from today’s Bill is any As we await the spending review, it is abundantly reference to increasing the resources which will allow clear that the centre of economic and political attention HMRC to build on its already excellent work to tackle lies not with the Bill but elsewhere. We would have the tax gap. Obviously, as was said earlier, the more wanted this legislation to contain at least the beginnings that tax due is collected, the more effectively the deficit of a plan for growth, but it does not. It should have can be tackled and the less pain our society will be contained some extra and concrete plans to back up forced to endure during the adjustment ahead. During with credible action the Deputy Prime Minister’s fine the conference season the Deputy Prime Minister words on the immorality of avoiding taxes, but it does made much of the need to close the gap between the not. In choosing to cut the deficit further and faster taxes that are due and those that are actually collected. than we proposed, the Government have taken a huge He made grand and welcome pronouncements that it is gamble with our economic prosperity. A synchronised “ethically wrong” to avoid paying our taxes. He was deficit reduction throughout the developed economies followed by the present Chief Secretary to the Treasury risks plunging the world back into either recession or a who announced, interestingly, that he regarded both tax Japanese-style jobless recovery. The Irish example should avoidance and tax evasion as “morally indefensible” in be a salutary lesson to the Government of the risks that times like these. they run with their economic approach. In the meantime, we will look closely at the Bill and Kelvin Hopkins: I agree entirely with what my hon. take a keen interest in it as it goes through Committee. Friend is saying. PCS, Richard Murphy and others have We will see whether some of the issues that I have raised made the simple point that appointing more tax officers can appear as amendments during its passage through would solve the problem. They collect many times their the House. own salary, and it would be highly beneficial to the Exchequer if that were done. 5.51 pm Ms Eagle: My hon. Friend is well known for his views Mark Simmonds (Boston and Skegness) (Con): I on the subject. draw the House’s attention to the Register of Members’ Neither of the Ministers whom I just quoted revealed Financial Interests. just how successful HMRC has been in pursuing this I am aware, as the Government and Opposition Front work in the past three years. HMRC increased the yield Benchers have said, that this is primarily a dry and from compliance interventions by 60% in the three technical Bill, and I shall address one particular area years to 2008-09. However, we all know there is more to later in my remarks. However, it is important to set out be done and we would all support sensible measures to the macro-economic climate and conditions if we are to make such work even more effective. provide a context for the Bill and for next Wednesday’s Following all the fuss about that and the headlines statement. generated, I would have expected to see some extra The contribution from the hon. Member for action in the Bill. However, despite the dramatic headline- Wallasey (Ms Eagle), the shadow Minister, was perplexing. grabbing moral assertions, nothing has been added to While wanting to congratulate her on her promotion, the Bill to signal the Government’s determination to and on the fact that she clearly has a grasp of economic launch a further crackdown. The worry is that the issues, I note the sense of complete denial about the 25% to 40% cuts in departmental staffing due to be serious situation in which we as a country find ourselves. announced in the forthcoming spending review will It is quite clear that, with the previous Government seriously damage HMRC’s ability to maintain its work having doubled the national debt, the coalition’s very on improving tax collection, let alone to launch a further difficult inheritance, including the biggest deficit in the successful crackdown on the tax cheats. Again, this is a G20 and the payment of more in interest than the topic to which we will return in Committee, but I would police, defence and transport budgets combined, emphasises be grateful for any reassurances the Minister may be the need to address the fiscal and structural deficit able to offer us tonight that the operational capacity of problem. the HMRC in this crucial area will be enhanced rather The Treasury Front Benchers, the Chancellor and his than decimated in the cuts to come. colleagues, are absolutely right to dismiss the Opposition’s Perhaps the hon. Lady can also explain to the House complaints. Why would anyone listen to a strategy from precisely what signal on tax collection the Government the very people who created the problem in the first intend to send by appointing Sir Philip Green to advise place? I shall pick out one aspect of what the hon. Lady the Prime Minister on Government efficiency. His own said, because it is something that the country needs to tax arrangements include paying a £1.2 billion dividend understand. The structural deficit, and the amount of to his wife, who just happens to be domiciled in Monaco money that the previous Government borrowed and for tax purposes. Although this is not illegal, the Business this coalition Government have inherited, are not down 65 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 66 to the banking crisis. The economic indicators update, Alison McGovern: How will that increased confidence which the Library provides, states very clearly: play out in different regions where—for the right reasons, “The Government borrowed £155.6 billion in 2009/10 (11.1% of because work is cheaper in such areas—public sector GDP)”— jobs are now focused? How does public confidence staggering numbers. Secondly, it states: work in an area where a high number of public sector “The OBR’s Budget forecast for borrowing in 2010/11 is workers face redundancy? £149 billion. The OBR forecast that government debt will be £932 billion in 2010/11.” Mark Simmonds: The hon. Lady makes a fair point, And, it makes the third point: and I should say two or three things. First, the national “These figures exclude the effect of government intervention in insurance changes that the coalition Government have the banking industry.” made will make it better and easier for employers to That completely destroys the hon. Lady’s main focus take on new employees in the private sector. Secondly, and the point that she tried to make. the Treasury is working on the regional fund to address However, the issue is not just about the irresponsible the difficulties that are faced in some regions, which, I and unsustainable Government expenditure that took would argue, are over-dependent on public sector jobs, place prior to the general election. I do not want to so that people can move into the private sector quicker describe myself as a particularly visionary or prescient than would otherwise be the case. individual, but I point out to the House a question at The second element of the expansionary fiscal Prime Minister’s Question Time that I asked the then contraction is to encourage business to invest, and I do Prime Minister, Tony Blair, on 25 May 2005. I shall not not agree with the fundamental argument of the shadow read it out, because it would be tedious for the House to Treasury spokesperson, the hon. Member for Wallasey. hear it again, but I asked him what he would do to rein There is a direct inverse correlation between Government in the dramatically deteriorating fiscal deficit. Inevitably, borrowing and business investment, which means that as ever with Tony Blair, one did not receive a particularly when Government borrowing declines business investment comprehensive or detailed reply, but Treasury Benchers goes up, and vice versa. That would be especially true if are absolutely right to focus on reining in the growing it were supported by expansionary monetary policy, fiscal deficit. which it is and, I hope, will be for the foreseeable future. It is quite clear, from the previous statement by the Opposition Members may say, “That all sounds very Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, my right well theoretically, but has it ever happened in practice?” hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford The simple answer is, yes. It has happened twice in Green (Mr Duncan Smith), that the welfare budget was recent times—not only in the early 1980s, when the then completely out of control, and from the initial findings Chancellor of the Exchequer, Geoffrey Howe, reduced of Sir Philip Green’s review of Government expenditure, public expenditure and interest rates and, therefore, that many procurement procedures are completely out stimulated economic growth, but— of control. There was sloppy governance, and that needs to be addressed. Kelvin Hopkins: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? People may ask, “Why is it important if the Government Mark Simmonds: In a minute, because the hon. don’t get a grip on spending.” If there is no such grip, Gentleman might be keen to comment on this point. there will be no or slower growth; if there is no growth, The correlation also occurred under the previous Labour there will be no sustained recovery; and if there is no Government, between 1997 and 1999, when they stuck sustained recovery, there will be no wealth or job creation. to the preceding Conservative Government’s expenditure It is no coincidence that since June’s emergency Budget, plans. That is when GDP growth under the previous the credit rating of the UK’s risk has dissipated and Administration was at its highest, averaging roughly yields on Government gilts and bonds have fallen 3.5% per year—significantly higher than during the rest significantly. It means that some confidence is returning of their tenure. So, the correlation has occurred before, to the markets—specifically because of the Government’s and I see no reason why it should not occur again. and Chancellor’s announcements back in June. They announced, first, some fiscal consolidation and, then, a Kelvin Hopkins: I hesitate to say this, but I was promise of some control over public expenditure. around in 1979, and I remember it very well. The The dangers of not doing anything are considerable: Government at that time massively increased VAT and sovereign debt credit downgrades; interests rate rises; increased interest rates. The pound rose, and neo-classical additional debt interest that should be spent on investment economists, like the hon. Gentleman no doubt, said in reformed public services; and the potential explosion that unemployment would fall to below 1 million. It of Government bond yields, as we have seen elsewhere actually rose to more than 3 million, and one fifth of in Europe. We need to challenge the myth, which we manufacturing disappeared. It was only when the heard from the Opposition Front Benchers today, that Government later reversed those policies that the economy fiscal consolidation and public expenditure contraction started to expand, but sterling depreciated by 30%, automatically lead to economic slowdown; they do not during Nigel Lawson’s tenure, when the economy started necessarily. to grow again. I hope and think that we will have, in the technical jargon, an expansionary fiscal consolidation. There are Mark Simmonds: I am grateful for that intervention. two facets to that. First, if we control public expenditure, The hon. Gentleman will not be surprised to hear that I we get greater consumer confidence as people revise do not share his analysis. In fact, the parallels are down future tax burdens, something that the coalition interesting. I would argue that in the early 1980s Geoffrey in time need to deliver. That will encourage further Howe and Margaret Thatcher were clearing up the mess consumer expenditure, and I very much hope that such that they inherited from the previous Labour control will be permanent, not temporary. Administration, just as the Chancellor of the Exchequer 67 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 68

[Mark Simmonds] of property, particularly commercial property, have to be paid in cash. The Bill will allow them to be paid in and Liberal Democrat colleagues in the coalition are stock as well. What will the tax status of those dividends tidying up the mess that we inherited from the right paid in stock be? Will income tax or capital gains tax hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) apply? Clearly, capital gains is paid only when a gain is and Tony Blair, his predecessor. realised or made. What would happen if the stock deteriorated rather than increased in value? In the Bill Stewart Hosie: The hon. Gentleman is giving an there seems to be some provision for a market value. I interesting analysis, which I do not share at all. He am not sure how that will work in practice and over spoke about monetary loosening and monetary expansion. what time scale that market value will be assessed. We have had a zero bound in interest rates and 99% of Real estate investment trusts, which the previous the £200 billion of quantitative easing has gone to buy Government brought in, are an excellent vehicle for the Government debt—it has gone right through the tube, ownership of commercial real estate in particular. The without hitting the sides of the real economy. Where HMRC REIT unit has a very good reputation and is does he think the monetary easing and expansion will extremely helpful to those involved in the industry. come from to give the cash needed by businesses that However, there are issues that should be in the Bill but want to invest? It is not coming from QE. are not. The Treasury needs to consider them to improve real estate investment trusts. Mark Simmonds: The hon. Gentleman is right, in a The trusts should be the worldwide answer to property way. I hope that interest rates will remain low for a investment, in which all our pension funds invest. They considerable time to give businesses confidence to borrow are very significant to the future well-being of most of money, when they need to, to invest; we could be having the UK’s population. We need to make the reforms to a whole argument about the banking sector and structure strengthen further the position of the UK as a place for as well. When interest rates start to tick up again, I hope these important capital markets. The current tax structure that the quantitative easing position will start to unwind of REITs should have put an end to the offshore and the Bank of England will start to sell some of the floating of companies and funds, but that has not QE back into the market, which will then create confidence. happened. It is very complex to bring back onshore a Personally, I am very nervous about future quantitative fund that is already listed elsewhere. The Treasury needs easing; we have probably done just about enough. If to consider ways of simplifying the procedure, therefore interest rates stay low as a loose monetary policy, I am reducing the costs and making such a move more efficient reasonably confident that we will have steady growth, and effective. for reasons that I have just explained. The Treasury also needs to look at the transition From where will the potential dangers come? I do not period, which is currently 12 months. It needs to be think that we are assured a return to good times three years. Some 75% of the money raised inside a real expeditiously. There are risks and problems, particularly estate investment trust has to be spent within 12 months, in the global economic context—especially given the and that needs to be looked at and extended. At the need to balance the UK economy away from consumer moment, to avoid losing their status, investment trusts expenditure and the financial sector. I am afraid that are having to invest in incorrect assets that are not recent news from around the world has not necessarily necessarily going to produce the returns that the people been encouraging. US economic growth is slowing, involved believe they should be getting for themselves Chinese manufacturing is cooling and problems in Japan or their shareholders, whether individuals or pension may spread to other Asian economies. Furthermore, funds. That issue needs to be looked at carefully. there is the dangerous US-China currency stand-off, I am also extremely nervous about the income cover which could lead to protectionist policies. I very much rule. I will not bother boring the House with that at the hope that those will not be put in place. moment, although officials will know what I am talking If we are to have a strong export-led-growth UK about. Currently, it is 10%, but I would argue that it model, we will require a strong eurozone. Although the needs to be the same as the takeover percentage, which eurozone grew strongly in the second quarter of this is about 29.9%. year, it remains highly dependent on German growth. I want to make one final point about real estate We will have to monitor extremely carefully the impact investment trusts. Currently, they can be listed only on that fiscal tightening has in the eurozone and its particular recognised exchanges. That does not include the alternative relevance to UK exports, although I very much hope investment market, or the AIM. Many smaller REITs that that will be assisted by a weakening and a sterling want to float on the AIM so that they can generate depreciation. Given what they inherited, the Government’s income and funds and grow their business. At the macro-economic policy is absolutely right. moment, they have to be listed both on the AIM and an I want to focus on a particular aspect of the Finance exchange offshore. That adds costs and bureaucracy Bill. It relates to the aside, made by the Exchequer and it is utterly unnecessary. I should like the Treasury Secretary in his opening remarks, about real estate to make dual listing a thing of the past and make it investment trusts, which are covered by clause 10 and much easier for entrepreneurial REITs and new REITs. schedule 4 of the Bill. I support the changes that are set out, but I have a couple of specific questions, which the Paul Uppal (Wolverhampton South West) (Con): I Minister could answer in her winding-up speech or share my hon. Friend’s interest in real estate investment about which she could write to me, with a copy of the trusts. Commercial property is a success story. UK letter being put into the House of Commons Library. commercial property is one of the most coveted assets At the moment, dividends through real estate investment globally and brings in a great deal of revenue to the trusts, which are tax-friendly vehicles for the ownership Exchequer. I echo my hon. Friend’s eloquently put 69 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 70 sentiments. If we look at the restrictions on the creation his analysis of borrowing, like the document that he has of real estate investment trusts, there could be a win-win read, shows a fatal flaw in economic logic and situation for the UK. We should particularly look at a understanding. policy of incorporating that for private property companies The primary reason for the deficit—and more so in as well. the current year than our competitors—is our over-reliance on the economic activity of, and consequently our tax Mark Simmonds: I am grateful for the intervention of take from, the financial institutions of the City of my hon. Friend, who is absolutely right. If he has an London. Over-reliance on the City, leading to the drying interest in these matters, he will also be aware that one up of that tax take as its economic activity dived, was of the outstanding main problems of UK commercial the classic error made by the previous Government and and investment banks is their level of debt against the two Governments before them—by Prime Ministers commercial property, which has fallen in value since the ever since the big bang. All failed to see that an economy heights of the market back in 2006-07. The banks are that is unduly weighted towards its financial institutions finding it difficult to unravel some of those positions. and the City will succumb at any time in a financial The real estate investment trust structure may enable downturn. That is precisely what has happened in the them to find a way through some of those problems. United Kingdom. However, underlying that, our actual Stewart Hosie: I very much welcome what the hon. debt, built recurrently, is not only no worse but better Gentleman is saying about REITs. Some of his Front-Bench than that of most of our competitors, not least because colleagues will remember that the same pleas were made of the former Chancellor’s pay-back and buy-back of to the then Labour Government when REITs were first debt between 1998 and 2000. introduced. All power to the hon. Gentleman’s elbow in Of course, a Government must get on top of the persuading his Front Benchers to do what he suggests. current year’s situation, because if that features a recurrent Would there not be an advantage in getting small private build-up of debt, the situation over a period of years companies, or even groups of housing associations, to will deteriorate. In the league table of debt, we do not sit benefit from REITs in respect of social for-profit housing at the top, as the Chancellor and others on the Government as well? Front Bench try to suggest. We sit in the middle—below France, alongside Germany and below Italy, and well Mark Simmonds: I agree with the hon. Gentleman. below Japan and the United States of America. That is That is not a new idea. Many years ago I was chairman critically important, because they are servicing those of the housing committee on Wandsworth borough debts recurrently as well as having a build-up. council. He may be surprised to hear that at that The question that those on both Front Benches shy time—back in 1993-94—I proposed to the then Treasury away from is what I call the China syndrome. That is the Minister exactly what he has just suggested about housing big issue in the imbalances in the world economy that associations. It was about creating the ability for them no one is daring to address, and it has been accentuated to raise capital, reinvest in the stock and so on. He is by the financial crisis. It is rather ironic that capitalist absolutely on the right lines. I hope that one day he and economies are managing to ignore a state-controlled, I can work together on trying to develop our thoughts Communist party run, non-democratic, non-central bank on this matter. democratic, non-financial institution democratic state The Government’s macro-economic policy is absolutely that owns more of the world’s dollar debt than anybody right. We must control public expenditure, and that else, on the basis of which we are all buying huge control must be permanent, not temporary in order just amounts of goods with an artificially rigged currency to get us through this crisis. Then we must ensure that against the rest of the world. That is at the heart of the UK taxpayers’ money is being spent to the maximum ongoing problems and the potential for double-dip benefit of those who are using public services. I support recession, which, if Government policy in this country the Bill. is poor, will affect us more adversely than our competitors, but will happen on a worldwide basis. The China syndrome 6.10 pm lies behind that; when the Nobel peace prize, or another Nobel prize, is awarded to a Chinese dissident, the John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): I know that the Leader Government do not even have the courage to stand of the Opposition is otherwise detained with an important alongside others such as President Obama in congratulating speech at the moment, but I am sure that the newly those dissidents. How the world of politics has gone in a appointed shadow Minister, my hon. Friend the Member circle when the Tory party is kowtowing to the Chinese for Nottingham East (Chris Leslie)—I congratulate Communist party, hoping that that will somehow assist him on his appointment—will want to convey the sentiment our economic growth. and details of the advice that I will outline in the next few minutes, not only to the rest of the shadow Treasury Protectionism has been mentioned. Anyone who analyses team but to the new leader. the economics of the 1930s will understand one particular factor that makes the current situation different: all the I want to start by congratulating the hon. Member growth in the ’30s was protectionist growth. The United for Boston and Skegness (Mark Simmonds). It must be States has understood that in the longer term. Its growth irritating—it seems so even from the Opposition Benches— was built on military expansion, rearmament and road for him to be sitting on the Back Benches with a Liberal building and, as much as possible, on the non-importation having nicked his job, but such are the dilemmas of of labour and materials. It therefore allowed regeneration coalition. He is a great expert on real estate. I congratulate and created jobs. him on his speech, although it showed that he was not too well schooled in economics—albeit in my constituency. Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): Could the I may need to have a word with his former head teacher hon. Gentleman explain how the British Government about the economics curriculum at that school, because could make the Chinese revalue their currency? 71 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 72

John Mann: Of course the British Government, cowardly growth—so do the Government and so does every party as they are in their relations with China, cannot do so in the House—but that is not an economic policy; it is a alone—it has to be done on an international level hope. Labour Members know that the incoherent coalition among all the capitalist economies of the world. has a weak policy—the Bill lacks proper ideas and procedures for dealing with what the private sector If that issue is not dealt with, the danger of a second needs. We will not, therefore, experience such growth recession will loom—for whoever is in power in whatever and we, as an Opposition, cannot predicate economic country, to be fair. We are shying away from that. It is policy on growth that the Government will not achieve. not tenable to develop economies where everyone proceeds That is nonsense. Some serious thought and discussion on the basis that we will continue to export to China as should take place about the taxes that should increase many aggregates and other raw materials as we can, to and the cuts that should be made. import the cheapest possible—virtually slave-labour— products, and hope that we will regenerate our economy I ran a private sector business—that makes me rather based on the sale of those products. My own local unusual in Parliament. I set one up from my garage, so I economy benefits more than most from that in distribution know about the decisions that people who have no networks, but I can see that it is not a sustainable model inherited wealth or banks lending to them make about in the longer term. The China syndrome has to be dealt how to invest. I had a capital-intensive business with my with in the near future, because if China fails to rebalance family. I know how interest rates work, and what that its currency there will be a second, much greater world means for making decisions. I know about capital recession. investment policies and how to squeeze a bit of extra capital out of them, and about decisions on the best Instead of that, we have this piffling little Bill with timing. We were successful, and, like hundreds of thousands virtually nothing in it, not even the break-up of the big of other small businesses across the country, we made a banks promised by the Liberals—the only Liberal economic profit—there is nothing wrong with that. We contributed policy that seemed to get adopted by the Conservatives, an appropriate bit of tax—every business thinks that it and an absurd irrelevance in the context of where we is too much—to the Exchequer. However, we were not are. How the banks are run and regulated is absolutely operating in a vacuum. Who will buy the products and vital to all of us, but who cares how they are structured? services if people have been thrown out of work? Again, At the start of the crisis, Lehman Brothers, an investment that underlines the coalition Government’s economic bank, and Northern Rock, a building society, both illiteracy. They have a vain hope that the private sector collapsed. Such infantile politics is not surprising coming will turn up, but it will not, based on rational decision from the Liberal former so-called shadow shadow making. That is why the Deloitte survey, which was Chancellor, from Twickenham in south London, who is published today, should be so concerning to the now in an important position in government, but it is Government and to us all. quite extraordinary coming from the Conservative party. We all like to criticise the Government—I love to It is an incoherent economic policy based purely on criticise a Tory Government—but I do not want my political expediency. I note that it is not in the Bill, and constituents to suffer from recession and job losses it will never be put forward. It is just pure politicking to because you lot have got it wrong. My people will be try to hide away from the fact that this is a Government hurt first and my economy will be hit hardest. That has whose economic policy is based on hope. happened before and it will happen this time, so I want I want to make a few points about what the Opposition’s to help the Government by making some suggestions. I policy should be on the Bill and the economy. It is not hope that they are making notes. The private sector consistent to argue that there should be no tax increases cannot fill the void because of the pace of the cuts. That or spending cuts. That is economic illiteracy, which is the big error that needs to be put right. The speed at needs to be broken. In the current economic crisis, I which the cuts are made and how they are made are have no problem with taxation going up as part of crucial matters. rebalancing the public finances. Therefore, if the There is another fundamental error, on which I want Government propose increasing the higher rate of taxation, to elaborate because it is a critical point. I know, Mr Deputy I am relaxed about that being necessary. Similarly, I am Speaker, that it is important to the people of Chorley. relaxed about VAT going up. The alternative would be The Government’s cuts will have a disproportionate to raise income tax. If the Opposition support that, impact on the traditional English towns. The Government they should state that view. I would disagree with it; for have the same civil servants, with the same civil service all its flaws and regressive nature, it is more sensible to mentality, who failed to crack the problem previously. increase VAT. I believe that £8 billion is the agreed They are therefore making the cuts in the same way as figure that derives from the VAT increase. I will not other Governments made them. The civil servants think, argue against such an increase, which would thereby “Ah—centralise.” The Secretary of State for Justice suggest a further £8 billion-worth of public sector cuts decides to cut magistrates courts. Which ones does he and job losses in my constituency, leading to a further cut? He cuts those in the small English towns more than recession based on the multiplier effect of those job anywhere else. In Worksop, that means 16 jobs, and a losses. That would be a wishy-washy cop-out. couple more than that in Retford. Those are small The Opposition need to strengthen their economic numbers, but the jobs are relatively well paid. Those policies. They need more courage in working through people buy sandwiches, go to jewellers and other small what is happening—it is lazy to do otherwise. It is traders in the town centres. nonsense to suggest that there are other ways of increasing I am newly elected to represent the town of Retford, the tax take, based on projected economic growth—the due to boundary changes. It was previously Tory for a current position—instead of the VAT increase. Again, few years, but it is Labour now. The magistrates court in that is economic illiteracy. Of course we want economic Retford is going. The police face a 13% cut. Which 73 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 74 police stations might go? One of the early candidates opened a new site for MBA Polymers last week, which for closure is Retford. The fire service in Nottinghamshire will provide 120 jobs. Both companies came to my area faces a 30% cut. Which fire stations will go? Retford is because of the regional development agency grant. In rather old and needs capital investment. Merging it with the case of MBA, the grant was the reason to come to somewhere else is already being considered. What about this country, never mind to my area. The considerable social services? Nottinghamshire county council—one RDA grant was critical to their decisions. In the case of of the worst run local authorities in the country—is Laing O’Rourke, the land reclamation works were also shifting social services, and Bassetlaw district council is important, and other sites are going to market. That is also shifting its workers. Her Majesty’s Revenue and the role of the state, and the weakness of this Government’s Customs is cutting the tax office. All those cuts could be economic policy is that the new systems replacing the rationalised individually, but add them all up. Who else RDAs—I understand the logic behind that and I agree works in town centres? The butcher, the baker—the that the bureaucracy could have been cut back—will candlestick maker has gone—the sandwich maker and not replace that role. Therefore, we will not see the the small pub are there, and the public sector workers competitive advantage that areas such as mine have had provide the key income in the small towns. from coherent incentives to private business and bigger employers. We need small employers, yes, but we need Mrs Main: I am really enjoying the hon. Gentleman’s large ones too. That is where this Government have got speech as he canters through all the things that he does things fundamentally wrong. not like. He promised that he would give us some My plea to my colleagues on the Front Bench is to encouragement about what should happen. When will tighten up on our economic policy. Let us make the real he do that instead of listing all the things he thinks are choices, because we are too woolly at the moment. I dreadful and should not happen? hope that the Government are listening to me and John Mann: It is very simple. You do not make the taking notes, because small-town England will not forgive cuts so fast. You do not decimate small English towns a Government who decimate it. Just this week, the such as Retford and Chorley—I am sure that the hon. council in Nottinghamshire has announced that the Lady represents a small English town as well. lights will be turned out overnight, and that will be the legacy of this Government. It is not too late to change, Mrs Main: It is a city. and as a start I suggest that they withdraw this piffling little Bill and put a proper one in its place. John Mann: Well, the majority of the Tory heartlands— they may be former Tory heartlands in future—will get 6.32 pm the cuts. It is fundamentally wrong that small English towns should bear the brunt of the cuts. If 50 jobs are Stephen Williams (Bristol West) (LD): That was a lost in a big city, it is bad for those people, but it does fascinating exposition of small town, small business not affect all the businesses. If 50 jobs in Retford, socialism, a political philosophy that I have never come Skegness or Boston, or 100 jobs in Worksop are lost, across before. I am not sure how much of it will have there is a major crisis in those town centres. What do been welcome to Labour Front Benchers. you think the very people whom you are rightly trying I intend to follow the example of the Exchequer to get off incapacity benefit, perhaps to start small Secretary who opened the debate—rather than that of businesses in Worksop or Retford, will start doing—major, the shadow Chief Secretary—and speak briefly on this advanced science and technology? No, they will think, brief technical Bill. It is much briefer than many of the “I could run a sandwich shop.” Good luck to them—it other Finance Bills I have seen in my five years as an is entrepreneurship, and it would be brilliant, but not if MP.When I was new to this place, the Liberal Democrat there is no one to buy the sandwiches. Who owns the Whips Office inflicted cruel and unusual punishment on small businesses and the market stalls? Those people me by putting me on the Finance Bill Standing will lose their jobs because they are on the cusp and the Committee as training in how to operate as an MP. It banks are not lending them money; they are lending seems that it is my luck to serve in that way again five even less than they were previously. Those people and years later. To new MPs who may be similarly blessed the taxi drivers and the small builders come to my by the Government Whips Office this time, I can say surgery—they suffer the knock-on effects. That is why that it is exceptionally good training. If they can survive you have got it wrong and why you should think again the Finance Bill, they will be well prepared for any other and slow down the cuts— legislation in Committee. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. I am This is a small and technical Bill, much of which is not responsible for Bassetlaw. Every time the hon. familiar ground to me from my professional career Gentleman says “you”, he means me. He should know before I became an MP. I dealt with capital allowances, better—he has been a Member of Parliament for a long venture capital trusts, enterprise management incentive time. schemes and group relief. I am not so familiar with the taxation of the earnings of seafarers or the workings of John Mann: I am very grateful that you are not petroleum revenue tax, and perhaps the Economic Secretary responsible for Bassetlaw, Mr Deputy Speaker. The will give us all a tutorial on those in the exciting truth is that this evil Government will have an impact Committee stage of the Bill to which some of us may on the constituency of Chorley in the same way as they look forward. will on Bassetlaw. As the chairman of the all-party parliamentary group My final point is that the successes of the previous on smoking and public health, I welcome clause 23, Government have led to new jobs in Worksop. Laing which refers to long cigarettes. The hon. Member for O’Rourke provided 350 jobs earlier this year, and I Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins), who is no longer in his 75 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 76

[Stephen Williams] There is much in the Bill to applaud. Unfortunately, there is also much to regret. It represents a missed place, mentioned that it would be wise for the Government opportunity to put in place a plan for growth. This is to invest in more measures to combat the smuggling of not surprising, as the Government see deficit reduction cigarettes and the avoidance of duty by some by cutting as the beginning, middle and end of their economic long cigarettes into two. strategy—a symphony of despair, orchestrated by a The Bill has to be seen against the background of the coalition agreement and targeted at the lowest common deepest deficits among developed countries. Contrary denominator. to what the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (John Mann) It is worth reminding ourselves of what the great said—I tried to intervene on him at the time—it is a fact British public voted for in May. They had two alternative that the deficit that this coalition Government have to economic strategies presented to them during the election. tackle is the largest among the larger economies in the That promulgated by the Conservatives said that there world. It is larger than that of the US and Japan, as well was a need to cut hard and cut fast. The alternative as those of the so-called PIGS countries, including argument was put forward by Labour and the Liberal Spain and Greece—[Interruption.] Yes, it is larger as a Democrats—that the deficit reduction should be more proportion of our economy. Our budget deficit is more carefully managed, as my hon. Friend the Member for than 10% of our GDP and is higher than those of all Bassetlaw (John Mann) has suggested. A more gradual the countries that I have cited. That is the serious issue reduction would allow growth and tax increases to play with which the coalition Government have to get to their part. In that strategy, the reduction in spending grips. We have made some tough choices on taxation, would be managed in a way that allowed growth to pick which were the subject of detailed debates after the up the economic slack. Doing so would avoid the spectre Budget, and we have some tough decisions to make on of a double-dip recession, with all the personal distress expenditure next week. The Government are making and misery that it would bring to people up and down those tough decisions, and we are not avoiding the the land. The British people delivered an inconclusive adverse consequences and political hostility that may result at the last election, but one thing was clear: they come our way. We are being responsible, and not avoiding did not support the Tory argument for fast and furious the issue as Labour Front Benchers are doing. They are cuts. They backed Labour and the Lib Dems’ more denying their responsibility for the mess we are in and considered approach. even scrabbling about to bring in what must have seemed very clever quotes from Wikipedia on the Boer war and Alec Shelbrooke: I am listening carefully to the hon. Lord Kitchener earlier this afternoon. We are taking Gentleman, but I find it hard to understand how he can the deficit seriously and we are putting in place the say that the Conservative party’s policies were rejected measures that are needed to tackle it— at the general election, when the party had its biggest result since 1931. Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): Is it responsible to follow the policies adopted in the Republic of Ireland, Nic Dakin: I think that there was a large feeling at the which have seen the deficit grow, not fall? Those policies Conservative party conference last week that the are similar to those advocated by this Government. Conservatives should have done better in the general election, given that they faced a Labour Government Stephen Williams: All countries, whether in the EU who were clearly struggling in the face of many or elsewhere, are having to put forward measures that challenges. I am interested in the hon. Gentleman’s are appropriate to their domestic circumstances. The spin on the outcome of the last election, but the circumstances of a small country of about 3 million reality is that nobody won it. What has happened people such as Ireland are completely different, and we since is that the Government parties have shown skill will have to evolve our own response. My point is that in developing a narrative that runs along the lines of we are in a desperate situation, as bequeathed to us by what the hon. Member for Boston and Skegness the previous Labour Government. We are taking that (Mark Simmonds) outlined—it was also added to by challenge seriously and not shirking the difficult decisions the hon. Member for Bristol West (Stephen Williams)— that will have to be made to put our economy and which is essentially that everything comes down to public finances back on track so that we can make the Labour spending profligately and a massive deficit that sensible investments in public services that we all wish needs to be tackled fast and furiously. That is the to achieve. narrative, but it is not the truth. The truth is far closer to what we heard from my hon. Friend the Member for Bassetlaw, who demonstrated that what has really happened 6.38 pm is that our deficit lies alongside that of Germany. The Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): This is primarily a problem is serious, but it does not require us to go as far technical Bill and I support much of the detail in it. For as is being suggested. example, the measures to close tax loopholes are welcome. I am sure that we are all united on the need to close such Alison McGovern: Does my hon. Friend agree that it loopholes and recognise that successive Governments is not merely we on the Labour Benches who disagree will need to be ever vigilant in that respect. But as the with the fake narrative that the Conservatives and spending review approaches we need to be very careful Liberal Democrats are putting forward, but the recent to ensure that Revenue and Customs has the appropriate report by the International Monetary Fund and the capacity and resources to tackle tax evasion and avoidance International Labour Organisation? Those bodies have effectively. Assurances from the Economic Secretary on tried to persuade countries such as ours not to disinvest that point would be very welcome, as my hon. Friend from the economy, because they are worried about jobs the Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle) said earlier. and employment. 77 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 78

Nic Dakin: I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. cuts in capital investment that he is bemoaning are She is completely right to suggest that world public precisely the same as those that would have happened opinion is moving in the direction of expressing concern under his Government? about global cuts in spending and their impact on the world economy. She is completely right to draw attention Nic Dakin: My hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham to that. East (Chris Leslie) will no doubt pick up that point later from the Front Bench, as he is more knowledgeable Alec Shelbrooke rose— about the overall position than I am. Nic Dakin: Ihavealreadygivenway. There is a relationship between the private sector and In the summer, the Chancellor was keen to hold up the public sector. Properly managed, they support each Ireland as an example of a country with an approach to other. As my hon. Friend the Member for Bassetlaw the economic challenges that we face that should be pointed out so skilfully, if we take all the spending out applauded. There is less talk of Ireland now, as that of the economy, there will be nothing to buy, and economy spins into double-dip recession and loses its therefore the businesses that sell things will go into a triple A rating, as we heard earlier. The Irish Government’s spiral of decline. That is the difficulty that we are on the debt has increased rather than decreased, as a result of cusp of at the moment. over-aggressive cuts in public expenditure, and the economy is now in serious peril. The last time we had a peacetime Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con) rose— coalition, the then Governor of the Bank of England’s advice—to take an aggressive approach to reducing Nic Dakin: I have given away enough. spending—was followed, precipitating the great depression If the Attlee Government had taken the view that the of the 1930s. I am afraid that Governors of the Bank of only solution for dealing with the debt was to cut public England, like politicians, are only mortal and do not spending further, there would have been no NHS, no always get it right. major house building and no platform for a modern There is something very pessimistic about the Britain. That Government faced far greater debt problems Government’s approach. Where once they were optimistic, than we do, and they did the right thing: they built an now they see only negatives, hence the biggest rise in optimistic future. It is our responsibility now, faced VAT—the most unfair and regressive of all taxes—in a with the challenges before us, not to make things worse, generation, despite cast-iron promises from the leaders but to make things better. That is why I oppose the of both parties in the coalition during the election that measures to cut investment allowances and cancel support this would not happen. Representing Scunthorpe, I for the industries of the future, such as advanced know a bit about cast iron: it should last a bit longer manufacturing, including wind turbine manufacturing, than a few months. There has been further pessimism, why I oppose the reneging on the loan to Sheffield with the attacks on universal benefits signalled by last Forgemasters—a loan that would help to position the week’s breaking of another promise—the promise not UK to play a key role in the civil nuclear energy of the to cut child benefit. future—and why I oppose the planned increase in VAT, which will serve to dampen demand when the private Stephen Williams: If the hon. Gentleman is seriously sector needs a demand stimulus. suggesting that taking away child benefit from families in the higher-rate income tax bracket is a cut that should not be proceeded with, will he say what cuts he 6.48 pm thinks should be proceeded with? Mr Brian Binley (Northampton South) (Con): I cannot Nic Dakin: The ending of universal child benefit is a let this opportunity pass without saying how good it is cut against children and families, and I do not think it is to follow the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (John Mann). the right thing to do. It would seem that children and He always speaks honestly, from his own, rather unique families are to pay the price of the global economic perspective, and he enlivened the first match of the crisis caused by the failure of financial businesses and season—to my mind anyway. However, he is the only markets around the world. That hardly seems fair to man I know who can play for both sides in the same me. To answer the hon. Gentleman’s question, I would match, and I enjoyed his contribution. rather leave child benefit in place and not give £6.4 billion The Minister talked about the need to support businesses back to businesses, through changes in their taxes, large and small. You will know that I share that view, much of which will go back to the banks that got us Mr Deputy Speaker, because therein lies the nub of into this mess in the first place. whether the Budget strategy will succeed or fail. A This Bill represents a real opportunity to put in place flourishing business sector is vital to a sustained economic the infrastructure spending that is a crucial prerequisite recovery, and small and medium-sized enterprises are a for economic growth. Sadly, it appears to be a missed major element in the growth agenda. They are responsible opportunity. We have seen excellent planned investment, for slightly more than 50% of the private sector work such as Building Schools for the Future, the playbuilder force, and they are the sector that will provide the jobs programme and so on, scrapped. Ministers then appear and wealth to make the Budget strategy work, given the surprised when construction companies have to lay opportunity. Sadly, however, the economic downturn people off. hit the sector especially hard. SMEs were in the process of growing 2 million jobs over a 10-year period, when at Stewart Hosie: I am listening intently to the hon. the same time UK plc was shedding 1.5 million. If ever Gentleman’s speech, but just in case my memory is there was a trend to prove that SMEs are capable of skewed, can he confirm that Labour’s plans were to creating growth, those figures ought to bring us comfort. halve capital expenditure as well, and that many of the The downturn exposed their vulnerability, however. 79 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 80

[Mr Brian Binley] Research by the Federation of Small Businesses suggests that 24% of SMEs are already having difficulty coming Everyone knows that we need to mend the roof while to terms with current increases in the cost of money, the sun is shining, and to stock up the larder during the and the new capital requirements will compound that good times—everyone, that is, except the members of situation. This could not come at a worse time. More the previous Labour Government. They told the regulators businesses are in danger of going to the wall through to apply a soft touch, and they failed to keep an eye on overtrading during the upturn than folded during the the big picture. As a result, banks were over-leveraged, downturn. bad debts mounted, asset lending ratios got out of kilter and banking institutions became unstable, resulting Bill Esterson: I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s comments in a global recession. Many small business men saw it about the difficulty that small businesses are having in coming, and many of them took action. My company getting access to money from the banks. Does he agree was one of those that acted at the appropriate time. that there will be a danger to small businesses if too Sadly, however, our recently deposed Prime Minister many people in the public sector lose their jobs, because failed to do so. How could he, when he so arrogantly they are important customers of those businesses? The believed that he had done away with bust? No statement effect of that could represent just as great a danger as made in recent years will come back to haunt a man as the problem he has outlined. much as that one will continue to do. Sadly, the regulators are now overcompensating for Mr Binley: I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman. their negligence by making heavy demands, especially The truth is that the previous Government were so on the very sector in which growth is most likely to profligate as to create problems for our children and occur—the SME sector—and things will get worse unless grandchildren, and I find that immoral. I do not want we do something about it. The Basel Committee on that to happen to my children and grandchildren, and Banking Supervision has recommended that banks increase the only way to deal with financial difficulties in a their capital reserves even further. Banks are being business, a family or any other organisation is to cut asked to increase their common equity as a percentage spending and earn more money. There is no other of core capital. However, just as the pendulum swung answer, and the sooner the Opposition recognise that, too far in the good times, so it is swinging too far in the the sooner the people of this country will listen to them opposite direction now, and that is having an adverse a little more. effect on lending to small businesses. Banks have already taken major steps to increase capital reserves, and there John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): The is every chance that the Basel proposals will be approved Opposition wonder why this Government are in hock to in December. That would take more money out of the the markets. Does my hon. Friend agree that it is economy and lock it up in bank vaults just at the time because we have borrowed too much, as Tony Blair when business needs more working capital to finance admits in his memoirs? growth. Mr Binley: I am grateful for that intervention. The Alison McGovern: What would the hon. Gentleman truth of the matter is that we have a budget deficit of say to the representatives of small businesses in Wirral, £70 million, but there is more lying behind it that we are to whom I speak regularly, who are concerned that they not dealing with until we get the deficit down. There is will no longer be able to benefit from investment allowances the £1,450 billion of national debt, and if we add to that or benefit to the same extent as big businesses from the the money owed on private finance initiative schemes, Government’s recent cuts in corporation tax? the money owed to public sector pensions and the money that we have used to underwrite the banks, we Mr Binley: As the founder of two small businesses, I get a figure of £3,000 billion. I asked the Treasury what can tell the hon. Lady that investment benefits are not a billion looked like, and I was told what a billion the major concern. The major concern is the ability to seconds was. This story has been heard in the House get money from the banks to act as working capital. I before, but I was shocked to learn that 1 billion seconds can see that the incentives those benefits provide are equates to just over 32 years. That puts into perspective helpful, but they are not the core problem that small the size of the problem that this nation faces. Again I businesses are facing at the moment. The truth is that plead with Opposition Members to come to terms with the Government will have to review a number of areas the problem, because I genuinely do not believe that we of policy in order to deal with the core problem. can solve it unless they recognise where it started. I was saying that the banks were building up their capital assets to a dangerous degree. J. P. Morgan has John Mann: I cannot resist asking the hon. Gentleman recently announced new rules that will increase its risk- whether he is aware of any country in the world, other weighted asset base by 25%. Research also suggests that than Uzbekistan, that has no national debt. Barclays will achieve an even greater increase, of some 44%. Of course banks must be soundly based and properly regulated, but we have to get the balance right. Mr Binley: This is not about whether or not we have a All the evidence suggests that the capital reserve build-up national debt; it is about the size of the national debt has a sizeable detrimental effect on the ability of SMEs and its relation to our credit rating— to capitalise on growth opportunities. As I said earlier, that will threaten the Budget strategy, unless the John Mann rose— Government deal with the problem, and I hope that the Economic Secretary will come back to me on this Mr Binley: If the hon. Gentleman will allow me to matter. finish, I will allow him to intervene again. Steady down. 81 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 82

This is about the size of the national debt and the the new capital requirements called for by global regulators deficit and their relationship to our AAA rating. If we should be balanced, and that their implementation should had not taken the action that we did, it is likely that we be sensibly programmed to ensure that real money is would have lost that rating, which would have made all freed to support real growth in the SME sector. If that our interest costs considerably higher and the deficit means getting tough with the banks and the regulators, massively bigger, causing the country even greater problems. so be it. Governments still have to get tough on occasions, and this is the area in which they need to start. John Mann: Can the hon. Gentleman tell us where However, the Government need to go further. They Britain stands on the league table of national debt, need to provide greater choice and competition in the compared with other countries? Is it not true that we high street, particularly in the banking sector. They are towards the lower middle of the league table? might even consider the creation of post banks, as suggested by the Federation of Small Businesses. That Mr Binley: I do not accept that point of view. This is is not a quick answer, but it will help to sustain growth not just about the size of the national debt; we need to through the third, fourth and fifth years if the Government consider its size in relation to the economy. Therein lies get down to it now. Both moves should increase available one of our problems. The fact is that ours is one of the credit, and reverse the decline in local lending resources. worst situations in the G20. I should like to advise the hon. Gentleman that, as long as he and his party remain The Government could also encourage the mutual in denial, they will be unable to move forward, and that, sector to play a greater role. I find it regrettable that for the good of politics, they need to move forward just Nationwide, the country’s largest building society, has a little. chosen to restrict its banking services to just 30,000 small businesses, a minute fraction of the total. It has Alec Shelbrooke: I should like to expand on my hon. also decided to close its business investor account to Friend’s point about the national debt. Is it not true that new customers and to limit the number of account the size of personal debt in this country, which was transactions to just two a month, levying 30 days’ notice encouraged with a quiet wink by the previous Government, of account closure for any customer who breaks that has also held back our ability to recover from the limit. Members may agree that that is a particularly recession? unfortunate trend at a time when greater competition, wider options and a more flexible approach are needed. Mr Binley: My hon. Friend’s intervention takes us I hope that the Chancellor will talk to the mutuals back to a Chancellor of the Exchequer—later Prime collectively, because they have a role to play and can be Minister—who suggested to the Financial Services more effective than they are being at present. Authority that it should apply a light touch. A light Recent reports suggest that Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, touch meant 125% mortgages, self-assessment of mortgage HBOS and NatWest collectively handle 85% of the requests, and people with five, six and seven credit cards SME banking market. The Bank of England financial with their credit up to the hilt. My hon. Friend is stability report suggests that banks are capable of absolutely right. consolidating their capital while at the same time improving Let me return to the subject of the banks. I made the their lending to the real economy, which suggests that point that banks had to be soundly based, but that it there is an attitude among banks that needs to change. was a question of the balance. As I said, research by the We have said that in the House week in week out, Federation of Small Businesses suggests that 24% of month in month out; when are the banks going to small and medium-sized enterprises are already experiencing listen? difficulties in coming to terms with current increases in I appeal to the Chancellor to talk straight, talk tough the cost of money, and the new capital requirements and talk honest to the banks, many of which we now will compound the problem. own. They have a responsibility, not only because we This could not have come at a worse time. More helped to bail them out, but because they were a major businesses are in danger of going to the wall through factor in getting us into trouble. The message should be overtrading. I want to explain that a little more, because sent loud and clear from the Chamber that they should it is not readily understood in the House. Business face up to their responsibilities, and recognise that it growth costs businesses money: it is as simple as that. really is time that they came to the aid of their nation. The more orders a business gets, the more employees it needs and the more raw materials it requires. Those are Dr William McCrea (South Antrim) (DUP): Many all upfront costs that simply cannot be recovered in the present and past Ministers acknowledged that there was short term. Cash flow drag must be financed if growth a great need for banks to listen to the small and medium- is to be sustained, and growth will not be sustained if sized businesses in our country, many of which are working capital is not forthcoming. That may be a struggling. Previous Ministers said that they would be simplistic view, but it is a very honest view of the strong with the banks, and would make them listen. reasons for which people are more likely to go to the How will the Government make banks really pay attention wall during an upturn than during a downturn. They to what is happening in industry today? overtrade, and find that they do not have the capital to sustain that overtrading. Mr Binley: How I wish I knew the answer—but I am Owners of SMEs have spoken in their thousands of sure that one of the answers is to get the banks’ heads the collapse of their relationships with banks. The together, and perhaps do a light amount of knocking. number of complaints to the banking ombudsman about I recognise that the banks run businesses, but let me draconian demands placed on loans and overdrafts has draw attention to what the FSB has said, which I think increased by 119% in this year alone. So what should is very relevant. It estimated that if banks limited bonuses the Government do? First, they should recognise that and dividends to pre-crisis levels, they could produce 83 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 84

[Mr Binley] their necks. They want an overdraft facility, but the trouble is that banks are pricing overdraft facilities out approximately £10 billion of additional capital, which of their reach and that should be taken up, too. would finance £50 billion of new loans. Is that not a May I conclude therefore—although my Whip has lesson for the banks? We are not saying, “Do not pay left? Good things are happening, but much more needs your people”, but we are saying, “In a time of difficulty, to be done if the level of growth required to assure the use restraint. Transfer that money to your lending coffers, success of the Budget strategy is to be achieved. We are and get it out to small businesses.” debating a Bill that facilitates that strategy, but does not Perhaps the Economic Secretary will be kind enough do much to ensure that SMEs get the working capital to pursue that challenge, remembering also that capital that they need to provide the growth on which the reserves in banks, if lent to Government, continue to be strategy depends. Action is urgently needed and the classified as such. I think that that is a pretty important House will expect to hear from the Economic Secretary point. If lent to Government, those reserves are not what the good lady and the Chancellor will do to ensure considered to be risk capital, and are consequently that small and medium-sized businesses are properly considered to be part of their capital assets. resourced to play their part in restoring the country’s I shall try to wind up my speech quickly, because I wealth and in growing the jobs to reduce the budget always try to do what the Whips tell me. However, I deficit. Once we have balanced the budget, we can get want to make a few more important points. I welcome on to dealing with the national debt, bequeathed by a the Government’s efforts to increase the availability of Labour party that seems to think that it is morally the guaranteed loan scheme, but I ask the Economic acceptable to expect our children and grandchildren to Secretary to consider ways of unlocking capital reserves pay for its profligacy. I find that reprehensible. I therefore to increase the flow of capital available for distribution look forward to being reassured in that respect, and so, in that way. I suspect, does the nation. The situation for many small and medium-sized businesses is dire. The Government know that, because 7.11 pm we are told about it every day. Figures produced by the Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP): It is a pleasure Bank of England give the impression that bank lending to follow the hon. Member for Northampton South rose by 0.9% in August, but if we dig a little deeper, we (Mr Binley), and particularly to comment on his pleas find that a large proportion of those loans were issued on behalf of small business. In Scotland, we have 302,000 in foreign currency, and that actual lending in pounds businesses, and 285,000 employ fewer than 50 people. sterling decreased by £400 million. The truth of the They do not issue commercial paper or corporate bonds. matter is that bank lending this August was less than it They do not do rights issues. They are not listed on was 12 months ago. markets or exchanges in the main. Ninety-nine per cent. I wanted to talk about a couple of clauses in the Bill, of them are owned in Scotland. They are almost exclusively but because my Whip has kindly asked me to curtail my solely dependent on the retail high street banks for their remarks, I will do as he asks. I am an ambitious chap, credit lines and working capital, so the more the Minister and I hope that he will consider that I am being kind to and her team can do to ensure that affordable lending him. goes up, and that we do not get the conversion of I welcome Clause 13, which removes the requirement mortgages to loans, which puts the houses of small for SMEs to own intellectual property in order to business directors on the line should a business fold, the qualify for research and development grants. Sadly, too better. Those businesses are hurting. Given that they few small businesses are made aware of how research provide the vast majority of employment in Scotland, and development relief can benefit them—I think that we need to ensure that that powerhouse, the SME the hon. Member for Wirral South (Alison McGovern) sector, drives forward with all the capital that it needs. made that point earlier—and I urge the Minister to However, that is not what I wanted to speak about make more effort to increase awareness in the sector. I today. It was, however, a fantastic opportunity to get it also welcome the announcement by a consortium of in again. city financiers of their plan to create a British enterprise It would be normal on Second Reading of a Finance bank, which I understand will lend exclusively to the Bill to refer to the Budget which it follows, although this SME sector. That is one example of bankers facing up is the second Finance Bill following the emergency to their responsibilities, and we should congratulate Budget debate on 22 June. It was the debate that followed them. that and the debate on the Finance Bill on 6 July that gave us the opportunity properly to debate the David Simpson (Upper Bann) (DUP): As the hon. Government’s whole approach to dealing with the economy, Gentleman said, we understand that banks are running although listening to many of the earlier speeches, I am a business, but small businesses today are finding it very not sure whether I have gone back three months and we difficult to provide the security that banks currently are having the first Second Reading debate. Those were seek. The hon. Gentleman used the word “draconian”. the opportunities, along with the debate on VAT on Surely something must be done in that regard. 13 July, to point out that this Government plan an additional £40 billion of fiscal tightening—over and Mr Binley: Of course it does. Clauses and conditions above the £57 billion of cuts and tax rises planned by for small businesses are now one of the major off-putting Labour—to remind the House that the ratio of cuts to factors. Such businesses must be allowed to borrow to tax increases has gone from 2:1 to 4:1 and to remind it create the growth that we need. There is massive pressure also of the damage that would cause. The debate on the to change overdraft to loan. Most small businesses do VAT rise, which, as Shelter explained to us helpfully in not want a loan. That is too much of a burden around advance, will lead to the poorest families in the country 85 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 86 paying £31 every week in VAT, was the opportunity to New paragraphs 3 and 4 of new schedule 54A suggest make the case against that rise. that where there is an underpayment of corporation tax This Finance (No. 2) Bill—the third in the calendar for one accounting period and an overpayment of year—is different. It contains what the Minister described corporation tax for another accounting period, neither on 15 September as minor and technical measures, but late payment interest nor repayment interest will arise that does not mean that we should not give it our full during a common period. The Institute of Chartered consideration, in particular those clauses and schedules Accountants understands that this provision is intended which tax practitioners have raised real concerns about. to give statutory effect to HMRC’s existing practice, but I am grateful, as was the shadow Chief Secretary, to the I would welcome confirmation of that. Institute of Chartered Accountants for its response to A number of other questions are raised about particular the Government consultation. I will draw on that heavily provisions in those schedules and I would welcome the and do something quite unusual in a Second Reading Minister’s assurance that, if there have been errors in debate: refer in detail to clauses in the Bill and hopefully drafting, oversight or inconsistencies as a result of what we will get some technical answers when the Minister is in this Bill, the Government will table the appropriate sums up. amendments at Committee stage. The Institute of Chartered Accountants asks, in respect I turn now to clause 7, entitled “Settlor to return of part 3, clause 25 and schedule 9, paragraph 7, which excess repayment to trustees etc”. Is there not a problem inserts new paragraphs 2A and 2B into schedule 53 of with that because of the change to make trusts pay Finance Act 2009, whether, where a company has a income tax at 50%? Should the aim of the tax regime for profit in an earlier period and a loss or non-trading trusts not be to maintain equality between income and deficit on loan relationships in a later period that is gains of trusts and non-trusts? Does not taxing trusts at carried back, interest on the earlier period profits will a 50% rate when the majority of settlors pay tax at continue to accrue if in the absence of a claim late paid other rates cut across that objective? corporation tax would have been due, up to nine months I understand that the scope of the clause is limited to after the end of the later period. I would welcome repayments in respect of trust income deemed to be that formal confirmation that that mirrors the existing rules. of the settlor rather than reductions in the settlor’s The institute adds that those rules perpetuate the existing liability. Therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, can the differences between the interest rules where losses are Minister confirm that the settlor need not repay anything carried back and offset against profits of an earlier to the trustees where the settlor has miscellaneous income period. Under existing rules, where losses are carried losses of his own brought forward which he has to use back against profits and where additional corporation against the trust income? tax would be due, interest will run from nine months after the end of the first accounting period. However, in There is also a general concern about the costs and cases where losses are carried back resulting in a repayment administration burden on trustees, settlors and the Revenue of corporation tax, repayment interest will only run in relation to implementing some of the measures in the from nine months after the end of the later period. I Bill owing to the large number of tax repayments that would have expected that, in a genuinely harmonised now have to be made for small, or indeed very small, regime, late paid interest and interest on overpaid tax amounts, and the need for all settlors to be added into would ideally run from the same date. Therefore, will self-assessment. I would welcome the Minister’s comments the Minister explain the Government’s thinking on on that. People with no or modest savings or dividend those proposals? income are in the self-assessment regime, which is The institute also believes that paragraph 10, inserting complicated and worrying for some people. Even for new part Al into schedule 54 of the Finance Act 2009 modest savers, the regime can cost £100 or so for an on repayment interest, would deliver the opposite provisions accountant to prepare a tax return. to what is proposed in new paragraphs 2A and 2B in Clause 5, “Venture capital schemes”, and paragraphs schedule 9. Again, please confirm that the new rules 1(4) and 2(8) of schedule 2, introduce a “financial mirror the existing rules. The same question applies to health requirement”that prevents tax relief for investment franked investments in paragraph 11 of schedule 9. Do in a firm that is “in difficulty”. The explanatory notes the new rules mirror the existing provisions? make it clear that the issuing company is in difficulty if Paragraph 12 inserts new schedule 54A into the 2009 Act it is reasonable to assume that it would be regarded as a and makes two further changes to the general rules that firm in difficulty for the purposes of the Community were introduced in 2009. This relates to new paragraphs guidelines on state aid for rescuing and restructuring 1 and 2. As I understand this, subject to certain conditions, firms in difficulty. However, the guidelines would appear HMRC can recover as late payment interest amounts of no longer to have any effect. Paragraph 109 of directive repayment interest that have been paid, but which ought 2004/C244/02 states: not to have been paid. However, this provision does not “The Commission will apply these Guidelines with effect from apply in cases where the whole or part was a result of 10 October 2004 until 9 October 2009.” HMRC error. Therefore, can the Minister please confirm That implies that the guidelines have now lapsed. Will that it is intended that these new paragraphs will have the Minister clarify whether the guidelines are still the same effect as those currently set out in section 826(8A) effective? Even assuming that they are, it is unclear how to (8C) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988? they will affect companies raising money under enterprise I know that these are technical questions but they are investment scheme or venture capital trust legislation, important. If we get this wrong, there will be all sorts of because paragraph 9 of the directive guidelines states chaos within business. Some of the other clauses that I that will come to pose even more dangers. Can the Minister “for the purposes of these Guidelines, the Commission regards a also confirm that the latter provisions will be repealed firm as being in difficulty where it is unable, whether through its when these new rules come into force? own resources or with the funds it is able to obtain from its 87 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 88

[Stewart Hosie] However, there appears to be no requirement for that employee to be resident in the UK, and that a visitor owner/shareholders or creditors, to stem losses which, without carrying on business on behalf of the company would outside intervention by the public authorities, will almost certainly qualify. Will the Minister confirm whether that condemn it to going out of business”. interpretation is correct? The implication is that for as long as the company can There are other issues in relation to that proposal. raise funds from its existing shareholders or creditors, Proposed new section 191A(2)(b) to the 2007 Act states but presumably not from new, external investors—that that is not explicit—it does not fall within the definition of a “an agent acting on behalf of the company has and habitually firm “in difficulty”. I would be grateful if the Minister exercises there authority to enter into contracts on behalf of the could confirm whether that interpretation is correct. company.” Paragraphs 10 and 11 of the directive guidelines It has been suggested that for clarity, the definition clarify particular circumstances in which a firm would should follow that already established in the Finance be regarded as being in financial difficulty, but they Act 2003, which is that appear to be subsidiary to the primary condition—if a “an agent acting on behalf of the company has and habitually company can raise funding from existing shareholders, exercises there authority to do business on behalf of the company.” those paragraphs simply do not come into play. I would I realise that there could be difficulties in respect of like the Minister to confirm whether that interpretation groups with a holding company, because the Bill requires is correct. the issuing company—the holding company—rather The matter gets more complicated, because paragraph than the subsidiary company that has the trading operation 12 of the guidelines states: to which VCT or EIS funds will be supplied, to have a “permanent establishment”. “For the purposes of these Guidelines, a newly created firm is not eligible for rescue or restructuring aid even if its initial Charlie Elphicke: My understanding is that that provision financial position is insecure. This is the case, for instance, where is fairly well understood: “to do business” is a wider a new firm emerges from the liquidation of a previous firm or phrase than “to enter into contracts”. The “contracts” merely takes over such firm’s assets. A firm will in principle be considered as newly created for the first three years following the provision follows the OECD model of tax conventions start of operations in the relevant field of activity. Only after that on “permanent establishment” in a given jurisdiction, period will it become eligible for rescue or restructuring aid”. and it therefore tracks better the language of international I understand that in effect, a newly created company tax law. would not be regarded as a firm falling foul of the Stewart Hosie: I understand perfectly well that “to do firm-in-difficulty provisions for three years after the business” is a better phrase than “to enter into contracts”, commencement of operations. Even if it were, I would but I want the Minister to confirm the nature of the welcome clarity on how the measure would apply in a commissioned agent or an employee of the business. group context. Does the three-year rule apply to a new They might be based overseas while carrying out business holding company, operating subsidiary or indeed to the here, and I should like absolute clarity and certainty on entire group? that rather than on the wider point on the difference On the point in time when the financial health between the phrases “to do business” and “to enter into requirement is viewed, proposed new section 108B(1) to contracts”. I am with the hon. Gentleman on that. the Income Tax Act 2007 states: I am asking that question because as the Minister “The issuing company must meet the financial health requirement knows, in many groups, the holding company is a pure at the beginning of period B”, holding company, and undertakes no activity other which means the period beginning with the date of the than holding shares in its subsidiaries. My point is that issue of the shares. However, it is unclear how the such a company is unlikely to constitute a business as Revenue will approach that in practice. The logical defined in the Bill. Consequently, to require a company interpretation is that the issue should be considered to have a “permanent establishment” through which only when the application for formal EIS approval is business is carried on or, if the proposed definition is made using form EIS 1. It would create considerable maintained, a difficulties for companies and their advisers if the Revenue “permanent establishment…to enter into contracts”, could use the benefit of hindsight and withdraw EIS could be seen as running counter to commercial reality. relief retrospectively, after a formal approval is given I would welcome further clarification on how such and certificates issued. It would also ultimately undermine arrangements would be treated for those purposes. the company’s ability to attract that EIS investment, as I am dreadfully sorry, Mr Deputy Speaker, that I did there is likely to be considerable uncertainty on whether not engage in a classic Second Reading debate or address that relief would be available at all. more widely issues that are not in the Bill, but I thought There is also a question over the meaning of “permanent it important for someone actually to ask some specific establishment”in paragraphs 1(5) and 2(12) of schedule 2. technical questions to probe the Government on it, Proposed new section 191A(7) to the 2007 Act states: rather than indulging in the kind of debate that I am sure we will have on clause stand part later in the Bill’s “A company is not regarded as having a permanent establishment progress. in the United Kingdom by reason of the fact that it carries on business there through an agent of independent status (including Several hon. Members rose— a broker or general commission agent) acting in the ordinary course of the agent’s business.” Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. Before The implication is that if a company employee makes I call the next speaker, who will be Julian Smith, I sales in the UK on behalf of the company, the company remind hon. Members that his is a maiden speech, and would have a permanent establishment in the UK. there should be no interventions. 89 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 90

7.28 pm dales. They reach Companies House in London, where it is recommended that they set up the company online. Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): Thank you They go online, but the forms cannot be downloaded as for giving me the opportunity to make my maiden only dial-up speeds are available in Littondale. They speech, Mr Deputy Speaker. I think I am the penultimate want a waiter, a new Manuel, so they start some interviews, Tory to do so. but because of the new equalities legislation they worry David Curry was my immediate predecessor as MP about asking candidates how they would cope with the for Skipton and Ripon. David gave more than 33 years very steep and rickety steps around the property. They of public service to this country—10 years as an MEP read a business book to get up to speed on the new and 23 years as an MP. As I drove with farmers through rules, but Basil’s eyes glaze over as he learns how to the Yorkshire dales last month, I heard yet again the calculate employers’ national insurance, employees’ NI, huge gratitude for how hard he worked during the dark pay-as-you-earn, student loan repayments, and maternity days of foot and mouth as he acted as a conduit and pension payments. And when they need an injection between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and of cash they call the bank, but are told that despite their Food and the grizzly front line. excellent business plan, the bank is not lending to the Were he still a Member of the House, David would be hotel sector a big supporter of the coalition. He passionately believed We have to do better. We are desperate for private in the European project and was one of only three sector jobs. Contrary to what the shadow Minister said, Conservatives to vote in favour of the Lisbon treaty. the coalition has made a great start on addressing this David had a distinguished ministerial career as Minister issue by lowering corporation tax, scrapping the jobs with responsibility for housing, where he introduced tax and waiving national insurance for new small businesses assured shorthold tenancy agreements, and as Minister setting up in Yorkshire. Initiatives such as the venture of State at MAFF, although his policy to control fish capital provisions in this Bill are also important steps, stocks by limiting the number of days that fishermen but there is more to do to create better conditions for could spend at sea was not popular—his effigy was small business—there is more to do beyond finance hung from fishing vessels demonstrating offshore during and, in particular, in the area of employment law. one Tory party conference on the south-east coast. David has not only been a highly supportive former There has been an explosion of employment law in Member, but has become a good friend, and I wish him the past 10 years, from the previous Government and a long and happy retirement with Anne, his seven from Brussels. As a small business owner trying to do grandchildren, his dogs and his wonderful garden. the right thing, employment law took hundreds of Skipton and Ripon is one of the largest constituencies hours of my time. People should try disciplining an in England, spanning 900 square miles and containing employee with the three-step written process when they some of the most stunning scenery in our country, and share the same tiny room with them—it feels ridiculous. it takes more than two and a half hours to drive from Imagine, having started your business, you hire a graduate one end to the other—think James Herriot and one will and four days in she asks for the free eye tests that she picture the scene. People travelling on the Settle to understands are her legal right because she uses a Carlisle railway or driving through the Yorkshire Dales computer. Outrageous EU discrimination laws with national park will see that this is one of the best limitless liability mean that even the most innocent examples of England’s green and pleasant land. On the mistake can leave a business owner broke. Additional constituency’s east side is Pateley Bridge, a mecca for paternity leave plans by Labour will be introduced next walkers, but one can then visit the city of Ripon, with year and the coalition has plans for further reform, so its 1,400-year-old cathedral, and the vibrant market business will get organised for one change and then town of Masham. We should probably pause in Masham have to change again in the near future. In addition, has as it is home to the Black Sheep and Theakston breweries—I anyone really worked out the impact on very small know you enjoy a pint, Mr Deputy Speaker, but not as businesses of both men and women now being able to much as one of the other Deputy Speakers. take up to six months off after having a baby? My constituency is also remarkable for the character Other legislation coming down the track in the next of those who live in it. They are independent, driven, year includes the agency workers directive, the pregnancy hard-working and proud of their Yorkshire roots. The workers directive, the removal of the default retirement big society has been operating here for years. Doctor’s age and a new right to request flexible working and surgeries, councils and charities are all working extra training. Who is representing the challenges faced by hard to deal with the challenges of operating in the the hard-pressed owner-manager as this legislation is most rural county in England. Apart from the Skipton developed? For BP or HSBC all of this kind of legislation building society and Wolseley, agriculture and small is manageable, because they can pay for human resources businesses provide the vast majority of employment, professionals and they can afford their lawyers. People and it is on behalf of those small businesses that I wish who run small businesses, such as those in Skipton and to speak briefly today. Skipton and Ripon is not like the Ripon or the one that I ran, are their own HR department south-east, Leeds or Manchester—many people have and they have to manage these things themselves. no choice but to make it on their own. Under the We have to do something now to stop new employment previous Government, the small business owner—the legislation for the next two years—these are two years individual—as I was when, aged 27, I set up a business when we need small business to feel as free as possible from the front room of my flat, has been given much to take on staff. In the longer term, we need to consider more than his core business to worry about. more exemptions for small business, acknowledging Let us hear from two budding, if older, entrepreneurs, that it cannot cope with the same burdens as bigger who are into property—let us call them Basil and Sybil, firms. I wanted to represent the challenges faced by as they want to set up a new hotel in the heart of the small business owners in my maiden speech. Thank you 91 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 92

[Julian Smith] might place further work burdens on HMRC staff and we politicians owe it to those staff to ensure that they for allowing me to do so, Mr Deputy Speaker, and may have enough resources to act out the consequences of I finish by encouraging anyone beyond this House who our decisions. has even the smallest desire to set up a business to go for I wanted to discuss a couple of opportunities that the it? It is a fantastic experience and, as this Bill shows, the Government have allowed to pass them by. One main Government, I and many of my colleagues on the Back feature of the Budget that concerned me greatly was the Benches will do our very best to support these people VAT rise to 20%, and I believe that Grant Thornton has and give them a strong voice. estimated that that increase will cost individual households about £500 a year. There is sincere concern among 7.36 pm many people about the harm that that could do to our Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): First, may I economy. In my area, the recovery is fragile. I am very congratulate the hon. Member for Skipton and Ripon grateful for the intervention of Deloitte, which has put (Julian Smith) on his fine maiden speech? As a railwayman’s on record where the business and consumer concerns daughter, my recollections of being forced as a small lie. However, I know from speaking to people in my child to suffer the Settle to Carlisle railway as a holiday constituency that business confidence is still fragile and are still with me. His is an extremely beautiful part of I worry what the increase in January will do. I worry the country and he made an excellent maiden speech. what the increase in the cost of the contents of their shopping baskets in January will do to families, and I I welcome many of the measures in this Bill. As has worry that because of the VAT rise many small businesses been said, many of them will receive cross-party support in my constituency will face a tougher time after Christmas and were due from the previous Government’s Budget than they have in the past 12 months. in March. A good, effective tax system, well resourced, is the mark of an excellent democracy, so it is important Let us be clear that we have every indication that that that Members of Parliament take care to ensure that measure is a permanent rise—it is a permanent shift in our tax system functions well. I therefore want to say who pays what tax. We debated earlier the contrast with something about tax and its collection, and to highlight Labour’s temporary VAT reduction. I remember very two vital points where this Government have missed an well the restaurants in my area putting out temporary opportunity to implement change that could benefit notices amending their menus—it was very clear to our economy at this very difficult time. everybody that it was part of the stimulus and part of the Government’s work to get us through that time. Hon. Members may not be aware that many employees That is not the case with the current VAT rise, which is a of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs work in Liverpool, totally different thing. It is a regressive increase in tax. the Wirral, Merseyside and the Liverpool travel-to-work area. Many such staff now work in my area as a result I absolutely believe that, over time, we must seek to of the shifting of Government work to areas where reduce the deficit, but I do not feel that raising VAT is wages are lower and it is more effective to locate staff. the way to do it. One thing that has not been mentioned Their work is largely not commented on, especially in so far is the impact of a lower tax take on the deficit. We this place, even if it is good, high-quality work. We need to recognise that part of that lower tax take has often talk about public servants, but few of us ever come from unemployment caused by the global downturn. think to congratulate those working to ensure that our We need to make strategic investment in this country in tax system functions well—that is part of what I want the things in which we have a competitive advantage—in to do today. high-tech areas—so that we can increase employment I hope that the House will permit me to share the fact and bring the budget back towards balance. That is the that one of my first experiences as a newly elected way to do it, rather than introducing a permanent shift Member of Parliament was some HMRC staff coming in who pays tax in this country. It will hit families in my to see me at my newly opened constituency office. They area harder than many; in fact, it will hit families harder were very fearful of changes that the new Government in Wirral than it will hit those who live down the road in looked as though they might implement and they wanted Cheshire, in the Chancellor’s constituency. to raise some of their concerns with me, particularly My second point builds on some of the debate that those relating to the resources that might be available in we have had this evening about businesses of all sizes. I the future. As has been mentioned, over the past three am thinking specifically of small to medium-sized businesses years they have increased the yield from interventions in my constituency, representatives of which I have met by 60%. That is a good record and all of us want to see recently. In fact, since I was elected in May I have been that continue. We legislate in this place—we debate and speaking with businesses in my area, which—hon. Members we pass Bills that become law—but that is all just might not know this—are science-led. We have an excellent words; we are dependent on the good work of HMRC part of the knowledge economy in my constituency as to make real our choices and decisions. So we should well as many high-tech businesses that supply the electronics not treat those staff with scant regard and we should industry in Korea and other places. We have Unilever, take seriously the problems that they might have. In which carries out high-end research; staff at Unilever’s fact, my experience of meeting and speaking to HMRC research and development lab in my constituency have staff has revealed that, like many in the public sector at more than 200 PhDs among them. There are also many this time, they are operating under a cloud of uncertainty. feeder businesses to those science and high-tech industries. I appeal to Ministers to act with transparency as Investment allowances are no small fry to us. much as they can, to keep in consultation with staff at In two cases recently, I have been called in to meet a all times and, in particular, to pay attention to whether business that is about to move jobs out of my constituency. HMRC has sufficient resources to act out the consequences In both cases, after having analysed the situation, it has of the choices that they make. The child benefit changes seemed that capital investment in new technology could 93 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 94 have stopped that. The motivating factor for the removal whether the resources allocated are enough to bring in of those jobs is the lack of capital investment and I the necessary taxes to bring the budget further towards want the Government to pay great attention to what balance. I question what more they can do to promote more they can do to incentivise business to make capital real growth and the rebalancing of our economy. I investment in our country. It is the thing that will make worry about the effect of the VAT rise on those people our economy sustainable in the long run. who are least able to cope with it and that that will yet Let me contrast that with the corporation tax, which again distort the economy in Britain. Our economy helps big businesses that are already in profit to keep actually operates very differently in different geographical their profits. A corporation tax cut across the board areas. I do not mean to point out a north-south divide, does nothing to incentivise business to make capital because parts of the south-west are likely to suffer in investment. Only this morning I was speaking to people similar ways to my area. We need to be careful at this at a business in my constituency. I asked what one thing important time. Much can be done to work with businesses I could tell the Government to do that would help their and assist them in making investments, and I hope that business to invest for the long term, and they said, the Government will consider that as the Bill goes “Help us make those investments: introduce more forward. allowances that enable the investment that will help to protect our employment for the long term.” 7.50 pm Alec Shelbrooke: Does the hon. Lady not agree that Richard Harrington (Watford) (Con): I start by competitive corporation tax would attract international congratulating my hon. Friend the Member for Skipton investment into this country and develop jobs for our and Ripon (Julian Smith) on making such an excellent economy? We must play on the global stage, not just in maiden speech. He was erudite, and he was absolutely Britain. correct in what he said about David Curry, a man I know. He described his experience from his constituency Alison McGovern: We have competitive corporation and as a small business man, and I have had exactly the tax. The hon. Gentleman is right that we must play on same experiences myself. I could not disagree with a the global stage. Many of the companies in my constituency word he said, and he said it very well indeed. that I am talking about play on the global stage. I have seen the difference that other countries have made in I have listened to a number of speeches today—in working with business to ensure that they invest in their fact, I think I was five years younger when I got here, technology, which keeps them here for the long term. although it was only a few hours ago. I did not want us Let us consider, for example, the historical difference in to repeat the debate that we had on the Budget before the German automotive industry, where the Government the recess, because this debate is to discuss what the did just that. We came very late as a country to that hon. Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle) described as approach—to that industrial activism and to that investment technical innards. However, we have heard about a lot in high-tech industry to secure employment for the long more than technical innards, and much has been said term. about the economy in general. I ask Ministers to consider their role. When we are I must say that I cannot believe the advancing amnesia dealing with global companies, the Government must among the Opposition. They seem to be in denial about always discuss with them the changes in their industry what happened. The right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and what the next move needs to be in investment. I do and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown), as Chancellor of the not feel that an across-the-board corporation tax that Exchequer, decided that he wanted dramatically to expand hands profits back without any discussion about what is the economy by borrowing a huge amount of money done with them is the way forward. and spending it on almost anything that there was to spend money on, but it did not work. As soon as the Charlie Elphicke: Does the hon. Lady not note with Opposition’s denial ends and they say, “Okay, we tried concern that the UK’s high rate of corporation tax, it, but as it turns out it was irresponsible and did not relatively speaking, has caused a whole load of British work”, we can have serious budget debates. Instead, we companies to leave the UK, thus destroying jobs and have heard arguments such as those from the hon. money? Member for Wirral South (Alison McGovern) about people putting signs up in restaurants about a small Alison McGovern: I merely disagree on the facts. I reduction in VAT, which was apparently the great fiscal disagree that we have had an overly high level of corporation stimulus. I would love her to find one person in her tax and that we have not had inward investment. I constituency or in the whole country who said, “Oh, would invite the hon. Gentleman to come with me to VAT is about 2% less, we’ll go and eat tonight.” Such Vauxhall Motors or Unilever in my constituency, where things just did not happen. they have just invested millions of pounds in high-tech kit that means that that research will go on in this Alison McGovern: I feel moved to defend myself. The country in the long term. I disagree with the hon. point is that a VAT reduction would give the economy Gentleman on the facts, I do not think that that is the an immediate boost and signal temporary Government case, and I do not think that that is what is happening. action to get us through. I believe that the hon. Gentleman There is a risk that it might happen in the future, unless is wrong about the impact of VAT cuts, but if he knows the Government show an active approach to working of some statistics or evidence I would be very happy to with businesses to ensure that they have the right incentives hear it. to stay and invest in Britain. In conclusion, I have three points that I ask the Richard Harrington: Well, the cut cost in excess of Government to take into account. I ask them to consider, £300 million, and it is common sense that people do not on an ongoing basis, the effectiveness of HMRC and change spending decisions based on a 2% difference. 95 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 96

[Richard Harrington] Secondly, I feel that because of my experience in business and the continual discussion in the press and I shall move on, because time is running short and I the House about whether the banks lend enough money wish to talk about two parts of the Bill. The first relates to businesses, I should tell the House of my experiences to the British film industry. The Bill contains a technical in Watford. I have spoken to most of the major banks adjustment to film funding to allow more leeway in there and to nearly 100 small businesses to find out the calculating the amount that is surrenderable for tax exact position. Members will know that a Bank of credit. That sounds complicated, but it is sensible. The England document shows that the monthly average of real issue is the need for appreciation by this House of new loans has gone down from a peak of £991 million the film industry’s economic contribution. in 2008 to £564 million in 2010, which is a significant I must confess to having a constituency involvement, reduction. in that Leavesden film studios, where much of “Harry However, the real question is not the volume of loans Potter” was filmed, are in my constituency. The American being granted but the percentage of loan applications company Warner Bros has announced that it is acquiring that are rejected. That figure is never seen. The banks’ the site, and that there will be a big increase in employment. criteria for lending used to be entirely based on property. Hopefully those studios, as well as Pinewood, Elstree Many business loans were really property loans in disguise, and many others, will continue their prosperity. because they involved guarantees based on the personal houses of people who were borrowing money. Now the Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con): My hon. banks do not like lending money on property, so for the Friend’s mention of Elstree studios tempts me to intervene. first time they are looking at small businesses’ balance As he knows, they are in my constituency in Hertfordshire, sheets, cash flow and business plans. They are treating and Hertfordshire as a whole has a world-class tradition them as stand-alone instruments. of film making. “Star Wars” was made partly in my I observed the figures in Barclays bank’s main business constituency, as were many other famous films—he lending office only two weeks ago. I saw people borrowing mentioned “Harry Potter”. Does he agree that through money and businesses having money advanced, but the financial incentives it is possible to build on that tradition reality is that the property-based loans, for the moment, and create considerable employment opportunities for have gone. That is one reason—not a macro-economic many young people in a growing industry? reason, but a practical reason—why lending is low. Richard Harrington: I thank my hon. Friend, and of There is money available for small businesses. I agree course I agree with him. Our part of Hertfordshire is that management fees are high. That is because banks rapidly becoming the Hollywood of southern England—or have to spend a lot of time on a £50,000 loan, instead of its Beverly Hills, in the case of his bit. just saying, “He’s got a house worth half a million, so we are not worried about anything else.” As we know, There is no doubt that taxation of the film industry is the spreads are high because banks can lend money to important. According to a recent Oxford Economics Governments for 2% over the base rate, so to lend to a study, the industry employs 35,000 people and makes a small business banks have to consider a spread greater direct contribution of £1.6 billion to the UK economy. than that. There is more to bank lending than meets the It pays about £445 million in tax, even without any eye, and we should consider the number of applications multiplier effect being applied. The £110 million in tax compared to the number of rejections. allowances for it in the Bill and in previous Acts of Parliament represent very good value for this country. I see that it is 8 o’clock. I know that other Members want to speak, so I shall leave it at those two comments. Why am I speaking about the film industry, given that as far as I am aware the main political parties agree about the need to provide that assistance? It is because 8.1 pm the industry provides an example of not only some of the best uses of Government credits, but some of the Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): I want to start worst. Following an earlier Act of Parliament, the by discussing some of the comments made by the hon. accountancy tax avoidance industry used perfectly Member for Watford (Richard Harrington). He talked acceptable vehicles for investing in the film industry as of total denial among Labour Members about what has tax avoidance methods. Film and television producers happened, and probably demonstrates the same himself have told me that their films or programmes, which on behalf of the Members around him. The figures on were effectively pre-sold so that there was no financial unemployment, repossessions and business failures in risk whatever, were used to provide large tax benefits my constituency this year and over the past two years through comparatively risk-free investments. That during the recession are roughly half those on opportunity was correctly removed about two years unemployment, repossessions and business failures during ago, but that does not mean that the Government the Tory recession of the 1990s. Many Members on should ignore the perfectly reasonable demand for very both sides of the House will have found that to be the high-risk investors to have a tax-efficient vehicle to case. The reason for that is the support given to families invest in the film industry. That is good for this country and businesses during the most severe recession since and leads to vast amounts of money and a lot of the 1930s and a decision to look after the human side at high-quality employment being brought in. I accept a time of greatest peril. I am afraid that that factor is in that the Government have much greater priorities at the danger of being missed by this Government. moment, but I ask them to consider introducing a The decisions taken in this place, which my hon. proper, tax-efficient vehicle for venture capital investment Friend the Member for Wirral South (Alison McGovern) in the film industry, in a way that does not allow it to be commented on, affect people’s lives as they go about used as a method for tax avoidance, which is quite their everyday business. We need to consider that; this is unacceptable. not just a series of numbers. Some Members on the 97 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 98 other side of the House operate as if the cuts in spending that the Government cut Building Schools for the Future and child benefit and the rise in VAT are just numbers, and many other capital programmes when they came to but the effect is very real for millions of people out office. there, and it is that effect that really counts. The primary capital programme is another such example, The hon. Member for Watford also mentioned the and I raised the playbuilder programme in Education multiplier effect. I see he is no longer in the Chamber— questions earlier today. There are also schemes such as [Interruption.] He has moved seats; I apologise. The the Thornton relief road in my constituency. Road point about the multiplier effect is that it is key to projects are a great example of how a stimulus can be providing the stimulus that will allow the economy to very effective in a short time, through the multiplier grow and the deficit to be cut. Only by growing the effect, which was mentioned by the hon. Member for economy can we possibly have any hope of cutting the Watford, who has now left the Chamber. The way to deficit. pay the deficit off is by getting that stimulus in place It is the role of Government in a recession to step in now until the private sector is strong enough, and not to and support the economy until the private sector is go back into recession, where the deficit will only grow. strong enough to take over. The reality is that, at this A number of Members have mentioned the role of stage, the private sector in much of this country is not the banks and how they are operating at present. I have strong enough to take over, step in and replace the seen that myself as a number of constituents have Government in growing the economy. That is why the described the circumstances that they face. Banks have issue is one of timing: how soon we make cuts and how been calling in loans and overdrafts at a moment’s quickly we can pay off the deficit. That is an important notice, using the small print, which they always reassured point, alongside the impact on people’s lives. business owners they would never do. In some banks, the debt collection department often steps in and threatens Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): Does the hon. business owners with either having to repay at a moment’s Gentleman not recognise that the Government can notice or pay punitive interest rates. All that goes on grow the economy only with money already paid to without the relationship side of the bank knowing that them in tax? We therefore desperately need the private it is being done. I have already had a number of examples sector to be kicking off, and the Government cannot of that in my constituency. replace the private sector. The behaviour of the banks also needs to be tackled, and I am pleased to hear that Members on both sides of Bill Esterson: The hon. Gentleman makes an important the House, having experienced this through their point that is often made by Conservative Members, but constituents, are determined to take action. However, if the private sector is not strong enough to step in and there is also the issue of the responsibility of the banks support the economy, that approach does not work. for creating the global financial crisis in the first place. Only when the private sector is strong enough can it We need to tackle that and ensure that it never happens step in and behave in the way that he describes. At this again. We also need to ensure that those responsible for stage, the recovery is so fragile that my concern is that the scale of the crisis through irresponsible lending to we will follow what has happened in Ireland and slip people who could not possibly repay their loans and back into recession unless we get this absolutely right. disguising that by using complex financial instruments It is crucial that the timing is right, which is why the are made responsible. We must come up with an effective Chancellor is now considering a return to quantitative way to deal with that in the long term. easing as advocated by the Governor of the Bank of I know that there has been discussion in Government England. It is interesting that the Chancellor is looking circles of the international banking levy, and I would be at increasing the amount of money in the economy, interested to hear what Ministers have to say on that which is done by borrowing—the other way of doing issue. My understanding is that they do not propose to this. Even the Chancellor recognises that we have to get go anything like as far as President Obama, but the this decision right at this stage of the economic cycle. opportunity should not be missed, because if we can get History teaches us many lessons. In the ’30s, and to decent international co-operation on the level of levy some extent in the ’80s and ’90s, the then Governments that should be brought in, we have a chance of putting decided to cut hard and fast. What happened was what the international financial system in a far stronger we have seen in Ireland over the past three years: the position for the future, of finding a way to invest back economy grew smaller, and it grew harder to pay off the in the global economy, and of ensuring a robust and deficit, not easier. The lessons are there for us if we wish lasting recovery. to learn from them. I hope that the Government will A levy on banking transactions is a far fairer way of learn. As I have said, there are signs that the Chancellor tackling the deficit than the kind of cuts being proposed. is learning some of those lessons. People to whom I speak in my constituency do not see I also want to talk about the value of investment in how cutting child benefit or tax credits, or putting up capital projects. Tonight, some Members have talked VAT, will help to cut the deficit; they see it as taking about the way that many projects were implemented money out of the economy and feel that they are not over the past few years. As I have shown by referring to being supported. That makes them less likely to spend low unemployment and low rates of business failure the money that will, ultimately, help businesses to get and home repossession, those investments in capital back on their feet. They do not see why people on projects—not least the Building Schools for the Future middle and low incomes should shoulder the burden of programme—benefited local economies very much by sorting out the financial problems caused by the major providing work and business for many small and medium- financial institutions, and that is why we need to work sized enterprises. It is important that we keep that kind closely with partners at an international level to sort of capital spending going, which is why it was so wrong things out. 99 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 100

[Bill Esterson] in the Chair—but the hon. Gentleman heard an unfortunate tirade from his hon. Friend the Member for Bassetlaw I want to talk about why I think that some of the (John Mann), who gave one of the most entertaining moves made by the Government will make it harder for speeches that I have heard in this Chamber. us to cut the deficit and will, in fact, have the opposite The hon. Member for Bassetlaw had us all going. At effect to the one that the Government claim for them. one point, we wanted to cheer, but almost immediately As we have heard Members say, scrapping regional afterwards we wanted to boo—and that goes for Members development agencies has a clear implication. By going on both sides of the Chamber. His argument developed from eight organisations to 58, it seems to me—this is in quite an incredible way. As my hon. Friend the also being said by business leaders, certainly in the Member for Northampton South (Mr Binley) said, the north-west—that all we will do is cause duplication, hon. Member for Bassetlaw is the only Member who with costs being repeated 58 times instead of eight could play for both teams during a football match. It times. The changes will make economic co-ordination was quite an incredible speech. However, he did talk more, not less, difficult. Also, many of the RDAs have a about deficit deniers, a term illustrated quite well by the very good track record of generating inward investment. hon. Member for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin) and even The move will cost more money and be less effective. We better by the hon. Member for Sefton Central (Bill see the same kind of mistake being made in the health Esterson), who has just spoken. service with the scrapping of primary care trusts: that The hon. Member for Sefton Central spoke about will result in the creation of more organisations that do capital spend and investment, but surely he recognises exactly the same job, with a repeat of the costs. that the previous Chancellor of the Exchequer also I mentioned the proposals on VAT, which will take wanted to cut capital spend. We understand that the money out of the economy at a time when the recovery new shadow Chancellor and the shadow Cabinet are is still fragile. The VAT cut had the opposite effect, and following the former Chancellor’s plans for deficit reduction, I do not accept the arguments of Government Members which involved a reduction in capital spend. It would be who say that that is not the case. The VAT cut resulted fascinating to know whether the hon. Gentleman totally in an immediate benefit to the economy, because the disagrees with his Front-Bench colleagues and thinks money saved was generally spent straight away: people that they are completely wrong, or whether his argument had spare change, and they used it. That had an effect at was just confused. I really do not know where his a very local level, in the shops. Of course, VAT increases argument was going. hit the poorest hardest, and the Prime Minister himself called VAT a very regressive tax when he spoke at Bill Esterson: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? Cameron Direct in May 2009. For once, he really did Alec Shelbrooke: In one moment; I just wanted to agree with Nick; Nick told the “Today” programme the draw on your comment about the US economy. You same thing on 7 April this year. said that it was a model to follow. There has been an In my constituency, 40% of jobs are in the public $800 billion investment—or stimulus, if you will—put sector. What happens when those jobs are cut? When into the US economy, yet unemployment rates there police officers, teachers or health workers lose their have grown quite significantly. That is why President jobs, they stop spending money with those same small Obama’s popularity ratings have fallen. businesses that we need to thrive. They stop spending their money not only in the shops, but on builders, Bill Esterson: I am sure that I did not mention the US plumbers and other tradespeople. That puts pressure on economy, but we can check that in Hansard later. I want people who are self-employed and who run small businesses, to pick up the point about capital investment. We need and not just public sector workers. There will be an to be clear about the differences between the two sides effect not just in the public sector but in the private on that issue. We Labour Members were clear that we sector, unless we get the approach right at this stage in would keep Building Schools for the Future and a the cycle. number of other major projects going. We were looking In conclusion, we need to look to the banks in at a long-term process for reducing the deficit. Those on solving this problem. We need the banks to lend to the Government Benches proposed cutting all capital small businesses, as Members have said, and we need to spending more or less straight away. look to the banks to take responsibility through a Alec Shelbrooke: I am glad that I gave way to the hon. global financial levy. The Government need to reconsider Gentleman, because he makes my point. You say that many of the approaches that they are taking, because you want to keep the investment going on these capital they are going to make things worse; they are going to projects, but you also say that you will reduce the increase the deficit and make it harder to grow the capital budget. How? That does not add up. You simply economy, and their measures will not work in the way cannot go on saying that you will spend money here and that they hope. there, not raise taxes, and carry on borrowing. The argument simply does not add up. I became confused 8.14 pm halfway through the speech made by the hon. Member Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): I start for Bassetlaw— by welcoming the hon. Member for Nottingham East George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): So did he. (Chris Leslie) to his party’s Front Bench. He has been in the Chamber for most Finance Bill debates, and we Alec Shelbrooke: Yes, so did he. He seemed to be have sparred a little bit along the way. I am glad to see saying that unless the Government employ everybody in him taking part from the Front Bench, but what a the country, no money will ever be spent. He said, “You baptism of fire this is for him. You were not here earlier, can’t reduce the number of people in the public sector, Madam Deputy Speaker—one of your colleagues was because they’re the people who have to go to the sandwich 101 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 102 shop.” Of course, people in the private sector do not eat maiden speech my hon. Friend the Member for Skipton or buy anything; they have a robotic existence. I wonder and Ripon (Julian Smith) made, describing that countryside, what happened before there was such a large public where people like to go hiking. We know that accidents sector. The hon. Gentleman went on to give examples can happen, so we have the air ambulance. of private industry in his constituency that have benefited Yorkshire air ambulance costs £2.628 million a year from loans from the regional development agencies. to run and not one penny comes from Government. It is That is where I think the confusion lay. He was talking all raised through charitable giving. I therefore urge the about Government investment, not Government spending Minister to consider, when the time is right, exempting on public sector jobs and so on. from fuel duty Yorkshire air ambulance, the other air The hon. Gentleman talked about the regional ambulances and the people who contribute to the emergency development agencies, but there was provision for a services? They would still raise their money through regional growth fund in the Budget. The Government charitable giving, but that exemption on the 162,632 litres have also put measures in place in the Budget to reduce of fuel that the Yorkshire air ambulance used last year national insurance contributions for those setting up would help greatly to reduce overall costs. companies outside the south-east, and have reduced I close with a further plea. We have had several capital gains tax. As I pointed out in my intervention on Finance Bill debates and all we hear, all the time, is the hon. Member for Wirral South (Alison McGovern), cherry-picking: “We don’t want to do this bit. We don’t that helps investment from international business to want to do that bit. The Government are hitting the come in. poorest here. They are not doing enough for the rich Yorkshire Forward, a regional development agency, there.” Can we please start to look at the Finance Bill says at the bottom of its e-mails, “We have created more holistically? We have raised tax thresholds. We are reducing than 52,000 jobs.” No, it has not. Private business national insurance. We have raised capital gains tax. We creates the job. If Government money is used, the job is are reducing corporation tax to bring in more businesses not “created”; there was a subsidy that eventually has to and create more jobs. We are putting in place regional be paid back. growth funds. Can we please stop the cherry-picking, Government money is just private money that the have a sensible debate and look at the arguments sensibly, Government have nicked and are trying to put back. It holistically and in a grown-up way, and can we please is not our money. We do not earn it. We take it from the stop denying that the deficit exists? wealth creators. If we are not creating that wealth in the first place, how can we go on and spend it? The deficit 8.23 pm deniers do not understand or do not accept that every one of us would like to stand here and say, “Do you Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): In the course know what? I’m going to replace every school in my of the debate, yet again, we have heard an awful lot of constituency, and I want a first-class service.” Every one myths and legends. One of the biggest of those is the of us wants a first-class service—that is why we went notion that because the Opposition have a different into politics—but we must be realistic. We must be view of the economy, we are deficit deniers. You do not pragmatic. We must understand that we cannot go on have to be denying a deficit to hold a different view of spending money as we have been doing. how it arose and the background circumstances, and a I take issue with the suggestion that the move to a different view of how we get out of the situation that we 20% rate of VAT is permanent and that we have no are in. That is quite reasonable. intention of lowering it because ideologically we want It is healthy that we have politics within which there to tax more. Ideologically we want to tax more? I have are different viewpoints. The proof of the pudding will never heard such nonsense. We are the party of low be apparent in a few years. If you are right, I will have to taxation. We made it clear in every speech that at each eat my words. I do not believe that those on the Government Budget we would review and lower taxation if we could. Benches are right, but we cannot tell just by throwing It has never been said that VAT would remain at 20%. words at each other. It is not correct to say that somehow One would hope that we may be able to move to a lower the Opposition hold the view that there is no deficit. taxation rate. That would be plain nonsense. In the short time that I have left, I shall move on to a There are other myths and legends that we have heard specific topic. The Bill refers to closing tax loopholes. about today. One, which we heard from the hon. Member Everybody in the Chamber wants to achieve that because for Northampton South (Mr Binley), is that the previous there is a great deal of revenue out there that the Government were guilty of not mending the roof when Government are not getting. Let us look at the way the sun shone. We hear that repeatedly. If building money circulates in the economy. Representations have schools, hospitals and roads was not mending the roof, been made to me that red diesel be used in emergency I do not know what it was. If by that Conservative service vehicles. We can see the sense in that. Emergency Members mean that we should have saved the money vehicles are paid for through Government money, VAT and put it in a reserve somewhere, that may be a is paid, and money is being circulated and coming back. legitimate criticism, but to suggest that we were not That is a sensible argument and would impose no cost investing in the country’s infrastructure is plain wrong. on the Exchequer. The hon. Member for Northampton South also I make a plea to the Minister to consider something suggested that the economic crisis was entirely our fault else. I am proud that we have an excellent Yorkshire air because of light-touch regulation. I may have been ambulance—indeed, we have two. They are on BBC 1 asleep through the years of the Labour Government, every day at 9.15 am, relating their exploits in rescuing but I always thought I heard Conservatives saying that people who have got into difficulties in areas such as the there was too much regulation, that we were the party Yorkshire dales. That leads me to say what an excellent of red tape and regulation, and that we over-regulated 103 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 104

[Sheila Gilmore] Sheila Gilmore: I thought I had covered that issue. We are not saying that there is no deficit or that there will not just financial services, but everything. We heard an be no reductions; we are saying that if you cut too far excellent maiden speech from the hon. Member for and too fast, you will worsen the current position. Skipton and Ripon (Julian Smith). Although I disagreed with the entire political content, it was a good speech. Gordon Birtwistle (Burnley) (LD): I am extremely The hon. Gentleman said that in his view there was too interested in the fact that you admit that you would much regulation. have cut the deficit, and I am extremely interested to It is easy to say with hindsight that there should have know how you would do so. been more regulation of the financial services industry, for example. I believe that there should have been, but Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. when people say that we were over-regulating the economy, Tempted as I am to answer the questions that are being that is one of the myths and legends. posed about the deficit, I remind the House that the We are told that we do not want to leave our children hon. Gentleman is not the only one in this debate and grandchildren in a big financial mess by not paying currently blaming the Chair for everything, so I would off debt, but equally, and perhaps more importantly, do be grateful if we could return to the convention, ensure we want to leave our children and grandchildren in the that our language is correct and, if possible, keep me position that generations have been placed in by previous out of this argument—for now, anyway. economic failures, by destroying jobs and creating long-term unemployment in various parts of the country? I do not Sheila Gilmore: The whole matter is very much one of want to leave that to my children and grandchildren. degree, not either/or. However, one other interesting We are allowed to differ and to hold different points difference between the Government and Opposition of view and different economic theories. The difference Front Benchers is that the Government frequently argue is not about whether there is a deficit, but about how we that high public spending and a big public sector act as got into the present situation and how we get out of it. a drain on, and kill off, the private sector. In the city of Edinburgh between 1997 and 2007, however, development The previous Government managed to stop the rise and building—not just public sector building, but private in unemployment reaching the levels that had been sector building—flourished. In fact, the Royal Bank of predicted. That was the cause of economic stimulus. Scotland built a huge corporate headquarters just outside Far from the deficit spiralling, as we heard earlier from the city during that period. The argument is that if we the hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Nadhim Zahawi), have a huge public sector, the private sector will shrink the deficit did not rise as much as had been expected. and disappear, and that, therefore, if we do the opposite, Therefore, we were not in some sort of new crisis—that the private sector will suddenly rise up. I do not yet see, is what has been suggested—which justified an emergency and doubt whether we will see, any great rise in the Budget which had very little in it. The Finance (No.2) private sector. Where are the private residential houses Act 2010 that we passed in a great hurry before the and offices being built by the construction industry in summer also had very little in it, and we lost an opportunity my city? They simply are not there. They were at a time to make some important changes. when, according to all the arguments that Government The public and private sectors are inextricably linked, Members have put forward, they should not have been. and slashing jobs in the public sector will further reduce If the public sector is so bad for the private sector, we the tax-take, increase the demand on benefits and, should have had huge problems. in itself, increase, not decrease, public borrowing and At this stage in the passage of a Finance Bill there are the deficit. Equally, reducing our investment in opportunities to do several things. We heard an interesting infrastructure—not stopping it entirely, but reducing it exposition of the importance to the film industry of tax more than we need to do—will ultimately put us in a reliefs and credits, so why did the Government decide more difficult position. not to go ahead with an equivalent tax credit for the Just last week I visited two constituent households at video games industry? The city of Dundee, which is not their request. The problems that they asked to see me far from where I live, suffered for many years after what about had nothing to do with jobs; nevertheless, by no happened to the old industries. It was a city of jam, jute coincidence in both households there was a working-age and journalism, and it struggled for a long time, but the construction worker who was desperate to work but relatively recent expansion of the further and higher could not find any in my city. One said that the last job education sector in the city and the spin-offs in terms of on which he had worked was now a complete university the research and development have been very impressive. building in the city, but we will not see much more of They have brought people back to a city that was losing that kind of building by our educational institutions. its population, and they have encouraged young people He is very keen to work, but the jobs are simply not who were educated there to stay there. Industries such there. as the video games industry, for which Dundee has become justly famous, have done that, yet for no good Alec Shelbrooke: Everybody would like to see that reason the coalition Government have stopped something investment, but, and this is the point that I tried to that might have allowed the industry to develop and make in my speech, the previous Chancellor would also flourish. The opportunity exists in this legislation for have cut the capital budget. I talk about deficit deniers the Government to reintroduce that opportunity, and I because I do not understand how you can ask for hope that they will do so. capital investment to carry on when your shadow Front I was at a briefing earlier today on the Robin Hood Benchers would, as I understand it, follow that plan to tax, a financial transaction tax that many organisations reduce the capital budget. in this country advocate not only because they feel it 105 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 106 right that the banks, which did so much to cause the sectors of which I have some experience. They are financial crisis, should contribute, but because it is a biomedicine, food science and environmental science, in way of raising funds to deal with poverty and deprivation which the country punches well above its weight; in here and elsewhere. That proposal could be included in many areas of those sectors it leads the world. As the the Bill. It is well worked out, and I hope that, even at world’s population rises inexorably, they will become this stage, the Government will be prepared to consider enormous sectors of growth across the world. amending the legislation in order to include such matters. High-growth companies in those sectors have the potential to lead our recovery and lead this country 8.35 pm back into positions of world leadership, provided that we support them properly. High-growth SMEs in the George Freeman (Mid Norfolk) (Con): I start by sectors have very special financing needs. Unlike smaller, congratulating my hon. Friend the Member for Skipton high-street SMEs, which are struggling so hard, they and Ripon (Julian Smith) on the magnificent maiden are not, typically, dependent on the banks. They tend to speech that he made earlier. If he is indeed the penultimate be dependent on entrepreneurs, on founders—often Conservative of the new intake to speak, it was certainly scientists or people around universities or research institutes, worth the wait. I am sure that the people of Skipton who are then backed up by angel investors who put and Ripon can see that they have made an excellent their expertise and hard earned money to good use, by choice. I also take a moment to congratulate the hon. venture capital trusts and by corporate venture investors. Member for Nottingham East (Chris Leslie) on his We need to recognise the importance of that very specific elevation to the Labour Front Bench; like the Geoffrey financing food chain and encourage it. I therefore warmly Boycott of the debate, he has stood at the crease manfully welcome the measures in clauses 10 and 12 on tax relief as his colleagues behind have been skittled out. for research funding and SMEs and for encouraging In supporting this key plank of the coalition venture capital trusts. More widely, I welcome the coalition Government’s programme to tackle the deficit, I wanted Government’s measures to reduce corporation tax and to stress three key points in the time available. There is to relieve entrepreneurs on capital gains tax. the seriousness of the crisis in our public finances that Those are vital measures in a serious Government we inherited from the Opposition; I have to say that it is programme to tackle the deficit. It would be nice to disappointing not to see more of the people responsible hear from Labour Members what they would do to for the crisis here this evening. Secondly, there is the key tackle the deficit were they to be in power. role of the private sector in generating the growth that we now need to pay for the public services that we all cherish. Thirdly, there is the specific importance of the 8.40 pm measures in clauses 10 and 12 to promote venture Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op): As this is the third capital trusts and research and development relief for Finance Bill that we have debated in the House this high-growth SMEs, which are especially important to year, one could say that Finance Bills are a bit like the recovery for reasons that I will touch on in a buses: you wait for one to come along and three arrive moment. I emphasise the importance of high-growth at once. Even though this is a dry and technical Bill, it companies as one who has come to the House after a does have some merits. My primary concern is the 15-year career of supporting technology companies in failure to put in place a plan for growth. the life sciences sector. I declare an interest in a number of small companies set out in the register. Throughout this debate, we must remember that economists cannot predict the future. History is littered In discussing the measures in the Bill, we need to with economic theories that have failed, and I am sure remind ourselves of some hard facts. The deficit currently that everyone in this House would agree that only time stands at £155 billion. It is the largest in our peacetime will tell how the economy will pan out. However, we can history. We have the largest deficit in the G20. This year deal only in facts. There is no doubt that the economy is alone, debt interest is set at £43 billion, and without the at a very dangerous crossroads. In the past, economic measures set out by the coalition Government and my recovery following a large-scale financial crisis has inevitably right hon. Friend the Chancellor to tackle the deficit, been slow. It is vitally important that we make the interest payments alone would have risen to £70 billion correct decisions now on growth, jobs, the deficit and a year. public spending. Yes, dealing with the deficit is absolutely To prevent interest rates from spiking—the true risk key to future economic policy, and there is no doubt of that inheritance—the Government are right to commit that we must cut waste where it is found. That is not to reducing public spending and increasing private sector deficit denial; it is the truth. growth. Labour Members talk of growth, but seem to I am deeply concerned about statements made by the forget that it is the private sector that is the source of all Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer growth and that pays for any growth in the public sector that seem to imply that deficit reduction is the beginning that we or they may promise. It is private-sector business and the end of economic recovery. To me, it is vitally people up and down the country who pay for our important that we have a credible and medium-term promises, and they now need our support. plan to reduce the deficit based on a careful balance We need to think about where the growth will come between employment, spending and taxation—but only from, and I should like to suggest two key sources. once growth is fully secured and over a longer period First, the millions of SMEs up and down the country, than the Government are currently planning. Simply frankly, want us to do something simple—get off their put, hitting growth will make it more difficult to pay backs, stop taxing and regulating them and allow them down the deficit because it means less revenue for the to grow and flourish as they will. I also want to turn to a Exchequer. That is not deficit denial; it is just plain second source of growth, which is the three key specialist common sense. 107 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 108

[Chris Evans] relief, which puts the future of the computer games industry at risk, took place without industry consultation We face fundamental questions. Is it right to be or discussion. cutting millions of pounds from public services and Many hon. Members have mentioned regional taking millions of pounds out of family budgets this development agencies and their benefit to the economy. financial year and the next? What will that do to jobs They, too, were scrapped without consulting business. and growth? Ultimately, what will it mean for the deficit? That sets a dangerous precedent, and I urge the Government There seems to be a growing consensus in the House to think carefully about formulating policy in that way today that says that the deficit is the only issue that in future. matters in economic policy, that the measures to reduce I have tried to keep my comments brief because other it are unavoidable, and that there is no alternative. people want to speak, but now is the time for a careful Adopting the consensus view may be the easy and safe and considered discussion of reforming tax and benefits thing to do, but it does not make one right or credible. in this country. I hope that we can do that through the We did that in the ’30s and were faced with the great Bill. Although I am happy about elements of it, I trust depression. The leader of my party, Ramsay McDonald, that the Government and the Opposition will now fell out with his parliamentary party over cuts, and we engage in that discussion. saw what happened then. Of course, the impact of immediate cuts to public spending on jobs and the recession has not yet fed 8.46 pm through. Even though polls tell us that the public support Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): Historically, deficit reduction when they are told that it will come it has been argued that the secrecy surrounding Budget from cutting waste in public spending, I wonder how measures has hindered proper scrutiny, especially as they will view it when a local hospital is not being built Parliament has but little time to consider their broader or a school is in desperate need of repair and there is no implications. Those implications have not always been money to pay for it. positive for the Government of the day. Indeed, had a To attempt to repair the damage of such an event and previous Chancellor not guarded his Budget measures return the national debt to its previous levels in just a so jealously, his blushes might have been spared over the few years is not only dangerously incredible in the eyes abolition of the 10p tax rate. I remember that time of financial markets but places an intolerable burden on well—in Portsmouth, the average wage was £18,500, and current users of public services. Even halving the deficit, anyone earning below that and above £5,000 was absolutely as Labour Members propose, would represent comfortably clobbered. That is why I will never take lessons in the biggest and fastest cut in the deficit since the period fairness from those who now find themselves on the after the second world war, but without the peace Opposition Benches. dividend to fund it. The Government’s publication of the measures in the By far the biggest influence on deficit reduction and Bill on 12 July is therefore a welcome departure from the balance between taxation and spending is economic the norm, opening a consultation and inviting comment. growth and the number of taxpayers in jobs paying That is an innovation in the interests of good and their fair share. That is why the priority must be growth transparent government, and I hope that, in future and jobs. It disappoints me that the Government have consultations, a broad audience beyond the usual tax seen fit to cancel support for industries of the future practitioners will let its views be known to Her Majesty’s such as the games industry. The Labour Government Treasury. set out plans to support the industry in March, the new The many people in Portsmouth North who suffer Government axed them in June, and the result was job from asbestos-related illnesses are part of that broader losses in Scotland in August. That is what happens audience. The proposals in clause 31 to facilitate when a Government cut at any cost. The industry compensation payments to those people are a proper sustains thousands of highly skilled jobs that we simply response to the tax liability to which many well intentioned cannot risk losing if we are to secure economic recovery trusts have found themselves exposed. and protect jobs. The industry, which contributed £1 billion Asbestos-related industrial diseases are sadly a common to the UK economy last year, is competing with significant occurrence in all our constituencies. The long period incentives from countries such as Canada, which are from exposure to presentation of symptoms, as well as trying to entice companies to relocate their jobs. To me, lack of awareness, means that we will see new cases for cutting support for industry and highly skilled jobs is decades to come. Indeed, in the next 10 years, the wrong at this time. I believe that the Government should number of cases emerging each year will peak at about urgently rethink that decision. 2,500. As a dockyard city, Portsmouth can expect to The UK’s creative industries will be essential to contribute disproportionately to that number. rebalancing our economy away from dependence on Currently, the trusts established to pay compensation financial services. The Government’s decisions do not to asbestos illness sufferers can be liable for inheritance seem well thought out, and the video games industry tax, capital gains tax and income tax on their assets. has issued warnings about the long-term implications. Clause 31 will introduce a retrospective exemption for The Association for Interactive Entertainment has already trusts established between 6 April 2006 and 23 March said that, with the absence of tax breaks, it is essential this year. That will mean more money going to victims, that the Government work with the industry to address and will be very welcome in Portsmouth. It will be a the skills gap and better access to research and development relief to sufferers from asbestosis, cancer and even initiatives. It is therefore of the utmost importance that relatively benign conditions such as pleural plaques, an assessment of the impact on the creative industries is which can nevertheless be a precursor of more serious made. Perhaps most worrying, the scrapping of tax complaints. The extra resource is much needed, as it will 109 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 110 also help meet the cost of care. Often, only 35% of the The Bill will relieve the taxpayer of burdens that cost of that care—particularly hospice care—is met by Parliament probably never intended to place on them. the NHS. The provision happily complements the High For example, did we really want to have a special Court ruling in August this year, which asserted that taxation for merchant seamen who are within the European insurers’ compensation should be used for the care that economic area, as against those who are British subjects? victims have needed. I am encouraged that the unwitting Or was it an accidental result of historical legislation exposure to tax liability of an essentially charitable that meant that EEA citizens were caught in a way that endeavour is to be put right, and that the problem can the British subjects were not? As it happens, it is right be avoided in the future if new trusts consult fully with and proper that Parliament should legislate to take the Charity Commission and HMRC. people out of a tax that is misplaced, and it is equally It is a happy coincidence that the launch of the right and proper that Parliament should legislate when consultation period on Finance Bills comes with a Bill it wants to bring people into a tax that it has not that offers so many positive measures. In addition to legislated for in the past. clause 31, I welcome the amendment to collection The famous exponent of this was, of course, Lord procedures for income tax for individuals and the Tomlin. In 1936, in a case brought by the Inland Revenue harmonisation of administration regimes for different commissioners against the Duke of Westminster, Lord taxes—a further advance towards simplification and Tomlin said: transparency. We must all recognise the exasperation “Every man is entitled if he can to arrange his affairs so that that many individuals and businesses in our constituencies the tax attaching under the appropriate Acts is less than it have felt in their dealings with HMRC, and measures to otherwise would be. If he succeeds in ordering them so as to ensure that taxation is fair, straightforward and transparent secure that result, then, however unappreciative the Commissioners of Inland Revenue or his fellow taxpayers may be of his ingenuity, are always to be applauded. However, I hope that the he cannot be compelled to pay an increased tax”. Economic Secretary will dwell on clauses 26 and 27 about That is why it is so important that we have these the failure to make returns and late payments. Given detailed pieces of legislation coming through, because HMRC’s track record, I seek assurance that those measures when we look at the length of a cigarette, which is dealt will not over-burden taxpayers or impose disproportionate with in clause 23, and whether it should be 3 inches or penalties. I am especially anxious that the size of fixed 4 inches—the measurements are all in centimetres, but penalties for small businesses be given careful consideration. being British, I shall stick to inches—and therefore be I also applaud first-year allowances for zero-emission taxed differently, is that an issue of great, high morals, goods vehicles, a genuine incentive for logistic firms to that should be referred to the College of Cardinals for pursue a green agenda and a sign of the Government’s debate, to decide which is one and which is the other? determination to reward green behaviour. Or is it, in fact, a detailed point of law that is quite It is also worth noting what the Bill omits. The long rightly passed by this House, so that taxpayers will period of consultation has afforded us adequate time to know exactly where they stand? If we take an aircraft enjoy the absence of some measures favoured by the last that weighs more than 8 tonnes—I shall not convert Government. Happily, we can pass this Bill without that into hundredweight, but I am sure that some will unfairly impinging on the landline user or the cider want to—should it be specially subject to value added drinker. tax, or should it not? Again, it seems quite clear to me that that is an appropriate matter for detailed legislation. The taxpayer who follows the letter of the law is never 8.51 pm doing anything either wrong or immoral, and people who seek to try to confuse the two at seaside party Jacob Rees-Mogg (North East Somerset) (Con): I conference are making a great error and doing a great congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Skipton unfairness to the British subject who is doing his best in and Ripon (Julian Smith) on a speech that was excellently an immensely complex area. delivered and every word of which I agreed with. It was There is one other thing from this Bill that I would a fine maiden speech and a pleasure to listen to. like to note, which is that clauses 5, 6, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, I also welcome the hon. Member for Nottingham 22 and 23 are, in whole or in part, requirements of the East (Chris Leslie) to his new position. His speeches are European Union. I mention that so that this House in a somewhat different category, in that I always enjoy notes that we are perhaps not quite as free as we think them but never agree with them. It is nevertheless a we are to set our own tax rates, and that there is pleasure to see him in his place as his contributions in creeping Europeanisation. I see my hon. Friend the earlier debates were all listened to with bated breath, Member for Dover (Charlie Elphicke) is in his place. He not least as we waited to intervene on some telling is, in his port, at the forefront of our protection from point. creeping Europeanisation coming across our shores—this creeping Europeanisation that makes up almost a third This is a good and worthy Bill that is, perhaps, typical of the Bill. of the workmanlike approach that the coalition Government are taking to the difficult matters at hand Charlie Elphicke: I thank my hon. Friend for his to ensure that government is done fairly, justly and generous comments about our desire to buy our port. properly. In that context, it is interesting to look at the As far as Europe is concerned, does he not agree that it issue that was raised by the shadow Chief Secretary would be better if we were more masters and captains in about the morality of taxation and whether it is moral, the ships of our national destiny? in one sense or another, to avoid taxation. We should be careful about eliding “avoid” and “evade”. The two are Jacob Rees-Mogg: That is put in an appropriately clearly different things, and this Bill exemplifies why Nelsonian way. Of course we should sail the ship of thatisso. state independently. It is important that so much of our 111 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 112

[Jacob Rees-Mogg] and the announcement that 1.4 million taxpayers would be receiving letters informing them that they had underpaid domestic law is, in fact, coming from Europe, including their taxes. The hearing also highlighted the much our tax law, because that is the one thing that many broader issue of HMRC’s mind-boggling backlog of people thought was broadly exempt from the interference 18 million open cases of overpayment and underpayment of— in previous years. Dealing with that must be a major priority. The senior management team will simply have Ms Louise Bagshawe (Corby) (Con) rose— to improve its communication skills, enhance the so-called Jacob Rees-Mogg: It would be a great privilege to customer journey—which for too many has felt like a give way to my hon. Friend. short trip down a dead end—and prove its new system’s capability as it moves to full roll-out. Based on my Ms Bagshawe: My hon. Friend is making a typically postbag, and on conversations that I have had with eloquent and masterful speech. Does he agree that he HMRC staff in Macclesfield, I believe that much more has done the House a great service in listing those work is required to improve taxpayer confidence in the clauses of the Bill that are subject to European regulation? organisation and to raise employee morale across its Surely at the very least we owe our electorates such operations. I welcome the clauses in the Bill that will transparency on the issue, so that they should be informed help HMRC to do its job, but these other challenges as to which decisions are those of our Government and must be addressed in order to enable the Government to which are being handed down from Brussels. achieve the objectives that they have set out in their tax measures. Jacob Rees-Mogg: My hon. Friend has put it absolutely The challenges facing HMRC would not be so huge correctly and wisely: people need to go what is going or so critical if the public finances were not in such a on. “Truth is great and it will prevail” is, I believe, a mess, however. That is why it is important to examine motto of some. the context in which the Bill is before the House. This Let me draw my remarks to a conclusion. I praise the country’s record deficit has repeatedly been highlighted Government. I think that they are right. They are in the debate. It is not the product of a mythical global putting forward serious-minded, proper legislation— economic crisis. Even before the credit crunch, there detailed, pernickety, perhaps even dull—but it is rightly was clear evidence that spending and the burden of tax the duty of this Parliament to pass such laws, albeit were too high. The truth is that the previous Government with the caveat that we want our laws to be our laws, were caught completely flat-footed as they faced the and not an adjunct to the European Union. economic crisis. The scale of the challenge has now been starkly set out, and it is time for the coalition 8.59 pm Government to pay back Labour’s debts. David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): I think the phrase It is against that backdrop that the Chancellor announced is, “Follow that.” What an amazing tour de force. I his emergency Budget, which included a clear fiscal congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for North consolidation plan that placed a priority on lowering East Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg) on his great remarks. spending, combined with tax measures to reduce the I should like also to congratulate the hon. Member for deficit and to reform the tax system. Clearly, this Bill Nottingham East (Chris Leslie) on his elevation and my has a role to play in that regard. Strong medicine is hon. Friend the Member for Skipton and Ripon (Julian needed, and it must be taken in the months and years Smith) on a wonderful maiden speech. He represents a ahead. That is what the British public expect; they great part of the world, and I am sure that the people recognise that it must happen. The detail will be spelled there will be well satisfied that he represents them well. out in the comprehensive spending review in a few days’ As has been discussed, the main purpose of the Bill is time. Radical welfare reform must be an essential part to enact a series of technical tax measures inherited of the plans, and tough decisions on tax have also been from the previous Government. It is a wide-ranging made, with VAT having to be increased to 20% in Bill, and it is part of a package of measures that this January. Government are having to take to tackle the economic All that is necessary to get the public finances back crisis. The first Finance Bill, this Bill and the comprehensive under control and to get through the economic crisis, spending review will each assist us to address the economic but we need to go further and create the conditions for challenges facing our country. sustainable economic growth that must be based on an I shall begin by focusing on the clauses relating to expanding private sector. Colleagues have mentioned Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. It is important that in their speeches today. Growth comes from the that the necessary improvements be made to help income private sector, not the public sector, and restoring national tax to be more effectively deducted at source, as set out competitiveness must be a priority. It will be critical to in clause 8. We need to support HMRC in doing a give greater confidence to small and medium-sized better job of collecting the taxes that are owed. That is a enterprises, which form the backbone of our economy critically important job, given the state of our public and are the engine of job creation. That is why I am finances. That said, however, it is not just the legislation pleased to support the Bill, as clause 13 sets out help for that needs to be updated. It is clear that HMRC’s senior SMEs with tax relief for research and development. management team has more work to do, given the It is good that the Chancellor is also taking forward recent huge problems with PAYE. other critical measures, including scrapping Labour’s The Treasury Committee held a meeting in September tax on jobs, and reducing corporation tax year on year to review HMRC’s operation of the PAYE system. Like for four years, down to just 24% in 2014. It is good to other members of the Committee, I had the chance to see that Britain is definitely open for business once probe the issues surrounding the new computer system, again, as it should be. All that must be underpinned by 113 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 114 a change in direction in economic policy making. This faced with a fact that is too uncomfortable to accept. is about asking the right questions, and about taking a Such a person will insist that something is not true new approach to getting the best possible answers. despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, and will Over the past 13 years, the previous Government and often behave in ways that others see as quite bizarre. We many in the media were simply asking the wrong questions. see such behaviour on a regular basis on the Opposition They wanted to know, “How much can we spend on Benches. To make matters worse, the Opposition are in this, and what steps are you taking to protect spending double denial. They cannot see the scale of the crisis, on that?” No one asked whether we could afford a and they are not willing to accept that they are responsible particular policy, or how much it would increase the for it. burden on taxation. Coming from the world of business, We might have hoped that things would improve with I find it obvious that a different question must be asked the birth of new-generation Labour—although that too by most companies in competitive marketplaces day in, is not obvious from today’s debate—but we have heard day out. The way in which it is asked may vary from nothing to support that hope today. For once I agree business to business, but the substance of the question with Alastair Campbell, who said over the weekend that remains the same: “How can we give our customers what Labour needed was a proper economic narrative. more for less?” We on the Government side of the House have been That is not a question that businesses are ashamed to saying that for a long time, and I am pleased that the ask. It lies at the heart of how they compete and how hon. Member for Bassetlaw (John Mann) joined us this they provide worthwhile work for their colleagues: it is afternoon. ingrained in their culture. However, although some in I support the Bill, and support the work that the the public sector have sought to take the question Government are doing in tackling the deficit. Difficult seriously, it has not been heard above the demands to challenges and uncomfortable decisions lie ahead, but spend, spend, spend that have come from Opposition the right questions are finally being asked, and the Members. It is a tragedy that it has taken an economic Government are making important progress in the most crisis of this scale to enable it to be heard. difficult of circumstances. I am pleased that the right questions are being asked now, and that legislation such as this will help to address 9.9 pm the challenges that we face. Behind the questions, however, Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): I join in the congratulations there must be a new approach if we are to obtain the to my hon. Friend the Member for Skipton and Ripon answers. Faced with big challenges following the general (Julian Smith) on his excellent maiden speech. I also election, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats congratulate the hon. Member for Nottingham East made a bold decision to work in coalition. That is not (Chris Leslie) on his elevation. He is a triumph of something for which I hoped at the time of the election, quality over quantity tonight. It is either that or he but it means that there must be give as well as take. It needs to change his Lynx body spray. means that both parties must get around the table, and the evidence so far suggests that it has led to radical and I am pleased to speak in support of the Bill, an bold solutions as both parties seek to work in the agglomeration of 31 yawn-inducing technical tax measures national interest. to some, but to me another item crossed off the most I believe that, given the tough challenges that lie important “to do list” of this Parliament, tackling the ahead, that approach will have wider applications. I crippling millstone of public debt inherited from the believe that it will define new, creative ways of working last Labour Government. I would like to do three between Government Departments, between businesses things: to address some specific clauses; to review the and Government, and between local councils and need for presenting the Bill in this slightly unusual community groups. It is about people working together form; and to provide some context for the measure. in new ways in the interests of their country and, There are 33 clauses to be put on the statute book. indeed, their communities in this most difficult of times. In—I think—all cases, those measures were inherited We see it working in Macclesfield as residents, community from the previous Labour Government; there are almost groups, local businesses and Cheshire East council work no changes from our side of the House. All are worthy together, strengthen the local economy and revitalise of review, but three are particularly relevant. The first is the town centre. Our new treacle market is a tremendous on the level of support provided to carers. Almost every success, and I recommend it to the House. It is held on week in surgeries around my constituency I hear about the last Sunday of every month, and I suggest that carers and the particular burdens put on adult carers. anyone interested come along. We heard just this morning that 25% of women in their At least the Bill sets out business initiated by the 50s—not so far off for some of us Members—will be previous Government that needed to be progressed, but carers while also facing the challenges of continuing to it is sad to note that not much more was worth progressing, be supportive parents for their teenage children. It is and that so much was left undone. A complete mess was imperative that the measures that we put in place to left for the present Government to clear up, and today’s relieve carers of unnecessary tax are carried through evidence suggests that the Labour party, not notable for handsomely. the huge number of its Members present, has nothing I echo the comments made by my hon. Friend the much to add to the debate. Faced with such challenges Member for Portsmouth North (Penny Mordaunt) about as the coalition Government, they have chosen denial—or, the importance of the first-year allowances for zero-emission as today’s attendance suggests, avoidance—rather than goods vehicles—100% of first-year allowances will be a constructive dialogue. deductible from April, continuing until April 2015. I am no psychoanalyst, but I understand—and I am That demonstrates our Government’s commitment to sure that Members will be interested to hear this—that supporting incredibly valuable legislation that helps us denial is a defence mechanism used by a person who is in the overall attempt to “green up” the British economy. 115 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 116

[Claire Perry] regressive tax? The introduction of a more progressive tax—for example, a tax on the rich or on big business— The Bill’s measures, alluded to by my hon. Friend the might have been more acceptable, but a regressive tax Member for Mid Norfolk (George Freeman), on supporting will deflate the economy by taking money out of the enterprise and venture capital investment are critical to pockets of ordinary people, who spend most. our plans to open Britain for business, although as part of that process we must continue to ensure that the Claire Perry: I would debate regressive and progressive banks actually lend. That matter is not for debate taxation and the question of income or expenditure tonight, but we must return to it again and again as we with the hon. Gentleman, but I would like to make a proceed through the Parliament. little progress, if he will allow me, and focus specifically I turn to the odd split of Finance Bills, for which the on the technical measures in the Bill. Government have come under mild criticism. We had The measures were published on 12 July, and I believe Finance Bill No. 1, which enacted a series of emergency that we have had a number of responses to them, and Budget measures and now we have No. 2, which has we now feel that we have had adequate consultation to been described as the mopping up of technical tax proceed. The House feels that we can cope with the split measures. May I review what was happening at the time between two Finance Bills, but I would like Ministers to of the election, and the need for emergency Budget reassure us that we will revert to one Finance Bill as measures? Our triple A credit rating was under threat, soon as possible, as the situation normalises. In that 10-year interest rates were spiking up at over 4 per cent way, the whole finance package can be given proper and starting to approach the interest rates of Italy, scrutiny, and we will not have the kind of piecemeal which has, I believe, had 62 Governments since the debate that we are having today. second world war. The credit default swap rating—I Finally, let me give some context to the measures. We know that this all sounds like bankers’ speak but it have heard this before, but I make no apologies for materially impacts on the level at which we can borrow— saying it again: we have a record deficit. That is not the which is the measure of potential British default on our result of a financial shock that emerged like the creature debts, was getting up to 90 basis points, up there with from the swamp from America in 2007, but the result of Portugal and Spain, which could not even dream of a a Government who spent more than they earned in triple A credit rating. A fire was burning in the heart of taxes every year from 2002. I have listened with great the British economy and the Labour Government had interest to the representations made by Labour Members. no plans to put it out. We did. The emergency Budget They say, “We were investing. We weren’t ‘spending’; we on 22 June, introduced within the 50-day limit that we were building schools and hospitals.” They were building set ourselves, restored confidence both internationally schools and hospitals, but they were borrowing money and domestically in the British economy. to do so. In the process, they put the bill on future generations of taxpayers. They talk about being progressive, Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con): Does my but that is not a progressive thing to do with the British hon. Friend agree that, because of that emergency economy. Budget, we are still able, although we are dealing with a The previous Government bequeathed us interest massive deficit and borrowing £500 million a day, to costs of £120 million a day. That is paid largely to borrow at half the rate of Ireland? foreign Governments, so that they can build their schools and hospitals off the tax pounds that we collect from Claire Perry: As always, my hon. Friend makes an our taxpayers. There is nothing progressive about that. excellent point based on his substantial experience in the business world. During that process, we showed a What do we get when we discuss the measures? Do clear commitment to doing the right thing for the we get the intelligent, grown-up debate that the hon. British economy. We did not do things to maximise Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle), the shadow Chief political headlines, of which the previous Government Secretary, asked for? We certainly do not get intelligent, were guilty on an almost weekly basis. grown-up debate on how to cut the deficit from the few Labour Members in the Chamber. With a very few What is the result of taking those bold actions? Let honourable exceptions, we get opposition to everything. us talk numbers. The risk premium on the British That was amply demonstrated during today’s statement economy has dropped by 30% since the election. Long-term by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. We interest rates—the 10-year interest rates—have dropped now have the extraordinary situation of Labour Members, by more than 1%, meaning a 25% reduction in the cost in opposing everything, wanting to tax the poorest of borrowing. These are not arcane measures thought families in this country to pay £1 billion in child credit up by a load of greedy bankers; they materially flow to the richest 15% of families. I suggest that, by opposing through to the borrowing costs of our constituents, everything, Labour Member get themselves into some both for mortgage and small business borrowers. The extraordinary technical tangles. measures mean real growth for the British economy. Conservatives want to talk about deficit reduction, Why did we not consider tax measures in the first but Labour Members put up the ideological barricades, Finance Bill of this Parliament? The point made earlier saying, “You’re bad Tory cutters. You’re bad Lib Dem on transparency and consultation is a valuable one. We ideologues.” Behind the sound and fury, one question said that we will be a Government who are far more remains unanswered: what would Labour Members cut? transparent and that we will allow time for consultation. Where would their £44 billion-worth of spending cuts fall? If they oppose everything in our deficit-reduction Kelvin Hopkins: I am listening with interest to the plans—the plans are supported by the International hon. Lady.She said that the Government did not introduce Monetary Fund, the OECD, the CBI, the Bank of tax measures, but what about the rise in VAT, which is a England, Tony Blair, Peter Mandelson and everyone 117 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 118 but Labour’s Front-Bench team—they weaken their of the European time zone. We should be very alive to status as a viable Opposition. the competitive fight that we have with our European I shall finish if I may by quoting Labour’s new friends, and seek to maximise our position and that of shadow Chancellor, the right hon. Member for Kingston London as the international financial and business centre upon Hull West and Hessle (Alan Johnson). No, this is of this time zone. not about his need for an economics primer; it relates to We may get a fiscal bounce out of encouraging large what he has said about the British people. He said: businesses to move to this country, set up here and stay “I think the reason why they took to the coalition is they here—I note that WPP and Hiscox have left and moved thought, well, here’s someone rolling their sleeves up and getting overseas, as have others—but if we want long-term down to the job.” sustainable development and growth, and more jobs We are getting on with the job. The measures in this Bill and money over the longer term, we need to consider are part of that, and I urge every hon. Member here smaller business, because it has a stronger sense of tonight to vote for the Bill, as I shall be in the not too growth over the long term and it supplies the entrepreneurial distant future. flair that creates more jobs and money. Kelvin Hopkins: I entirely accept the need to sustain 9.20 pm small businesses, but small businesses live off two things: Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): I wish to add my first, big businesses, which make orders for them; and, congratulations to my hon. Friend the Member for secondly, demand in the economy, as we go for meals Skipton and Ripon (Julian Smith), who spoke in the out, get building alterations done to our homes and so most heartfelt way about his heartbreakingly lovely and on. If people are not spending because they are frightened beautiful constituency and in the most thoughtful and of losing their jobs and having their pensions and considered way about the impact of regulation on smaller benefits cut, that damages small businesses at least as businesses. I also wish to congratulate the shadow Chief much as it does big businesses. Secretary to the Treasury on her elevation and the hon. Member for Nottingham East (Chris Leslie) on returning Charlie Elphicke: I would agree with the hon. Gentleman to the Front Bench, even if it is not the Front Bench that confidence plays a massive role in our economy—and that he would have preferred to be on—no doubt he is a nowhere more so than with our smaller businesses. The patient man who will wait to have another go in due confidence that we have seen since the election seems to course. be feeding through to the growth figures, which seem to suggest that we are coming out of the recession faster This Budget, with this Finance Bill, is an essential than anyone thought we would. Personally, I think we piece of legislation. We have a country that is all but should be more positive about the prospects for the bust; its budget deficit is more than £150 billion and we economy and the prospects for faster growth over the face a structural deficit of £109 billion, according to the medium term, given the nature of the stabilisation and Office for Budget Responsibility. What does that tell us? the confidence that the coalition Government have provided It tells us that two thirds of the current extra borrowing to the country. However, that does not mean that there each year has nothing to do with the recession and the is not more we can do for small businesses. We can and global financial crisis, and has everything to do with the must, as my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Claire economic incompetence of the previous Government. Perry) and others have said, have more liquidity for the The Leader of the Opposition urges that instead of small business sector. It has been too locked up in banks adopting a fiscal position of raising taxes by one third preparing their balance sheets—we need more lending. and cutting spending by two thirds, we should make it 50:50. My hon. Friend the Member for West Suffolk Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): Does (Matthew Hancock) has calculated that that would my hon. Friend agree that a reduction in corporation raise people’s taxes by another £1,300. Such a massive tax is a way to encourage more small businesses and to bombshell would not be constructive in this difficult keep big business in the United Kingdom, and that it fiscal environment. The Government have taken difficult will help the overall long-term growth of our economy? decisions on taxes, but the further tax rises that the Opposition urge on us are not at all responsible or Charlie Elphicke: Absolutely, yes. The previous helpful. Government were planning to increase corporation tax It is therefore right that the coalition is taking the on smaller businesses and to do nothing for larger economically responsible and sensible position to step businesses. The reduction in corporation tax that we are right and stabilise our country and its finances, but we seeing across the board is an incredibly positive move need to have growth and a growth agenda. It is helpful by the coalition Government that will help to create that corporation tax is being reduced to 24% over the more jobs and money and help to encourage businesses— next few years, and I hope that in time the Government international businesses in particular—to set up in the will be able to go further and bring it down to about UK. 19%. I hope that they will give serious and substantial We need more liquidity for smaller businesses, but we consideration to a holding company regime such as also need tax reform for smaller businesses. Earlier exists in places such as the Netherlands and Luxembourg, today, I met the Quoted Companies Alliance, which so that the UK becomes a holding company international represents smaller quoted companies. It put to me the headquarters of the European time zone. The UK and suggestion that we should perhaps think harder about London, rather than the continent itself, would thus the enterprise investment scheme and venture capital become the jumping off point for Americans investing trust regimes. They are limited at about 50 employees, in Europe, which would provide a massive fiscal stimulus but EU state aid approval would be allowable for fewer to the UK economy and would make it the financial than 250 employees under the EU SME definition. I headquarters centre and the international business centre hope that Ministers will consider that in due course and 119 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 120

[Charlie Elphicke] general election having interrupted the conventional timetable and truncated the previous Administration’s in further Finance Bills. There is a negative effect on Bill, which would have introduced many of the same businesses because they dare not grow over 50 employees. provisions. No matter; we have had a successful and That is quite important. thorough debate. The hon. Member for Bristol West The QCA says that the connected company or connected (Stephen Williams) noted, I think sarcastically, that he person regime should be considered, because business was looking forward to the fun and delights of Committee, angels could be effective and useful directors and advisers but we have covered the Bill’s territory well. to those businesses. The alliance also says that it would I pay tribute to the hon. Member for Skipton and be better to have lighter touch regulation. It would Ripon (Julian Smith) for his very good-quality maiden concede the income tax relief if it would help to keep speech. He made the case for the small business community the capital gains tax relief and increase the limits and in his constituency strongly and passionately. It is a fine thresholds available in the EIS and VCT regimes. I hope and beautiful constituency, and I was born near or that Ministers will consider that and will consider the within it at Airedale hospital, so it has a special place in technical detail that will help to improve things for the my heart for that reason if for no other. smaller business sector. On CGT, the alliance welcomes the entrepreneurs’ The hon. Member for North East Somerset (Jacob relief—it says that that is great—but asks why it lasts for Rees-Mogg), who is no longer in his place, made a series only 12 months. Does that not encourage speculators? of interesting observations about long cigarettes, the Should it not be for three or four years, to encourage weight of aircraft and the creeping Europeanisation of long-term investment? Should it be restricted just to the world in general, and I look forward to his pearls of those who have 5% and are employees or should it wisdom in Committee. The hon. Member for Watford perhaps involve those who have 5% or who are employees, (Richard Harrington) rightly noted the measures in to widen the investment base for smaller businesses that clause 14 on film tax credit arrangements, and the hon. benefit from entrepreneurs’ relief? I hope that Ministers Member for Portsmouth North (Penny Mordaunt) talked will also consider reinvestment relief when entrepreneurs eloquently about the important changes in clause 31 come up with wonderful ideas, sell their businesses and affecting asbestos compensation settlements. reinvest. Perhaps they should be encouraged to do so I agreed very much with the hon. Member for Devizes with a wider base of reinvestment relief, to lock in more (Claire Perry)—that may come as a shock to her—about capital and investment, which will create more jobs and the provisions for shared lives carers. Being a carer is a money over the longer term. I recognise that these are big commitment and requires a lot of patience, ideas to be developed in further Finance Bills, but I understanding and hard work, but it offers adults who hope that Ministers and the Government will give them need support owing to their health or disability a valuable due consideration as time passes. opportunity to live with people who can give them the The other question the alliance raises is why we do help that they need, share their hobbies and interests not allow AIM shares to be put into individual savings and so on. We, too, therefore welcome the simplification accounts. That seems to make little sense. The AIM of the tax treatment of foster carers and shared lives market has changed massively since the late ’90s and it carers so that their costs and expenses are recognised would perhaps be constructive to allow AIM company more fairly in the tax system. shares to be in ISAs so as to widen the investment pool The hon. Member for Portsmouth North mentioned and widen the availability of capital to businesses that the clauses on penalties for failures to make tax returns are typically smaller in nature and faster growing. and pay taxes. We clearly need a regime that is tough on Finally, although the London stock exchange has evasion and that incentivises prompt payment, but we said for a long time that we should have got rid of the also need to ensure fairness in the system so that entirely stamp duty reserve tax, which is difficult to afford in the innocent people and companies are not caught in an current circumstances, the QCA asks the interesting unfair penalty cycle. As the Institute of Chartered question: what would happen if we allowed getting rid Accountants has noted, we need to ensure that we of SDRT outside the FTSE 350 for smaller companies, monitor that regime carefully, especially for very small to help to make their shares more liquid? Trading businesses that do not necessarily have in-house accountants volumes would be lower and it might be more affordable. or bookkeepers. I hope that that is something to which Ministers will give due consideration and thought in future Finance A number of other measures were mentioned in the Bills. debate. The hon. Member for Dundee East (Stewart Hosie) talked about the safeguards for investors in The most important thing for our country and our venture capital schemes and the insertion in the rules of countrymen is to have more jobs and more money. I a financial health requirement, to prevent tax reliefs hope that over time we will develop a further growth from falling into “firms in difficulty”. That raises a agenda and deepen the one that we have already put number of questions that we will want to explore further forward, so that we can have faster structural trend in Committee. growth and the UK can become the envy of not just our friends in the European Union but the world as a whole. The hon. Member for Macclesfield (David Rutley) rightly highlighted the clause about the deduction of income tax at source. It is a positive thing that there will 9.30 pm be a new online mechanism for customers to lodge the Chris Leslie (Nottingham East) (Lab/Co-op): As the fact that they are returning their income tax deductions, astute observer may have noticed by now, the Bill is a but that prompts the question how HMRC enables largely inherited set of technical measures, with the access for customers through downloadable information 121 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 122 and whether customers can identify their tax office Islwyn all mentioned TINA—there is no alternative, as correctly. Again, we will want to pursue those points in the former Prime Minister, Lady Thatcher, described Committee. it—and that notion has infected those on the Government Very few Members noted the Bill’s provisions on the Benches. They are doing a good job in sticking to their automatic enrolment of employees in pension schemes message and trying to ram their points home, but it is from 2012, which are technical measures to facilitate becoming a little obvious that the script is getting the new pension scheme arrangements. That national somewhat old. employment savings trust is incredibly important— I was impressed in particular by the comments of the something that the previous Government rightly put in hon. Member for Boston and Skegness (Mark place for all workers between the age of 22 and retirement Simmonds)—the ideology that he has formulated of the age earning more than £5,000 a year, unless they were expansionary fiscal consolidation strategy and the theory already in a pension scheme. I particularly want to press that he has announced that cuts can stimulate economic the Minister on that matter, because I understand that activity. His comments were mirrored to a certain extent the consultation process said that by 30 September we by those of the hon. Member for Mid Norfolk (George would know the Government’s views on that automatic Freeman). We need to hear much more from the hon. enrolment arrangement. We have passed that point, and Member for Boston and Skegness on that strategy. It is I do not think that we have had any information on the clear to me that the Conservative party is focusing its issue. energies exclusively on this ideological crusade in cutting It is a curious and fragmented process that we have investment, rather than looking equally at the other side entered into with this chopping and changing between of the balance sheet—rebuilding revenues—which surely Finance Bills. The cynic in me detects the possibility of must be attended to. some highly tactical games being played by Treasury Everybody knows that the deficit position was largely Ministers. Perhaps I am wrong, but their approach to caused by reduced revenues following the credit crunch finance legislation, as my hon. Friend the Member for and the banking crisis, and growth is the best antidote Wallasey (Ms Eagle) suggested earlier, seemed to create to that. It is quite clear also that the Government see a toxic, bad Bill—perhaps the one that was pushed public services and economic regeneration as somehow through before the summer recess, possibly without the negative aspects—a glass half empty—whereas Labour Liberal Democrats quite noticing how bad it was. Other Members see growth, public services and investment in toxic, bad Bills are to come in due course, such as those infrastructure as a glass half full and an opportunity to on scrapping the health in pregnancy grant, the savings expand. Through that virtuous cycle, we will repair the gateway and the child trust fund arrangements. It is public sector balance sheet. interesting to see how Ministers are packaging up these measures. Machiavelli may have some observations on My hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh East that particular tactical game. asked whether we wanted to burden future generations with a legacy of high unemployment and low growth, As my hon. Friend also mentioned in her opening and that is absolutely the right question to pose to speech, a number of measures are conspicuous by their Government Members. absence from the Bill. My hon. Friends the Members for Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore) and for Islwyn It is important to look at the wider context in which (Chris Evans) mentioned the video games tax relief the Bill was presented, but we can already see, as the arrangements for that particular industry, which many news develops, that growth is fragile and that confidence firms in my Nottingham constituency have also been is wobbling. I think that my hon. Friend the Member urging and expecting. They were disappointed when the for Wallasey mentioned a report in The Times that Government withdrew them. My hon. Friend the Member showed that finance directors’ confidence is at its lowest for Bassetlaw (John Mann) referred to the investment level in 18 months, and 34% of those surveyed in a allowances to help businesses to grow and ensure that Deloitte poll said that they expected the economy to go they invest in plant, infrastructure and capacity to into reverse. We sincerely hope that that does not happen. enable them to prosper. I might have disagreed with him The hon. Member for Dover (Charlie Elphicke) said slightly in his comments on VAT, but he made a number that confidence is a critical ingredient that plays a of points that are worth deeper thought and observation. massive role in the economy, and it is a great shame that we can already see the steps taken by the Government The context of the Bill says everything. Although the eroding some of that confidence. That has its roots in measure is wide ranging, it is absolutely a missed the decisions made in the Budget before the recess. opportunity—perhaps the calm before the storm of the spending review. We know that many failings arise from The downgrading by the Office for Budget Responsibility the legislation, basically because of those aspects that of the forecast for 2011 from 2.6 to 2.3% suggests a are not in it. Insufficient steps are being taken to clamp £5 billion loss in receipts because of the smothering of down on tax evasion, and serious doubts are now economic activity. That is compounded by the many growing, as my hon. Friend the Member for Wirral anti-growth policies pursued, and messages given, by South (Alison McGovern) mentioned, about the capabilities the Government parties. Tonight, hon. Members have of a depleted HMRC, should its budget be unfairly talked about regional development agencies being scrapped constrained. and the Sheffield Forgemasters loan not being granted. The Bill is particularly a missed opportunity for There are a number of ways in which the economy is legislation to promote growth and generate revenues, at risk. It is important that, throughout the passage of and that is what it will be remembered for. We should the Bill, we explore the Government’s strategy and what look at the growth deniers on the other side of the more can be done to ensure that we pursue a pro-growth House. My hon. Friends the Members for Scunthorpe strategy. We might not divide the House tonight, but we (Nic Dakin), for Sefton Central (Bill Esterson) and for put the Government on notice that we expect and need 123 Finance (No. 2) Bill11 OCTOBER 2010 Finance (No. 2) Bill 124

[Chris Leslie] have a plan, now that they have a new leader. The answer is that they do not. The debate touched briefly stronger pro-growth measures and legislation in future. on the subject of tax avoidance, but the Opposition We will scrutinise the detail of the Bill closely in Committee. have developed a brand new form of tax avoidance. I look forward to hearing what the Minister has to say. They try to avoid talking about tax and spend altogether or having any plan to deal with it. 9.41 pm Mr Michael McCann (East Kilbride, Strathaven and The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Justine Lesmahagow) (Lab): In my constituency over the past Greening): I welcome the new shadow Treasury team to 13 years 17 new high schools and more than 50 new their roles. Obviously, I have had experience of debating primary schools have been built. Does the hon. Lady with the hon. Member for Wallasey (Ms Eagle), the new condemn that investment? shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury. I look forward to continuing those debates, and to debating with the Justine Greening: The hon. Gentleman should direct new members of the team. his question at his colleagues, who had planned the We have had an interesting and wide-ranging debate. capital cuts that he no doubt hates so much. If he comes I pay tribute to the maiden speech by my hon. Friend and looks at other schools, he will see that his Government the Member for Skipton and Ripon (Julian Smith), who left schools such as my own Elliott school in Putney in follows in the footsteps of a fantastic predecessor. He an appalling state. I do not think he has an answer to described a constituency that I know, and he is right to that. say that it is absolutely beautiful. He is very lucky to We heard a number of contributions from Opposition represent it, and I am sure that he will do a great job in Members. The hon. Member for Wallasey offered no his new role. alternative to the plan set out by the Government. The Let me turn to the Finance (No. 2) Bill. Obviously, its hon. Member for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin) spoke about clauses have a lower profile than many of the measures scrapping the package that we presented in the emergency announced in the emergency Budget, but they are Budget to support business. We heard from the hon. nevertheless important for the smooth running of the Member for Wirral South (Alison McGovern), who tax system. That is why the previous Government were apparently welcomed the Bill and wanted investment, also keen to see many of the measures put on the statute but was against the cuts in corporation tax that we book. introduced. We heard from the hon. Members for Islwyn Let us be clear about why we are debating the Bill in (Chris Evans), for Sefton Central (Bill Esterson), for the autumn, and not earlier in the year. As we have Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore), and for Bassetlaw heard from my hon. Friends the Members for Mid (John Mann) who were all against taking action to sort Norfolk (George Freeman) and for Dover (Charlie out the economy. At least the hon. Member for Bassetlaw Elphicke), and from many others, when the coalition acknowledged that his party has a gaping chasm in its Government came to power, we faced an economic economic policy. Until the Opposition fill that, they will challenge of an unprecedented scale. In fact, urgent have no credibility. action was needed, and we responded with the emergency John Mann: I hope the hon. Lady did not miss the Budget. The shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury other part of my contribution, which was intended to and the hon. Member for Nottingham East (Chris expose the gaping chasm in the logic and the economics Leslie), who responded to the debate, seem to have of the Treasury proposals. developed some form of amnesia when it comes to the content of the emergency Budget and why it was required. Justine Greening: I decided to pick out the piece in It is impossible to exaggerate the seriousness of the which the hon. Gentleman talked about his party, which situation that we inherited, or the risks to Britain if we he obviously supports. Our plans are all about tackling had continued on the course that they proposed. There the deficit. Funding that debt will cost our economy were almost 2.5 million people unemployed; yet again, a £43 billion this year. That means that every taxpayer in Labour Government left office with unemployment higher Britain will pay almost £1,400 of income tax to service than when they came in. We inherited the largest budget that debt interest. The hon. Gentleman might consider deficit in the G20, and a fiscal legacy that had us that a good use of taxpayers’ money rather than spending spending £4 for every £3 that we raised in taxation. it on front-line services. I do not. Unless we take the We had to take action to restore the credibility of the difficult but fair decisions that we are taking now to sort UK economy, to allow the recovery to take hold, and to out the deficit, we will not be in a position to undertake ensure that future growth was sustainable and not driven sustainable funding of our public services again. That is by an ever-growing burden of debt. That is why we why the measures that we are taking are so important. introduced a short Finance Bill in the summer—to Many of the clauses in the Bill were brought forward maintain economic stability, calm market fears and put by the previous Government. We consulted stakeholders in place a credible plan to deal with the record deficit. over the summer because we were keen to make sure That plan is supported by the International Monetary that we have a more open and considered approach for Fund, the OECD, the CBI, the Bank of England and our tax legislation than we have had in the past. Many countless other organisations that clearly have a greater respondents have been clear about how welcome that grasp of the deep dangers that face our economy than approach is. It has made the Bill more transparent, the Labour party does. more robust and better focused. It was a pleasure to There was an opportunity today for the Opposition hear from the hon. Member for Bristol West (Stephen to start participating in the debate on the most important Williams) who, I believe, is a fellow chartered accountant challenge facing our country—how to get our economy and could therefore appreciate the care that has been back on track. I was interested to hear whether they taken with the Bill. 125 Finance (No. 2) Bill 11 OCTOBER 2010 126

Let me pick up on some of the technical questions plan to create a growth capital fund, which we think will raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Boston and provide a further £237 million of enterprise capital Skegness (Mark Simmonds) and the hon. Member for funds, so we are very conscious of the issues that he Dundee East (Stewart Hosie). I am pleased that my raises. We are in continuing discussions with the banking hon. Friend welcomes the measure on REITs in the Bill. industry to ensure that credit flows to the companies I will write to him on some of the more specific issues that so badly need it—for the very reasons that he so that he raised. He should recognise that the measure in eloquently set out in his contribution to the debate. the Bill is symptomatic of the fact that we see REITs as The Bill is not just about supporting business, although a positive vehicle, and we will see what we can do to that is a key part of it. As my hon. Friends the Members support them further. for Portsmouth North (Penny Mordaunt) and for Devizes The hon. Member for Dundee East raised so many (Claire Perry) pointed out, it includes measures that will issues so quickly that I barely had time to scribble them support some of the most vulnerable people in our all down. I hope we will return to many of them in society. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Committee. Portsmouth North, who made an excellent contribution The other thing that foxed me was that the hon. on the measure—I think it is clause 31—to help trusts Gentleman went in reverse order, starting at clause 25 that have been set up to compensate asbestos victims. and moving on to clauses 7 and 5. But, he asked some There are further measures in the Bill not only to broad questions, and on the corporation tax and petroleum support people who are shared lives carers and, indeed, revenue tax changes he was right to say that the measures carers more generally, but to support through the tax are about creating a more harmonised system. He raised system those people who act as guardians or look after many specific issues, and we can go into more detail children under a residence order. My hon. Friend the about them, including clause 7, in Committee. On clause 5, Member for Devizes, who gave a fantastic speech, too, he raised a number of good questions about guidance, talked about those measures for carers. They are badly and we are looking to revise that. We are talking to needed and will, I hope, have a good impact. stakeholders and hearing about the issues that they To wrap up, the Bill contains many necessary measures want clarified; indeed, he mentioned some of them in that will ease the burdens on business and help the most his speech. His points were well made, and I look vulnerable in our society. Owing to the need for urgent forward to continuing the debate in Committee. action before the summer, there was simply no time to There are further measures in the Bill to support the consider them when the Finance (No.2) Act 2010 went private sector and contribute to more balanced growth through the House. However, I know that many Members in the UK. We heard from my hon. Friends the Members from all parts of the House will want to join me in for Northampton South (Mr Binley), for Dover, for Committee for more detailed scrutiny of the Bill’s clauses. Watford (Richard Harrington), for Elmet and Rothwell This Bill, while unglamorous in comparison with its (Alec Shelbrooke) and for Macclesfield (David Rutley) predecessors, is important. It represents clear progress, about how important it is that our Government take it is considered in its approach, and I commend it to the steps to support business so that business in turn can House. create jobs. We must not forget that without the steps Question put and agreed to. that we took in our emergency Budget, small companies Bill accordingly read a Second time; to stand committed would face a small companies corporation tax rise, not to a Public Bill Committee (Standing Order No. 63.) one that is going to fall, and a national insurance rise—the jobs tax. Instead, they can look forward to enjoying a reduction in national insurance liability, so FINANCE (NO.2) BILL we are taking the steps that we need to take. Ordered, That the Finance (No.2) Bill Committee shall have leave to sit Mr Binley: What will my hon. Friend do, therefore, to twice on the first day on which it meets.—(Bill Wiggin.) ensure that banks provide the money to generate the growth that small businesses will need to create if the Business without Debate Budget strategy is going to work?

Justine Greening: My hon. Friend makes a very good DELEGATED LEGISLATION point, and I am sure that he is aware of how clause 5 Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing ensures that state aid clearance of the enterprise investment Order No. 118(6)), scheme and venture capital trusts takes place. In 2007-08, the enterprise investment scheme supported investment CONSTITUTIONAL LAW of £7 billion in more than 15,000 companies, and we That the draft Scottish Parliament (Constituencies and Regions) want to see that enhanced. We are cutting the small Order 2010, which was laid before this House on 1 July, be profits rate of corporation tax, and to follow up my approved.—(Bill Wiggin.) hon. Friend’s question, I note that the Government Question agreed to. 127 11 OCTOBER 2010 Postal Services (Scotland) 128

Postal Services (Scotland) 10 pm Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 9(3)). do now adjourn.—(Bill Wiggin.) Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—(Stephen Crabb.) 9.55 pm Gregg McClymont: The response of policymakers is Gregg McClymont (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and the universal service obligation, which specifies the Kirkintilloch East) (Lab): Royal Mail—[Interruption.] services that the privatised entity is legally obliged to Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for provide. his forbearance. If Members leaving the Chamber can please do so quickly and quietly, we can proceed to an Gemma Doyle (West Dunbartonshire) (Lab/Co-op): I orderly Adjournment debate. I, for one, certainly wish congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate. As to hear Mr Gregg McClymont. he may know, last month reports surfaced of a leaked letter from the Business Secretary to the Chancellor Gregg McClymont: Thank you, Mr Speaker. hinting that flexibility may be built into the Royal Mail Royal Mail is a vital public service in Scotland. With Bill to scale back the universal service obligation from 1,400 branches, the Post Office is Scotland’s largest six days a week to a five-days-a-week service. Such a retail chain. According to Consumer Focus Scotland, move would set a very dangerous and worrying precedent. its services are used by 95% of the population. Scottish Will my hon. Friend join me in calling on the Minister business, too, depends on the service. The Federation of to give a categorical assurance that under no circumstance Small Businesses estimates that one in six small to will the Government allow delivery services to be scaled medium-sized enterprises relies exclusively on Royal back in West Dunbartonshire and, indeed, across Scotland? Mail. The Minister will be aware of the serious risks involved Gregg McClymont: My hon. Friend raises a very in privatising a Government-owned industry that provides good point, and I am sure that the Minister will wish to a popular public service. Get it wrong and the Government address it. of the day preside over a carve-up: executive pay hikes, An under-specified universal service obligation and job losses and the curtailment of services to the detriment an inadequate subsidy, where that is necessary, mean of consumers. That is why I am seeking clarification of that there will not be a good postal service. That is the Government’s plans tonight. I am keen to hear currently the situation in telecoms in respect of the about how the Minister intends to protect the existing provision of fibre-optic broadband to rural areas. A level of service provided by Royal Mail and the Post universal service obligation is contained in the Royal Office in Scotland. Mail Group licence. The number of letter and parcel The Government propose to split postal delivery and deliveries is laid down in statute and in the Royal Mail the management of the post offices—Royal Mail doing Group licence. However—this is crucial—the rules regarding the former, and Post Office Ltd the latter. Both functions the number of post offices are much less tightly drawn. currently reside in Royal Mail Group, which has an There is very little in statute and a limited number of obligation to provide a certain level of service to the criteria in the licence that Royal Mail is obliged to fulfil. public. That is the universal service obligation. These obligations are contained in the licence granted to Royal Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/Co- Mail Group. The licence requires that Royal Mail provide op): Does my hon. Friend agree that far from considering a certain number of deliveries at a certain time to cutting the number of post offices, we should be looking homes and businesses and that Post Office Ltd retains to ensure that every community has access to the post post offices in all Scottish communities. office service? Can he, or the Minister, say what plans Royal Mail is also currently obliged to take the there are to ensure that every community has that provision of all post office services from Post Office access, particularly communities where new housing Ltd. That is called the inter-business agreement. That developments and so on are being generated? agreement, alongside a taxpayer subsidy of approximately £150 million per year, enables Post Office Ltd to fund its Gregg McClymont: My hon. Friend raises a very entire network of 1,400 post offices in Scotland. If good point. neither of those conditions existed—the inter-business There is very little in statute and a limited number of agreement or the public subsidy—the number of post criteria in the licence that Royal Mail is obliged to fulfil offices would fall sharply, especially in rural parts of in terms of post office outlet numbers. That did not Scotland. The danger is real, for the Business Secretary matter in the past because outside the formal rules the has said that the Government do not wish to retain a Government, as owner, could and did order Post Office stake in Royal Mail. That means full privatisation, with Ltd to maintain the current number of post offices. Royal Mail managers incentivised to seek maximum However, it will matter in future. The statutory or profitability. In these circumstances, the importance of licence conditions, if any, imposed on Royal Mail will postal services as a public service to the nation cannot determine the future of up to 4,000 of the existing be their priority. I say to the Minister that there is a 11,500 post offices. strong memory throughout this country of former public service managers making unmerited fortunes at the Margaret Curran (Glasgow East) (Lab): I, too, expense of the public following previous privatisations congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate. As in energy and in rail. Indeed, this tension between has been evident so far, post offices are highly valued by managerial freedom and the preservation of public the British public. Does he agree that instead of post services always emerges when utilities are privatised. offices facing a cuts strategy it would be much better if 129 Postal Services (Scotland)11 OCTOBER 2010 Postal Services (Scotland) 130 they were facing a growth strategy? Surely as part of I urge the Under-Secretary to adopt measures that that, the Government could, for example, insist that protect current postal services to the public. For deliveries, Royal Bank of Scotland, a state-owned bank, signed up that means maintaining the current number. For post to the post office universal banking counter service. In offices, the Government have two choices. They could fact, in these days, we do have opportunities to grow adopt an exclusive supply arrangement between a privatised post offices. What is his view on that? Royal Mail and a publicly owned Post Office, or they could set the universal service obligation criteria at a Gregg McClymont: My hon. Friend makes a good level that provides for maintaining the current number point. I am sure that the Under-Secretary will want to of post offices. Long-term protection of Scotland’s address a future strategy for growing the Post Office, postal services means giving Parliament the power to and not letting it fall into decline. agree the level of service and any subsequent changes to I said that 4,000 post offices in the UK are at risk. it. Individuals with industry experience suggest that between 2,500 and 4,000 post offices would be at risk if the 10.9 pm existing licence criteria remain unchanged. Scotland is likely to be at greater risk given its disproportionately The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, large number of rural post offices. That is why I say that Innovation and Skills (Mr Edward Davey): I thank the maintaining the current level of public service means hon. Member for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch not only retaining existing conditions for Royal Mail’s East (Gregg McClymont) for giving me this opportunity licence, but adding new criteria. I would be grateful if to begin a debate that we will have over the next few the Under-Secretary clarified which obligations will be weeks and months about Royal Mail and the Post maintained, and to which body they will apply, if Royal Office. If I am not able to answer all his questions Mail is to be privatised. tonight, he will understand why, and I am sure that he knows that all his questions will be answered over the I also hope that the Under-Secretary will agree that weeks and months to come. I hope that he will like the scope of the universal service obligation must be a many of the answers that he hears. decision for Parliament, and not delegated to the regulator or to an individual Minister, even one as capable as the Let me start by saying that I am absolutely committed Under-Secretary.I say that as a matter of both pragmatism to the universal postal service. As Minister for both and principle: pragmatism because a Minister or the postal services and consumer affairs, nobody is more regulator would be subject to enormous pressure from keenly aware than I am of the critical importance of the privatised entity to reduce the required service; postal services to our communities, small businesses principle because, if there is a will to amend the universal and the country at large. That is why I will introduce a service obligation, it must be done transparently and postal services Bill in this Session to ensure that the publicly by Parliament. My constituents and those of universal postal service remains one that we can rely on my hon. Friends care deeply about the service that for the future and that will safeguard those two separate Royal Mail and the Post Office provide. They demand but highly valued businesses, Royal Mail and the Post no less. Office. Moving from the universal service obligation to the The hon. Gentleman raised concerns about the post future of the inter-business agreement, what happens if office network in Scotland. The Government fully recognise the current exclusive agreement between Royal Mail the important social and economic role played by post and Post Office Ltd is ended? There is a danger that the offices in communities throughout the UK and particularly Post Office will be undercut unfairly by competitors. in rural and deprived urban areas, whether in Scotland For example, a supermarket chain could say to Royal or elsewhere. More than 99% of the population live Mail, “We can provide post offices more cheaply than within 3 miles of a post office and 93% within 1 mile, Post Office Ltd. We will include no loss-making outlets.” and it serves 20 million customers per week. It is a To avoid such an outcome, there needs to be a level fantastic network. playing field. Fair competition would depend on a We remain wholly committed to maintaining this strictly written set of licence criteria. Any business that nationwide network of post offices. Let me be clear wished to compete for supplying post offices to Royal about what that means: we will not repeat the mass Mail must fulfil exactly the same objective licence criteria closure programmes of the previous Government, which on a national basis as Post Office Ltd currently does. saw around 5,000 post offices close across the UK, The contract for providing post offices must be set on including 600 in Scotland and six in the hon. Gentleman’s just such an aggregated basis, otherwise bidders will constituency. Labour’s closure programmes tore the cherry-pick the profitable post office locations. heart out of rural communities up and down the UK: I The Government have given a welcome guarantee opposed them in opposition and I have no intention of that Post Office Ltd will remain in public ownership repeating them in government. Instead, we have protected when Royal Mail Group is broken up, but, without a £180 million of Government funding for the Post Office guaranteed revenue stream from Royal Mail, many in 2011-12—before the spending review has been branches will be at risk from public spending cuts. I fear announced—to maintain the network at around its that some of the Under-Secretary’s colleagues perceive current size, with further funding for future years to be privatisation simply as a way to generate a commercial finalised within the spending review and announced incentive for reducing the demand for post offices, to shortly. which the Government will then acquiesce. Can the The hon. Gentleman raised a point about the future Under-Secretary confirm whether the public subsidy to relationship between Royal Mail and the Post Office. Post Office Ltd will be maintained? I am sure that we Our starting point must be to recognise that the Post would all like an answer to that question. Office and Royal Mail are different businesses facing 131 Postal Services (Scotland)11 OCTOBER 2010 Postal Services (Scotland) 132

[Mr Edward Davey] frankly outdated working practices, which continue to cause problems despite the welcome modernisation different challenges. This Government are committed agreement. to safeguarding both, but our approach must reflect In June this year, my right hon. Friend the Business those differences. It is a commercial reality. I have Secretary asked Richard Hooper to update his report. already made clear that the Post Office will not be for His latest diagnosis, published in September, is stark, sale—as the hon. Gentleman recognised—so the two and I recommend that hon. and right hon. Members businesses will need to have a different relationship in read the report. Royal Mail’s financial position is worse the future. This should be seen as a real opportunity for now than it was in 2008. The decline in the letters the Post Office: separation will give its management market has been faster and deeper than predicted. In greater freedom to focus on growing its revenue and the UK, we now send 13 million fewer items a day than getting the most out of its branch network. we did just five years ago. The trend is set to continue, There should be no doubt that Post Office Ltd and with worldwide volumes predicted to fall by 25% to Royal Mail will continue to work closely together in the 40% over the next five years alone. They dropped by future. Post offices carried out more than 3 billion mail 7% in the UK last year, and by over 12% in the United transactions for Royal Mail last year, and the two are States. This is a serious issue that we have to tackle. closely entwined in the public mind. These companies Fortunately, it is not all bad news. The online revolution need each other, and that will continue to be the case has opened up a series of opportunities—we all know after separation. about parcels and packets—but as Richard Hooper has Our reforms will not end there. We want to see a made clear, they do not offset the decline. If we are to sustainable network offering a wider range of financial seize those opportunities and make the best of them, and Government services to boost revenues for local Royal Mail urgently needs more modernisation and sub-postmasters and the network. We are working investment, yet modernisation takes capital and commercial intensively across government to examine the scope for disciplines that I am afraid Royal Mail simply does not the Post Office to act as a “front office”for the Government, have at the moment. Let us remember that the taxpayer where local post offices are the natural place for citizens has made £1.2 billion available to Royal Mail since 2007 to access face-to face Government services, and where to support the current modernisation programme. the Post Office has an important role in supporting Frankly, if we are serious about dealing with the e-government, for example helping people to access problems, we will have to modernise and invest much online Government services through their local branches. more. So where will the money come from? I am afraid We are also considering the case for a Post Office that economic times have changed. There is enormous bank. We must remember that the Post Office already pressure, as every Member must realise, on the public offers a wide range of financial services and is increasingly purse. We simply cannot expect taxpayers to continue taking on many features of a bank, but I want to go to provide the ongoing investment that Royal Mail further and to see a situation in which 100% of current needs when it could be supplied by the private sector, as accounts are accessible at post offices and 100% of has been shown with Deutsche Post in Germany, which people know about that. Of course, those are ultimately has seen massive investment since it was first floated in commercial decisions for the banks involved. However, 2001. This is not just a question of cash: Royal Mail as a Government, we have a role to play in encouraging needs private sector disciplines and the freedom from that process and explaining to the banks how important Government intervention to innovate and take the right we think it is. Hon. Members can rest assured that we commercial decisions to secure its future. are doing that. I say to the hon. Gentleman that we have a choice: to There are interesting opportunities, too, in the growing do nothing and allow Royal Mail to slip into a slow trend of community groups, charities and local people decline, requiring ever-increasing handouts from the getting involved in the running of their local post taxpayer; or to take action, which I will come to. offices. That is what the big society is all about: Government getting out of the way and letting the people who know Margaret Curran: The Minister referred to working best have a real say in running their services. We are practices that he believes are causing difficulties. Will he fully behind this trend and are open to all ideas that can outline what those practices are, and say how the contribute to a vibrant and sustainable post office network Government intend to change them? on which communities can rely. Mr Davey: I refer the hon. Lady to the agreement The hon. Gentleman also raised concerns about how reached by the Communication Workers Union and the universal postal service must not be downgraded as Royal Mail recently, which looks at significant reforms a result of any Government action. Let me start by to working practices. For example, I strongly support explaining why the Government are taking action. In the fact that the CWU has agreed to a reduction in the 2008, the hon. Gentleman’s own party commissioned number of sorting offices in order to reduce costs. That Richard Hooper to lead an independent review of the kind of change is very welcome. postal services sector, seeking recommendations to sustain the universal postal service, so that many of our small Gregg McClymont: I have been listening intently to businesses and communities could continue to rely on what the Minister has said and, as far as I can tell, he is them. However, those recommendations were never replying to a speech that I did not make. I am asking implemented, for reasons that I will not go into because whether the licence criteria, as currently constituted, I wish to spare the hon. Gentleman the embarrassment. protect the 11,500 post offices in the UK and the 1,400 However, for the past two years Royal Mail has continued post offices in Scotland. Unless I am mistaken, he has to suffer under the perfect storm of a declining market not addressed that point yet, and I hope that he will be in letters, a volatile and crippling pension deficit, and able to do so. 133 Postal Services (Scotland)11 OCTOBER 2010 Postal Services (Scotland) 134

Mr Davey: I thought that I had made it clear that, sector capital and disciplines that it needs to modernise, under this Government we will see no major programme innovate and thrive in the modern communications of closures as we did under the previous Government. market; it means putting in place a regulatory regime The hon. Gentleman will know the number of post that recognises that post is now competing in a wider offices that closed in his constituency. There were six, communications market; it means giving the regulator and I can list them. Greenfaulds, Queenzieburn, Banton, an increased focus on safeguarding the universal service, Rosebank, Waterside and Kildrum all closed in his regardless of who owns Royal Mail; and it means constituency under the previous Government, and we making sure that postmen and women have a real stake will not see such a closure programme again. in the future success of the company. That is why we will be introducing the largest employee share scheme in Gregg McClymont rose— a privatisation for 25 years—bigger than that of British Mr Davey: Does the hon. Gentleman wish to intervene? Gas, BT or British Airways. Indeed, as a percentage of I hope that he is going to apologise for those closures. the shares, it will be the largest employee share scheme of any major privatisation. I firmly believe that our Gregg McClymont: I understand the determination proposals for an employee share scheme will help to in a political culture to ask people to apologise for increase engagement and productivity, and will align things in which they played no role. I do not intend to the long-term interests of the company with those of its go down that route. The Minister has given an undertaking employees. to protect the level of Post Office services, but he has Let me return to the hon. Gentleman’s specific concern. not explained how he intends to do it, beyond making Some have said that privatisation will lead to a degraded some rather vague allusions to the path that the Post service, but they are wrong. The forthcoming postal Office might go down in the future. I say again that, in services Bill will be all about protecting the universal my estimation, the licence criteria as currently written postal service by establishing new, stronger safeguards can be met only by 7,500 post offices, and I am waiting and a firmer focus on its continued provision. with great interest to hear something specific about how I do not know whether the hon. Gentleman is aware the 4,000 post offices are to be maintained. that our obligation under EU law is to a lesser service Mr Davey: Over the next few weeks and months the than the one that we currently enjoy in the UK. When it hon. Gentleman will hear a huge amount about our comes to the universal postal service and the minimum proposals to ensure that we can make good on our service that member states are required to provide, the pledge not to repeat Labour’s mass closure programme. European postal directive specifies only five days per I have already mentioned the extra revenues—whether week, with no obligation to keep the service uniform from Government services or financial services—that throughout the UK. I am sure that, as one who comes will form a critical part of delivering on that. Frankly, it from Scotland, the hon. Gentleman agrees that a non- is not through regulation that we will save the post uniform service would be unacceptable here in the UK. office network; it is by getting business through the However, the power to downgrade our service to that network so that sub-postmasters can have a decent level already exists, and could be used by a future income and post offices can be financially viable. That Government without a parliamentary vote or any need is the way to do it. for consultation. That is completely unacceptable to me. As I said earlier, I intend to establish new, stronger Cathy Jamieson: Given that the Minister believes that safeguards for the universal service. The Government a number of the previous post office closures were have no intention of downgrading the service, and will wrong, what provision will he make for the communities never allow a situation in which the service required in that wish their post offices to be reopened? one area of the country is not the same as that required in another. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will support Mr Davey: As the hon. Lady will see in the weeks the safeguards in the Bill when they are debated in the ahead, we want to empower communities and to ensure House, because they relate to the very points that he has that the post office network is financially viable for the made so eloquently tonight. long term. She will have to wait until she hears this Government’s full policy statement, but I hope that she The measures that I have described will ensure that will support it. We saw 5,000 post offices close across our communities continue to benefit from a vibrant the UK under the previous Government, and we will post office network and a reliable universal postal service. not see a repeat of that. Those closures left my Safeguarding the Post Office and the universal postal constituents—and, no doubt, those of the hon. Member service is at the very heart of the Government’s policy, for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East—far and I hope that I have been able to reassure the hon. worse off than they were before. Gentleman on that point. Question put and agreed to. I should like to continue, as I want to deal with an issue that the hon. Gentleman spent some time on. This 10.27 pm Government have made a clear choice. We will take House adjourned. action to safeguard Royal Mail and its universal service—the six-day, one-price-goes-anywhere service that is so essential to consumers, small businesses and rural communities. I recognise the hon. Gentleman’s particular interest in CORRECTION this matter, as that service is highly valued in Scotland, as it is in other extensive rural and remote areas of the UK. He was right to make that point. Official Report, Wednesday 15 September 2010: in Protecting the universal service is our primary objective. Division No. 63, at column 952, insert Justin Tomlinson That means giving Royal Mail the access to the private in the Noes.

1WS Written Ministerial Statements11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 2WS

lobbyists to campaign. A copy of the proposed code has Written Ministerial been placed in the House of Commons Library. Subject to the consultation, I intend before the end of the year Statements to seek parliamentary approval to the proposed code, after which it will come into force. Monday 11 October 2010 Supporting local people When times are tough Government have a duty to CABINET OFFICE treat the public fairly. The Exchequer Secretary and I confirmed on 23 September that the Government would Government Efficiency Review not carry out a council tax revaluation in England during the lifetime of this Parliament. An unnecessary and expensive revaluation could lead to increased council The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster tax bills. Taxpayers now know there will be no unexpected General (Mr Francis Maude): On 13 August, Sir Philip council tax revaluation hikes in the next five years. Green was commissioned by the Prime Minister to conduct an external review of Government efficiency. A local authority breakdown of the property attribute Sir Philip submitted his findings and recommendations information collected on people’s homes, including number to the Chief Secretary of the Treasury and me on of bedrooms, patios, value significant gardens and scenic 7 October. We are grateful to Sir Philip and his team views, has also been published in the interests of from Arcadia for the time and effort they have taken to transparency to make the public aware of the datasets produce their recommendations. Their findings clearly that have been gathered under the last Government. demonstrate the scale of inefficiency and waste present In addition, an independent data protection audit of in the system today. It is clear that there is a huge the Valuation Office Agency’s (VOA) council tax database opportunity and a real willingness on behalf of civil is to be carried out to make sure people’s privacy is servants to take on the important task of delivering protected when the agency assesses properties and stores efficiency. We welcome the sense of urgency that Sir Philip data. This is in keeping with the coalition’s desire to has brought to this work and are looking at how we can defend civil liberties, and to restore the rights of individuals. best take forward key recommendations. The review On 1 October small business rate relief doubled for will be placed on the Cabinet Office website. over half a million small businesses for one year as part of the Government’s emergency budget commitments COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT to help invest in growth. This means 345,000 businesses will pay no rates at all. We have also announced a Conference Adjournment 2010 package of practical advice and training for traditional market traders, to support existing markets and help The Secretary of State for Communities and Local potential enterprising traders get started. Government (Mr Eric Pickles): I would like to update Changes to rules contained in the Mortgage hon. Members on the main items of business undertaken Repossessions (Protection of Tenants etc) Act 2010 by my Department during the Conference Adjournment have increased protections for tenants who face having 2010. their home repossessed through no fault of their own. Transparency For the first time tenants will be able to attend the The Department is continuing its commitment to repossession court hearing and judges will be able to deliver transparent and open Government. Ahead of take their situation into account and delay repossessions the requirement in November for all central Government proceedings by up to two months. Departments to publish monthly details of spend over We are changing the way in which parish councils can £25,000, my Department has published the details of its make payments. Currently parish councils make payments spend over £500 for the first quarter of 2010-11 and for through cheques that must be counter-signed by two 2008-09. This follows the publication, in August, of members of the council, changes will mean that they 2009-10 spending details. will be able to use modern banking methods such as We have been working with the Local Government electronic banking. This will save time and benefit many Association on measures to increase transparency in small private companies who will get paid faster. councils including new guidance from the LGA detailing Decentralisation best practice for putting council spending and senior The Department is continuing to push power and salary information online. Over 60 councils have already control down away from the centre. published the details of their spend over £500 ahead of their January deadline. The announcement of plans to introduce legislation On 29 September my Department published for to scrap the housing revenue account and replace it with consultation a proposed new statutory code of a system allowing councils to keep the rents and receipts recommended practice on local authority publicity. The from right to buy sales that they collect was made on proposals are intended to stop taxpayers’ money being 5 October. This will give councils greater financial freedom squandered on town hall newspapers or hired lobbyists. to meet the housing needs of their local communities. An independent local press is an essential part of our The Government are committed to freeing up councils open democracy helping local people scrutinise and and cutting red tape. We have launched a consultation hold elected councillors to account. The proposed new setting out our plans to streamline the current three sets rules around council publicity will restrict council of regulations and orders covering tree preservation newspapers to four times a year. The proposed code will orders in England into one document. The change has also guard against councils using public funds to hire the potential to save local councils more than £500,000 3WS Written Ministerial Statements11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 4WS in administration costs each year. The new regulations The common law is already clear on this. Parliament will reduce paperwork, simplify the process of protecting is sovereign. EU law has effect in the UK because—and trees and provide a fairer, more straightforward and solely because—Parliament wills that it should. Parliament effective system for tree preservation. chose to pass the European Communities Act 1972. Decentralisation and pooling budgets That was the act of a sovereign Parliament. We have already set out plans to decentralise power The Government have explored how to ensure that to individuals, neighbourhoods, front-line professionals this fundamental principle of parliamentary sovereignty and local institutions. is upheld in relation to EU law. We have assessed Individuals are being put in charge of their lives whether the common law provides sufficient ongoing through personal budgets, for example on adult social and unassailable protection for that principle. Our care and childcare, or choice, such as which hospital to assessment is that to date, case law has upheld that use or over who runs the police. principle. But we have decided to put the matter beyond speculation by placing this principle on a statutory Community groups and neighbourhoods will be in footing. charge of planning and responsible for delivering more and more public services. Public sector professionals In the autumn, the Government will legislate to underline will be using their judgment over how best to run that what a sovereign Parliament can do, a sovereign services, for example with GPs in control of commissioning Parliament can always undo. A clause to this effect will and heads running schools. be included in the European Union Bill. Local government will have a general power of This clause will not alter the existing UK legal order competence and increased freedom to run services free on a day to day basis in relation to EU law. And it will from central diktat, with hundreds of targets already be in line with the practice of other member states, like abolished and over £1 billion of ring-fenced funding Germany. Although they have a different constitutional already removed in 2010-11—with much more to be framework, they have given effect to EU law through a removed through the spending review. sovereign Act. Moving forward, our goal is to see the public sector Global Abolition of the Death Penalty operate in a much more unified way to maximise the resource available to us to tackle social problems. That means getting different organisations and agencies to The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth work together in a way that simply has not happened in Office (Mr Jeremy Browne): I wish to make the House the past. aware that I will publicly launch HMG’s strategy on We are putting in place national welfare to work and global abolition of the death penalty at an event in the offender rehabilitation schemes, operating on a payment FCO today to mark the world day and European day by results basis. But we do not just want that important against the death penalty. support to be done by central Government—local This strategy sets out the UK’s policy on the death government should be involved too, putting its own penalty, and identifies three goals to support our overarching funding and expertise into developing enhanced objective of global abolition. First we will aim to further programmes to work alongside the core work that we increase the number of abolitionist countries, or countries are doing nationwide. with a moratorium on the use of the death penalty. We will put local councils in the driving seat to join Secondly we want to secure further restrictions on the up public services, pooling resources across the public use of the death penalty in retentionist countries and sector to tackle social problems. We want elected mayors reductions in the numbers of executions, and thirdly we to trail-blaze such initiatives, not least since elected will aim to ensure that EU minimum standards on the mayors in our cities will be embraced by the public if death penalty, such as fair trial rights and non-execution they have real power. So we will create the opportunity of juveniles, are met in countries which retain the death for mayors to bring together different devolved budgets penalty. and pool them with our national payment-by-results Promoting human rights and democracy is a priority systems. Together, mayors will be able to help design for the UK. We oppose the death penalty in all services specifically targeted at the hardest-to-help families. circumstances as a matter of principle because we believe They will be able to add their own budgets—social it undermines human dignity; there is no conclusive services, care, housing, health improvement—to the evidence of its deterrent value; and any miscarriage of national programmes. This will give local communities justice leading to its imposition is irreversible and irreparable. the power to change lives, and help save money at the A copy of the strategy will be placed in the Library same time. I would expect to make a further announcement of the House and published on the FCO website to the House in due course. (www.fco.gov.uk) by 12 October.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE HEALTH National Dementia Strategy European Union Bill (Sovereignty) The Minister of State, Department of Health (Paul The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): The Burstow): The Government published a newoutcomes coalition programme for Government said that the focused implementation plan for the National Dementia Government would examine the case for a United Kingdom Strategy on 28 September 2010. “Quality outcomes Sovereignty Bill affirming that ultimate authority remains for people with dementia: building on the work of with Parliament. the National Dementia Strategy” has been placed in 5WS Written Ministerial Statements11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 6WS the Library and copies are available to hon. Members in The revised NHS operating framework for 2010-11 the VoteOffice. The document is also available electronically highlights that the NHS and its partners must give a at: www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/Features/DH_119830. greater priority to dementia. Local organisations will be expected to publish how they are delivering on quality Raising the quality of care for people with dementia outcomes so that they can be held to account by local and their carers is a major priority under this Government. people. This expectation along with the data generated The key purpose of “Quality outcomes for people with by the national audit will create much greater transparency. dementia: building on the work of the National Dementia Strategy” is to set out for health and social care localities The Government are working with the Alzheimer’s and their delivery partners: Society to develop a National Dementia Declaration, the Department of Health’s role and its priorities during which is due to be launched in autumn 2010. This is a 2010-11 for supporting local delivery of and local accountability sector-wide initiative, led by the Alzheimer’s Society, for the implementation of “Living Well with Dementia—A which involves a wide range of national organisations. National Dementia Strategy”; It will be a call to action to improve the quality of life the strategy’s fit with the new vision for the future of health outcomes for people with dementia and their carers. and social care as set out in the White Paper “Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS”; and The Government support the implementation of the the fit with the consultation document “Liberating the NHS: “End of Life Care Strategy”, published in 2008, which Transparency in outcomes—a framework for the NHS”. aims to improve end of life care for all adults, including “Living well with Dementia—A National Dementia those with dementia. The Government have also confirmed Strategy”1 was launched in February 2009 following an its commitment to improving quality and choice in extensive consultation process, with the aim of improving palliative and end of life care in “Equity and excellence: the quality of care for people with dementia and their Liberating the NHS”, which includes the commitment carers. It is a five-year strategy containing 17 objectives to move towards a national choice offer to support to transform dementia services. Some £150 million has people’s preferences about how to have a good death. been made available to primary care trusts in the first two years—£60 million in 2009-10 and £90 million in “Quality outcomes for people with dementia: building 2010-11—to implement the strategy, but without a ring- on the work of the National Dementia Strategy” reflects fence on the funding or targets. Alongside delivery of the Government’s commitment to ensure a greater focus the strategy, work is under way to implement the on accelerating the pace of improvement through local recommendations of Professor Sube Banerjee’s report delivery of and local accountability for achieving quality into the over-prescribing of anti-psychotic drugs for outcomes in dementia care. 2 people with dementia . Professor Banerjee’s report has At the heart of this vision is the Government’s been placed in the Library and is available at: commitment to putting patients and the public first; www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/ improving health and social care outcomes; ensuring PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_108303. autonomy, accountability, democratic legitimacy and “Quality outcomes for people with dementia: building improving efficiency. on the work of the National Dementia Strategy” provides an implementation plan that reflects the principles of As highlighted in the National Dementia Strategy, the White Paper “Equity and Excellence: Liberating the the pace of implementation will vary depending on NHS”3, the consultation document “Liberating the NHS: local circumstances and the level and development of Transparencyinoutcomes–aframeworkfortheNHS”4 services within each NHS and local government area. It and the current economic and political landscape, where describes what the Department of Health considers as the Department’s role is more enabling and less directive. its priorities for policy development in its role of enabler for continued progress in improving outcomes for people The new implementation plan identifies four priority with dementia and their carers. objectives for the Department’s work during 2010-11 to support local delivery of the strategy. These areas provide A key element of this new outcomes focused approach a real focus on activities that are likely to have the is ensuring greater transparency and provision of greatest impact on improving quality outcomes for information to individuals so that they have a good people with dementia and their carers. The four priority understanding of their local services, how these compare objectives are: to other services, and the level of quality that they can good-quality early diagnosis and intervention for all; expect. Local organisations will be expected to publish improved quality of care in general hospitals; how they are delivering on quality outcomes so that living well with dementia in care homes; and they can be held to account by local people. reduced use of anti-psychotic medication. Notes

The Government have commissioned a national audit 1 of dementia services, which is establishing the provision “Living well with dementia: A National Dementia Strategy”, Department of Health, 3 February 2009. of dementia services across the country. The audit will provide local NHS and social care organisations with a 2The use of antipsychotic medication for people with dementia: measure of their progress in key areas including the use Time for action—A report for the Minister of State for Care of senior clinical leads for dementia in hospitals, Services by Professor Sube Banerjee,12 November 2009. establishment of memory services, reducing the use of 3The NHS White Paper: “Equity and Excellence: Liberating anti-psychotic medication and expenditure on dementia the NHS”, Department of Health, 12 July2010. services, so that they can drive forward action to accelerate improvements in dementia care. The initial results are 4“Liberating the NHS: Transparency in outcomes—a framework expected by the end of the year. for the NHS”. 7WS Written Ministerial Statements11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 8WS

HOME DEPARTMENT The focus of the Council discussion was how to strengthen the EU’s relationships with emerging powers, Equality and Human Rights Commission notably in advance of the EU-China and EU-India (Triennial Review) summits on 6 October and 10 December respectively. The Foreign Secretary and I had three clear objectives The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the for the Council. Home Department (Lynne Featherstone): The first triennial The first objective was that the Council recognise that review of the Equality and Human Rights Commission trade should be at the heart of the European Union’s (EHRC), “How Fair is Britain?”, has been laid before engagement with strategic partners. The Council conclusions the House. Copies will be made available in the Vote contain strong language on this. Office. The second objective was to secure the EU-Korea free trade agreement. This was signed at the EU-South JUSTICE Korea summit on 6 October and will now be put to the Family Courts: Part 2 of the Children, Schools and European Parliament. It will enter into force on 1 July Families Act 2010 2011. The third objective was to ensure that the European Council conclusions made a clear statement of European The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice support for Pakistan in response to the devastating (Mr Jonathan Djanogly): The Under-Secretary of State floods that the country has suffered. for Education, the Minister with responsibility for children and families, my hon. Friend the Member for East Leaders agreed a declaration on Pakistan which commits Worthing and Shoreham (Tim Loughton) and I wish to the EU to providing humanitarian aid, development make the following statement to the House about part 2 assistance and new trade concessions to Pakistan. On of the Children, Schools and Families Act 2010. trade, the declaration confirms that the EU will grant The Act received Royal Assent in April, but the exclusively to Pakistan the immediate reduction of duties provisions in part 2, which relate to the reporting of on key imports to the EU. Furthermore, the declaration family court proceedings by the media, have not yet confirms the EU’s commitment to Pakistan’s eligibility been commenced. This is a sensitive issue, on which a for a package of trade concessions that the Commission broad range of views have been strongly expressed. It is estimates to be worth over ¤1 billion annually known as important that the family justice system is properly GSP+. understood and commands public confidence. At the On 7 October the Commission adopted a significant same time, there is a clear need to protect the privacy of package of trade measures for Pakistan which suspends vulnerable children and adults involved in cases in the tariffs on a further 27% of Pakistani imports into the family courts. My hon. Friend and I have decided to EU. It is estimated to be worth each year around wait until the family justice review has published its ¤100 million in additional trade and ¤80 million in tariff final report before determining whether to commence savings. This will be put to the Council later this month. these provisions, which will allow us to consider the changes part 2 of the Act would introduce in light of The Council also approved a declaration on the middle the review’s recommendations for reform of the family east peace process. This strongly welcomes the launch justice system. of direct negotiations, calls for an extension of the settlements moratorium and offers support for the US-led efforts. PRIME MINISTER President Van Rompuy gave a progress report on the European Council (16 September 2010) work of his taskforce on economic governance ahead of wider discussion at the European Council on 28 and 29 October. The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): I attended the European Council meeting on 16 September, with Copies of the Council conclusions have been placed the Foreign Secretary. in the Libraries of both Houses. 1P Petitions11 OCTOBER 2010 Petitions 2P

point of co-ordination for intelligence, analysis and Petitions operational activities around human trafficking. All 55 Police Forces have a Senior Investigator trained in Monday 11 October 2010 human trafficking, and all new police officers get training on human trafficking. Victim care is central to the UK’s approach to combating OBSERVATIONS trafficking. The aim is to ensure that all victims receive the right support and protection. We have established a National Referral Mechanism to improve identification HOME DEPARTMENT and protection of trafficking victims, which we are currently reviewing to ensure its effectiveness. Identified victims of trafficking are provided with specialist support Human Trafficking and accommodation to enable them to recover from The Petition of the constituents of Manchester Withington their ordeal, including accommodation, advocacy, and others, counselling, legal advice, interpretative services and reintegration assistance if they return home. Declares that the petitioners believe that the continuing and increasing incidence of human trafficking into the We view the trafficking of children as a very serious UK and across the world is a disturbing situation that offence and acknowledge that where children are found brings misery to many adults and children across the to be trafficked, their safety and welfare needs are globe; notes that the petitioners believe human trafficking urgently addressed. All trafficked children are entitled is a stain on the moral values of the UK; and notes that to the same protection as UK nationals and the primary the petitioners support the “STOP THE TRAFFIK” responsibility for safeguarding children falls to local campaign. authorities. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of The Government are committed to creating a National Commons urges the Government to take all possible Crime Agency, which will help combat organised crime, steps to put an end to human trafficking. including trafficking, more effectively. And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mr John Leech, Official Report, 27 July 2010; Vol. 514, c. 973.] [P000855] Observations from the Secretary of State for the Home TRANSPORT Department: Human trafficking is a brutal form of organised Bromsgrove Railway Station crime where people are treated as commodities and The Petition of the people of Bromsgrove exploited for criminal gain. Home Office research suggests that in 2009 there were up to 2,600 victims of trafficking Declares that the petitioners, whilst recognising the for sexual exploitation in England and Wales. current pressure on public finances, believe that the cost to the public purse of a new railway station in Bromsgrove The UK takes a comprehensive approach to combating would be more than offset by the resulting economic trafficking, combining a robust approach to enforcement and environmental benefits for both Bromsgrove and and prosecutions with arrangements to identify and the wider region; and notes that there is uncertainty support victims of trafficking. This is in line with the about the availability of Government funding for this UK’s international commitments, chiefly under the UN project. Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime (and in particular the Palermo Protocol) and the Council The Petitioners therefore request that the House of of Europe Convention on Trafficking Against Human Commons urges the Secretary of State for Transport to Beings. confirm that Government funding for this vital infrastructural upgrade will go ahead. The UK works to prevent trafficking in many ways. We work to understand the nature and scale of the And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Sajid problem through estimates of trafficking for sexual Javid, Official Report, 13 September 2010; Vol. 515, exploitation and a scoping study on labour trafficking; c. 710.] by reducing demand at home, by raising awareness and [P000858] reducing demand upstream through international development programmes. Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport, received 28 September 2010: A range of UK enforcement agencies help to combat trafficking. The Serious Organised Crime Agency gathers I am aware that the growth in demand for rail travel intelligence and deploys specialist resources, co-ordinates from Bromsgrove means that the existing station does programmes and activities across UK law enforcement not have platforms long enough to accommodate the agencies, and leads on upstream enforcement activities longer trains expected to be needed to cope with the in key source and transit countries, in conjunction with number of people expected to use the services which overseas law enforcement agencies. The UK Border call there. Agency also plays a crucial role in tackling trafficking The preferred option to address this issue proposed through gathering intelligence, border protection (at by Worcestershire County Council is to build a new home and overseas) and taking enforcement action station to the south of the existing station. This would against employers who may be using trafficked labour. increase the amount of car parking available to rail The UK Human Trafficking Centre (now part of SOCA users and provide better interchange with other forms but retaining its own role and identity) is a central of transport than would be possible at the existing site. 3P Petitions11 OCTOBER 2010 Petitions 4P

This solution is supported by other rail industry the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review. partners and it would complement the proposal to This has been necessary given the Government’s priority electrify the railway line from Barnt Green to Longbridge of tackling the budget deficit. and extend “cross city” services to and from Birmingham After the Spending Review and the consequent allocation and beyond, to terminate at Bromsgrove rather than of funds to local authorities and other bodies by the Longbridge. Government, Worcestershire County Council and other potential funding partners will need to consider whether The West Midlands Region had proposed to contribute this project remains a priority for funding from capital £5 million from its Regional Funding Allocation from budgets. Government towards this project. In common with In reaching a decision, funders will wish to take other schemes to be funded through this mechanism, account of the economic and environmental benefits a consideration of this scheme has been suspended pending new station would bring to the area. 1W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 2W Written Answers to Departmental Contracts Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Questions Ireland what the monetary value is of contracts his Department has awarded to each (a) management consultancy and (b) IT company since 7 May 2010. Monday 11 October 2010 [16180]

Mr Paterson: Nil. WALES Departmental Empty Buildings Departmental Contracts Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Northern Ireland what the estimated monetary value is what the monetary value is of contracts her Department of each vacant (a) building and (b) parcel of land has awarded to each (a) management consultancy and owned by his Department in each region. [16245] (b) IT company since 7 May 2010. [16175] Mr Paterson: The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) Mr David Jones: Nil. does not own any vacant buildings or parcels of land.

Departmental Public Expenditure Departmental Expenditure

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if her Department will take steps to assess the Northern Ireland if his Department will take steps to effects on (a) equality of incomes, (b) equality of assess the effects on (a) equality of incomes, (b) equality assets and (c) equality of access to services of measures of assets and (c) equality of access to services of relating to its expenditure under consideration in the measures relating to its expenditure under consideration Spending Review. [16346] in the Spending Review. [16349]

Mr David Jones: The Wales Office will ensure the Mr Paterson: The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) will relevant equality considerations are taken in to account ensure the relevant equality considerations are taken in the context of expenditure under consideration in the into account in the context of expenditure under Spending Review, in compliance with our obligations consideration in the spending review, in compliance under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, the Race Relations with our obligations under the Sex Discrimination Act Act 1976, and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. 1975, the Race Relations Act 1976, and the Disability Answered 11 October 2010 Discrimination Act 1995.

Ryder Cup Departmental Press Mr David: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern whether officials of her Department plan to attend the Ireland how much his Department spent on newspapers, 2010 Ryder Cup. [15908] periodicals and trade profession magazines in each year since 1997. [16229] Mr David Jones: No Wales Office officials attended the 2010 Ryder Cup in an official capacity. Mr Paterson: Comparable figures for the Department as it is now configured are not available for the years preceding the completion of devolution on 12 April 2010. NORTHERN IRELAND In the period since 12 April 2010, the Northern Departmental Billing Ireland Office (NIO) has spent £6,346 on newspapers, periodicals and trade profession magazines. Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average cost to his Department was of Departmental Secondment processing the payment of an invoice in the latest period for which figures are available; and what proportion of Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for invoices settled in that period his Department paid (a) Northern Ireland how many staff his Department has electronically and (b) by cheque. [16170] appointed on secondment since 7 May 2010; and from what organisation each such member of staff has been Mr Paterson: The latest period for which information seconded. [16265] is available for the Department as currently configured is from 12 April 2010, when devolution to the Northern Mr Paterson: Since 7 May 2010 my Department has Ireland Assembly was completed, to 31 August 2010. appointed one member of staff on secondment from The proportion of invoices paid electronically during the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern this period was 93.1% and 6.9% by cheque. Ireland. 3W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 4W

Intelligence Services David Mundell: It is not normal practice for the Government to commission research into voters’ Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for perceptions following elections. Starting with the 2003 Northern Ireland what provisions of the St. Andrews election, the Electoral Commission has had a statutory Agreement govern the transfer of intelligence material responsibility to report on the administration of Scottish to the Northern Ireland Executive. [15666] Parliament elections and, as part of its fact finding role in connection with their reports, it commissions research Mr Paterson: Where issues arise within the transferred into voters’ perceptions. policing and justice field which have a national security dimension or which touch on national security-related Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for issues, arrangements are in place for consultation and Scotland pursuant to the answer of 14 September 2010, the sharing of information between the Secretary of Official Report, column 945W, on departmental State and the Minister of Justice. This includes regular consultants, what the terms of reference were of the meetings at ministerial level, and ad hoc information research commissioned through Quadrant consultants exchange as necessary. Insofar as it touched on the into voters’ perceptions following the 2007 Scottish matter, the St Andrews Agreement dealt primarily with Parliament elections; and if he will place in the Library the transfer of primacy, from the PSNI to the Security a copy of the report of the research. [16143] Service, for the handling of national security intelligence in Northern Ireland. David Mundell: The objectives of the research were: To obtain a quantitative evaluation of voters’ responses to key Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission questions on the overnight count and ballot paper design. To develop a qualitative understanding of voters’ reasoning Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern behind their responses to the above issues. Ireland what the remit is of the funding review of the To explore voters’ personal experiences of elections both in Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; how the 2007 and in previous years. review will carry out its work; and if he will make a To make an assessment of the level of confidence voters statement. [15634] currently have in the electoral system and the likely impact of the proposed changes/solutions on their confidence in the short and Mr Swire: I am not aware of any specific review of medium-term future. funding of the Northern Ireland Human Rights To explore additional electoral issues, specifically: Commission (NIHRC). A review of management structures Voters’ experiences of the voting process, i.e. how easy do they is underway—this is not being undertaken by Government find it? but has been commissioned by the Commission independently. Details of the review can be found in Postal vs. personal voting. letters deposited in the Library of the House (reference: Voters’ experiences of their contact with electoral staff. DEP2010-1623). The Government-wide spending review To what extent the different approaches for different types of affects the Human Rights Commission as it does all elections make the process confusing. aspects of public spending. Correspondence between Methods by which voting could be improved/made easier. my department and the NIHRC on the subject of the I have arranged for a copy of the research report to spending review can also be found in the Library of the be placed in the House Library. The report has been House (reference: DEP2010-1623). available on the Scotland Office website since 24 June 2008. Presbyterian Mutual Society Elections: Ballot Papers Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent progress has been made Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for towards a resolution for savers affected by the current Scotland what testing has been undertaken on ballot situation of the Presbyterian Mutual Society. [15667] paper designs for the Scottish Parliament elections scheduled for May next year. [16132] Mr Paterson: I have been chairing regular meetings of the Ministerial Working Group, with the aim of David Mundell: The ballot papers for the 2011 Scottish finding a just and fair resolution for those PMS members Parliament election take account of the recommendations who have been unable to access their investments since made by Ron Gould in his report on the May 2007 October 2008. In recent months we have made considerable elections and the views expressed by voters who took progress, and we hope to be able to announce the way part in the research undertaken by Quadrant Consultants forward shortly. on behalf of the Scotland Office during May and June 2008. They have been designed in accordance with the Electoral Commission’s guidance on ballot paper design SCOTLAND contained: “Making your mark: Good practice for designing voter materials: guidance for government policy-makers”. Departmental Consultants Employment Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland pursuant to the answer of 14 September 2010, Official Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Report, column 945W, on departmental consultants, Scotland on what date he wrote to (a) the Scottish whether research was commissioned by his Department Government, (b) the Scottish Trades Union Congress into voters’ perceptions following the Scottish Parliament and (c) the Confederation of British Industry to suggest elections in (a) 1999 and (b) 2003. [16133] that it participates in a second jobs summit. [15658] 5W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 6W

Michael Moore: I hosted a roundtable meeting on Unemployment employment and related matters with a group of key partners from the public, private and third sectors on 24 Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for September. Organisations represented included the Scottish Scotland what assessment he has made of the reasons Government, the STUC, a range of business organisations, for which the rate of worklessness in Scotland is rising the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, the at a faster rate than the equivalent figure across the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Scotland’s UK. [15640] Colleges, Enable Scotland, the Poverty Alliance, and employability providers from the private and social Michael Moore: The figures for worklessness for the enterprise sectors. three months to June 2010 published by the Office for National Statistics in September highlight the scale of Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for the problem inherited by the Government. They Scotland how many (a) public and (b) private sector demonstrate very clearly that the system supported by jobs he expects to be (i) lost and (ii) created in Scotland previous Governments is failing families in our country. during the course of the present Parliament. [15660] That is why the Government are moving forward with a work programme which will offer personalised support Michael Moore: The independent Office for Budget to people on a range of benefits to help lift them out of Responsibility (OBR) predicts that UK employment worklessness and into employment. will rise by around 1.4 million over the next five years I discussed this at a roundtable meeting on employment, and that, although public sector employment is falling, welfare and poverty I hosted on 24 September with a in three years time it will be 150,000 higher than the group of key partners from the public, private and third OBR forecast based on the March 2010 budget. In sectors. At that event, Dr Jim McCormick, Scotland Scotland, the Fraser of Allander Institute’s most recent Adviser to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, shared the forecast shows economy-wide net growth of almost findings of their ‘Monitoring poverty and social exclusion 15,000 jobs in 2011 and over 36,000 jobs in 2012. The in Scotland 2010’ report which was published on Government are committed to tackling the country’s 22 September 2010. record deficit, to allow for sustainable and balanced growth led by the private sector. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with (a) the Ministers of Religion Scottish Trades Union Congress, (b) the Confederation of British Industry, (c) the Federation of Small Businesses Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for and (d) the Scottish Chambers of Commerce on Scotland when he last discussed the Act of Settlement unemployment trends in Scotland. [15659] with (a) faith leaders in Scotland, (b) Ministerial colleagues and (c) others. [16317] Michael Moore: The economic problems that this Government have inherited and their impact on Michael Moore: As the Minister for Political and employment have been key topics of the meetings I have Constitutional Reform explained in the Adjournment had with a range of organisations since I took office. Debate on 1 July 2010, Official Report, column 1109, On 24 September I hosted a roundtable meeting with the Government have not ruled out any change to the key organisations from the public, private and third Act of Settlement, but if we are to undertake change, sectors to discuss unemployment and related matters. we need to do it in a careful and thoughtful way. Where The STUC and a range of business organisations were future change is considered, I will discuss this with my in attendance. I will continue to engage with these and ministerial colleagues, faith leaders and others with an other organisations. interest in this issue.

Public Expenditure PRIME MINISTER Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Palestinians Scotland what recent research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on (i) the Scottish Ian Austin: To ask the Prime Minister whether he had budget since devolution and (ii) the draft Scottish discussions with the (a) Secretary of State for Foreign budget for 2010-11. [16380] and Commonwealth Affairs and (b) Israeli government on his description of Gaza as a prison camp. [16105] Michael Moore: No recent research has been commissioned regarding the Scottish Budget since The Prime Minister: I have nothing further to add to devolution nor on the draft Scottish Budget for 2010-11. the answer I gave on 6 September 2010, Official Report, The Scottish Government’s Independent Budget Review column 1W. Panel published their report in July and it showed that Tony Blair there has been an annually growing budget in the first 10 years of the Scottish Parliament. However, tackling Mr Amess: To ask the Prime Minister whether the record budget deficit and achieving sustainable, Government facilities have been made available to Tony balanced, private-sector-led economic growth are the Blair since June 2007; and if he will make a statement. Government’s priorities for the duration of this Parliament. [15639] Tackling the deficit is unavoidable and while there will have to be cuts in order to restore health to the public The Prime Minister: As with all former Prime Ministers, finances, the forthcoming spending review will be a Mr Blair is provided with access to Government resources crucial stepping stone on the way to recovery. as appropriate. 7W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 8W

EDUCATION If a faith school that has converted to academy status wishes to change its admission arrangements, it will be Academies required to consult locally in line with admissions law and the School Admissions Code. 20. Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent progress his Department has Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for made in implementing its academies programme. Education whether the articles of association of an [16466] Academy Trust operating a Catholic school allow (a) a majority of foundation governors to be appointed by a Mr Gibb: The recent National Audit Office report religious trusteeship and (b) the posts of headteacher, confirms that many academies are performing impressively deputy headteacher and head of religious education to and the academies open the longest have shown significant be reserved for practising Catholics. [11911] and sustained improvement. We now have 322 academies open, 119 of which opened this autumn. This is record Mr Gibb: The Academy Model Articles of Association progress; it took four years for the first 27 academies to provide for a structure which would allow those who are open. setting up the academy trust (for example the existing Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for governing body of a converting Catholic school) to Education how many schools have asked to withdraw decide who should be the members of the academy their name from the list of those which have expressed trust. The members are in turn responsible for deciding an interest in becoming an academy. [5676] who should appoint, and who should be, the governors of the academy trust. Where the school has an existing Mr Gibb: As of 9 September, around 180 schools foundation—for example in the case of voluntary aided have decided they no longer want to be registered as faith schools—we would expect that foundation to be having an interest in converting to academy status. the lead member of the new academy trust which could Schools may choose to express an interest or withdraw then appoint a majority of the governors. There is no their interest at any time; they may also choose to impediment to the members of the academy trust agreeing re-register, so the numbers will change on an ongoing that a majority of foundation governors be appointed basis. At the last published update, registrations of by a religious trusteeship. interest had been received from 1,039 outstanding schools Similarly, section 124A of the School Standards and and 870 other schools. We will keep lists updated regularly Framework Act 1998 allows academies with a religious on: character to take faith into account in the appointment www.education.gov.uk/academies of its—teachers, including the posts of head teacher, deputy head teacher and head of religious education. Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for This means that an academy designated as a Catholic Education how many expressions of interest in school would have equivalent freedoms in this area to a academy status his Department has received from voluntary aided school in the maintained sector. schools in (a) South Northamptonshire constituency and (b) England. [7760] Youth Facilities: Funding Mr Gibb: As of 29 September 2010, 31 expressions of interest in academy status had been received from schools 21. Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for in South Northamptonshire. A total of 2,040 expressions Education if he will bring forward proposals for of interest had been received from schools in England. long-term funding of youth facilities; and if he will make a statement. [16467] Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether Roman Catholic schools which Tim Loughton: The Department for Education has become academies may retain selective admissions not yet made a decision on funding for youth facilities criteria. [11905] beyond March 2011. As the hon. Lady will know the Government are undertaking a comprehensive spending Mr Gibb: All maintained schools and academies are review and Ministers will shortly announce their spending required to adopt admission arrangements which comply priorities. with the School Admissions Code. Catholic maintained schools are all voluntary aided. This means that the Special Educational Needs governing body is the admission authority and can decide whether or not to adopt faith admission criteria. 23. John Howell: To ask the Secretary of State for Academy trusts are the admission authorities for their Education what recent progress his Department has schools which means that, on conversion, it will be able made on its proposed Green Paper on children and to maintain its current admission arrangements. So if young people with special educational needs. [16469] an existing Catholic maintained school that selected by faith became an academy, it would be able to continue Sarah Teather: I will publish a Green Paper later this prioritising on the basis of faith if oversubscribed. year to look at a wide range of issues for children with Any entirely new faith academies—where there is no special educational needs and disabilities. I have been existing maintained faith school—will be required to meeting a range of people, including parents, teachers, admit 50% of their intake without reference to faith local authorities, charities and other groups and considering when oversubscribed. This is in order to give a broad the findings of recent reviews, including the most recent range of local pupils access to new academy provision report from the Office for Standards in Education. A and will not affect converting maintained schools, which call for views was published on 10 September and closes will be able to retain their existing arrangements. on 15 October. 9W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 10W

Academies: Catholicism The London borough of Wandsworth’s Building Schools for the Future project was allocated an indicative Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for £333 million none of which has been spent to date. Education whether Catholic schools which wish to Further funding will not be allocated to the borough achieve academy status may retain the right to select a until the capital review has been completed. proportion of pupils on the basis of their Catholic faith. [12496] Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gibb: All maintained schools and academies are Education when he plans to make a decision in respect required to adopt admission arrangements which comply of Building Schools for the Future funding for (a) with the School Admissions Code. Schools must be Wade Deacon and (b) The Grange School. [9409] designated a faith school in order to prioritise admissions on the basis of faith if oversubscribed. Catholic maintained Mr Gibb [holding answer 20 July 2010]: BSF projects schools are all voluntary aided. This means that the in a local authority’s initial BSF scheme are continuing governing body is the admission authority and can where Financial Close has been reached for the scheme, decide whether or not to adopt faith admission criteria. as will projects subsequent to their area’s initial scheme Academy trusts are the admission authorities for their which have Outline Business Case approval prior to 1 schools which means that, on conversion, it will be able January 2010. to maintain its current admission arrangements. So if On 6 August the Department announced that 33 sample an existing Catholic maintained school that selected by school projects, including UCL academy in Camden, faith became an academy, it would be able to continue and 119 additional academy projects will proceed. The prioritising on the basis of faith if oversubscribed. 44 academies at the most advanced stage in their capital Academies: Governing Bodies planning with Partnerships for Schools will receive capital now. Capital allocations for the remaining 75 will be Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for decided in the spending review. Education whether new academy schools will be Wade Deacon and The Grange School are among the required to have (a) elected parent governors, (b) 33 sample schools and have now been allocated capital. elected staff governors and (c) local authority nominated governors. [9106] Ed Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Mr Gibb: The academies governing body should include pursuant to the oral statement of 5 July 2010, Official at least two parent governors and the principal. Academies Report, columns 47-57, on education funding, when the are free to choose whether to have a staff governor or final criteria to determine action to be taken on each local authority governor. (a) Building Schools for the Future project and (b) Academy application were decided; and what Academies: Worcester consultation took place with (i) local authorities and (ii) Partnerships for Schools on those matters before Mr Robin Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for decisions were made. [10665] Education what expressions of interest in academy status his Department has received from primary Mr Gibb: [holding answer 22 July 2010]: The Secretary schools (a) nationally and (b) in Worcester. [10448] of State had wide-ranging discussions during May, June Mr Gibb: As at 29 September 2010, 910 primary and July and took into account information from a schools nationally had registered an interest in academy range of sources in taking his decisions on Building status. We have received five registrations of interest Schools for the Future projects and Academies. The from primary schools in the constituency of Worcester. Secretary of State worked closely with Partnerships for Schools during this time, drawing on their strong working Building Schools for the Future Programme relationships with local authorities in the Building Schools for the Future programme. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) whether (a) Wandsworth and (b) other James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for London boroughs will not receive Building Schools for Education what representations he has received from the Future (BSF) funding as a consequence of being in Stockton on Tees Borough Council on school building later waves of the BSF programme; [8726] projects; and if he will make a statement. [12261] (2) how much Building Schools for the Future funding was initially allocated to Wandsworth; and Mr Gibb: On 5 July the Secretary of State announced whether that funding will now be provided to the a review of all areas of DfE capital spending. Its borough. [8727] purpose is to ensure that future capital investment Mr Gibb: On 5 July, the Department announced that represents good value for money and strongly supports BSF projects that have reached financial close will the Government’s ambitions to reduce the deficit, raise continue, together with repeat projects which have outline standards and tackle disadvantage. While he announced business case approval prior to 1 January 2010. All that the Building Schools for the Future programme is projects that have not reached close of dialogue will ending, this does not mean the end of capital investment stop with immediate effect. On 6 August, the Department by this Department. announced that all sample schools would also go ahead. The Secretary of State has received a letter from These criteria apply to Wandsworth, to all other London Councillor Mrs Ann McCoy Cabinet, Member for Children boroughs and to all authorities throughout England. and Young People. 11W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 12W

Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for some schools with planned projects subsequent to their authority’s Education what criteria his Department has used to initial scheme—projects with Outline Business Cases approved decide which proposed projects should not received before 1 January 2010. Building Schools for the Future funding. [14023] All other BSF funding has been stopped for schools. Departmental Buildings

Mr Gibb: BSF developments are being maintained Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education for three groups of schools: what the (a) name and (b) address is of each building those in a local authority area’s initial BSF scheme where (i) leased and (ii) owned by his Department; on what Financial Close has been reached; date his Department began occupying each such property; the first, or “sample”, schools due to be taken forward in what the book value is of each such property; and if he a local authority area where Financial Close has not been reached will make a statement. [15635] but where very significant work has been undertaken, to the point of appointing a preferred bidder at “close of dialogue”; Tim Loughton: The Department for Education occupies and the following properties:

Property name Address Tenure Date occupied Value (£)

Sanctuary Buildings Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BT Leasehold 11 November 1991 n/a 2 St Pauls Place 125 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S12FL Ground lease 28 June 2010 22,390,000 Castle View House East Lane, Runcorn, WA7 2DB Freehold 1 April 1993 7,500,000 Mowden Hall Staindrop Road, Darlington, DL3 9BG Freehold 18 March 1966 2,835,000 Nursery Kenwood Park Road, Sheffield, S7 1NF Freehold 20 September 2001 475,000

The nursery is run by the company Bright Horizons Training and Enterprise Council (TEC) properties with for use by the staff of Sheffield based Government the exception of 200 Great Dover Street which was Departments. formerly an area office for the Manpower Services In addition, the Department has responsibility for Commission. the following lease commitments which were all former

Property name Address Date occupied and lease term Current status

200 Great Dover Street London, SE1 4WU 23 February 1987 to 22 June 2011 sub-let Atlas House St Georges Square, Bolton, BL1 2HB 25 March 1990 to 25 March 2015 vacant Bayley House St Georges Square, Bolton, BL1 2HB 25 June 1989 to 24 June 2014 Partial sub-let Blenheim Court Peppercorn Close, Peterborough, PE12DU 10 August 1990 to 9 August 2015 vacant Brandon Court Units E1-3, Leofric Business Park, Coventry, CV3 2TE 24 June 1990 to 23 June 2015 Partial sub-let Enterprise House Wobaston Road, Pendeford Business Park, 6 April 1992 to 5 April 2017 sub-let Wolverhampton, WV9 5HA Manorgate House 2 Manorgate Road, Kingston on Thames, KT2 7AL 23 March 1990 to 22 March 2015 Partial sub-let The Oaks Clews Road, Redditch, B98 7ST 29 September 1990 to 28 September 2015 sub-let Acorn Business Park Unit 4, Moss Road, Grimsby, DN32 OLT 25 March 1990 to 24 March 2015 sub-let

All surplus space is marketed both through the Expenditure (£) Government Property Unit and commercially through our property agents, DTZ. 2006/07 2,175,000 2007/08 6,827,036 2008/09 4,099,898 Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 2009/10 3,585,353 what (a) building and (b) refurbishment projects were 2010/11 1— undertaken by his Department in each of the last five 1 No spend. years; and what the costs were of each such project. There was also a single building project undertaken [15636] at our new premises at 2 St Paul’s Place, Sheffield. This was for the fit-out of the building prior to staff occupation and included mechanical and electrical installations, Tim Loughton: There has been one refurbishment carpets and fittings, security and environmental controls. project in the last five years which was the refurbishment The project cost £4,160,893 and was undertaken between of Sanctuary Buildings our London headquarters. The 2009/10 and 2010/11. costs were incurred from an estate rationalisation and Departmental Communication maintenance programme that resulted in the Department vacating and disposing of one of its two HQ buildings Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for and consolidating its occupation within a single building, Education what instructions have been issued by the Sanctuary Buildings. This has achieved ongoing annual private office of each Minister in his Department on the savings of £13 million in running costs with a payback preparation of briefing, speeches and replies to official on the capital investment within 16 months. correspondence. [9661] 13W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 14W

Tim Loughton: The Department for Education ensures Departmental Public Expenditure that guidance is issued to staff on the departmental intranet. The guidance sets out each Minister’s preferences Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Education for briefing, speeches and replies to official correspondence. pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 5 July These are reviewed regularly to ensure that Ministers 2010, Official Report, columns 1-2WS, on public are able to fulfil their duties to Parliament and the spending control, under which budgetary headings he public to the highest standards possible. expects his Department to make savings of £1 billion in fiscal year 2010-11. [7516] Departmental Internet Tim Loughton: Work is still ongoing to identify the budget areas where the £1 billion reduction in end year Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for flexibility (EYF) will be taken from, and will be working Education how much (a) his Department and (b) its on the implications as part of our work on the spending predecessor spent on search engine biasing with (i) review. Google and (ii) other search engines in each of the last five years. [10014] £156.5 million of savings have already been identified from capital budgets in the following areas: Tim Loughton: The Department’s expenditure on Saving paid for search engine marketing, through the Central (£ million) Office of Information, was £511,923 in 2008/09 and £811,132 in 2009/10. Co-location projects—cancelling projects where progress 24.0 has not been satisfactory or is not good value for To supply information for previous years and to money separate expenditure for Google from that of other School swimming—cancelling capital investment in school 15.0 search engines would exceed the disproportionate cost swimming pools due to low take-up of the offer Eco-towns contribution—not funding pilot work on 2.5 threshold. energy efficient schools in the CLG led eco-towns No money was spent on search engine biasing. initiative Harnessing Technology Grant—a further reduction to 50.0 take this year’s funding down to £100 million, allowing Departmental Manpower schools to reconfigure their broadband and IT infrastructure projects onto a more sustainable funding model Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for 14 to 19 diplomas, SEN and disabilities—cutting allocations 50.0 Education how many (a) special advisers and (b) to the 76 LAs which were not included in early BSF waves and were therefore allocated £8 million each to press officers are employed by his Department at each support investment in SEN or diploma provision. Their Civil Service pay grade. [1271] allocations will be reduced by c £660,000 Social Work IT support—not proceeding with plans 15.0 announced just before the election of a formulaic allocation Michael Gove: The Department has two special advisors, to LAs to improve social work IT provision one at pay band 1 and one at pay band 2. Total 156.5 The Department currently employs 21 full time equivalent EYF is a mechanism whereby Departments may carry press officers. A breakdown by grade is outlined in the forward unspent departmental expenditure limit (DEL) following table. provision into later financial years. Grade Number Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Information Officer 7 Education which single tenders have been authorised Senior Information Officer 8 by his Department since his appointment. [15961] Grade 7 4 Grade-6 1 Tim Loughton: A complete answer to this question Senior Civil Service 1 could only be provided at disproportionate costs as my Department does not keep a central record of all single tender authorisations. However, we do have a central Departmental Official Hospitality record of all single tender authorisations under the category of consultancy and I can tell the hon. Member Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for that one single tender has been authorised. That was for Education how much his Department spent on Dame Clare Tickell’s services as chair of the Early hospitality for events hosted by each Minister in his Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) review. Department in July 2010. [15148] Free Schools

Tim Loughton: The Secretary of State and Ministers James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for hosted two briefing events in July 2010 to meet Education what mechanism will be available to ensure approximately 50 stakeholders from across the education the accountability of new free schools to (a) Ministers sector to outline policy priorities and to listen to their and (b) parents; and if he will make a statement. views. To keep costs to a minimum the events were [11115] hosted in the Department. The total cost was £465.15. All expenditure is incurred in accordance with the Mr Gibb: We expect the vast majority of free schools principles of Managing Public Money and the Treasury to be funded via a funding agreement. As for academies, handbook on Regularity and Propriety. the funding agreement will set the terms and conditions 15W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 16W under which the free school must operate and free and (c) comprehensive school in each local education schools will be held accountable by the Secretary of authority in the most recent year for which figures are State for their performance. We will continue to evaluate available. [12637] the academies and free schools programme. During the passage of the Academies Act we also agreed that we Mr Gibb: The percentage of candidates achieving five would provide Parliament with regular reports on the or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including English progress and performance of the academies and free and mathematics in 2009 is published for each individual schools programme. school in each local authority and available on the In line with other state-funded schools, free schools departmental website. The admission basis in each will be required to collect performance data, publish maintained school is also given: their results and be inspected by Ofsted. Parents with http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/performancetables/schools_09.shtml concerns will be able to request an Ofsted inspection. Code descriptions for admission basis can be found in the Glossary and abbreviations page James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/performancetables/schools_09/ Education what estimate he has made of the number of glossary.shtml free schools likely to be created under his Department’s Figures for all schools in 2009 are also available in a proposals in the next five years. [12260] publication file that has been added to the House Libraries. Mr Gibb: There has been a high level of interest in the free schools programme and the Department for Education Local Education Partnerships: Skanska is working with proposers to develop their ideas. Our intention is to be permissive, not prescriptive. The number Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for of projects taken forward over the next five years will Education (1) how much has been paid to the building depend on the level of parental demand and the quality contractor Skanska in each of the Local Education of proposals that come forward. Partnerships (LEPs) in which Skanska is active in each year since LEPs were established; [5885] Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) what assessment he has made of the cost- Education how many expressions of interest in effectiveness of Local Education Partnerships; and if establishing free schools the New Schools Network has he will make a statement. [5886] passed on to his Department. [12511] Mr Gibb: Skanksa have been appointed main contractor Mr Gibb: The point at which the Department receives on two Local Education Partnerships (LEPs) schemes, formal notice of applications is when groups put in a Bristol and Essex. Partnership for Schools (PfS) does proposal form. Many, though not all, of those groups not hold information on how much money is paid to will have received advice from the New Schools Network. individual building contractors. The funding provided However it is the proposers who choose to notify the to the local authorities which in turn pay LEPs is as DfE of their wish to set up a school when they feel they follows. are prepared adequately, not the New Schools Network. Since the creation of the Bristol LEP in Financial Year 2007-08 Bristol City Council has been paid the Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for following amounts: Education what plans he has to bring forward draft regulations for the registration and monitoring of free Capital grant for design and build schools schools; and if he will make a statement. [13080] Financial year Capital grant (£ million) 2007-08 3.6 Mr Gibb: Free Schools will be set up as academies 2008-09 29.0 under existing legislation and will be held to account in 2009-10 85.7 the same way as other academies. Revenue support for PFI schemes Free Schools: North East Financial year Revenue (£ million) 2007-08 7.6 James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008-09 12.1 Education how many applications in respect of his 2009-10 12.1 Department’s proposed free schools have been received from groups in the North East. [12259] Local Education Partnerships are being reviewed as part of the wider review of schools capital. Mr Gibb: As at 27 September 2010 the Department has received two Free School proposals from groups in New Schools Network the North East region, both of which are within the Stockton local authority area. Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what account the appointment of the GCSE New Schools Network took of the provisions of (a) the Public Contracts Regulations 2008 and (b) his Mr Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Department’s guidance on procurement; [13876] what proportion of candidates achieved five or more (2) whether the exemption from procurement GCSEs at grades A* to C including English and procedures applicable to single tendering was invoked mathematics in each (a) selective, (b) partially selective in respect of the New Schools Network; [14015] 17W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 18W

(3) what criteria he used when awarding the New Mr Gibb: It is the responsibility of each local authority Schools Network a contract; and whether the Compact to manage the supply and demand for primary school Commissioning Guidance was taken into account. places in its area and secure a place for every child of [14072] statutory school age. Ministers play no role in deciding primary school provision in individual authorities and Mr Gibb [holding answer 8 September 2010]: On constituencies but the Department provides capital funding 18 June 2010 the Department agreed to enter into a to enable local authorities to provide sufficient school £500,000 grant agreement with the New Schools Network places. (NSN) to provide support for groups wanting to find out more about setting-up a Free School. NSN has Pupils: Disadvantaged championed the development of parent and teacher promoted schools and has been providing advice and Glenda Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for support to those interested in establishing new schools Education how many (a) primary and (b) secondary since 2009, as well as developing networks among interested school pupils will receive the pre-paid premium in groups and individuals. This makes NSN ideally placed Hampstead and Kilburn constituency. [11831] to fulfil the role for an initial period. Officials are currently finalising the grant details Mr Gibb: On 26 July, the Secretary of State for which will take account the relevant regulations and Education announced in his written ministerial statement agreements. the launch of the consultation on school funding arrangements for 2011-12. The details as to how pupils would be classified as entitled to the pupil premium are Placement Orders part of this consultation. Copies of the consultation document can be found in Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for the House Libraries and on our website Education how many placement orders were http://www.education.gov.uk/consultations/ authorised by (a) Cambridgeshire County Council and (b) Staffordshire County Council in each of the last Schools: Admissions three years; and whether the Government plans to review the powers of local authorities to apply for Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for placement orders. [15124] Education whether the new academy schools will be encouraged to adopt banded admissions policies to Tim Loughton: The requested information is available ensure all-ability intakes. [6994] as part of Statistical First Release: Children Looked After in England (including adoption and care leavers). Mr Gibb: Academies, as with other admission authorities, Information for 2009 can be accessed via the Department’s are required to follow the Admissions Code. website at: This gives academies the flexibility to adopt the admission http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000878/ arrangements which are the most appropriate for children index.shtml and parents in their areas, within a clear overall framework. Table LAA11 gives information on the number of placement orders granted for each local authority for Banded admissions can therefore play a part in current year ending 31 March 2009. This can be found in the admissions arrangements, but we do not intend to be excel link titled (3rd set of additional tables). prescriptive. Information for 2008 can be accessed at: Schools: Coventry http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000810/ index.shtml Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Table LAA11 can be found in the excel link titled (2nd for Education what plans he has to refurbish primary set of additional tables). Information for 2007 can be and secondary schools in Coventry. [3852] accessed at: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000741/ Mr Gibb [holding answer 23 June 2010]: The Department index.shtml is reviewing all capital programmes. This includes the Buildings Schools for the Future (BSF) programme and Table LAA11 can be found in the excel link titled (2nd the Primary Capital Programme. The Department has set of additional tables). announced that BSF projects that have reached financial I am examining the adoption process to consider how close will continue, together with repeat projects which best to remove barriers and delays to adoption, but have outline business case approval prior to 1 January have no immediate plans to review the power of local 2010. authorities to apply for placement orders. On 6 August, the Secretary of State announced that BSF ’sample projects’ and some academies would continue Primary Education: Merton to be funded as part of the BSF programme. All projects that have not reached close of dialogue have stopped Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for with immediate effect. Education what estimate he has made of the number of Funding allocations to support local delivery of the primary school places required in (a) the London Primary Capital Programme have already been confirmed Borough of Merton and (b) Wimbledon constituency for the current financial year. Decisions about the specific in (i) 2011-12, (ii) 2012-13, (iii) 2013-14, (iv) 2014-15 projects that will benefit from this funding are entirely and (iv) 2019-20. [12943] matters for the relevant local authority. 19W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 20W

All capital programmes are being considered as part Mr Gibb [holding answer 27 July 2010]: Under current of the comprehensive spending review and the capital legislation local authorities are responsible for planning review. and securing sufficient and suitable maintained schools Schools: Finance in their area. Where changes are proposed, a statutory process must be followed which is decided under established Liz Kendall: To ask the Secretary of State for local decision making arrangements. The proposals from Education what proportion of total spending on the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford to establish a maintained schools is allocated to (a) teaching staff new voluntary aided Roman Catholic secondary school and (b) all staff costs. [14036] in Oldham on 1 September 2012 to replace two closing Roman Catholic schools—Our Lady’s RC High School Mr Gibb: The total net spend on maintained schools and St Augustine of Canterbury RC High School—were in the financial year 2008-09 was £32.3 billion. Of this, approved on 23 March 2009. £18.9 billion was spent on teaching staff, representing The Secretary of State’s announcement on 6 August 58.5% of the total. The cost of all staff (including included an allocation of capital for the proposed new teaching staff) was £22.7 billion, representing 70.2% of Roman Catholic school in Oldham. the total. Schools: Greater London Schools: Sports

Mary Macleod: To ask the Secretary of State for Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what percentage of secondary schools in Education what discussions he has had on assisting London have expressed interest in becoming an schools to provide sport in schools for children with academy. [5228] (a) mental health disabilities and (b) physical disabilities. [13359] Mr Gibb: As of 10 September, 116 maintained secondary schools in London had registered an interest in academy Tim Loughton: The Secretary of State has not, as of status. At the point that schools were invited to register yet, had discussions on assisting schools to provide an interest in applying for academy status, on 26 May sport in schools for children with mental health disabilities 2010, there were 376 maintained secondary schools in and physical disabilities. However, on 28 June my right London. This represents 31% of maintained secondary hon. Friends the Secretary of State and the Secretary of schools. State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport announced The list of schools that have registered an interest in the creation of an Olympic and Paralympic-style becoming an Academy is published at: competition to encourage schools to provide more www.education.gov.uk/academies competitive school sport. This new competition, funded through the lottery, will be inclusive and will create and will be updated on a regular basis. competitive sports for disabled pupils at all levels, with Schools: Listed Buildings the national finals showcasing the best in Olympic and Paralympic sport. At school level, the initial pilots will Heidi Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for include at least 25 special schools and a further 25 schools Education (1) how many projects in the Building will consider how to involve disabled pupils in mainstream Schools for the Future programme have been affected schools. Further details of this national competition by an English Heritage listing decision during the framework will be announced later this year. design period since the inception of the programme; [13762] Schools: Standards (2) what estimate he has made of the level of expenditure incurred in the Building Schools for the Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Future programme as a result of the listing of school Education pursuant to the answer of 6 July 2010, buildings by English Heritage since the inception of the Official Report, column 193W, on schools: standards, programme; [13763] for what reasons his Department does not hold information (3) what recent discussions he has had with on which local authorities do not undertake school representatives of English Heritage on the Building organisation plans following the removal of the requirement to do so in 2004; if he will make it his policy to collect Schools for the Future programme. [13764] such information; and if he will make a statement. Mr Gibb: Information about the number of projects [13485] and the level of expenditure incurred in the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme as a result of Mr Gibb: We have made it easier for Free Schools and the listing of school buildings by English Heritage is Academies to be established by new groups, including not held centrally. outstanding teachers, independently of local authorities. Within that context, we do not see it as part of the role There have been no recent discussions between the of central Government to collect routine information Secretary of State and representatives of English Heritage about proposed school reorganisation plans within local on the BSF programme. authorities. Schools: Oldham Secondary Education: Gravesham Mr Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will examine the case for a new Mr Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Catholic high school in Oldham following the merger Education what representations he has received on of Our Lady’s, Royton and St Augustine, Werneth. improving secondary school provision in Gravesham [11549] constituency. [16449] 21W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 22W

Mr Gibb: Although the Department has not received The capital review team will be providing advice to specific representations from others, my hon. Friend Ministers for use in the comprehensive spending review, wrote to the Secretary of State recently to clarify local and will complete its work by the end of the calendar authority powers to require schools to admit pupils year. above their published admissions number where there is a shortage of places. Teach First We want all parents to have access to a good school, and our new academies and free schools policies are Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for designed to address this, providing more choice for Education what steps he will take to ensure that parents and the necessary freedoms to drive up standards graduates from universities in every region take part in across the country. the Teach First programme. [12274] Mr Gibb: Teach First currently directly markets the Special Educational Needs: Academies programme to universities across the UK and overseas, and graduates from every region are able to take part in Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Teach First programme. Teach First is currently Education how he plans to ensure sufficient funding for based in London, midlands, north west, and Yorkshire. academies for (a) special educational needs support The new funding announced by the Secretary of State services, (b) behaviour support services, (c) education on 5 July was largely intended to pave the way for welfare services, (d) school meals, (e) pupils’ support further expansion of the Teach First programme into and (f) staffing costs. [14006] schools in areas not already served by Teach First, including the north east, south west and east of England, Mr Gibb: Academies’ General Annual Grant has a ensuring coverage across all regions by 2013/14. budget share element based on the relevant local authority’s school funding formula, together with a grant (Local Vocational Guidance Authority Central Spend Equivalent Grant) which is intended to replace local authority services provided to John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Education maintained schools and is calculated on the basis of the when he plans to make the commencement order to authority’s spending level on those services. The services implement the careers education provisions in section listed are funded as follows: 250 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009; and what discussions his Department has had Service/Cost Element of General Annual Grant with Ofsted on ensuring that those provisions are taken Special needs support services Budget share and/or LACSEG into account during future inspections of schools in depending on local authority England. [15921] arrangements Behaviour support services LACSEG Mr Gibb: The Government are reviewing the provision Education welfare LACSEG of careers education and guidance, and the commencement School meals Budget share of section 250 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children Pupil support LACSEG and Learning Act 2009 has been delayed pending that Staffing costs Budget share and LACSEG review. Schools already have a clear legal obligation to ensure The basis of funding for academies from the academic pupils receive information about apprenticeships. The year 2011/12 onwards is the subject of a review, announced Education and Skills Act 2008 requires schools, in on 26 July 2010 as part of the school funding consultation discharging their statutory duty to provide careers document issued on that day. This review is based on education, to provide impartial information and up-to-date the principle that conversion to academy status should materials that present a full range of 16 to 18 education not bring financial advantage or disadvantage; and that or training options. Ofsted inspections take account of local authority responsibility for services should be the support provided to pupils, including effective careers properly recognised in the financial arrangements. education and guidance.

Special Educational Needs: Sunderland Youth Services: Finance

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what capital funding he plans to make Education if he will take steps to ensure that youth available to schools for children with special services are maintained at existing levels following the educational needs in Sunderland. [10999] ending of ring-fenced funding for such services. [14558]

Mr Gibb: On 5 July the Secretary of State announced Tim Loughton: We are committed to ensuring that a review of all areas of the Department for Education’s our young people continue to receive high quality youth capital spending, including funding for special educational services. This is reflected in our vision for the new needs schools. Its purpose is to ensure that future capital National Citizen Service, which will aim to offer every investment represents good value for money and enables 16-year-old in the UK a personal and social development us to build more for less. We will use its advice to focus programme that builds a sense of purpose, optimism capital spending on key need. All future capital funding, and belonging. including for schools in Sunderland, is subject to the The Government do not set a budget for spending on outcome of the capital review and the comprehensive youth services. Local authorities receive funding from spending review. Government through the revenue support grant for 23W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 24W youth services and it is for them to decide how much much the House of Commons Service paid for press funding should be spent based on Government priorities cuttings services provided to (a) the House of Commons and local needs. Library, (b) Select Committees of the House and (c) other officers and bodies of the House (i) in each of the last three months and (ii) in the last 12 months for HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION which figures are available. [15530] Press Cuttings

Mr Jenkin: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, Sir Stuart Bell: Expenditure by the House of Commons representing the House of Commons Commission, how Service for press cutting services was as follows:

£ (ii) In last 12 months for which figures are (i) In each of last three months available September 2009-August 2010

(a) House of Commons Library 00

(b) House of Commons Select Committees 13,665 June 2010 803 July 2010 1,018 August 2010 1,331

(c) Media and Communications Service1 For House of Commons general: 26,628 June 2010 1,774 July 2010 2,274 August 2010 644

For Select Committees, print/online: 29,215 June 2010 1,520 July 2010 2,612 August 2010 1,377 1 MCS pays for coverage of the work of Select Committees, but a small number of Committees also purchase a service with a wider remit, to inform them of developments in their subject area.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS secure the additional time available (up to 2015) to meet the NO limit values. DEFRA is currently in discussions Air Pollution: EU Law 2 with the Mayor of London, local authorities and other Government Departments, to determine what can be Mary Macleod: To ask the Secretary of State for done to achieve the NO2 limit values as soon as possible. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to meet air quality targets in EU legislation. Badgers: Disease Control [16093] Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: The Government take their air quality Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to obligations very seriously, and is committed to working her Department’s consultation on badger control, for towards full compliance with the air quality limits set what length of time it is proposed that a regime of down in EU legislation as soon as possible. licences for badger culling should be in place. [16001] The UK is now compliant with the EU limits for Mr Paice: The proposal in the consultation on a most air quality pollutants. For particulate matter (PM ), 10 badger control policy is that licences to cull badgers EU limits are already met with the exception of very would cover a fixed period, but not less than four years. few areas in London. The Government have been working It also makes clear that the policy of granting licences with the Mayor of London, and in May this year, will be reviewed after four years, or sooner if any submitted evidence to the European Commission showing monitoring data show unexpected results or if new that full compliance with the PM limits in London is 10 evidence or control tools become available (such as an expected by the extended deadline of 2011 as set out in oral badger vaccine and/or cattle vaccine). the EU ambient air quality directive (2008/50/EC). Outside of urban areas, much of the UK already Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for meets the EU air quality limits for nitrogen dioxide Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to (NO2) but, along with other EU countries, faces a her Department’s consultation on badger control, what challenge in achieving the limits in major urban areas, criteria will be used by Natural England to determine such as London, by the 2010 deadline. We plan to use how many badgers in a proposed cull area may be the provisions in the ambient air quality directive to killed. [16002] 25W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 26W

Mr Paice: As set out in the consultation on a badger Richard Benyon: Under part 9 of the Marine and control policy, to gain a licence to cull, applicants will Coastal Access Act 2009 any private property along the have to show that culling will achieve badger densities Blackwater river will be protected in the same way as low enough to reduce TB transmission but not lead to any other coastal property that may be affected by local extinction. proposals for a coastal route. In order to protect privacy, the right of access to coastal land will not apply to any Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for land used as a garden, or any land covered by buildings Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to or the curtilage of such land. her Department’s consultation on badger control, what Any proposals that Natural England may make for estimate her Department has made of the cost of the position of the coastal route along the Blackwater policing badger culls; and whether she has discussed river will be discussed with owners and occupiers of this with the Association of Chief Police Officers. affected land. In addition, owners and occupiers will [16043] also be able to object to proposals and any such objections will be considered by the Planning Inspectorate. Mr Paice: It is possible that any future culling operation The Secretary of State will make the final decision on will generate policing costs. However, the scale of any the coastal route for a particular stretch of the English extra policing needed is difficult to quantify at this coast. In doing so she must strike a fair balance between stage, as it depends on the extent of the threat of any the interests of the public in having rights of access over illegal activity. We are currently discussing a range of land and the interests of any person with a relevant issues relating to badger control measures with the interest in any land that might be affected by the new Association of Chief Police Officers, including costs. right of coastal access. Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Bovine Tuberculosis: Vaccination Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to her Department’s consultation on badger control, Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for whether culling licences will permit farmers to go on to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her other landowners’ property to cull badgers. [16045] Department plans to spend on vaccines against bovine tuberculosis in (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12. [16044] Mr Paice: Culling licences would not permit compulsory access to land for culling. As set out in the consultation Mr Paice: Planned expenditure on bovine tuberculosis document, one of the proposed criteria for a culling vaccines during the current financial year (20010-11) is licence would be that there is access for culling over at £6.7 million. This includes vaccines research and the least 70% of the land area. Badger Vaccine Deployment Project. Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for No decisions on future spend will be made until the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to results of the spending review are known. her Department’s consultation on badger control, what Departmental Billing percentage of landowners in a minimum area of 150 square kilometres will have to take part in an application for a badger culling licence to meet the Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for requirement laid down in the consultation document. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average [16046] cost to her Department was of processing the payment of an invoice in the latest period for which figures are Mr Paice: As set out in the consultation on a badger available; and what proportion of invoices settled in control policy, to gain a licence to cull, applicants will that period her Department paid (a) electronically and have to demonstrate that within the area of at least (b) by cheque. [16164] 150 km2 there is access for culling to over 70% of the area. Richard Benyon: The latest data indicate that the average cost of processing and paying an invoice, during Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for the period June to August 2010, is £3.68. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with reference to This includes all of the direct costs attributed to her Department’s consultation on badger control, whether processing the invoice, any returns or rework and payment badgers culled under the proposals will undergo post- of the invoice. This cost excludes any apportionment mortem testing for bovine tuberculosis. [16047] for overheads and systems costs since these relate to all finance processing services and are not directly attributable Mr Paice: Given the extent of evidence already available to any one element of the service. on the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in the 98.6% of invoices, during the period June to August badger population, we do not propose to check whether 2010, were paid electronically with the remaining 1.4% individual badgers are infected with bTB. being paid by cheque. Blackwater River: Footpaths Departmental Contracts

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the plans to take to protect private property along the monetary value is of contracts her Department has Blackwater River from intrusions from the planned awarded to each (a) management consultancy and (b) coastal path; and if she will make a statement. [15977] IT company since 7 May 2010. [16185] 27W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 28W

Richard Benyon: The monetary value of new contracts monetary value is of each vacant (a) building and (b) awarded by the Department, including its executive parcel of land owned by her Department in each region. agencies, since the 7 May 2010 is as follows. [16240] (a) Management consultancy: £84,820 (b) IT: £131,534.88. Departmental Empty Property Richard Benyon: The information requested is set out in the following table: Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the estimated

Core Property Leasehold DEFRA Division reference Property name Town Postcode or freehold Value (£) Basis

Core Core 54 Thirsk (Sowerby) Thirsk Y07 1QX Freehold 275,000 Market value as at 31 DEFRA Buffer Depot March 2010 Core Core 272 Longbenton VIC— Newcastle NE12 9SE Freehold 970,000 Market value as at 31 DEFRA surplus land March 2010 Core Core 302 Efford Paddock Lymington SO41 0JD Freehold 25,000 Market appraisal as at DEFRA plots x 2 1 October 2010 Core Core 317 Remaining land at Kings Lynn PE34 4PW Freehold 12,000 Agreed sale price—with DEFRA Terrington Farm— solicitors Delamore Core Core 317 Terrington— Kings Lynn PE34 4PW Freehold 150,000 Agreed sale price—with DEFRA Broadlands solicitors Core Core 641 Caversham Road Reading RG1 7BT Leasehold 0 n/a DEFRA Core Core 564 Ponton Road London SW8 5AX Leasehold 0 n/a DEFRA NE NE 741 Genesis 1, York York YO10 5ZQ Leasehold 0 n/a Business Park, Hesslington NE NE — 4 The Leeds LS1 4BA Leasehold 0 n/a Embankment, Sovereign Street

Departmental Press: Subscriptions Richard Benyon: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will ensure the relevant equality Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for considerations are taken in to account in the context of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her expenditure under consideration in the spending review, Department spent on newspapers, periodicals and in compliance with our obligations under the Sex trade profession magazines in each year since 2001. Discrimination Act 1975, the Race Relations Act 1976, and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. [16232] Departmental Secondment Richard Benyon: The figures in the following table have been extracted from the Department’s accounts Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for under the headings ’Purchase of Publications’ and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff ’Subscriptions to Publications’ where possible. Figures her Department has appointed on secondment since 7 include the purchase of books and subscriptions to May 2010; and from what organisation each such relevant trade internet news services. member of staff has been seconded. [16274] Figures start from 2005 as to obtain them from 2001 would incur disproportionate cost. Richard Benyon: DEFRA has appointed two staff on secondment since 7 May 2010, one from the Environment £ Agency and one from Natural England. 2005-06 1,679,819.41 No secondments have been appointed since the start 2006-07 1,411,988.31 of the recruitment freeze (24 May). 2007-08 1,275,260.31 2008-09 1,311,449.05 Flood Control 2009-10 1,261,428.23 Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she Departmental Public Expenditure has for the future provision of flood prevention services previously provided through the Government Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Office Network; and what assessment she has made of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if her Department the likely effects on flood prevention services of the will take steps to assess the effects on (a) equality of closure of that Network. [16421] incomes, (b) equality of assets and (c) equality of access to services of measures relating to its expenditure Richard Benyon: On 22 July the Government announced under consideration in the Spending Review. [16379] their intention in principle to abolish the remaining 29W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 30W

Government offices subject to consideration of receive a fair settlement. As a result it is not possible to consequential issues, including which Government office say how much grant has been provided for any particular functions need to continue. The spending review process service within each block. is being used to test which activities should continue, The Government collate outturns from local authorities, and to decide the most cost-effective way of doing this. which estimate expenditure from formula grant and are The final decisions on the future of the Government published by the Department of Communities and office network, including the transfer of ongoing functions, Local Government. will be announced at the end of the spending review in The following table summarises the outturns from all the autumn. local authorities in England and includes provisional data for 2009-11. Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for In 2009-10 Swindon borough council received £46,000 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent in capital grant funding from the Environment Agency. estimate she has made of the costs of providing (a) The council did not receive any funding in 2007-8 or flood storage on farmland, and other soft forms of 2008-09, and nothing is planned for 2010-11. flood defence and (b) physical flood defences, walls In addition, Swindon has been allocated £10,000 (via and other hard forms of flood defence. [16426] special grant) this year as part of the £2 million DEFRA announced would be allocated to local authorities for Richard Benyon: Options for managing flood risk are the preparation of preliminary flood risk assessments. considered on a case by case basis by the responsible This is in addition to £100,000 announced for Swindon operating authorities (the Environment Agency, local in August 2009 (from a total national allocation to local authorities and internal drainage boards). The cost will authorities of £9.7 million via the area based grant) for vary from place to place depending on local circumstances. the preparation of surface water management plans. DEFRA’s guidance is that all technically feasible Local authority outturns options should be considered and appraised in an open, £ thousand transparent and comparable way to establish which is 2009-10 2010-11 the most cost-effective and appropriate. Options should 2007-08 2008-09 (Budget) (Budget) include flood storage and other ‘soft’ forms of flood defence, as well as ‘hard’ defences such as flood defence Defences against 18,437 15,970 16,908 18,319 walls and embankments. flooding Internal drainage 29,959 30,960 32,612 36,232 and related work Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent Coastal protection 14,451 14,803 14,253 14,977 Levy: Environment 27,158 28,271 30,674 31,233 discussions she has had with (a) the Environment Agency Flood Agency, (b) the Association of Drainage Authorities Defence and (c) other interested parties on the apportionment Total 90,005 90,004 94,447 100,761 of responsibility for dredging and maintenance of main watercourses. [16427] Livestock: Cloning

Richard Benyon: Ministers have regular discussions Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for with the Environment Agency, the Association of Drainage Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Authorities and other organisations in relation to the she has made of the animal welfare implications of efficient and effective management of flood risk from farming cloned animals. [16038] all sources, including main rivers. The Environment Agency is currently in discussions with internal drainage Mr Paice: The welfare of farmed animals is regulated boards about dredging and maintenance of some stretches in the UK through a combination of European and of main rivers. national legislation, and UK welfare standards are considered to be among the highest. Cloned livestock Flood Control: Expenditure would be subject to exactly the same welfare requirements as other farm animals, as would animals involved in the Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for production of cloned offspring. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding Marine Conservation Zones her Department allocated for the purpose of flood prevention to (a) local authorities and (b) Swindon Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Borough Council in each of the last three years. [16387] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress she has made in creating marine conservation zones. Richard Benyon: Local authority expenditure is supported [16031] primarily through Formula Grant from central Government and through capital grants from the Environment Agency Richard Benyon: Natural England (NE) and the Joint (the latter are issued under delegation from DEFRA). Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) have set up Formula Grant is “unhypothecated block grant”, four regional projects which are working towards making which means that local authorities are free to spend it proposals for possible Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) on any service. The calculations carried out include sites to NE and the JNCC by summer 2011. The projects adjustments such as “floor damping,” which guarantees will base their proposals on ecological and other guidance every authority receives a minimum change year-on-year drawn up by our delivery partners and DEFRA. They on a like-for-like basis, that help ensure local authorities will also complete detailed Impact Assessments. 31W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 32W

The projects will report to both statutory bodies and Funding provided to the regional MCZ projects the independent Science Advisory Panel (SAP) at four Funding provider key stages. Their first draft reports were submitted in Natural Total July 2010, the next progress reports are due at the end of DEFRA England JNCC funding October 2010, and the third set of draft proposals are FY 2008-091 due in February 2011. The delivery partners will consider Finding 0 184,000 0 184,000 the final set of proposals, and accompanying Impact Sanctuary Assessments (due to be sent to them in June 2011), and Balanced Seas 0 32,000 0 32,000 then make their recommendations to Ministers in October 2011. Net Gain 0 0 0 0 Irish Sea 0 52,532 0 52,532 DEFRA has also established the SAP to support the Conservation four regional projects in the MCZ selection process by Zones offering objective scientific assessment of site proposals, and independent advice to Ministers. Panel members FY 2009-102 have been drawn from a diverse range of marine scientific Finding 441,900 75,000 0 516,900 disciplines in order to ensure a balanced and comprehensive Sanctuary skill set. Balanced Seas 286,716 145,000 0 431,716 Net Gain 404,914 75,000 0 479,914 Irish Sea 378,700 75,000 0 453,700 Marine Conservation Zones: Finance Conservation Zones 1 FY 2008-09: Three regional MCZ projects were established in late Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for FY 2008-09. 2 FY 2009-10: The Net Gain Project was not established until June Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much 2009. public funding each of the four regional projects constituting the Marine Conservation Zone Project Potatoes: Diseases received in financial year (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11. [R] [15983] Mr Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many Richard Benyon: The following table shows how much outbreaks of the potato disease Dickeya solani have public funding each of the four regional projects that been detected in England in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010 to constitute the Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) Project date; what the origin is of this infection; and what steps received in the financial year (FY) 2009-10, and projected her Department is taking to ensure that the outbreak is funding for 2010-11. contained. [16019]

£ Mr Paice: ’Dickeya solani’ is a bacterium (not yet Regional MCZ Actual Projected officially named) of the Dickeya genus which affects Project FY 2009-10 FY 2010-111 potatoes. It is already present in Europe and is spreading on seed potatoes of Dutch origin. In consultation with Finding Sanctuary 516,900 508,000 industry representatives, it has been confirmed that Balanced Seas 431,716 489,200 quarantine status (i.e. exclusion and control through Net Gain 479,914 734,030 the EU Plant Health Directive (2000/29/EC)) would not Irish Seas 453,700 503,225 be appropriate for ’D.solani’ due to its distribution in Conservation Zone the EU. It is controlled; like every blackleg (bacterial 1 The funding to each project will be reduced during the FY to take disease of potatoes), through visual inspections during into account savings made as a result of the public sector expenditure controls on marketing and advertising. seed potato classification. Laboratory analysis is necessary to differentiate the ‘D. solani’ strain from other blackleg The final budget provided will be dependent on the causing strains (Pectobactehum atrosepticum and Dickeya outcome of an exemption from the spending control dianthicola). The Seed Potato Classification Scheme and other efficiencies identified in year. (SPCS) includes tolerances for blackleg, including ‘D. solani’ where these are exceeded the crop involved is downgraded or failed. Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for In 2009 there were 16 positive cases of ’D.solani’ in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was England and Wales from seed and ware potato crop spent under each budget heading on each of the four samples submitted to the Food and Environment Research Marine Conservation Zones by (a) her Department, Agency (Fera) by growers or Plant Health and Seeds (b) Natural England and (c) the Joint Nature Conservation Inspectors (PHSI), who operate the SPCS in England Committee in (i) 2008-09 and (ii) 2009-10. [16018] and Wales. The origin of the seed stocks involved was the Netherlands. Richard Benyon: The following table shows how much A survey of seed potato crops conducted by Fera was spent on each of the four Marine Conservation during seed potato classification in 2010 has shown that Zone projects—Finding Sanctuary, Balanced Seas, Net there were 18 (7%) cases of ’D.solani’ in England and Gain and Irish Sea Conservation Zones—by DEFRA, Wales from 256 seed potato crops showing symptoms of Natural England and the Joint Nature Conservation blackleg. In 15 of the 18 cases the seed potatoes-involved Committee (JNCC) for the financial years (FY) 2008-09 originated from the Netherlands. In the other three and 2009-10. cases the seed potatoes had been multiplied in England, 33W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 34W but the original source of the seed was not traced. Equal Pay and Equal Opportunities Other blackleg causing organisms were responsible for the remaining 238 (93%) of cases in seed potatoes from Mr Bain: To ask the Minister for Women and UK and overseas sources. Equalities what steps she plans to take to reduce (a) There were also 24 cases, of ’D. solani’ in samples of the gender pay gap and (b) sex discrimination in the seed and ware potatoes submitted to Fera by growers or workplace. [13243] Fera PHSI. The origin of the seed stocks in these cases, where disclosed, was the Netherlands. Lynne Featherstone: We are committed to promoting In addition to the visual inspections already undertaken equal pay and will take a range of measures to end in the SPCS for blackleg and the specific survey for ‘D. discrimination in the workplace. We have already announced solani’ referred to above, Fera is collaborating with the plans to make pay secrecy clauses unenforceable, allowing Scottish Executive and the Scottish Crop Research Institute women to shed light on discriminatory pay practices. to conduct research on ’D. solani’. This includes a We will extend the right to request flexible working to newly proposed three year project funded by the Potato all employees, consulting with business on how best to Council and Scottish Executive which incorporates a do so and we are committed to promoting a new system survey of seed potato crops in England and Wales to of flexible parental leave and will consult on this at the further explore the distribution of ’D. solani’ within the first opportunity. SPCS. This work will help to determine whether any We are also looking at how to promote gender equality changes to the SPCS requirements are needed. on company boards and have asked Lord Davies of Abersoch to develop a business strategy to increase the Racehorses: Deaths number of women on the boards of listed companies in the UK. Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for We will continue to consider what further action is Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what most appropriate to reduce discrimination and will information her Department holds on the number of announce our decisions in due course. racehorses which (a) died or (b) were put down as a result of racing injuries in each year since 2005. [16365] Equality: Budget June 2010 Mr Paice: The Government do not collect these figures. The British Horseracing Authority (BHA), which Sandra Osborne: To ask the Minister for Women and is responsible for the governance and regulation of Equalities if she will make an assessment of the effect (a) (b) horseracing in this country, records and monitors all on men and women in Ayr, Carrick and racehorse falls and injuries sustained on racecourses, Cumnock constituency of the measures in the June and analyses information relating to fatal injuries to 2010 Budget. [12366] determine if those accidents can be prevented. This allows the BHA to take action if necessary, including Lynne Featherstone: My right hon. Friend, the Minister implementing long-term strategies and veterinary research for Women and Equalities and I take this issue very programmes to help reduce the risk of injury and death seriously. To support Departments in taking account of in racehorses. The BHA publishes annual injury and equality considerations when assessing policy options fatality data on its website. in the context of identifying departmental savings, Government Equalities Office officials have held a series Horses are protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006 of advisory meetings with other Government Departments throughout their lives, which means that their owner, and organised training seminars, one of which was and the person responsible for their care, has a duty to attended by the Regulator, the Equality and Human protect their welfare at all times. Rights Commission. There are no plans to commission separate work on how the provisions in the Budget will affect men and WOMEN AND EQUALITIES women for the constituency of Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock. Employment: Discrimination Females: Low Incomes

Philip Davies: To ask the Minister for Women and Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Minister for Women Equalities pursuant to the answer of 8 September 2010, and Equalities pursuant to the contribution of the Official Report, column 592W, on the Equalities and Minister for Equalities of 6 September 2010, Official Human Rights Commission, in how many of the 25 Report, column 153, in the adjournment debate on discrimination cases compensation was paid; how public expenditure reductions (women), what the much was paid in each case; and how many of them evidential basis is for the statement that the Institute were settled out of court. [16078] for Fiscal Studies (IFS) was inaccurate in what it said; and what assumptions made by the IFS are unreliable Lynne Featherstone: The Equality and Human Rights or invalid. [15228] Commission is independent and manages its own affairs; the following is based on information it has provided. Lynne Featherstone: In its August analysis of the June Budget the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) sought Of the 25 discrimination cases: to include some previously un-modelled reforms. In (a) compensation was paid in one case; order to do this, it made some strong assumptions, for (b) the amount paid in that case was £2,000; example around disability living allowance, housing (c) the case was settled out of court. benefit, and in-year tax credit changes. It is therefore 35W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 36W necessary to treat the results of their modelling with Building Regulations appropriate caution, given that the choice of assumptions will have a clear impact on the conclusions reached. The David Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for model also omits a number of key policy measures that Communities and Local Government how many are difficult to assign to households, but which are likely notifications were made under Part P of Building to impact on incomes and/or employment—for instance, Regulations in England and Wales in each year since changes to corporation tax and capital gains tax. For 2005; and how many notifications there were under the these reasons we cannot treat the IFS results as definitive. scheme relating to the fitting of a new consumer unit in domestic properties in each such year, excluding those UN Convention on Elimination of all Forms of fitted in newly-built properties. [15898] Discrimination against Women Andrew Stunell: Notifications under Part P (Electrical David Miliband: To ask the Minister for Women and safety) of the Building Regulations may be made either Equalities how many officials at the Government Equalities directly to a building control body (local authorities Office are working on preparation of the UK’s Periodic and approved inspectors) or by registered installers Report to the Convention on the Elimination of all through an authorised Part P competent person self- forms of Discrimination Against Women. [14227] certification scheme. There are no figures available for those installations notified directly to a building control Lynne Featherstone: The Government are strongly body as the Department does not hold such information. committed to fulfilling their international obligations The following table sets out those notifications made under the Convention on the Elimination of all forms through competent person schemes since 2005: of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which it Part P notifications through competent person views as an essential tool to progress gender equality schemes domestically and internationally. The Government are on track to submit the UK 7th CEDAW periodic report April 2005 to March 2006 938,890 to the UN in May 2011, as scheduled. To ensure the April 2006 to March 2007 1,142,046 widest possible contribution and input to this report, April 2007 to March 2008 1,210,748 the Government Equalities Office (GEO) has and will April 2008 to March 2009 1,239,951 continue to engage with other Government Departments, April 2009 to March 2010 1,214,917 the devolved Administrations and non-governmental Separate information on the number of new consumer organisations (NGOs) throughout the drafting process: units installed in existing domestic properties has not The GEO has set up a forum of prominent umbrella NGOs/other been collected. partners to keep these organisations up to date and to enable a productive dialogue. Connaught Partnerships To inform and pursue this dialogue, the GEO is also planning to host a wider NGO event towards the end of the year. Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for The GEO hosts a cross-government officials group and a Devolved Administration Gender Director’s Network. Communities and Local Government if he will take steps to assist housing associations and local Throughout the compilation/clearance of the periodic authorities to bring in-house contracts which had been report GEO officials will use all these forums to contribute let to Connaught Partnerships. [16220] to the drafting of the report throughout the process. Grant Shapps: We do not intend to assist housing associations or local authorities to bring in-house contracts previously let to Connaught Partnerships. This is a COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT matter for those landlords affected. Since Connaught entered administration large parts Accelerated Development Zones of their business have already been bought out by other contractors; Morgan Sindall (who have taken over the majority of the social housing arm) and Centrica (who Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for have bought the electric and gas compliance part of the Communities and Local Government what progress business). This has safeguarded the majority of jobs at has been made on the establishment of accelerated risk following Connaught’s collapse. development zones in respect of each local authority which expressed an interest in such zones in June 2009. Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for [16399] Communities and Local Government whether he plans to review his Department’s policy on the maintenance Robert Neill: On 20 September, the Deputy Prime of housing association propeties to take account of the Minister announced that the Government would allow entry into administration of Connaught Partnerships. local authorities to borrow using tax increment financing. [16221] Further details will be published later this year in a White Paper on local economic growth, which will Grant Shapps: No, the Government see no reason consider the most appropriate framework of incentives and have no plans to revise its policies on the maintenance for local authorities to support growth, including exploring of housing association properties. options for business rate incentives, which would allow Since Connaught entered administration large parts local authorities to reinvest the benefits of growth into of their business have already been bought out by other local communities. contractors; Morgan Sindall (who have taken over the 37W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 38W majority of the social housing arm) and Centrica (who Robert Neill: No freehold property owned by have bought the electric and gas compliance part of the Communities and Local Government is vacant. business). This has safeguarded the majority of jobs at CLG currently has vacant space within two existing risk following Connaught’s collapse. leasehold properties, but due to the nature of the tenancy Councillors: Age agreement the value of this asset is nil to the Department. I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for West Suffolk (Matthew Hancock) Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for on 6 September, Official Report, column 20W. Communities and Local Government (1) whether he has made a recent estimate of the number and Departmental Press: Subscriptions proportion of councillors under the age of 35 years old in local authorities (a) in London and (b) outside Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for London; [16034] Communities and Local Government how much his (2) whether he has made a recent estimate of the Department and its predecessors spent on newspapers, number of local authorities with no councillors aged periodicals and trade profession magazines in each under 35 years of age; [16035] year since 2001. [16235] (3) whether he has made an estimate of the number and proportion of councillors elected in May 2010 who Robert Neill: The Department has spent the following were (a) under 25, (b) under 30, (c) under 35, (d) on newspapers, periodicals and trade profession magazines under 40, (e) under 50, (f) over 60, (g) over 65, (h) with its preferred suppliers since 2003. Figures for earlier over 70, (i) over 80 and (j) over 90 years old. [16040] years could be extracted only at disproportionate cost.

Robert Neill: We have made no such estimates. Data Financial year Amount (£) on the age profile of councillors are collected by the Local Government and Improvement Development body 2003-04 180,408 (previously known as IDeA) as part of its National 2004-05 139,106 Census of Local Authority Councillors in England, the 2005-06 159,369 last of which was carried out in 2008. 2006-07 129,370 2007-08 86,834 Departmental Billing 2008-09 136,892 2009-10 113,308 Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 945,287 Communities and Local Government what the average cost to his Department was of processing the payment Departmental Public Expenditure of an invoice in the latest period for which figures are available; and what proportion of invoices settled in Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for that period his Department paid (a) electronically and Communities and Local Government if his Department (b) by cheque. [16159] will take steps to assess the effects on (a) equality of incomes, (b) equality of assets and (c) equality of Robert Neill: The average cost to Communities and access to services of measures relating to its expenditure Local Government for processing the payment of an under consideration in the Spending Review. [16357] invoice in the current financial year 2010-11 is £1.81. Of the invoices settled over that period, 97.93% have been Grant Shapps: CLG will ensure the relevant equality paid electronically and the remaining 2.07% paid by considerations are taken in to account in the context of cheque. expenditure under consideration in the spending review, Departmental Contracts in compliance with our obligations under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, the Race Relations Act 1976, and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the Departmental Redundancy Pay monetary value is of contracts his Department has awarded to each (a) management consultancy and (b) IT company since 7 May 2010. [16191] Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what severance Robert Neill: Details of the Department’s expenditure payments have been paid to (a) Ministers and (b) for the first quarter of financial year 2010-11 have been special advisers in his Department who left office after published on its website: the last general election. [15404] http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/ spendingdata1011. Robert Neill: 1 refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire Departmental Empty Property (Pete Wishart) on 5 July 2010, Official Report, column 55W.

Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Secondment Communities and Local Government what the estimated monetary value is of each vacant (a) building and (b) Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for parcel of land owned by his Department in each region. Communities and Local Government how many staff [16254] his Department has appointed on secondment since 39W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 40W

7 May 2010; and from what organisation each such Government Offices for the Regions member of staff has been seconded. [16273] Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Robert Neill: The Department has appointed fewer Communities and Local Government pursuant to the than five secondees since 7 May 2010. Further details written ministerial statement of 22 July 2010, Official are withheld on grounds of confidentiality. Report, columns 27-8WS, on regional government, what assessment he made of the merits of holding a consultation Empty Dwelling Management Orders on the proposed closure of the Government Office Network. [16418] Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Greg Clark: I refer the hon. Member to the answer Communities and Local Government if he will review given to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside the operation of interim empty dwelling management (Mrs Ellman) and the hon. Member for North Ayrshire orders. [15993] and Arran (Katy Clark) on 27 July, Official Report, columns 1037-38W. Andrew Stunell: The coalition agreement commits to exploring a range of measures to bring empty homes Jon Trickett: Toask the Secretary of State for Communities back into use. Ministers are currently looking at the and Local Government whether he met unions representing nature of the problem and potential solutions including staff at the Government Office Network before taking the operation of interim empty dwelling management his decision to close that network. [16419] orders and the civil liberty implications. We expect to Greg Clark: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I make a further announcement shortly. gave the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North (Catherine McKinnell) on 9 September 2010, Official Fire Services: West Midlands Report, column 605W. Housing Ombudsman Service: Public Relations Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will take Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for steps to ensure that Hereford and Worcester fire and Communities and Local Government with reference to rescue service is funded on a basis equivalent to that of his Department’s press release of 5 August 2010, if he West Midlands fire service. [16140] will place in the Library a copy of the contract and project brief for work undertaken by APCO Worldwide Robert Neill: Formula grant is distributed in the same for the Housing Ombudsman; what the cost was of the way to all local authorities, as appropriate to the services contract; and if he will place in the Library a copy of that they provide. the (a) Communications and Engagement Strategy, We have consulted publicly on options for distribution (b) Communications and Engagement Programme of formula grant from 2011-12 and will take decisions and (c) Stakeholder Perception Survey. [15046] in due course. Grant Shapps: The contract referred to in the Secretary of State’s press release of 5 August between the Housing Government Departments: Public Consultation Ombudsman and APCO Worldwide was to undertake a stakeholder perception survey. This survey was completed Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for in June 2010 and is available on the Independent Housing Communities and Local Government what progress has Ombudsman Ltd (IHOL) website at the following address been made in establishing the panel of representative www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk young people to provide advice to Government on I will place a copy of the contract and the project brief topical issues of interest to young citizens referred to in in the House Library. the Government’s response to the recommendations of the Youth Citizenship Commission. [16039] Landlords: Protection

Andrew Stunell: The Youth Citizenship Commission Mr Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for report was commissioned by the previous Administration. Communities and Local Government if he will bring New Ministers are currently considering developing forward proposals to strengthen protection for landlords. proposals for the future of youth services and on new [15974] approaches to giving young people a voice and Andrew Stunell: We have no proposals to strengthen strengthening youth scrutiny over national and local protection for landlords. The current legislative framework policy. Officials from my Department, with colleagues delivers the right balance of rights and responsibilities from the Department for Education, are working to between landlords and tenants and we have no plans to assess the impact of current approaches to youth change it. empowerment and democratic engagement and are drawing on the mechanisms and experience of youth organisations Local Government Finance to involve young people directly in this work. Both Departments are also working with the Office for Civil Claire Perry: To ask the Secretary of State for Society to support the National Citizen Service (NCS) Communities and Local Government what progress he programme. Young people were involved in the work has made on implementing proposed changes to the that led to the creation of NCS, and their direct contribution rating system to enable local authorities to retain a to its continuing development is an essential part of greater proportion of revenue; and by what date he future plans for the programme. expects the changes to have been implemented. [16325] 41W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 42W

Robert Neill: As announced in the June Budget, the authorities have (a) youth councils and (b) other Government will publish a White Paper later in the year schemes to promote the involvement of young people which will consider the most appropriate framework of in local government. [16041] incentives for local authorities to support growth, including exploring options for business rate incentives, which Andrew Stunell: This information is not held centrally. would allow local authorities to reinvest the benefits of However, the British Youth Council reports that there growth into local communities. are currently over 620 youth councils active across the UK. They work with all levels of local government Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for including parish and community councils as well as Communities and Local Government what plans he unitary authorities, borough and county councils. Members has for the future of the area-based grant; and if he will of the UK Youth Parliament (MYPs) combine with or make a statement. [16401] are linked to 84% of youth councils. In 2009-10, 92% of local authorities signed up to supporting the UK Youth Robert Neill: Area Based Grant is being considered Parliament. Other schemes include the Youth4U Young alongside all other grant funding for local authorities in Inspectors programme which, between April 2009 and the context of the current spending review which will March 2011, is involving 30 local authorities in examining set the spending plans for 2011-12 to 2014-15. The how marginalised young people can engage in their outcome of the spending review will be announced on communities through the scrutiny of local services. 20 October. In June, we removed ring-fencing from £1.2 billion of London Thames Gateway Development Corporation grants, confirming the Government’s commitment to increasing local authorities’ flexibility to use their funding Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for to meet locally identified priorities. Communities and Local Government with reference to his Department’s press release of 5 August 2010, if he Local Government: Pay will place in the Library a copy of the contract and project brief for work undertaken for the London Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Thames Gateway Development Corporation by Communities and Local Government if he will discuss Connect Public Affairs; and how much was spent on with Local Government Employers and unions means the contract. [15028] of reaching agreement on pay claims for 2011-12 and 2012-13 for local government employees. [15975] Robert Neill [holding answer 13 September 2010]: A copy of the London Thames Gateway Development Robert Neill: The pay of local government employees Corporation’s contract with Connect Public Affairs has is determined by the relevant National Joint Council or been placed in the Library of the House. In the last 12 Joint Negotiating Committee governing that work force. months the London Thames Gateway Development Central Government plays no role in the pay negotiation Corporation has paid £8,002.56 to Connect Public Affairs machinery involving the employer’s side and the trade as a contribution to the secretariat services provided by union side. them to the All Party Thames Gateway Parliamentary Group. Local Government: Public Consultation This contract has now been cancelled. Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which local Non-domestic Rates: Social Enterprises authorities offer opportunities for young citizens to take a decision-making role in respect of budgets funding Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for activities for young people. [16030] Communities and Local Government what guidance his Department provides to local authorities on use of Andrew Stunell: The Department for Education has the business rates system to encourage social previously provided discrete funding, through the Youth enterprises in their area. [16285] Opportunity Fund, for young people to control and decide how it should be spent in their local area. These Robert Neill: Some social enterprises may potentially funds helped all local authorities to develop new approaches qualify for mandatory charity relief or discretionary to strategic investment in youth activities and facilities. not-for-profit relief. Charity relief provides an 80% Local authorities continue to receive this funding until discount on business rates bills which may be topped up March 2011 and in the context of the current fiscal to 100% by the relevant local authority. Not-for-profit climate, the ring fence has been removed to provide relief is payable at the discretion of the relevant local local authorities with greater flexibility to reshape services authority and provides up to 100% relief. Decisions on according to local need. whether a particular social enterprise satisfies the relevant A number of local authorities have also implemented eligibility criteria are a matter for individual local authorities. Participatory Budgeting in their area (giving people a direct say over spending parts of local budgets), including Planning Permission giving young people a say in spending decisions on activities for young people. Examples include Newcastle, Dr Whitehead: To ask the Secretary of State for Tower Hamlets and Stockton on Tees. Communities and Local Government if he will publish (a) the minutes of each meeting and (b) the responses Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for to questionnaires conducted in respect of the proposals Communities and Local Government which local set out in the Town and Country Planning (General 43W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 44W

Permitted Development) (Amendment) No (i) 2 and Robert Neill: While we recognise the significance of (ii) 3 (England) Regulations 2010. [15957] county names for the traditions of our counties, my right hon. Friend has had no such discussions. Grant Shapps: I have placed a summary of the Rented Housing: Hyndburn representations received on this matter in the Library of the House. My officials met with key partners who had Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for been invited to comment on the proposals—these meetings Communities and Local Government how many were not minuted. one-room (a) social sector and (b) private rented sector properties are for rent at (i) under and (ii) over Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for £46 per week in Hyndburn and Haslingden. [15997] Communities and Local Government what representations he received before making the Town and Country Planning Andrew Stunell: The information requested is not (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (No. collected centrally. 2) (England) Order 2010; and if he will publish them. [16048] Rights of Way

Grant Shapps: We sought the views of key partners Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for representing the different interests in this matter prior Communities and Local Government whether the to bringing forward these legislative changes. A number provision to members of the public of copies of of other organisations. mainly individual local authorities, definitive footpath maps proposed by local authorities also took the opportunity to comment on the proposed is within the scope of the Public Sector Mapping changes. I have placed a summary of responses, which Agreement; and if he will make a statement. [15792] includes details of those who responded, in the Library of the House. Robert Neill: Members of the public are able to access copies of local authority definitive maps, which depict public rights of way including footpaths, for the Politics: Young People purposes of inspection and scrutiny. This will continue to be the case under the Public Sector Mapping Agreement, Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for where these maps are based on Ordnance Survey mapping. Communities and Local Government if he will bring Ordnance Survey has not been made aware of any forward proposals to encourage young people to proposals by local authorities to alter the way in which participate in politics. [16037] members of the public are provided with access to copies of definitive maps. Andrew Stunell: The Government are keen to promote Shared Ownership Schemes: Construction opportunities for young people to participate in politics. Ministers, MPs and officials provide opportunities for young people to shadow them and learn more about Richard Harrington: To ask the Secretary of State for politics. Local government also provides opportunities, Communities and Local Government how many including youth councils who work with all levels of shared ownership housing units were constructed in local government and give young people a voice in their each of the last five years; and what estimate he has local area. The British Youth Council reports that there made of the number of such units which will be are currently over 620 youth councils active across the completed in each of the next five years. [15801] UK. Other opportunities for young people to participate in politics include the UK Youth Parliament (UKYP) Andrew Stunell: New Build HomeBuy homes encompass elections, the UKYP debate in the House of Commons all shared ownership homes constructed. Figures for and departmental advisory groups. We will continue to New Build HomeBuy homes are provided in the following encourage these activities where we can. table. Information up to and including 2008-09 is also Postcodes: Databases published in Live Table 1010 on the Communities and Local Government website: http://www.communities.gov.uk/housing/housingresearch/ Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for housingstatistics/housingstatisticsby/ Communities and Local Government how many (a) affordablehousingsupply/livetables/ letters and (b) e-mails his Department has received (i) which will be updated for 2009-10 with the publication against and (ii) in favour of deleting county names of the Department’s Affordable Housing Statistical Release from the Postcode Address File in the last six months. and Live Tables on 28 October 2010. Information in the [15751] table for 2009-10 is taken from the Homes and Communities Agency’s statistics released on 15 June 2010. Robert Neill: We have no record of having received The Department does not forecast levels of future correspondence on this issue in the last six months. house building and delivery will be determined by local housing plans. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Additional New Build HomeBuy homes provided in England Communities and Local Government whether he has Number had recent discussions with the Association of Traditional Counties on the deletion of county names 2005-06 8,700 from the Postcode Address File. [15753] 2006-07 10,960 45W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 46W

Additional New Build HomeBuy homes provided in England Mrs Villiers: We announced in the Queen’s Speech in Number May 2010, the Government’s intention to reform the framework for the economic regulation of airports to 2007-08 14,450 benefit passengers and to drive investment in better 2008-09 11,820 airport services. Government are looking to introduce 2009-10 9,110 legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows. Note: Data are rounded to nearest 10 homes. We have no plans to include in the Bill measures Source: relating to blight, compensation and compulsory purchase Homes and Communities Agency orders in respect of airport development schemes. Third Sector: Public Consultation Aviation: Security

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what discussions Transport what recent representations he has received he has had with third sector organisations on ensuring on the use of advanced imaging technology in airports; that young citizens in community and voluntary groups and if he will make a statement. [15581] are informed of opportunities to take up civic roles. Mrs Villiers: A consultation on the use of security [16032] scanners in UK airports was undertaken, closing on 19 July 2010. Over 6,000 responses were received and these Andrew Stunell: Ministers for the Department of are currently being analysed. The Government plan to Communities and Local Government have undertaken make an announcement on the way forward soon. a number of discussions with voluntary and community sector organisations. This includes meetings with the Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Young Advisors Charity and British Youth Council to Transport whether he plans to continue with the trial of discuss the roles of young people in the big society and the use of full-body security scanners at UK airports; ministerial attendance at a panel discussion on politicians’ and what assessment he has made of the implications engagement with young people run by the New Statesman for the UK of the proposals in the Commission magazine and the Prince’s Trust, and attended by young Communication to the European Parliament and the people from a wide variety of organisations. Council on the use of security scanners at EU airports, 10865/10. [15976] Mrs Villiers: The deployment of security scanners TRANSPORT continues while the Government consider the responses to a public consultation on an interim code of practice Airlines: Radar for their use at UK airports. Given the nature of the continuing terrorist threat to Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport civil aviation, we welcome the European Commission’s what representations he has received from the Air communication of 15 June 2010. The Government believe Accidents Investigation Branch on the installation of that we now need to move quickly to amend existing TCAS II equipment in planes flying in the London European implementing legislation to give airports the flexibility to deploy security scanners more effectively area. [15388] and efficiently than at present. Mrs Villiers: The Air Accidents Investigation Branch Bury-Rawtenstall Railway Line (AAIB) has not made any representations to the Secretary of State in respect of TCAS II. Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for However the AAIB has made the following Safety Transport if he will take steps to ensure that the Recommendation to the Civil Aviation Authority (AAIB development of the Bury to Rawtenstall rail extension Recommendation 2010/060). proceeds. [15998] “It is recommended that the Civil Aviation Authority considers whether the carriage of TCAS II should be mandated for aircraft Mrs Villiers: I would be happy to work with Rossendale operating in those parts of the London TMA where London City borough council, Lancashire county council and Greater Airport SIDs interact with traffic positioning to land at Heathrow Manchester Passengers Transport Executive on the Bury Airport”. to Rawtenstall rail extension scheme should studies that This recommendation followed the investigation into they are currently undertaking confirm that a new rail a serious incident near London City airport on 27 July service is the best way to meet the transport needs of the 2009 reported in the AAIB September 2010 Bulletin. corridor between Bury and Rawtenstall. However, all programmes will be subject to affordability and constraints Aviation of the outcome of the autumn Spending Review. Bus Services: Concessions Sir Alan Haselhurst: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will discuss with the Secretary of State Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for Communities and Local Government the inclusion what the cost to his Department was of the national in the scope of the proposed Airport Economic concessionary bus travel scheme (a) in total and (b) Regulation Bill of provisions to address matters of per recipient in each year since its introduction; and blight, compensation and compulsory purchase orders what estimate he has made of the projected cost of the in respect of airport expansion schemes. [15213] scheme in each year from 2011-12 to 2014-15. [16417] 47W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 48W

Norman Baker: Following the extension of the statutory Mike Penning: The Department for Transport has minimum bus concession in April 2008, to provide free made no estimate of the number of staged car accidents, off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England to eligible or the effect of such accidents on motor insurance older and disabled people, the Department for Transport premiums and other costs to motorists. This is because has provided special grant funding to local authorities insurance claims are made directly to insurance companies of £212 million in 2008-09, £217 million in 2009-10 and by either the policyholder, the other party or the other £223 million in 2010-11. This is in addition to the party’s insurer. funding that the Department for Communities and The industry set up the Insurance Fraud Bureau to Local Government provides each year for concessionary co-ordinate intelligence on insurance fraud. Insurers travel through the formula grant process. Local authorities take insurance fraud very seriously and have set measures spent £1.025 billion on concessionary travel (including in place to deal with it. Where there is sufficient evidence their own discretionary enhancements) in 2008-09. Figures of fraud the police will be informed but it is unlikely for 2009-10 have not yet been published. that the industry would contact the Department before The average cost per concessionary pass issued is doing so. estimated to be around £100 per annum. The projected future cost of the concessionary travel Dartford-Thurrock Crossing: Road Traffic scheme is as follows: Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for £ million Transport what plans he has to help improve traffic 2011-12 1,089 flow at the Dartford Crossing. [15982] 2012-13 1,108 2013-14 1,132 Mike Penning: The Highways Agency are currently 2014-15 1,157 implementing a package of measures, including better information to road users and further traffic management The above forecast is for expenditure by travel concession technology to reduce congestion. authorities on concessionary travel for older and disabled We are currently examining options for addressing people. This includes spend on both the statutory minimum traffic flow issues at the Dartford Crossing and will scheme and discretionary concessions and assumes eligible make an announcement in due course. age for the scheme rises in line with the rising female pension age, as has already been committed. Departmental Billing As part of the spending review the Government are exploring how savings can be made in how the scheme is operated—in particular whether savings can be made Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for through a more efficient method by which travel concession Transport what the average cost to his Department was authorities reimburse bus operators. These savings have of processing the payment of an invoice in the latest not been included in the forecast. period for which figures are available; and what proportion of invoices settled in that period his Department paid (a) electronically and (b) by cheque. Bus Services: Finance [16171]

Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State Norman Baker: The average cost of processing the for Transport what criteria his Department plans to use payment of an invoice for the Department is £4.99. in its review of the Bus Services Operators Grant; what In determining the average cost of processing an consultations his Department is undertaking as part of invoice, the cost is calculated by taking the staff costs the review; and if he will make a statement. [13414] for those staff who are solely involved in invoice processing and dividing it by the total number of invoices paid. Norman Baker: The Government are considering Bus The calculation does not take into account accommodation Service Operators Grant as part of the spending review. and IT/equipment costs. Decisions will be made, and announced, in due course. The average proportion of invoices settled electronically A public consultation on options for Bus Service and by cheque for the Department is: Operators Grant (BSOG) reform was held in 2008. Electronic: 91.34% Since then, the Department has been talking to Cheque: 8.66% representatives from the bus industry and local authorities and has received a number of letters from MPs, interest groups and members of the public. Departmental Chief Scientific Advisers

Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Cars: Accidents Transport on how many occasions each Minister in his Department has met his Department’s Chief Scientific Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Officer since 6 May 2010. [15350] Transport what estimate he has made of the number of staged car accidents in the latest period for which Norman Baker: The Secretary of State has met with figures are available; and what estimate has been made the Government chief scientific adviser on one occasion. of the effects of such accidents on (a) car insurance He plans to meet with both his departmental chief premiums and (b) other costs to motorists. [10317] scientific adviser and chief scientific adviser on 3 November. 49W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 50W

Departmental Driving Departmental Motor Vehicles Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the annual expenditure on vehicles of Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) his Department and (b) each (i) non-departmental Transport how many and what proportion of his public body and (ii) executive agency for which he is Department’s staff whose duties include driving have responsible in each English region was in the last three passed the advanced driving test. [14771] financial years; and what the planned expenditure is in each case for 2010-11. [12443] Norman Baker: This information is not held centrally, Norman Baker: The requested information is provided however, as of 31 December 2009 the percentage of in the table. Government Car and Despatch Agency staff whose Information on non-departmental public bodies and duties include driving, who have passed the Institute of a regional breakdown of spend is available only at Advanced Motorists course, was 45.8%. disproportionate cost.

£ 2010-11 planned DfT organisational unit Notes expenditure 2009-10 spend 2008-09 spend 2007-08 spend

DfT Central—London HQ 1 — — — — DfT Central—Air Accidents Investigation Branch 2 37,803 36,430 36,430 30,367 DfT Central—Marine Accident Investigation 2 6,800 7,279 4,849 4,418 Branch DfT Central—Rail Accident Investigation Branch — 27,316 28,270 18,428 18,435 Driving Standards Agency 3 625,286 1,121,804 264,788 305,311 Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency 4 694,000 431,000 670,000 640,000 Government Car and Despatch Agency 5 1.4 million 2.0 million 2.5 million 1.3 million Highways Agency 6 15.7 million 27.1 million 22.0 million 2.3 million Maritime and Coastguard Agency 7 173,332 236,576 459,775 672,798 Vehicle and Operator Services Agency 8 1.2 million 2,011,169 1,965,890 463,723 Vehicle Certification Agency 9 — 5,574 4,138 7,186 Notes: 1. Included within GCDA. 2. Relates to leased vehicles. 3. Relates to (a) purchase and (b) maintenance costs. 4. Relates to the total cost for (a) leased cars, (b) car hire, (c) vehicle running costs, (d) minor repairs and (e) car maintenance (the DVLA does not own any vehicles). These figures also represent the total for Great Britain (as the agency does not hold such information by individual region) and to perform such an exercise would incur disproportionate costs. The increased forecast costs are due to: leasing contracts due for renewal at increased costs, introduction of new tasks, business adviser trainers numbers reduced resulting in more travelling to cover a wider geographical area, setting up of new Central Processing Unit resulting in initial additional travel costs regarding training etc. Additionally the Central Processing Unit (set up in March 2010) will result in increased travel costs of senior managers covering Swansea and Manchester Central Processing Units. The departments Corporate Assurance Services will be carrying out significantly increased numbers of External Data User Visits to ensure security. The forecast also includes leases for vehicles to replace trucks that were owned. This cost is new to 2010- 11. 5. Relates to (a) purchase, (b) leasing, (c) service, maintenance and repair and (d) fuel. The table represents the expenditure for the GCDA fleet which is located in London. Included in these figures are 16 vehicles that operate out of Cardiff and Bradford, these are rotated among the fleet to level out mileage. The cost relating to these could be separated out only at a disproportionate cost.” 6. Relates to expenditure on the Traffic Officer Vehicles and Winter Maintenance Fleet (except 2007-08 which relates to Traffic Officer Fleet only). The Traffic Officer Vehicle figures do not include fuel and consumables. Traffic Officer Vehicles are provided on a lease basis and the Highways Agency is charged a combined monthly fee that includes lease and maintenance. The Highways Agency is forecasting to spend £12.5 million on the purchase of new winter service vehicles this financial year, with £5 million spent to date, over the period April to June 2010. The vehicle supply contract for the new winter fleet was not awarded until January 2008 and as such, costs were not incurred under the contract until later in 2008-09 being year 1 of the supply contract. Before this Highways Agency used the old fleet which was purchased a number of years previously. 7. Relates to (a) purchase, (b) maintenance and (c) fuel in England. Further regional breakdown is available only at disproportionate cost. 8. Figures calculated include: fuel service maintenance and repair insurance premium—we have commercial fully comprehensive insurance GCDA fleet management fees capital purchases, including conversion work all vehicles have been included, e.g. Powers to Stop (PtS), High Risk Traffic Initiative (HRTI) PtS, Roadside Check vans (mobile office) pool cars 2007-08—fuel cost has been calculated pro rata using five months recorded data due to a change in how the data were captured. To calculate actuals would incur disproportionate costs. 2008-09 and 2009-10 had major capital investment for HRTI project and replacement Roadside Check vans. 9. Data for 2010-11 are not available.

Departmental Operating Costs My Department is continuing to make further efficiencies through the spending review, which is due to report on Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for 20 October 2010, in line with the Government’s requirement Transport what steps he has taken to reduce the running to reduce departmental administration spend by a third costs of his Department since his appointment. [9818] by 2014-15. Mr Philip Hammond: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Sheffield, Departmental Press: Subscriptions Brightside and Hillsborough (Mr Blunkett) on 13 July 2010, Official Report, column 625W, in which I set out how the Department for Transport is making £683 million Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport of savings in 2010-11, as part of the £6 billion of how much his Department spent on newspapers, periodicals cross-Government cuts announced by the Government and trade profession magazines in each year since 2002. in May. [16237] 51W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 52W

Norman Baker: Expenditure by the Department for The Department for Transport, the Vehicle and Operator Transport, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Vehicle Services, the Vehicle Certification Agency, the Highways Agency Operator Standards Agency, the Maritime and Coastguard and non-departmental public bodies, due to the data not being Agency and the Government Car and Despatch Agency, held centrally. on newspapers, periodicals and trade profession magazines A partial response is possible for the Maritime and in the most recent years is as follows: Coastguard Agency (MCA), the Government Car and 2008-09: £267,642 the Despatch Agency (GCDA), the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing 2009-10: £225,393 Agency (DVLA) for data held centrally since 2007. 2010-11: £41,270 (to 31 August, where available). Please note the following table provides data held for Due to changes in accounting systems, expenditure the agencies who commenced recording their training for years prior to 2008-09 cannot be provided on a data centrally from 2007. comparable basis without incurring disproportionate costs. Training courses and aids In the last year, the Department and its agencies have £ taken significant steps to reduce discretionary spending. Financial years This is reflected in the comparatively low anticipated 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 final figure 2010-11. MCA 423,833 567,253 82,265.37 GCDA 138,262 63,712 90,697 Departmental Public Expenditure DSA 847,464 806,639 625,449 DVLA 1,876,000 1,548,000 1,265,000 Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Note: The data contained in this table is shown as recorded by our executive agencies. The data relates to formal training that has been Transport if his Department will take steps to assess logged and recorded centrally; it may not include training which has the effects on (a) equality of incomes, (b) equality of been booked and paid for locally. assets and (c) equality of access to services of measures relating to its expenditure under Driving under Influence: Accidents consideration in the Spending Review. [16355] Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Philip Hammond: The Department for Transport Transport what estimate his Department has made of will ensure the relevant equality considerations are taken the number of people in each age group who died in in to account in the context of expenditure under road traffic accident deaths where alcohol was a causal consideration in the spending review, in compliance factor in each year since 1999; and if he will make a with our obligations under the Sex Discrimination Act statement. [15301] 1975, the Race Relations Act 1976, and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Mike Penning: The estimated number of fatalities in drink drive accidents by age group for each year since 1999 is shown in the following table: Departmental Speeches Estimated number of fatalities in drink drive accidents by age group, 1999 to 2008 Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Number of fatalities Transport which (a) (i) civil servants and (ii) special 0-15 16-24 25-59 60+ Total1 advisers in his Department and (b) other individuals are employed to write speeches for each Minister in his 1999 10 150 260 30 460 Department. [7393] 2000 10 170 310 30 530 2001 10 190 310 30 530 Norman Baker: The Department for Transport currently 2002 10 190 320 30 550 employs two civil servants to write speeches and articles 2003 10 210 330 30 580 for four Departments for Transport Ministers. Policy 2004 20 210 330 30 580 officials may sometimes contribute by drafting 2005 10 190 330 30 550 parliamentary speeches. The Department’s two special 2006 10 200 320 30 560 advisers may also contribute to speeches when required. 2007 0 150 230 30 410 2008 10 140 220 30 400 Departmental Training 1 Includes age not recorded. Note: Estimates are rounded to the nearest 10 and therefore the rows may Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for not add up to the total. Transport how much his (a) Department and its A reported drink drive accident is defined as being a predecessors and (b) its agencies and non- collision on a public road reported to police in which departmental public bodies spent on employee training someone is killed or injured and where one or more of in each year since 1997. [7644] the motor vehicle drivers or riders involved either refused to give a breath test specimen when requested to do so Norman Baker: The Department for Transport was by the police (other than when incapable of doing so for formed in 2002, and is made up of a central Department medical reasons), or one of the following: and seven executive agencies. This response covers both (i) failed a roadside breath test by registering over 35 micrograms the central Department and our seven agencies. of alcohol per 100 ml of breath I regret that the information requested can be provided (ii) died and was subsequently found to have more than 80 mg only at disproportionate cost for the following: of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. 53W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 54W

Alcohol was not necessarily a causal factor in all of Fuels: Excise Duties these accidents and there may have been fatalities in other accidents in which alcohol was a causal factor but Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State no drivers/riders involved exceeded the legal drink drive for Transport how much his Department paid in fuel limit. Estimates for drink drive casualties by age group duty rebate to (a) bus operators, (b) train operators, in 2009 will be available in summer 2011. (c) air operators and (d) ferry operators in each year The previous Government commissioned Sir Peter since 2005; what proportion of the fuel duty incurred North to head an independent review of measures by each was accounted for by each such rebate in each available to combat drink and drug driving. Sir Peter’s such year; whether his Department plans to review report covers a wide range of issues and makes 51 such rebates as part of the Spending Review; and if he detailed recommendations, which we are considering will make a statement. [13413] carefully with other Government Departments. We hope to publish a response to the report at the end of the Norman Baker: The Department for Transport no year. longer pays Fuel Duty Rebate to bus operators. In recent years, we have paid grant to bus operators in the Driving: Information form of Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG). This is calculated on the amount of fuel used but is no longer Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for linked to fuel duty rates. Transport how much the Highways Agency has spent Since 2008, BSOG has been paid at a rate of 43.21p on driver information programmes in the last 12 per litre. Operators can receive higher rates for achieving months. [12134] specific outcomes, such as operating smartcard systems or Automatic Vehicle Location systems, and increasing Mike Penning: In the last 12 months (August 2009 to fuel efficiency. An additional BSOG payment is made August 2010) the Highways Agency has spent £211,358.91 to operators of low carbon buses. on the development of driver information programmes Since 2005, total spend on BSOG in England has for road safety educational purposes, including support been as follows: to various partnership initiatives. The driver information programmes are developed £ million and created with advice and support from experts in the industry (Police, Fire and Rescue, Department for 2005-06 357 Transport, Road Safety Great Britain). The cost quoted 2006-07 367 is for the development of the master copies. The costs of 2007-08 398 reproduction (mass copying the resources) is included 2008-09 423 in the Highways Agency’s road safety initiative budget, 2009-10 430 which covers a wide range of safety interventions. Much road safety educational work has been developed in-house The Government are considering Bus Service Operators and with key partners at no cost. Grant as part of the spending review. Decisions will be made, and announced, in due course. East Coast Railway Line: Rolling Stock The Government have no comparable scheme for trains, boats and planes. However, international airline Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for fuel is not dutiable and diesel fuel for use by train and Transport what plans there are for use of Pendolino ferry operators is taxed at the rebated rate of £10.99 per rolling stock for service on the East Coast Main Line; litre. Tax relief is available for ferry operators. Additionally, and what assumptions were made about the availability kerosene is exempt from tax, except where it is for of rolling stock when the East Coast Main Line 2011 private use. timetable was being prepared. [13421] Heathrow Airport: Noise Mrs Villiers: We are aware of discussions that Directly Operated Railways have had about the use of a new Mary Macleod: To ask the Secretary of State for Pendolino set on the east coast main line. This is an Transport what recent assessment he has made of noise operational matter for Directly Operated Railways. levels of aircraft approaching and departing Heathrow airport. [16122] Additional rolling stock is not required for the operation of the May 2011 east coast timetable, which has been Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport publishes developed on the assumption that it will be operated annual aircraft noise contour maps for Heathrow which using the existing east coast fleet. provides information on the size of the contours as well as the population within them. EU Law This information is available on the Department’s website at: Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for www.dft.gov.uk Transport if he will estimate the cost to his Department of compliance with regulations arising from EU M25: Road Traffic obligations in the last 12 months. [6871] Jackie Doyle-Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Villiers: The information requested is not held Transport what plans he has to reduce congestion at centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate junction 30 of the M25; and if he will make a cost. statement. [15864] 55W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 56W

Mike Penning: All national and regional road Foreign drivers are subject to the same rules as drivers improvement schemes with an estimated cost of greater from the UK. Local authorities have a range of enforcement than £10 million that are not yet in construction will be options to target the vehicle of any motorist who considered as part of the Government’s Spending Review. consistently breaks parking laws and does not pay penalty charges to ensure that payment is secured. Motor Vehicles: Safety Public Transport: Disability Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with (a) the European Commission and (b) his EU counterparts on Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State harmonising EU requirements on road safety standards for Transport what steps he plans to take to improve for child passengers in motor vehicles. [16382] the provision of public transport travel advice and information for disabled individuals. [15797] Mike Penning: I have had no such recent discussions. There are European Commission Directives aimed at Norman Baker: The Department for Transport recognises establishing minimum common practice throughout the the importance of travel advice and information to EU on the use of seat belts and child seats, which the enable disabled people to plan their journeys on public UK implemented in 2006. These do not prevent other transport confidently and independently. member states introducing further rules in their territory We are currently working to improve the accessibility on top of those prescribed in the Directives, should it so information available to the public through the Transport wish. That is a matter for the country concerned and is Direct journey planner, to enable disabled people and not something that the Government could or would people of reduced mobility to plan their journeys during seek to influence. the Olympic Games. This should have an ongoing legacy. Northern Rail and Transpennine: Rolling Stock On buses, audio visual equipment is a useful addition to bus services and is especially useful to those with visual impairments. The Department has commissioned Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport a project to research the costs and benefits of audio what assessment he has made of the adequacy of railway visuals on buses, and consider ways of increasing uptake carriage provision for passengers leaving stations in of these systems. The project is due to report shortly. Greater Manchester on (a) Northern Rail and (b) Transpennine services; and if he will make a statement. On rail, the Department has been working closely [16304] with the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) to improve the information available to disabled Mrs Villiers: The Government’s proposals for providing passengers via the National Rail Enquiry Service (NRES). extra capacity on rail services in Greater Manchester, During 2008-10, £500,000 was contributed to a programme formulated under the previous Administration, are being of access audits for every station in the country and a reviewed as part of the spending review. They are being detailed new station journey planner, ‘Stations Made tested for affordability and an announcement will be Easy’, which is available on the NRES website. made shortly after the conclusion of the spending review. Since then, the Department has continued to work The Office for Rail Regulation (ORR) publishes statistics with ATOC on plans to improve the Assisted Passenger on passengers in excess of capacity in National Rail Reservation Service, which disabled people can use to Trends (NRT). These figures were updated in July 2010 enquire about facilities and book journey assistance. A for London commuter services, and will be published further £250,000 has been offered to support this project for other regional centres when this information is which is currently in progress. available. For those who are not confident using public transport, More detailed crowding information on the requested the Department will champion increased levels of travel services may be available directly from the operators at training by local authorities, produce a website of good the following addresses: practice by the end of 2010, and use the Olympic Games to raise the profile of these schemes. Northern Rail Ltd, Northern House, 9 Rougier Street, York, YO1 6HZ. Customer Relations, First TransPennine Express, Freepost, Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State ADMAIL 3878, Manchester, M1 9YB. for Transport what steps he plans to take to improve access for disabled individuals to bus services serving Parking: Fines (a) Coventry and (b) other cities. [15799]

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Norman Baker: The Government believe that local Transport if he will bring forward legislative proposals bus services are vital for many people and, where possible, to enable local authorities to have access to overseas should be accessible to all. The Public Service Vehicles driver and vehicle registration data to enforce parking Accessibility Regulations 2000 came into force in 2000 fines. [13269] and apply to any public service vehicle with a capacity exceeding 22 passengers used to provide a local or Mike Penning: In order for legislation on matters scheduled service in Britain. The requirements include relating to cross-border co-operation to be effective, it making provision for a wheelchair space as well as should be co-ordinated by the European Union. I fitting features on the bus to assist disabled people. The understand that it is the Belgian presidency’s intention regulations require all buses and coaches, both old and to discuss this issue at the Council of Transport Ministers new, to comply from the year 2015 (through to 2017) for in December. buses and from 2020 for coaches. 57W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 58W

Furthermore, the Government’s commitment to protect autumn. The Secretary of State has made clear that a key benefits for older and disabled people, such as free priority for the Government will be protecting investment bus travel, is set out in the Coalition Agreement and the in the railway and therefore it would be inappropriate to right to free bus travel for both older and disabled rule out a review of the fare formula ahead of the people is enshrined in Primary Legislation. Spending Review announcement. Further announcements on rail fares will be made in due course. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on the provision of Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for travel information in multiple formats; and what steps Transport what representations he has received from he plans to take to implement this policy in the next 12 Southeastern Railway on changes to rail fares on the months. [15800] Integrated Kent Franchise from January 2011. [15576]

Norman Baker: The Department for Transport has Mrs Villiers: Southeastern approached the Secretary led the agenda for the provision of joined-up travel of State to seek his approval to enter into discussions information in standardised formats. In addition to the with Transport for London to add Dartford to the existing legislation covering the provision of information Oyster Pay as You Go (PAYG) system. This consent (primarily the Railways Act of 1993 and the Local was granted. There have been no other representations Government Act of 2000) the Government’s Transparency on changes to rail fares on the Integrated Kent Franchise Agenda promotes the freeing up of public information from January 2011. to the developer community to facilitate the creation of new, innovative information services. Railways: Franchises The Department has already released over 120 datasets on data.gov.uk, including NaPTAN (all public transport Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for access points) and NPTDR (an annual snapshot of Transport if he will extend the franchise period for public transport services) and we will work with colleagues future train operating company franchises; and if he in local government and the transport industry to make will make a statement. [16146] more data available over the next 12 months. We believe that this will encourage new, innovative and personalised Mrs Villiers: The Government believe that longer rail services to be launched, notably in new media such as franchises will deliver enhanced private sector investment smart phone apps, social networking and mobile internet, in the network and the facilities passengers want. Specific which will complement the existing internet, telephone proposals for longer contracts are set out in the consultation and paper-based information services. “Reforming Rail Franchising”, found on the Department for Transport website at: Railways: Construction http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2010-28/ and which closes on 18 October. Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment (a) his Department and (b) High Speed Two have made of the potential of Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for utilising and upgrading existing rail infrastructure as Transport whether his Department took into account an alternative to the construction of a new high speed the past payment record of National Express in its decision to extend the East Anglia rail franchise. rail network. [12939] [16222] Mr Philip Hammond: The Department for Transport’s considerations can be found in the “Road and Rail Mrs Villiers: The Department for Transport’s recent Alternatives Study” published in March 2010, available decision to exercise its right to a contractual extension at: of the East Anglia franchise was taken in the context of ongoing work on the following: www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/alternativestudy/ (i) the consultation on reforming rail franchising HS2 Ltd’s remit required that it look only at creating a new alignment. (ii) Sir Roy McNulty’s Rail Value for Money study. The contractual extension agreed will better enable This Government believe that a high speed rail network the conclusions of the above two initiatives to inform will increase connectivity and capacity on the railway. decisions on re-letting the franchise. Separately, Sir Roy McNulty’s review of value for money is looking at options for ensuring public investment in existing rail infrastructure is delivered as efficiently and Railways: Greater London effectively as possible. Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Railways: Fares Transport what recent discussions he has had with Network Rail on Government funding for work to Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for upgrade railway lines in the London region owned by Transport what plans he has for the future of the retail Network Rail. [14100] price index plus 1 per cent. cap on regulated-fare rail ticket prices. [14442] Mrs Villiers: The Secretary of State has met Network Rail and talked, at a high level, about Network Rail’s Mrs Villiers: The Government are committed to fairness plans for upgrading the network. Department for Transport on rail fares. However, some tough decisions will have officials meet Network Rail regularly to discuss progress to be made in the spending review which concludes this on their enhancement projects in the London area. 59W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 60W

Capital enhancements are set on a five year control Mike Penning: The Highways Agency spent the following period - the current one being 2009-14. A number of annually on motorway and trunk road maintenance in enhancements are to be delivered over this period in each year since 2007: London and further upgrades are planned for control period five. £ million

Railways: Overcrowding 2006-07 850 2007-08 878 2008-09 914 Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for 2009-10 1,307 Transport what methodology his Department uses to measure congestion on trains; and what his most recent Roads: Safety estimate is of the level of congestion on trains serving Leeds. [12768] Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Villiers: Available capacity is deemed to be the Transport what plans he has for the future of the number of standard class seats on the train for journeys specific road safety grant; and if he will make a statement. of more than 20 minutes; for journeys of 20 minutes or [15467] less, an allowance for standing room is also made. The allowance for standing varies with the type of rolling Mike Penning: The larger resource element of the stock but, for modern sliding door stock, is typically specific road safety grant was absorbed into the general approximately 35% of the number of seats. area based grant from April 2008 allowing local authorities to set their own priorities. The future of this funding Train operators have a responsibility to allocate their after 2010-11 is being considered in the comprehensive available rolling stock resources to cater for patterns of spending review. passenger demand, minimising any congestion by ensuring that any crowding is not disproportionately targeted on Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for any one service or group of services. The Department Transport when he expects to publish the national road for Transport monitors train plans submitted by train safety strategy. [15468] operators, to verify that they are exercising best endeavours in this regard. Mike Penning: Britain’s roads are among the safest in The Secretary of State has not made a recent estimate the world. The Secretary of State for Transport is on the level of congestion on trains serving Leeds. considering what further action should be taken to make them safer still and expects to decide whether Roads: Cornwall there is a role for a further national road safety strategy, before the current one expires at the end of this year. George Eustice: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much the Highways Agency spent on Sheffield Station maintaining the sections of the A30 and A38 trunk roads in Cornwall in 2009. [15876] Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) guidance and (b) instructions his Mike Penning: In 2009, approximately £9.1 million Department has issued to East Midlands Trains on was spent by the Highways Agency on maintaining the arrangements for the inspection of tickets at Sheffield strategic trunk roads in Cornwall—£3.6 million on the station as part of their responsibilities for revenue A38 and £5.5 million on the A30. protection in their franchise agreement. [16069] These figures include all maintenance expenditure on roads, verges and structures, including the design and Mrs Villiers: The East Midlands Trains (EMT) Franchise delivery of associated infrastructure renewal schemes. Agreement includes a conditional obligation to install Additionally it includes items such as Saltash Tunnel automatic ticket gates at Sheffield station. If gates are maintenance, Incident Support Unit provision and winter not installed, the franchisee is required to undertake services. revenue protection by way of manual ticket checks.

Roads: Repairs and Maintenance Stansted Airport

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Sir Alan Haselhurst: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the projected Transport if he will take steps to encourage BAA to funding requirement for motorway and trunk road dispose of the properties in the vicinity of Stansted maintenance in each year from 2011-12 to 2014-15. Airport which were purchased with a view to airport [16301] expansion. [15215]

Mike Penning: The projected funding requirements Mrs Villiers: BAA purchased properties in the vicinity for motorway and trunk road maintenance are subject of Stansted airport as part of their non-statutory Home to the outcome of the Spending Review. Owners Support Scheme to protect eligible home owners from the effects of blight and allow them to opt to sell Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for their homes to BAA and move away in advance of any Transport how much the Highways Agency spent on potential planning consent for a second runway. motorway and trunk road maintenance in each year The coalition Government have made absolutely clear since 2007. [16393] that they do not support a second runway at Stansted. 61W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 62W

However, the arrangements to which my right hon. Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State Friend refers were private ones, entered into voluntarily for Health what plans he has to work together with the between home owners and BAA. Any disposal of these devolved administrations on extending the forthcoming properties is a matter for the airport operator. National Audit of Asthma Deaths across the UK. [15871] Tourism: British Nationals Abroad Paul Burstow: The Asthma Deaths Audit is a year-long Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for audit of asthma deaths in England, which is due to Transport how many UK citizens were stranded commence in 2011. The primary intention is to understand abroad following failures of tour operators and airlines the circumstances surrounding asthma deaths in order in 2010; and how many of them were not covered by that any avoidable factors are identified and ways to the ATOL protection scheme. [16129] avoid such factors are understood and addressed by those designing and providing services for people with Mrs Villiers: Information is not available in the form asthma in future. These ‘lessons’ will be communicated requested. to the respiratory community so that practice can change For the year 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010, 2,445 accordingly, and used to inform future policy. passengers were repatriated under the ATOL protection This study will be undertaken in the tradition of scheme after the collapse of their travel operators. Since ‘confidential inquiries’ which have enabled the examination April 2010 the CAA estimates that 43,000 passengers of the circumstances surrounding deaths to be explored have been repatriated under ATOL. in order that changes can be made to future care. In this Trade Unions study, it will not only be the medical care the patient received that will be investigated, but also factors such as awareness in schools and the workplace—where Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for appropriate, environmental conditions prevailing at the Transport what meetings Ministers in his Department time of death, the patient’s understanding of their and its predecessors had with representatives of trade condition and ability to self-manage, and the views of unions in each month since May 1997; which unions the close family of the person who has died. All these Ministers met on each occasion; what discussions took perspectives will help us to understand the circumstances place; and if he will make a statement. [15736] surrounding the deaths, and enable the learning to feed into future policy and services for people with asthma. Norman Baker: I regret that this information can be provided only at disproportionate cost. We are in discussions with the devolved administrations about whether they would like to be involved in the Asthma Deaths Audit and are actively exploring the possibility of making the audit cover the whole of the United HEALTH Kingdom. Aortic Aneurysm: Screening Back Pain: Health Services

David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for James Wharton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health by what date he expects the NHS Abdominal Health (1) what proportion of NHS hospitals have a Aortic Aneurysm Screening programme to have been spinal surgery unit (a) able to treat and diagnose lower fully rolled out; and if he will make a statement. back pain and (b) with rehabilitation expertise; [15628] [16114] (2) how many specialist spinal surgery units within the NHS are (a) able to treat and diagnose lower back Mr Simon Burns: It is expected that full national roll pain and (b) have rehabilitation expertise. [15629] out of the NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening programme will be completed by the end of 2012-13. Paul Burstow: Information is not held centrally on Asthma the number of units within the national health service carrying out spinal surgery. All such units would be expected to have the expertise to identify patients with Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State lower back pain who could benefit from surgical for Health whether he plans to refer asthma to the intervention, to carry out such treatments, and to have National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence as arrangements for provision of appropriate rehabilitation. a topic for the development of a quality standard. Many other clinicians in the NHS are involved in the [15862] diagnosis of lower back pain, including clinicians in primary care and in specialist pain management services. Paul Burstow: The National Quality Board advises the Secretary of State on topics for National Institute Balance North East for Health and Clinical Excellence Quality Standard development. Asthma is one of the topics that is being Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health considered as part of the topic selection process. whether (a) he and (b) officials of his Department National Quality Board papers and minutes, which have discussed with NHS North East the (i) establishment include information on the Board’s consideration of and (ii) funding of Balance North East. [15566] potential Quality Standard topics are published on the Department’s website at: Anne Milton: Balance was established in 2008 by a www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/NationalQualityBoard/ wide range of organisations involved in people’s alcohol index.htm use, including health services, police, voluntary agencies 63W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 64W and local authorities. Balance is funded by the primary Key areas for consideration will be how to increase care trusts in the north-east as well as local police forces public awareness of signs and symptoms of cancer to to tackle alcohol-related issues in a cross-cutting way. ensure that people are more likely to go to their general There have been no discussions with departmental Ministers. practitioner if they experience persistent symptoms, However, there were discussions with officials at that and how we can support primary health care professionals time and these have continued. to diagnose cancer earlier. The Department has provided funding to each region The review will consult and utilise the experience of to support the reduction of harm from alcohol at a various CRS initiatives, existing advisory groups, cancer local level. In the north-east, Balance has been charities, industry and professional groups. The Children commissioned, to undertake this role. and Young People’s cancer advisory group, co-chaired by both Mike Richards (National Cancer Director) and Benzodiazepines: Prescriptions Sheila Shribman (National Clinical Director for Children, YoungPeople and Maternity Services), will be contributing Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for to the review. We aim to publish an updated strategy in Health what estimate he has made of the cost of the winter. prescriptions for (a) diazepam and (b) other Chlamydia: Screening benzodiazepine medications issued on NHS prescription in each of the last 10 years. [16088] Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Simon Burns: The net ingredient cost of prescription Health what plans he has for his Department’s items dispensed in the community in England for diazepam chlamydia screening programme (a) in 2011 and (b) in and other benzodiazepine drugs in the period 2000 to subsequent years. [16027] 2009 is shown in the table. Anne Milton: Increasing chlamydia screening volumes remains part of Tier 2 of the Vital Signs framework. Net ingredient cost (£000) The Revision to the Operating Framework for the NHS Other benzodiazepine1 in England 2010-11, published on 21 June 2010, stressed Diazepam drugs the need for the NHS to ensure that it continues to deliver agreed plans with no reduction in the standards 2000 5,210.1 18,778.7 or quality of services, for the rest of the 2010-11 year. A 2001 4,519.3 17,279.3 copy of the Operating Framework has already been 2002 4,476.1 16,733.0 placed in the Library. 2003 4,369.4 16,351.3 Improving sexual health by reducing unintended 2004 4,298.1 15,792.6 pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, including 2005 6,154.2 18,479.1 chlamydia, is very important, particularly for young 2006 8,249.9 25,118.0 people. While some progress has been made much more 2007 8,670.1 37,887.2 needs to be done to ensure people get the right information 2008 6,104.8 46,734.5 and advice to make responsible choices, and we are 2009 7,629.2 47,371.7 considering how we can tackle these issues. We also 1 Benzodiazepine drugs are classified in the following British National need to improve quality and value for money as the Formulary sections; 4.1.1 Hypnotics , 4.1.2 Anxiolytics, 4.8.1 Control National Chlamydia Screening Programme evolves. of epilepsy, 4.8.2 Drugs used in status epileptics and 15.1.4 Sedative and analgesic peri-operative drugs. Later this year, we will publish a White Paper setting Source: out further details of a new public health service and Prescription Cost Analysis (PCA) system our programme for public health. Bone Cancer: Children Coeliac Disease: Health Education

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department plans to take to Health what information the NHS provides to people improve survival rates of children with osteosarcoma; diagnosed with coeliac disease on managing their and if he will make a statement. [15794] condition. [15472]

Paul Burstow: We want to improve survival outcomes Paul Burstow: The NHS Choices website at: for all cancer patients, including children. It is now generally agreed that the most important reasons for www.nhs.uk/conditions/coeliac-disease/Pages/ Introduction.aspx lower survival rates in England compared with other European countries are low public awareness of the has detailed information on the symptoms, diagnosis signs and symptoms of cancer, delays in people presenting and treatment of coeliac disease. This information is to their doctors, and patients having more advanced specifically written for health professionals and those disease at diagnosis. newly diagnosed with coeliac disease. The site also has information on how to ensure a gluten-free diet, with We have asked National Cancer Director, Professor examples of foods to avoid and those safe to eat. Sir Mike Richards, to lead a review of the ‘Cancer Reform Strategy’ (CRS). The review will align the cancer Dementia: Carers strategy with the White Paper, ‘Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS’ which was published on 12 July Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State 2010; set the direction for the next five years, taking for Health (1) when he last met dementia carers from account of progress since the CRS was published in (a) Stevenage and (b) elsewhere; and if he will make a December 2007; and show how outcomes can be improved. statement; [15818] 65W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 66W

(2) what (a) financial and (b) other support his Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): dental staff in Department provides to carers and families of the Orthodontics specialty—as at 30 September 2009 dementia patients (i) nationally and (ii) in East and Numbers (headcount) North Hertfordshire Primary Care Trust; and if he will Headcount per 100,000 make a statement. [15819] Headcount population

Paul Burstow: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of England 550 1.07 State has not met separately with dementia carers from Stevenage. He did attend the Fifth International Carers Q30 North East 36 1.40 Conference on 9 July 2010 in Leeds, where he talked to Q31 North West 81 1.18 many carers who provide support to people with a Q32 Yorkshire and The 55 1.06 range of conditions, including dementia. The conference Humber was also broadcast globally via Carers World radio. Q33 East Midlands 47 1.06 The Department’s Carers Grant has provided £256 Q34 West Midlands 50 0.92 million in 2010-11 to local authorities to enable them to Q35 East of England 37 0.65 develop innovative and personalised outcomes reflecting Q36 London 122 1.60 the needs of their local carers, including carers of those Q37 South East Coast 38 0.88 with dementia. The grant includes £2.5 million for local Q38 South Central 27 0.66 authorities to provide emergency cover for carers. There Q39 South West 57 1.09 is also close alignment between the work of the Carers Data quality: and National Dementia Strategies to support carers. The NHS Information Centre for health and social care seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but The Department has also invested £100 million in responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing primary care trust (PCT) baselines in 2010-11 (including the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data East and North Hertfordshire PCT) to enable them to quality. Where changes impact on figures already published, this is support carers, including those caring for people with assessed but unless it is significant at national level figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant dementia. The Department did not set out how PCTs analyses. should spend their resources in 2010-11. PCTs have Source: been given the flexibility to decide how much to invest The NHS Information Centre for health and social care Medical and on individual priorities in the light of their local Dental Workforce Mid year 2008 Population Estimate (2001 Census circumstances. Based), Office for National Statistics

Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Dementia: Health Services Health how many (a) dentists and (b) orthodontists on NHS contracts there were in each primary care trust area in each of the last five years; and if he will make a Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State statement. [15942] for Health when he last met clinicians to discuss the care and management of dementia. [15817] Mr Simon Burns: The numbers of national health service dentists, as at 31 March 2006 are available in Paul Burstow: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of Annex E of the “NHS Dental Activity and Workforce State has recently met and talked to a wide range of Report, England: 31 March 2006”. Annex E provides clinicians in relation to his responsibilities. He has also information by strategic health authority (SHA) and by met with the National Clinical Director for Dementia, primary care trust (PCT). Professor Alistair Burns. This information is based on the old contractual arrangements, which were in place up to and including Dental Services 31 March 2006. This report, published on 23 August 2006 has already been placed in the Library and is available on the NHS Information Centre website at: Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dwfactivity Health how many NHS orthodontists there are per head of population in each primary care trust area in The numbers of dentists with NHS activity during England. [15924] the years ending 31 March 2007 to 2010 are available in Table Gl of Annex 3 of the “NHS Dental Statistics for England: 2009/10” report. Information is provided for Mr Simon Burns: The information available centrally England and by SHA and PCT. This information is which is for orthodontists employed by dental hospitals based on the new dental contractual arrangements, and primary care trusts broken down by strategic health introduced on 1 April 2006. This report, published on authorities, is in the following table. However, most 18 August 2010, has been placed in the Library and is orthodontists work as independent contractors in primary also available on the NHS Information Centre website care settings. In addition, some general dental practitioners at: also undertake simple orthodontic treatments. Information on the number of independent contractors is not held www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/dentalstats0910 centrally but relevant information is contained in the These published figures relate to a headcount and do “Report of the Orthodontic Workforce Survey of the not differentiate between full-time and part-time dentists, United Kingdom February 2005”, a copy of which has nor do they account for the fact that some dentists may been placed in the Library. do more NHS work than others. 67W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 68W

This measure is based on a revised methodology and table gives the number of dental staff in the orthodontic supersedes any previously published workforce figures specialty employed by dental hospitals and PCTs broken relating to the new dental contractual arrangements. It down by organisation. Access to orthodontic services is not comparable to the information collected under varies between areas. We will be addressing this problem the old contractual arrangements. This revised methodology through the introduction of a new dental contract the counted the number of dental performers with NHS aim of which is to improve the quality of patient care activity recorded via FP17 claim forms in each year and increase access to NHS dental services, with an ending 31 March. additional focus on improving the oral health of Separate information of the number of dentists with schoolchildren. orthodontic contracts is not available. The following

Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): dental staff in the orthodontics specialty by organisation, as at 30 September each year numbers (headcount) and full-time equivalents 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 HC FTE HC FTE HC FTE HC FTE HC FTE

England 552 355 544 362 526 352 548 363 550 380

5C5NewhamPCT ————663 311 5CQ Milton Keynes PCT — — 2 2221 1—— 5F1 Plymouth Teaching PCT — — 1 1 1 1 — — — — 5F5 Salford PCT — — — — — — 1 1 — — 5H1 Hammersmith and Fulham 1 0 1 0——— ——— PCT 5KG South Tyneside PCT 1 0 1 0——— ——— 5M1 South Birmingham PCT 16 14 23 22 22 21 12 12 14 14 5MD Coventry Teaching PCT —————— 1 1 1 1 5NMHaltonandStHelensPCT——————— — 1 1 RA2 Royal Surrey County 7665436 554 Hospital NHS Trust RA4 East Somerset NHS Trust ——————— — 1 0 RA7 United Bristol Healthcare 17 17 26 24 13 13 12 12 14 13 NHS Trust RA9 South Devon Health Care 3131212 111 NHS Trust RAE Bradford Teaching Hospitals 5432653 253 NHS Foundation Trust RAJ Southend Hospital NHS 5262404 020 Trust RAX Kingston Hospital NHS 9687766 565 Trust RBA Taunton and Somerset NHS 4152744 264 Trust RBD West Dorset General 7384857 564 Hospitals NHS Trust RBK Walsall Hospitals NHS 3131312 121 Trust RBLWirralHospitalNHSTrust2222221 122 RBN St Helens and Knowsley 4221111 111 Hospitals NHS Trust RBS Royal Liverpool Childrens 2121322 232 NHS Trust RBT Mid Cheshire Hospitals ——11111 111 NHS Trust RC1 Bedford Hospitals NHS 314141——21 Trust RC3EalingHospitalNHSTrust1 1————— ——— RC9 Luton and Dunstable ——————— — 1 0 Hospital NHS Trust RCB York Health Services NHS 5463636 363 Trust RCD Harrogate Health Care NHS 4130304 130 Trust RCX Kings Lynn and Wisbech 1111111 111 Hospitals NHS Trust RD1 Royal United Hospital Bath 3 2———— 1 1 2 2 NHS Trust RD8 Milton Keynes General 5222111 111 Hospital NHS Trust RDE Essex Rivers Healthcare 1111111 111 NHS Trust 69W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 70W

Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): dental staff in the orthodontics specialty by organisation, as at 30 September each year numbers (headcount) and full-time equivalents 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 HC FTE HC FTE HC FTE HC FTE HC FTE

RDZ The Royal Bournemouth 8373736 262 and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust REF Royal Cornwall Hospitals 2131314 332 NHS Trust REM Aintree Hospitals NHS ——11111 1—— Trust RF4 Barking, Havering and 7272627 261 Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust RFF Barnsley District General 1111111 111 Hospital NHS Trust RFK Queen’s Medical Centre, 2 2————— ——— Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust RFR Rotherham General 1111111 111 Hospitals NHS Trust RFS Chesterfield and North 2121414 153 Derbyshire Royal Hospital NHS Trust RFW West Middlesex University 1111111 111 NHS Trust RG3 Bromley Hospitals NHS 1010322 2—— Trust RGC Whipps Cross University 3232324 243 Hospital NHS Trust RGN Peterborough Hospitals 3232334 344 NHS Foundation Trust RGP James Paget Healthcare 4040404 040 NHS Trust RGQ Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust 3344443 333 RGR West Suffolk Hospitals NHS 11——111 1—— Trust RGT Cambridge University 4274746 343 Hospital NHS Foundation Trust RGZ Queen Mary’s Sidcup NHS 3322113 2—— Trust RH8 Royal Devon and Exeter 111111——11 Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust RHM Southampton University 3242324 232 Hospitals NHS Trust RHQ Sheffield Teaching Hospitals 9 8 12 8 10 8 11 9 11 9 NHS Foundation Trust RHU Portsmouth Hospitals NHS 6677554 455 Trust RHW Royal Berkshire and Battle 2132323 232 Hospitals NHS Trust RJ1 Guy’s and St Thomas’s 7533765 477 NHS Foundation Trust RJ6 Mayday Healthcare NHS 4110101 010 Trust RJ7 St George’s Healthcare NHS 7766448 877 Trust RJC South Warwickshire General 1122212 121 Hospitals NHS Trust RJD Mid Staffordshire General 2020203 110 Hospitals NHS Trust RJE North Staffordshire 4242325 364 Hospital NHS Trust RJF Burton Hospitals NHS 1111112 163 Trust RJH Good Hope Hospital NHS 4 2————— ——— Trust RJL Northern Lincolnshire and 2020304 141 Goole Hospitals NHS Trust RJR Countess of Chester NHS 7575657 644 Foundation Trust RJZ King’s College Hospital 19 10 7 6 8 7 10 8 13 10 NHS Trust RK9 Plymouth Hospitals NHS 6565444 332 Trust 71W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 72W

Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): dental staff in the orthodontics specialty by organisation, as at 30 September each year numbers (headcount) and full-time equivalents 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 HC FTE HC FTE HC FTE HC FTE HC FTE

RKB University Hospitals 7251303 020 Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust RL4 Royal Wolverhampton 1111111 111 Hospitals NHS Trust RLN City Hospitals Sunderland 4221212 121 NHS Foundation Trust RLQ Hereford Hospitals NHS ——————— — 1 1 Trust RLT George Eliot Hospital NHS 2 0 2 0——— ——— Trust RM1 Norfolk and Norwich 6353536 272 University Hospital NHS Trust RM2 South Manchester 7676554 455 University Hospitals NHS Trust RM3 Salford Royal Hospitals 1 1 1 1——— — 4 3 NHS Trust RM4 Trafford Healthcare NHS 1111111 111 Trust RMC Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust 2121211 010 RMP Tameside and Glossop 5252525 263 Acute Services NHS Trust RN1 Winchester and Eastleigh 4141313 120 Healthcare NHS Trust RN3 Swindon and Marlborough 3321615 050 NHS Trust RN5 North Hampshire Hospitals 3332322 121 NHS Trust RNA Dudley Group of Hospitals 1111112 011 NHS Trust RNJ Barts and The London NHS 19 16 23 20 11 8 30 23 27 22 Trust RNL North Cumbria Acute 3243434 444 Hospitals NHS Trust RNQ Kettering General Hospital 3232323 232 NHS Trust RNS Northampton General 212110———— Hospital NHS Trust RP4 Great Ormond Street 9 8——109109 9 8 Hospital For Children NHS Trust RP5 Doncaster and Bassetlaw 635353———— Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust RPAMedwayNHSTrust 4243536 474 RPC Queen Victoria Hospital 14 11 8 6 9 8 10 7 6 4 NHS Foundation Trust RPL Worthing and Southlands 3041413 0—— Hospitals NHS Trust RPR Royal West Sussex NHS 4343434 2—— Trust RQ3 Birmingham Children’s —————— 1 1—— Hospital NHS Trust RQ6 Royal Liverpool and 7621549 798 Broadgreen Hospitals University NHS Trust RQ8 Mid Essex Hospital Services 1 1 1 1——— ——— NHS Trust RQM Chelsea and Westminster 1 0————— — 1 1 Healthcare NHS Trust RQW Princess Alexandra Hospital 2211112 1—— NHS Trust RR1 Heart of England NHS ——42424 221 Foundation Trust RR8 Leeds Teaching Hospitals 16 16 17 16 20 19 16 15 17 19 NHS Trust RRF Wrightington, Wigan and 5151515 152 Leigh NHS Trust RRV University College London 23 16 21 17 22 17 29 23 27 22 Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 73W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 74W

Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): dental staff in the orthodontics specialty by organisation, as at 30 September each year numbers (headcount) and full-time equivalents 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 HC FTE HC FTE HC FTE HC FTE HC FTE

RTD Newcastle Upon Tyne 9686107106107 Hospitals NHS Trust RTE Gloucestershire Hospitals 2299668 899 NHS Foundation Trust RTF Northumbria Health Care —————— 1 1 1 1 NHS Trust RTG Derby Hospitals NHS 10696967 565 Foundation Trust RTH Oxford Radcliffe Hospital 6565655 454 NHS Trust RTK Ashford and St Peter’s 2030314 343 Hospitals NHS Trust RTR South Tees Hospitals NHS 18 8 21 8 20 8 23 9 22 7 Trust RTV 5 Borough Partnership NHS 111111——11 Trust RTX Morecambe Bay Hospitals 3221214 343 NHS Trust RV8 North West London ———— 1 1— ——— Hospitals NHS Trust RVL Barnet and Chase Farm 4332434 365 Hospitals NHS Trust RVR Epsom and St Helier NHS 1021111 111 Trust RVV East Kent Hospitals NHS 1111111 111 Trust RVW North Tees and Hartlepool 2030201 0—— NHS Trust RVY Southport and Ormskirk 4231103 232 Hospital NHS Trust RW3 Central Manchester and 3265434 343 Manchester Children’s University Hospitals NHS Trust RW6 Pennine Acute Hospitals 2120322 120 NHS Trust RWA Hull and East Yorkshire 12552642 143 Hospitals NHS Trust RWD United Lincolnshire 14 6 16 7 17 6 19 8 18 6 Hospitals NHS Trust RWE University Hospitals Of 85118959 5117 Leicester NHS Trust RWG West Hertfordshire 3232324 343 Hospitals NHS Trust RWH East and North 2020——4 141 Hertfordshire NHS Trust RWJ Stockport NHS Foundation 1010101 010 Trust RWP Worcestershire Acute 5261534 332 Hospitals NHS Trust RWW Warrington and Halton 637373106126 Hospitals NHS Trust RX1 Nottingham University ——33333 344 Hospitals NHS Trust RXC East Sussex Hospitals NHS 2222223 233 Trust RXF Mid Yorkshire Hospitals 3243434 232 NHS Trust RXH Brighton and Sussex 3254545 443 University Hospitals NHS Trust RXN Lancashire Teaching —————— 1 1 1 1 Hospital NHS Foundation Trust RXP County Durham and 1011101 010 Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust RXQ Buckinghamshire Hospitals 6464759 664 NHS Trust RXR East Lancashire Hospitals 2111525 364 NHS Trust RXT Birmingham and Solihull —— 1 1——— ——— Mental Health NHS Trust 75W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 76W

Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): dental staff in the orthodontics specialty by organisation, as at 30 September each year numbers (headcount) and full-time equivalents 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 HC FTE HC FTE HC FTE HC FTE HC FTE

RXW Shrewsbury and Telford 7272627 283 Hospitals NHS Trust RYQ South London Healthcare ——————— — 5 4 NHS Trust RYR Western Sussex Hospitals ——————— — 8 3 NHS Trust Notes: 1. “—” denotes zero. 2. Data quality The NHS Information Centre for health and social care seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data quality. Where changes impact on figures already published, this is assessed but unless it is significant at national level figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses. Source: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care Medical and Dental Workforce Census.

Departmental Billing years; and how much each received from his Department in each such year. [15564] Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost to his Department was of processing Mr Simon Burns: The information is not held centrally the payment of an invoice in the latest period for which and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. figures are available; and what proportion of invoices settled in that period his Department paid (a) electronically Departmental Press: Subscriptions and (b) by cheque. [16166] Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Mr Simon Burns: The latest available costing data are how much his Department spent on newspapers, provided by the 2008-09 UK Audit Agencies benchmarking periodicals and trade profession magazines in each exercise. This shows a cost of £6.27 per invoice processed year since 1997. [16226] by the accounts payable function. The results are not in the public domain but are used internally to measure, Mr Simon Burns: The Department’s library service is compare and improve the value for money of support responsible for central purchasing of newspapers, magazines services across the public sector. and periodicals for library use and for retention by Analysis of payments made in the period 1 April individual units. Total expenditure for the financial 2009 to 31 March 2010 indicates that a total of 55,166 years 1997-08 to 2009-10 was: payments were made, of which 38,047 (69%) were made electronically and 17,119 (31%) by HM Paymaster Payable Financial year £ Order (a cheque equivalent). All the Payable Order 1997-98 415,890 payments were made by the Department of Work and 1998-99 423,560 Pensions on behalf of the Department of Health in 1999-2000 419,490 respect of payments for medical treatment received 2000-01 423,160 overseas. Payment systems are being revised so that all 2001-02 469,880 payments will be made electronically by the end of the 2002-03 356,510 current financial year. 2003-04 350,036 2004-05 380,025 Departmental Chief Scientific Advisers 2005-06 395,148 2006-07 350,930 Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2007-08 317,386 on how many occasions each Minister in his 2008-09 298,022 Department has met his Department’s Chief Scientific 2009-10 249,152 Officer since 6 May 2010. [15436] Departmental Public Expenditure Mr Simon Burns: Ministers at the Department meet Chief Scientific Officer Professor Dame Sally C Davies regularly in the normal course of business and have Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for done so since 6 May. Health if his Department will take steps to assess the effects on (a) equality of outcomes, (b) equality of assets and (c) equality of access to services of measures Departmental Lobbying relating to its expenditure under consideration in the Spending Review. [16360] Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Mr Simon Burns: The Department will ensure the Christchurch of 13 July 2010, Official Report, column relevant equality considerations are taken into account 706W, on lobbying, which organisations in receipt of in the context of expenditure under consideration in the public funds from his Department have made Spending Review, in compliance with our obligations representations (a) directly and (b) indirectly to his under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, the Race Relations Department on policy issues in each of the last five Act 1976, and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. 77W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 78W

Departmental Secondment Paul Burstow: This Government have decided not to proceed with the comparative study. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Department officials, met with epilepsy stakeholders how many staff his Department has appointed on on 1 April 2010. It was agreed that there was already secondment since 7 May 2010; and from what good evidence about the role of Epilepsy Specialist organisation each such member of staff has been Nurses (ESNs), as well as specialist nurses as a whole. It seconded. [16261] was also felt that effort should instead be focussed on developing a business case template for commissioners Mr Simon Burns: The Department has appointed to use to make the case for improving epilepsy services fewer than five secondees to established civil service (including the provision of ESNs) as this would have posts since 7 May 2010. The names of the organisations more impact than a comparative study. from which the individuals are seconded are being In future, outcomes, which the national health service withheld in order to protect confidentiality. will be expected to achieve, will be set via the NHS Outcomes Framework, and the NHS Commissioning Drugs: Advertising Board will hold GP commissioners to account for delivery through the Framework. Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Data on the costs and benefits, and outcomes for if he will bring forward proposals to end statutory patients, of the use of epilepsy specialist nurses and restrictions on the advertising of medicines. [16315] consultants are not collected centrally. However, existing guidance published by the National Institute for Health Mr Simon Burns: No. The statutory restrictions have and Clinical Excellence emphasises the role of epilepsy been agreed under European law for the protection of specialist nurses in providing quality care. public health. These are designed to ensure that the It is the responsibility of local health bodies to ensure public is protected from misleading advertising and that that they commission and provide effective services, and health professionals are not offered inappropriate to look at the effective use of their workforce, especially inducements to prescribe or supply medicines. under their Quality Innovation Productivity and Prevention programme. Drugs: Peterborough Food: Safety Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in the Peterborough City John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Council area used the needle exchange facilities offered Health what programmes the Food Standards Agency by Peterborough Primary Care Trust in each quarter has to raise food safety standards in catering since 2005; and if he will make a statement. [15382] establishments. [16386] Anne Milton: Information on the number of people supplied with clean needles is not collected centrally, by Anne Milton: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has either the National Treatment Agency for Substance provided printed materials and targeted financial grants Misuse or the Department of Health. to local authorities to ensure food business operators are complying with their responsibilities under the food Safer Peterborough Partnership, the local partnership hygiene regulations. responsible for commissioning a system of local drug treatment services, including the provision of sterile In direct relation to catering establishments, the FSA needles and syringes to injecting drug users, may be able is working with local authorities to introduce a national to provide more detailed information. food hygiene rating scheme that will provide consumers with consistent information about the hygiene standards Safer Peterborough Partnership in catering establishments. Providing information to Peterborough City Council consumers in this way will empower consumers to make 3rd Floor informed choices and encourage caterers to raise hygiene Bayard Place standards. Peterborough Safer food, better business (SFBB) will provide support PE1 1FB for small catering businesses when the FSA’s food hygiene rating scheme is launched. SFBB was developed by the Epilepsy: Nurses FSA as a practical approach to allow small catering businesses to understand food safety, put in place a simple food safety management system which should Diana R. Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for improve standards, better protect consumers and allow Health (1) for what reason his Department has decided the business to comply with the law. not to proceed with the proposed comparative study between a hospital (a) with and (b) without an epilepsy specialist nurse to be undertaken by its Gender Recognition: Surgery long-term conditions team; [13529] (2) if he will require NHS trusts to collect data on Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the (a) costs and benefits and (b) outcomes for Health pursuant to the answer of 9 September 2010, patients of the use of (i) epilepsy specialist nurses and Official Report, column 656W, on gender recognition, (ii) specialist consultants treating epilepsy patients. what criteria will be used to decide when it is practicable [13530] to extend choice of treatment and provider. [16279] 79W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 80W

Paul Burstow: Public consultation on extending choice arrangements that prevent people from registering with will start in October 2010. Consultation responses will a more distant GP practice, for instance one near where help to inform work on extending choice and what the they work, where they have made an informed decision next steps will be. that this will provide the best and most responsive General Practitioners service for them. In areas where there is a particularly sparse population Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health some patients may find they have to travel further if if he will take steps to encourage general practitioner they wish to exercise their choice. In future, the NHS practices to work together rather than separately in the Commissioning Board will need to consider whether same community. [16153] additional local primary care services should be commissioned where local patients are dissatisfied with Mr Simon Burns: The White Paper Equity and access to primary care services, or to work with existing Excellence: Liberating the NHS and subsequent engagement local national health service organisations to improve document Liberating the NHS: Commissioning for Patients or reshape provision to meet the needs of the local set out our intention to devolve power and responsibility population. for commissioning services to local consortia of general practitioner (GP) practices. To support GP consortia in Health Services: Trade Unions their commissioning decisions, we will also create an independent NHS Commissioning Board. Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Under our proposed model, GP practices will jointly if he will take steps to recognise and encourage the role form consortia to commission the vast majority of of trade unions in providing private health provision health care required for their local population. However, for their members; and if he will make a statement. GP practices will remain independent contractors and [16312] therefore able to choose who they work with locally in providing primary medical care to their registered Mr Davey: I have been asked to reply. population. Nevertheless, we believe, most practices It is a matter for trade unions to decide what services, will see the benefits from working closely within their including the provision of private health care, they local community to both commission and provide the should provide their members. The Government do not best care and appropriate services for the people they wish to influence such internal union affairs. serve. That is why practices will have flexibility within the new legislative framework to form commissioning Hospitals: Parking consortia in ways they think will secure the best healthcare and health outcomes for their patients and locality. Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of General Practitioners: Disadvantaged State for Health pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Dudley South of 10 June 2010, Official Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Report, column 220W, what recent discussions his if he will take steps to ensure that general practitioner Department has had with hospital trusts on the effect practices based in areas with high levels of deprivation of car parking charges on people requiring regular continue to have access to adequate funding. [16156] outpatient treatment; whether his Department has Mr Simon Burns: The White Paper Equity and issued guidance to trusts on their responsibilities in this Excellence: Liberating the NHS, sets out the Government’s respect; and if he will make a statement. [15803] intention that the NHS Commissioning Board will be responsible for allocating national health service revenue Mr Simon Burns: The Department has considered a resources to general practitioner consortia on the basis wide range of views provided in contributions to the of seeking to secure equivalent access to NHS services recent consultation on national health service car parking, relative to the burden of disease and disability, and including many hospital trusts. The Government have managing an overall NHS commissioner revenue limit. now published their response, which makes clear that The Board will have an explicit duty to promote equality hospitals are responsible for setting their own policy on and tackle inequalities in access to healthcare. car parking, taking into account local operational circumstances and local community interests. It also General Practitioners: Rural Areas makes clear that local policies should include fair concessions for all patients whose healthcare needs Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health require extended or frequent access to hospital. The what steps he is taking to ensure that patients in rural response also highlights best practice guidance provided areas where there is only one general practitioner by the NHS Confederation. practice in reasonable travelling distance are provided A copy of the Government’s response “NHS car with greater choice. [16151] parking: response to consultation” has already been Mr Simon Burns: The White Paper “Equity and placed in the Library. excellence: Liberating the NHS” gave a firm commitment that every patient should have a clear right to register Medical Records with a general practitioner (GP) practice of their choice. Our proposals are not intended to suggest that many Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health patients will want to choose a practice a long way from if he will take steps to (a) ensure that patients have where they live. In many cases, it will make sense for greater access to their medical records and (b) make it patients to choose a nearby practice within a reasonable easier for patients to change to another general travelling distance. What we wish to end are the current practitioner practice. [16152] 81W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 82W

Mr Simon Burns: As we made clear in “Equity and patient-led, based on the best clinical evidence, responsive excellence: Liberating the NHS”, published in July 2010, both to patients’ choice, and their wish to manage their we will enable patients to have control of their health own care. We want the national health service to deal records. This will start with access to the records held by with the full parameters of a patient’s recovery, including their general practitioner (GP) and over time this will helping them return to work and get their life back after extend to health records held by all providers. The illness. patient will determine who else can access their records Our confirmation of the final £70 million instalment and will easily be able to see changes when they are of growth funding from the current spending round for made to their records. We will consult on arrangements, the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies including appropriate confidentiality safeguards, later programme is enabling primary care trusts to broaden this year. the geographical coverage of services, meaning more We have also given a commitment that every patient people can get help, and to increase the range of therapies should have a clear right to choose to register with any available, giving people more choice and access to the GP practice with an open list, without being restricted right psychological support. by where they live; that people should be able to change Mental health matters for all of us, and we know that their GP quickly and straightforwardly if, and when, it mental well-being is linked to physical ,health outcomes, is right for them, but equally that they can stay with and people’s life expectancy, productivity, educational their GP if they wish when they move house. achievement and to potential reductions in violence and crime. The Government will set out its programme for Medical Treatments public health in a White Paper on public health later this year, closely co-ordinated with the strategy on Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health mental health. The forthcoming Health Bill will support if he will take steps to ensure that there is not postcode the creation of a new Public Health Service (PHS), to provision for some drugs or treatments. [16154] integrate and streamline existing health improvement and protection bodies and functions. The PHS will aim Mr Simon Burns: The White Paper, Equity and excellence: to secure improvements in the health of the population Liberating the NHS, makes clear that we will ensure as a whole, including, of course, the health of people better access for patients to effective drugs and innovative with mental health problems. treatments at a price that secures value for the national health service by moving to a system of value-based Mental Health Services: Equality medicines pricing when the current pharmaceutical price regulation scheme expires at the end of 2013. Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Health As interim measures, we have announced an additional what his most recent assessment is of the incidence of £50 million extra funding for cancer drugs in this financial racial inequality in the provision of mental health year and we are creating a cancer drugs fund, which will services; and whether he plans to take further steps to operate from April 2011. reduce that incidence. [16390] Mental Health Services Paul Burstow: The figures in the “Count Me In” census for 2009, carried out in March each year by the Care Quality Commission, provides the most recent Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for published statistics on the ethnicity of the mental health Health what steps his Department plans to take to in-patient population. We have recently announced that, increase the level of access to long-term support of in the months ahead, we will publish a revised mental those with mental health issues. [14496] health strategy. Reducing inequality is part of that strategy. Paul Burstow: The Government are developing a new strategy for mental health and well-being in England Midwives: Manpower that is based on an alliance of government departments, local government, the independent sector, professions, Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for communities and individuals. It will address services, Health how many consultant midwives there were in outcomes from services and wider public health issues. each region in (a) 2008 and (b) 2009. [13956] The strategy will support the aims of Equity and excellence: liberating the NHS and forthcoming policy on public Anne Milton: The number of consultant midwives in health and social care. It will also recognise the needs of each region of England is not identified separately. people with mental health problems as a whole, specifically However, numbers are available for nurse consultants the links between mental and physical health and the in maternity services. Consultant midwives are included role of social services. in the nurse consultants staff group but we cannot Rather than stipulating how services should be delivered identify the precise numbers of consultant midwives at local level, our focus will be on making services within this staff group.

National health service hospital and community health services: Nurse consultants in maternity services and registered midwives by strategic health authority areas as at 30 September each year— England Headcount Nurse consultants Registered midwives 2008 2009 2008 2009

England 63 59 25,664 26,451 North East Strategic Health Authority 3 3 1,331 1,382 83W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 84W

National health service hospital and community health services: Nurse consultants in maternity services and registered midwives by strategic health authority areas as at 30 September each year— England Headcount Nurse consultants Registered midwives 2008 2009 2008 2009

North West Strategic Health Authority 7 9 3,892 3,855 Yorkshire and the Humber Strategic Health Authority 10 6 2,472 2,565 East Midlands Strategic Health Authority 2 2 1,771 1,877 West Midlands Strategic Health Authority 2 2 2,850 2,918 East of England Strategic Health Authority 2 2 2,476 2,560 London Strategic Health Authority 26 24 4,785 4,866 South East Coast Strategic Health Authority 6 4 1,915 2,028 South Central Strategic Health Authority 4 6 1,735 1,783 South West Strategic Health Authority 1 1 2,437 2,617 Note: Data Quality: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care seeks to minimise inaccuracies and the effect of missing and invalid data but responsibility for data accuracy lies with the organisations providing the data. Methods are continually being updated to improve data quality where changes impact on figures already published. This is assessed but unless it is significant at national level figures are not changed. Impact at detailed or local level is footnoted in relevant analyses. Source: The NHS Information Centre for health and social care Non-Medical Workforce Census.

Neurology: South West GP consortia will have a high level of freedom and more responsibility and control over commissioning John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if budgets, but in return they will be accountable to the he will take steps to increase the provision of ongoing NHS Commissioning Board for managing public funds. physiotherapy and hydrotherapy for people with The NHS Commissioning Board will hold consortia to muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular account for both the stewardship of national health conditions in Salisbury and the South West. [16081] service resources and for the outcomes they achieve as commissioners. Paul Burstow: The national service framework for In addition, to ensure that local services work together long-term (neurological) conditions sets standards for effectively the Government propose to establish new care for people with neurological and neuromuscular statutory arrangements to strengthen the role of local conditions, including muscular dystrophy. It sets out 11 authorities. Local authorities will have greater responsibility quality requirements of evidence-based markers of good in four areas: practice in delivering services. It is a matter for the local national health service to commission services to meet leading joint strategic needs assessments to ensure coherent the needs of its local population. and co- coordinated commissioning strategies; supporting local voice, and the exercise of patient choice; John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health promoting joined up commissioning of local NHS services, whether his Department has had discussions with (a) social care and health improvement; and the South West Specialised Commissioning Group and leading on local health improvement and prevention activity. (b) the South West Strategic Health Authority on the Under the proposals set out in “Local democratic implementation of the South West Neuromuscular legitimacy in health”, local government will have an Strategy. [16082] enhanced responsibility and a statutory duty for promoting Paul Burstow: The implementation of the South West partnership working and integrated delivery of public Neuromuscular Strategy is a matter for the local national services across the NHS, social care, public health and health service. other services.

NHS Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to enable clinical professionals Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health to have autonomy in determining which services they what steps he is taking to deliver local control of health provide to patients. [16309] services; and what steps he plans to take to ensure that such local control is economically efficient. [16308] Mr Simon Burns: This Government are determined Mr Simon Burns: The White Paper and subsequent that health care professionals are empowered to use engagement document “Liberating the NHS: their skill and judgment to provide the best care and Commissioning for Patients” set out our intention to outcomes for their patients from the individual clinical devolve power and responsibility for commissioning interaction through to design and commissioning of services to local consortia of general practitioner (GP) services. practices. To support GP consortia in their commissioning The White Paper and subsequent engagement document decisions, we will also create an independent NHS “Liberating the NHS: Commissioning for Patients” set Commissioning Board. out our intention to devolve power and responsibility Under our proposed model, GP practices will jointly for commissioning services to local consortia of general form consortia to commission the vast majority of practitioner (GP) practices. To support GP consortia in health care required for their local population. This will their commissioning decisions, we will also create an bring together responsibility for management of care independent NHS Commissioning Board, who will also with the management of resources. be directly responsible for commissioning specialist 85W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 86W secondary care services and primary care services which NHS: Finance would not be appropriate to be delegated to consortia. In addition, we published the “Revision to the Operating Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Framework for the NHS in England 2010-11” on 21 what steps he plans to take to safeguard healthcare June 2010 setting out our intention to review the clinical consortia in cases where a local hospital provider is not relevance of all existing indicators with the removal of able to keep within budget. [16155] those that have little or no clinical relevance. Mr Simon Burns: The proposals set out in the White Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Paper, Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS, set what assessment he has made of the resources in the out that commissioners will not be expected to provide NHS consumed but not required in the most recent additional funding for failing providers. If a provider period for which information is available. [16310] becomes financially unsustainable, Monitor (as the economic regulator) will be able to step in and keep Mr Simon Burns: “Equity and Excellence: Liberating essential services running. the NHS” set out our aim to release national health These proposals are subject to an on-going consultation service efficiency savings of up to £20 billion by 2014. (which closes on 11 October 2010) and further details This includes significant reductions to the cost of are set out in the consultation document. Liberating the bureaucracy, including cutting NHS management costs NHS: Regulating healthcare providers. A copy has already by over 45%, and reducing the number and cost of been placed in the Library. health arm’s length bodies. However, while there is scope for improving the efficiency Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health with which resources are consumed in the NHS, this what recent (1) assessment he has made of regional does not mean that those resources are not required. differences in health funding; [16306] The Government have pledged that health spending will (2) steps he has taken to ensure the equitable rise in real terms in each year of this Parliament and distribution of health funding, with particular delivery of the envisaged efficiency improvements and reference to Buckinghamshire. [16307] reductions in bureaucracy will free resources to reinvest in order for the NHS to meet rapidly rising demands and to improve quality and outcomes. Mr Simon Burns: The White Paper, “Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS” makes clear our Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health commitment to the fair and efficient allocation of resources. what steps he plans to take to enable NHS managers to The remit of the NHS Commissioning Board will be to express their views on the management of health make allocations on the basis of securing equivalent service provision. [16311] access to national health service services in all areas relative to the prospective burden of disease and disability. Mr Simon Burns: Managers’ views and experiences of The distribution of revenue funding to primary care working in the national health service are currently trusts is based on a funding formula overseen by the being obtained through the national NHS staff survey, independent Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation run in all trusts. The survey asks questions about a wide (ACRA), comprising general practitioners, academics range of issues fundamental to the delivery of quality and NHS managers. During the transition to the NHS health services, including aspects related to the management Commissioning Board, ACRA will continue to provide of jobs and individual NHS organisations as a whole. independent advice to the Secretary of State on the In addition, NHS managers are represented on the equitable distribution of revenue funding. Further details Social Partnership Forum, which exists to bring together of allocations after 2010-11 will be announced after the NHS Employers, trade unions and the Department of spending review has concluded. Health to discuss, debate and involve partners in the development and implementation of the work force NHS: Reorganisation implications of policy. The Department is also running a full public consultation Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for on components of the NHS White Paper, “Equity and Health on what date he expects his proposals for excellence: Liberating the NHS”, which spells out the structural change contained in the Health White Paper long-term vision for the future of the NHS. The views to take effect. [16113] of those who work in the NHS, including managers, will form much of the feedback the Department receives Mr Simon Burns: Chapter 6 of the White Paper, as a result of this major consultative exercise. “Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS”, sets out NHS Direct: Standards the proposed timetable for our reforms. Where the reforms require legislation, this will be subject to Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for parliamentary approval. The Department is currently Health what assessment he has made of the effect on consulting on the implementation of the White Paper the standards of medical service delivered by NHS and on the four consultation documents that followed Direct of a reduction in the number of qualified nurses the White Paper (“Transparency in outcomes—a framework for the NHS”; “Commissioning for patients”; “Local answering calls. [16092] democratic legitimacy in health”and “Regulating healthcare Mr Simon Burns: NHS Direct has no plans to reduce providers”). the proportion of calls to 0845 4647 that are answered We expect the majority of the structural reforms will by nurses. come into effect between 2012 and 2014. 87W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 88W

Obesity The Department has also commissioned the Central Office for Information to carry out a review of the Mary Macleod: To ask the Secretary of State for existing evidence on the factors that positively or negatively Health what steps he plans to take to tackle health affect sexual health and human immunodeficiency virus issues arising from childhood obesity. [16123] (HIV) outcomes in the United Kingdom. In addition, the Department made a funding contribution in 2008-09 Anne Milton: The Government will be publishing a to the 2010 National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and White Paper on Public Health later this year. This will Lifestyles. This is the third decade in a row that such a set out plans to tackle obesity and the impact on health study has been completed across the UK and includes and wellbeing of childhood obesity. 15,000 men and women aged 16-74. The work outlined will help to inform and evaluate interventions designed Phil Parker Lightning Process to improve sexual health status of all people regardless of their age or sexual orientation. Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for The Health Protection Agency undertakes surveillance Health what representations he has received on the of and supports research in the acquisition of HIV and research and development of the Phil Parker Lightning sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the results of Process. [15725] which contribute to the development of policies for HIV and STI prevention. In many of these projects, Paul Burstow: The Department has received young people are part of a wider study population. representations, from individual members of the public Study data are usually presented stratified by age and and on behalf of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic sexual orientation. These data have highlighted the high encephalomylitis stakeholder groups, on research proposals burden of infection, the risk of re-infection subsequent associated with the Lightning Process. to being diagnosed with an STI and the degree of high risk sexual behaviour among young people. Primary Care Trusts Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Brighton Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what restrictions his Department plans to place on Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for primary care trusts in respect of their ability to enter Health what information his Department holds on the into contracts during the period leading up to their prevalence of sexually transmitted infections affecting abolition. [16017] (a) young homosexual men and (b) young heterosexual men and women in the geographical area Mr Simon Burns: There are no plans to restrict primary closest to the area of Brighton Pavilion constituency care trusts’ statutory power to enter into contracts. for which information is available; and if he will make a statement. [16284] Primary Care Trusts: Manpower Anne Milton: Data from genito-urinary medicine (GUM) Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for clinics on sexually transmitted infections are collected Health if he will make an assessment of the performance by gender and not sexual orientation. Diagnostic rates in making commissioning decisions of employees of per 100,000 population for men and women in the 15-24 primary care trusts whose posts are sponsored by private year group within Brighton and Hove City Primary enterprises; and if he will make a statement. [16389] Care Trust (PCT) in 2009 are given in the following table. Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not hold this information. Gender Rate of acute STIs1 per 100,000 population Sex: Young People Males 4,043.9 Females 4,972.3 Total 4,535.7 Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for 1Acute STIs: Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes (first Health (1) what peer-reviewed research studies his episode), genital warts (first episode), non-specific genital infection, Department has evaluated on the extent of high-risk chancroid, lymphogranuloma vererum, donavanosis, molluscum, sexual activity by (a) young homosexual men and (b) trichomoniasis, scabies and pubic lice. Notes: 1. Numbers of diagnoses young heterosexual men and women; [16282] used to compile the rates are not adjusted for missing clinic data. 2. 2008 population estimates have been used to calculate 2009 STI (2) whether the Health Protection Agency is undertaking rates research into the degree of high-risk sexual activity by 3. Some data reported have unknown PCT of patient residence and (a) young homosexual men and (b) young heterosexual are not included. men and women; and if he will make a statement. 4. Acute ST1 data presented include diagnoses made in GUM clinics and in community-based settings testing for chlamydia. [16283] Source: Health Protection Agency, GUMCAD returns, National Chlamydia Anne Milton: In November 2009, the Department Screening Programme (NCSP) returns, and non-NCSP and non-GUM and the then Department for Children Schools and returns from laboratories. Families published “Teenage Pregnancy and Sexual Health In 2008, the diagnosed HIV prevalence among all Marketing Strategy”, a copy of which has already been individuals aged 15-24 years resident in Brighton and placed in the Library. The document sets the evidence Hove PCT was 0.04%. It is not possible to estimate the from risk factors and a number of research studies to diagnosed HIV prevalence among young people in Brighton identify the groups most at risk of teenage pregnancy by sexual orientation, since the number of young men and poor sexual health. who are homosexual in this PCT is not known. 89W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 90W

In 2009, there were 1,381 individuals with diagnosed Nick Harvey: UK forces train both the Afghan National HIV infection resident in Brighton and Hove City PCT Army and the Afghan National Police using the most of whom 84% (1,159/1,381) acquired their infection appropriate language, usually either Dari or Pashto, through sex between men. Of all individuals with diagnosed with the aid of an interpreter. HIV infection in Brighton and Hove City PCT in 2009, 2.5% (34/1,381) were aged 15-24 years. The diagnosed Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for prevalence for 2009 will be released later in 2010. Defence whether he has made an assessment of the merits of the use of electronic language translation Social Services: Finance devices by British soldiers serving in Afghanistan. [16327] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he plans to maintain funding for Nick Harvey: An informal assessment has been conducted social care at current levels in (a) 2010-11 and (b) on the possible use of electronic language translation 2011-12. [16050] devices by British forces serving in Afghanistan. The assessment found that the technology is not currently Paul Burstow: Announced levels of grant funding developed enough to be beneficial to British forces from the Department to local authorities for the provision serving in Afghanistan. of social care have been maintained for 2010-11. Details of funding for 2011-12 will be announced as part of the Aircraft Carriers spending review. Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services: Learning Disability Defence (1) on how many occasions Invincible-class aircraft carriers have been deployed in military service Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health in each of the last five years; [15856] what steps (a) his Department has taken and (b) he (2) how many days at sea Invincible-class aircraft plans to take to implement the recommendations of the carriers have undertaken in each of the last five years. March 2010 report, Raising Our Sights: Services for [15857] adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities, commissioned by his Department. [15933] Nick Harvey: The number of days the Invincible class aircraft carriers have undertaken at sea in each of the Paul Burstow: Departmental officials are currently last five years is shown in the following table: looking very carefully at the detailed recommendations Number of days at sea set out in this report and how these support our objectives HMS Illustrious HMS Ark Royal to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities who have complex needs and their families. The elements 2006 123.75 33.00 of good service and good practice examples included in 2007 154 120.5 this report sit very clearly within the programme of 2008 160.75 147.75 work which Government are leading to support independent 2009 130.25 57.25 living for people with learning disabilities and to support Up to 31 August 2010 3 117.5 local service planning and commissioning to meet identified needs in their locality. HMS Ark Royal had maintenance periods in 2006 and 2009, as does HMS Illustrious in 2010. Trade Union Mutuality During this period HMS Invincible has been maintained at a state of very low readiness at Portsmouth Naval Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Base. what recent representations he has received on the During nearly all their time spent at sea, the carriers potential contribution to healthcare provision of trade are operationally deployed in contributing to a wide union mutuality; and if he will make a statement. range of military tasks. This includes periods when they [16300] are exercising and training, but excludes the short time spent completing basic sea safety training and carrying Mr Simon Burns: We have not received representations out post refit trials. The tasks may include the integrity on trade union mutuality. of UK waters, the defence and security of overseas However, the Government have made a commitment territories, intelligence collection, defence diplomacy to supporting the creation and expansion of mutualism and support to British interests. They contribute to the and the greater involvement of mutuals, co-operatives, standing commitments of the NATO reaction forces charities and social enterprises in the delivery of public and provide platforms for wider maritime security services. operations.

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department last contacted BAE DEFENCE Systems in relation to his Department’s aircraft carrier programmes. [15858] Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations Peter Luff: As members of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for (ACA), the MOD and BAE Systems are in daily contact Defence in what language UK forces are training regarding all aspects of the Queen Elizabeth Class Afghan (a) army and (b) police. [15554] Aircraft Carrier programme. 91W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 92W

Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for countermeasures, we do not routinely publish very serious Defence what the end of service date is for each injury and serious injury sub-classified by other types of Invincible-class aircraft carrier. [15889] physical injury.

Peter Luff: Two Invincible Class aircraft carriers currently Armed Forces: Medals remain in service with the Royal Navy, HM Ships Ark Royal and Illustrious. HMS Ark Royal is currently Mr Russell Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for planned to be taken out of service in the third quarter Defence if he will review his Department’s decision that of 2014, while HMS Illustrious will reach her out of the Pingat Jasa Malaysia medal may be received but service date in the second quarter of 2016. not worn in the UK. [15758] The future of all major equipment projects are being considered as part of the Defence input to the Strategic Mr Bellingham: I have been asked to respond. Defence and Security Review, to ensure that the programme The Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations is coherent with future defence needs. and Medals (the HD Committee), which advises Her Majesty the Queen on matters of honours policy, made Armed Forces: Health Services the decision that the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal could be received but not worn in December 2005. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State The HD Committee, of which the Foreign and for Defence what expenditure his Department incurred Commonwealth Office (FCO) is a member, has reviewed on the provision of medical services for armed forces this decision on two separate occasions and in both personnel in (a) the Falklands Islands, (b) Gibraltar, cases upheld the original decision. (c) Cyprus and (d) Germany in the latest period for The FCO is not aware of any plans by the HD which figures are available. [14073] Committee to review this decision again.

Mr Robathan: Costs for the financial year 2009-10 in Armed Forces: Pensions each of the four locations are as follows: John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for £ million Defence whether he plans to bring forward proposals to remove the inequality in pension provision for Falkland Islands 2.195 ex-service men and women who left the armed forces Gibraltar 6.809 before 1975. [15802] Cyprus 21.977 Germany 87.063 Mr Robathan: No. It has been the policy of successive governments not to change the provision of a pension The costs include service and civilian manpower, scheme retrospectively. Any change cannot be isolated infrastructure, consumables and associated costs related to a single scheme and would affect all of the other to the provision of medical and dental services. public sector pension schemes. It would therefore carry significant cost and simply be unaffordable. Armed Forces: Injuries Armed Forces: Uniforms John Glen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel have been blinded while Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for on active duty since 2000. [16394] Defence what contracts have been placed with Chinese manufacturers for military garments. [16293] Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence publishes the numbers of personnel categorised as very seriously Peter Luff: No contracts have been placed with Chinese injured and seriously injured as a result of Operations manufacturers for military garments by the Ministry of Telic and Herrick on its website at: Defence. It is, of course, open to MOD suppliers to http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FactSheets/ place subcontracts with suitable companies, which may OperationsFactsheets/OperationsInIraqBritishCasualties.htm result in items of military clothing, in whole or in part, (Telic) being manufactured overseas. and Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FactSheets/ whether the specifications for military garment contracts OperationsFactsheets/OperationsInAfghanistan have changed in the last two years. [16294] BritishCasualties.htm (Herrick). Peter Luff: There are approximately 6,000 specifications The figures are updated fortnightly. In addition, we in the Ministry of Defence’s defence clothing database. are committed to publishing on a quarterly basis the Clothing specifications are constantly being reviewed numbers of service personnel who have suffered limb and updated to improve the performance and reliability amputations as a result of injuries sustained while on of military clothing to ensure it is right for the armed operational deployment, and DASA published figures forces. up to 30 June 2010 in July 2010. However, in order both to protect the identities of small numbers of patients, Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence including those who have been blinded, and to maintain who has responsibility for deciding on the criteria for operational security for the effectiveness of our protective military clothing standards. [16295] 93W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 94W

Peter Luff: The Defence clothing team is responsible within the Defence Equipment and Support organisation. for overseeing the development and acquisition of We are currently reviewing provision of defence storage operational and non-operational military clothing, less and distribution activities as part of the Future Defence flying clothing and associated equipment. The team Storage and Distribution Programme; and this work seek constant feedback on operational clothing and will of course be influenced by the outcome of the equipment from the front line, which is used to improve Strategic Defence and Security Review, which will be the performance specifications with amendments being announced in the autumn, once the Government’s spending approved by representatives from the service user review concludes. community.For non-operational clothing, the responsibility for specifying clothing standards is usually through Defence: Procurement uniform committees, which include service user representatives. Julie Hilling: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what account he plans to take of the likely effects of Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for defence spending reductions on (a) BAE Systems and Defence what assessment his Department has made of (b) other companies in the defence industry in determining the appropriateness of British Standard 7209 for the outcomes of (i) the strategic defence and security assessing the breathability of waterproof clothing for review and (ii) his Department’s contribution to the military personnel. [16296] Government’s spending review. [15627]

Peter Luff: The Ministry of Defence regularly uses Peter Luff: The priority for the Strategic Defence and industry standards for measuring performance as part Security Review is to ensure that the UK has at its of its own specifications, including British Standard disposal what it needs for its wider national security. In 7209. This is a consistent, repeatable and reproducible doing so, we are taking the industrial implications, method of testing which is well understood by industry. among other key factors, into account. The Government This policy delivers clothing to the standard required by recognise that the UK defence industry is a vital strategic military personnel while at the same time ensuring best asset, which is why I recently announced the publication value for money for the Department. of a Green Paper on defence industry and technology policy by the end of the year to follow on from the Christopher Myers conclusion of the SDSR later this autumn. After a period of consultation, this will be followed by a White John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Paper in the spring, which will formally set out our Defence what briefings Christopher Myers attended approach to industry and technology through to the during his participation in the visit to Afghanistan in next SDSR. January 2010. [15756] Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Fox: As part of the group accompanying the then Defence if he will make an estimate of the effects on the Shadow Foreign Secretary and Shadow Chancellor on number of people employed in the defence manufacturing a fact-finding visit to Afghanistan in January 2010, Mr sector and the sector’s supply chain likely to result from Myers attended some briefings with NATO and UK reductions in defence spending in (a) Hyndburn, (b) military and civilian staff, Afghan officials and a non- Burnley, (c) Blackburn, (d) Pendle, (e) Preston, (f) governmental organisation. Chorley, (g) Fylde, (h) East Lancashire and (i) Lancashire and the North West. [15985] John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what level of security clearance was given Peter Luff: We recognise the major contribution made to Christopher Myers for the purpose of his to UK defence by industry throughout the north-west participation in a visit to Afghanistan in January 2010; of England. The Department is examining a range of [15757] factors, including industrial issues, as part of the Strategic (2) who authorised the security clearance of Christopher Defence and Security Review, which will conclude in Myers to participate in a visit to Afghanistan in January the autumn in coordination with the Government’s 2010. [16015] spending review. It would, therefore, be premature to speculate about the impact of future levels of defence Dr Fox: In line with usual practice for MPs and their expenditure. assistants when visiting Afghanistan, no specific security clearance was provided by the Ministry of Defence for Departmental Billing the visit. Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Defence Storage and Distribution Agency: Manpower what the average cost to his Department was of processing the payment of an invoice in the latest period for which Claire Perry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence figures are available; and what proportion of invoices what estimate he has made of the change in the number settled in that period his Department paid (a) electronically of jobs at the Defence Storage and Distribution Agency and (b) by cheque. [16161] which will result from its proposed restructuring. [16326] Mr Robathan: Information regarding the average cost to pay an invoice by the Financial Management Shared Peter Luff: Agency status was removed from the Service Centre and the number of invoices settled Defence Storage and Distribution Agency in July this electronically and by cheque could be provided only at year, when it became part of the joint support chain disproportionate cost. 95W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 96W

Information is available for the proportion by value £ between electronic and cheque. For the first five months of financial year 2010-11 this was 99.14% and 0.86% 2004-05 939,671.22 respectively. 2005-06 907,100.10 Departmental Housing 2006-07 962,417.20 2007-08 871,315.45 Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 2008-09 783,094.48 how much his Department spent on (a) permanent and 2009-10 931,595.87 (b) temporary accommodation for civil servants in 1 Figures include expenditure on periodicals only. No enabling contract 2009-10. [14669] was in place at this time for the supply of newspapers. Mr Robathan: In financial year 2009-10, the Ministry Ex-servicemen: Suicide of Defence spent £4.1 million on permanent accommodation and £1.3 million on temporary Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for accommodation for its UK civilian work force. Defence what discussions he has had with the Secretary Information from overseas areas could be provided of State for Health on the vulnerability to suicide of only at disproportionate cost. servicemen and women leaving the armed forces. [16119] Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on (a) Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence works closely temporary and (b) permanent accommodation for with the Department of Health on issues relating to civil servants in 2009. [14739] support to former service personnel with mental health needs, in particular through the Partnership Board which Mr Robathan: For calendar year 2009, the Ministry brings together the MOD and the four UK Departments of Defence spent £1.3 million on temporary of Health. We are committed to creating effective, through- accommodation and £4.3 million on permanent life, mental health services for our service personnel and accommodation for its UK civilian workforce. veterans and will continue to look at ways in which the Information from overseas areas could be provided NHS, the MOD and the devolved administrations can only at disproportionate cost. work together with organisations such as Combat Stress Departmental Press: Subscriptions to ensure that they receive the support they need.

Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Gulf States how much his Department spent on newspapers, periodicals and trade profession magazines in each Rory Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for year since 1997. [16223] Defence what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in the Gulf; and if he will make a Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence has an enabling statement. [14639] contract with a supplier to provide newspapers and magazines at a discounted rate to units within the Nick Harvey: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I London area which came into force on 1 March 2002. gave on 13 September 2010, Official Report, columns MOD units outside London may purchase newspapers 581-82, to the hon. Members for Finchley and Golders under local arrangements. Information on expenditure Green (Mike Freer) and Battersea (Mrs Ellison). under these local arrangements is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Pilots: Training An enabling contract has also been in place since 1 June 1999 with a periodical supplier, which MOD business units can use to place orders directly with the Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for supplier at discounted prices. There is no central record Defence what pilot training programmes pilots from of units choosing not to use this enabling contract; the armed forces have attended in (a) the US and (b) information on expenditure under any other arrangements France since 2003. [16135] is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Nick Harvey: Since 2003, UK pilots have not attended Prior to these enabling contracts being in place, MOD pilot training programmes in France. UK pilots have units made their own local arrangements for the supply attended training courses in the US, where suitable of newspapers, magazines and periodicals. Information training facilities exist, for the following aircraft types: on such expenditure is not held centrally and could be MQ-1 Predator provided only at disproportionate cost. MQ-9 Reaper Expenditure under the above enabling contracts, by T45C Goshawk financial year, is as follows: F18 Hornet AV8B Harrier £ C17 Globemaster 1999-2000 1348,617.80 King Air 350ER 2000-01 1837,710.72 In addition, a small number of UK pilots are regularly 2001-02 1866,656.95 posted on exchange tours with US and French forces 2002-03 849,874.83 and will normally spend part of their tour training and 2003-04 854,651.98 operating aircraft alongside their counterparts. 97W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 98W

Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Nick Harvey: The Ministry of Defence accounting whether pilots in the armed forces have received training systems are not set up to allow budgeting by unit. As from the US military on fast jet deployment from such, a detailed breakdown of costs is not available. aircraft carriers. [16136] A battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles is based in Brunei under the Garrison Agreement Exchange of Nick Harvey: Yes. A number of Royal Navy and Notes between the UK MOD and the Sultan of Brunei. RAF qualified fast jet pilots are regularly posted on When the battalion is physically in Brunei, the Sultan of exchange tours with US forces to enhance inter-service Brunei pays for all salary and almost all basing costs. co-operation and gain additional experience. They may In addition some costs of the Royal Gurkha Rifles spend part of their tours training with and operating on may be funded from the Treasury reserve if additional US aircraft carriers alongside their US counterparts. costs are incurred when preparing for or when on Additionally, a small number of Royal Navy trainee operations. This figure will vary between years dependent pilots conduct operational fast jet training in the US on on the extent to which the Royal Gurkha Rifles Battalions F/A18 Hornet aircraft and the AV-8B Harrier aircraft are tasked for operations. and are trained to operate from aircraft carriers. Warships

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Royal Gurkha Rifles: Finance Defence pursuant to the answer of 13 September 2010, Official Report, columns 737-8W, on warships: deployment, what the (a) type and (b) mission is of Damian Collins: To ask the Secretary of State for each Royal Navy ship deployed on operations at sea. Defence what proportion of the budget for the Royal [16331] Gurkha Rifles was from (a) his Department’s budget and (b) other sources in the latest period for which Dr Fox: The type and mission of those ships at sea on figures are available. [16292] 9 September 2010 are as follows:

Ship Mission/type

Op Telic Maintenance of integrity and security of Iraqi Territorial Seas. HMS Somerset Type 23 Frigate HMS Chiddingfold Mine Counter Measures Vessel HMS Grimsby Mine Counter Measures Vessel HMS Pembroke Mine Counter Measures Vessel HMS Middleton Mine Counter Measures Vessel RFA Cardigan Bay Auxilliary Landing Ship Dock RFA Lyme Bay Auxilliary Landing Ship Dock

Arabian Gulf Tanker Replenishment of coalition units in the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and North Indian Ocean. RFA Bayleaf Support Tanker

Op Calash Counter Piracy and counter smuggling operations within the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and North Indian Ocean. HMS Northumberland Type 23 Frigate RFA Diligence Forward Repair Ship RFA Fort Victoria Fleet Replenishment Ship

Op Ocean Shield NATO Counter Piracy and counter smuggling operations within the Arabian sea, Gulf of Aden, and North Indian Ocean. HMS Montrose Type 23 Frigate

Gibraltar Patrol Security of Gibraltar Territorial Seas.

HMS Sabre P2000—Patrol Boat

HMS Scimitar P2000—Patrol Boat

Standing NATO Mine Counter A continuous maritime capability for mine-countermeasures integration within NATO Measures Maritime Group 1 Response Force (NRF) operations, non NRF operations and other activities in peacetime and periods of crisis and conflict. HMS Penzance Mine Counter Measures Vessel 99W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 100W

Ship Mission/type

Atlantic Patrol Tasking (North) UK’s maritime contribution to the Caribbean and North Atlantic area. Protection of UK interests, humanitarian role in response to the natural disasters, especially hurricanes, which are prevalent in this region. Additionally working alongside the US Coastguard and the Royal Netherlands Navy: a significant contribution to the UK’s counter drugs operations. HMS Manchester Type 42 Destroyer RFA Wave Ruler Large Fleet Tanker

Atlantic Patrol Tasking (South) The standing naval commitment to the South Atlantic and West African regions. Provide a maritime presence to protect the British sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, including South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and UK’s interests in the region. HMS Gloucester (desig) Type 42 Destroyer HMS Portland Type 23 Frigate RFA Blackrover Small Fleet Tanker

Falkland Island Patrol Ship Permanently stationed in the region, responsible for maintaining British sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, including South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. HMS Clyde Offshore Patrol Vessel Helicopter

Amphibious Exercises and Regional Exercises with the principal aim of enhancing our Operational Capability by training Engagement with coalition partners in Amphibious Assault. HMS Ocean Amphibious Ship

Fishery Protection Patrolling UK’s extended Fisheries Zone. HMS Tyne Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Severn Offshore Patrol Vessel HMS Mersey Offshore Patrol Vessel

Survey Operations Survey operations throughout the world using the latest techniques to provide information for Admiralty charts and nautical publications and in particular updating the charts covering the waters around the United Kingdom. HMS Enterprise Coastal Survey Vessel HMS Gleaner Coastal Survey Vessel HMS Echo Coastal Survey Vessel

UK Contingency Operations Maritime Security Royal Navy units at readiness to react to any possible threat to the integrity of UK Territorial Seas and security of the UK. HMS Monmouth Type 23 Frigate HMS Sutherland Type 23 Frigate HMS Ramsey Mine Countermeasures Vessel HMS Blythe Mine Countermeasures Vessel RFA Fort George Fleet Replenishment ship

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Gregory Barker: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 9 September 2010, Official Report, column 649W. Carbon Emissions: Local Government Carbon Emissions: Public Sector Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will take steps to Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for ensure that local authorities encourage residents to Energy and Climate Change what steps he is taking to participate in the implementation of local carbon ensure other Government departments, agencies and reduction plans. [16025] non-departmental public bodies are reducing their carbon emissions and using energy more efficiently. Gregory Barker: I refer the hon. Member to the reply [16376] given on 9 September 2010, Official Report, column 649W. Gregory Barker: On 14 May my right hon. Friend the Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Prime Minister set a challenging target of reducing Energy and Climate Change if he will take steps to central Government’s emissions by 10% in 12 months provide financial and technical assistance for local and asked DECC and the Efficiency and Reform Group authorities to meet local carbon reduction targets. to lead this work. Since then, all Departments have [16026] submitted their plans for action, detailing how they will 101W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 102W contribute towards the target. All ministerial headquarter £ buildings are now also placing their real time energy use data on line. (b) IT company In order to learn from private sector experience, I Total 162,000 have established a cross-Whitehall 10% Working Group, Oracle 162,000 which will hold Departments to account for their progress, and has created a network for sharing good practice Departmental Empty Property and experiences between Departments and the private sector. Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy In addition, all Government Departments, and many and Climate Change what the estimated monetary other public sector bodies, are currently registering for value is of each vacant (a) building and (b) parcel of the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme, which will help to land owned by his Department in each region. [16250] ensure that energy efficiency is prioritised in the public sector. Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Climate Change does not own any land or buildings. Departmental Billing The buildings occupied by the Department are owned by other departments. Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the average cost to his Departmental Official Hospitality Department was of processing the payment of an invoice in the latest period for which figures are available; and Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for what proportion of invoices settled in that period his Energy and Climate Change how much his Department paid (a) electronically and (b) by cheque. Department spent on hospitality for events hosted by [16163] each Minister in the Department in each of the last three years. [13476] Gregory Barker: Invoice processing is provided to the Department by the Department for Business, Innovation Gregory Barker: Information for earlier years is not and Skills. In August 2010 the average cost of processing held centrally and could be provided only at an invoice including staff costs and overheads was disproportionate cost. £4.29. All payments made in August were made electronically. Since July 2010, updated processes have been developed for monitoring budget and accounting lines in an effort Departmental Chief Scientific Advisers to deliver transparency and a centralised record of such activity. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy For July 2010, I refer the hon. Member to the answer and Climate Change on how many occasions each I gave today to the hon. Member for Dudley North (Ian Minister in his Department has met his Department’s Austin) to question No. 15150. Chief Scientific Officer since 6 May 2010. [15434] For August and September 2010, total spend was £3,748.24 across three events with key stakeholders. Gregory Barker: Ministers regularly meet DECC’s Chief Scientific Adviser in the course of their official Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy duties. and Climate Change how much his Department spent Departmental Contracts on hospitality for events hosted by each Minister in his Department in July 2010. [15150] Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what the monetary value is of Gregory Barker: The total spend of ministerial hospitality contracts his Department has awarded to each (a) in July 2010 was £2,984.32 on five events with key management consultancy and (b) IT company since stakeholders. 7 May 2010. [16186] Departmental Press: Subscriptions Gregory Barker: Central records indicate, that the monetary value of contracts awarded by the Department Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy of Energy and Climate Change to management consultancy and Climate Change how much his Department spent and IT companies since 7 May 2010 is as follows: on newspapers, periodicals and trade profession magazines in each year since 2008. [16239] £ Gregory Barker: Since the Department’s formation in (a) Management consultancy October 2008, Ministers and the Communications Total 76,720 Directorate have spent the following amounts on Capita Symonds Ltd. 15,495 newspapers and periodicals: COI Communications 7,360 2008-09 (from October 2008): £5,846; International Organisation Development Ltd. 2,221 2009-10: £19,020; Methods Consulting Ltd. 26,550 2010-11 (as of 31 August): £6,436. Pera Innovation Ltd. 12,058 Serco Ltd. 13,034 The Department does not keep central records of all publications that it receives and this information can be provided only at disproportionate costs. 103W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 104W

Departmental Public Expenditure Organisation Number of staff

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Climate Change Capital 1 Energy and Climate Change if his Department will take National Grid 1 steps to assess the impacts on (a) equality of incomes, Expedition Engineering 1 (b) equality of assets and (c) equality of access to KPMG 1 services of measures relating to its expenditure under Deloitte 1 Total 5 consideration in the Spending Review. [16347]

Gregory Barker: DECC will ensure the relevant equality Fuel Poverty considerations are taken in to account in the context of expenditure under consideration in the Spending Review, Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for in compliance with our obligations under the Sex Energy and Climate Change if he will make it his policy Discrimination Act 1975″, the Race ″Relations Act-1976, to target energy efficiency programmes at prepayment and-the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. meter users in, or at risk of, fuel poverty. [16124] Gregory Barker: Government are committed to helping Departmental Redundancy Pay those households who are in fuel poverty. We recognise the need to help more of the most vulnerable to keep Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for their homes warm at an affordable cost. Energy and Climate Change what severance payments Government have a range of policies focused on have been paid to (a) Ministers and (b) special improving the energy efficiency of households, including advisers in his Department who left office after the last those in fuel poverty. We recently extended the Carbon general election. [14927] Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) to 2012 and increased significantly the amount of work to be carried out in Gregory Barker [holding answer 16 September 2010]: the most vulnerable households. Details of the total severance payments paid to DECC Following the introduction of new rules to prevent Ministers who left office after the last general election unfair price differentials, Ofgem have recently reported were given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the that the differentials between customers paying by pre- Cabinet Office to the hon. Member for Perth and North payment meter (PPM) and standard credit have been Perthshire (Pete Wishart) on 5 July 2010, Official Report, completely eliminated. column 55W. However, DECC was not included in that report. Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if he will use his power Severance payments for paid Government Ministers under the Energy Act 2010 to oblige suppliers to and other office holders are governed by legislation, provide social price support to (a) all groups that specifically section 5 of the Ministerial and other Pensions qualify for cold weather payments and (b) households and Salaries Act 1991. Those individuals who leave in receipt of means-tested benefits with children under office under the age of 65 and who do not take up 16 years. [16125] another relevant office within three weeks (six weeks for Opposition office holders at the time of the election) are Gregory Barker: Decisions on whether or not to use entitled to receive one-quarter of their annual claimed the powers in the Energy Act 2010 to bring forward salary as a severance payment. These are separate from mandated social price support will be subject to the resettlement grants available to members of Parliament Spending Review. upon leaving the House of Commons. Total severance payments to eligible former Ministers Gregg McClymont: To ask the Secretary of State for of the Department of Energy and Climate Change were Energy and Climate Change what plans he has to £40,350. ensure the take up of the Green Deal in the private rented sector. [16126] The Government publish annually the total cost of special advisers in the form of a written ministerial Gregory Barker: The Green Deal should unlock billions statement by the Prime Minister. The total cost of of pounds of new investment in household energy severance paid out to special advisers who left office efficiency. It has the potential to be particularly successful after the last general election will be published in due in the private rented sector because it will remove the course. up-front costs of making homes more energy efficient for tenants, which are currently a significant deterrent Departmental Secondment to landlords upgrading rented-out property. To maximise efficiency improvements across all tenures, the Department is looking at additional incentives and Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy triggers that will encourage uptake of the Green Deal. and Climate Change how many staff his Department has appointed on secondment since 7 May 2010; and Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for from what organisation each such member of staff has Energy and Climate Change how many and what been seconded. [16257] proportion of (a) private sector and (b) social sector dwellings have residents in fuel poverty in (a) England Gregory Barker: The Department for Energy and and (b) the geographical area most close to the area of Climate Change has recruited five staff on secondment Brighton Pavilion constituency for which information since 7 May 2010. The details are shown as follows. is available. [16281] 105W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 106W

Gregory Barker: In 2007 there were 2.8 million poor National Grid: Fees and Charges households in England, representing around 13% of all households 2.3 million of these were private sector Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy households (13% of all private households) and 0.5 million and Climate Change what the average national grid were in the social sector (13% of all social households). transmission charge is in each local authority area. In 2006 the most recent year for which sub-regional [13509] figures are available, there were around 5,100 (12%) fuel poor households in the Brighton Pavilion constituency. Charles Hendry: Transmission charging zones do not A split by tenure is not available for this figure. correspond with local authority boundaries and therefore it is not possible to give an average figure for each local Industrial Diseases: Compensation authority area. Details of the different charges for each generation and demand charging zone can-be found on Toby Perkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy national grid’s website at: and Climate Change how much has been paid to miners http://www.nationalgrid.com/NR/rdonlyres/B757A2EA- in Chesterfield constituency under the Government’s CEEA-4A37-B9CA-91A0F0C68C5F/40465/ handling agreements for vibration white finger, bronchitis UoSCI6R0Final.pdf and emphysema since their inception. [16428] Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Charles Hendry: The amount the Department has and Climate Change how much has been raised in paid to claimants in Chesterfield constituency for chronic national grid transmission charges from generators in obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and vibration (a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales in each of white finger under the Coal Health Compensation Schemes the last five years. [13512] is shown in the following table as at 31 August 2010. Charles Hendry: National grid do not have separate Total figures for England and Wales. Transmission Network Total claims Total claims Total claims damages Use of System charges paid by generators in England/Wales received settled outstanding paid (£) and Scotland are: COPD 4,269 4,268 1 12,421,068.75 VWF 1,882 1,882 0 21,120,669.35 £ million Total 6,151 6,150 1 33,541,738.10 England/Wales Scotland

Magnox Electric 2005-06 159.0 126.8 2006-07 188.5 128.8 2007-08 200.9 141.0 Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for 2008-09 231.4 147.9 Energy and Climate Change what discussions his Department has had with Magnox North Ltd and 2009-10 232.1 156.9 Source: Magnox South Ltd on the formation of a single site National Grid licence company; and by what date he expects legal integration of the two to have been achieved. [15952] Natural Gas: Storage Charles Hendry: This is an operational matter for the Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), which owns Energy and Climate Change when his Department the Magnox sites. The NDA has been liaising with plans to take steps to provide greater gas storage Magnox North-Ltd and Magnox South Ltd-on their capacity for the UK. [13971] reintegration into a single-site licence company (SLC). Reintegration of the two SLCs is a key part of the Charles Hendry: As set out in the Annual Energy overall plan of the Parent Body Organisation, Statement, we need more gas storage capacity, as well as EnergySolutions, which owns the SLCs, to reduce the-costs more gas import capacity and greater assurance that of managing the sites on behalf of the NDA and to our market will deliver gas when it is needed. The ensure that more money is spent on front-line activities. Department has already taken steps to encourage greater The programme aims for relicensing into a single SLC gas storage capacity for the UK. to be complete by the end of 2010. On 9 September, I gave consent to the Saltfleetby gas Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for storage project. This has the capacity to store some Energy and Climate Change what the cost to the public 700 million cubic meters of gas and to increase the purse was of dividing Magnox Electric into Magnox UK’s storage capacity by over 15%. North Ltd and Magnox South Ltd. [15955] Further, as set down in the recent written ministerial statement about planning reform by my right hon. Charles Hendry: The Nuclear Decommissioning Friend the Minister of State for Communities and Authority estimate that the total costs of separating Local Government, the Government are reforming the Magnox Electric into two site licence companies (SLCs) planning system. Planning applications for major were approximately £6.4 million. Reintegration of the infrastructure projects will be decided by Ministers two SLCs is a key part of the overall strategy of the within a clear policy framework provided in national parent body organisation, EnergySolutions, which owns policy statements, on the basis of recommendations by the SLCs, to reduce the costs of managing the sites on the new major infrastructure planning unit. This will behalf of the NDA. It is estimated that reintegration make major infrastructure decisions, such as for new will deliver net savings of around £10 million per year. gas storage facilities, faster and more transparent. 107W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 108W

Gas storage facilities will also be encouraged through Nuclear Power Stations: Safety new measures to be introduced in the Energy Security and Green Economy Bill. Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what hazard reduction work it commissioned Magnox Electric to undertake in Nuclear Decommissioning Authority each year between its establishment and its separation into two companies in 2008. [16110] Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what consideration he has Charles Hendry: This is an operational matter for the given to the merits of entitling the Nuclear Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), which took Decommissioning Authority to deal directly with site over responsibility for the Magnox sites on 1 April licence companies rather than through a parent body 2005. These sites are operated for the NDA under a organisation; and if he will make a statement. [15953] management and operations contract with the site licence company, Magnox Electric. The NDA agrees work plans Charles Hendry: The Nuclear Decommissioning annually with Magnox Electric, including work on hazard Authority deals with both its site licence companies reduction. Details of the work commissioned from each (SLC) and with their parent body organisations (PBO). Magnox site are set out in the NDA’s Annual Plans. Each of the sites under NDA ownership is operated for Performance against these plans is set out in the NDA’s the NDA under a management and operations contract Annual Report and Accounts. These documents are by a site licensee (SLC), which is responsible for the published and are available on the NDA’s website. delivery of site programmes until all decommissioning and clean-up work has been completed. Each site licensee Renewable Energy: Local Government has a PBO, which owns the shares in that SLC and manages its activities for the period in which it has a parent body agreement with the NDA. These PBO Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy contracts are competed. The relationship between the and Climate Change how much national grid transmission NDA and the SLC is long term and continues irrespective charges for selling renewable electricity to the grid would of who owns the SLC. be for (a) Westminster City Council, (b) Western Isles Council (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar) and (c) Angus Council. [13510] Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Nuclear Decommissioning Charles Hendry: Transmission Network Use of System Authority since its formation. [15954] (TNUoS) charges are paid by renewable generators—over 100 MW—only most renewable generators are connected to the distribution system and are not subject to TNUoS Charles Hendry: The Department closely monitors charges. the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s (NDA) performance through regular reports and meetings, Westminster city council falls in the central London including between DECC Ministers and the NDA’s generation charging zone where the generation TNUoS chairman and CEO. The NDA is required by the Energy charge is -£6.41/kW. Act 2004 to have a ministerial approved strategy and Tariffs for the Western Isles council (Comhairle nan annual business plans. These, together with reports on Eilean Siar) have not yet been set. The nearest equivalent its progress to date are available on the NDA’s website. generation charging zone is Western Highland and Skye Before the NDA was set up in 2005 there was little where the generation TNUoS charge is £22.79/kW. investment in the legacy infrastructure or progress with Angus council falls in the Central Highlands charging decommissioning. Starting from a zero base, in its first zone where the generation TNUoS charge is £17.63/kW. five years the NDA has made significant progress in tackling the unprecedented challenge that it faces. It Ofgem announced a fundamental review of the has: transmission charging regime on 22 September with the launch of Project TransmiT. developed a detailed understanding of the legacy, introduced industry-wide procedures across its sites to plan on a consistent basis and completed the re-structuring of its estate to facilitate Sustainable Development its competition programme; successfully completed competitions for the management of Mr Umunna: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy the low level waste facility near Drigg; and for Sellafield—one and Climate Change what recent meetings he has had of the largest and most complex procurements in the world. These have brought international capability to the UK and the with representatives of Transition Town projects to new management teams are bringing significant improvements discuss environmentally sustainable communities. in operational efficiency, project management and cost control; [14887] made significant headway in realising value from its commercial operations; Gregory Barker: My right hon. Friend the Secretary progressively prioritised funds towards highest hazards; delivered of State has not met with representatives of Transition value for money by driving efficiency and performance across Town projects. Ministers have, however, been meeting a its estate and invested in skills to build the future capability of number of community groups as they are important for the UK’s nuclear work force; and the Green Deal. I attended the Be Birmingham Summit made steady progress on decommissioning in line with its in July and will continue meeting community groups published business plans. over the coming months. 109W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 110W

Wind Power: Electricity Generation In the period 7 May 2009 to 20 September 2009 the total value all management consultancy contracts was Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for £6,029,698. Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has (b) No new IT contracts have been awarded since made of the effects on potential windfarm developers 7 May 2010. of the decision by the National Grid to retain the current charging regime for electricity generators; and Departmental Empty Property what recent discussions he has held with Ofgem on the matter. [15098] Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the estimated monetary value is of Charles Hendry: National Grid have made no recent each vacant (a) building and (b) parcel of land owned decisions on the transmission network use of system by his Department in each region. [16242] (TNUoS) charging regime for generators, but are currently considering: the responses to a consultation on a review Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and of intermittent generation charging. DECC’s-recent Annual Pensions does not have any vacant buildings or any Energy Statement also announced that Ofgem will shortly vacant parcels of land. be conducting their own independent review of the transmission charging regime. Departmental Fines

Wind Power: Offshore Industry Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many transport-related fines Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy his Department has settled on behalf of its staff in and Climate Change whether he plans to review each year since 2005; and what the cost to the public guidance on the provision of financial community purse was in each year. [13303] benefits compensation from large-scale off-shore wind farms over 50MWh; and whether he plans to bring Chris Grayling: The Department for Work and Pensions forward proposals to enable local planning authorities (DWP) has paid the following amounts to settle transport- to secure and enforce the provision of such financial related fines incurred by DWP staff since 2005: community benefits compensation. [15329] Number Amount (£) Charles Hendry: We recognise the need to ensure that 2004-051 106 2,757.50 all major infrastructure renewable energy developments 1 take place within the formal planning procedure, which 2005-06 464 15,740 allows all relevant stakeholders, including local authorities 2006-07 343 12,585.25 and members of the public, to put forward their views 2007-08 98 6,298.13 on the likely impact of any proposal on the environment 2008-09 217 10,713.00 and the local community. Any development of renewable 2009-10 403 23,951.00 energy must also be seen within the wider context of 1 No figures are available prior to 1 May 2006 for hire vehicles. reducing carbon emissions and improving security of The figures in the table represent fines incurred by the energy supply. DWP staff driving DWP official fleet vehicles and hire Offshore wind farm developers can and do finance vehicles on departmental business. These figures should community benefits for local communities and that is a be taken in the context of a Department that employs commercial matter for them. Guidance was produced 106,000 staff. several years ago by the Renewables Advisory Board on The Department’s policy in relation to payment of this matter. There are no plans to enable local authorities fines is in the process of being reviewed. to secure and enforce the provision of such financial community benefits compensation. Departmental Press: Subscriptions The UK has the best offshore wind resource in Europe and we are committed to ensuring that the UK benefits Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Work from industry and job prospects from this opportunity. and Pensions how much his Department spent on newspapers, periodicals and trade profession magazines in each year since 2001. [16233]

WORK AND PENSIONS Chris Grayling: Information on the amount spent in each financial year from 2001 onwards is set out in the Departmental Contracts following table.

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work £ and Pensions what the monetary value is of contracts Newspaper/ his Department has awarded to each (a) management Financial year magazine spend Periodical spend consultancy and (b) IT company since 7 May 2010. 2001-02 24,757.96 228,207.11 [16174] 2002-03 1— 314,328.85 2003-04 1— 266,764.89 Chris Grayling: The information requested is as follows: 2004-05 54,298.68 164,068.43 (a) The monetary value of all management consultancy 2005-06 66,265.94 122,040.63 contracts awarded since 7 May 2010 is £134,503. 2006-07 73,794.25 134,642.74 111W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 112W

Individual customers who have been made redundant are also £ able to take advantage of the Response to Redundancy Programme, Newspaper/ delivered by JHP Training on behalf of the Skills Funding Financial year magazine spend Periodical spend Agency. JHP Training delivers a range of training opportunities to any unemployed people aged over 18 who are seeking work 2007-08 56,364.35 138,063.72 during the first six months of unemployment. A package of 2008-09 33,215.84 97,927.92 support, typically between 2 and 8 weeks, helps people refresh 2009-10 26,928.58 96,011.27 their existing skills or begin the work of retraining in a different 1 Included in periodical spend. occupation to aid their progression into sustainable employment. The Secretary of State has also asked me to reply to your Departmental Public Expenditure further questions asking what assistance his Department is providing to those resident in Coventry and in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance, Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for including those in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance for more than Work and Pensions if his Department will take steps to 12 months, to secure employment. assess the impacts on (a) equality of incomes, (b) All customers can use jobpoint screens in Jobcentres or the equality of assets and (c) equality of access to services Jobseeker Direct telephony service to search for suitable job of measures relating to its expenditure under consideration vacancies as well as accessing them via the internet if they prefer. in the Spending Review. [16361] Residents of Coventry in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) receive personalised help through the Jobseeker’s Regime Chris Grayling: Work is under way to carry out and Flexible New Deal. Jobcentre Personal Advisers are at the equality impact assessments as part of the development forefront of supporting customers with their employment and of Spending Review options, and these will be made skills needs. public in due course. The Jobseeker’s Regime and Flexible New Deal is a combination of regular reviews of a customer’s job seeking activity, group Employment Schemes: Coventry information sessions, Personal Adviser interviews at key stages and work focused training. Through this, we provide customers with information and access to jobs, personalised job search Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State advice, opportunities to develop the skills needed to help them for Work and Pensions (1) what assistance his Department improve job prospects and other help to overcome barriers that is providing to those resident in Coventry who have may be making it harder to find work. The level of support we been made redundant on the last 12 months; [16289] give increases the longer a customer is out of work. (2) what steps his Department is taking to assist Newly unemployed JSA customers from professional and executive those resident in Coventry and in receipt of jobseeker’s occupational backgrounds who require help because they have no allowance to secure employment; [16286] recent job search experience can attend information sessions delivered by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation. (3) what steps his Department is taking to assist These sessions help jobseekers to acquire the knowledge, skills those resident in Coventry who have been in receipt of and confidence to quickly find relevant jobs, using up to date job jobseeker’s allowance for more than 12 months to search tools and recruitment channels. secure employment. [16287] Jobseekers who remain on JSA for more than 12 months enter Flexible New Deal which is a programme of tailored, individualised Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus support for each customer delivered by a contracted external is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, provider. Flexible New Deal providers are tasked with providing Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. an innovative and flexible service to deliver the best method of Member with the information requested. getting jobseekers into sustainable employment. Our contracted Letter from Darra Singh: providers in Coventry are Serco and Pertemps People Development Group. The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what assistance his Department is providing to those Jobseekers in Coventry who need additional advice about the resident in Coventry who have been made redundant in the last local labour market and the skills required can access individual 12 months. This is something that falls within the responsibilities careers advice from Next Steps advisers who are located in delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. Jobcentre offices as well as other locations in the city. The Rapid Response Service (RRS) is the starting point for all The Government have set out a number of major welfare to support for residents in Coventry, who have been made redundant. work reforms, including a core Work Programme which we aim to Jobcentre Plus works with partners to deliver the RRS while introduce by summer 2011. It will be an integrated package of employees are under notice of redundancy with the aim of personalised support providing help for people who find themselves helping as many as possible back into work quickly. The service is out of work. The Work Programme will be delivered by contractors offered automatically to all employers declaring at least drawn from the private, public and voluntary sectors. 20 redundancies (i.e. all those covered by the statutory requirement to provide advance notice to the Insolvency Service). The service Employment Schemes: Young People is also offered when Jobcentre Plus is aware of employers declaring less than 20 redundancies. Individual employees are offered a comprehensive package of Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for practical support in coping with redundancy, claiming benefits, Work and Pensions what estimate he made of the applying for jobs and updating their skills or gaining new skills annual cost to the Exchequer of continuing the Young based on the needs of the local labour market. Person’s Guarantee. [15897] Jobcentre Plus works closely with the Better West Midlands Project, contracted to the Skills Funding Agency to deliver RRS Chris Grayling: The spend on the young person’s support for individual employees under notice of redundancy. guarantee in 2009-10 was £86 million. The forecast Other partners are: Coventry City Council, Business Link, National spend in 2010-11 is expected to be £471 million. The Apprenticeship Service, Consumer Financial Education Body and Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Partnership offering the forecast spend in 2011-12 is subject to spending review Next Step careers advice service to individuals. All customers are decisions. This is because the FJF payment model allows able to continue accessing these partners’ services after redundancy for 60% of the unit cost of an FJF job to be paid over if they are unable to move into a new job immediately. the six-month period following a job start. We have 113W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 114W made commitments to allow job starts up to the end of Fuel Poverty: Chronically Sick March 2011 so expenditure will continue to September 2011. This makes a total predicted spend of £595 million. Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Work There are no plans to continue the young person’s and Pensions what financial support his Department guarantee beyond April 2011. provides for terminally ill people in fuel poverty. [13724]

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Steve Webb: The Department of Energy and Climate for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to assist Change (DECC) currently have the governmental lead those aged 18 to 24 years and who are unemployed to on fuel poverty. Their main grant-funded programme is secure employment. [16288] the Warm Front scheme, which can provide a package of tailored insulation and heating improvements and Chris Grayling: The Government are committed to energy advice for private sector households across England. tackling youth unemployment. Youngunemployed people The scheme is aimed at vulnerable, fuel-poor households, registering with Jobcentre Plus have access to a named some of whom may be terminally ill. Eligibility is personal adviser from the first day of their claim. The determined by receipt of certain means-tested and disability personal adviser works with them to create a personalised benefits, including disability living allowance (DLA). back-to-work plan. This support will continue throughout The number of disabled people receiving Warm Front the jobseeker’s spell of unemployment as will access to assistance has increased since 2005—typically, the existing range of opportunities, support and advice approximately 38% of all those receiving help are in to help them find employment. This includes short receipt of either DLA or attendance allowance (AA). periods of work experience, mentoring, work-focused DLA and AA provide people who have severe disabilities training, and internships. with a contribution towards the extra costs they face Next year we will introduce our Work Programme. because of the effects of their disabilities. People who This will offer integrated employment support to young are terminally ill automatically qualify for the highest people. The programme will help them move into sustained rate care component of DLA (they do not have to serve employment rather than temporary jobs. the three-month qualifying period and the benefit is usually paid within 10 days from receipt of claim) or the higher rate of AA. Recipients of DLA or AA have the Employment: Young People choice to spend their benefit according to their own priorities, and in a way that best suits their circumstances, including meeting the cost of household fuel. Nicky Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Terminally ill people may also receive support through Work and Pensions if he will take steps to help young employment and support allowance (ESA). While ESA people from households in receipt of benefits into sustained for the most part uses functional descriptors to assess employment; what research his Department has (a) someone’s eligibility for the benefit, there are some commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effects on non-functional descriptors that would find someone young people’s likelihood of securing sustained employment eligible—terminal illness is one of these non-functional of parental receipt of benefits; and if he will make a descriptors. If someone claims ESA under ’special rules’, statement. [14110] which apply to those who have a life expectancy of no more than six months, they will be fast-tracked to the ESA Support Group and receive the highest rate of Chris Grayling: Young people aged 16 and over who benefit. This will be done on paper-based evidence are on a low income, looking for work, disabled or alone without the claimant having to undergo a face-to-face caring for a child or older person can claim benefits in medical assessment or serve any of the normal assessment their own right. The Department supports all benefit phase of ESA. recipients, including young people, to make the transition Additional help is available to people receiving any of into employment. the income-related benefits through the disability premia Young unemployed people registering with Jobcentre included in these benefits. Cold weather payments are Plus have access to a named personal adviser from the also available to help certain vulnerable people—including first day of their claim. The personal adviser works with those receiving the main phase of income-related ESA them to create a personalised back-to-work plan. This or disability premia in the income-related benefits—with support will continue throughout the jobseeker’s spell the extra heating costs which result from very cold of unemployment as will access to the existing range of weather in their area. opportunities, support and advice to help them find employment. This includes short periods of work Housing Benefit experience, mentoring, work-focused training, and internships. Next year we will introduce our Work Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Programme. This will offer integrated employment support and Pensions what estimate has been made of the to young people. The programme will help them move number of households affected by the proposed into sustained employment rather than temporary jobs. increase in non-dependent deductions (a) in total, (b) The Department has not commissioned any research in Stretford and Urmston constituency, (c) which specifically focusing on the effects of parental receipt of include one or more pensioners and (d) which include benefits on young people’s likelihood of securing sustained one or more children under the age of 18 years. [15544] employment. Nor has any internal research been undertaken on this specific topic. Steve Webb: This information is not available. 115W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 116W

From February 2007, DWP has been collecting more of payments of statutory maternity pay which included detailed housing benefit and council tax benefit data a component representing a bonus otherwise payable to electronically from local authorities. Over time this will the employee in each of the last three years; and if he improve the accuracy, timeliness and level of detail will estimate the cost to the Exchequer of the payment available in the published statistics, as the information of such components in each such year. [16370] supplied is quality assured. At present, the management information used to Maria Miller: The first six weeks of statutory maternity estimate the number of households affected by the pay is paid at 90% of a woman’s weekly earnings (with proposed change to non-dependant deductions has not no upper limit) averaged over a set period. Employers been sufficiently quality assured to release. are legally required to calculate the amount using earnings actually paid in that period and the dates of that period We shall publish an equality impact assessment for must be worked out according to how a woman is paid. the June Budget change to non-dependant deductions This will generally capture eight weeks actual earnings to accompany the relevant legislation when introduced for weekly paid women or two months earnings for in Parliament. The equality impact assessment will provide monthly paid women around the fourth to sixth months information on the total number of people affected by of pregnancy. For some women a bonus or commission this measure subject to quality assurance, and will also is a regular, integral part of their pay and this may be cover the impacts on age, families, child poverty, gender, included in the calculation. disability and race. A breakdown of the components making up an Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for individual’s pay is not required to be reported. However, Work and Pensions if he will bring forward proposals payments of statutory maternity pay are liable to audit for changes to housing benefit arrangements to protect by HMRC the most vulnerable people. [16028] in the usual manner.

Steve Webb: We have provided a substantial increase Social Security Benefits: Fraud in the Discretionary Housing Payments budget which will give local authorities the flexibility to give additional support to customers who are affected by our proposals Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work for housing benefit. We have referred the proposed and Pensions how much money lost to benefit fraud legislation to the Social Security Advisory Committee was recovered through his Department’s National and will respond to its report in due course. Benefit Fraud Hotline and its Targeting Benefit Fraud campaign in 2009-10. [16098] Incapacity Benefit Chris Grayling: The amount of money recovered as a John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for result of fraud referrals generated by either the National Work and Pensions whether his Department has changed Benefit Fraud Hotline or the Targeting Benefit Fraud the level of funding allocated for retesting and transition campaign is not available. of incapacity benefit claimants to employment and However, in 2009-10 the Department recovered over support allowance since May 2010. [16385] £290 million of debts owed to the Department.

Chris Grayling: The retesting and transition of incapacity Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work benefit claimants to employment and support allowance and Pensions how many staff the National Benefit introduces a new process to DWP. As a consequence, Fraud Hotline employed on the latest date for which funding has been estimated having regard to departmental figures are available. [16099] forecasting and resource allocation models. Such models are regularly updated to provide the most accurate data Chris Grayling: During the week commencing possible for the new process. The accuracy of the data 13 September 2010 there were on average 24 customer will be reviewed regularly following national implementation service agents deployed daily answering National Benefit of the new process. However, at present the funding Fraud Hotline calls. allocation for IB (IS) Reassessment has not fundamentally changed since May 2010. The majority of Hotline calls are taken by staff based at a contact centre in Preston. Agents at three other Jobseeker’s Allowance: Graduates sites receive NBFH calls when there are high call volumes, or when the Preston site experiences technical issues. Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for This ensures a high level of customer service at all Work and Pensions what his Department’s most recent times. estimate is of the number of people who graduated The Department also provides a dedicated Welsh from university in 2010 and who are in receipt of Language NBFH service at Bangor contact centre. On jobseeker’s allowance in (a) England, (b) Leeds and average, five multi-skilled agents are deployed on all (c) Leeds North West. [16067] Welsh service lines provided by Bangor contact centre daily. Chris Grayling: The information requested is not available. In addition to this there is also an out-of-hours service which is operated by a private company, Vertex. Maternity Pay On average, Vertex deploys two agents between 7 am and 8 am and a maximum of nine agents between 7 pm Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and 11pm daily. This decreases during the evening as and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number call volumes reduce. 117W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 118W

Social Security Benefits: Vulnerable Adults for (a) improving security and political stability; (b) economic stability, growth and jobs, and (c) helping the Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Afghan Government deliver vital basic services. Work and Pensions what mechanism he plans to put in These areas of expenditure were previously and continue place to measure the effects of the implementation of to be administered by the Department for International his proposals for welfare reform on (a) deafblind Development (DFID). people and (b) other vulnerable groups. [13823] A more detailed description was included in my written statement of 21 July 2010, Official Report, Maria Miller: Legislation places a duty on all public column 18-20WS. authorities to pay due regard to the need to promote disability equality.The Government are strongly committed to this principle. My Department undertakes equality Bangladesh: Overseas Aid impact assessments on any changes to departmental policies and practices and has a well established set of processes to ensure these have a strong evidence base. Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for When we publish our welfare reform proposals we will International Development how much funding his also be publishing an impact assessment of these changes, Department has provided to (a) the United Nations which will include an equality impact assessment. High Commissioner for Refugees and (b) the government of Bangladesh in respect of Rohingya refugees in State Retirement Pensions Bangladesh in each of the last five years. [15967]

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Duncan: The Department for International Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 8 Development (DFID) has not provided funding to the September 2010, Official Report, columns 599-600W, United Nations Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) how many people who were in receipt of a full state or the Government of Bangladesh specifically in respect pension before 6 April 2009 had not accrued the full of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. number of entitlement years by means of national DFID supports Rohingya refugees through core insurance (NI) contributions and had bought back contributions to UNHCR, which manages the official years or entitlement by way of their former spouses’ NI camps; UNICEF; the World Food Programme; the contributions. [16049] World Health Organisation; the United Nations Population Fund; and the European Union. Steve Webb: Latest data show that, at the end of Core funding to UNHCR was £20 million in 2005, September 2009, 1.9 million people receiving a full and £19 million per year from 2006 to 2009. This basic state pension did so because of derived entitlement funding is designed to strengthen UNHCR’s capacity from their late spouse. to meet its mandate globally, including assisting Rohingya Notes: refugees in Bangladesh. 1. The figure is for people in Great Britain only. 2. The figure includes recipients of Category B pension. The figure does not include cases where the national insurance contribution Burma: Overseas Aid record of an individual’s former spouse has been substituted for the individual’s own record to improve their basic state pension. Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for 3. The figure is for individuals reaching state pension age on or before 30 September 2009. These individuals are not affected by International Development how much aid the UK has changes to the calculation of entitlement to the basic state pension given to Burma in each of the last five years for which for people reaching state pension age from 6 April 2010. figures are available. [15965] Source: DWP, Information Directorate: 5% sample administrative data Mr Duncan: Details of UK aid expenditure in developing countries, including Burma, are published in Statistics on International Development (SID) which is available in the House Library or online at INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT www.dfid.gov.uk Afghanistan: Overseas Aid UK Bilateral Gross Public Expenditure (GPEX) and imputed expenditure through multilateral organisations in Burma from 2004-05 to 2008-09 are reproduced as Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State follows. Figures for 2009-10 will be published in the for International Development pursuant to the answer next addition of SID later this year. of 27 July 2010, Official Report, column 267W, on Afghanistan: overseas aid, which areas of expenditure £000 to which the additional £200 million funding Financial UK imputed multilateral announced for Afghanistan are to be allocated were year Total bilateral GPEX shares previously administered in whole or in part by the (a) Foreign and Commonwealth Office and (b) Ministry 2004-05 6,008 3,376 of Defence. [15935] 2005-06 6,483 3,625 2006-07 7,610 3,140 Mr Andrew Mitchell: The additional £200 million 2007-08 8,915 7,195 funding announced for Afghanistan, as mentioned in 2008-09 57,601 5,583 my answer of 27 July 2010, will provisionally be allocated 119W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 120W

Departmental Billing Scotland; what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Scotland on this matter; and Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for International when he last met the Secretary of State for Scotland. Development what the average cost to his Department [15661] was of processing the payment of an invoice in the latest period for which figures are available; and what Mr Andrew Mitchell: In line with all Government proportion of invoices settled in that period his Department Departments, the Department for International paid (a) electronically and (b) by cheque. [16168] Development (DFID) will be reviewing its staffing requirements at all of its UK and overseas locations Mr Duncan: For the period 1 January 2009-31 December following the outcome of the comprehensive spending 2009, the average cost to the Department for International review (CSR) to be published on 20 October. Development (DFID) of processing an invoice was Existing resourcing plans will need to be modified £12.84. and updated to reflect the CSR settlement. DFID’s All invoices settled in the UK during the period were office in Scotland plays, and will continue to play, an paid electronically. Due to the nature of financial systems integral role in delivering DFID’s global objectives. The in many of the countries in which we work, the majority Department is currently in the process of transferring of invoices settled in our overseas offices are paid by 70 posts to Scotland from its office in London. cheque. We are unable to provide a breakdown of I speak to all Cabinet colleagues on a regular basis payment methods in our overseas offices without incurring about a wide range of issues, but have not had any disproportionate costs. specific discussions with the Secretary of State for Scotland on staffing plans for DFID’s office in Scotland. Departmental Empty Property Departmental Press: Subscriptions Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the estimated monetary value is of Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for each vacant (a) building and (b) parcel of land owned International Development how much his Department by his Department in each region. [16247] spent on newspapers, periodicals and trade profession magazines in each year since 1997. [16228] Mr Duncan: The Department for International Development (DFID) does not have any vacant properties Mr Duncan: Centrally managed expenditure on or parcels of land in the UK. newspapers, periodicals and trade professional magazines The requested information cannot be provided for since 2004-05 is as follows. Information for previous DFID’s overseas properties without incurring years cannot be compiled without incurring disproportionate cost. DFID has not hitherto held central disproportionate cost. records of our overseas estates. We are currently in the process of developing a central information management Financial year Amount (£) system that will capture this information. I will write to 2004-05 135,887 my hon. Friend with the requested information once 2005-06 142,015 this system is in place. 2006-07 88,290 Departmental Manpower 2007-08 112,203 2008-09 96,098 2009-10 90,118 Mr Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for International 2010-11 (to date) 20,437 Development how many staff his Department employs to consider (a) departmental and (b) national strategy; Departmental Public Expenditure what output such staff are required to produce; and if he will make a statement. [15595] Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much money his Mr Duncan: The Prime Minister wrote to Cabinet Department allocated to (a) the Stabilisation Aid colleagues on 29 May 2010 setting out that organograms Fund, (b) the Conflict Prevention Pool, (c) the for central Government Departments and agencies that Discretionary Peacekeeping Fund, (d) the BBC World include all staff positions would be published in a Service, excluding the BBC World Service Trust, (e) common format from October 2010. the BBC World Service Trust, (f) the Special Reserve, The Department for International Development will (g) the British Council and (h) the Security and therefore shortly be publishing an organogram that Intelligence Fund in each year since 2005. [15971] includes role descriptions and numbers of staff as at 30 June 2010. Mr Andrew Mitchell: The following table shows the It is difficult to state what constitutes ‘departmental’ Department for International Development’s (DFID) and ‘national’ strategy, as most staff will work on expenditure on the BBC World Service Trust and the formulating or co-ordinating departmental or national British Council from 2005-06 to 2009-10. DFID funding policies or sometimes a combination of both. to the British Council includes our contribution to the Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowships Plan (CFSP), Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for which is administered by the British Council on behalf International Development on what date he informed of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). DFID the Secretary of State for Scotland of proposals to has not provided any funding to the BBC World Service reduce the number of staff his Department employs in in any year since 2005. 121W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 122W

£ million 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

BBC World Service Trust 6.7 8.5 5.3 2.2 6.7 British Council 25.3 29.4 29.5 26.2 33.2

From 2008 the Africa Conflict Prevention Pool and from its core DEL for conflict prevention activities in the Global Conflict Prevention Pool were merged into Sri Lanka. Also, in Financial Year2009-10, Departments the Conflict Prevention Pool (CPP); and the Stabilisation contributed a total of £20 million from their DELs to Aid Fund (SAF) was created. In 2009 the CPP and the support stabilisation activities in Helmand Province, SAF were merged to form the Conflict Pool. The Conflict Afghanistan, of which £11.5 million came from DFID. Pool is funded from a separate HM Treasury settlement, DFID did not allocate money for discretionary managed jointly by DFID, FCO and the Ministry of peacekeeping, the Single Intelligence Account or the Defence (MOD), and not from Departmental Expenditure Special Reserve in any of the given years. Limits (DEL). DFID funding to the Pool is laid out in DFID’s Resource Accounts. DFID resources allocated to the Conflict Pool over the period from 2005-06 to 2009-10 are therefore as In the last two financial years, DFID has also provided follows. an additional £1.5 million per year to the Conflict Pool

£ million 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Conflict Pool 0.0 0.0 0.0 1,5 13.0

DFID has not allocated any money to the Special Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Reserve or Single Intelligence Account in any year since International Development what recent reports he has 2005. received on the effects of shortages of health workers in less developed countries on rates of (a) tuberculosis, Departmental Secondment (b) HIV/AIDS and (c) malaria. [16429]

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr O’Brien: The Department for International International Development how many staff his Development (DFID) has not received any recent reports Department has appointed on secondment since 7 May referring specifically to the effects of health worker 2010; and from what organisation each such member of shortages on rates of TB, AIDS and Malaria. However, staff has been seconded. [16263] there is a clear body of evidence that the global shortage of health workers, amounting to as many as 3.5 million, Mr Duncan: Since 7 May 2010, the Department for affects the poorest countries most. The high rates of International Development has appointed a total of AIDS, TB and Malaria in many less developed countries four individuals on secondment. These members of will be controlled only through a comprehensive approach staff were seconded from the Foreign and Commonwealth to health service delivery that addresses health worker Office, the Department for Work and Pensions, HM numbers, skills and deployment, essential drugs and Revenue and Customs and the Government Equalities commodities and early prevention, accurate diagnosis Office. and quality treatment. Developing Countries: Health Services DFID is currently developing plans to accelerate its support to malaria control and to reproductive, maternal and newborn health. Health workers are an important Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for dimension in addressing these priorities, and it should International Development what proportion of his be noted that AIDS, TB and malaria cause a large Department’s expenditure on health and health systems proportion of maternal mortality. These business plans in 2010-11 has been allocated to human resources for will be released in early 2011. health in the poorest 20 countries. [16395]

Mr O’Brien: The Department for International Developing Countries: HIV Infection Development (DFID) provides funding for human resources for health as part of our broader support to Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for health system strengthening in our partner countries. International Development whether he plans to fund DFID are not able to disaggregate expenditure on further research into a potential microbicide containing human resources from broader health system expenditure. tenofovir; and if he will make a statement. [16372] However, in 2009 a retrospective review of health spending at country level, it was estimated that approximately Mr Andrew Mitchell: Recent research shows that a 25% of DFID’s health spending supported human vaginal microbicide containing 1% tenofovir reduced resources for health. This includes salaries and retention HIV infection by 39%. These early results are encouraging initiatives, pre-service education and training, enhancing but the optimism should be tempered with caution. skills and productivity and management and supervision There is some uncertainty about the exact nature of the of front line health workers. follow-up research required to confirm these findings 123W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 124W and funding agencies are in discussion with researchers momentum generated at the summit is carried forward. and regulatory agencies. Once there is greater clarity DFID will play an active role in the annual review and consensus about the way forward the Department mechanism in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for International Development (DFID) will be able to and in other international fora, such as the G20. consider whether additional funding is required. In the The outcome document can be accessed on the DFID meantime DFID continues to fund the Microbicide website at: Development Programme and the International Partnership http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Media-Room/News-Stories/2010/ for Microbicides. Outcomes-from-the-MDG-Summit/ International Assistance Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for Joseph Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department International Development what assessment he has is taking to ensure that the MDG+10 Summit outcome made of the outcomes of the United Nations document calls for reproductive health services to be Millennium Development Goals Review summit in made publicly available and affordable to all non- discriminatory, non-coercive, sensitive to age and New York in September 2010. [16071] lifestyle and adequately funded. [15879] Mr Andrew Mitchell: The United Nations Millennium Development Goal summit was a success. It generated Mr Andrew Mitchell: The outcome document stresses unprecedented global commitments to save 16 million the need to focus on the Millennium Development women and children, reverse the spread of malaria and Goals that are most off-track, such as maternal health. tackle hunger and under-nutrition. During negotiations, the UK consistently pushed for In his speech to the General Assembly, the Deputy the document to call for the fullest possible access to Prime Minister took the opportunity to showcase overall reproductive health services and commodities. We are UK leadership on international development issues. He committed to improving sexual and reproductive health reiterated the UK’s commitment to reaching 0.7% of and rights, including access to modern family planning GNI in aid from 2013 and challenged others to live up as a way of empowering women and promoting women’s to their promises. choice in the developing world. International Assistance: Maternity Services The outcome document can be accessed on the Department for International Development (DFID) Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for website at: International Development whether his Department is http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Media-Room/News-Stories/2010/ taking steps to ensure that the composition of the Outcomes-from-the-MDG-Summit/ advisory committee for Millennium Development Goal 5 on maternal health at the MDG+10 Summit is Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for balanced in respect of (a) gender and (b) geographical International Development whether the UK delegation representation. [15877] to the MDG+10 Summit includes (a) members of civil society groups and (b) hon. Members with expertise in Mr Andrew Mitchell: The UN Secretary General’s sexual and reproductive health and rights. [15880] Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Advocates Group was established in June 2010 to galvanize support Mr Andrew Mitchell: The UK delegation to the UN for the MDGs. The group consists of eminent personalities Millennium Development Goal Summit was led by the who have shown outstanding leadership in promoting Deputy Prime Minister and myself. We were supported the implementation of the goals. The UK pressed for by senior officials from my Department with expertise the inclusion of women and Southern representatives. in sexual and reproductive health and rights. Both the Currently there are no female advocates working exclusively Deputy Prime Minister and I met with representatives on MDG5, however a number of women, including of civil society groups ahead of and throughout the southern representatives are working on MDG3 on summit. I will also be meeting with representatives of gender equality and across the other MDGs. civil society groups on 12 October to discuss the outcomes of the summit. Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department Overseas Aid: Drugs is taking to ensure that the MDG+10 summit outcome document upholds internationally-accepted human Mr Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for rights standards. [15878] International Development how much his Department has paid to (a) the International Harm Reduction Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International Association and (b) others to support harm reduction Development (DFID) played an active role in negotiating drug treatment overseas in the last five years; and what the outcome document, which provides an action assessment has been made of the effectiveness of such framework for the achievement of the Millennium payments. [16291] Development Goals by 2015, focusing global efforts over the next five years towards the achievement of Mr O’Brien: The Department for International basic human rights, such as access to health care and Development (DFID) has committed £2,230,252 over primary education. five years ending 30 September 2011, in support to the During negotiations DFID pushed for a clear focus International Harm Reduction Association (IHRA). on results and accountability, which are essential to DFID has also supported the provision of HIV services upholding human rights standards. This was included for injecting drug users through bilateral programmes in the document and .my Department will ensure the in Bangladesh, Burma, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, 125W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 126W

Pakistan, Vietnam and the central Asia region, and relief efforts in Pakistan. Allocations of these additional through support to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB funds will be made in due course and published on the and Malaria. It would entail disproportionate costs to Floods Monitor. collect information on the amount spent on these individual harm reduction programmes as they are part of broader Pakistan: Overseas Aid public health programmes. All programmes funded by DFID are reviewed annually Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for against agreed performance indicators and targets to International Development how much funding he ensure progress and assess impact and effectiveness. An plans to allocate to each project in his Department’s independent annual review of IHRA was last conducted bilateral aid programme for Pakistan in each of the in December 2009 which demonstrated significant impact. next three years. [16391] Mr Duncan: All Department for International Pakistan: Floods Development (DFID) country programmes are currently being reviewed under the Bilateral Aid Review. DFID Joseph Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for will announce decisions on country allocations after the International Development what his most recent assessment comprehensive spending review and the completion of is of the humanitarian situation in Pakistan; and if he the Bilateral Aid Review. will make a statement. [16060]

Mr Andrew Mitchell: I refer my hon. Friend to my FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE oral statement of 7 September 2010, Official Report, column 187, setting out details of our support and funding. Burma: Crimes Against Humanity The situation in Pakistan is evolving. In most areas of the country early recovery is beginning, whilst in some Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign areas emergency relief is still needed, particularly in and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take into account Sindh province. My Department continues to closely the findings of the report by the Irish Centre for monitor the situation to identify and deliver aid Human Rights entitled Crimes against Humanity in appropriately. Western Burma: The situation of the Rohingyas in developing his Department’s policy on Burma; and if I will make a more detailed statement to the House he will make a statement. [15966] shortly. Mr Jeremy Browne: The Government take careful Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for note of reports such as this one, which documents the International Development which organisations have appalling human rights abuses endured by the Rohingya received aid funding from his Department to assist ethnic group. We are working to highlight their plight, following the floods in Pakistan in July 2010. [16065] and seeking to end impunity for such abuses, through the UN Human Rights Council and UN General Assembly. Mr Andrew Mitchell: Details of organisations funded Departmental Empty Property by the Department for International Development (DFID) in response to the Pakistan floods are available on the Floods Monitor on DFID’s website at: Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the estimated http://www.dfid.gov.uk/pakistanfloodsmonitor2010 monetary value is of each vacant (a) building and (b) To date, DFID has provided direct funding to six UN parcel of land owned by his Department in each agencies: the International Organisation for Migration region. [16249] (IOM); the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF); Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); (FCO) has no vacant buildings in the United Kingdom. the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World There is one plot of 18 acres of agricultural land Health Organisation (WHO). Funding has been provided adjacent to our site at Hanslope Park, North to the International Committee of the Red Cross and Buckinghamshire, which has been declared vacant and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red is likely to be sold next year. Crescent Societies to support their flood relief efforts. Day-to-day management of our overseas estate is My Department has also supported five non-governmental devolved to our overseas posts and it is not possible to organisations (NGOs) who are responding to the Pakistan provide accurate information on vacant properties or floods: Concern Worldwide; InfoAsAid; the International land parcels without incurring disproportionate cost. Medical Corps; Oxfam and Save the Children, as well The FCO does not publish valuations of individual as two consortia of NGOs: the Consortium of British properties as this can prejudice the prices achieved on Humanitarian Agencies and the Rural Support Programmes disposal. Network. DFID provides regular core funding to the following agencies who have also responded to the Departmental Official Hospitality Pakistan floods: the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) and the UN Central Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Emergency Response Fund. and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department Today I have laid a written statement before the spent on hospitality for events hosted by each Minister House, committing an additional £70 million to support in his Department in July 2010. [14938] 127W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 128W

Alistair Burt: Nil spend for July 2010 on hospitality Alistair Burt: The visit to India by my right hon. events for the Minister for Europe (Mr Lidington), the Friend the Prime Minister and ministerial colleagues in Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Mr Bellingham), July 2010 formed an excellent basis on which to develop the Minister of State (Mr Browne) and Lord Howell. an enhanced partnership with India. The Government My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary hosted have worked since the visit to take this forward at all events for visiting Foreign Ministers at a cost of £1,976 levels. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Immigration charged to Government hospitality. visited India in August 2010 and the coming months will see visits by my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of I hosted lunch at the Foreign and Commonwealth State for Defence and International Development, and Office (FCO) for Arab ambassadors at a cost of £263 to my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities the FCO budget. and Science. Officials and members of the business community are in the final stages of establishing forums Departmental Secondment to pursue mutual trade and investment interests. And co-operation on science, education and climate change Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign is ongoing. People to people links also remain important and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff his and my ministerial colleagues and I look forward to Department has appointed on secondment since 7 May meeting a visiting delegation of Indian parliamentarians 2010; and from what organisation each such member of on 14 October 2010. staff has been seconded. [16258] Middle East: Armed Conflict Alistair Burt: Since 7 May 2010, 50 staff have joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on loan from Departments including HM Treasury, UK Border Agency, Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for HM Revenue and Customs and the Ministry of Defence. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent steps he has taken to seek to secure the release of Gilad Shalit. [16077] Ejup Ganic Alistair Burt: The UK has been consistent in its views Mr Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for of the inviolability of Israel’s security and for the need Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who attended the to release, unconditionally, Gilad Shalit. meeting relating to Dr Ejup Ganic held at his Department on 27 February 2010; and what (a) My right hon. friend the Foreign Secretary made the matters were discussed and (b) decisions were made at following statement on 25 June 2010, the fourth anniversary of Shalit’s capture: that meeting. [16004] “Today marks the fourth anniversary of the abduction of Mr Lidington: No meeting was held at the Foreign Israeli soldier, Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit. My thoughts are with Gilad’s parents today. I sincerely hope that they will soon be able and Commonwealth Office (FCO) on Saturday 27 February to welcome their son home. 2010. The UK has long called for Gilad Shalit’s immediate and Before Dr Ganic’s provisional arrest, however, the unconditional release and we reiterate that call today. It is also Metropolitan police held a meeting on 1 March 2010 at vital that Hamas allows the International Committee of the Red New Scotland Yard. Officials from the FCO and Home Cross to visit Gilad immediately and ensure that he is in good Office attended the meeting which was to discuss Serbia’s health. His continued captivity without any ICRC access and request for Dr Ganic’s provisional arrest and the issue with only very occasional, minimal contact with his family is of possible immunity from arrest and detention. Pursuant utterly unacceptable. We continue to call on Hamas to renounce violence and take immediate and concrete steps towards the to a warrant issued by a district judge at City of Westminster Quartet principles and to free Gilad Shalit without delay.” magistrates court, the Metropolitan police later arrested Dr Ganic. Office of UK Permanent Representative to EC Mr Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Government has had with the government of Serbia Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ensure on the judgement given by Mr Tim Workman, Senior that the appointment of the next UK Permanent District Judge at the City of Westminster Magistrates’ Representative to the EU is made subject to a Court on 27 July 2010 in the case of the Government of confirmation hearing by the Select Committee on the Republic of Serbia v. Ejup Ganic. [16005] Foreign Affairs. [15580]

Mr Lidington: The Government have had no discussions Mr Lidington: It is not our practice for Diplomatic with the Government of Serbia on the judgment given Service appointments to be subject to such hearings. in the case of the Government of the Republic of The Government will continue to offer the Committee Serbia v. Ejup Ganic. post-appointment hearings in the case of outside appointments to diplomatic posts. India: Foreign Relations Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Joseph Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria he Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has uses to assess the performance of the UK Permanent taken to sustain and develop relations with India following Representative to the EU against the objectives set for the Prime Minister’s visit in July 2010. [16089] him. [15602] 129W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 130W

Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office The Government will continue to keep Serbia’s uses an annual appraisal cycle to assess the performance co-operation with ICTY under review, including at of all the staff. At the beginning of each reporting each stage of its EU accession process, in order to period, the job holder agrees a series of objectives with ensure that it continues to co-operate fully with the their line manager against which their performance is tribunal. assessed on a regular basis throughout the year. Sri Lanka: Human Rights Pakistan: Ahmadiyya Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for he has had with his EU counterparts on recent reports Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions of human rights abuses in Sri Lanka; and if he will his Department has had with the government of make a statement. [15984] Pakistan on the attacks on Ahmadiyya Muslims in Mardan, Pakistan on 3 September 2010; and if he will Alistair Burt: We support the EU’s statement of make a statement. [15547] 17 September at the UN Human Rights Council encouraging Sri Lanka to improve the human rights Alistair Burt: The UK condemns all attacks against situation and intensify its efforts to address the legacy religious minorities in Pakistan, whenever and wherever of the military conflict. Our high commission in Colombo they happen. regularly speak with EU counterparts in Sri Lanka and The attacks on Ahmadiyya Muslims in Mardan on we repeatedly call upon the Government of Sri Lanka 3 September 2010 are a further example of the persecution to investigate reports of human rights abuses wherever suffered by this religious group. They follow the horrific they occur. attacks in Lahore on 28 May 2010, in which over 90 people were killed. These attacks were condemned Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, and our for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he high commissioner in Islamabad raised the discrimination has taken at (a) the United Nations and (b) EU level suffered by the Ahmadiyya community with the Chief to establish an independent inquiry into human rights Minister of Punjab alongside his EU colleagues. I have abuses in Sri Lanka. [16051] spoken directly to the Pakistani Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti, and to encourage Pakistan to fully Alistair Burt: We have welcomed the UN Secretary- guarantee the fundamental rights of all Pakistani citizens. General’s establishment of a Panel of Experts to advise him on the issue of accountability, and encouraged the Government of Sri Lanka to co-operate fully with the Serbia: EU Enlargement members of the panel, including through the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. Mr MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for We support the EU statements of 27 October 2009 Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is and 8 June 2010 calling for an independent and credible on the surrender of Ratko Mladic to the International inquiry into allegations of violations of international Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia as a law in the conflict and for those accountable to be pre-condition for the signing of a Stabilisation and brought to justice. Most recently we support the EU Association Agreement between Serbia and the EU. statement of 17 September at the UN Human Rights [15914] Council encouraging Sri Lanka to improve the human rights situation and intensify its efforts to address the Mr Lidington: The UK, along with all other EU legacy of the military conflict. member states, has consistently made clear that achieving and maintaining full co-operation with the International Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) is for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what essential for Serbia’s progress towards EU membership. assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the In April 2008, EU member states signed a Stabilisation internal inquiry by the Sri Lankan government into and Association Agreement (SAA) and Interim Agreement human rights abuses. [16052] on trade and trade related matters (IA) with Serbia, in recognition of the EU’s commitment to Serbia’s European Alistair Burt: We welcomed the Government of Sri future, but agreed to delay implementation of the IA, Lanka’s ‘Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission’ and the commencement of ratification procedures of (LLRC) which is examining the causes of the conflict in the SAA, pending agreement among EU member states the period 2002 to May 2009 when it was set up, but that Serbia was fully co-operating with ICTY. also stressed that it should investigate fully allegations of war crimes. We will continue to closely monitor In December 2009, following a positive report by the progress on human rights issues, given the need for a ICTY Chief Prosecutor to the UN Security Council credible process which addresses UK and international (UNSC), EU member states agreed to implement the concerns. IA and to consider the issue of ratification of the SAA after a further six months. UK Permanent Representative to EC In June 2010, following the most recent report to the UNSC by the ICTY Chief Prosecutor, EU member Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for states noted that Serbia had maintained its co-operation Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under what with the tribunal and agreed to submit Serbia’s SAA to powers of prerogative Kim Darroch was appointed their Parliaments for ratification. UK Permanent Representative to the EU. [15882] 131W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 132W

Mr Lidington: The appointment of the UK’s Permanent hon. and learned Friend the Member for Harborough Representative to the EU is made in accordance with (Mr Garnier) on 11 November 2009, Official Report, Diplomatic Service Order in Council 1991, which also columns 462-63W. covers other appointments of senior ambassadorial rank. Key findings were that the incident could not have been foreseen; that the prisoners held at Ashwell were Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for appropriate for the prison; and that staffing levels were Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will require also appropriate. It is not NOMS policy to publish in any future UK Permanent Representative to the EU to full restricted reports, which contain sensitive information appear before the appropriate committee of the House and, in this case, where criminal investigations are prior to taking up the appointment. [15885] continuing. Mr Lidington: Select Committees of the House are Bail able to ask Government officials to give evidence. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers and officials appear Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for before committees on a regular basis. Justice (1) how many defendants have breached their Vietnam bail conditions in the last three years; and how many were remanded in custody as a result; [15565] Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for (2) how many people breached bail conditions (a) Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in once, (b) between two and five and (c) on more than the Library a copy of the strategic partnership five occasions in each of the last five years; and how agreement with Vietnam; and if he will make a many people in each category were subsequently remanded in custody. [15606] statement. [15829] Mr Blunt: Information on breaches of bail conditions Mr Jeremy Browne: A copy of the Strategic Partnership is not held centrally. The courts have this information Declaration has been placed in the House of Commons before them to enable them to take a fully informed Library. remand decision on an individual case basis. Speaking after the signing of the declaration on 8 September my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary Courts: Applications said: ″Today’s agreement with Vietnam is yet another example of the UK’s commitment to pursuing an active Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for foreign policy with emerging powers around the world. Justice on how many occasions (a) magistrates courts This partnership will bring more direct links between and (b) the Crown court refused applications by the our universities, closer co-operation on serious and Crown Prosecution Service to remand defendants in organised crime and will continue our frank dialogue custody in each of the last three years. [15863] on human rights. It is also a real boost for British businesses looking to invest in Vietnam.″ Mr Djanogly: Information about the number of occasions that magistrates courts and the Crown court refused applications by the Crown Prosecution Service to remand defendants in custody is not centrally collected on either JUSTICE Crown Prosecution Service or HM Courts Service central Arrest Warrants: Offenders database systems. Although the recording of bail decisions is a required Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for court function, the Crown Prosecution Service does not Justice what the average cost to the public purse of (a) routinely record bail decisions and report on them even issuing and (b) executing a warrant for the arrest of a though endorsements are made on case files. To find defendant absent from court was in the latest period for this information, each case file would have to be reviewed which figures are available. [15575] to ascertain whether these circumstances applied. Therefore, in this case a disproportionate cost would be incurred. Mr Djanogly: HMCS systems do not currently identify the cost to the public purse in relation to issuing or Courts: Attendance executing a warrant for the arrest of a defendant absent from court, this information could be provided only at Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for disproportionate cost. Justice what assessment he has made of the effect on the level of attendance in court of (a) defendants, (b) Ashwell Prison witnesses and (c) police officers of his proposals to close magistrates courts. [15706] Mr Ronnie Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will publish his Department’s internal Mr Djanogly: I do not anticipate that the court report on the riot at Ashwell prison in early April 2009; closure proposals will have a significant effect on attendance and if he will make a statement. [16107] in court of defendants, witnesses or police officers. There is no evidence to suggest that travel distance to Mr Blunt: The National Offender Management Service court is a significant cause of defendants failing to (NOMS) drew up an action plan in response to each of appear. Defendants are expected to attend court when the recommendations in the report, all of which were summoned and courts may take into account travel accepted by Ministers. A copy of the action plan was considerations for defendants and witnesses when listing placed in the Library in response to a question from my cases. 133W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 134W

Ministry of Justice economists are currently working £000 on the provision of area wide impact assessments that Operating costs Maintenance will provide a full assessment of the costs and benefits Magistrates court 2009-10 backlog 2009 of each closure. These will include an assessment of the travel impact on court users, police and probation and Alnwick Magistrates Court 75 — solicitors funded by legal aid. Bishop Auckland Magistrates 152 55 Court* We intend to publish the impact assessments alongside Blaydon Magistrates Court 102 60 the consultations responses, by the end of the year. Gosforth Magistrates Court 75 95 Guisborough Magistrates Court 72 50 Courts: Closures Hexham Magistrates Court 75 90 (Tynedale) Houghton Le Spring Magistrates 138 25 Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Court what estimate he has made of the likely (a) savings to and (b) maintenance costs foregone by HM Courts Service arising from the closure of each magistrates Cumbria and Lancashire court proposed in his Department’s consultation. Penrith Magistrates Court* 89 370 [15707] Rawtenstall Magistrates Court 74 225 Whitehaven Magistrates Court 154 305 Mr Djanogly: The estimates of operating costs and maintenance backlog costs foregone by HM Courts Devon and Cornwall, Avon and Service (HMCS) for each proposed magistrates court Somerset and Gloucestershire closure are listed in the following table. The 2009-10 Bridgwater Magistrates Court 207 230 operating costs exclude income, as well as non-cash, Camborne Magistrates Court 25 75 staff and judicial costs. The maintenance backlog figures Cirencester Magistrates Court 63 162 were collected in July 2009. Coleford Magistrates Court 51 170 Frome Magistrates Court 91 190 HMCS will produce a final proposal impact assessment Honiton Magistrates Court 64 — for each consultation document to inform any decision Liskeard Magistrates Court 193 280 on whether and which courts should close. These impact Newton Abbot Magistrates Court 128 170 assessments will take account of the potential costs and Penzance Magistrates Court 26 — benefits to HMCS, as well as wider economic, societal Stroud Magistrates Court 129 160 and environmental costs and benefits. We intend to Totnes Magistrates Court 52 205 publish these alongside the consultations responses, by the end of the year. Dorset, Hampshire and IOW and Wiltshire £000 Alton Magistrates Court 178 290 Operating costs Maintenance Magistrates court 2009-10 backlog 2009 Andover Magistrates Court 183 370 Blandford Forum Magistrates 52 415 Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Court Thames Valley Lyndhurst Magistrates Court 180 290 Amersham Magistrates Court 80 7 Wimborne Magistrates Court 60 2 Bicester Magistrates Court 86 — Didcot Magistrates Court 98 20 East Midlands Hemel Hempstead Magistrates 184 205 Court Coalville Magistrates Court 115 340 Newbury Magistrates Court* 132 — Daventry Magistrates Court 74 90 Witney Magistrates Court 64 45 Ilkeston Magistrates Court 198 160 Kettering Magistrates Court 109 15 Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Market Harborough Magistrates 61 8 Suffolk Court Cromer Magistrates Court 79 28 Melton Mowbray Magistrates 116 75 Ely Magistrates Court 45 76 Court* Epping Magistrates Court 61 — Newark Magistrates Court* 178 90 Grays Magistrates Court 184 296 Retford Magistrates Court 53 175 Harlow Magistrates Court 148 — Rutland Magistrates Court — — Sudbury Magistrates Court 63 8 Spalding Magistrates Court 223 65 Swaffham Magistrates Court 40 7 Towcester Magistrates Court 62 30 Thetford Magistrates Court 109 98 Worksop Magistrates Court* 203 — Wisbech Magistrates Court 124 10 Greater Manchester Cheshire and Merseyside Rochdale Magistrates Court 568 417 Knowsley Magistrates Court 235 745 Salford Magistrates Court 477 2,290 Northwich Magistrates Court* 221 135 Southport Magistrates Court 161 285 Humber and South Yorkshire Goole Magistrates Court* 96 80 Cleveland, Durham and Northumbria 135W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 136W

Courts: Expenditure £000 Operating costs Maintenance Magistrates court 2009-10 backlog 2009 Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Kent, Surrey and Sussex Justice how much HM Courts Service has spent on the maintenance of Keighley magistrates court sitting at Ashford Magistrates Court* 250 595 Bingley magistrates court in each of the last five years. Epsom Magistrates Court — — [15571] Haywards Heath Magistrates Court 306 640 Lewes Magistrates Court 200 50 Mr Djanogly: The resource maintenance costs incurred Sittingbourne Magistrates Court 136 195 at Keighley magistrates court, sitting at Bingley, for the Woking Magistrates Court 333 60 last five years are given in the following table.

London £ Acton Magistrates Court 204 310 2005-06 37,523 Balham Youth Court 264 325 2006-07 39,554 Barking and Dagenham 313 115 Magistrates Court 2007-08 95,541 Brentford Magistrates Court 176 635 2008-09 37,471 Haringey Magistrates Court 312 275 2009-10 71,312 (Highgate) Harrow Magistrates Court 227 60 Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Kingston upon Thames Magistrates 319 170 Court Justice what the operating costs were under each Sutton Magistrates Court 348 90 category of expenditure of operating Keighley Tower Bridge Magistrates Court 268 810 magistrates court sitting at Bingley magistrates court in Waltham Forest Magistrates Court 386 100 the latest period for which figures are available. [15572] Woolwich Magistrates Court 181 45 Mr Djanogly: The operating costs for 2009-10 for

North and West Yorkshire Keighley magistrates court sitting at Bingley are given in the table under each category of expenditure. These Batley and Dewsbury Magistrates 391 455 Court costs exclude income but include non-cash costs, staffing costs and judicial costs incurred by HM Courts Service. Bingley/Keighley Magistrates Court 263 225 Pontefract Magistrates Court 230 180 £ Selby Magistrates Court 131 100 Skipton Magistrates Court* 148 310 Staff Cost - Wages and Salaries 328,574.61 Property Rent and Rates 4,318.77 Staffordshire and West Mercia Maintenance 71,312.19 Other Property Costs 114,809.17 Ludlow Magistrates Court* 13 30 Other Expenditure 9,188.59 Market Drayton Magistrates Court 82 55 Printing Postage and Office 27,663.74 Oswestry Magistrates Court* 65 — expenditure Stoke on Trent Magistrates Court 407 425 Staff travel and other 2,238.25 Tamworth Magistrates Court* 163 120 Depreciation and Amortisation 44,961.97 Diminution of Fixed and 4,668.87 Wales Intangible Assets Aberdare Magistrates Court* 258 190 Fuel and Utilities 26,525.33 Abergavenny Magistrates Court 127 631 Other Contracted Out Services 2,832.77 Abertillery Magistrates Court 83 69 IT and Telecommunications 7,178.30 Ammanford Magistrates Court 110 45 Judicial Costs 73,936.50 Barry Magistrates Court 282 255 Total 718,209.06 Cardigan Magistrates Court 88 50 Chepstow Magistrates Court* 3 — Courts: North Wales Denbigh Magistrates Court 39 120 Flint Magistrates Court 90 — Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Llandovery Magistrates Court — — what recent representations he has received on the Llangefni Magistrates Court 23 — re-organisation of administrative staff in magistrates Llwynypia Magistrates Court 205 125 courts and county courts in North Wales. [15313] Pwllheli Magistrates Court 32 — Mr Djanogly: I have received no representations on Warwickshire and West Midlands court staff reorganisations within North Wales. Staff Halesowen Magistrates Court 178 75 reorganisation is principally a matter for HMCS Rugby Magistrates Court* 445 30 management and is undertaken using HMCS’s internal Sutton Coldfield Magistrates Court 239 195 staff management and consultation procedures, which includes consultation and engagement with staff, trade West Bromwich Magistrates Court 194 270 unions, judiciary and court user groups. 137W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 138W

Courts: Offenders information on amounts reimbursed would incur disproportionate costs as thousands of documents held Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for locally would have to be manually examined. Justice what proportion of defendants changed a plea Departments and agencies have authority to reimburse before trial at (a) magistrates courts and (b) the expenses incurred by their staff in connection with their Crown court in the latest period for which figures are employment, subject to the conditions set out in section available. [15574] 8 of the Civil Service Management Code which state that Departments and agencies must: Mr Djanogly: In the second quarter of 2010, around reimburse staff only for expenses which they actually and 26,000 defendants entered a plea and were dealt with in necessarily incur in the course of official business; trial cases at the Crown court. Of these defendants, comply with the additional conditions and rules on travel, around 16% of defendants changed their plea before relocation expenses, compensation for loss or damage to property, the first substantive hearing. The second quarter of and overseas expenses set out in sections 8.2 to 8.6 of the 2010 is the latest period for which statistics are available. Code; and Information collected centrally about defendants in ensure that their rules provide for claiming recompense, including trials at the magistrates courts does not record whether verification and authorisation. their plea was changed prior to the trial taking place. All expenditure on expenses is made in accordance with published departmental guidance on financial Courts: Sentencing procedures and propriety that are based on the principles set out in Government Accounting and supported by Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Department’s published internal guidance. Justice what proportion of sentences for a second During the course of 2010-11, the MoJ is rolling out offence in (a) magistrates courts and (b) the Crown an online expenses system (iExpenses) that will make court were handed down to run concurrently with claiming expenses more efficient and easier to monitor another sentence in the latest period for which figures in future. Full information will be available from 2011-12. are available. [15702] Departmental Billing Mr Blunt: The requested information is not held. Information collated on sentencing is on a principal Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice offence basis i.e. each offender is recorded with the most what the average cost to his Department was of processing severe punishment they receive, and the offence for the payment of an invoice in the latest period for which which that sentence was given. Concurrent sentences figures are available; and what proportion of invoices which do not result in any punishment over and above settled in that period his Department paid (a) electronically the principal sentence are therefore not reported. and (b) by cheque. [16169] Courts: Yorkshire Mr Djanogly: For the latest period for which figures are available (August 2010), the average cost to the Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Ministry of Justice for payment of an invoice was £3.90. when he plans to announce the outcome of his consultation on the future of court services in North In that period 81% of invoices were settled electronically and West Yorkshire, with particular reference to and 19% were settled by cheque. Skipton Magistrates Court and Skipton County Court. Departmental Contracts [15832]

Mr Djanogly: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice State for Justice and Lord Chancellor (Mr Clarke) what the monetary value is of contracts his hopes to announce decisions on the proposals for the Department has awarded to each (a) management future provision of court services in England and Wales consultancy and (b) IT company since 7 May 2010. to Parliament by the end of the year. [16179] Departmental Allowances Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice has awarded two IT contracts and one management consultancy Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for contracts since 7 May 2010. Justice how much his Department and its predecessors The IT contracts were as follows: spent on (a) reimbursement of staff expenses and (b) the 10 largest staff expense reimbursement claims in Contract each year since 1997. [13034] value Company Contract purpose (£000)

Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice accounting AMTEC Implementation of electronic working 270 systems do not centrally collate the amount of money (IT) arrangements in the Royal Courts of reimbursed to staff for expenses. Expenditure on staff Justice expenses is recorded according to the type of expenditure PWC Provision of actuarial modelling techniques 250 incurred not the mechanism of payment. Expenditure (Consultancy) to analyse options and scenarios under on travel and subsistence can be incurred by direct consideration as part of the Spending booking with the Department’s designated suppliers, Review, CACI Ltd Development and application support 4,000 via Government Procurement Card or by reimbursement (IT) for computer system for 7 years. of expenses incurred personally by officials. To collate 139W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 140W

Departmental Empty Property Justice (MoJ) as this may potentially prejudice future market prices. However, I am able to provide details of Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice MoJ properties that are currently on the market and what the estimated monetary value is of each vacant these are shown in the following table. There are currently (a) building and (b) parcel of land owned by his no vacant parcels of land on the market. Department in each region. [16246] In common with all Government Departments, the Mr Kenneth Clarke: I am unable to detail the value of MoJ is required to dispose of surplus assets as quickly vacant buildings and land owned by the Ministry of as possible.

Address Region Guide price (£)

Crowland House, Withersfield Road, Haverhill, Suffolk CB9 9LA East of England 190,000 Probation Office, 12-14, Raymond Street, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 2EA East of England 160,000 Probation Office, 46 Nottingham Road, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire DN22 6LD East Midlands 273,000 14 Pitt Street, Newcastle Upon Tyne North East 195,000 South View, Ashington North East 150,000 Oatlands Road, Liverpool North West 130,000 HM Court Service Offices, Sandbach North West 350,000 Gainsborough Magistrates Court North West 125,000 Leigh County Court North West 120,000 Gravesend County Court South East 300,000 Mildenhall Magistrates Court, Mildenhall, Suffolk South East 200,000 The Lonsdale Centre, 3 Blake Street, Bridgewater, Somerset TA6 3NB South West 155,000 Bristol Magistrates Court South West 1,975,000 19-20 Gold Tops, Newport, Gwent Wales 450,000 27 Argyle Street, Newport, Gwent NP20 5NE Wales 115,000 The Highway, Cwmbran, Gwent NP44 2HF Wales 155,000 Caernarfon Magistrates Court Wales 60,000 Stowe Street, Lichfield West Midlands 230,000 12 Falsgrave Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO12 5AT Yorkshire and Humberside 158,400 Whitby Magistrates Court Yorkshire and Humberside 350,000 Louth Magistrates Court Yorkshire and Humberside 150,000

Departmental Official Hospitality and subscription) for both staff and the judiciary in order to keep up to date with the latest news and Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for thinking in a wide range of professional areas, including Justice how much his Department spent on hospitality law, corporate services and job specific roles. for events hosted by each Minister in the Department Accounting systems for the MOJ, HMCS, Tribunals in each of the last three years. [13479] Service and OPG do not differentiate between soft and hard copy purchases. The same account codes also Mr Kenneth Clarke: Since its inception in May 2007, include some library purchases such as books and it the Ministry of Justice has had 19 Ministers. It would would incur disproportionate costs to separate these incur disproportionate costs to search the diaries of costs out. The natural account codes for the National each Minister to ascertain which of the events listed Offender Management Service do not differentiate between were hosted by them, and then to contact the relevant purchased publications and publications created for business group to find out how much any hospitality their organisation. cost. All hospitality expenditure incurred by the Department is made in accordance with published departmental Departmental Public Expenditure guidance on financial procedures and propriety, which are based on the principles set out in Government Accounting and the Treasury handbook on Regularity Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for and Propriety. Justice if his Department will take steps to assess the effects on (a) equality of incomes, (b) equality of Departmental Press: Subscriptions assets and (c) equality of access to services of measures relating to its expenditure under consideration in the Spending Review. [16377] Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much his Department spent on newspapers, periodicals and trade profession magazines in each Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice will ensure the year since 2007. [16238] relevant equality considerations are taken in to account in the context of expenditure under consideration in the Mr Kenneth Clarke: The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) spending review, in compliance with our obligations subscribes to many different periodicals and professional under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, the Race Relations magazines (hard copy and online via individual purchase Act 1976, and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. 141W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 142W

Departmental Redundancy Pay Legal Aid: Contracts

Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what severance payment was made to each (a) Justice what negotiations the Legal Services Minister and (b) special adviser in his Department Commission has undertaken with (a) parties to the who left office after the last general election. [14660] 2007 Unified Civil Contract for legal aid services and (b) parties who are not party to the contract in respect Mr Kenneth Clarke: All severance payments are made of any extension to it; and on what dates and with in accordance with section 4 of the Ministerial and whom such negotiations took place. [15859] other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991. Following the last general election, six Ministers received a severance Mr Djanogly: On 3 September, representatives from payment. These were: the Legal Services Commission (LSC) met with Right hon. Jack Straw MP—Secretary of State for Justice representatives from the Law Society to discuss a short (former) extension to the Unified Contract (Civil). This was Right hon. Michael Wills MP—Minister of State for Justice agreed at a further meeting between these two organisations (former) on 6 September. In accordance with the terms of the Maria Eagle MP—Joint Minister of State for Justice and Unified Contract (Civil) Standard Terms, a short Government Equalities Office (former) consultation with the other main representative bodies Lord Bach—Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (former) (Advice Services Alliance and the Legal Aid Practitioners Group) then followed. Formal notification was then Bridget Prentice—Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (former) posted on the LSC’s website on 13 September and Claire Ward MP—Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State issued by email to existing contract holders. Discussions (former) in relation to the contract extension were therefore all The total cost of severance payments made to these held with parties that are not holders of the Unified Ministers was £73,442. Contract (Civil) but their representative bodies. Two former Ministry of Justice special advisers working to the Secretary of State for Justice also received a Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for severance payment. These were: Justice what consideration (a) his Department and (b) Mark Davies—special adviser to the Secretary of State for the Legal Services Commission gave to the Justice (special adviser pay range 3) requirements of (i) procurement law and (ii) contract Declan McHugh—special adviser to the Secretary of State for law in decisions on the extension of the 2007 Unified Justice (special adviser pay range 2) Civil Contract for legal aid services. [15860] The total cost of severance payments made to these special advisers was £67,492. Mr Djanogly: Decisions made under the tender process for the award of legal aid contracts are a matter for the LSC, which is responsible for administering the legal Departmental Secondment aid scheme. The one-month extension of the Unified Contract Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (Civil) has been implemented by the LSC in accordance how many staff his Department has appointed on with the contract’s standard terms. This followed secondment since 7 May 2010; and from what organisation consultation with representative bodies in accordance with the contract’s standard terms. Legal advice was each such member of staff has been seconded. [16264] taken by the LSC on procurement and contractual law as appropriate. Mr Djanogly: Between 7 May 2010 and 30 June 2010 (the date of the latest published data), no staff were seconded into the Ministry of Justice. Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what extensions to the 2007 Unified Civil Contract for legal aid services there have been; on what Immigration Appeals Commission date the extensions were made; and on what basis they were made. [15890]

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Djanogly: The 2007 Unified Contract (Civil) was Justice what the remit is of the Special Immigration initially granted for three years from 1 April 2007 (to Appeals Commission. [15551] expire on 31 March 2010 unless lawfully ended or extended before then). On 23 December 2009 the LSC Mr Djanogly: The Tribunals Service, an Executive published notification that the contract would be extended agency of the Ministry of Justice, is responsible for to 14 October 2010. This extension was to take account providing administrative support to the Special Immigration of tenders for 2010 contracts opening in January-March Appeals Commission (SIAC). SIAC deals with appeals 2010. On 13 September 2010 a further extension of the against decisions of the Secretary of State for the Home contract to expire at midnight on 14 November 2010 Department (a) to deport, or exclude, someone from was announced. This was to take account of the legal the UK on national security or public interest grounds challenge brought by the Law Society. Both extensions and (b) on issues of citizenship as set out in the British were made in accordance with the provisions of the Nationality Act. contract. 143W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 144W

Magistrates: Public Expenditure Medway Secure Training Centre: Restraint Techniques

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Justice what estimate he has made of the average cost whether any injuries were sustained as a result of the to the public purse of recruiting and training new use of restraint techniques on boys held in Medway magistrates in the latest period for which figures are secure training centre since 1998. [15869] available. [15573] Mr Blunt: All secure establishments submit monthly Mr Djanogly: The average estimated costs of the data returns to the Youth Justice Board (YJB) on the induction training for the period 2009-10 for new magistrates number of injuries from restrictive physical interventions was £180.56 calculated on 1,632 magistrates appointed (RPI). Data on injuries are reported against common and estimated costs of £294,678.86. definitions of minor injury requiring medical treatment The figure is made up from the individual reports of (which includes cuts, scratches and grazes) and serious local Magistrates’ Area Training Committees. Following injury requiring hospital treatment (which includes fractures selection and appointment, a magistrate will be assigned and loss of consciousness). to a ‘bench’ for induction, training and court rota Data have been collected on the injuries arising from purposes. The local Magistrates’ Area Training Committee an RPI since April 2007 and these figures have been provides the training utilising the core training materials provided in the table. These include both of the above prepared by the Judicial Studies Board. categories of injuries. Data are not available broken The average estimated costs of recruiting magistrates down by gender. for the period 2009-10 was £93.75 calculated on 1,632 magistrates appointed and estimated cost of £153,000. Injury requiring medical The £153,000 is the estimated budget for the recruitment treatment campaigns during the period 2009-10. 2007-08 67 2008-09 38 Medway Secure Training Centre: Conduct The data from 2009-10 will be available following the Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice publication of the 2009-10 Annual YJB Workload statistics how many (a) internal, (b) external and (c) police in January 2011. investigations into the conduct of staff were conducted These figures have been drawn from administrative at Medway secure training centre in each year since IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording 1998; and what the outcome was of each investigation system, are subject to possible errors with data entry in respect of which any legal proceedings have been and processing and may be subject to change over time. completed. [15867] Missing Persons Mr Blunt: Medway Secure Training Centre (STC) conducts an internal investigation for every allegation made against the conduct of staff and following any Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice referrals made to its local Children’s Services Team. if he will bring forward proposals to implement the External investigations are carried out by the local recommendation of the final report of the Missing Children’s Services Child Protection Team (CSPT), who Persons Taskforce on a Presumption of Death Bill for will involve the police for investigation when this is England and Wales. [16343] deemed necessary. There were no legal proceedings as a result of any Mr Djanogly: The Missing Persons Taskforce investigation carried out by the CSPT. Using these recommended that my Department consider the benefits criteria the figures are as follows: and circumstances in which a presumption of death might apply in missing person cases. We are currently Internal External Police considering these matters and shall report when we have more information. 2001 13 0 0 2002 19 1 0 National Offender Management Service: Buildings 2003 50 13 0 2004 32 7 0 2005 37 5 0 Richard Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for 2006 26 4 0 Justice whether the National Offender Management 2007 31 2 0 Service has a standard rental rate for probation service [16112] 2008 19 0 0 offices; and if he will make a statement. 2009 34 0 0 2010 26 0 0 Mr Blunt: The National Offender Management Service negotiates the best market rate for the rent of probation Data prior to 2001 is unavailable for the purpose of premises to ensure value for money. this question. A standard rate, currently £178 per square metre, is These figures have been drawn from administrative applied to probation offices, which covers the cost of IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording rent, rates, service charges, electricity, gas, oil, water and system, are subject to possible errors with data entry telephones. It also covers facility management and estate and processing and may be subject to change over time. management costs, including the provision of building 145W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 146W repair and maintenance, plus non-cash costs such as All data has been drawn from individual administrative depreciation, dilapidation provisions and impairment IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording charges. system, are subject to possible errors with data entry This rate is levied on the basis of the gross internal and processing and may be subject to change over time. area being occupied in a given period. The charge is adjusted when a probation trust either vacates a building or otherwise increases or decreases the floor area they Prison Service: Racial Discrimination use. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Offenders: West Midlands Justice how many racist incidents were reported in prisons in each of the last three years. [15553] Margot James: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many people with addresses in (a) the Mr Blunt: The following table indicates the total metropolitan borough of Dudley and (b) the metropolitan number of incidents of alleged racism reported by borough of Walsall are (i) in prison, (ii) on probation prisoners, staff or visitors in the last three reporting years. and (iii) in secure accommodation. [15632] Number Mr Blunt: The information requested is set out as follows. 2007-08 13,323 Prison 2008-09 14,578 Information on a prisoner’s residence is provided by 2009-10 13,365 prisoners on reception into prison. If no address is given on first reception in to prison, various proxies are A small proportion consist of allegations of misconduct used to determine a home address, including using the by staff and all such matters are subject to disciplinary next-of-kin address and the committal court address. investigation under the code of conduct and discipline. These figures are included in the answer. All investigations into reported acts of racism are As of 10 September 2010, based on this information overseen and signed off by the governor or deputy there were 254 people in a prison or young offender governor. In addition, the regional custodial manager institution with a recorded address in the metropolitan conducts bi-annual checks of a random sample of borough of Dudley and 297 people in a prison or young investigations. offender institution with a recorded address in the The NOMS Race Review 2008—published in December metropolitan borough of Walsall. 2008 and available in the Library—sets out the current These figures include male and female prisoners, assessment of race equality in the prison service, including adults, young offenders and juveniles and those who are the effectiveness of these systems and plans for work sentenced and on remand. further to improve them. Probation Staffordshire and West Midlands Probation Trust Prisoners’ Release record the total number of offenders managed in the community with recorded address in the metropolitan boroughs of Dudley and Walsall. Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many offenders serving a custodial At the end of August 2010, based on this information sentence for a violent crime were (a) released on there were 679 people who had received a community licence and (b) re-arrested for a further violent offence sentence and were being managed in the community by while under licence in each of the last five years. the Probation Service with an address in the borough of [15940] Dudley. On the same date there were 672 people who had received a community sentence and were being Mr Blunt: The following table shows the number of managed in the community by the Probation Service offenders serving a determinate sentence for violence with an address in the borough of Walsall. These figures against the person released on licence over the last five include both males and females. years (2005 to 2009). Secure Accommodation The Youth Justice Board do not record the local Number authority of a young person’s home address. The Youth 1 January to 30 June 20091 4,524 Justice Board does however hold data on the youth 2008 9,622 offending team (YOT) attached to the young person. 2007 8,600 The following table shows the number of people under 2006 8,014 18 who are attached to Dudley and Walsall youth 2005 8,265 offending teams (YOTs) in secure accommodation on 1 Data for the second half of 2009 are not available. 10 September 2010 Information is not held centrally for offenders arrested Dudley YOT Walsall YOT for a further violent offence while under licence.

Secure Children’s Homes 0 0 These figures have been drawn from administrative Secure Training Centres 1 4 IT systems which, as with any large scale recording Total 1 4 system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. 147W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 148W

Prisoners: Religion Mr Blunt: The numbers of recorded prisoner-on-prisoner assault incidents for the last three calendar years (2007 Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for to 2009) are detailed in the following table. Justice pursuant to the answer of 8 September 2010, England and Wales Official Report, columns 576-77W, on prisoners: Assault incidents religion, which 44 prisons in England and Wales logged Security Information Reports of incidents which might Prisoner on prisoner relate to manifestations of attempted radicalisation. 2007 12,018 [16079] 2008 12,834 2009 12,147 Mr Blunt: It would be inappropriate for operational Data sources and quality: These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems. Care reasons, including implications for order and control is taken when processing and analysing the returns but the detail and the integrity of security systems, to provide the collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale information requested. recording system, and so although shown to the last case, the figures All security information reports submitted by staff may not be accurate to that level. have to be evaluated for quality, accuracy and intelligence Additional days arise from adjudication outcomes. value. Reporting levels can be driven by the fluidity of Data on adjudications count the number of offences prisoner populations, varying significance, interpretation and punishments given rather than the number of prisoners and subjective perceptions of particular circumstances charged with those offences. The following table gives and individuals, and the possibility of duplicative reporting. details of offences punished: the total number of The number of SIRs submitted, therefore, does not punishments given and the number of times additional provide a true reflection of risk. days were given as a punishment for assault on a prisoner by a prisoner in 2007, 2008 and 2009. There is therefore a sensitivity in listing the prisons who logged security information reports of incidents England and Wales which might relate to manifestations of attempted Assault incidents radicalisation. 2007 2008 2009 I will write privately to the hon. Member. Prisoner on prisoner Prisoners: Wales Number of 3,319 3,643 3,350 offences punished Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Number of 6,020 6,830 6,661 what provision is being made in prisons serving North punishments: Wales to ensure that rehabilitation, education and Of which: support services take into account the fact that many Additional days 225 210 213 prisoners in such prisons have Welsh as their first given language; and if he will make a statement. [15656] Data sources and quality: These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems. Care is taken when processing and analysing the returns but the detail Mr Blunt: At present prisons in the North West and collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale the West Midlands take prisoners from North Wales. recording system, and so although shown to the last case, the figures There will also be some prisoners held in the high may not be accurate to that level. security estate, due to the nature of their offence. The The figures are taken from Table 8.4 of the Ministry majority of prisoners from North Wales are held in of Justice Statistics bulletin “Offender Management HMP Altcourse, which has established a wide range of Caseload Statistics” available at the MoJ website: Welsh language provision specifically to support Welsh http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/ language speakers. This includes learning and skills prisonandprobation.htm provision. Also, those organisations that would be involved The figures in the bulletins cover all proven adjudication in the resettlement of prisoners back to their communities offences committed and punishments given for these in North Wales would also provide Welsh language breaches of prison discipline. More than one punishment services as required. can be given for a single offence. I am looking to increase access to Welsh language services for prisoners who have Welsh as their first Prisons: Employment language throughout the prison estate. As part of that work, the National Offender Management Service is drafting Welsh Language Scheme, which is intended to Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice be published for consultation later this year. how many prisoners in each open prison have employment outside prison. [14283] Prisons: Crimes of Violence Mr Blunt: The Ministry of Justice does not hold this information centrally. NOMS delegates authority for Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for negotiating prisoner work placements to the governors Justice how many assaults on prisoners by prisoners of the 26 prisons in the ‘Resettlement Estate’, along were reported in each of the last three years; and how with responsibility for risk assessment, health and safety many additional days were added to the sentences of at work, and public protection. Normally a period will those responsible for such assaults in each such year. have been spent undertaking voluntary work before [15233] employment will be considered. 149W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 150W

An ad hoc survey carried out in June 2009 recorded taxpayer and contribute savings to help reduce the 482 prisoners held in England and Wales working outside budget deficit and the new prisons programme is consistent prisons in a variety of employment, and work experience with those objectives. placements. Details by establishment are in the following table: Rape and Sexual Offences: Convictions Employment Region Prison placements Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for East Midlands Ashwell — Justice what the conviction rate was for cases of (a) Morton Hall 4 rape and (b) sexual assault in the latest period for North Sea Camp 12 which figures are available; and how many women Sudbury 79 reported (i) rape and (ii) sexual assault to police in the latest period for which figures are available. [16057]

East of England Hollesley Bay 27 Mr Blunt: The number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts for London Latchmere House 58 the offences: rape of a male; rape of a female; sexual assault on a male; and sexual assault on a female; and North East Kirklevington Grange 45 conviction ratio of guilty defendants against those Low Newton — proceeded against for England and Wales, 2008 (latest available) is shown in table 1. North West Kirkham 31 Data for 2009 will be published on 21 October 2010. Information held by the Home Office on sexual offences South East Blantyre House 36 against females recorded by the police in England and Downview 9 Wales, 2009-10 (latest available) is shown in table 2. Ford 19 The Home Office collects data on the number of Spring Hill 31 police recorded offences of rape of a female and sexual Reading 2 assault on a female but does not collect data on individuals Rochester 2 reporting an offence, so cannot identify which of these Send 5 offences were reported by women. Standford Hill 29 Table 1: Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty1,2 at all courts for the offences: rape of a male; rape of a female; Dartmoor 2 sexual assault on a male; and sexual assault on a female; and conviction ratios of guilty against those proceeded against, England and Wales, 20083 Proceeded Conviction South West Eastwood Park 0 Offence class against Found guilty ratio (%)4 Erlestoke 0 Rape of a male 162 67 41 Leyhill 39 Rape of a female 2,233 855 38 Sexual assault on a male 295 228 77 Wales Prescoed 6 Sexual assault on a 3,069 1,892 62 female 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom West Midlands Hewell 15 these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When Stoke Heath 0 a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory Yorkshire and Askham Grange 16 maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Humberside Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted Moorland 15 from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police Total 482 forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2O08. 4 The conviction ratio is the number of defendants found guilty in 2008 divided Prisons: Wales by the number of defendants proceeded against whose case was concluded in 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. Table 2: Sexual offences against females recorded by the police in England and Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Wales, 2009-10 what his policy is on proposals for the construction of Offence Number recorded crime a new prison in North Wales. [16145] Rape of a female aged 16 and over 9,102 Rape of a female child under 16 2,926 Mr Blunt: In October 2009, the Ministry of Justice Rape of a female child under 13 1,963 began a site search for sites suitable for 1,500 place Rape of a female 13,991 prisons in the priority areas of north west England, north Wales, west Yorkshire and Greater London as part of the new prisons programme. A number of sites Sexual assault on a female aged 13 and over 15,713 in north Wales have been put forward. Sexual assault on a female child under 13 4,160 Assault of a female 19,873 We will ensure that we meet prison capacity requirements Source: more efficiently to improve value for money for the VCS, Home Office. 151W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 152W

Rape: Rights of Accused 2008 Month Total Male Female

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for April 2 0 2 Justice pursuant to the answer of 27 July 2010, Official May000 Report, column 923W, on rape: rights of accused, for June 3 1 2 what reason he decided to consider anonymity for July945 defendants in rape cases up to the point of charge; whether he is considering anonymity for defendants up I would like to also draw attention to two answers to the point of charge for any other offences; if he will given by my predecessor the hon. Member for Garston report to the House the outcome of his Department’s and Halewood (Maria Eagle) to the then hon. Member consideration of the matter since July 2010; on what for Cambridge (David Howarth) on 15 June 2009, date in September 2010 he plans to publish the Official Report, columns 67-70W, and to the then hon. assessment of the existing research and statistics; when Member for Cardiff North (Julie Morgan) on 12 October he plans to introduce legislative proposals; and if he 2009, Official Report, columns 164-66W, which referred will make a statement. [16392] to the reasons for restraint. In these answers the number of restraints for reasons of good order and discipline in Mr Blunt: We will publish the independent research STCs in April 2008 was given as four. This was incorrect assessment and make our considered views known shortly. due to a data error and should have been two, as per the answer in the table above. These two occasions are for Rainsbrook STC and Medway STC should read as 0. Reoffenders

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Sentencing Justice what mechanism he plans to introduce for payment by results schemes to reduce re-offending Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for rates among offenders; and if he will make a statement. Justice how many convictions resulted in a community [16014] sentence in each of the last three years; and what the aggregate length of such sentences was in each such Mr Blunt: The Government are committed to introducing year. [15552] payment by results as part of a new approach to offender rehabilitation. We plan to commission providers to Mr Blunt: The number of persons sentenced to work with offenders to reduce reoffending, paid for by community sentences and the total persons sentenced, the subsequent savings generated in the criminal justice as recorded on the courts proceedings database, in the system. last three years for which data are available is shown in The Social Impact Bond at HMP Peterborough, table 1 as follows. The figures in table 1 refer to all launched on 10 September 2010, is an example of the community sentences. Data for 2009 will be available innovative approach we want to take towards reducing once Sentencing Statistics 2009 is published on 21 October reoffending. 2010. The length of a community sentence is not recorded on the courts proceedings database so it is not possible Officials in the Ministry of Justice are developing to give the aggregate length of all community sentences proposals for the introduction of further payment by from this source. results approaches. The outcome of this work will be published for consultation in the forthcoming Green Information from Offender Management Caseload Paper on offender rehabilitation. Statistics provided in table 2, shows the length of community sentences as recorded by the probation service. The figures in this table refer to community orders (which Secure Training Centres: Restraint Techniques are a specific type of community sentence). Table 1: Persons sentenced to community sentences and total sentenced at all courts, 2006-081, 2 Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 200620072008 on how occasions restraint techniques have been used on (a) boys and (b) girls for the purposes of Total 190,837 196,424 190,171 maintaining good order and discipline in secure community training centres in each month since April 1998. [15868] sentences Total offenders 1,412,940 1,406,788 1,353,937 sentenced Mr Blunt: The following table shows the use of restraint 1 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these for reasons of good order and discipline by month and offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. gender. Data on the reasons for restraint have only been When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is collected centrally by the Youth Justice Board since the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same April 2008. Data are only available up to July 2008, as disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is changes to the secure training centre (STC) rules made the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. at this time precluded STCs from using restraint for the 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate purposes of good order and discipline. and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have These figures have been drawn from administrative been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording to ensure data taken into account when those data are used. system, are subject to possible errors with data entry Source: and processing and may be subject to change over time. Justice Statistics—Analytical Services, Ministry of Justice. 153W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 154W

Table 2: Offenders starting community order supervision by the Tyres probation service with average length of order, 2006-09 2006 2007 2008 2009 Tristram Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for All offenders 111,752 117,860 120,743 122,796 Justice whether (a) his Department and (b) its Average length 17.6 15.7 14.9 13.0 agencies and non-departmental public bodies take into of order account rolling resistance as a performance criterion (months) when purchasing tyres. [13548] Data sources and quality These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems. Care is taken when processing and Mr Blunt: Vehicles are procured using pan-government analysing the returns, but the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system, and so lease and purchase framework agreements and are supplied although shown to the last individual, the figures may not be with tyres specified by the manufacturer. Rolling resistance accurate to that level. See Technical appendix of report for fuller will be a factor taken into account by vehicle manufacturers information. Source: Justice Statistics—Analytical Services, Ministry as it will have an effect on published fuel economy of Justice. performance figures. Sentencing: Wales Tyres are replaced in accordance with contractual agreements, utilising national chains to ensure that discounts Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for are fully optimised and value for money is obtained. Justice (1) what assessment he has made of the The overriding requirements with regard to tyre outcomes of the intensive alternatives to custody pilot replacements are primarily directed towards legal and schemes in South Wales and Dyfed/Powys; [16086] health and safety requirements, fitness for purpose, and (2) whether he plans to extend the implementation of value for money. Rolling resistance is not taken into the intensive alternatives to the custody scheme pilot. account as a performance criterion when tyres are due to be replaced, but emphasis is placed on ensuring that [16087] tyres are checked on a regular basis, and are inflated to Mr Blunt: The National Offender Management Service the correct pressures. (NOMS) has commissioned several independent studies of the intensive alternative to custody (IAC) projects, War Memorials: Vandalism including the South Wales and Dyfed/Powys schemes. One study will establish whether an impact evaluation Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for will be feasible and affordable. Depending on the outcome, Justice if he will bring forward legislative proposals to and available resources, a proposal for an outcome provide war memorials with protection in law from evaluation on reoffending will be submitted for approval defacement or defilement. [16042] to the Ministry of Justice Research Quality Assurance Board and costs agreed with lead policy officers. Mr Blunt: Having examined the law in this area, we At present there are no plans to extend central funding think existing legislation on criminal damage deals for IAC past the end of the pilot in 2011. However, each appropriately with offenders who deface, defile or otherwise of the pilot areas is looking at ways that IAC could be damage war memorials. mainstreamed within existing resources. As the law stands, where the value of criminal damage is less than £5,000, the offence will be tried in a magistrates Television: Licensing court and the maximum penalty available is three months’ imprisonment. If the damage exceeds £5,000 and the Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for case is tried in the magistrates court the maximum Justice how many people in Leeds North West penalty is six months’ imprisonment. If tried on indictment constituency have been prosecuted for not having a the maximum penalty is 10 years’ imprisonment, and 14 television licence in the last 12 months. [16068] years if the offence is racially or religiously motivated. This is an emotive issue and we fully understand why Mr Blunt: The number of persons proceeded against many people think the existing sentencing framework at magistrates courts for the offence of television licence does not reflect the seriousness of the crime. But judges evasion under the Communications Act 2003, in the and magistrates can—and do—have regard to the special West Yorkshire police force area for 2008 (latest available), status of war memorials when sentencing an offender was 6,652. Figures are not available at constituency for criminal damage. That special status may aggravate level so police force area level data have been provided any sentence imposed, within the constraints of the in lieu. maximum penalties agreed by Parliament for this type The statistics relate to persons for whom these offences of offence. were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or Youth Justice: Public Consultation more offences the principal offence is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence Justice what mechanisms are in place to take account selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum of the views of young people in his Department’s penalty is the most severe. policy on youth justice. [16036] Data for 2009 will be published on 21 October 2010. The publication date for 2010 figures has not been Mr Blunt: We are committed to ensuring that the finalised but will be announced on the UK National public, including young people, have the opportunity to Statistics release calendar. participate in shaping policies which will affect them. 155W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 156W

For example, the YouthJustice Board (YJB) is currently Business Link West Midlands: Finance engaging with young people on designing a new framework for assessing young offenders’ needs when they enter Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State the CJS. for Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the The YJB also supports practitioners in youth offending answer of 8 September 2010, Official Report, columns teams and the custodial estate to increase their skills in 522-3W, on Business Link West Midlands, what securing greater youth participation at local level. arrangements will be established to channel funding for In the Ministry of Justice we are planning a programme Business Link West Midlands following the ending of to inform and engage young people in criminal justice regional development agencies. [16108] issues, and particularly to help young people contribute Mr Prisk: The Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) their views to the forthcoming Rehabilitation and Sentencing are due to be abolished in March 2012. This Department Green Paper which will include a chapter on youth is currently considering how business support, information justice. We will do this through working with partners, and advice will be provided once the RDAs are abolished. stakeholders and local communities who engage with young people, as well as through direct channels including No decision on future arrangements will be made the internet and social media. until all the options have been considered against the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Business Links: Expenditure BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for Banks: Loans Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of training and Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for employing Business Link advisers in the latest period Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his for which figures are available. [16368] Department is taking to increase (a) entrepreneurial activity and (b) levels of bank lending to businesses in Mr Prisk: The cost of training and employing field-based Business Link advisers in 2009/10 was £55.95 million. Witham constituency. [15733] This excludes expenses and overheads. Mr Davey: The Prime Minister has set out his ambition to make this decade the most entrepreneurial and dynamic Business Links: Redcar in our history. To realise this ambition, my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, is Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for developing a strategy for enterprise which challenges Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses aspirations and capability, modernises business support, operating in Redcar constituency contacted Business supports cash flow and access to finance, reduces burdens Link in each of the last five years. [15865] and transforms opportunities for individuals and their communities. Mr Prisk: In the Redcar and Cleveland local authority area, Business Link had contact with the following Ensuring the flow of credit to business is a key number of businesses in the last five financial year priority for the Government and we recently published periods. The following data is based on the number of a Green Paper, “Financing a private sector recovery”, unique customers assisted throughout the year, and requesting the views of individuals, businesses and financial represents customers who have received support through institutions. The Government will respond in due course. the Information, Diagnostic and Brokerage (IDB) service. As well as continuing to push banks to lend to viable businesses, the Government have extended the Enterprise Financial year Number of customers assisted Finance Guarantee (EFG) scheme by £200 million to £700 million. As of 8 September 2010, 16 businesses in 2006-07 520 the constituency of Witham have been offered loans 2007-08 354 totalling £2.69 million, of which 15 businesses have 2008-09 537 drawn down £2.65 million. 2009-10 589 2010-111 273 Broadband: North East and North West 1 YTD. In the North East, the Business Link service has been Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for delivered by Business and Enterprise North East since Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has April 2007. The figures prior to that date are based on made of the proportion of households in (a) Redcar data obtained from the Business Link Tees Valley Customer constituency, (b) the North East and (c) the North Record Management system. Business Link does not West which will have access to next generation hold data at constituency level. broadband in each of the next five years. [15840] Business: Government Assistance Mr Vaizey: This Department has not made such estimation for these areas. The Government are committed Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for to ensuring the UK has the best superfast broadband Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses network in Europe by 2015, including the delivery of operating in Redcar constituency received funding superfast broadband to rural and remote areas at the from one or more schemes operated by his Department same time as in more populated areas. and its predecessors in each of the last five years. [15837] 157W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 158W

Mr Prisk: The following table shows that 31 businesses Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for were supported in the last five years through the Department Business, Innovation and Skills to which (a) for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) schemes: Grant organisations and (b) projects in Redcar constituency for Business Investment (GBI), (formerly known as his Department has made a grant in the last five years; Selective Finance for Investment in England or SFIE and how much each such grant was. [15838] grants) and Grants for Research and Development (GRD) in Redcar constituency. A total of 34 projects were supported through the Manufacturing Advisory Service, MAS-NE. The grants are managed by the Mr Prisk: The following table shows details of the regional development agency, One North East. The organisations and businesses in the Redcar and Cleveland value amount represents the maximum grant potentially local authority area in the last five financial year that payable if the projects are satisfactorily completed. have received grants through the following Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) schemes: Grant Data range 2005/06 to 2009/10 for Business Investment (GBI), (formerly known as Selective Finance for Investment in England or SFIE Scheme Number of businesses Value (£) grants), Grants for Research and Development (GRD), GBI and 31 6,265,934 and The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS). Only RandD GBI data are kept at constituency level. MAS-NE 34 419,027 Total 65 7,061,461

Project name Proposer Total funding (£)

Expansion of IT refurbishment and recycling facilities Recycling It Europe Ltd 75,000 To acquire additional plant and machinery expansion Waste Exchange Services Ltd 100,000 Cleveland Components Ltd 25,000 Relocation Northern Site Supplies Ltd 10,000 Start up Wilton Waste Treatment Ltd 120,000 Purchase new machinery Cleveland Technologies Ltd 34,000 Purchase machinery Signet Joinery and Laminate Products Direct Ltd 12,500 Flexible substrates development facility Centre for Process Innovation Ltd (CPI) 1,869,781 COBR (Continuous Oscillatory Baffle Reactor) CPI 122,548 (OFBR) National Industrial Biotechnology Facility (NIBF) CPI 7,017,985 UK National Particulates MNT Centre CPI 191,920 CIN sustainable manufacturing CPI 989,789 NE Environment and Energy Services Co (NE ESCO)1 CPI 86,967 PeTec LACE CPI 1,547,655 Bioprocessing technology development CPI 444,420 Patterned Substrates Project CPI 2,425,000 Materials for device fabrication CPI 2,345,000 Fuel Lab CPI 524,297 Energy and environmental technology sector support CPI 1,498,594 CPI development and research CPI 5,901,661 CPI NE Energy 2015 CPI 432,000 CPI LCE development and support network centre CPI 1,818,125 CPI Atomic Layer Deposition CPI 450,000 CPI Advanced Coating Facilities CPI 1,101,300 CPI BioSource CPI 1,360,000 CPI Novel Particulates NP3 CPI 1,229,957 Wilton Connector—process business incubator CPI 783,303 Integrated Innovation Support Program 2 CPI 563,771 Cheminet CPI 72,429 Fuel Cell Applications Facility (FCAF) CPI 1,996,279 DupontSA productivity and general management Dupont Sabanci Polyester (UK) Ltd 600,000 training project National Micro Fluidics Centre (Fluence) Epigem Ltd 1,999,923 The North East of England Process Industry Cluster North East Process Industries Cluster (NEPIC) 2,597,409 Resource Efficiency—Process Industries NEPIC 120,999 Delivery of the Regional Biofuels Strategy NEPIC 1,198,000 Process Pillar—NEPIC Skills/Prod Project NEPIC Process Industry 141,500 Process Pillar—PICME Productivity Programme Centre for Manufacturing (PICME) 102,754 Redcar Sea Front Zone Redcar and Cleveland borough council 170,000 Redcar and Cleveland Regeneration Masterplan Redcar and Cleveland borough council 378,963 159W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 160W

Project name Proposer Total funding (£)

REMTEC & REMTEC ERDF1 TWI Ltd 1,347,870 Gap Funding UK Steel Enterprise UK Steel Enterprise 1,076,881 Renew Tees Valley and Environment Sector Support Renew Tees Valley (RTV) Ltd 2,462,250 ERDF1 Process Industries NBOHI1 CPI 135,963 Aquisition and Demolition of Leo’s Redcar and Cleveland borough council 200,000 Coatham Links Lifehouse Studies Redcar and Cleveland borough council 44,880 South Tees Strategy (STS)—Acquisitions Redcar and Cleveland borough council 180,000 STS—Gateways Ph.3 Redcar and Cleveland borough council 229,439 South Tees Prairies Environmental Industries Park Redcar and Cleveland borough council 350,625 South Tees Eco Park Redcar and Cleveland borough council 1,449,379 STS—Teesport Commerce Park Redcar and Cleveland borough council 16,900 STS—Phytoremediation Feas. Redcar and Cleveland borough council 20,000 STS—Teesport Diversification Dry Bulk Redcar and Cleveland borough council 30,000 Total Redcar and Cleveland constituency 50,003,016 1 Includes ERDF. Note: Excludes regional and sub-regional delivered projects including Skills and Economic Inclusion Inward Investment, Culture and Tourism.

Connaught Partnerships: Redundancy benefits of mass digitisation of creative works to increase legitimate access to these works for research, consumers Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, and other businesses. Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to assist staff Corus who have been made redundant since the entry into administration of Connaught Partnerships. [16219] Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Davey: Former employees of insolvent employers Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions can claim redundancy payments and other contractual he has had with (a) Corus-Tata and (b) Sahaviriya debts such as unpaid wages, notice pay and outstanding Steel Industries on the future of the Corus plant on holiday pay from the National Insurance Fund. The Teesside. [15834] Insolvency Service’s Birmingham Redundancy Payments Office (RPO) is liaising with the administrator of Mr Prisk: Tata Steel has continued to keep the Connaught to establish what payments are due. Once Department informed of developments in respect of the information is obtained to identify what payments the Teesside Cast Products plant. Since his appointment are due they will be made without delay. The RPO aims in May, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for to pay 78% of claims within three weeks of receipt and Business Innovation and Skills has met Ratan Tata on 92% within six weeks of receipt. two occasions, and he also spoke to Kirby Adams, former chief executive officer of Tata Steel Europe Jobcentre Plus, through its rapid response service (formerly Corus) when the Memorandum of (RRS), offers access to a wide range of support for Understanding with Sahaviriya Steel Industries Public employers and employees. As well as advice on how to Company Ltd (SSI) on the potential sale of Teesside claim benefits, assistance includes identifying transferable Cast Products was announced on 27 August. Most skills, job-related training, and support to take up a new recently, the UK ambassador in Bangkok and his team job, e.g. help with initial travel or child care costs. This have also had discussions with SSI since the announcement support is provided by Jobcentre Plus, skills bodies, of the Memorandum of Understanding. development agencies and local authorities. The administrator is liaising directly with the Jobcentre Plus Departmental Billing national account manager who is co-ordinating the assistance through to local levels. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many payments to Copyright: Internet suppliers were made by (a) his Department, (b) its agencies and (c) its non-departmental public bodies (i) Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, within 30 days of, (ii) over 30 days after, (iii) over 60 Innovation and Skills what plans he has to respond to days after and (iv) over 90 days after the date of invoice the policy recommendations of the Strategic Advisory in the latest period for which figures are available. Board for Intellectual Property Policy in respect of the [13933] proposed Google Books initiative. [16195] Mr Davey: During August 2010 the Department made Mr Davey: The Government have noted the the following payments to its suppliers: recommendations of SABIP on this issue. Any settlement on the Google Books initiative will only apply to use of Number the works in the US and is primarily a matter for the US Time Period paid Percentage courts. However, the Government continue to monitor Within 30 days of the date of the 1,714 79.6 developments on this issue carefully and to consider the invoice date wider issues raised by this case, including the potential 161W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 162W

Number Number of Percentage of Time Period paid Percentage Payment of suppliers invoices paid invoices paid

Between 31 and 60 days of the 203 9.4 Over 90 days 49 0.87 invoice date Between 61 days and 90 days of the 64 3.0 Letter from Stephen Speed, dated 7 September 2010: invoice date The Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills has Over 90 days of the date of the 171 7.9 asked me to reply to your question how many payments to invoice suppliers were made by (a) his Department, (b) its agencies and (c) its non-departmental public bodies (i) within 30 days of, (ii) However, the above figures do not take into account over 30 days after, (iii) over 60 days after and (iv) over 90 days those invoices that were placed in dispute, those invoices after the date of invoice in the latest period for which figures are that were submitted to the wrong address or those that available. were post dated. The Insolvency Service Executive Agency of the Department For information, the Department measures its prompt for Business, Innovation and Skills made the following payments payment from the date a valid invoice is received at its to suppliers in the period April to August 2010: nominated address. Using this measurement, the (i) 10,371 within 30 days; Department paid 99.6% of invoices within 30 days and (ii) 84 payments over 30 days; 93.9% were paid within five working days. (iii) 8 payments over 60 days and I have approached the chief executives of the Insolvency (iv) 4 payments over 90 days Service, Companies House, the National Measurement after the date of invoice. Office, the Intellectual Property Office and the Skills Letter from Peter Mason, dated 20 September 2010: Funding Agency and they will respond to my hon. Friend directly. I am responding in respect of the National Measurement Office to your Parliamentary Question tabled on 3 September 2010, to Information on the Department’s non-departmental the Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation and public bodies is not held centrally and to provide it Skills asking how many payments to suppliers were made (i) would incur disproportionate cost. within 30 days of, (ii) over 30 days after, (iii) over 60 days after and (iv) over 90 days after the date of invoice in the latest period Letter from Gareth Jones: for which figures are available. I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary Between April 2009 and March 2010, the Agency made a total Question tabled 3 September 2010, UIN 13933 to the Secretary of of 1,906 payments to suppliers of which: State for Business, Innovation and Skills. (i) 1,885 payments were made within 30 days of receiving an In 2009/10, the latest period for which figures are available, invoice which was correctly rendered, Companies House made 9,906 payments to suppliers within 30 days of the date of the invoice and 48 payments after 30 days of (ii) 21 payments took over 30 days to process, the date of the invoice. Of these, 37 were as a result of disputes. (iii) No payments were made where an invoice was over 60 days No payments would be over 60 days old. old and Letter from Geoff Russell, dated 9 September 2010: (iv) No payments were made where an invoice was over 90 days old. I am replying on behalf of the Skills Funding Agency to your Parliamentary question tabled on 3 September 2010 (UIN 13933). Letter from John Alty, dated 24 September 2010: To ask the Secretary of State, Department for Business, Innovation I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office and Skills, how many payments to suppliers were made by (a) his to your Parliamentary Question tabled 07 September 2010, to the Department, (b) its agencies and (c) its non-departmental public Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and bodies (i) within 30 days of, (ii) over 30 days after, (iii) over 60 Skills. days after and (iv) over 90 days after the date of invoice in the latest period for which figures are available. The Intellectual Property Office has analysed the above in the following ways. The first column is invoice paid in the period The Skills Funding Agency was set up as an agency of BIS on within 30 days of the invoice date. The second column shows all 1 April 2010 and the figures are detailed overleaf from Period 1 to the invoices paid more than 30 days after the invoice date (including Period5-1April 2010 to 31 August 2010. invoices more than 60 and 90 days over). The third column shows all the invoices paid more than 60 days after the invoice date Number of Percentage of (including invoices more than 90 days over). The fourth column Payment of suppliers invoices paid invoices paid shows all invoices paid more than 90 days over. Within 30 days 4,941 88.39 The Office’s target to pay invoices within 10 working days is reported in the annual report and accounts which is published on Over 30 and under 60 days 503 9.00 our website: Over 60 and under 90 days 97 1.74 http://www.ipo.gov.uk/about-anrep0910.pdf

Supplier invoices Paid within 30 days Paid over 30 days Paid over 60 days Paid over 90 days

September 2009 to 4,663 347 124 77 August 2010

We paid 89% of invoices within 10 days in financial year invoice in the latest period for which figures are 2009/10. available; and what proportion of invoices settled in that period his Department paid (a) electronically and Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) by cheque. [16158] Business, Innovation and Skills what the average cost to his Department was of processing the payment of an 163W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 164W

Mr Davey: During August 2010, the Department Mr Davey: The amounts spent on ministerial hospitality made 4,223 payments of which 4,190 were made are as follows: electronically and 33 were made by payable order. During this period, the average cost of processing an £ invoice was £4.29. This includes direct staff costs and 2007-08 17,194.12 an apportionment for overheads. 2008-09 11,784.10 2009-10 16,480.89 Departmental Chief Scientific Advisers The above costs principally relate to conferences and Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for receptions for key stakeholders. Business, Innovation and Skills on how many occasions each Minister in his Department has met his Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Department’s Chief Scientific Officer since 6 May Business, Innovation and Skills how much his 2010. [15439] Department spent on hospitality for events hosted by each Minister in his Department in July 2010. [15145] Mr Davey: Since 6 May, the chief scientific adviser in BIS, Professor Brian Collins, has met substantively with Mr Davey: £221.39 in total for July 2010. the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and President of the Board of Trade once, and Departmental Pay the Minister for Universities and Science four times. Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Departmental Contracts Business, Innovation and Skills what average hourly rate his Department has paid to each employment Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for agency for agency staff in each year since its inception. Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has made [12712] an estimate of the monetary value of the contracts between his Department and private sector companies Mr Davey: The Department for Business, Innovation which will be cancelled under his Department’s and Skills (BIS) has framework agreements with Adecco planned spending reductions. [10167] and Brook Street. The average is calculated using inner London charge rates based on the grades employed Mr Davey: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I through each of these agencies in 2009-10: gave to the hon. Member for Ochil and South Perthshire Adecco: £15.59 (Gordon Banks) on 7 September 2010, Official Report, column 430W. Brook Street: £14.84. To establish this information for other agencies used Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for by BIS would be disproportionately expensive to obtain. Business, Innovation and Skills what the monetary The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills value is of contracts his Department has awarded to was created in June 2009. each (a) management consultancy and (b) IT company since 7 May 2010. [16192] Departmental Press: Subscriptions

Mr Davey: The information is as follows: Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, (a) Central records indicate that the Department for Innovation and Skills how much his Department spent Business, Innovation and Skills has spent £1,428,752 on on newspapers, periodicals and trade profession magazines consultancy from 1 May to 30 September. This information in each year since its inception. [16236] is taken from a system which does not break the expenditure down by company. Mr Davey: Expenditure on newspapers, periodicals (b) Central records indicate that no new contracts and trade profession magazines is not separately itemised have been awarded to any IT companies since 7 May in the Department’s accounting system, and the details 2010. could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Empty Property Departmental Public Expenditure

Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation and Skills what the estimated monetary Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to value is of each vacant (a) building and (b) parcel of assess the effects on (a) equality of incomes, (b) equality land owned by his Department in each region. [16255] of assets and (c) equality of access to services of measures relating to its expenditure under consideration Mr Davey: This Department does not own any buildings in the Spending Review. [16358] or land. It is all leasehold. Mr Davey: The Department for Business, Innovation Departmental Official Hospitality and Skills will ensure the relevant equality considerations are taken in to account in the context of expenditure Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for under consideration in the spending review, in compliance Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Department with our obligations under the Sex Discrimination Act spent on hospitality for events hosted by each Minister 1975, the Race Relations Act 1976, and the Disability in the Department in each of the last three years. [13471] Discrimination Act 1995. 165W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 166W

Departmental Secondment agencies, (c) its non-Ministerial department and (d) its non- departmental public bodies had on the latest date for which figures are available. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many staff his The Insolvency Service currently employs 412 temporary staff. Department has appointed on secondment since 7 May Employment Agency 2010; and from what organisation each such member of staff has been seconded. [16276] Mr David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the running costs Mr Davey: The Department for Business, Innovation of the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate and Skills has not appointed any staff on secondment were in each of the last five years. [13703] since 7 May 2010. Mr Davey: The running costs for Employment Agency Departmental Temporary Employment Standards in each of the last five years were:

Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Financial year Running costs (£) Business, Innovation and Skills how many employees 2005/06 427,967 on temporary contracts (a) his Department, (b) its agencies, (c) its non-Ministerial department and (d) 2006/07 485,435 its non-departmental public bodies had on the latest 2007/08 507,220 2008/09 985,457 date for which figures are available. [5932] 2009/10 1,072,608

Mr Davey: The number of full-time equivalent employees Employment Schemes on temporary contracts on 30 June 2010 in BIS was 200. Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for I have approached the chief executives of the Insolvency Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he made Service, Companies House, the National Measurement of the annual cost to the Exchequer of continuing the Office, the Intellectual Property Office and the Skills Job Guarantee scheme. [15218] Funding Agency and they will respond to my hon. Friend directly. Chris Grayling: I have been asked to reply. Information on the Department’s non-departmental Any estimate of the cost of the jobseeker’s guarantee public bodies is not held centrally and to provide it was always subject to review as part of the Spending would incur disproportionate cost. Review process to ensure good value for money. The Letter from Gareth Jones, dated 5 July 2010: cancellation of the scheme announced on 17 June was I am replying on behalf of Companies House to your Parliamentary therefore not to save money. Rather, funding was never Question tabled 30 June 2010, UIN 5932 to the Secretary of State allocated to the jobseeker’s guarantee in the first place. for Business, Innovation and Skills. As of 7 July, Companies House has eleven employees on Extractive Industries: Disclosure of Information temporary contracts. Letter from Geoff Russell, dated 5 July 2010: Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for I am replying on behalf of the Skills Funding Agency to your Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what recent Parliamentary Question tabled on 30 June 2010 (UIN 5932), to discussions he has had with his European counterparts the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, concerning on the introduction of a requirement for stock the number of employees on temporary contracts in the Department exchanges within the EU that all extractive companies and its agencies. listed disclose all payments to foreign governments; As of 1 July 2010, the Skills Funding Agency had four temporary and if he will make a statement; [16021] workers. (2) what assessment his Department has made of the Letter from John Alty, dated 5 July 2010: merits of the introduction of a country-by-country I am responding in respect of the Intellectual Property Office to reporting standard of the type proposed by the your Parliamentary Question tabled 30/06/2010, to the Minister International Accounting Standards Board (IASB); of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. what recent discussions he has had with the IASB on The Intellectual Property Office has 1 person employed on the matter; and if he will make a statement; [16022] contract that is due to finish on 22 July and will not be extended. (3) if his Department will make an assessment of the Letter from Peter Mason, dated 19 July 2010: effect on the UK extractive industry of the provisions I am responding in respect of the National Measurement of the US Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Office to your Parliamentary Question tabled on 30 June 2010, to Consumer Protection Act 2010 on disclosure of the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and payments made to foreign governments; and if he will Skills asking how many employees were on temporary contracts on the latest date for which figures are available. make a statement. [16024] As of today’s date, NMO does not have any employees on temporary contracts. We have one vacancy currently being covered Mr Davey: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of by an agency staff worker, who is an employee of that employment State has not had any discussions with his European agency, not NMO. counterparts about the disclosure of payments to foreign Letter from Stephen Speed, dated 3 July 2010: governments by the extractive industries. The Minister of State, for the Department of Business, Innovation The Secretary of State has noted the Dodd-Frank and Skills (BIS) has asked me to reply to your question how many Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act 2010 employees on temporary contracts (a) his Department, (b) its on disclosure of payments made to foreign governments, 167W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 168W but also notes that both the IASB and the Organisation In 2001 BBSRC supported a public evening meeting that for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) accompanied the EUCARPIA XVI congress in Edinburgh, the are both investigating international approaches to this meeting covered issues surrounding plant biotechnology kind of disclosure. A panel discussion on future renewable bio-energy, including artificial photosynthesis in 2007 The IASB is an independent standard setter for global accounting standards. The UK Government have not BBSRC has also supported its funded researchers engaged in any discussions about the specific content of through a small grants scheme to engage with the accounting standards with IASB. There has been extensive public, some of these grants have been used to discuss engagement by UK stakeholders directly with the IASB issues around GM, for instance: a 1998 discussion on this issue. meeting on GM with the National Federation of Women’s Institutes; a 2003 series of schools debates on ’genetic The Government will consider action when they see futures’; and a 2005 public discussion in Plymouth on the outcomes of these investigations, but note that GM. international approaches are likely to work better than any national approach. None of these Research Councils have funded a separate research project specifically into public attitudes on GM since 1997. However, under the previous Genetically Modified Organisms: Public Consultation Government, the Food Standards Agency was asked by Ministers to carry out a public dialogue project looking Mr Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for at Food - the use of GM. Government have recently Business, Innovation and Skills what projects on public announced that this dialogue will not continue in its attitudes to genetically-modified crops, food and feed current format. The details of the Government’s policy have been funded by the (a) Biotechnology and on the use of GM technology in food and agriculture Biological Sciences Research Council, (b) Engineering are still being determined, but all policies will be based and Physical Sciences Research Council, (c) Medical on robust evidence. Developing effective and appropriate Research Council and (d) Science and Technology public engagement will need to be an element of this. Facilities Council since 1997; what the (i) topic, (ii) start date, (iii) cost and (iv) project code was of each Higher Education such project; who the main contractor was in each case; and which such projects have been completed. [10865] Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to Mr Willetts: Some of BBSRC’s public engagement ensure (a) Greenwich University and (b) other former activities since 1997 have included consideration of GM polytechnics retain university status. [15836] technologies, some of which (a) explicitly invited public views while others (b) were focused more on communication Mr Willetts: The Department has no plans to remove and raising awareness. university title from any institution in the higher education sector. (a) BBSRC’s public engagement activities which have included consideration of GM technologies and explicitly Higher Education: Mature Students invited public views: A co-sponsor of ’Future foods’ exhibit at the Science Museum Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for from November 1997 to March 1998 Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has Interactive exhibition launched at the 1998 Royal show on GM made of the number of mature students who did not that provided a focus for people to consider the issues and record complete a higher education course in the latest period their opinions for which figures are available. [15823] A display at the 1999 Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition that invited discussion on GM crops and their uses Mr Willetts: Estimates of the number of students Public consultation (with NERC) on gene flow in plants and who do not complete a higher education course are not micro-organisms in 2000 available by age group. Non-continuation data, which In 2000 BBSRC commissioned a short study of attitudes to show the number of entrants not continuing in higher GM bioremediation that made use of a novel tool, the Ethical education after their first year, are available by age Matrix. group and are provided here as an alternative. In 2001 BBSRC hosted a web-based tool that explored hypothetical novel foods as part of a Foresight Food Chain and Crops Industry In the 2007/08 academic year there were 70,440 Panel initiative UK-domiciled mature entrants (aged 21 and over) to full-time first degree courses at higher education institutions In 2003 BBSRC held a consultation on the future direction of crop science research in the UK. Of these entrants 9,875 (14.0%) did not continue in higher education after their first year. In the The recent synthetic biology dialogue, published in June 2010 covered public views on agri-environmental science as one part of same academic year there were 31,550 UK-domiciled a workshop that explore views around science and technology mature entrants to full-time other undergraduate courses generically. A later workshop with in the synthetic biology dialogue (includes foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates) explored food and crop applications of synthetic biology. at higher education institutions in the UK. Of these (b) BBSRC’s public engagement activities which have entrants 4,620 (14.6%) did not continue in higher education included consideration of GM technologies and were after their first year. focused more on communication and raising awareness: This is the latest available information from the Higher In 1999 BBSRC published two discussion documents on issues Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Performance surrounding the use of GM in agriculture Indicators in Higher Education: more information can In 1999 BBSRC supported an BA and Royal Society of Edinburgh be found at the following link: forum that debated GM foods http://www.hesa.ac.uk/index.php/content/category/2/32/141/ 169W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 170W

Non-completion and non-continuation data for in (a) 2008, (b) 2009 and (c) 2010; and whether he postgraduate students are not provided in the HESA expects any such investigators to be made redundant as Performance Indicators in Higher Education. a result of his Department’s planned spending reductions. [16396] Innovation Mr Davey: The Insolvency Service employs insolvency Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for examiners who, among their various duties, investigate Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking the causes of failure in bankruptcy and compulsory to encourage businesses that develop new technologies company liquidation cases. In addition, The Insolvency to remain in the UK. [16411] Service employs staff within its Investigation and Enforcement Services (IES) Directorate whose job it is Mr Willetts: This Department sponsors the Technology to consider reports received from licensed insolvency Strategy Board, which operates across all important practitioners in respect of the conduct of directors of sectors of the UK economy, ranging from the creative companies in non-compulsory insolvency procedures industries to high value manufacturing, but focusing on and complaints about live companies and to investigate those opportunities which offer the greatest scope for and take action where it is appropriate in the public boosting UK growth and productivity. interest. The Technology Strategy Board provides funding The number of Insolvency Service staff who would opportunities (with support from other Government undertake these duties (among other things) in each of funders) to enable UK-based business and research the last three years is as follows: communities to work together on collaborative R&D projects from which successful new products, processes Number and services can emerge. Over 900 projects are currently (a) 2010 757 being supported with a combined business and Government (b) 2009 714 investment of over £1 billion (with just over half the (c) 2008 696 funds committed by business). This Department similarly sponsors the grant for There are currently no plans for staff redundancies. R&D (GRD), which is designed to increase business spend on innovation, including R&D, leading to an Internet: Regulation increase in the proportion of firms that innovate so that they can increase productivity and profitability. Businesses receiving funding must comply with strict rules on Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for manufacture of products. The company shall not, without Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer prior written consent, manufacture or permit the of 6 September 2010, Official Report, column 371W, on manufacture of articles incorporating the results of internet regulation, if he will bring forward legislative work done with the aid of this grant outside the European proposals to require internet providers to divulge the economic area for a period starting from the date of the contact details of persons who leave derogatory or offer letter and ending five years after the date on which insulting comments about others on internet sites; what final payment is made. recent representations he has received on this issue; and if he will make a statement. [15752] This Department is also considering the recommendations from Sir James Dyson’s Report Mr Vaizey: The Government are not proposing to “Ingenious Britain” and will consult with business this bring forward legislative proposals that would require autumn. This will include a review of the taxation of internet service providers (ISPs) to reveal the contact intellectual property and the support that R&D tax details of persons who might have left derogatory or credits provide for innovation. This Department is similarly insulting remarks about others on internet sites. considering options for the future delivery of its ’Solutions for Business’ portfolio of business support within the forthcoming comprehensive spending review. Local Enterprise Partnerships Also, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) does much to help businesses invest and locate in the UK and grow Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for internationally. They do this through impartial advice— Business, Innovation and Skills what his most recent information related to funding, financing, staffing and estimate is of the set up costs associated with operations; introductions to professional advisers and implementing the Government’s proposals for local key contacts; access, through its partnership programmes, enterprise partnerships. [16407] to a range of possible business partners and professional service organisations; practical help on the ground, Mr Prisk: In total the Government received 59 outline including visits to suitable locations, finding business proposals for local enterprise partnerships in response partners and accessing financial incentives; as well as an to the joint letter from my right hon. Friend the Secretary aftercare service, including advice on maximising investment of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and my in the UK, through domestic and international expansion. right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, dated 29 June. Proposals have Insolvency Service: Manpower been developed at local levels by partnerships of local authorities, businesses and other relevant bodies. Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Ministers are considering these proposals in detail, Business, Innovation and Skills how many insolvency looking at how they will support economic growth, investigators were employed by the Insolvency Service before providing feedback to partnerships. 171W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 172W

More detail on local enterprise partnerships, including Mr Davey: The Government will consider action funding issues, will be set out in the White Paper on when they see the outcomes from the international sub-national economic growth following the spending work currently under way by the Organisation for Economic review. Co-operation and Development and the International Accounting Standards Board. The Government support Lord Sugar this work and await the outcome with interest. Overseas Students: Bexley Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what resources his Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Department provided to assist Lord Sugar in his role as Business, Innovation and Skills how many students Government Enterprise Champion; and how many resident in the London Borough of Bexley are days Lord Sugar spent on official duties in this role. registered as international students for tuition fee [15734] purposes due to their immigration status. [15825]

Mr Prisk: The Department did not provide resources Mr Willetts: The information requested is not available. to Lord Sugar. The position of Government Enterprise Champion was unpaid and Lord Sugar neither claimed Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education nor received any expenses. Support for his work was provided by civil servants, primarily those responsible Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for for enterprise, as part of their normal day-to-day Business, Innovation and Skills if he will review the responsibilities. His time in the role was spent working processes of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher in the Department, on visits, meeting businesses and Education in order to reduce the burden of administration working remotely. He was in continuous, near daily, for academics and university departments, whilst ensuring communication throughout the period of his appointment. the effectiveness of those processes. [15809]

Manufacturing Advisory Service Mr Willetts: Significant work is under way across the higher education sector to strengthen future quality Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for assurance arrangements. The Quality Assurance Agency Business, Innovation and Skills (1) what the cost to the for Higher Education (QAA) launched on 1 October a public purse was of the free helpline provided by his consultation on a new method for reviewing higher Department’s Manufacturing Advisory Service in the education institutions in England and Northern Ireland latest period for which figures are available; [16402] from September 2011. The proposed new process is (2) how many businesses used the free helpline intended to encourage constant improvement in the provided by the Manufacturing Advisory Service in quality of UK higher education while being proportionate in its demand on resources in institutions. The detail of (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09 and (c) 2009-10; [16403] this work is rightly led by the sector but the Government (3) how much the Manufacturing Advisory Service have a legitimate interest, particularly in respect of spent on subsidised consultancy support for small and ensuring value for money for all public spending, and is medium-sized enterprises in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09 keeping in close touch with the QAA and others across and (c) 2009-10; and how many businesses used that the sector on this agenda. support service in each such year. [16404] Regional Development Agencies Mr Prisk: The helpline for the Manufacturing Advisory Service is part of the wider inquiry service which includes Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for e-mail inquiries and phone calls. These range from Business, Innovation and Skills whether his straightforward questions dealt with in a few minutes to Department plans to bring forward primary legislation more significant issues that require small pieces of to (a) abolish regional development agencies and (b) research to support the manufacturer. establish local economic partnerships. [16080] The total cost of the inquiry service in 2009/10 was £590,000 including all staff and equipment costs. Mr Prisk: Primary legislation will be required to The number of businesses using the inquiry service is abolish regional development agencies. Local enterprise as follows: partnerships will differ across the country in order to best meet local circumstances and opportunities. The Number of businesses using Government are considering whether it will be necessary inquiry service to introduce legislation to create local enterprise partnerships. 2007/08 120,141 2008/09 11,148 Regional Growth Fund 2009/10 18,270 1 Includes website. Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what bidding Multinational Companies: Company Accounts process for funds from the Regional Growth Fund will apply in each region. [14622] Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will make it his Mr Prisk: The Government published a consultation policy to implement country-by-country reporting for paper on 23 July seeking views on the design of the multi-national companies based in the UK. [15663] fund. The paper set out the objectives of the Regional 173W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 174W

Growth Fund, put forward proposals on the fund’s Mr Willetts: The Coalition Agreement makes it clear design to meet those objectives and posed questions on that we are committed to working with universities, aspects of the fund where Government sought input, research councils and business to enhance the effectiveness including the bidding process. of the innovation system to support successful UK The consultation closed on 6 September and innovation. We are considering the recommendations consideration is now being given to the detail of the from Sir James Dyson’s Report’ Ingenious Britain’ operation of the Growth Fund. This will then be set out including refocusing the R&D Tax Credit on high tech, in the White Paper on sub-national growth, due to be small firms and start ups and will consult with business published in the autumn. in the autumn. The Research Councils, Universities and the Technology Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Strategy Board support research and development activity Business, Innovation and Skills what consultation he across all the important sectors of the UK and with has undertaken with local authorities on the bidding those that offer the greatest scope for boosting UK process for the Regional Growth Fund. [15790] growth and productivity.

Mr Prisk: The Government published a consultation Jack Dromey: To ask the Secretary of State for on the Regional Growth Fund on 23 July, seeking views Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has on how the fund should be designed. made of the monetary value of Government funding By the time the consultation closed on 6 September, allocated to scientific research projects undertaken at around 340 responses had been received in total. Over each institution in each Research Assessment Exercise 100 of these were from local authorities, bodies that category in each region in 2009-10. [16410] represent groups of local authorities, existing multi-area agreement partnerships and prospective local enterprise Mr Willetts: Quality-Related research funding from partnerships that include local authorities. the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) is awarded formulaically to English institutions Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State on the basis of the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise for Business, Innovation and Skills whether the (RAE). This funding also provides incentives for working methodology his Department will employ in allocating with businesses and charities, and for supervising young monies from the Regional Growth Fund will take into researchers. Full details of HEFCE’s research grant account economic and social inequalities within funding to individual English institutions for 2009-10 regions; and if he will make a statement. [15999] and 2010-11 can be found at: Mr Prisk: The Government published a consultation http://www.hefce.ac.uk/research/funding/ on the Regional Growth Fund, seeking views on how The Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA) the fund should be designed. The consultation closed publishes data annually on the research income received on 6 September and the responses received are now by individual higher education institutions from the being considered with a view to publishing further Funding Councils, Research Councils and from a range information on the design and implementation of the of other public and private sources. The latest available Regional Growth Fund as part of the White Paper on data is for 2008-09: sub-national growth, expected later in the autumn. http://www.hesa.ac.uk/ Research: Finance Road Works: Compensation Mr Gyimah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what research and development Mark Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for grants his Department provides to innovative small Business, Innovation and Skills (1) if his Department businesses; and what arrangements his Department plans will take steps to (a) simplify and (b) standardise the to make for access to such grants after the ending of the current system to compensate businesses for the impact South East of England Development Agency. [16137] of local utilities work; [15650] Mr Willetts: The Government’s current ‘Solutions (2) if his Department will consider the merits of for Business’ portfolio of business support products altering the current compensation payment available to includes the Grant for Research and Development, businesses payable as a result of the impact of local which provides grants of up to £500,000 to support utilities work, so that utilities companies are required businesses in developing new technological products to take into account seasonal business trends as well as and processes, and Innovation Vouchers, which range general business trends. [15651] from £3,000 to £10,000 and can be used by small businesses to support their collaboration with research Norman Baker: I have been asked to reply with reference institutions. to the impact of utility companies’ works carried out in The Government are currently considering options the public highway. for the future delivery of these products within the The Department for Transport has received no recent forthcoming comprehensive spending review. representations proposing changes to existing compensation arrangements, and has no current plans to review or Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State reform them. We are however reviewing the operation for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he plans of street works with a view to lessening their duration, to take to support research and development activity in consistent with safety, and hence their impact on road the UK. [16157] works. 175W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 176W

Royal Mail the future of Royal Mail’s universal service obligation; and if he will make a statement. [16303] Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what environmental Mr Davey: The coalition Government are committed impact assessments have been undertaken for the to the universal postal service and this will be at the proposed Royal Mail sorting office reorganisation, heart of the legislation we are bringing forward shortly. with particular reference to its likely effects on (a) Our firm intention is to maintain the universal service vehicle mileage travelled by employees during working at its current levels, and the same price, same service hours, (b) mileage travelled by employees on their everywhere principle will remain. We will not allow a journeys to and from work and (c) the outsourcing of situation where the level of the universal service for downstream contracts. [15791] Inverness is not the same as that received in Bolton or London. Mr Davey: The Royal Mail always considers the environmental impacts of any operational changes it Trade Unions plans to make before reaching a final decision and takes responsibility for reducing its impact on the environment and preparing for environmental changes in the future. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for This includes working with its people, customers and Business, Innovation and Skills what meetings suppliers in doing the same. Ministers in his Department and its predecessors had The issue the hon. Member has raised is an operational with representatives of trade unions in each month matter for the company’s senior management team. I since May 1997; which unions Ministers met; what have therefore asked the chief executive of Royal Mail, discussions took place on each occasion; and if he will Moya Greene, to respond directly to him and a copy of make a statement. [15735] the reply will be placed in the House Libraries. Mr Davey: Meetings Ministers have had with Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for representatives of trade unions since 12 May are as Business, Innovation and Skills what plans he has for follows:

Minister Date Meeting with Purpose of meeting

Vince Cable 7 June 2010 Communication Workers Union Introductory meeting Vince Cable 14 June 2010 Trades Union Congress Introductory meeting Vince Cable 25 August 2010 Trades Union Congress Regular meeting

David Willetts 21 June 2010 National Union of Students To discuss Higher Education David Willetts 5 July 2010 Universities and Colleges Employers Association To discuss Higher Education David Willetts 21 July 2010 University and College Union To discuss Higher Education David Willetts 30 September 2010 National Union of Students To discuss Higher Education

Mark Prisk 27 July 2010 Trades Union Congress To discuss Regional Development Agencies

John Hayes 6 July 2010 Association of teachers and lecturers Introductory meeting John Hayes 15 July 2010 Universities and colleges union Introductory meeting

Edward Davey 7 June 2010 Communication Workers Union Introductory meeting Edward Davey 8 June 2010 National Federation of Sub Postmasters Introductory meeting Edward Davey 14 June 2010 Trades Union Congress Introductory meeting Edward Davey 7 July 2010 Trades Union Congress Regular meeting Edward Davey 13 July 2010 Postbank Coalition Introductory meeting Edward Davey 20 July 2010 National Federation of Sub Postmasters To discuss postal affairs Edward Davey 20 July 2010 National Farmers Union To discuss consumer issues Edward Davey 3 August 2010 Communication Workers Union To discuss postal affairs Edward Davey 9 September 2010 Communication Workers Union To discuss postal affairs

This information will be published on the BIS public public purse was of travel using private planes by UK website in accordance with Cabinet Office instruction. international trade representatives in (a) 2008-09 and Details of meetings with external organisations have (b) 2009-10. [15796] been published on the BIS public website since October 2009 and continue to be published quarterly.All information prior to this date could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Mr Prisk: The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills incurred no cost for ‘UK International Trade UK Trade and Investment: Aviation Representatives’ using private planes in (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10. Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what the cost to the 177W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 178W

HOME DEPARTMENT Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions she has had with Alcoholic Drinks: Age Verification police officers and professional bodies on the impact that anti-social behaviour orders have had on anti- Mr Alan Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for social behaviour since their introduction. [14403] the Home Department what plans she has to implement the age verification proposals contained in the 2010 Mrs May [holding answer 9 September 2010]: Home Office officials are in constant dialogue with police and mandatory code for alcohol retailers. [15978] other professional bodies about a wide range of issues James Brokenshire: The age verification proposals related to antisocial behaviour, including the effectiveness contained in the 2010 mandatory code for alcohol of tools and powers such as the antisocial behaviour retailers came into force on 1 October 2010. order. Antisocial Behaviour Orders: Cannock Chase Alcoholic Drinks: Prices Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many anti-social behaviour Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for orders were (a) issued and (b) breached in Cannock the Home Department what consideration she has Chase constituency in each of the last three years. given to the merits of establishing a minimum price per [15125] alcohol unit for the retail sale of alcohol. [14909] Nick Herbert: The latest available data on the number James Brokenshire: The Government are currently of antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued and conducting a review of alcohol taxation and pricing, breached covers the period 1 April 1999 to 31 December which is being jointly led by the Home Office and HM 2008. Data collected centrally by the Ministry of Justice Treasury. The review is expected to conclude in late on the number of ASBOs issued and breached are not autumn, and we are unable to pre-empt the results of available below Criminal Justice System (CJS) area this review. level. Antisocial Behaviour Orders: Kent Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions she has had with Tracey Crouch: To ask the Secretary of State for the Ministerial colleagues on the implications of Home Department how many antisocial behaviour competition law for a policy to set a minimum price for orders have been (a) granted and (b) breached in Kent a unit of alcohol. [15849] and Medway in each of the last five years. [15115] Nick Herbert: The number of antisocial behaviour James Brokenshire: The Government are currently orders (ASBOs) issued in the Kent Criminal Justice conducting a review of alcohol taxation and pricing, System (CJS) area and the number proved in court to which is being jointly led by the Home Office and HM have been breached in the Kent CJS area, in each year Treasury. The review is expected to conclude in late between 2004 and 2008 (latest currently available), are autumn. shown in the table. Antisocial Behaviour Figures for Medway are unavailable as data collected centrally by the Ministry of Justice on ASBOs are not Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the available below CJS area level. Home Department if she will bring forward proposals The number of antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) issued all courts1 and the number proved in court to have been breached2 in the Kent Criminal Justice for a national guarantee for (a) swift police force System (CJS) area, 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2008 responses to complaints of anti-social behaviour and CJS area 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 (b) stronger enforcement of antisocial behaviour orders. [14753] Kent Issued 54 44 29 26 13 Nick Herbert [holding answer 13 September 2010]: Breached 5 6 8 11 16 My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced a 1 Includes ASBOs issued on application by magistrates courts acting in their review of antisocial behaviour on 28 July. We will come civil capacity and county courts, which became available on 1 April 1999 and ASBOs made following conviction for a relevant criminal offence at the Crown forward with proposals in due course. court and at magistrates courts (acting in their criminal capacity), which became available on 2 December 2002. Prior to the creation of the Ministry of Antisocial Behaviour Orders Justice on 9 May 2007, numbers of ASBOs issued were reported to Home Office by the Court Service. 2 Breach data from the magistrates court administrative systems in Kent are Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the known to have been under-reported. ASBOs may be breached more than once Home Department with reference to her speech at the and in more than one year. In this table ASBOs are counted once only within the period when they were first breached. Many of these breaches will be as a Coin Street Community Centre on 28 July 2010, what result of an ASBO that was issued in an earlier year. ASBOs may be issued in the evidential basis was for her statement that young one area and breached in another. For these reasons breach rates cannot be computed from the figures presented in this table. Breaches are counted in this people regard an anti-social behaviour order as a badge tablebyareaofissue. of honour. [14045] Note: Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted Mrs May: Research carried out by the Youth Justice from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police Board into anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) in forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection 2006 found that: processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. “ASBOs functioned as a ‘badge of honour’, rather than addressing Source: the causes of the behaviour”. Justice Statistics Analytical Services within the Ministry of Justice. 179W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 180W

Asylum Applications1 received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, by country of nationality, 2000-09 Number of principal applicants Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Country of Home Department how many people from which nationality 2005 2006 2007 2008 20092 countries have claimed asylum in the United Kingdom Gambia 90 110 100 125 210 in the last five years. [15981] Ghana 230 130 120 140 140 Ivory Coast 210 170 100 70 50 Damian Green: The accompanying table shows the Kenya 100 95 115 150 100 number of asylum applications received in the United Liberia 175 50 40 20 15 Kingdom by principal applicants, by country of nationality Libya 125 90 45 45 70 in the last five years. The figures for 2009 are provisional. Nigeria 1,025 790 780 820 680 Information on asylum is published annually and Rwanda 40 20 25 20 25 quarterly.Annual figures on principal asylum applications, Sierra Leone 135 125 85 55 80 by nationality, for the years 2000-09 are available in Somalia 1,760 1,845 1,615 1,345 930 Table 2a of the supplementary tables that accompany Sudan 885 670 330 265 215 the Control of Immigration: Statistics United Kingdom, Tanzania 20 15 20 25 35 2009 bulletin. Latest quarterly figures on principal Uganda 205 165 130 130 155 applications are also available in Table 2a for Quarter two 2010 that accompany the Control of Immigration: Zimbabwe 1,075 1,650 1,800 3,165 5,600 Quarterly Statistical Summary, April to June 2010. Other Africa 735 555 510 600 765 Total Africa 10,885 10,500 8,630 10,270 11,160 Both bulletins are available from the Library of the House and from the Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate web site at: Iran 3,150 2,375 2,210 2,270 1,835 Iraq 1,415 945 1,825 1,850 845 http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration-asylum- Syria 330 160 155 140 stats.html Other 595 660 755 620 465 Applications1 received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding Middle East dependants, by country of nationality, 2000-09 Total Middle 5,490 4,140 4,940 4,895 3,285 Number of principal applicants East Country of nationality 2005 2006 2007 2008 20092 Afghanistan 1,580 2,400 2,500 3,505 3,330 Albania 175 155 165 160 210 Bangladesh 425 440 540 455 440 Macedonia 5 * 25 * 5 China (inc. 1,730 1,945 2,100 1,400 1,185 Moldova11545302015Taiwan) Russia 130 115 80 50 65 India 940 680 510 715 615 Serbia and 155 70 n/a n/a n/a Pakistan 1,145 965 1,030 1,230 1,300 Montenegro4 Sri Lanka 395 525 990 1,475 1,115 Turkey 755 425 210 195 185 Vietnam 380 90 165 230 465 Ukraine 55 50 40 30 50 Other Asia 320 270 740 535 380 EU 130 95 25 5 15 and Oceania Accession Total Asia 6,915 7,315 8,570 9,550 8,839 States3 and Oceania Other 265 220 155 180 145 Former Other and 105 55 75 75 110 USSR not known Other 30 35 95 95 45 Grand Total 25,710 23,610 23,430 25,930 24,485 Europe4 n/a = Not applicable Total Europe 1,810 1,210 825 740 735 1 Figures rounded to the nearest 5 (— = 0, *= 1 or 2) and may not sum to the totals shown because of independent rounding. Colombia 70 60 30 25 20 2 Provisional figures 3 Serbia (inc. Kosovo) and Montenegro counted under ″Other Ecuador 10 15 10 15 5 Europe″ from 2007. Jamaica 325 215 240 240 200 4 EU Accession States: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Other 100 95 115 130 140 Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Americas Slovenia. Figures in 2000 exclude Malta but include Cyprus Total 505 385 390 405 365 (Northern part of). Americas Asylum: Deportation Algeria 255 225 260 345 235 Angola 145 95 95 80 45 Burundi 90 35 25 15 20 Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for the Cameroon 290 260 160 115 90 Home Department pursuant to the answer of 6 Congo 65 45 25 25 35 September 2010, Official Report, column 35W, on Dem. Rep. 1,080 570 370 335 205 asylum: deportation, how much the UK Border of Congo Agency has spent on cancellation fees in respect of (a) Eritrea 1,760 2,585 1,810 2,255 1,350 scheduled and (b) chartered flights in the last 12 Ethiopia 385 200 90 130 105 months. [15478] 181W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 182W

Damian Green: The amount spent on cancellation Nick Herbert: Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) fees for removals using scheduled flights from the United and other local partnerships have played a strong role in Kingdom (UK) in the last 12 months (commencing preventing crime and we want them to continue to do from l September 2009 until 31 August 2010) is not so. In order to free local partners from central bureaucracy readily available. Since May our service providers have we are considering whether we can repeal some of the been contractually obliged to produce management more prescriptive elements of CSP regulations. In addition, information on cancellation costs. As such we are able the new Police and Crime Commissioners will be enabled to provide costs from May 10 to August 10 (see table). to play a considerable role in relation to community However to calculate the amount spent on cancellation safety, and the Government are currently consulting fees for removals from the United Kingdom using scheduled publicly on how Commissioners can best work with flights prior to May 10 would require detailed analysis criminal justice and community safety partners. of management information captured and this could be We have recently considered the available international done only at disproportionate cost. evidence of the effectiveness of partnership working in a crime and disorder context and concluded that it Departures in month Cancellation costs (£) supports the general principle that collaborative working 2010 between partners is more effective in reducing and May 18,243.10 preventing crime than agencies working alone; there is also some evidence that working in partnership has the June 21,980.00 potential to create efficiency savings by reducing duplication July 40,319.00 and fragmentation of services. August 18,204.00 Total costs 98,746.10 Note: All figures given are internal management information and Counter-Terrorism subject to change. They have not yet been fully accounted or reconciled. UKBA also spent £291,826.00 on cancellation fees as Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for the part of our contractual obligations for cancelled charter Home Department pursuant to the statement of 13 flights. July 2010, Official Report, columns 797-98, on counter-terrorism and security powers, when she Asylum: Evictions expects to announce the membership of the team conducting her Department’s review of counter- terrorism and security powers. [12127] Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many failed asylum seekers Nick Herbert: As set out in the Terms of Reference have been evicted from their homes in Leeds North for the review, which were placed in both House Libraries West constituency before being deported from the UK on 23 July 2010, the review is being conducted by the in the last 12 months. [16066] Office of Security and Counter-Terrorism in the Home Office with the full involvement of the police, the security Damian Green: No failed asylum seekers have been and intelligence agencies, the Crown Prosecution Service evicted from their homes in Leeds North West before and other Government Departments including those in being deported from the UK in the last 12 months. Scotland and Northern Ireland. Independent oversight of the review will be provided by Lord Macdonald of Community Safety Partnerships River Glaven who will ensure that the review is properly conducted, that all the relevant options have been considered and that the recommendations of the review are fair Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for the and balanced. Home Department what plans she has for future funding of community safety partnerships. [13827] Counter-terrorism: Powers Nick Herbert: Future funding for community safety work will be decided as part of the Government’s Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home spending review, which will be published on 20 October Department what steps she plans to take to ensure the 2010. We cannot speculate on the outcome of that proportionate use by public authorities of powers review before it is finalised, except to be clear that the available to them under anti-terrorism legislation. Government’s priority is to cut the deficit and get the [13239] economy moving again. In the consultation document ’Policing in the 21st Nick Herbert: The Government are committed to Century: Reconnecting Police and the People’, the ensuring that there are safeguards within the legislation Government announced that they were considering giving to prevent the misuse of counter terrorism and security police and crime commissioners a role in commissioning legislation. community safety work. This will also be subject to the My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced outcome of the spending review, as well as the consultation. a review of counter terrorism and security powers and measures on 13 July 2010, Official Report, columns Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for the 797-809. The purpose of the review is to look at the Home Department what plans she has for the future of balance between security and civil liberties in relation to community safety partnerships (CSPs); and what the most sensitive and controversial powers and, consistent recent assessment she has made of the value for money with protecting the public and where possible, to reduce of CSPs. [13828] the powers assumed by the state. 183W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 184W

Crime Mrs May: The Government want to support the public to take a more active role in keeping neighbourhoods Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the safe by working in partnership with the police. We have Home Department what account the review of the published a consultation document, “Policing in the British Crime Survey will take of recent trends in 21st Century”, setting out proposed national changes official crime statistics. [14755] to policing. These include encouraging citizens to play their part through joint patrols with the police, looking Nick Herbert [holding answer 13 September 2010]: out for their neighbours and passing on safety tips as The recent trends in official crime statistics will not part of Neighbourhood Watch groups or as community form part of the review. It will consider the coverage, crime fighters. Officials have had discussions with police publication and governance of all Home Office crime partners, community crime fighters and others to develop statistics including the British Crime Survey. these ideas. Following the end of the consultation period on Crime and Disorder (Overview and Scrutiny) 20 September we will consider next steps, including any Regulations 2009 costs of implementation.

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Crime: Offensive Weapons Home Department whether the requirements under the Crime and Disorder (Overview and Scrutiny) Regulations 2009 for the designated scrutiny committees to meet Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home with responsible authorities in connection with the discharge Department how many crimes involving (a) knives and of their crime and disorder functions at least once a (b) firearms were recorded in each postcode area in year will apply to GP consortia. [15996] each London local authority in 2009-10. [16197]

Nick Herbert: Primary care trusts (PCTs) are currently James Brokenshire: Data on knife and firearms offences one of the six responsible authorities which comprise are collected by the Home Office at police force area Community Safety Partnerships; collectively the partners level. They cannot be broken down to local authority or have a statutory duty to develop and implement strategies postcode area level. to reduce crime and disorder, and to reduce reoffending. In 2009-10, 12,570 offences involving the use of a The work of Community Safety Partnerships is subject knife or sharp instrument were recorded by London to formal scrutiny under provisions in the Police and police forces—12,560 by the Metropolitan police and Justice Act 2006 (supplemented by the Crime and Disorder 10 by City of London police. (Overview and Scrutiny) Regulations 2009). The NHS 2009-10 data for police recorded firearms offences White paper ‘Equity and excellence: Liberating the will be published in January 2011. NHS’, which was published in July 2010, announced the abolition of PCTs and the creation of GP consortia and other new arrangements. The legislation governing Criminal Records CSPs will be updated in accordance with any changes that take place. Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of Crime and Security Act 2010 State for the Home Department what recent estimate she has made of the average time taken for an organisation to obtain the results of Criminal Record Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Bureau checks; what steps she plans to take to reduce Home Department when she plans to make the time taken to undertake such checks; and if she will commencement orders in relation to the Crime and make a statement. [15621] Security Act 2010. [14135] Lynne Featherstone [holding answer 16 September Mrs May: The Home Office is reviewing legislation 2010]: The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) was established that has yet to be commenced, including the Crime and under Part V of the Police Act 1997 and was launched Security Act 2010. A decision will be made on in 2002. The service provided by the CRB enables commencement of the Act in due course. organisations across England and Wales in the public, Crime Prevention private and voluntary sectors to make safer recruitment decisions by identifying candidates who may be unsuitable Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the for certain work, especially roles that involve working Home Department (1) what discussions she has had with children and vulnerable adults. with (a) police forces and (b) professional bodies on The performance of the CRB is measured against a her plans to encourage active citizens to become number of Published Service Standards (PSS) which community crime fighters; [14055] include to issue 95% of Standard CRB checks within 10 (2) pursuant to chapter 5 of her Department’s days and 90% of Enhanced CRB checks within 28 days. consultation on policing in the 21st century, what plans In the last period for which figures are available, she has to encourage active citizens to become August 2010, the number of days the CRB took on community crime fighters; and what estimate she has average to complete an Enhanced check is 27.7. This made of the cost of implementing such proposals, with figure includes the data for Enhanced applications handled particular reference to the cost of (a) mobilising by the CRB where the data provided on the application activists, (b) training, (c) information, (d) publicity form are complete and there is no requirement to write and (e) support. [14056] to the registered body for clarification of information. 185W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 186W

The average length of time taken to process a Standard Receipt (£) certificate is unavailable as the data are not collated by the bureau. Standard applications represent only 4% of Home Office all applications received and the CRB are currently Horseferry House, London SW1 32,000,000 exceeding their PSS in relation to these checks, issuing House, Sedgefield, County Durham 40,000 99.8% in 10 days. At present the CRB is issuing 88.2% of Enhanced NPIA certificates within the 28-day PSS. There can, however, Former Police Training Centre, 5,000,000 be a number of factors that can affect the timely completion Warrington, Cheshire of CRB checks, including but not restricted to: Former Police Training Centre, Ashford, 4,600,000 Kent the length of time it can take for an employer to deal with and submit the initial application; The Home Secretary’s official residence at 62 South the accurate completion of the application form; Eaton Place London SW1 was sold at close to the the clarity of the information provided, and asking price of £4.0 million. The exact price is subject the existence of conviction or non-conviction information and to a confidentiality agreement requested by the purchaser. the operational effectiveness of the disclosure units of the In addition, two sites were transferred to the Ministry police forces involved in the CRB checking process. of Justice for potential prison use. Current values of the sites sold are not known. Receipts were retained by my The CRB works very closely with the police in demand Department. planning and addressing the problems associated with delays. It does this by: Departmental Billing working with police forces on issues such as recruitment needs and lead-in times, retention of staff, IT systems and capacity, Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for the accommodation constraints and local force vacancies; Home Department what the average cost to her Department where police forces get into difficulty the CRB support them in was of processing the payment of an invoice in the developing recovery plans to reduce the build up of work, and latest period for which figures are available; and what proactively manage and report performance on a weekly basis proportion of invoices settled in that period her Department across all police forces paid (a) electronically and (b) by cheque. [16167] Over the past 12 months the CRB have been working Nick Herbert: The Home Office processes its invoices with forces to reduce the backlog of older cases. through the Ministry of Justice Shared Service Centre. The average cost for 2009-10 (the latest full year Dentention Centres: Children figures available) was £6.98 per invoice. This was the cost of the Shared Service Centre teams directly involved Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home with processing the invoice and their share of the overheads. Department what steps she plans to take to end the The proportion of invoices paid electronically during detention of children of asylum seekers; and if she will 2009-10 was 98.48% and the proportion paid by cheque make a statement. [15389] during 2009-10 was 1.52%. This is the last full financial year data available. Damian Green: The Government are committed to Departmental Consultants ending the detention of children for immigration purposes. I am having ongoing discussions with the UK Border Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for the Agency about how this can be achieved in a way which Home Department what the (a) average and (b) highest promotes the welfare of children while ensuring the daily rate paid to consultants by her Department was in return of families who have no right to be in the UK. each of the last five years. [13059] Significant progress has been made and we are now piloting new approaches that involve options based on Nick Herbert: The Home Department’s commercial keeping families with children in the community. We are objectives require consultancy services to be commissioned also continuing to work on alternative ways of securing in terms of defined output, not in terms of individuals the removal of those families who refuse to comply with assigned by the firms in question. our new approach. Using Buying Solution frameworks, the Department competes each requirement. The competition and any Departmental Assets negotiation ensure that value for money is achieved. It does not therefore agree daily rates. The Department has maintained significant focus in this area in the Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home financial years 2009-10 and 2010-11, which has resulted Department which former (a) buildings and (b) land in spend in this category reducing by 33% in Q1 this owned by (i) her Department and (ii) (A) non- financial year 2010-11, compared to the same period in departmental public bodies and (B) agencies for which the last financial year. her Department is responsible have been sold since Departmental Contracts May 2005; what the sale price of each was at the time of sale; and to which body the funds from the sale Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the accrued in each case. [12328] Home Department what the monetary value is of contracts her Department has awarded to each (a) management Nick Herbert: Asset receipts shown in the accounts consultancy and (b) IT company since 7 May 2010. since May 2005 were: [16181] 187W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 188W

James Brokenshire: The monetary value of each contract Nick Herbert: The information requested is not available awarded by the Home Office to each (a) management as Home Office systems for recording expenses do not consultancy and each (b) IT company since 7 May specifically record transport-related fines. 2010 is as follows: However, Home Office travel policy specifically mentions that financial penalties for motoring offences (including Supplier Contract value parking) are not reimbursable. (£) (a) Management NBPA 500 Departmental Furniture consultancy (a) Management Nicolas Parker Ltd. 17,500 consultancy Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) IT company Byg Systems 35,608 the Home Department how many chairs her (b) IT company Experiments 20,000 Department has purchased in each year since 1997; how much it spent in each such year; and what the five Departmental Fines most expensive chairs purchased in each such year were. [12796] Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many transport-related fines Nick Herbert: From available records, the following her Department has settled on behalf of its staff in table lists the requested information for the Department’s each year since 2005; and what the cost to the public headquarters at 2 Marsham street. Earlier information purse was in each such year. [13297] is not available.

2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 Number £ Number £ Number £ Number £ Number £

Number and 412 112,249 49 20,293 8 4,019 4 2,468 68 27,017 costs of chairs

Five most 2 780 1 595 1 765 1 685 1 690 expensive chairs (number purchased) 1 774 4 431 1 694 1 684 2 675 2 286 1 659 1 678 1 655 1 427 1 423 1 652 1 416

The additional chairs were generally purchased to The UK Border Agency came into existence as an enable additional staff to relocate to 2 Marsham street executive agency of the Home Office on 1 April, 2009 resulting in substantial cost savings from the disposal of and there are no recorded costs for the requested period. other offices. However, the Home Office spent £323,983 in 2005-06, The majority of the most expensive chairs were acquired of which £67,788 was incurred by the Immigration and following occupational health assessments recommending Nationality Directorate, that part of the Department the provision of orthopaedic chairs to meet users’ specific whose roles and responsibilities were assumed by UK needs. This enables the Department to meet its duty of Border Agency. care to its staff and to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much her Department spent on hospitality for events hosted by each Minister in her Departmental Official Hospitality Department in July 2010. [14937]

Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the James Brokenshire: The Home Office did not incur Home Department how much was spent under each any relevant expenditure during July 2010. budgetary heading by (a) her Department and (b) the UK Border Agency on hospitality in 2005-06. [13352] Departmental Press

Nick Herbert: Home Office expenditure on official Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for the hospitality and entertainment conforms to departmental Home Department how much her Department spent guidance on financial procedures and propriety, which on newspapers, periodicals and trade profession complies with the principles of Managing Public Money magazines in each year since 1997. [16227] and HM Treasury’s Regularity and Propriety handbook. Hospitality is defined as the provision of food, drink Nick Herbert: The answer to this question is provided and entertainment of non-civil servants where it is in the following table. It covers the period 1999-2009. beneficial to the interests of the Department. Figures before 1999 are not available. 189W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 190W

This year we have been able to access more information Expenditure on newspapers and journals for period 1999-2010 that has enabled us to provide more details than we did £ in answering a similar question answered on 31 March 2003 26,734 2010, Official Report, columns 1075-76W. 2004 41,056 The figures from 2006 onwards are taken from a 2005 42,277 corporate framework agreement which gives improved 2006 116,237 value for money when compared to previous arrangements. 2007 102,277 This framework agreement includes figures for the 2008 80,190 UK Border Agency and it is not possible to separate 2009 63,479 out their expenditure from this figure. The other Executive 2010 37,745 agencies do not yet use this framework and so are not included. The figures provided reflect the functions with the Departmental Rents Home Office during the listed years. Machinery of government changes and internal departmental Mr Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home restructuring has led to changes in the size and functions Department how much was paid by her Department in of the Department. As a consequence direct comparison rent for properties in (a) total and (b) each (i) region year on year is very difficult. and (ii) nation of the UK in each of the last five years. Expenditure on newspapers and journals for period 1999-2010 [12329] £ Nick Herbert: The Department’s centrally controlled 1999 13,086 rent payments (rounded) for the last five years excluding 2000 14,676 agencies and PFI contracts, and split across London, 2001 24,981 Scotland and regions where properties are rented, were 2002 23,359 as follows:

£ million £000 East of West Total London North West South West East Midlands England Midlands Scotland

2005-06 6.4 6.0 0 42 279 0 18 51 2006-07 6.1 5.8 0 42 279 0 18 51 2007-08 6.3 5.130 647 42 327 69 18 51 2008-09 6.4 5.130 647 42 410 69 18 51 2009-10 6.5 5.3 647 42 410 69 18 51

London rents are expected to fall substantially in the 2010, Official Report, column 44W, on deportation: next three years. children, which holds and techniques have been used on Departmental Travel children by (a) staff in immigration detention centres and (b) UK Border Agency escort providers since January 2009. [15726] Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate her Department has Damian Green: Further to my answer of 6 September made of its expenditure on travel undertaken in an 2010, officers are required to complete a report for any official capacity by each Minister in her Department in occasion where a detainee is restrained which must be (i) May 2010 and (ii) June 2010. [8239] passed to the relevant UK Border Agency contract monitor. The report requires officers to set out the Nick Herbert: The total cost of travel incurred by the circumstances of the situation and to justify why restraint Home Department for the Home Secretary and other was necessary. It does not, however, require them to Home Office Ministers travelling in an official capacity stipulate the exact holds and techniques used and the is as follows: information sought is therefore not recorded. £ Deportation: Offenders Home Secretary May 2010 1,328 Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the June 2010 0 Home Department how many foreign national prisoners (a) were deported in 2009 and (b) have been Home Office Ministers deported in 2010 to date. [15644] May 2010 18,127 June 2010 54,060 Damian Green: The UK Border Agency has published statistics that show: Deportation: Children (a) 5,530 foreign national prisoners were deported or removed from the UK in 2009. Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for the (b) 1,225 foreign national prisoners were deported or removed in Home Department pursuant to the answer of 6 September quarter 1 for 2010 and 1,200 in quarter 2 for 2010. 191W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 192W

These figures have been extracted from the ‘Control Domestic Violence of Immigration: UK Statistics’ reports for 2009 and 2010, which can be accessed at: Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for the http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration-asylum- Home Department what steps her Department is stats.html taking to assist victims of domestic violence. [9799]

Detention Centres: Children Lynne Featherstone: We are currently working across Government to discuss the best approach to tackle Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the violence against women and girls, including domestic Home Department pursuant to page 21 of the violence and will be publishing a Strategy in the spring. Coalition Agreement, what steps she plans to take to end the detention of children for immigration We have already committed to the following; purposes. [15397] An extension to a Home Office pilot project for victims of domestic violence with no recourse to public funds until the end [holding answer 14 September 2010]: of March 2011 and a commitment to find a long-term funding Damian Green solution to the issue. The Government are committed to ending the detention of children for immigration purposes. Our aim is to £3.5 million in 2010-11 to contribute to the funding of Independent Domestic Violence Advisers, Multi Agency Risk Assessment achieve this in a way which promotes the welfare of Conferences and some wider work to tackle violence against children while ensuring the return of families who have women. no right to be in the UK. Significant progress has been made and we are now piloting new approaches. We are Funding contributions to a network of Help lines in 2010-11. also continuing to work on alternative ways of securing the removal of those families who refuse to comply with Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the our new approach. Home Department (1) what assessment she has made of the effect on levels of domestic violence of halting the implementation of domestic violence protection Detention Centres: Parents orders; [14046] Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home (2) what discussions she has had with (a) police Department what steps she plans to take to ensure that forces, (b) the Association of Chief Police Officers, (c) parents in immigration detention are not separated the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, (d) Women’s Aid and (e) other professional from their children. [15722] bodies on the effect of halting the implementation of Damian Green: The UK Border Agency has a policy domestic violence protection orders; [14047] of not separating children from both parents, or from (3) what powers police forces have to protect women one in the case of a single-parent family, for immigration who report domestic violence in cases where there is purposes other than in exceptional cases. insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges; [14048] For example, there may be circumstances where a (4) what the estimated saving to the public purse is of prisoner, who is also a parent, is released from prison her decision to halt the implementation of domestic and a decision is made to maintain their detention violence protection orders. [14404] under immigration powers in order to effect their deportation. Such assessments are made on a case by Lynne Featherstone [holding answer 9 September 2010]: case basis taking into account public and child protection We are committed to tackling violence against women concerns. and girls. We have deferred, not halted, the pilot scheme However, family separations may occur for other of the domestic violence protection order (DVPO) so reasons, such as for child protection purposes (which we could understand their potential impact better and would be a matter for local authority children’s services) be sure that they would work before committing public or where the parent has chosen to split the family by funds. deliberately hiding the whereabouts of their children. We have had representations from a range of Where children are missing the UK Border Agency will organisations and will keep the Association of Chief work with other statutory agencies, such as the police Police Officers and other partners involved in discussions and local authorities, to try to locate the children and about this. In the meantime the police and courts have a reunite them with their parent. wide range of powers available to them to deal with domestic violence through the criminal justice process DNA: Databases including the setting of bail conditions. Where there is insufficient evidence to bring civil charges a range of Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the civil powers are available to the courts to protect victims, Home Department what assessment she has made of including non-molestation and occupation orders. the likely effects on police time and resources of the The costs of implementing DVPOs across England move to the Scottish model of DNA retention as and Wales would be impacted by a range of factors, referred to in the Coalition Agreement. [14134] including take-up, and it is not possible to accurately estimate these until a pilot has taken place and been Mrs May: Police time and resources will be taken into evaluated. The estimated cost for piloting the scheme consideration as part of the policy development process within two police force areas was £700,000 based on an and a full impact assessment will be published alongside assumption of 250-300 possible applications for DVPOs the Freedom Bill when it is introduced. across a six to 12-month period over the two areas. 193W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 194W

In tough economic times, the Government have to Damian Green: Since the e-Borders contract was consider options for delivering improved protection terminated on 22 July 2010 due to significant and and value for money across all aspects of their work as persistent breaches of contract by Raytheon Systems part of the spending review. We will give further Limited, it has been necessary to develop a strategy to consideration to work in this area once the outcome of procure services to replace those under the original the spending review in known. e-Borders contract. This will include rigorous assessment of value for money. Mrs Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether she has made a recent Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the estimate of the proportion of single parents who have Home Department what timescale she has set for experienced domestic violence in the last 12 months; securing an alternative supplier to deliver the e-Borders [14777] programme following the termination of the contract (2) if she will estimate the proportion of domestic with Raytheon. [16011] violence incidents attended by police in the latest year for which figures are available in respect of which the Damian Green: No time scale has been set for securing offender was aged (a) under 16, (b) between 16 and an alternative supplier to deliver the e-Borders programme; 18, (c) between 18 and 30 and (d) 30 years or older; we are working with the existing supplier, Raytheon [14778] Systems Ltd, and other companies to conclude (3) if she will estimate the proportion of domestic arrangements in this regard and this will enable planning violence incidents attended by police for the most to be finalised and determine the applicable timetable. recent year for which figures are available in respect of which the offender was found to be under the influence Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the of (a) alcohol and (b) drugs. [14779] Home Department what timescale she has set for the completion of the e-Borders programme. [16012] Lynne Featherstone: Although the Home Office does not hold information in the exact form specified, Damian Green: No time scale has been set for completion information on domestic violence and domestic abuse is of the e-Borders programme as this will be determined collected by the British Crime Survey (BCS) through by approval of the business case through applicable both face-to-face interviews and through a self-completion governance mechanisms. module given to respondents. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the The most recent figures for each question with the Home Department what timescale she has set for closest available data are as follows: the inclusion of passenger name record checks in the According to the 2007-08 BCS self-completion module, e-Borders programme. [16013] 15.7% of men and 17.7% of women living alone with one or more children had been victims of domestic Damian Green: Passenger name record checks are abuse in the last 12 months. presently being considered for inclusion in the programme According to the 2009-10 BCS, in incidents of domestic as part of the business case process; no time scale has violence: been set for the inclusion of these checks in the e-Borders 3% of incidents included an offender aged under 16; programme as this is dependent on approval of the 28% of incidents included an offender aged 16 to 24; business case. 40% of incidents included an offender aged 25 to 39; 30% of incidents included an offender aged 40 or older. Firearms According to the 2008-09 BCS self-completion module, 27% of victims of partner abuse in the past 12 months Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the perceived that the offender was under the influence of Home Department what statistics her Department alcohol at the time of the incident (or the most recent collates about the use in crime of legally-held firearms. incident if they were victim of more than one) and 10% [16130] perceived that the offender was under the influence of drugs. James Brokenshire: The Home Office collects data on the number of offences in which firearms were reported E-Borders Programme. to have been used. Since April 2007, homicides that were committed using a licensed firearm are reported to Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the the Home Office. For all other offence types, it is not Home Department whether her Department plans to possible to determine whether the weapons involved include an automated authority to carry function in the were held on certificate. e-Borders programme. [16009] From 1986 to 1996-97, firearm offences data collected centrally did not include reference to whether weapons Damian Green: It remains an option to include an were held legally or illegally. Attempts were made between automated authority to carry function in the e-Borders 1997-98 and 2003-04 to collect this data, but there were programme; however, there are no current plans to concerns over their quality and it is not in a form deploy this functionality. suitable for publication. There is a difficulty for the police being able to identify whether a firearm used in Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the an offence was legally or illegally held, particularly if Home Department what steps she is taking to reduce that firearm was not retrieved. As a result, the data for the overall cost of the e-Borders programme. [16010] this period were not published. Because of these concerns, 195W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 196W and following consultation with police force representatives, We can provide details of the aggregate Home Office the data ceased to be collected centrally from 1 April contribution to the Dedicated Security Post (DSP) Grant, 2004. which provides a contribution towards the cost of police officers and staff who carry out protection duties. These Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the duties relate to the protection of members of the Royal Home Department how many firearms of each Family and their residences, and the protection of public category were reported stolen during 2009-10. [16131] figures, and their official and private residences. In 2009-10, £132 million was spent under the DSP grant. James Brokenshire: The Home Office collects data on For 2010-11, the DSP grant is £128 million. firearms that are misappropriated. Misappropriated firearms Before 2009-10, the DSP funding stream also included are defined as those stolen, obtained by fraud or forgery, a contribution to Special Branch policing at ports, or handled dishonestly. Final figures for 2009-10 will be counter-terrorism security advisers and policing of critical published in January 2011. national infrastructure sites which are now funded by the Counter-Terrorism Specific Grant. An audited, Firearms: Licensing disaggregated breakdown for the DSP spends for prior periods is not available. Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the with (a) the Association of Chief Police Officers and Home Department how much her Department spent (b) the British Medical Association on mental health on protection and security for (a) Tony Blair, (b) Sir issues and firearms licensing; and if she will make a John Major and (c) Baroness Thatcher in each year statement. [14112] since 2007. [15775]

Mrs May: Ministers have met representatives of the Nick Herbert: We are unable to provide detailed Association of Chief Police Officers to discuss firearms information on the cost of security to protected individuals, licensing issues, and are aware of their discussions with including former Prime Ministers. To do so would the medical associations about the possibility of placing compromise the integrity of the security arrangements a marker on NHS patient records so that a GP will of the individuals concerned. know whether a patient has access to firearms and can We can provide details of the aggregate Home Office notify the police of any concerns about a certificate contribution for the dedicated security post (DSP) grant holder’s suitability.The Government are following progress which provides a contribution towards the cost of police closely and will feed this into subsequent work on gun officers and staff who carry out protection duties. These controls. duties relate to the protection of members of the royal family and their residences; and the protection of public Former Ministers: Security figures, and their official and private residences. In 2009-10, £132 million was spent under the DSP grant. Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for For 2010-11, the DSP grant is £128 million. the Home Department how much her Department Before 2009-10, the DSP grant also included a spent on protection and security for (a) Tony Blair, (b) contribution to special branch policing at ports, counter- Sir John Major and (c) Baroness Thatcher in 2009. terrorism security advisers and policing of critical national [11731] infrastructure sites which are now funded by the counter- terrorism specific grant. An audited, disaggregated Nick Herbert [holding answer 27 July 2010]: The breakdown for the DSP spends is not available. Dedicated Security Post (DSP) Grant provided by the Home Office is a contribution to fund specialist police Google: Data Protection roles which relate exclusively, to the protection of members of the royal family and their residences; and the protection Mark Reckless: To ask the Secretary of State for the of public figures, and their official and private residences. Home Department what recent representations she has The DSP grant for 2009-10 was £132 million. received on interception of wireless communications data by Google Street View; which agency has We do not provide detailed information regarding the responsibility for (a) investigating and (b) prosecuting allocation of the DSP grant to individual police forces breaches of the law in respect of unauthorised or the amount of contribution for each individual or interception of wireless communications; and if she otherwise provide a further breakdown. Disclosure of will make a statement. [14385] such information could compromise the integrity of these arrangements and affect the security of the individuals Nick Herbert: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary concerned. has received no recent representations about interception of wireless communications data by Google Street View. Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for the The police are responsible for investigating cases of Home Department what estimate she has made of the unlawful interception of communications and the Crown cost of security provision for each former Cabinet Prosecution Service for prosecuting those cases. Minister receiving protection since 2000. [14145] HM Inspectorate of Constabulary Nick Herbert: We are unable to provide detailed information on the cost of security to protected individuals, Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for the including former Cabinet Ministers. To do so would Home Department what the outcome was of her compromise the integrity of the security arrangements meeting with HM Inspectorate of Constabulary on 6 of the individuals concerned. September 2010. [15808] 197W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 198W

Nick Herbert: The Ministry of Justice and HM Court proceedings data for 2009 are planned for Inspectorate of Constabulary have advised that they are publication on 21 October 2010. Data for 2010 will not unaware of any meeting between the Secretary of State be available until 2011. for Justice and Sir Denis O’Connor, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary on 6 September 2010. Illegal Immigrants However, a meeting did occur on this date between myself and Sir Denis O’Connor. This meeting was Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the arranged to discuss a forthcoming workshop on the Home Department how many illegal immigrants to the current arrangements for assessing police performance UK who have been convicted of offences related to with policing representatives and officials. The outcome unlawful entry to the UK in the last three years have of the meeting was that the agenda and handling for the not been deported from the UK; and if she will make a workshop was developed. No policy decisions were statement. [15741] reached. Damian Green [holding answer 16 September 2010]: Human Trafficking Between January 2007 and December 2009, 24,300 illegal entrants were detected by Border Force officers at the UK border. Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the evidential basis is for the Of the 24,300 illegal entrants detected, 23,436 were Government’s decision not to opt-in to the provisions removed or deported. A detailed annual breakdown is of the European Directive on trafficking in human provided in the following table: beings. [15693] Illegal entrants Illegal entrants Percentage Damian Green [holding answer 16 September 2010]: detected removed/deported removed/deported The Government decided not to opt in to the directive 2007 5,981 5,778 97 at the outset, but to review the position once the directive 2008 8,983 8,643 96 has been implemented. We still have the option of 2009 9,336 9,015 97 applying to opt in at a later stage. Total 24,300 23,436 97 In reaching this decision, the Government considered whether the directive would make a practical difference Of those illegal entrants detected by UK Border to the way the UK fights trafficking and whether it Agency officers at the UK border who are not removed contained operational co-operation measures from which or deported, a number will have been granted asylum or the UK would benefit. another form of discretionary leave. The information used to answer this question has Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the been taken from a live database and is therefore subject Home Department what steps she plans to take to to change. Removals and voluntary departures recorded tackle human trafficking. [16058] on the system are as at the dates on which the data extracts are taken. Figures may change due to data Damian Green: Combating human trafficking is a key cleansing and data matching exercises that may take priority for the coalition Government. We are committed place after extracts are taken. to tackling the organised crime groups who profit from Illegal Immigrants: Deportation this human misery, and to the protection of victims. In addition to ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies and NGO partners in combating trafficking, Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the the Government are committed to creating a National Home Department how many illegal immigrants from Crime Agency, which will help combat organised crime, each country of origin have been served with including trafficking, more effectively.We are also reviewing deportation orders in each year since 1997; how many (a) (b) victim care arrangements, including the National Referral have appealed successfully and unsuccessfully Mechanism which helps identify victims and refer them against an order in each such year; and how many for support. unsuccessful appellants (i) succeeded and (ii) did not succeed at tribunal hearings in each such year. [15779] Human Trafficking: Prostitution Damian Green [holding answer 16 September 2010]: While the UK Border Agency captures information John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for relating to illegal immigrants, removals and appeals, the Home Department how many people have been our standard reports do not capture all three of the charged with offences of controlling sex workers for elements listed within the question. To do so would gain in London since 1 January 2010. [16075] require a new report to be built linking two databases, which would incur a disproportionate cost. James Brokenshire: Information on charging is not held centrally, data on arrest or defendants proceeded Illegal Immigrants: Public Expenditure against at magistrates court are normally provided in lieu. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the The arrests collection held by the Home Office covers Home Department what the average cost to the public arrests for recorded crime (notifiable offences), broken purse was of one day’s detention of an illegal immigrant down at a main offence group level only, therefore in the latest period for which figures are available; how arrests data are not available at the level of detail many such immigrants had been detained for (a) up to required. three months, (b) up to six months, (c) up to 12 months 199W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 200W and (d) 12 months and over on the latest date for which Nick Herbert: Of the 46 English and Welsh forces figures are available; and if she will make a statement. (including the islands), 35 provided at least one quarterly [15778] return to the UK Missing Persons Bureau in 2009-10. 16 police forces provided a return for all four quarters. Damian Green [holding answer 16 September 2010]: List 1 provides the individual breakdown. We would prefer that people with no basis of stay left Of the eight Scottish police forces, four provided at the UK voluntarily. least one quarterly return to the UK Missing Persons Detention is, however, an essential part of our ability Bureau in 2009-10. Two police forces provided a return to enforce an effective immigration control. It is generally for all four quarters. List 2 provides the individual used where we need to establish a person’s nationality breakdown. or identity, to consider applications for asylum from The variation in supplying data reflects the staged those claims which can be concluded quickly, to remove implementation of the Code of Practice requiring data those with no basis of stay who have either failed or to be provided. Police forces have shown willing in refused to leave the UK, or to hold those committed of working towards full compliance and the Bureau is serious offences pending their deportation. supporting them through this transition. The average daily cost of detaining a person in an List 1: English and Welsh police force quarterly returns immigration removal centre (IRC) is £110. to the Missing Persons Bureau in 2009-10 The UK Border Agency seeks to keep length of Police forces providing at least one quarterly return detention to the minimum period although where it Avon and Somerset Constabulary does become prolonged, it is invariably because the Bedfordshire Police detainee is failing to co-operate with the removal process, including providing incomplete or false information Cambridgeshire Constabulary about their identity. Cheshire Constabulary The latest published information on persons detained Cleveland Police solely under Immigration Act powers by length of detention Cumbria Police are available in the table 3.11 of the Control of Immigration: Derbyshire Constabulary Quarterly Statistical Summary, United Kingdom, April- Devon and Cornwall Police June 2010 in the Library of the House and the Home Essex Police Office’s Research, Development and Statistics website Greater Manchester Police at: Gwent Police http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration-asylum- Hampshire Constabulary stats.html Hertfordshire Constabulary Immigration Humberside Police Kent Police Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Lancashire Constabulary Home Department what estimate she has made of the Leicestershire Constabulary number of people with pending applications for Lincolnshire Police indefinite leave to remain who have been in the UK for Merseyside Police (a) up to five years, (b) between five and 10 years and Metropolitan Police Service (c) 15 years or more. [15980] Norfolk Constabulary Damian Green: This information is not available from Northamptonshire Police the UK Border Agency’s Case Information Database Northumbria Police (CID) as the information requested is not recorded in a North Wales Police format that can be retrieved by running Management Nottinghamshire Police Information (MI) reports. South Wales Police Miscarriages of Justice: Freedom of Information South Yorkshire Police Staffordshire Police Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Suffolk Constabulary Home Department how many requests for information Surrey Police under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 relating to Sussex Police cases of alleged miscarriage of justice have been Thames Valley Police refused by each police authority in each year since the Warwickshire Police Act’s entry into force. [15427] West Midlands Police Nick Herbert [holding answer 15 September 2010]: West Mercia Police This information is not held centrally. Police forces that provided a return for each quarter Avon and Somerset Constabulary Missing Persons Cambridgeshire Constabulary Cheshire Constabulary Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which police forces supply data to Hertfordshire Constabulary the Missing Persons Bureau for the quarterly and Humberside Police annual data reports on missing people. [15891] Lancashire Constabulary 201W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 202W

Derbyshire Constabulary notify unidentified people, bodies and body parts to the Leicestershire Constabulary Bureau within 48 hours. Consequently, bodies which Lincolnshire Police are identified within 48 hours may not be reported to Merseyside Police the Bureau. Metropolitan Police Service The data provided is management information, and South Wales Police has not been formally assessed for compliance with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics. Suffolk Constabulary Surrey Police National Police Improvement Agency: Missing Persons Sussex Police West Mercia Police Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for the List 2: Scottish police force quarterly returns to the Home Department how much the National Police Missing Persons Bureau in 2009-10 Improvement Agency spent on work related to missing Police forces providing at least one quarterly return persons in 2009-10. [16341] Grampian Police Nick Herbert: For the financial year 2009-10, the Northern Constabulary National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) spent a Central Scotland Police total of £558,000 on work related to missing persons in Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary 2009-10. The NPIA also made contributions totalling Police forces that provided a return for each quarter £600,000 to the charity Missing People. Grampian Police Northern Constabulary. Northumbria Constabulary: Finance

Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which police forces do not supply Home Department whether the damping element of day to day data to the Missing Person’s Bureau on the police grant will be paid to Northumbria people who have been missing for more than 72 hours. constabulary for 2010-11. [13796] [15894] Nick Herbert: Yes. Northumbria Constabulary will Nick Herbert: Of the 46 English and Welsh police receive £36.3 million damping support in 2010-11. forces (including the islands), 40 provide the UK Missing Police Persons Bureau with data manually or by automatic transfer, 36 of these on a consistent basis. Of the eight Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Scottish forces, three provide data, one of these on a Home Department which police forces continue to use consistent basis. the policing pledge. [15692] The bureau does not receive data notifications from the following police forces unless specific case details Nick Herbert [holding answer 16 September 2010]: are requested: City of London police, Norfolk constabulary, The police service needs more freedom from central Northumbria police, South Yorkshire police, Guernsey control, fewer centrally driven targets and less intervention police, Isle of Man constabulary, Central Scotland police, and interference from government. That is why the Dumfries and Galloway constabulary, Fife constabulary, policing pledge has been abolished and the remaining Northern constabulary, Tayside police and the Police centrally imposed target on police forces to improve Service of Northern Ireland. Of the special police forces public confidence has been scrapped. In line with this (as referred to in the Serious Organised Crime and approach, the Home Office does not hold information Police Act 2005), the British Transport police provide on the continued use of the policing pledge. some manual notifications on an irregular basis. Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the None of the armed forces/military police forces provide Home Department with reference to her Department’s notifications to the bureau. statistical bulletin 14/10, on police service strength, The variation in supplying data reflects the staged what assessment she has made of recent trends in the implementation of the code of practice requiring data strength of police forces in England and Wales; and if to be provided. Forces have shown willing in working she will make a statement. [15851] towards full compliance and the bureau is supporting them through this transition. Nick Herbert: Police service strength for 31 March 2010 was published by the Home Office on 22 July. Missing Persons: Unidentified Bodies Decisions about the number of police officers, police community support officers and police staff in each Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for the force are a matter for the chief constable in consultation Home Department how many unidentified bodies were with the police authority. successfully matched against reports of missing Police Authorities persons in 2009-10. [16340] Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Nick Herbert: A total of 67 unidentified bodies were Home Department pursuant to the answer of 3 June successfully matched against reports of missing persons 2010, Official Report, column 79W,on police authorities, in 2009-10. under what budgetary headings the amount spent on This figure reflects data held centrally. In accordance the administration of Essex Police Authority was incurred; with the Code of Practice, police forces are required to and if she will make a statement. [15710] 203W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 204W

Nick Herbert: Essex police authority have now published Nick Herbert: Yes. their statement for accounts, and it is available on their website. This shows the authority spent £235,000 on Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the allowances, £119,000 on their Community Safety Home Department what discussions she has had with Partnership grant, £237,000 on internal audit, £18,000 electoral registration officers (EROs) on proposals for on banking charges, £576,000 on staffing and £149,000 the election of police commissioners; and whether on other costs. EROs will administer such elections. [13744]

Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Nick Herbert: We have been consulting the Association Home Department pursuant to the answer of 3 June of Electoral Administrators (AEA) on the administration 2010, Official Report, column 79W, on police of the election of police and crime commissioners, and authorities, what progress has been made on the we will continue to engage with them until the arrangements implementation of proposals to introduce directly- for the elections are finalised. We will expect to use the elected individuals to replace police authorities; and if experience of existing registration officers to support she will make a statement. [15711] the elections.

Nick Herbert: The Home Office is engaging constructively Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the with key policing stakeholders on the development of Home Department what advice she received from our proposals to introduce Police and Crime Commissioners professional bodies in formulating her proposals for in England and Wales. directly-elected police commissioners. [13911] These proposals were set out in the ‘Policing in the 21st Century’ consultation document, published on 26 Mrs May: The Home Office has engaged constructively July 2010. Formal consultation ended on 20 September. with our policing partners, including the Association of Responses have been submitted by a range of policing Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police partners and these will now be considered before the Authorities, on the development of our proposals to publication of the Government response in the autumn. introduce police and crime commissioners in England and Wales. These proposals were set out in the ‘Policing in the 21st Century’ consultation ore the close of the Police: Accountability consultation period on 20 September 2010.

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether police precepts will be set Home Department pursuant to the Oral Statement of by elected police commissioners. [13737] 26 July 2010, Official Report, columns 723-24, on policing in the 21st century, whether candidates Nick Herbert: Yes. standing for the position of Police and Crime Commissioner will be vetted; whether a criminal record Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the will make an individual ineligible for that position; and Home Department whether police commissioners will if she will make a statement. [14033] be elected to serve fixed-term appointments; and when she plans Police Commissioners’ (a) elections to take Nick Herbert: We are still consulting with the public place and (b) terms of office to begin. [13741] and our partners on the detail of the commissioners policy. I can confirm that, as with parliamentary and Nick Herbert: As outlined in chapter 2 of the Home local government elections, certain people will be prevented Office’s consultation document “Policing in the 21st from standing due to a previous criminal record. century: reconnecting police and the people” (published on 26 July 2010), Police and Crime Commissioners will Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for the be elected to serve four-year terms from 2012. Their Home Department pursuant to the Oral Statement of terms of office will begin shortly after elections, although 26 July 2010, Official Report, columns 723-24, on the exact details will be confirmed following the current policing in the 21st century, whether she proposes to consultation. give elected Police Commissioners a role in the work of (a) the Crown Prosecution Service and (b) local Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the prosecutors; and if she will make a statement. [14034] Home Department what her timetable is for the passage of legislation to provide for the election of Nick Herbert: The remit of Police and Crime police commissioners. [13742] Commissioners is set out clearly in chapter 2 of the Home Office’s consultation document “Policing in the Nick Herbert: As set out in the Structural Reform 21st century: reconnecting police and the people”(published Plan, I intend to introduce legislation regarding police on 26 July 2010). The document states that the Government and crime commissioners early in the first session, see a potential future role for commissioners in respect subject to parliamentary time, and hope to receive of the wider criminal justice system as further reforms Royal Assent for the Bill by November 2011. I expect develop. the first elections to take place in 2012. Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations she has received Home Department whether members of political on her plans for directly-elected police commissioners parties will be eligible to be elected as police from (a) senior police, (b) trade unions and (c) police commissioners. [13743] associations and affiliated organisations. [15117] 205W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 206W

Nick Herbert: The Home Office has engaged Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the constructively with senior police, trade unions and police Home Department if she will make an assessment of associations on the development of our proposals to the merits of introducing a right of recall of elected introduce Police and Crime Commissioners in England police commissioners by the public. [15987] and Wales. These proposals were set out in the Policing in the Nick Herbert: The Government’s consultation document 21st Century consultation document, published on 26 “Policing in the 21st Century: Reconnecting police and July 2010. So far we have received a total of 115 the people” set out that we will introduce the power of responses and 335 respondents have commented directly recall in relation to Police and Crime Commissioners. online. We expect further responses before the close of Police and crime panels and the public may have a role the consultation period on 20 September 2010. in triggering the recall of Police and Crime Commissioners, but recall will only be used where the Independent John Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Police Complaints Commission has ruled that serious Home Department what her timetable is for the (a) misconduct has taken place. passage of legislation to provide for the election of police commissioners and (b) election of police Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the commissioners. [15347] Home Department what her estimate is of the cost of (a) administration of and (b) distribution of election Nick Herbert: As set out in the Structural Reform literature free of charge in relation to the election of a Plan, I intend to introduce legislation regarding Police police commissioner for Lancashire; and who will meet and Crime Commissioners early this Session, subject to these costs. [15991] parliamentary time, and hope to receive Royal Assent for the Bill by November 2011 subject to the will of the Nick Herbert: The Government are still consulting Parliament. I expect the first elections of Police and on the detail of the policy for Police and Crime Crime Commissioners to take place in 2012. Commissioners, and no decision has yet been made on these issues. Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with reference to her Department’s Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the consultation on policing in the 21st century, what Home Department if she will ensure that the election assessment she has made of other models of for police commissioner in Lancashire is not held on strengthening accountability in police authorities. the same date as any other election or referendum. [15694] [15992]

Nick Herbert [holding answer 16 September 2010]: Nick Herbert: The Government are still consulting The Government are committed to the policy set out in on the detail of the policy for Police and Crime the Coalition Agreement. Commissioners, and no decision has yet been made on these issues.

Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions she has had with Home Department how long she proposes the term of the Secretary of State for Wales on the cost office of elected police commissioners will be. [15994] implications for Wales of introducing directly elected police commissioners. [15804] Nick Herbert: As set out in the “Policing in the 21st Century” document, Commissioners will have a set Nick Herbert: I have had a number of meetings and four-year term of office and term limits of two terms. discussions with ministerial colleagues to help formulate policy for the introduction of directly elected police and Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the crime commissioners—these have included discussions Home Department if her Department will take steps to on the policy implications for both devolved and non- keep monitoring the political party affiliations of the devolved matters in Wales. I will continue to consult proposed directly-elected police commissioners. [16203] with key partners, including with the Secretary of State for Wales, and as the Bill progresses through Parliament. Nick Herbert: The Government are still consulting on the detail of the policy for Police and Crime Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Commissioners, and no decision has yet been made on Home Department what provisions will apply to the these issues. election of a new police commissioner when (a) a commissioner resigns in mid-term and (b) a commissioner resigns in the period leading up to the Police: Advertising following election. [15986] Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State Nick Herbert: The Government’s consultation document for the Home Department how much each police force “Policing in the 21st Century: Reconnecting police and spent on advertising (a) on local radio, (b) in local the people” set out that if a commissioner should resign newspapers and (c) in all other publications in the or be unable to do their job, the police and crime panels latest year for which figures are available. [15649] will be able to appoint an interim commissioner until a by-election can be arranged or the commissioner can Nick Herbert: This information requested is not held return to the post. centrally. 207W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 208W

Police: Bureaucracy Police: Finance

Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the the Home Department what recent representations she Home Department (1) what assessment she has made has received on the proportion of police officers’ time of the conclusions of the July 2010 report of Her spent on administrative tasks. [13994] Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Audit Commission on the effect on frontline police numbers of a 12 per cent. reduction in police service budgets; Nick Herbert: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stratford-on-Avon [13676] (Nadhim Zahawi) on 6 September 2010, Official Report, (2) what assessment she has made of the findings of columns 6-7. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in its joint report with the Audit Commission published on 14 July 2010 that a reduction of over 12 per cent. to the Police: Crime Prevention Police Budget will negatively impact frontline police numbers; and if she will make a statement. [14309] Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will assess the effect on public Mrs May: The Government have noted the reports of perception of the likelihood of crime of proposed Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and the reductions in funding to police authorities. [12018] Audit Commission carefully.

Nick Herbert: Cutting the budget deficit and ensuring Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the the economic recovery is a Government priority, and Home Department what her policy is on maintaining the police along with everyone else will have to bear a levels of central government funding for police officer fair share of proposed reductions in funding. Future salaries. [13677] police funding will be decided by the spending review, reporting on 20 October 2010. While it is for chief Nick Herbert [holding answer 8 October 2010]: It is a constables to use their expertise and decide what makes matter for chief constables and police authorities how most sense for their force, I am quite clear that savings they use their budget. Police officer salaries come from should be made by driving out wasteful spending, reducing within this budget. bureaucracy and increasing efficiency in order to protect Future funding levels for police forces will be determined the frontline of policing. by the spending review which will report on 20 October On 26 July my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary 2010. announced the most radical reforms to be proposed for policing in this country for 50 years, which will reduce Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the time-wasting bureaucracy, make the police more available Home Department if she plans to provide funding for and effective, and provide better value for taxpayers’ additional police officers through savings achieved by money. The introduction of Police and Crime abolishing identity cards; and if she will make a Commissioners will enable the public to exercise direct statement. [15696] accountability over policing in their communities, strengthen their confidence in the police and cut crime and antisocial Nick Herbert [holding answer 16 September 2010]: behaviour. There are no net savings to the Exchequer in the current financial year from the decision to cancel ID cards. The Police: EU Countries allocation of savings made from the abolition of ID cards beyond the current financial year is a matter for the spending review. Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many requests for evidence- Police officer recruitment remains a matter for each gathering UK police forces have received from police chief constable. forces of each other EU member state relating to offences of each category in each of the last five years; Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the and how many such requests were refused in each case. Home Department when the police precept for 2011-12 [14713] will be set; and who will be responsible for setting it. [15988] Nick Herbert [holding answer 13 September 2010]: Requests for evidence in criminal matters from EU Nick Herbert: Police authorities will be responsible member states’ judicial authorities are sent to one of for setting the police precept for 2011-12. Major precepting three central authorities in the UK. These are the UK authorities such as police authorities must set their Central Authority in the Home Office, the Crown Office budgets by 1 March each year. and Procurator Fiscal Service and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. The tables placed in the House Library Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the detail the best collated figures available for requests to Home Department whether the provisions of the the UK which have been acceded to or refused in the Localism Bill will apply to police precepts. [15990] last five years. Where more than one offence is listed within a request, (eg rape and assault), only the primary Nick Herbert: Aspects of the Localism Bill, such as offence has been included in order to avoid the double the provisions for referendums on council tax increases, counting of requests. are expected to apply to police precepts. 209W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 210W

Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the The Home Office is currently working with the police Home Department whether she plans to change the service and other partners to consider the costs and respective responsibilities of her Department and benefits of various options for implementing a single police authorities to fund categories of police funding. police non-emergency number. [15995] Police: Unidentified Bodies Nick Herbert: The spending review which reports in October will offer further clarity on future funding. Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much was spent by police Police: Mental Illness forces on matching unidentified bodies with persons reported missing in 2009-10. [16339] Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions her Department Nick Herbert: The expenditure by police forces on has had with police forces to improve the service missing persons investigations is not collated centrally. provided by the police to people with mental health problems. [14612] Police: Wolverhampton

Nick Herbert: The National Policing Improvement Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for the Agency (NPIA) in conjunction with the Association of Home Department how many police officers were Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and mental health based in Wolverhampton North East constituency (a) organisations, has developed a new learning resource in 1997 and (b) on the latest date for which entitled “Mental Health and Learning Disability”, to information is available. [13378] improve the service provided by the police to people with mental health problems. This was launched and Nick Herbert: Police personnel data are not collected made available to all Home Office funded police forces, at constituency level. There were 7,113 police officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and British West Midlands Police Force as at 31 March 1997 and Transport Police in May 2010. 8,536 police officers as at 31 March 2010. Figures are Police: Missing Persons provided on a comparable basis. The Basic Command Unit (BCU) of Wolverhampton Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for the is part of West Midlands Police Force. BCU data was Home Department if she will make it her policy to first collected in 2002. Wolverhampton had 646 officers require the sharing of best practice between police as at 31 March 2002 and 670 as at 31 March 2010. forces on missing persons investigations. [16342] This and other related data are published annually as part of the annual Police Service Strength Home Office Nick Herbert: Work is currently under way between Statistical Bulletin. The latest bulletin can be found at: the Home Office, the National Policing Improvement http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/policeorg1.html Agency Missing Persons Bureau and the Association of Chief Police Officers to ensure that best practice in and bulletins for this and previous years are deposited relation to missing persons investigations is disseminated in the Library of the House. to all police forces in England and Wales. Proceeds of Crime Police: Overtime Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for the Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the monetary value was of Home Department how much overtime was paid to (a) cash and (b) other assets confiscated from police officers working additional hours (a) on days criminals in 2009; and how much of that amount was they were scheduled to work and (b) on a scheduled redistributed for community projects (i) nationally and rest day in each of the last three years. [15607] (ii) in Bedford. [15237]

Nick Herbert: The Home Office does not hold this Nick Herbert: In 2008-09, £148 million was recovered data. from criminals, which included £40 million in cash forfeitures. The previous Government’s Community Police: Telephone Services Cashback scheme gave local people a say in how £4 million of those recovered criminal assets should be Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the spent in their communities in 2009-10. Under the scheme, Home Department pursuant to the oral statement of local areas could bid for funding up to £95,000 and the 26 July 2010, Official Report, columns 723-24, on Bedfordshire Local Criminal Justice Board successfully policing in the 21st century, what budgetary analysis bid to fund six community projects. One of these projects her Department undertook prior to the Statement on was partially based in Bedford. Details of this and other the costs and benefits of introducing a single police cashback projects in Bedfordshire can be found at: non-emergency number. [13910] http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100115015804/ http:/cashback.cjsonline.gov.uk/cc.asp?area=2 Mrs May: The oral statement of 26 July 2010, Official Report, columns 723-24, set out the Government’s intention In 2009-10, £153.7 million was recovered from criminals, to which included £50 million in cash forfeitures. “look for a cost-effective way to establish ‘101’ as a single Separately, money returned to individual law enforcement police non-emergency number so that it is easier to report agencies, prosecution agencies and the courts under the crime and antisocial behaviour”. Asset Recovery Incentivisation scheme is primarily aimed 211W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 212W at driving up asset recovery performance but can also Taxis be spent on community projects. None of the assets recovered under this scheme were used for community Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for projects in Bedford in 2008-09. the Home Department how much her Department Information on use of the money under this scheme spent on taxi fares in each year since 1997. [12978] for 2009-10 is not yet available. Nick Herbert: All travel is undertaken in accordance Prostitution with the Civil Service Management and Ministerial Codes. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for The Home Department spend on taxis for the financial the Home Department how many cases have been years 1997-98 to 2009-10 is set out in the following reported to the Metropolitan Police of sex workers table: being threatened for protection money in 2010; and in how many of these cases charges were brought against £ million any individuals. [16072] 1997-98 0.03 James Brokenshire: The information is not available 1998-99 0.04 from the recorded crime statistics collected by the Home 1999-2000 0.05 Office. In an incident of a sex worker being threatened 2000-01 0.09 for protection money, it is the appropriate offence that 2001-02 0.24 will be recorded by the police, for example, a threat of 2002-03 0.36 being assaulted. Offences where the victim is a sex 2003-04 0.43 worker cannot be separately identified from other offences 2004-05 0.65 recorded within an offence classification. 2005-06 0.81 2006-07 0.96 Rape 2007-08 0.90 2008-09 0.12 Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2009-10 0.12 Home Department if she will take steps to implement the recommendations of the Stern Review on the From 1997-98 to 2007-08, the figures include expenditure handling of rape complaints by public authorities. by Home Office headquarters, the Immigration and [16064] Nationality Department (IND), the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) and the Office for Criminal Mrs May: The Government are committed to improving Justice Reform (OCJR). NOMS and OCJR transferred the investigation and prosecution of rape and supporting to the Ministry of Justice in 2007. IND thereafter victims. We are working towards long-term improvements became an executive agency on 1 April 2008. that are embedded through the criminal justice system and as such this review, and the recommendations that Telephone Tapping are raised within it, deserve careful consideration. A full response to the Stern review will be published in March Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2011 alongside, and in conjunction with, a cross- Home Department what recent discussions she had Government strategy to tackle violence against women with the Prime Minister’s Director of Communications and girls. on her Department’s communications strategy on its policy on telephone tapping. [15396] Special Constables: Recruitment Mrs May [holding answer 14 September 2010]: Ihave Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for the had no such discussions. Home Department what target she has set for the number of special constables to be recruited in (a) Terrorism Act 2006: Arrests 2010 and (b) 2011; and if she will make a statement. [14814] Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were (a) arrested for Nick Herbert: This Government have not set specific and (b) charged with an offence under section 1 of the national targets in respect of overall special constable Terrorism Act 2006 in each year from 2006 to 2010. recruitment for 2010 or 2011. [13684] However, as set out in the consultation paper ‘Policing in the 21st century: reconnecting police and the people’, Nick Herbert [holding answer 9 September 2010]: the coalition Government are committed to increasing There is no power of arrest within S1 of the Terrorism the number of people volunteering in policing. Act 2006. Individuals suspected of alleged terrorism Special constables, who take an active role in policing offences are subject to arrest under S41 of the Terrorism their communities on a voluntary basis, are very much Act 2000. an example of the Big Society that this Government In relation to (b), the Home Office does not collate would like to see develop. statistics in this way. The consultation on the future of the policing landscape Data on the number of individuals charged under is still ongoing and more detailed proposals will be Section 1 and 2 of the Terrorism Act 2006 is included in announced over the coming months. the Home Office Statistical Bulletin (Operation of Police 213W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 214W

Powers under the Terrorism Act 2000 and Subsequent Annex A: Performance year 2008-09 to 2009-10 Legislation: Arrests, Outcomes and Stops and Searches). Grade of staff— SCS The available figures show that one person was charged 2008-09 2009-10 for offences related to S1 and 2 Terrorism Act 2006 in Total number receiving a special one-off 92 2006-07; three individuals were charged in 2007-08; and non-consolidated payment three individuals were charged in 2008-09. One off payment cost (£) 27,778.70 6,000 A link to the relevant Statistical Bulletin is included Total cost (£) 2322,778.70 226,000.00 in the following website: 1 One individual received both a non-consolidated performance payment http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs09/hosb1809.pdf and a special one-off payment, making the total number of individuals in receipt of an award 43 rather than 44. 2 In our response to a parliamentary question from the then hon. Terrorism: Extradition Member for Castle Point (Bob Spink), dated 21 October 2009, Official Report, columns 1550-52W,we reported that we had awarded £343,605.08 Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the to members of the senior civil service during 2008-09. We are now Home Department how many proposed extraditions of satisfied that the figure was actually £322,778.70. terrorist suspects have not proceeded for reasons related to rights contained in the European Convention UK Border Agency: Police of Human Rights in each of the last three years; and for what reason each did not proceed. [15561] Mr Russell Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of Nick Herbert: No extradition requests for persons the level of savings which will accrue to the UK Border accused of terrorist-related offences have been refused Agency from the removal of funding for three port under human rights grounds in the last three years, police officers at Stranraer port in 2011-12. [15776] although there are currently six cases before the European Court of Human Rights. Damian Green [holding answer 16 September 2010]: The saving to the UK Border Agency will be just under Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the £147,000 per annum based on the previous year’s salaries Home Department how many (a) cases regarding of the three officers in question. This figure includes all extradition from the UK in respect of persons accused overtime and expenses. of terrorist offences and (b) appeals by persons convicted of terrorist offences in the UK are active Violence Against Women before the European Court of Human Rights. [15703] Alan Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Nick Herbert: There are six cases before the European Home Department pursuant to the answer of 27 July Court of Human Rights which concern extradition 2010, Official Report, column 514 on risk assessment, requests for persons accused of terrorist-related offences. what progress she has made in considering the use of The Home Office does not collate statistics in this multi-agency risk assessment conferences in her way. However, the Home Office does publish statistics strategy to tackle violence against women and girls. on arrests and outcomes under the Terrorism Act 2000 [15805] (Operation of Police Powers under the Terrorism Act 2000 and Subsequent Legislation: Arrests, Outcomes James Brokenshire: The prevalence of violence against and Stops and Searches). The link to the last edition of women and girls, including domestic violence, in our the annual publication is provided at: society is unacceptable. A cross-Government strategy http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs09/hosb1809.pdf will be launched in the spring to address this. I am in discussions with colleagues across government on how UK Border Agency: Pay we will take forward our approach in this area as both coalition parties planned in opposition. This will include Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for the consideration of multi-agency risk assessment conferences. Home Department what bonuses have been paid to members of the UK Border Agency management over Visas: Deportation the last two years. [12189] Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for the Damian Green: The information in the following Home Department how many people from each tables lists the bonus payments made to senior civil country overstayed a visitor visa in each year since servants in the UK Border Agency, within the last two 1997; how many people on each other type of visa financial years. overstayed that visa in each such year; what proportion Annex A: Performance year 2008-09 to 2009-10 of each was deported in each such year; how many in Grade of staff— SCS each category are awaiting deportation; and if she will 2008-09 2009-10 make a statement. [15780] Total number of staff 51 63 Damian Green [holding answer 16 September 2010]: Total number receiving a non-consolidated 38 143 There are currently two main ways to identify an overstayer: performance payment or special one-off (i) On embarkation from the UK non-consolidated payment Total number receiving a non-consolidated 29 42 (ii) Through enforcement action in country. performance payment Until e-borders is fully implemented we are unable to Performance cost (£) 295,000 220,000 identify all overstayers on embarkation. 215W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 216W

Wines Constituencies

Matthew Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Ian Austin: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how the Home Department how much her Department frequently he proposes that constituency boundaries spent on wine in each year since 1997. [12815] will be reviewed following the changes envisaged in the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill; Nick Herbert: The Home Office accounting systems and if he will make a statement. [15763] do not identify separate expenditure on wine. The information cannot be obtained without incurring Mr Harper: Clause 8 of the Parliamentary Voting disproportionate cost. System and Constituencies Bill requires the Boundary Home Office expenditure on official hospitality and Commissions to submit reports before 1 October 2013, entertainment conforms to departmental guidance on and before 1 October of every fifth year after that. financial procedures and propriety, which complies with the principles of Managing Public Money and the Ian Austin: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what Treasury handbook on Regularity and Propriety. process will be followed to determine proposed changes Hospitality is defined as the provision of food, drink to the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies. and entertainment of non civil servants where it is [15765] beneficial to the interests of the Department. Mr Harper: The Parliamentary Constituencies Act 1986, as amended by the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill, sets out the process the Boundary DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Commissions will follow in drawing up the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies. The Bill would require Alternative Vote: Referendums each Boundary Commission to propose recommendations for constituency boundaries that are in accordance with Mr MacNeil: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister the Rules for the Distribution of Seats set out at the new pursuant to the answer to the right hon. Member for schedule 1 to the 1986 Act. The Bill requires that the Blackburn of 14 July 2010, Official Report, column Boundary Commissions take whatever steps they see fit 798W, on electoral systems: referendums, what estimate to inform people of their proposals; and to make copies he has made of the proportion of the cost of conduct available for inspection. There follows a 12 week period elements of the proposed referendum on the alternative for representations on Boundary Commissions’ proposals. vote system which will fall on local authorities in A second 12 week period for representations will follow Scotland if the referendum (a) is and (b) is not held where proposals are revised. Any further revisions would on the same day as the election for the Scottish then be final. Under the provisions of the Bill, the Parliament; and what calculation he has used to make Speaker, as the ex-officio chair of the Boundary such an estimate. [16383] Commissions, is required to lay before Parliament a “progress report” in the January of the year before a Mr Harper: The current estimated cost of the referendum deadline and each subsequent January until a final on the voting system in Scotland is (a) £6.9 million report containing the recommended constituencies is when combined with the Scottish parliamentary election submitted to Government. or (b) £9.9 million if held as a standalone poll. These estimates are based upon an assessment of the size of Ian Austin: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister by the electorate and the number of individuals who might what date he proposes that the calculation of the number apply to vote by post. These factors determine many of of residents of each proposed new parliamentary the costs, such as the number of ballot papers, polling constituency should be published; and if he will make a stations, poll cards, postal ballot packs and estimates of statement. [15770] labour costs. These costs will not fall on local authorities as the referendum will be funded from the consolidated Mr Harper: The Boundary Commissions will be required fund. to use the parliamentary electoral register from 1 December 2010 to determine the electoral quota. The information Boundary Commissions: Internet that will be required to calculate the UK electoral quota in accordance with the provisions of the Bill is usually Dr Huppert: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what available from the Office for National Statistics in late assessment he has made of the merits of making the February of each year. The four Boundary Commissions Boundary Commission’s data publicly available online. must use this UK electoral quota, but it is a matter for [16070] each Commission to decide how they communicate this information. We expect that the number of electors that Mr Harper: Clause 10 of the Parliamentary Voting will comprise each proposed constituency will be published System and Constituencies Bill requires the Boundary alongside the proposals for constituency boundaries Commissions to take such steps as they see fit to publicise themselves, and that the final figures will then be included their proposed recommendations. It will therefore be in the Boundary Commissions’ reports to the Secretary for the Commissions themselves to determine how to of State. publicise relevant data, though at the most recent review the Commissions made use of their websites to publish Ian Austin: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when information about the review. Electorate data for each he expects the three-month consultation period for proposed part of the UK is available from the Office of National boundary changes for parliamentary constituencies to Statistics website. begin; and if he will make a statement. [15771] 217W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 218W

Mr Harper: The commencement of the specified Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister consultation period set out in clause 10 of the Bill will what his most recent estimate is of the number of be announced by the relevant Boundary Commission people who are registered to vote in more than one UK when provisional recommendations for a constituency parliamentary constituency. [15664] have been published. The Bill requires the Commissions to submit their reports before 1 October 2013. Mr Harper: Electoral registers are compiled at a local level by independent electoral registration officers. Electoral Register Information about whether individuals have registered in more than one constituency is not collected centrally. Rehman Chishti: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he plans to take steps to increase the level of Ian Austin: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what voter registration before 1 December 2010. [15323] mechanisms he plans to put in place to monitor changes in the number of people eligible to vote in Mr Harper: Maintaining a complete and accurate parliamentary constituencies between elections for the electoral register is the responsibility of electoral registration purpose of maintaining smaller and more equal-sized officers (EROs), in accordance with their duties under constituencies; and if he will make a statement. [16204] section 9A of the Representation of the People Act 1983. In carrying out this responsibility, as with other aspects of their role, EROs are monitored by the Electoral Mr Harper: The number of eligible electors in each Commission, which sets performance standards and parliamentary constituency in the UK is published each provides guidance on the performance of their duties. year by the Office for National Statistics, using data In addition, the Electoral Commission runs campaigns from electoral registers. More frequent reviews will to encourage voter registration and provide information ensure that constituency boundaries better reflect changes on elections as part of its duty under section 13 (1) (a) in the number of people eligible to vote and remain up of the Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act to date and fair. At present reports are published every 2000. eight to 12 years. The Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill requires the Boundary Commissions The Government are committed to taking steps to to publish a report by 1 October 2013 and every five support EROs in their work in improving levels of years after that. registration. On 15 September I made a statement to the House, outlining the Government’s proposed approach to speeding up the implementation of individual electoral Electoral Systems registration and as part of this I announced that we will be trialling data matching during 2011—that is, comparing the electoral register with other public databases to find Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister the people missing from the register. The aim is to whether he plans to take steps to ensure that in future tackle under registration, including among those specific elections voters who are queuing to vote at a polling groups most affected by it, and ensure that every station at the time it closes are able to cast their vote. opportunity to register is available to those currently [14836] not on the electoral register. I also announced that we will examine how electoral registration can be integrated into people’s day to day transactions with government, Mr Harper: The Government are considering carefully for example when they move house, or visit the Post the Electoral Commission’s reports on the May 2010 Office, or apply for a passport or driving licence. elections and will take any appropriate steps necessary to prevent the issues which arose at some polling stations Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister happening again. It will be important, however, to make what steps will be taken to ensure that people with sure that any changes to rules are workable and would double electoral registration are prevented from voting benefit the public. twice in the proposed parliamentary voting system referendum. [15643] Lobbying Mr Harper: It is lawful for an individual to be registered at more than one address if they satisfy the respective Electoral Registration Officers that they meet the residence Kate Green: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what requirement for each address. meetings he has had with professional lobbying organisations in connection with the proposed However, it is an offence under section 61 (2) (a) of statutory register of lobbyists since May 2010. [15662] the Representation of the People Act 1983 to vote more than once at an election for the same body. Thus, while a person can vote in different local elections where they Mr Harper: The Deputy Prime Minister and I have are validly registered, they cannot vote twice in a UK not had any meetings with professional lobbying General election or European Parliamentary election. organisations in connection with the proposed statutory Under paragraph 1 of Schedule 4 to the Parliamentary register of lobbyists since May 2010. I met with Elizabeth Voting System and Constituencies Bill, section 61 (2) France CBE, the independent Chairman of the UK (a) above is applied (with the necessary modifications) Public Affairs Council on 6 July 2010, along with Sir for the purposes of the UK Parliamentary voting system Phillip Mawer, the Chairman of the UK Public Affairs referendum. Council Implementation Team. 219W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 220W

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT £53,000 of English Heritage grant offers to the Brighton Pavilion constituency in 2008-09 Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites £25,149 of Exchequer investment to the Brighton Pavilion constituency provided through Sport England since 2002. Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Almost £70 million of national lottery grants made to applications Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what financial from the Brighton Pavilion constituency since 1997. saving his Department expects to realise from the Almost 100,000 free swims taken in the Brighton and Hove abolition of the Advisory Committee on Historic area as part of the Free Swimming programme. Wreck Sites; [16061] £9,617,829 given from Arts Council England to organisations based in Brighton Pavilion through the Grants for the Arts (2) what body will undertake those functions which programme since 2003. were the responsibility of the Advisory Committee on £1,689,500 of capital lottery funds allocated by Arts Council Historic Wreck Sites; [16062] England for projects in the Brighton Pavilion constituency undertaken (3) for what reasons he decided to abolish the since 2003. Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites. [16063] The Brighton Pavilion constituency has also benefitted from other policies and spending whose impact cannot John Penrose: The abolition of the Advisory Committee be broken down by constituency. This includes: on Historic Wreck Sites (ACHWS) will streamline the Over £4 billion of Exchequer funding spent on culture. provision of advice to Government on operation of the £448.9 million given in grants by English Heritage since 1997. Protection of Wrecks Act 1973. It is expected to generate savings for DCMS of £1,424 per annum, which relates More than £5.5 billion invested in sport by the Government to operational costs associated with the appointment and the national lottery since 1997. and reappointment of members to the ACHWS. A 68% increase in national museum visits since 1998-99. There were a record 40.3 million visits to the national museums in In future such advice will be provided by English 2008-09—10% of which were by adults from lower socioeconomic Heritage in relation to heritage assets in English waters. groups. English Heritage is Government’s statutory adviser on 50% of buildings removed from the baseline 1999 Buildings at the historic environment. It already provides statutory Risk register as their future has been secured. advice on the protection and conservation of terrestrial 90% of all pupils taking part in at least two hours of high heritage assets in England so the abolition of ACHWS quality PE or sport per week in 2008 from an estimated 25% in will help to simplify our landscape of public bodies. 2003-04—exceeding our target. Discussions with the devolved Administrations about Since May 2010, Arts Council England has granted the future procurement of advice on operation of the £78,767 to organisations based in Brighton Pavilion 1973 Act in Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland waters through the Grants for the Arts programme. The heritage are ongoing. lottery fund has provided £206,200 to the constituency.

BBC: Accountability Broadband

Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what the 6 September 2010, Official Report, column 309W, on average actual speed of broadband was in England in the BBC, what response was received from the chair of the latest period for which figures are available; [13726] the BBC Trust on proposals to make the BBC more (2) what the (a) advertised and (b) average actual accountable to Parliament; if he will place in the broadband speed in (i) Thornton-le-Street, (b) Filey Library a copy of the note of the meeting; and if he and (c) Rosedale Abbey was in the latest period for will make a statement. [15712] which figures are available; [13727] (3) what steps are being taken to connect remote Mr Vaizey: The BBC Trust has been fully and villages and rural areas to fast broadband. [14271] productively engaged on the matter. The meeting in June was private and no note was taken. Mr Vaizey: I have been asked to reply in my capacity Brighton as a Minister in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for The Government will ensure a universal connectivity Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will set out, of 2 Mbps by 2015. In addition, the Government will with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible take a number of regulatory and public policy steps to to Brighton Pavilion constituency, the effects of his accelerate the deployment of superfast broadband across Department’s policies on that constituency from (a) the UK. BDUK will also announce the locations of May 1997 to April 2010 and (b) since May 2010. three Superfast broadband pilots in the autumn, where the Government will assist with the cost of deployment [13456] of Superfast broadband in commercially challenging John Penrose: The impact of the Department’s policies, locations. We have also said we will consider the option including those delivered by our arms length bodies, on of using a proportion of the BBC licence fee to support the Brighton Pavilion constituency since 1997 include: superfast broadband deployment after 2012. Digital switchover is due to take place in the Brighton Pavilion According to Ofcom’s UK Broadband Speeds Report, in 2011. By the time switchover is complete at the end of 2012, published in July 2010 the average speed of broadband 98.5% of households nationwide will be able to receive digital in England was 5.1 Mbps. The Government do not hold TV—the same number that can currently receive analogue. information for the average speed for individual locations. 221W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 222W

Ofcom’s report is available on their website at: online and hard copy updating services. The way http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/2010/07/increase-in- information has been recorded does not allow us to uk%E2%80%99s-average-actual-broadband-speed/ disaggregate newspapers, periodicals and trade profession magazines from the overall expenditure. Departmental Billing Financial year Cost (£) Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, 2009-10 59,323.07 Olympics, Media and Sport what the average cost to his Department was of processing the payment of an 2008-09 200,707.36 invoice in the latest period for which figures are 2007-08 175,665.75 available; and what proportion of invoices settled in 2006-07 160,367.67 that period his Department paid (a) electronically and 2005-06 149,032.92 (b) by cheque. [16160] 2004-05 160,896.15 2003-04 133,119.30 John Penrose: The average cost of processing the 2002-03 173,411.08 payment of an invoice was £9.90. 2001-02 131,096.02 The Department is actively looking at ways of reducing 2000-01 122,884.86 the cost of processing invoice payments. 1999-2000 114,658.81 The proportion paid electronically (including by 1998-99 86,627.81 procurement card) was 99.14%, and by cheque was 1997-98 95,412.71 0.86%. These figures are based on costs and volumes from Departmental Press: Subscriptions 1 April to 31 August 2010. Departmental Chief Scientific Advisers Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how many Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport on how many different newspapers (a) were delivered to the occasions each Minister in his Department has met his Secretary of State’s office between 5 June 2009 and 11 Department’s chief scientific officer since 6 May 2010. May 2010 and (b) have been delivered since 12 May 2010; how many copies of each newspaper were [15440] delivered on an average day in each period; and what John Penrose: Ministers at this Department have had the total cost of those newspapers was in each month no such meetings as yet. in each period. [15652] Departmental Contracts John Penrose: The cost for supplying 13 newspapers Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, to the former Secretary of State from June 2009 to end Olympics, Media and Sport what the monetary value is of April 2010 is in the following table. of contracts his Department has awarded to each (a) management consultancy and (b) IT company since 7 Month Newspaper cost (£) [16190] May 2010. 2009 John Penrose: No management consultancy or IT June 175.50 contracts have been awarded by the Department since 7 July 1887.67 May 2010. August 0 Departmental Empty Property September 125.25 October 130.75 Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, November 126.65 Olympics, Media and Sport what the estimated December 90.90 monetary value is of each vacant (a) building and (b) parcel of land owned by his Department in each 2010 region. [16253] January 117.96 John Penrose: The buildings occupied by the Department February 120.80 are leased, and not owned. March 149.45 April 98.90 Departmental Press 1 July 2009 figure includes two one-off yearly subscriptions. Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, On his appointment in May 2010 the Secretary of Olympics, Media and Sport how much his Department State cancelled all paper deliveries to his office. spent on newspapers, periodicals and trade profession magazines in each year since 1997. [16224] Departmental Secondment John Penrose: The information set out in the table shows expenditure incurred by the Department on Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, subscriptions for hard copy and online magazines, Olympics, Media and Sport how many staff his newspapers, books and other publications, access to Department has appointed on secondment since 7 May specific research databases, the Stationery Office and 2010; and from what organisation each such member of other parliamentary information sources as well as legal staff has been seconded. [16272] 223W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 224W

John Penrose: The Department has not appointed John Penrose: The Department does not collate this any staff on secondment since 7 May 2010. information for its arm’s length bodies. Accordingly, I have asked their chief executives to write to the hon. Digital Broadcasting: Broadcasting Reception Member for Mid Sussex. Copies of the replies will be placed in the Libraries of Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for both Houses. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has had discussions with the providers of Freeview on Hillsborough Stadium increasing their transmission capability to ensure a common level of service across the UK. [16371] Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much Mr Vaizey: After switchover 98.5% of households funding his Department plans to contribute towards will be able to receive around 15 Freeview channels the exercise to identify files relating to the Hillsborough including all the public service broadcasting channels. disaster for release. [15934] In addition about 90% of households who get their signal from a main transmitter will receive services from Mr Jeremy Hunt: My Department was asked for all six multiplexes. £666,000 in support of the Hillsborough Independent Panel whose responsibilities include recommending files Coverage of these services is a commercial matter for for release, and is contributing this full amount. the operators concerned. For those who require more services, there are other National Lottery: VAT options for receiving digital services via satellite or cable. Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has Equality: Public Expenditure discussed with Ministerial colleagues on the use of Lottery funds for the payment of value added tax Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for repairs to listed places of worship in Wales after the Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if his Department Listed Places of Worship grant scheme has come to an will take steps to assess the effects on (a) equality of end. [15835] incomes, (b) equality of assets and (c) equality of access to services of measures relating to its expenditure John Penrose: No discussions have taken place as under consideration in the Spending Review. [16356] there is no current proposal to use lottery funds to replace the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, Mr Jeremy Hunt: My Department has a programme which makes grants equivalent to the VAT incurred in of work underway to analyse the impact on equality of making repairs to listed buildings in primary use as access to services arising from policies to be announced places of worship. The future of the scheme will be in the Spending Review. determined during the forthcoming spending review. This will examine the impact under eight different Olympic Games 2012: Medals strands—lower socio economic groups, BME (black and minority ethnicity), disability, gender, children and Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for young people, religion, age and regional areas. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether his I believe there will not be an impact on equality of Department plans to issue a commemorative medal to incomes or equality of assets arising from my Department’s mark the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Spending Review settlement. Games. [15739] Government Olympic Executive: Consultants Hugh Robertson: There are no current plans to issue a commemorative medal to mark the London 2012 Olympic Andrew Bingham: To ask the Secretary of State for and Paralympic games. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what the Royal Parks Agency administrative cost has been of each consultancy contract entered into by the Government Olympic Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Executive in each of the last five years. [16316] Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what the timescale is for the transfer of responsibility for the Royal Parks Angus Robertson: The Department records the costs Agency from his Department to the Mayor of London. of consultancy contracts; however, it does not record [15548] separately the costs of administering the contracts into which it and the Government Olympic Executive have John Penrose: The transfer of the Royal Parks will entered. require primary legislation and we are therefore currently Grants: Sussex seeking a suitable legislative slot. S4C: Finance Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport to which (a) Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for organisations and (b) projects in Mid Sussex Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will discuss constituency his Department has made a grant in the with the Secretary of State for Wales the representations last five years; and what the monetary value was of he received from the Welsh Language Society on future each such grant. [14317] funding arrangements for S4C. [15979] 225W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 226W

Mr Vaizey: The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, (2) what steps he is taking to encourage Media and Sport is in close contact with the Secretary telecommunication providers to prevent dial-through of State for Wales on the future funding of S4C and fraud. [15385] Welsh language broadcasting. Mr Vaizey: Dial-through fraud does not come within Sports: Bexley the remit of the DCMS. UK Film Council: Portland Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent estimate he has made of the number of people in the Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for London borough of Bexley who actively participate in Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what the sport each week. [15577] monetary value is of the UK Film Council’s public affairs contract with Portland; and if he will place in Hugh Robertson: The latest figures from Sport England’s the Library a copy of the contract and the related Active People Survey estimate that 14% of people in project brief. [15057] Bexley were regularly participating in sport. Mr Vaizey: After the Government announced the This estimate is based on people participating in abolition of the UK Film Council, I understand the sport for at least three days a week for a minimum of 30 organisation hired Portland Communications to provide minutes each time. external communications and media support, for which it received £60,000. The Film Council has said that the Sports: Clubs brief was confined to media monitoring and collating stories and comments, drafting internal and external Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for communications, and the handling of international media Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps his and press inquiries. The Film Council has confirmed Department is taking to develop links between local that this external support has since ceased. sports clubs and schools. [16388] The terms and conditions of the contract are commercially confidential as Portland has refused Hugh Robertson: Sport England works in close permission to release the document. partnership with the YouthSport Trust, National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of Sport, and the Child Protection in Writers in Prison Network: Finance Sport Unit, to strengthen links between schools and clubs. Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department is committed to increasing competitive Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport how much (a) sport in schools by introducing an Olympic and Paralympic Arts Council funding and (b) other funding from the style competition. The support offered by local sports public purse was spent on the Writers in Prison clubs to schools will be an important element in making Network Ltd in the latest period for which figures are this a success. available. [14978]

St George’s Day Mr Vaizey: In the current financial year the Writers in Prison Network (WIPN) will receive £165,163 through Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Arts Council England’s Regularly Funded Organisation Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) whether his (RFO) programme. In 2009-10 it received £161,620. Department has made arrangements to mark St The National Offenders Management Service provides George’s Day in 2012; [15738] WIPN with a grant of £80,000 per year. In addition, 17 (2) what recent discussions he has had on prison establishments involved in the Writers in Residence arrangements to mark St George’s Day in 2011. [15740] scheme will each contribute £5,000 of their own resources.

John Penrose: I am pleased to say that English Heritage Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for (which is responsible to DCMS) plans to mark St Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what the George’s Day with events at several properties around objectives are of the funding provided from the public the country, the biggest of which will be a St George’s purse to Writers in Prison Network Ltd; and how Day festival at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire. In addition performance against those objectives is measured. the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will fly [14979] the St George’s flag alongside the Union flag to celebrate St George’s Day. Mr Vaizey: The Writers in Prisons Network (WIPN) promotes creative writing and reading across the prison I have had no discussions on other arrangements to system through a programme of writers’ residencies. mark St George’s Day. The initiative runs in partnership with the Home Office and the Prison Service. Telephone Services: Fraud WIPN works very closely with each establishment to design a residency, identifying specific outcomes and Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for objectives and/or particular groups of offenders the Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what recent establishment wishes to target, and its work impacts on estimate he has made of the cost to UK businesses of a wide range of the Government’s Seven Pathways dial-through fraud; [15384] approach to reducing reoffending. 227W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 228W

The WIPN’s overall objectives are monitored at an Mr Hoban: Statistical data on a range of Child Trust annual review meeting. The WIPN holds a Steering Fund (CTF) information has been published annually; group meeting every three months with prison staff, the latest statistics package was made available in including the Governor, Head of Learning and Skills November 2009 and can be found at: and Writers in residence themselves to measure performance http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ctf/stats.htm against the establishments’ objectives. The total value of funds in CTF accounts at 5 April 2009 was £1,985 million. An estimated £1,300 million of government payments had been made into accounts TREASURY by this point. However, as the valuation of CTF accounts where the underlying investment is in stocks Child Benefit: Uprating and shares will vary over time, it is not possible to determine how much of CTFs’ current value is made Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Chancellor of the up of government or individuals’ contributions. Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 5 July 2010, Information is not available on the average Official Report, column 94W, on child benefit, what investment return on sums invested in CTF accounts estimate he has made of the average real terms change nor is there any information held on the investment per child in 2010 prices of uprating child benefit costs, CTF providers’ administration costs or payments in line with the retail prices index in (a) performance of CTFs. Government’s administrative 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14. [15816] costs for CTF were £4.8 million in 2008-09.

Mr Gauke: The following table shows the estimated Child Trust Fund: Livingston average change per week per child as a result of uprating the rates of Child Benefit by the change in the Graeme Morrice: To ask the Chancellor of the Consumer Price Index rather than by the change in the Exchequer (1) how many children born to residents of Retail Price Index. Livingston constituency since 1 September 2002 have received a child trust fund payment since 2005; [15931] £ 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 (2) how much his Department has paid to child trust funds held in respect of children resident in Livingston Forecast change 0.05 -0.10 -0.35 constituency since January 2005. [15932] 1st child Forecast change 0.05 -0.05 -0.25 Mr Hoban: Statistical information about Child Trust subsequent child Funds is published on HM Revenue and Customs’ Child Tax Credit: Cumbernauld website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ctf/stats.htm Gregg McClymont: To ask the Chancellor of the This shows that 7,824 children born on or before 6 Exchequer how many families receive the baby element April 2008 in the Livingston constituency have a Child of child tax credit in Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Trust Fund account. The total amount of Government Kirkintilloch East constituency. [16321] payments to Child Trust Funds is not available at constituency level. Mr Gauke: The number of families receiving the baby element in Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Credit Unions: Finance Kirkintilloch East Constituency is 635. This analysis is based on provisional information on Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Chancellor of the families receiving tax credits as at April 2010. Further Exchequer what his policy is on the provision of details about this data can be found in the HMRC financial support from the public purse to community- snapshot publication “Child and Working Tax Credits. owned and community-based credit unions. [15842] Geographical Analysis, April 2010”. This is available at: Mr Hoban: The Government are supportive of the http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog- role financial mutuals such as credit unions play in stats.htm communities, and more broadly in the financial service sector. Child Trust Fund The Government are working with credit unions to evaluate how they can better serve their communities Richard Graham: To ask the Chancellor of the while remaining sustainable in the future. Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the total sum accumulated in child trust funds to date; and if he Departmental Consultants will estimate the proportion of that sum which has been contributed (a) from the public purse and (b) by Alun Cairns: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer individuals; [15912] what the (a) average and (b) highest daily rate paid to (2) if he will estimate the average gross investment consultants by his Department was in each of the last return on child trust funds in each year since their five years. [12658] inception; [15956] (3) whether his Department holds information on Justine Greening: During 2009-10 the average daily the (a) investment and administration costs and (b) rate paid for consultants was £641 (excluding VAT). performance of child trust funds. [16109] The highest day rate was £1,696 (excluding VAT). 229W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 230W

Figures for the years prior to 2009-10 were not Lisa Nandy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer recorded centrally and can be identified only at how many complaints his Department has received in disproportionate cost. relation to the content of contributions to its Spending Many contracts for consultancy services employ Challenge website. [13984] alternative pricing methods, for example, a fixed lump sum, where the day rates cannot be identified. Justine Greening: The Government have received over HM Treasury has implemented OGC’s Consultancy 45,000 ideas on the Spending Challenge public website Value Programme to further ensure that consultants are and the vast majority were constructive and helpful. As only used where the necessary skills are not available per the site’s strict moderation policy, we have been within the Department and that value for money is clear that offensive ideas and comments are not welcome. assured when it is necessary to use consultants. The Spending Challenge website received almost 250,000 The Government have pledged to reduce consultancy visitors. We estimate that around 25 complaints were spend. The Department has implemented a consultancy received via direct correspondence with HM Treasury. freeze including across its agencies and non-departmental In addition, we received 3,500 ‘flags’ notifying moderators public bodies to ensure that consultants are only used about items of inappropriate content via the Spending when spend is of operational necessity. Challenge website. Departmental Contracts Lisa Nandy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Ian Austin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Department has received any complaints what the monetary value is of contracts his about the effect of contributions to the Spending Department has awarded to each (a) management Challenge website on (a) people with disabilities and consultancy and (b) IT company since 7 May 2010. (b) other minority groups; whether the police have [16187] informed his Department of any such complaints made to them; and if he will make a statement. [14940] Justine Greening: Since 7 May 2010 the Treasury has awarded: Justine Greening [holding answer 13 September 2010]: No management consultancy contracts; and The Government have received over 100,000 ideas through Two IT contracts with values of £20,400 and £24,200 (both the Spending Challenge website, the vast majority of excluding VAT). which were constructive and helpful. The site has a strict moderation policy and we have been clear that Departmental Empty Property offensive ideas and comments are not acceptable. Mike Freer: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer A dedicated team keep a close eye on the content what the estimated monetary value is of each vacant posted and remove the minority of ideas and comments (a) building and (b) parcel of land owned by his that are not appropriate as soon as possible. Department in each region. [16243] The Government received a small number of complaints from individuals and organisations, including some which Justine Greening: The Treasury currently has no vacant had been directed to the police, regarding comments (a) building or (b) parcel of land. submitted by individuals to the website. The Government have responded to these complaints and aimed to ensure Departmental ICT that the minority of disruptive posts do not stop the public having their say on the Spending Challenge. Pete Wishart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which IT contracts awarded by his Department in each of the last five years have been abandoned; and what Luciana Berger: To ask the Chancellor of the the monetary value of each such contract was. [12729] Exchequer (1) how many staff are employed in his Department’s cross-departmental team to consider Justine Greening: No IT contracts have been abandoned suggestions submitted to the Spending Challenge by the Treasury between 2005-10. website; [16148] (2) how many of his Department’s staff are Departmental Internet employed to consider suggestions submitted to the Spending Challenge website. [16149] Lisa Nandy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a risk assessment on child internet safety was conducted before the Spending Challenge website was Danny Alexander: The number of staff deployed on launched. [13874] the Spending Challenge has varied depending on the stage the Spending Challenge has been at over the Justine Greening [holding answer 8 September 2010]: summer. No new staff have been recruited to support The Spending Challenge website had a strict moderation this exercise, with staff being either re-deployed temporarily policy and a dedicated team kept a close eye on content from other roles, or contributing to this exercise as part posted in order to remove the minority of ideas that of or alongside their normal roles. were inappropriate as soon as possible. One new team was temporarily established to undertake The moderation policy was as per industry standards the initial sifting for the public sector element of the in relation to this project and therefore no additional Spending Challenge exercise, with a maximum of 12 risk assessment regarding internet safety was conducted existing staff being reassigned from across Whitehall to before the Spending Challenge website was launched. this role during July and early August. 231W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 232W

Luciana Berger: To ask the Chancellor of the 5% reduction in ministerial salaries and £400,000 from Exchequer how many ideas have been submitted to his a reduction in bonus payments to members of the Department’s Spending Challenge website. [16150] senior civil service. The Treasury has also revised its travel and expenses policies, to include tighter restrictions Danny Alexander: Almost 64,000 ideas were submitted on the provision of refreshments for officials and on the to the public sector element of the Spending Challenge, use of first class travel and taxis. with over 45,000 further ideas being submitted through the general public element. Departmental Press: Subscriptions Departmental Legislation Mike Freer: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his Department spent on newspapers, how many officials of his Department are working on periodicals and trade profession magazines in each preparations for (a) the Financial Reform Bill, (b) the year since 2001. [16234] National Insurance Bill, (c) the Terrorist Asset Freezing Bill, (d) the Equitable Life Contributions Bill and (e) Justine Greening: Spending on newspapers, periodicals the Office for Budget Responsibility Bill. [5119] and trade profession magazines by HM Treasury is shown in the following table. Information is only available Justine Greening: The following table shows the number since 2002-03 due to the introduction of a new accounting of HM Treasury (HMT) staff members working for at system at that time. least part of their time on the bills named. £000 Number of HM Treasury staff 2002-03 155 Financial Reform Bill 13 2003-04 143 National Insurance Bill 3 2004-05 119 Terrorist Asset Freezing Bill 6 2005-06 179 Equitable Life Contributions Bill 2 2006-07 109 Office, for Budget Responsibility 5 2007-08 142 Bill 2008-09 199 Where appropriate HMT staff members will consult 2009-10 119 with other Government Departments and other teams within HMT. Departmental Secondment Departmental Manpower Ian Austin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Tom Harris: To ask the Chancellor of the how many staff his Department has appointed on Exchequer what assessment he has made of the secondment since 7 May 2010; and from what organisation adequacy of the resources and staff available to him in each such member of staff has been seconded. [16270] respect of the competing priorities of his post. [16351] Justine Greening: The information requested is provided Justine Greening: As a Department, HM Treasury in the following table: regularly monitors resource and staffing information. Information is provided to the Departmental Board Number of secondees chaired by the Chancellor, which last met on 22 July. Organisation since 7 May 2010 In addition to this regular monitoring, the Department Financial Service Authority 3 is currently undergoing a strategic review which will Bank of England 2 look at the resourcing and staffing needs for the future. Monitor (the Independent Regulator of 1 NHS Foundation Trusts) Departmental Operating Costs PPP Arbitrator 1 The Ministry of Finance for Japan 1 Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken to reduce the running Departmental Travel costs of his Department since his appointment. [9606]

Justine Greening: The Treasury Group has committed Hugh Bayley: To ask the Chancellor of the to finding £6 million of savings from its administration Exchequer which (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his costs this year as part of the Government’s £6.2 billion Department have been driven by the Government Car savings programme. From 24 May it has implemented a Service since the Government took office; and how freeze on external recruitment posts which are not much each of these persons has received in expenses for business critical, and required ministerial approval for use of taxis, buses and underground trains in that all new consultancy spend over £20,000 and any public period. [7956] sector salaries above £142,500. It has also completed a review of all programmes over£1 million with a significant Justine Greening: I refer the hon. Member to the IT element. answer I gave on 29 June 2010, Official Report, column As part of this, £200,000 will be saved from reducing 498W, to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East the use of allocated ministerial cars, £125,000 from a (Mr Watson). 233W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 234W

In addition, the Government publish on a quarterly EU Emissions Trading Scheme basis the expenses incurred by senior officials, which includes use of the Government Car Service and other Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the travel expenses. Exchequer what plans he has to allocate future EC Grants and Loans revenues raised through the auctioning of allowances under the (a) second and (b) third phase of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme; and if he will make a Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Chancellor of statement. [13901] the Exchequer what plans he has for the future mechanisms by which UK allocations from the European Regional Justine Greening: Revenues from the auctioning of Development Fund will be disbursed. [12778] EU ETS allowances accrue to the consolidated fund Justine Greening [holding answer 6 September 2010]: and are allocated against general expenditure. The emergency Budget announced the abolition of regional development agencies, which currently administer European EU Law regional development funds in the English regions. A White Paper on Sub-National Growth to be published Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Chancellor of the later this year will set out further details on the Exchequer how many officials in his Department work Government’s approach to promoting sustainable growth (a) full-time and (b) for most of their time on the and the role of local enterprise partnerships, including negotiation, implementation or administration of EU how the responsibility for functions previously undertaken legislation and consequent policies. [13783] by regional development agencies will be taken forward. EU Budget Justine Greening: The negotiation, implementation and administration of EU legislation and policies impacts Mr Redwood: To ask the Chancellor of the on many areas of HM Treasury’s responsibilities. The Exchequer what analysis he has made of potential number of officials working within HM Treasury on efficiency savings within the proposed EU budget for these matters can vary: as of 23 September 2010, around 2011. [15886] 80 officials were spending most or all of their time on EU business. This figure excludes those currently seconded Justine Greening: The Commission’s draft EU budget to EU institutions. for 2011 proposed a level of payments of ¤130 billion, an increase of 5.8% on 2010. This is out of step with the economic and fiscal reality across Europe. Within that, Government Departments: Grants the Commission’s proposal includes a 4.4% increase in EU institutions’ administrative spending, to ¤8.3 billion. Lisa Nandy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer This is unacceptable at a time when Governments across under what circumstances a formal funding agreement Europe are taking difficult decisions to reduce the financial is required for the award by Departments of funds burden of their own administrations. from the public purse to external organisations. [15960] There is clear potential for efficiency savings in this draft EU budget and the UK is therefore calling for a Mr Gauke: It is always good practice to document cash freeze in the 2011 Budget. In doing so, we have any such agreement. It helps to ensure certainty and pushed against increased administrative spend for additional avoid doubt. This is in line with the responsibilities of staff in the EU institutions, called for greater value for Accounting Officers set out in Managing Public Money, money in areas of expenditure such as agricultural notably chapter 3. market interventions under the Common Agricultural Policy and questioned budget increases which have been Income Tax: Scotland proposed without proper justification or in areas with a track record of poor implementation. Mr Wallace: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Redwood: To ask the Chancellor of the what representations he has received from businesses Exchequer what discussions he has had with his EU based in England and Wales on the likely effects on counterparts on the future level of the EU budget. them of implementation of the Calman Commission [15887] recommendations for a separate income tax rate in Scotland, with particular reference to dual PAYE Justine Greening: Negotiation of the EU budget for schemes. [16400] the period 2014-20 is expected to begin in 2011. At the negotiation, the Government will strongly defend the Mr Gauke: The Government committed to implementing UK’s national interests and ensure the EU budget is the recommendations of the Calman Commission in its focused on those areas where the EU adds value. Coalition Agreement and will bring forward legislation Meanwhile, the EU budget for the period 2007-13 later this year. It has established an Implementation was agreed by the previous Government in 2005, meaning Group whose members are stakeholders from across the UK’s contributions cannot easily be reduced. However, the UK so that the impacts on both individuals and the Chancellor and Treasury Ministers use every available businesses can be understood and any burdens minimised. opportunity, including ECOFIN to impress upon That Group is meeting for a second time in early counterparts the importance of containing the cost of November and will be informed by a technical group the EU budget to the UK and delivering value for who will look specifically at the income tax issues. Aside money. For example, the Chancellor has pressed for a from those discussions, the Chancellor has received no cash freeze in the EU budget for 2011. specific representations in relation to the effects of the 235W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 236W implementation of the Calman Commission’s Mr Spellar: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer recommendations on a separate income tax rate in when he plans to reply to the letter from the right hon. Scotland. Member for Warley of 6 July 2010 on Mr Lamont. [15904] Inflation Mr Gauke: I replied to the right hon. Member on 31 August 2010. Mary Macleod: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent estimate he has made of the likely effect on the economy of not meeting the two per Monetary Policy cent. target level of inflation. [16147] Steve Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Justine Greening: It is the independent Monetary what his most recent assessment is of the effect of Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England, quantitative easing on the structure of the economy. under its monetary policy remit, which is responsible [16313] for judging the outlook for inflation. The bank’s August 2010 Inflation Report provides a full assessment. Mr Hoban: The independent Monetary Policy The MPC, like other independent forecasters such as Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England has operational the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), judge that responsibility for monetary policy. The MPC decides temporary factors are contributing to the current elevated on use of measures, including the asset purchase facility rate of inflation. The MPC’s remit allows it to look (APF), in order to target 2% inflation, as measured by through short-term movements in inflation and its central the 12-month change in the consumer prices index view is that inflation should continue to move back (CPI). towards target over time. The May 2009 ‘Inflation Report’ explains how The OBR’s forecast for GDP growth at the June quantitative easing works to impact the economy through Budget was for it to rise from 2010, reaching 2.9% in various channels including higher money supply, lower 2013, and then easing in 2014 and 2015 due to demographic long-term interest rates and rising asset prices. An changes. assessment of the impact on asset prices, in particular on the gilt market, is made in the May 2010 ‘Inflation Report’ which says: Low Incomes: Females “asset purchases appear to be having a sizeable downward effect on gilt yields...equity and corporate bond prices have increased Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Chancellor of the significantly since early 2009. That is likely, in part, to reflect the Exchequer pursuant to the contribution of the exceptional monetary stimulus.” Minister for Equalities of 6 September 2010, Official Report, column 153, what new ways of assessing the PAYE potential impact of Budget measures on women his Department plans to explore. [15236] Stewart Hosie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps HM Revenue and Customs plans Mr Gauke: At the June Budget this Government took to take to ensure that correspondence sent to unprecedented steps in publishing more detailed analysis individuals who have underpaid tax as a result of of the distributional impacts of the Budget than has recent miscalculations in tax liability in the PAYE even been done before. In addition to this, and as stated system is easy to understand and written in plain by the Minister for Equalities at the adjournment debate language. [15452] on public expenditure reductions, the Treasury also remains open to exploring new ways of assessing and Mr Gauke: Following customer feedback HM Revenue presenting the potential impact of Budget measures. and Customs (HMRC) has recently improved the guidance notes and flyer which accompany the PAYE tax Members: Correspondence reconciliation form P800. Copies are available on the HMRC website at: Mr Baron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/helpsheets/p800-notes.pdf when his Department plans to respond to the letters http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/p800/flyer.pdf from the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay of 5 July and 6 August 2010 on his constituent, Dr Stewart Hosie: To ask the Chancellor of the Warhurst. [15853] Exchequer whether the Extra Statutory Concession A19 is available to those who receive tax demands as a Justine Greening: A reply has been sent to the hon. result of the recent miscalculations of tax liability Member. under the PAYE system. [15453]

Mr Baron: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Gauke: Extra Statutory Concession A19 allows when his Department plans to respond to the letters HMRC in certain circumstances to forgo the collection from the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay of of income tax and capital gains tax underpayments in 28 June and 4 August 2010 on his constituent, Mr certain circumstances. The concession is available in Neppl. [15854] circumstances where all the information has been provided to HMRC and it has had the opportunity to address it. Mr Gauke: I replied to the hon. Member on 7 September Individuals can find further guidance at: 2010. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/esc/esc.htm 237W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 238W

The concession, which is well established, does not budget reports will be included in the annual Child apply that often in practice, and I do not want people to Poverty Report to be made to Parliament under the build up their hopes that it will offer some kind of Child Poverty Act 2010. [13245] panacea that would be unfair on taxpayers. Justine Greening: For the first time Budget 2010 Stewart Hosie: To ask the Chancellor of the produced an analysis of the overall impact of tax and Exchequer whether HM Revenue and Customs has welfare measures. Work is under way to define what the taken any disciplinary action against staff as a result of annual Child Poverty report will cover. recent miscalculations in tax liability identified in its The Government are developing a long-term strategy PAYE system. [15454] taking into account the causes as well as the symptoms Mr Gauke: The information requested is available of poverty. The right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr only at disproportionate cost. Field) has been asked to lead a review on poverty and life chances in the UK, including how to measure and Stewart Hosie: To ask the Chancellor of the make progress on non-financial aspects of poverty. Exchequer whether HM Revenue and Customs has recruited additional staff to deal with individuals Public Expenditure affected by recent miscalculations of tax liability in the PAYE system. [15460] Andrew George: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what steps he plans to take to ensure Mr Gauke: HMRC has not recruited additional staff that the implementation of the proposals in the (a) to deal with the end of year reconciliation process. June 2010 Budget and (b) Spending Review will HMRC will redeploy existing resources to HMRC helplines, protect the vulnerable; [16217] if required. (2) what mechanisms he plans to put in place to Stewart Hosie: To ask the Chancellor of the assess the effects of the implementation of the Exchequer if HM Revenue and Customs will establish proposals contained in the (a) Budget and (b) a dedicated (a) Member of Parliament hotline and (b) Spending Review on the most vulnerable. [16218] public helpline to deal with enquiries in relation to the overpayment and underpayment of PAYE tax. [15463] Justine Greening: The June 2010 Budget announced a package of reforms to tackle unaffordable spending Mr Gauke: A dedicated MP helpline has been in and support the most vulnerable, with measures announced operation since 15 September. Customers already have in the Budget having no measurable impact on child the national helpline dedicated to support their PAYE poverty over the next two years. At this Budget the queries. Government also showed their commitment to transparency If there is any doubt about the details included in the by taking unprecedented steps in publishing more detailed calculation, the customer should contact HMRC on analysis of the distributional impacts of the Budget 0845 3000 627 or write to HMRC at the address shown than had even been done before. on the calculation so that the matter can be investigated. Regarding the spending review, the document “Spending Review Framework” sets out that the Government will: Stewart Hosie: To ask the Chancellor of the “look closely at the effects of its decisions on different groups Exchequer what the largest amount (a) underpaid and in society, especially the least well off” (2.2 page 7). (b) overpaid by an individual has been as a result of recent miscalculations of tax liability made by HM The Government also produces the annual “Households Revenue and Customs in the PAYE system. [15464] Below Average Income” publication which provides details of composition and the number of households Mr Gauke: The information is available only at with low income levels. This, along with other data disproportionate cost. sources, are reviewed regularly to help the Government understand the impacts of policy change. Population: Wells Somerset Andrew George: To ask the Chancellor of the Tessa Munt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Exchequer what assessment he has made of the most if he will estimate from the tax and benefit records held recent Institute for Fiscal Studies analysis of the by his Department the number of people aged 16 years impact of (a) Budget and (b) Spending Review and over resident in Wells constituency; and if he will measures on (i) low income families, (ii) the economic make a statement. [15447] recovery and (iii) the overall Budget objectives. [16350]

Mr Gauke: The information requested is not available. Justine Greening: The Treasury welcomes the innovative No estimates have been made at a constituency level approach the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) has taken of the gap between the population figures and the to its revised analysis of the Budget and is open to number of individuals paying tax or claiming HMRC exploring new ways of assessing the potential impact of benefits. Budget measures. However as the IFS states, in order to include previously un-modelled reforms, the report makes Poverty: Children a number of assumptions which add uncertainty to the analysis. It is important that policy is informed by Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer analysis that is proven to be robust. The Treasury has whether an analysis of the effects of implementation of relied on a well-established methodology, similar to that measures announced in budget statements and pre- adopted by the IFS in its post-Budget analysis. On the 239W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 240W basis of this robust approach, the Budget is progressive Revenue and Customs: Standards and has no measurable impact on child poverty over the next two years. Jonathan Evans: To ask the Chancellor of the The Government take account of a range of external Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the views, including those of the IFS, when making its efficiency of HM Revenue and Customs call centres assessment of the UK economy and in policy formulation. and helplines; and if he will make a statement. [16085] The interim Office for Budget Responsibility provided an assessment of the UK economy, which took account Mr Gauke: The performance and efficiency of HMRC of Budget measures on 22 June. contact centres (which include the tax credit helpline) It is not appropriate to pre-judge the outcomes of the was recently assessed by the National Audit Office. The spending review process, but it should be noted that the National Audit Office findings “Handling Telephone Government set out in the spending review framework Enquiries” was published on 15 January 2010 with the that they will “look closely at the effects of its decisions subsequent Committee of Public Accounts report published on different groups in society, especially the least well on 25 March 2010. off, and on different regions.” Revenue and Customs: Telephone Services Andrew George: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will undertake an analysis of the Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the impact of options for spending reductions under the Exchequer what proportion of telephone calls to HM spending review relative to household composition. Revenue and Customs were answered in each of the [16362] last 12 months. [14634]

Justine Greening: The Government set out in its Mr Gauke: The proportion of telephone calls to Spending Review Framework document that: HMRC’s centrally managed network of contact centres In light of its commitments to fairness and social mobility, the answered in each of the last 12 months, to June 2010, Government will look closely at the effects of its decisions on are shown in the following table. different groups in society, especially the least well off, and on HMRC contact centre call attempts different regions. Answered by Handled Handled Call Public Sector: Minimum Wage advisers by IVR1 (total attempts (percentage) (percentage) percentage) (million) Matthew Hancock: To ask the Chancellor of the June 2010 34.3 7.3 41.6 12.8 Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to the May 2010 32.4 8.7 41.1 13.3 Exchequer of introducing a minimum wage of £7.60 April 2010 38.8 7.5 46.3 11.2 for all public sector employees. [15223] March 2010 53.9 11.3 65.2 8.5 February 2010 72.5 9.6 82.1 5.8 Mr Gauke: Using data from the Annual Survey of January 2010 60.8 11.5 72.2 8.3 Hours and Earnings, the Treasury estimates that the December 2009 80.2 12.4 92.6 3.8 introduction of a minimum wage of £7.60 for all public November 82.0 9.1 91.1 4.7 sector employees would increase the public sector wage 2009 bill by around £690 million per annum. October 2009 77.1 11.4 88.5 5.6 September 65.3 8.4 73.7 7.2 Public Sector: Procurement 2009 August 2009 64.9 7.9 72.8 6.3 July 2009 59.4 8.7 68.1 9.6 Ian Swales: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 1 IVR = Interactive voice response/automated messages on the telephone what the monetary value of public sector contracts call steering menu. awarded in Redcar constituency was in each of the last five years. [15841] Tax Allowances

Mr Maude: I have been asked to reply. Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Chancellor of the Local and central government bodies have not in the Exchequer (1) what recent estimate he has made of the past been required to report the location of suppliers to number of people who will have earnings of below whom they award contracts. So this information is not £6,475 in 2010-11; [15539] held centrally. (2) what estimate he has made of the average amount of additional income to people in each income decile Going forward, it is coalition policy to publish from the planned increase in the personal tax transparently large central Government contracts online, allowance; [15767] and from these data it will be possible to identify the location of suppliers. (3) what estimate he has made of the proportion of the total additional income from the planned increase Redcar and Cleveland Borough council already publish in the personal tax allowance which will go to people in current and past contract details on their website at: each income decile; [15766] https://www.qtegov.com/procontract/contracts.nsf/ fcontent?ReadForm&requesttype=view&requestview=authority (4) what estimate he has made of the proportion of ®ion=&authority=ORG-QTLE- the total additional income from the planned increase 75FDAN&sd=&stype=&rv= in the personal tax allowance which will go to those authority&start=1&count=10&contentid=1.008 earning between £6,475 and £7,475. [15768] 241W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 242W

Mr Gauke: The June 2010 Budget announced a £1,000 action to protect the interests of the Exchequer and increase in the personal allowance for under 65s to ensure fairness to those who pay their tax on time. £7,475 in 2011-12, with benefits focussed on individuals There is no central record to distinguish cases where on low and middle incomes through accompanying the debt leading to liquidation was attributable to the changes to the basic rate limit and national insurance evasion of VAT. upper earnings and profit limits. That information could be obtained only by re-examining As a result of these measures 880,000 of the lowest the details of each case individually and only at income taxpayers will be removed from tax altogether. disproportionate cost. It is estimated that those on incomes below £7,475 account for around 0.8% of total incomes above the Clive Efford: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer personal allowance before the Budget announcement what criteria HM Revenue and Customs applies when and 1.4% of the total benefits. These estimates are taking the decision not to issue companies with section based on HMRC’s personal tax model, based on 2007-08 160 and 161 notices before a company is investigated Survey of Personal Incomes data projected to 2011-12. for alleged value added tax evasion; and if he will make Estimated impacts of these Budget announcements a statement. [12606] for all households by equivalised income decile in 2011-12 are provided in the table. Mr Gauke: HMRC publish public notices, codes of practice and factsheets to explain their processes so that Equivalised taxpayers have the information to understand how they income Average gain from combined income tax and Proportion of should manage their tax affairs and ensure their rights decile1 national insurance changes2 total change are protected. £ per year % net income Public Notices 160 and 161 set out HMRC’s practice Bottom 30 0.2 2.1 in relation to civil enquiries where they suspect tax 2 (£14,000) 70 0.4 4.8 irregularities as a result of dishonesty. They are issued 3 (£16,700) 100 0.5 7.4 to businesses where HMRC have information that leads 4 (£18,900) 120 0.6 8.8 them to suspect the trader of dishonest conduct which, 5 (£21,300) 160 0.6 11.1 if proven, may result in the imposition of a civil evasion 6 (£24,200) 190 0.7 13.6 penalty. The notices detail the circumstances in which 7 (£27,400) 230 0.7 16.3 they are considered appropriate. 8 (£31,600) 230 0.6 16.1 HMRC have a variety of other remedies available to 9 (£37,600) 230 0.5 16.1 deal with suspected evasion, up to and including criminal Top 50 0.1 3.9 (£48,500) investigation. The Department’s criminal investigation All 140 0.4 100.0 policy is published on the HMRC website. 1 Estimated lower income bound (for a couple household with no children) for each decile is shown in brackets. Tax Yields 2 Excluding the June 2010 Budget announcement to increase the threshold for employer national insurance contributions by £21 a week above indexation. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Average household gains are lower than average in Exchequer what his most recent assessment is of the the lower deciles of the household income distribution relationship between the number of staff employed by because there are fewer basic rate taxpayers per household. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the amount These estimates have been produced using HM Treasury’s of tax revenue obtained by HMRC. [14650] tax and benefit model, based on expenditure and food survey data projected to 2011-12. These estimates relate Mr Gauke [holding answer 13 September 2010]: The to changes to the personal allowance and national amount of tax revenue received by the Government in insurance upper limits announced in Budget 2010 only. any given year depends on a number of factors, including: Based on these same sources, it is estimated that around the state of the economy eg the level of personal and corporate 9 million individuals have total income subject to income income, consumption, saving and investment; tax less than 6,475 in 2010-11. the structure of the tax system eg the rates, thresholds and Budget 2010 Annex A provides a fuller analysis of reliefs in operation; changes to personal tax, tax credits, benefits, and indirect the level of compliance by taxpayers; and tax in 2012-13. HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) administration of the tax system, and the productivity of its compliance activities. Tax Evasion: VAT Through the use of new technology and increases in staff productivity HMRC has increased the amount of revenue bought in as a result of its compliance activities Clive Efford: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer from £7.5 billion in 2005-06 to £12 billion in 2008-09. how many companies were liquidated consequent on Over the period April 2005 to April 2010, HMRC has proceedings for evasion of value added tax in each of reduced the number of full-time equivalent staff it the last five years; how many such companies were employs by 23% (excluding the transfer of 4,641 FTE issued with notices under (a) section 160, (b) section staff to the UKBA). 161 and (c) both sections 160 and 161 before action was taken; and if he will make a statement. [12605] Taxation

Mr Gauke: Where HMRC seeks liquidation of a Lorely Burt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer company it will be as a result of unpaid tax debt and when he expects to issue his remit letter to HM Revenue only where it really believes that it is the best course of and Customs (HMRC) in respect of 2010-11; with 243W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 244W reference to the letter of 20 July 2009, what steps Taxation: Business HMRC has taken actively to manage and reduce the £27.7 billion stock of tax debt over the course of the Stewart Hosie: To ask the Chancellor of the year; what target HMRC proposed to reduce debt over Exchequer when he expects HM Revenue and Customs the CSR 07 period; how progress against that target was to conclude its review of the release of statistical monitored; what progress HMRC has made towards information on time to pay arrangements. [13343] meeting that target; what steps HMRC took to prioritise resources to protect tax revenues through tackling abusive Mr Gauke: HMRC intends to publish statistical avoidance, evasion and non compliance; and what progress information relating to the Business Payment Support HMRC has made against its target to reduce the tax Service in accordance with the Code of Practice for gap by 2010-11. [15370] Official Statistics (2009). A copy of the code can be found at: Mr Gauke: The Government will set out their www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/assessment/code-of-practice/ performance and reporting framework for Departments, code-of-practice-for-official-statistics.pdf including HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), alongside the Spending Review. Publication, which has been pre-announced on the HMRC website at: In relation to the remit given to HMRC by the http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/updates/oct10.pdf previous Chancellor in July 2009, I refer the hon. Member to HMRC’s consolidated accounts for 2009-10, available is currently planned for 9.30 am on 29 October 2010. at: Taxation: Graduates http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/hmrc-accs-0910.pdf The 2009-10 annual accounts state that: Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Chancellor of the Receivables as reported in the HMRC Trust Statement fell Exchequer if he will estimate the average lifetime tax from £27.7 billion at 31 March 2009 to £26.1 billion at 31 March revenue that will accrue to the Exchequer from a (a) 2010—a 5.8% reduction. man and (b) woman who completed tertiary education The Department has a target to reducing the proportion of in the last 12 months and is living in (i) the UK, (ii) the debts remaining by 8% at 30 days old and 13% at 90 days compared with 2008-09. North East and (iii) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency. [15847] Performance against this target will be reported in HMRC’s annual accounts for 2010-11 next year. Mr Gauke: HMRC administrative data on incomes As announced in the Budget in June HMRC will, this and income tax do not include information on education year, be using debt collection agencies to collect £140 level. million of additional revenue from existing tax debts. Information on income tax for all taxpayers by age HMRC tailor their risk-based interventions according and gender (Table 3.2), by income (Table 2.5), by region to customer behaviour and focus on the most significant (Table 3.13) and by Parliamentary Constituency (Table 3.15) risks to the collection of tax revenues. can be found on the HM Revenue and Customs website HMRC’s compliance strategy and its approach to at: reducing the tax gap is set out in Protecting Tax Revenues http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_tax/menu.htm 2009, available at: and http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/pbr2009/protect-tax-revenue- 5450.pdf http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/income_distribution/menu.htm Progress against HMRC’s target to close the tax gap Taxation: Rebates by at least an additional £4 billion in 2010-11 will be reported in HMRC’s future annual accounts. Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the The Government have recently announced new plans Exchequer what procedure taxpayers receiving a to tackle non-compliance in the tax system by making demand for tax underpaid in a previous year will be £900 million available to raise additional revenue from required to follow to demonstrate that they have no those who undermine the tax system. As part of these liability; and if he will make a statement. [14635] plans, funding will be available for placing up to £1 billion per year of tax debt out to private debt collection Mr Gauke: Individuals with concerns about the details agencies. of a PAYE end-of-year reconciliation calculation should contact HMRC on 0845 3000 627 or write to HMRC at Taxation: Aviation the address shown on the calculation so that the matter can be investigated. John Thurso: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress he has made on his review of Stephen Timms: To ask the Chancellor of the the taxation of air travel; and if he will make a Exchequer whether taxpayers whose net income for a statement. [14648] previous year is reduced in the current tax calculation exercise will have their benefits for that year adjusted if Justine Greening [holding answer 13 September 2010]: necessary; and if he will make a statement. [14637] The Budget announced that the Government will explore changes to the aviation tax system, including switching Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply. from a per-passenger to a per-plane duty. Major changes Income-related benefits such as pension credit, income will be subject to consultation. Announcements on tax support, jobseeker’s allowance and employment and are made in the usual manner. support allowance take account of income after tax. If 245W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 246W someone receives a change in their tax liability as a Justine Greening: The sum of £500 was paid to the result of the reconciliation exercise, they can ask for Crown Estate in 2006 in acknowledgement of the their benefit to be looked at again. Whether or not any proprietorial rights and interests in the area concerned. benefit adjustment is made will depend on the circumstances Welfare Tax Credits of each case. VAT: Registration Mr Love: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the level of household income is above which a Simon Kirby: To ask the Chancellor of the household with (a) one, (b) two and (c) three children Exchequer what discussions he has had with the Chief will cease to receive tax credits from April 2012. [15444] Executive of HM Revenue and Customs on the issuing of value added tax registration numbers to new Mr Gauke: Tax credits are tailored to each family’s businesses; and if he will make a statement. [13370] specific set of circumstances in relation to the number of adults, the number of hours worked, the age of Mr Gauke: Treasury Ministers have discussions with adults, numbers of children, numbers of disabled workers/ the chief executive of HMRC on a regular basis as part children, and the level of child care each family is using. of the process of policy development and delivery. It is As a result there is no single level of household income not the Government’s practice to provide details of all beyond which families with one, two, or three children such discussions. will cease to receive tax credits. While HMRC aim to issue VAT registration numbers The tax credits entitlement questionnaire, which is as quickly as possible, it is necessary to balance the available on the HMRC website, provides indicative speed of registration against the need to undertake entitlements on the basis of various sets of circumstances. further checks on some applications to safeguard the VAT system against fraud. Mr Love: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the monetary value is of each tax credit which is Waste Disposal: Whitsand Bay now to be uprated with reference to the consumer price index; and what estimate he has made of the monetary Sheryll Murray: To ask the Chancellor of the value of each in 2014-15 (a) with and (b) without the Exchequer whether any payments have been made to change in uprating method. [15450] the Crown Estate for the deposition of dredged sediment at the Rame Head offshore disposal site, Mr Gauke: The information requested is provided in Whitsand Bay, Cornwall. [16297] the following table.

£ Value in 2011-12 under CPI uprating Value in 2014-15 under CPI uprating Value in 2014-15 under RPI uprating

WTC elements Basic element 1,980 2,120 2,180 Second adult element 1,945 2,080 2,150 Lone parent element 1,945 2,080 2,150 30 hour element 815 880 905 Severe disability element 1,130 1,210 1,245 50 plus element (16-30 hours) 1,360 0 0 50 plus element (30 hours) 2,025 0 0 Disability element 2,645 2,825 2,915 Childcare max—1 child — — — Childcare max—2+ child — — —

CTC elements Child element 2,520 2,760 2,840 Disabled child element 2,795 2,985 3,075 Enhanced disabled child element 1,130 1,210 1,245

Working Tax Credit: Cumbernauld publication “Child and Working Tax Credits. Geographical Analysis, April 2010”. This is available at: Gregg McClymont: To ask the Chancellor of the http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog- Exchequer how many households in Cumbernauld, stats.htm Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East constituency receive the 50 plus element of working tax credit. [16322] CABINET OFFICE Mr Gauke: This information is unavailable as it could Charities: Fraud lead to the disclosure of information relating to the tax Tracey Crouch: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet affairs of individual taxpayers. Office what recent estimate he has made of the annual Provisional information on families receiving tax credits cost to registered charities of fraudulent charity as at April 2010 can be found in the HMRC snapshot collections. [14795] 247W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 248W

Mr Hurd: Licensing of public charitable collections is Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office does not keep a generally a matter for local licensing authorities in central record of which civil servants have attended England and Wales. Records are not kept centrally of networking events. Departments are required on a quarterly the number of licences issued whether for street or basis to publish information about hospitality recorded house to house collections and it would not be practicable by civil servants at Director General level and above. to do so. Similarly estimates of the annual cost to Civil Servants: North East and North West charities of fraudulent charity collections are not kept, but charity sector estimates range between £5 million and £14 million. Ian Swales: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many civil servants employed by (a) Government Departments, (b) executive agencies and Charities: Private Education (c) other Government bodies had their primary place of employment in (i) Redcar constituency, (ii) the Mr Hepburn: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet North East and (iii) the North West in each of the last Office what recent representations he has received on five years. [15839] the charitable status of independent schools; and if he will make a statement. [16450] Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Mr Maude: I have received a small number of written asked the authority to reply. representations from interested stakeholders about the Letter from Stephen Penneck: charitable status of independent schools, and the Charity As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have Commission’s guidance on the public benefit requirement. been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning The Attorney-General has made a reference to the how many civil servants employed by (a) Government departments, First Tier Tribunal (Charity) asking it to consider the (b) executive agencies and (c) other Government employers had their primary place of employment in i) Redcar constituency, ii) operation of the public benefit requirement in relation the North East and iii) the North West in each of the last five to fee-charging charitable schools. As this matter is now years. (15839). before the Tribunal, it would not be appropriate to I regret that estimates of the numbers of civil servants employed make a statement. by Government departments, executive agencies and other Government employers by constituency are not available. Civil Servants Estimates for the North East and North West are based on the Mandate collection (2005-2006) which provides approximately 90 per cent coverage of Civil Service departments and agencies and Lisa Nandy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet the Annual Civil Service Employment Survey (2007-2009) which Office which civil servants have attended (a) the Chemistry provides 100 per cent coverage. The requested data are attached at Club, (b) the Climate Change Forum and (c) other Annex A. networking events in the last 12 months. [14961] Annex A

Civil service employment, Government Departments, executive agencies and other Government bodies in the North East and North West1,all employees Headcount 20052,3 20062,3 20074 20084 20095 North North North North North North North North North North East West East West East West East West East West

Government 18,540 22,080 18,170 23,430 16,920 23,090 16,480 22,800 17,540 23,690 Departments Executive 17,190 35,900 16,440 33,020 19,580 40,170 18,340 40,360 16,880 37,210 agencies Other 80 1,470 80 1,430 140 1,740 120 1,690 1,720 4,000 government bodies

All employees 35,800 59,440 34,690 57,880 36,640 64,990 35,440 64,850 36,130 64,900 1 Numbers are rounded to the nearest ten. 2 Mandate Data Collection only—incomplete coverage of civil service departments. 3 Survey reference date 1 April. 4 Survey reference date 30 September. 5 Survey reference date 31 March. Source: Annual Civil Service Employment survey and Mandate Data Collection.

Civil Servants: Resignations Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Mr Umunna: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated 21 September Office how many civil servants identified as (a) from 2010: black and/or minority ethnic backgrounds and (b) As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I disabled left employment before retirement age in (i) have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question 2008-09, (ii) 2009-10 and (iii) 2010-11 to date. [15852] concerning how many Civil Servants identified as (a) from black 249W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 250W and /or minority ethnic backgrounds and (b) disabled left employment Mr Maude: The information requested for Cabinet before retirement age in (i) 2008-09, (ii) 2009-10 and (iii) 2010-11 Office is not readily available and could be obtained to date. (15852) only at disproportionate cost. Civil Service Statistics are published annually by the Office for National Statistics on the National Statistics website. Since April Departmental Responsibilities 2010, there has been no default retirement age across the Civil Service. Caroline Lucas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Statistics for 2010-11 have not yet been published. The requested Office which (a) individuals, (b) companies and (c) data for years 2008 and 2009 are attached at Annex A. other organisations he has met in an official capacity Annex A since taking office. [16425] Civil Service Employment; Civil Service leavers before retirement age1, 2—All employees Mr Maude: The Government are committed to Headcount publishing information on Ministers’ meetings with 20083 20093 external organisations on a quarterly basis. Information for the first period (13 May to 31 July 2010) will be Black and/or minority 2,790 2,160 published shortly. ethnic Disabled 1,970 1,710 Departmental Training 1 Numbers are rounded to the nearest ten. 2 For the purpose of this analysis retirement age has been taken to be 65 years. Stewart Hosie: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 3 Survey reference date 31 March. Office how many external training courses were Source: attended by staff of his Department in the last 12 Annual Civil Service Employment Survey months; and what the cost to the public purse was of each such course. [13272] Departmental Consultants Mr Maude: All Cabinet Office management units Alun Cairns: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet have delegated responsibility for spend against their Office what the (a) average and (b) highest daily rate training budgets. The individual management units decide paid to consultants by his Department was in each of on appropriate training to meet their business needs. the last five years. [12664] Information on attendance and cost is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Mr Maude: The information requested for Cabinet Government Departments: Billing Office is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet In May 2010 the Government announced a freeze on Office if he will publish all Government department new consultancy expenditure. Any exception to this invoice payment performance records on a monthly freeze (where the estimated value is over £20,000) must basis in a single location. [13380] be approved by the relevant Minister. In the case of the Cabinet Office, the Minister for the Cabinet Office Mr Maude: As set out in the Coalition Programme, approves any exception to the consultancy freeze. greater transparency across Government is at the heart Expenditure on consultancy is only allowed if the of our shared commitment to enable the public to hold consultancy is deemed to be operationally necessary, or politicians and public bodies to account and to reduce the work cannot be done by in-house staff. All consultancy the deficit and deliver better value for money in public contracts are subject to a review every three months, for spending. I agree that this should extend to invoice a maximum of nine months. Where contracts go beyond payment performance records, and I have asked officials nine months, they must be submitted for approved to in my Department, the Treasury and the Department the Efficiency and Reform Group for consideration by for Business, Innovation and Skills to report urgently to the Chief Secretary and the Minister for the Cabinet the Transparency Board on how the hon. Member’s Office. suggestion can be implemented. Departmental Empty Property Government Departments: Internet

Matthew Hancock: To ask the Minister for the Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how much his Department spent on Cabinet Office how many websites operated by vacant properties in each year since 1997. [13012] Government departments there were in each year since 2006. [9969] Mr Maude: This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Mr Maude: No central records are held with accurate figures for the total number of websites operated by central Government and non-departmental public bodies Departmental Fines (NDPBs) going back to 2006. Many websites were not reported and through work done by the coalition Stewart Hosie: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Government from 11 May 2010, we have already identified Office how many transport-related fines his a further 81. The current number of open websites Department has settled on behalf of its staff in each reported by Government Departments on 10 August year since 2005; and what the cost to the public purse 2010 is 742 that are operated by Departments and their was in each such year. [13273] NDPBs plus 103 operated by museums, charities, limited 251W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 252W companies and partnerships in which government have Government Departments: Procurement a role. I shall be announcing plans alongside the spending review to close up to 75% of sites for which government Lisa Nandy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet are responsible. Office what steps his Department takes when a Government department breaches competitive Richard Harrington: To ask the Minister for the tendering guidelines. [14974] Cabinet Office (1) what estimate he has made of Government expenditure on websites paid for from the Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office provides guidance public purse in the last 12 months; [15936] and support to help Departments comply with public (2) what recent estimate he has made of the monthly sector procurement rules; assists them in taking remedial average number of visits to Government websites; action when necessary; and promulgates lessons learned [15937] to prevent a recurrence of poor practice. (3) what recent estimate he has made of the number We provide a feedback service for suppliers and other of websites funded from the public purse which parties to escalate concerns over poor procurement generate revenue. [15938] practice, including breaches of competitive tendering guidelines. Mr Hurd: I have asked the chief executive of the In cases where the European Commission instigates Central Office of Information to write to my hon. infraction proceedings against the United Kingdom for Friend. a failure to comply with procurement rules we work with the procurement authority to resolve the issues Letter from Mark Lund, dated 6 October 2010: raised. As Chief Executive of the Central Office of Information (COI), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Questions Mike Freer: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 15936 and 15937 regarding Government websites. Office what steps his Department has taken to PQ15936/7 encourage central procurement of (a) stationery, (b) Expenditure on websites is unacceptably high and an announcement information technology and (c) office supplies across will be made as part of the Spending Review of how it is planned Government Departments. [15365] to cut costs substantially. In line with Public Accounts Committee recommendations in their 16th report of session 2007/8 Government Mr Maude: We have mandated that all spending on on the Internet: Progress in delivering information and services common goods and service categories by Government online (March 2008), department-run websites reported costs and Departments should take place through centrally agreed usage for 2009/10, which may be found on the COI website at contracting vehicles. This includes the procurement of www.coi.gov.uk/websitemetrics2009-10 office supplies, including stationery, and ICT hardware. Arm’s-length bodies are required to report this financial year and this will be published in June 2011. Government Departments: Publicity PQ15938 Philip Davies: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet This information is not held centrally. I am however pleased to Office what (a) legislation and (b) guidance issued by report that the number of websites will significantly reduce and his Department governs the content of publications an announcement about all those that will close will be made as part of the Spending Review. funded from the public purse. [15570] Mr Maude: The information requested is as follows: Government Departments: Pay (a) There is no legislation “issued by” Cabinet Office governing the content of publications Stephen Hammond: To ask the Minister for the (b) Guidance issued by Cabinet Office that governs the content Cabinet Office how much each Department paid in of publications is available on The Cabinet Office website in the form of a downloadable pdf. There is a writing guide, editorial [12751] bonus awards in 2009. guide and publication guidelines for consistency in production of publications. Mr Maude: Reward arrangements, including the criteria for non-consolidated performance pay, below the senior Government Departments: Recruitment civil service are delegated to individual Departments and agencies. As such data on non-consolidated Mr Wallace: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet performance payments below the SCS are not held Office how much was spent on advertising jobs in centrally and would be available only at a disproportionate central Government Departments in The Guardian and cost. The Observer newspapers in (a) 2007, (b) 2008 and (c) 2009. [13187] Government Departments: Press Cuttings Mr Maude: The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at a disproportionate Mr Jenkin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office cost. how much (a) each Government Department and (b) Jobseeker’s Allowance the Government as a whole spent on press cuttings services in each of the last 12 months. [15795] Mr Umunna: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many individuals resident in (a) Great Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office does not keep a Britain, (b) London, (c) the London borough of Lambeth central record of all Government Departments’ spend and (d) Streatham constituency had been in receipt of on press cuttings services. Any such records if they are jobseeker’s allowance for more than 12 months in each held would be a matter for each Government Department. month from January to September 2010. [15806] 253W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 254W

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asked the authority to reply. asking: how many (a) males and (b) females there were aged (i) 99, (ii) 100, (iii) 101, (iv) 102, (v) 102, (vi) 103, (vi) 104, (vii) 105 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated September 2010: and (viii) 106 years of age in England and Wales in each of the As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I last three years (15638). have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking The most recent year available is 2008. Age information is how many individuals resident in (a) Great Britain, (b) London, available up to age 104 and grouped for 105 and over. The table (c) the London Borough of Lambeth and (d) Streatham constituency below contains the estimated number of centenarians for the had been in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance for more than 12 latest three years, 2006 to 2008. months in each month from January to September 2010. (15806) Mid-year estimates for the very elderly population by age and sex, Table 1 provides this information from January 2010 to the 2006-08, England and Wales latest available period of August 2010. Males Females National and local area estimates for many labour market Age 2006 2007 2008 2006 2007 2008 statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at 99 900 1,000 1,100 4,900 5,200 5,300 http://www.nomisweb.co.uk 100 500 600 600 3,100 3,400 3,500 Table 1. Number of persons claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for more than 12 101 300 300 300 1,900 2,000 2,200 months resident in (a) Great Britain, (b) London, (c) London borough of 102 100 200 200 1,100 1,200 1,300 Lambeth, (d) Streatham constituency 103 100 100 100 600 700 700 Great Britain London Lambeth Streatham 104 0 0 0 300 400 400 105 and 0 0 0 300 400 400 January 225,685 31,640 1,995 720 over 2010 Total 2,000 2,200 2,300 12,400 13,300 13,700 February 236,630 32,795 2,095 740 2010 Note: Figures rounded to nearest hundred, may not add exactly due to this March 243,665 33,885 2,175 775 2010 rounding. Source: April 249,780 34,860 2,215 790 2010 Office for National Statistics. May 252,170 35,690 2,285 815 2010 Population June 250,725 35,965 2,335 830 2010 July 2010 248,435 36,080 2,400 855 Mr Clappison: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet August 247,510 36,595 2,450 865 Office what the most recent estimate of the Office for 2010 National Statistics is of the population of (a) the UK, Note: (b) England, (c) Scotland, (d) Wales and (e) Data rounded to nearest 5 Northern Ireland in (i) 2020, (ii) 2030, (iii) 2050 and Source: Jobcentre Plus administrative system (iv) the most distant date for which an estimate has been made. [15719] National Citizenship Service Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Stella Creasy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Office if he will publish his estimate of the cost of the asked the authority to reply. National Citizenship Service pilots; and what timescale Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated September 2010: his Department has set for their delivery. [15830] As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question Mr Hurd: On 22 July, the Prime Minister announced asking what the most recent estimate is of the population of (a) that the National Citizen Service pilots will take place the UK, (b) England, (c) Scotland, (d) Wales and (e) Northern from June to September 2011, following the end of the Ireland in (i) 2020, (ii) 2030, (iii) 2050 and (iv) the most distant exam period, and will last for seven to eight weeks. This date for which an estimate has been made. (15719) is subject to the outcome of the spending review. The most recent population projections of the UK and its The competitive commissioning process is underway constituent countries are based on the mid-year population estimates; and the Cabinet Office will have information on the cost for 2008. Population projections for the years 2020, 2030, 2050 of the pilots once this process is complete. and 2108 are given in the table below. Projected population of UK and constituent countries for selected years, 2020 to 2108 Older People Million 2020 2030 2050 2108 Mr Amess: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many (a) males and (b) females there were aged United Kingdom 66.5 70.6 76.8 92.5 (i) 99, (ii) 100, (iii) 101, (iv) 102, (v) 103, (vi) 104, (vii) England 56.0 59.7 65.7 81.1 105 and (viii) 106 years of age in England and Wales in Wales 3.2 3.3 3.5 3.9 Scotland 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.5 each of the last three years. [15638] Northern Ireland 1.9 2.0 2.1 2:0 Source: Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Office for National Statistics. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have National population projections are available from the Office asked the authority to reply. for National Statistics website at: Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated September 2010: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=8519 255W Written Answers11 OCTOBER 2010 Written Answers 256W

Population projections become increasingly uncertain the further statistical releases to Ministers and their advisers prior they are carried forward, particularly for smaller geographic to publication. [12844] areas, and therefore long-term projections should be treated with great caution. Mr Maude: I have received no such representations. Public Sector: Procurement Mr Jenkin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office Mr Lilley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will (a) accept and (b) implement the what estimate he has made of the cost to businesses of recommendations of the UK Statistics Authority on complying with pre-qualification requirements for pre-release access to official statistics. [12848] tendering for public sector procurement projects. [14839] Mr Maude: The Government have recently reviewed the policy on pre-release access to official statistics and Mr Maude: No such estimate has been made. However, after careful consideration it has decided to continue the Government are taking steps to streamline and the current arrangements. I wrote to Sir Michael Scholar, simplify procurement procedures, including pre- chair of the UK Statistics Authority, on 27 July to qualification, in order to reduce the cost to businesses in inform him of Government’s decision. I have placed a bidding for public sector contracts. copy of my letter in the Library of the House. Service Industries: Standards

Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Unemployment: Brentford Office for what reasons his Department no longer sends letters of congratulations to organisations that Mary Macleod: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet have achieved Customer Service Excellence. [13908] Office how many children were living in workless households in Brentford and Isleworth constituency in Mr Maude: Customer Service Excellence (CSE) (a) 2005, (b) 2007 and (c) 2010. [16196] encourages public services to drive customer-focused change within their organisation. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Congratulatory letters to new holders were stopped responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have due to normal embargo procedures when the 2010 asked the authority to reply. general election was called. Certification bodies were Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated 21 September informed of this in advance. 2010: As with all public services, the Government are continuing As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, to review its priorities on how we deliver more with less. I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question CSE is part of this Comprehensive Spending Review concerning how many children were living in workless households process and decisions on congratulatory letters will be in Brentford and Isleworth constituency in (a) 2005, (b) 2007 and considered alongside other matters relating to the way (c) 2010. 16196 in which the scheme is run and managed. It is not possible to provide reliable information on the Brentford We will announce our conclusions on this in due and Isleworth constituency because of small sample sizes for the course. specific level of geographic detail required. Sir Philip Green Unemployment: Young People Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office on what terms and conditions Sir Philip Green Mark Lancaster: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet was appointed to lead the Government’s efficiency Office what percentage of unemployed people were review; and whether Sir Philip has authority to instruct aged between 18 and 24 years on the most recent date civil servants assigned to the review team. [14613] for which figures are available. [15448] Mr Maude: Sir Philip Green has been appointed by the Prime Minister to lead an external efficiency review Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the into Government spending. The role is unpaid. Sir responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Philip is supported in this work by officials from the asked the authority to reply. Cabinet Office and HM Treasury. The nature of Sir Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated September 2010: Philip’s role is not one in which he would be required to As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, instruct officials. I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Statistics what percentage of unemployed persons were between 18 and 24 years on the most recent date for which figures are available. (15448) Mr Jenkin: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office For the period May-July 2010 it was estimated from the what recent representations he has received on the Labour Force Survey that 728,000 people aged between 18 and effect on public confidence in official statistics of 24 years were unemployed in the UK. This is 29.5 per cent of all ceasing the practice of providing access to official unemployed persons aged 16 and over. 1MC Ministerial Corrections11 OCTOBER 2010 Ministerial Corrections 2MC

These numbers are full-time equivalent staff employed Ministerial Corrections on 27 August 2010 and are rounded to the nearest 10. In addition some 2,000 staff are employed by contractors Monday 11 October 2010 at these sites.

DEFENCE AWE Aldermaston: Fires AWE: Manpower Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many incidents at the Atomic Weapons Defence how many staff are employed at the Atomic Establishment Aldermaston have resulted in Weapons Establishment sites in (a) Aldermaston and attendance of the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue (b) Burghfield. [14333] Service in each year from 2006 to 2010; and on what [Official Report, 9 September 2010, Vol. 515, c. 621W.] dates each such incident occurred. [13469] Letter of correction from Peter Luff: [Official Report, 9 September 2010, Vol. 515, c. 624W.] An error has been identified in the written answer Letter of correction from Peter Luff: given to the hon. Member for Barrow and Furness An error has been identified in the written answer (John Woodcock) on 9 September 2010. given to the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion The full answer given was as follows: (Caroline Lucas) on 9 September 2010. The date for the false alarm event in March 2006 should have been the Peter Luff: Atomic Weapons Establishment plc employs 12th, not the 19th. 4,230 staff at the Aldermaston site and 340 staff at the The full answer given was as follows: Burghfield site. These numbers are full-time equivalent staff employed on 27 August 2010 and are rounded to Peter Luff: Since 2006, there have been four events at the nearest 10. the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Aldermaston In addition some 2,000 staff are employed by contractors site where the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service at these sites. (RBFRS) has been requested to attend. In addition, The correct answer should have been: there have been three events where RBFRS acted as a stand-by resource while the AWE Fire and Rescue Peter Luff: AWE plc employs 4,230 staff at the Service attended the event. These are summarised in the Aldermaston site and 340 staff at the Burghfield site. following table:

Date RBFRS involvement Event

3 August 2010 Attendance Fire in explosives facility 9 January 2009 Attendance Welding steel frame caused adjacent timber cladding and wall insulation fire 20 July 2007 Attendance Pumping of flood water from medical building 17 October 2006 Attendance High voltage equipment smoking and smell of burning 22 July 2006 Stand-by Vehicle fire 29 June 2006 Stand-by Small fire in a container during decommissioning operations 19 March 2006 Stand-by False alarm

The correct answer should have been: (RBFRS) has been requested to attend. In addition, there have been three events where RBFRS acted as a Peter Luff: Since 2006, there have been four events at stand-by resource while the AWE Fire and Rescue the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Aldermaston Service attended the event. These are summarised in the site where the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service following table:

Date RBFRS involvement Event

3 August 2010 Attendance Fire in explosives facility 9 January 2009 Attendance Welding steel frame caused adjacent timber cladding and wall insulation fire 20 July 2007 Attendance Pumping of flood water from medical building 17 October 2006 Attendance High voltage equipment smoking and smell of burning 22 July 2006 Stand-by Vehicle fire 29 June 2006 Stand-by Small fire in a container during decommissioning operations 12 March 2006 Stand-by False alarm

ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 11 October 2010

Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION...... 1 EDUCATION—continued Academy Schools...... 8 Playbuilders Scheme...... 10 Attainment League Tables ...... 13 Primary School Curriculum ...... 9 Building Schools for the Future ...... 5 School Bullying (Children with Allergies)...... 1 Children from Deprived Areas (Educational Special Educational Needs...... 3 Achievement)...... 11 Special Educational Needs (Daventry)...... 16 Departmental Guidance (Head Teachers)...... 13 Special Educational Needs (Leeds North West) ..... 5 Free School Meals...... 14 Topical Questions ...... 17 Help for Families ...... 14 Vocational Education...... 7 New Schools Network...... 16 White Working-Class Boys (Educational Ofsted (Inspection Assessments) ...... 2 Under-Achievement)...... 15 Pathfinder Projects (Blackpool) ...... 15 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 11 October 2010

Col. No. Col. No. CABINET OFFICE...... 1WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 7WS Government Efficiency Review ...... 1WS Equality and Human Rights Commission (Triennial Review)...... 7WS COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 1WS Conference Adjournment 2010 ...... 1WS JUSTICE...... 7WS FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 3WS Family Courts: Part 2 of the Children, Schools European Union Bill (Sovereignty) ...... 3WS and Families Act 2010...... 7WS Global Abolition of the Death Penalty...... 4WS

HEALTH...... 4WS PRIME MINISTER ...... 7WS National Dementia Strategy...... 4WS European Council (16 September 2010) ...... 7WS PETITIONS

Monday 11 October 2010

Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 1P TRANSPORT ...... 2P Human Trafficking ...... 1P Bromsgrove Railway Station ...... 2P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 11 October 2010

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 155W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Banks: Loans...... 155W Departmental Secondment ...... 165W Broadband: North East and North West ...... 155W Departmental Temporary Employment ...... 165W Business: Government Assistance ...... 156W Employment Agency...... 166W Business Link West Midlands: Finance...... 156W Employment Schemes ...... 166W Business Links: Expenditure ...... 156W Extractive Industries: Disclosure of Information ... 166W Business Links: Redcar ...... 156W Genetically Modified Organisms: Public Connaught Partnerships: Redundancy...... 159W Consultation ...... 167W Copyright: Internet ...... 159W Higher Education...... 168W Corus ...... 160W Higher Education: Mature Students ...... 168W Departmental Billing ...... 160W Innovation ...... 169W Departmental Chief Scientific Advisers ...... 163W Insolvency Service: Manpower...... 169W Departmental Contracts ...... 163W Internet: Regulation...... 170W Departmental Empty Property...... 163W Local Enterprise Partnerships...... 170W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 163W Lord Sugar...... 171W Departmental Pay ...... 164W Manufacturing Advisory Service...... 171W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 164W Multinational Companies: Company Accounts ..... 171W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 164W Overseas Students: Bexley...... 172W Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 219W Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education... 172W Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites ...... 219W Regional Development Agencies...... 172W BBC: Accountability...... 219W Regional Growth Fund ...... 172W Brighton...... 219W Research: Finance...... 173W Broadband ...... 220W Road Works: Compensation ...... 174W Departmental Billing ...... 221W Royal Mail ...... 175W Departmental Chief Scientific Advisers ...... 221W Trade Unions ...... 176W Departmental Contracts ...... 221W UK Trade and Investment: Aviation ...... 175W Departmental Empty Property...... 221W Departmental Press...... 221W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 222W CABINET OFFICE...... 246W Departmental Secondment ...... 222W Charities: Fraud...... 246W Digital Broadcasting: Broadcasting Reception...... 223W Charities: Private Education ...... 247W Equality: Public Expenditure ...... 223W Civil Servants...... 247W Government Olympic Executive: Consultants...... 223W Civil Servants: North East and North West ...... 248W Grants: Sussex ...... 223W Civil Servants: Resignations...... 247W Hillsborough Stadium...... 224W Departmental Consultants...... 249W National Lottery: VAT...... 224W Departmental Empty Property...... 249W Olympic Games 2012: Medals...... 224W Departmental Fines ...... 249W Royal Parks Agency ...... 224W Departmental Responsibilities ...... 250W S4C: Finance...... 224W Departmental Training ...... 250W Sports: Bexley ...... 225W Government Departments: Billing ...... 250W Sports: Clubs ...... 225W Government Departments: Internet...... 250W St George’s Day ...... 225W Government Departments: Pay...... 251W Telephone Services: Fraud ...... 225W Government Departments: Press Cuttings ...... 251W UK Film Council: Portland ...... 226W Government Departments: Procurement ...... 252W Writers in Prison Network: Finance...... 226W Government Departments: Publicity...... 252W Government Departments: Recruitment ...... 252W DEFENCE...... 89W Jobseeker’s Allowance ...... 252W Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations...... 89W National Citizenship Service ...... 253W Aircraft Carriers ...... 90W Older People ...... 253W Armed Forces: Health Services ...... 91W Population ...... 254W Armed Forces: Injuries...... 91W Public Sector: Procurement...... 255W Armed Forces: Medals...... 92W Service Industries: Standards ...... 255W Armed Forces: Pensions...... 92W Sir Philip Green ...... 255W Armed Forces: Uniforms ...... 92W Statistics...... 255W Christopher Myers...... 93W Unemployment: Brentford ...... 256W Defence: Procurement...... 94W Unemployment: Young People...... 256W Defence Storage and Distribution Agency: Manpower ...... 93W Departmental Billing ...... 94W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 35W Departmental Housing ...... 95W Accelerated Development Zones...... 35W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 95W Building Regulations...... 36W Ex-servicemen: Suicide...... 96W Connaught Partnerships ...... 36W Gulf States...... 96W Councillors: Age ...... 37W Pilots: Training...... 96W Departmental Billing ...... 37W Royal Gurkha Rifles: Finance...... 97W Departmental Contracts ...... 37W Warships ...... 98W Departmental Empty Property...... 37W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 38W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 38W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 215W Departmental Redundancy Pay ...... 38W Alternative Vote: Referendums...... 215W Departmental Secondment ...... 38W Boundary Commissions: Internet ...... 215W Empty Dwelling Management Orders...... 39W Constituencies...... 216W Fire Services: West Midlands ...... 39W Electoral Register...... 217W Government Departments: Public Consultation .... 39W Electoral Systems...... 218W Government Offices for the Regions ...... 40W Lobbying...... 218W Housing Ombudsman Service: Public Relations..... 40W Landlords: Protection ...... 40W EDUCATION...... 7W Local Government Finance ...... 40W Academies...... 7W Local Government: Pay ...... 41W Academies: Catholicism...... 9W Local Government: Public Consultation...... 41W Academies: Governing Bodies ...... 9W London Thames Gateway Development Academies: Worcester ...... 9W Corporation...... 42W Building Schools for the Future Programme ...... 9W Non-domestic Rates: Social Enterprises...... 42W Departmental Buildings...... 12W Planning Permission ...... 42W Departmental Communication ...... 12W Politics: Young People...... 43W Departmental Internet ...... 13W Postcodes: Databases ...... 43W Departmental Manpower...... 13W Rented Housing: Hyndburn...... 44W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 13W Rights of Way...... 44W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 14W Shared Ownership Schemes: Construction...... 44W Free Schools...... 14W Third Sector: Public Consultation...... 45W Free Schools: North East ...... 15W Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION—continued FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE— GCSE ...... 15W continued Local Education Partnerships: Skanska...... 16W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 126W New Schools Network...... 16W Departmental Secondment ...... 127W Placement Orders...... 17W Ejup Ganic...... 127W Primary Education: Merton...... 17W India: Foreign Relations...... 127W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 18W Middle East: Armed Conflict...... 128W Schools: Admissions ...... 18W Office of UK Permanent Representative to EC...... 128W Schools: Coventry ...... 18W Pakistan: Ahmadiyya...... 129W Schools: Finance...... 19W Serbia: EU Enlargement ...... 129W Schools: Greater London...... 19W Sri Lanka: Human Rights...... 130W Schools: Listed Buildings ...... 19W UK Permanent Representative to EC...... 130W Schools: Oldham...... 19W Vietnam ...... 131W Schools: Sports ...... 20W Schools: Standards...... 20W HEALTH...... 61W Secondary Education: Gravesham ...... 20W Aortic Aneurysm: Screening...... 61W Special Educational Needs...... 8W Asthma ...... 61W Special Educational Needs: Academies...... 21W Back Pain: Health Services...... 62W Special Educational Needs: Sunderland...... 21W Balance North East...... 62W Teach First...... 22W Benzodiazepines: Prescriptions ...... 63W Vocational Guidance...... 22W Bone Cancer: Children...... 63W Youth Facilities: Funding...... 8W Chlamydia: Screening ...... 64W Youth Services: Finance...... 22W Coeliac Disease: Health Education ...... 64W Dementia: Carers ...... 64W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE...... 99W Dementia: Health Services ...... 65W Carbon Emissions: Local Government...... 99W Dental Services ...... 65W Carbon Emissions: Public Sector ...... 100W Departmental Billing ...... 75W Departmental Billing ...... 101W Departmental Chief Scientific Advisers ...... 75W Departmental Chief Scientific Advisers ...... 101W Departmental Lobbying...... 75W Departmental Contracts ...... 101W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 76W Departmental Empty Property...... 102W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 76W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 102W Departmental Secondment ...... 77W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 102W Drugs: Advertising...... 77W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 103W Drugs: Peterborough...... 77W Departmental Redundancy Pay ...... 103W Epilepsy: Nurses ...... 77W Departmental Secondment ...... 103W Food: Safety...... 78W Fuel Poverty...... 104W Gender Recognition: Surgery...... 78W Industrial Diseases: Compensation ...... 105W General Practitioners ...... 79W Magnox Electric...... 105W General Practitioners: Disadvantaged...... 79W National Grid: Fees and Charges...... 106W General Practitioners: Rural Areas ...... 79W Natural Gas: Storage ...... 106W Health Services: Trade Unions...... 80W Nuclear Decommissioning Authority...... 107W Hospitals: Parking ...... 80W Nuclear Power Stations: Safety ...... 108W Medical Records ...... 80W Renewable Energy: Local Government ...... 108W Medical Treatments...... 81W Sustainable Development...... 108W Mental Health Services ...... 81W Wind Power: Electricity Generation...... 109W Mental Health Services: Equality...... 82W Wind Power: Offshore Industry...... 109W Midwives: Manpower...... 82W Neurology: South West ...... 83W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL NHS...... 83W AFFAIRS...... 23W NHS Direct: Standards...... 85W Air Pollution: EU Law...... 23W NHS: Finance ...... 86W Badgers: Disease Control...... 24W NHS: Reorganisation...... 86W Blackwater River: Footpaths...... 25W Obesity...... 87W Bovine Tuberculosis: Vaccination...... 26W Phil Parker Lightning Process ...... 87W Departmental Billing ...... 26W Primary Care Trusts...... 87W Departmental Contracts ...... 26W Primary Care Trusts: Manpower...... 87W Departmental Empty Property...... 27W Sex: Young People...... 87W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 27W Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Brighton ...... 88W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 27W Social Services: Finance ...... 89W Departmental Secondment ...... 28W Social Services: Learning Disability ...... 89W Flood Control...... 28W Trade Union Mutuality...... 89W Flood Control: Expenditure...... 29W Livestock: Cloning...... 30W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 177W Marine Conservation Zones...... 30W Alcoholic Drinks: Age Verification ...... 177W Marine Conservation Zones: Finance ...... 31W Alcoholic Drinks: Prices ...... 177W Potatoes: Diseases ...... 32W Antisocial Behaviour...... 177W Racehorses: Deaths...... 33W Antisocial Behaviour Orders ...... 177W Antisocial Behaviour Orders: Cannock Chase ...... 178W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE .... 126W Antisocial Behaviour Orders: Kent ...... 178W Burma: Crimes Against Humanity ...... 126W Asylum ...... 179W Departmental Empty Property...... 126W Asylum: Deportation ...... 180W Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT—continued HOME DEPARTMENT—continued Asylum: Evictions...... 181W Violence Against Women ...... 214W Community Safety Partnerships...... 181W Visas: Deportation ...... 214W Counter-Terrorism ...... 182W Wines ...... 215W Counter-terrorism: Powers ...... 182W Crime...... 183W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 23W Crime and Disorder (Overview and Scrutiny) Press Cuttings ...... 23W Regulations 2009...... 183W Crime and Security Act 2010 ...... 183W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 117W Crime: Offensive Weapons ...... 184W Afghanistan: Overseas Aid...... 117W Crime Prevention ...... 183W Bangladesh: Overseas Aid...... 118W Criminal Records ...... 184W Burma: Overseas Aid ...... 118W Dentention Centres: Children ...... 185W Departmental Billing ...... 119W Departmental Assets...... 185W Departmental Empty Property...... 119W Departmental Billing ...... 186W Departmental Manpower...... 119W Departmental Consultants...... 186W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 120W Departmental Contracts ...... 186W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 120W Departmental Fines ...... 187W Departmental Secondment ...... 121W Departmental Furniture...... 188W Developing Countries: Health Services ...... 121W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 187W Developing Countries: HIV Infection ...... 122W Departmental Press...... 188W International Assistance...... 123W Departmental Rents...... 190W International Assistance: Maternity Services ...... 123W Departmental Travel ...... 189W Overseas Aid: Drugs ...... 124W Deportation: Children...... 189W Pakistan: Floods ...... 125W Deportation: Offenders...... 190W Pakistan: Overseas Aid ...... 126W Detention Centres: Children ...... 191W Detention Centres: Parents ...... 191W DNA: Databases...... 191W JUSTICE...... 131W Domestic Violence ...... 192W Arrest Warrants: Offenders ...... 131W E-Borders Programme...... 193W Ashwell Prison ...... 131W Firearms ...... 194W Bail ...... 132W Firearms: Licensing ...... 195W Courts: Applications ...... 132W Former Ministers: Security ...... 195W Courts: Attendance...... 132W Google: Data Protection ...... 196W Courts: Closures ...... 133W HM Inspectorate of Constabulary ...... 196W Courts: Expenditure...... 136W Human Trafficking ...... 197W Courts: North Wales...... 136W Human Trafficking: Prostitution...... 197W Courts: Offenders...... 137W Illegal Immigrants...... 198W Courts: Sentencing...... 137W Illegal Immigrants: Deportation ...... 198W Courts: Yorkshire...... 137W Illegal Immigrants: Public Expenditure...... 198W Departmental Allowances...... 137W Immigration...... 199W Departmental Billing ...... 138W Miscarriages of Justice: Freedom of Information .. 199W Departmental Contracts ...... 138W Missing Persons ...... 199W Departmental Empty Property...... 139W Missing Persons: Unidentified Bodies...... 201W Departmental Official Hospitality...... 139W National Police Improvement Agency: Missing Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 139W Persons ...... 202W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 140W Northumbria Constabulary: Finance...... 202W Departmental Redundancy Pay ...... 141W Police ...... 202W Departmental Secondment ...... 141W Police: Accountability ...... 203W Immigration Appeals Commission...... 141W Police: Advertising ...... 206W Legal Aid: Contracts...... 142W Police Authorities...... 202W Magistrates: Public Expenditure ...... 143W Police: Bureaucracy...... 207W Medway Secure Training Centre: Conduct...... 143W Police: Crime Prevention...... 207W Medway Secure Training Centre: Restraint Police: EU Countries...... 207W Techniques...... 144W Police: Finance...... 208W Missing Persons ...... 144W Police: Mental Illness ...... 209W National Offender Management Service: Police: Missing Persons ...... 209W Buildings...... 144W Police: Overtime...... 209W Offenders: West Midlands...... 145W Police: Telephone Services...... 209W Prison Service: Racial Discrimination...... 146W Police: Unidentified Bodies ...... 210W Prisoners: Religion...... 147W Police: Wolverhampton ...... 210W Prisoners: Wales...... 147W Proceeds of Crime...... 210W Prisoners’ Release...... 146W Prostitution...... 211W Prisons: Crimes of Violence ...... 147W Rape...... 211W Prisons: Employment...... 148W Special Constables: Recruitment ...... 211W Prisons: Wales...... 149W Taxis ...... 212W Rape and Sexual Offences: Convictions ...... 150W Telephone Tapping...... 212W Rape: Rights of Accused...... 151W Terrorism Act 2006: Arrests ...... 212W Reoffenders...... 151W Terrorism: Extradition ...... 213W Secure Training Centres: Restraint Techniques ...... 151W UK Border Agency: Pay ...... 213W Sentencing...... 152W UK Border Agency: Police...... 214W Sentencing: Wales ...... 153W Television: Licensing ...... 153W Col. No. Col. No. JUSTICE—continued TREASURY—continued Tyres ...... 154W Child Tax Credit: Cumbernauld ...... 227W War Memorials: Vandalism...... 154W Child Trust Fund...... 227W Youth Justice: Public Consultation ...... 154W Child Trust Fund: Livingston...... 228W Credit Unions: Finance ...... 228W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 1W Departmental Consultants...... 228W Departmental Billing ...... 1W Departmental Contracts ...... 229W Departmental Contracts ...... 2W Departmental Empty Property...... 229W Departmental Empty Buildings ...... 2W Departmental ICT ...... 229W Departmental Expenditure ...... 2W Departmental Internet ...... 229W Departmental Press...... 2W Departmental Legislation ...... 231W Departmental Secondment ...... 2W Departmental Manpower...... 231W Intelligence Services ...... 3W Departmental Operating Costs ...... 231W Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission...... 3W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 232W Presbyterian Mutual Society ...... 3W Departmental Secondment ...... 232W Departmental Travel ...... 232W PRIME MINISTER ...... 6W EC Grants and Loans ...... 233W Palestinians ...... 6W EU Budget ...... 233W Tony Blair ...... 6W EU Emissions Trading Scheme ...... 234W EU Law...... 234W SCOTLAND...... 3W Government Departments: Grants...... 234W Departmental Consultants...... 3W Income Tax: Scotland ...... 234W Elections: Ballot Papers ...... 4W Inflation...... 235W Employment ...... 4W Low Incomes: Females...... 235W Ministers of Religion ...... 5W Members: Correspondence ...... 235W Public Expenditure...... 5W Monetary Policy ...... 236W Unemployment ...... 6W PAYE...... 236W Population: Wells Somerset...... 237W TRANSPORT ...... 45W Poverty: Children ...... 237W Airlines: Radar ...... 45W Public Expenditure...... 238W Aviation ...... 45W Public Sector: Minimum Wage...... 239W Aviation: Security...... 46W Public Sector: Procurement...... 239W Bury-Rawtenstall Railway Line...... 46W Revenue and Customs: Standards ...... 240W Bus Services: Concessions ...... 46W Revenue and Customs: Telephone Services ...... 240W Bus Services: Finance...... 47W Tax Allowances...... 240W Cars: Accidents...... 47W Tax Evasion: VAT ...... 241W Dartford-Thurrock Crossing: Road Traffic ...... 48W Tax Yields ...... 242W Departmental Billing ...... 48W Taxation...... 242W Departmental Chief Scientific Advisers ...... 48W Taxation: Aviation ...... 243W Departmental Driving...... 49W Taxation: Business ...... 244W Departmental Motor Vehicles...... 50W Taxation: Graduates ...... 244W Departmental Operating Costs ...... 49W Taxation: Rebates...... 244W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 50W VAT: Registration ...... 245W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 51W Waste Disposal: Whitsand Bay ...... 245W Departmental Speeches...... 51W Welfare Tax Credits...... 246W Departmental Training ...... 51W Working Tax Credit: Cumbernauld...... 245W Driving: Information ...... 53W Driving under Influence: Accidents...... 52W WALES...... 1W East Coast Railway Line: Rolling Stock...... 53W Departmental Contracts ...... 1W EU Law...... 53W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 1W Fuels: Excise Duties ...... 54W Ryder Cup...... 1W Heathrow Airport: Noise ...... 54W M25: Road Traffic...... 54W Motor Vehicles: Safety...... 55W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 33W Northern Rail and Transpennine: Rolling Stock .... 55W Employment: Discrimination...... 33W Parking: Fines...... 55W Equal Pay and Equal Opportunities...... 34W Public Transport: Disability ...... 56W Equality: Budget June 2010...... 34W Railways: Construction...... 57W Females: Low Incomes...... 34W Railways: Fares ...... 57W UN Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Railways: Franchises ...... 58W Discrimination against Women...... 35W Railways: Greater London ...... 58W Railways: Overcrowding...... 59W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 109W Roads: Cornwall ...... 59W Departmental Contracts ...... 109W Roads: Repairs and Maintenance...... 59W Departmental Empty Property...... 110W Roads: Safety ...... 60W Departmental Fines ...... 110W Sheffield Station...... 60W Departmental Press: Subscriptions ...... 110W Stansted Airport ...... 60W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 111W Tourism: British Nationals Abroad...... 61W Employment Schemes: Coventry...... 111W Trade Unions ...... 61W Employment Schemes: Young People...... 112W Employment: Young People...... 113W TREASURY ...... 227W Fuel Poverty: Chronically Sick...... 114W Child Benefit: Uprating ...... 227W Housing Benefit ...... 114W Col. No. Col. No. WORK AND PENSIONS—continued WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Incapacity Benefit ...... 115W Social Security Benefits: Fraud ...... 116W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Graduates ...... 115W Social Security Benefits: Vulnerable Adults...... 117W Maternity Pay ...... 115W State Retirement Pensions...... 117W MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS

Monday 11 October 2010

Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE...... 1MC DEFENCE—continued AWE Aldermaston: Fires...... 2MC AWE: Manpower...... 1MC Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied, nor can corrections be made in the Weekly Edition. 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 Monday 18 October 2010

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CONTENTS

Monday 11 October 2010

List of Government and Principal Officers of the House

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 1] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Education

Linda Norgrove [Col. 25] Statement—(Mr Hague)

Welfare Reform [Col. 34] Statement—(Mr Duncan Smith)

Finance (No. 2) Bill [Col. 50] Motion for Second Reading—(Mr Gauke)—agreed to

Postal Services (Scotland) [Col. 127] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 1WS]

Petitions [Col. 1P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 1W] [see index inside back page]

Ministerial Corrections [Col. 1MC]